Thursday, September 30, 2010
Flip Flop
Ugh. Disregard parts of that last post. Listened to some really cheesy Christian Rock today. Stuff that made me want to gouge my eyes out. I guess I should qualify my previous statement, "I really enjoy SOME Christian Rock Songs." Not all. Heaven knows, not all.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Confessions
1. I recently started listening to K-Love. Yep. That's right. I now listen to Christian rock. cringe. I'm so embarrassed. I hated Christian rock for so many years. I'd turn the channel immediately. The reasons for my initial dislike are 2-fold: I thought it irreverent to be rocking out to Jesus' name and I (more than once) had a born-again Christian friend reprimand me for even thinking I was remotely Christian.
Why has my tune changed? Well, I think it was when I was rocking out in my car and started listening closely to my music. Olivia would say, "Mom, they said the word Jesus in the song." She was right. Unfortunately, it was being used in vain. It was then I decided that it would be better for her to hear songs that refer to Jesus in a positive way.
The other thing is this: I like the uplifting messages and catchy rock music. I think it's a good alternative to what I had been listening to. Ugh. Can I tell you that I can't stand Katie Perry?
Lastly, I'm Christian. Argue semantics all of you want, I believe I am Christian, that Jesus is my Savior, and through Him and His plan we can all be saved. I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet, but I don't worship him. I know that President Thomas Monson is a prophet - and I'm amazed at how God can talk through a man in such a way that it uplifts my soul every time I hear his words. I believe in the authority of the Holy Priesthood that rests upon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distinguishing it from many other good churches of the world. I absolutely know the Book of Mormon is true. Reading it along with the Bible, my spiritual horizons have expanded. I feel love. I feel truth. Jesus is the Lord of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and in order to really know it, you'd have to read it too and learn for yourself. Oh, man, I love that book.
Sooo - in a nutshell - I'm going to listen to Christian music. I am Christian. I'm going to forget the judgments of other well-meaning Christian folk who would consider my faith a cult or heresy. Because I've read the Book of Mormon. I know of its truth by reading it. By learning from its pages. I'm going to assume that many nay-sayers haven't read it with a pure heart and true intent, but instead rely on what someone else has said. What someone else has studied. I read the Bible and I know it to be true from experience. The same is true of the Book of Mormon. And from my new experience, I find Christian rock uplifting. Bring on the teasing. I like it. (Oh, and I also have to forget that most of the Christian rock artists and Radio DJs are also swinging far-right politically. Yeah. I don't want to go there).
2. I fell deeply in love with Trader Joe's dark chocolate caramel wedges. They're a mere $4 a tin, but I can eat them in a few sittings. The store is running low on the supply. I keep reminding the cashiers they need to restock. Let's see if they listen to me.
That's all for tonight. Sincerely, the crazy Mormon lady who listens to Christian rock, popping Trader Joe's crazy expensive chocolate wedges whilst trying to forget that most Christians think she's a heretic. But then again, so do many Mormons. You can't be a good Mormon and vote for Democrats....can you? Maybe I'll save that for another day's confession.
Why has my tune changed? Well, I think it was when I was rocking out in my car and started listening closely to my music. Olivia would say, "Mom, they said the word Jesus in the song." She was right. Unfortunately, it was being used in vain. It was then I decided that it would be better for her to hear songs that refer to Jesus in a positive way.
The other thing is this: I like the uplifting messages and catchy rock music. I think it's a good alternative to what I had been listening to. Ugh. Can I tell you that I can't stand Katie Perry?
Lastly, I'm Christian. Argue semantics all of you want, I believe I am Christian, that Jesus is my Savior, and through Him and His plan we can all be saved. I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet, but I don't worship him. I know that President Thomas Monson is a prophet - and I'm amazed at how God can talk through a man in such a way that it uplifts my soul every time I hear his words. I believe in the authority of the Holy Priesthood that rests upon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distinguishing it from many other good churches of the world. I absolutely know the Book of Mormon is true. Reading it along with the Bible, my spiritual horizons have expanded. I feel love. I feel truth. Jesus is the Lord of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and in order to really know it, you'd have to read it too and learn for yourself. Oh, man, I love that book.
Sooo - in a nutshell - I'm going to listen to Christian music. I am Christian. I'm going to forget the judgments of other well-meaning Christian folk who would consider my faith a cult or heresy. Because I've read the Book of Mormon. I know of its truth by reading it. By learning from its pages. I'm going to assume that many nay-sayers haven't read it with a pure heart and true intent, but instead rely on what someone else has said. What someone else has studied. I read the Bible and I know it to be true from experience. The same is true of the Book of Mormon. And from my new experience, I find Christian rock uplifting. Bring on the teasing. I like it. (Oh, and I also have to forget that most of the Christian rock artists and Radio DJs are also swinging far-right politically. Yeah. I don't want to go there).
2. I fell deeply in love with Trader Joe's dark chocolate caramel wedges. They're a mere $4 a tin, but I can eat them in a few sittings. The store is running low on the supply. I keep reminding the cashiers they need to restock. Let's see if they listen to me.
That's all for tonight. Sincerely, the crazy Mormon lady who listens to Christian rock, popping Trader Joe's crazy expensive chocolate wedges whilst trying to forget that most Christians think she's a heretic. But then again, so do many Mormons. You can't be a good Mormon and vote for Democrats....can you? Maybe I'll save that for another day's confession.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Random
Whoa, it's been awhile, eh? What's going on in the life of the Berrys? Well, a lot, actually.
1. We've decided to look into adoption through LDS social services. I don't know how this is going to go. Please keep us in your prayers. There are a few concerns I have: 1) my nurse practitioner OBGYN seems hesitant to sign off on my infertility. It's only been 3 years of no pregnancy, but she wants me to undergo fertility treatments - treatments I don't want to do. I've always wanted to adopt. I don't feel the absolute need to have another biological child. But she didn't have a good adoption experience (or so she informed me). 2). Adoption, no matter the route, is an expensive endeavor. My firm is up and running with some good income. We're doing everything we can to set aside the necessary funds. It's not easy. We're praying for financial miracles here.
2. I sold my bassoon. (financial miracle, I say yes). At first I was devastated by the thought of selling my bassoon. But when I thought about it: I loved the idea of playing it more than I actually played it. I practiced it diligently for 4 years in HS and took lessons for 2 years in college, from a teacher I really liked. But there came a time when I had to make some decisions. Difficult decisions about how and where I was going to spend my time. It was not with the bassoon. And there it was, sitting there, worth more than a car. It was time to sell it and move on. Check.
3. Olivia started kindergarten. I have pictures around here somewhere. She seems to be right in the middle of the pack academically. I'm okay with that. I fear that her being too old would bore her and watching her struggle to keep pace would be frustrating. Middle is perfect for her right now. We'll continue to monitor her and make decisions as they come. Physically, she's the shrimp of the class.
4. We've decided to try and make a go here in California - permanently. I hesitate in writing this, because I said that about NJ about 2 years ago. But there it is. Perhaps it has to do with the adoption. Perhaps it's just where we need to be. We love the area. We love the people. We're surviving financially. Sure, we could own a mansion in Texas with and here we're in a crappy little apartment, but for now -- it's where we need to be. This was and is a hard decision to make, mostly because of the difficult cost of living issue. We have friends we'd love to live near. I would love to own a nice house. Those plans are on hold.
So there it is: I've been busy. Busy with work. Busy pondering our future and figuring out where we want to be and how we want to grow our little family. Busy watching over Liv. Busy praying and pleading with the Lord that we'll make the right decisions, see miracles and be in the right place, at the right time doing the right things.
1. We've decided to look into adoption through LDS social services. I don't know how this is going to go. Please keep us in your prayers. There are a few concerns I have: 1) my nurse practitioner OBGYN seems hesitant to sign off on my infertility. It's only been 3 years of no pregnancy, but she wants me to undergo fertility treatments - treatments I don't want to do. I've always wanted to adopt. I don't feel the absolute need to have another biological child. But she didn't have a good adoption experience (or so she informed me). 2). Adoption, no matter the route, is an expensive endeavor. My firm is up and running with some good income. We're doing everything we can to set aside the necessary funds. It's not easy. We're praying for financial miracles here.
2. I sold my bassoon. (financial miracle, I say yes). At first I was devastated by the thought of selling my bassoon. But when I thought about it: I loved the idea of playing it more than I actually played it. I practiced it diligently for 4 years in HS and took lessons for 2 years in college, from a teacher I really liked. But there came a time when I had to make some decisions. Difficult decisions about how and where I was going to spend my time. It was not with the bassoon. And there it was, sitting there, worth more than a car. It was time to sell it and move on. Check.
3. Olivia started kindergarten. I have pictures around here somewhere. She seems to be right in the middle of the pack academically. I'm okay with that. I fear that her being too old would bore her and watching her struggle to keep pace would be frustrating. Middle is perfect for her right now. We'll continue to monitor her and make decisions as they come. Physically, she's the shrimp of the class.
4. We've decided to try and make a go here in California - permanently. I hesitate in writing this, because I said that about NJ about 2 years ago. But there it is. Perhaps it has to do with the adoption. Perhaps it's just where we need to be. We love the area. We love the people. We're surviving financially. Sure, we could own a mansion in Texas with and here we're in a crappy little apartment, but for now -- it's where we need to be. This was and is a hard decision to make, mostly because of the difficult cost of living issue. We have friends we'd love to live near. I would love to own a nice house. Those plans are on hold.
So there it is: I've been busy. Busy with work. Busy pondering our future and figuring out where we want to be and how we want to grow our little family. Busy watching over Liv. Busy praying and pleading with the Lord that we'll make the right decisions, see miracles and be in the right place, at the right time doing the right things.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Walk Tall, You're A Daughter of God
There are ups and downs in everyone's life. This week I had many more "ups" than "downs." It was needed, and I feel spiritually recharged. I feel motivated to read my scriptures. I feel enthusiastic about my mission in life. I'm determined to be a good wife, mother and attorney.
We raced through Nevada on Saturday to make Stake Conference on time. While the adult session was good, I particularly enjoyed the general session where the Young Women sang the familiar song, "Walk Tall, You're a Daughter of God." In the same session one speaker mentioned how his daughter had a congenital heart defect that caused a brush with death. She dropped to the floor quite quickly. She received a priesthood blessing on the spot (from a member vice principal), and lives on today.
She's very lucky. It was nearly 13 years ago when a good friend of mine, April Thomas, died from the same congenital heart defect.
We had just returned from a Youth Conference trip to Kirtland, Ohio. April and I wandered into the orchard and read the dedicatory prayer to the Kirtland temple. It was sacred and special. That fall she went off to college. It was only a few days into the school year when we were pulled together after seminary and told that she had died suddenly (she dropped to the ground after a round of B-ball. She always was a rather violent B-ball player -- fun times -- but it wasn't the b-ball that killed her. It was her defective heart). I remember singing this song at her funeral, feeling so close to my friends, to April and to God. It was an awakening, of sorts, to my own mortality, and the first of many conversion moments.
Walk Tall, You're A Daughter of God
By: Jamie Glenn
Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,
A prayer for each of you there is a special part.
That you remember who you are and him who lives above.
Please seek for him and live his way; You'll feel his love.
(chorus) Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong and remember who you are.
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know, Reach up; he'll take your hand.
Long before the time you can remember, Our Father held you in his arms so tender.
Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth.
He said, "My child, I love you. Don't forget your great worth."
(chorus) Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong and remember who you are.
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know, Reach up; he'll take your hand.
We raced through Nevada on Saturday to make Stake Conference on time. While the adult session was good, I particularly enjoyed the general session where the Young Women sang the familiar song, "Walk Tall, You're a Daughter of God." In the same session one speaker mentioned how his daughter had a congenital heart defect that caused a brush with death. She dropped to the floor quite quickly. She received a priesthood blessing on the spot (from a member vice principal), and lives on today.
She's very lucky. It was nearly 13 years ago when a good friend of mine, April Thomas, died from the same congenital heart defect.
We had just returned from a Youth Conference trip to Kirtland, Ohio. April and I wandered into the orchard and read the dedicatory prayer to the Kirtland temple. It was sacred and special. That fall she went off to college. It was only a few days into the school year when we were pulled together after seminary and told that she had died suddenly (she dropped to the ground after a round of B-ball. She always was a rather violent B-ball player -- fun times -- but it wasn't the b-ball that killed her. It was her defective heart). I remember singing this song at her funeral, feeling so close to my friends, to April and to God. It was an awakening, of sorts, to my own mortality, and the first of many conversion moments.
Walk Tall, You're A Daughter of God
By: Jamie Glenn
Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,
A prayer for each of you there is a special part.
That you remember who you are and him who lives above.
Please seek for him and live his way; You'll feel his love.
(chorus) Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong and remember who you are.
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know, Reach up; he'll take your hand.
Long before the time you can remember, Our Father held you in his arms so tender.
Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth.
He said, "My child, I love you. Don't forget your great worth."
(chorus) Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong and remember who you are.
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know, Reach up; he'll take your hand.
Friday, August 13, 2010
So, hmm. O.k.
So apparently my immigration correspondence made a link on Times and Seasons. I was wondering why I started seeing comments from complete strangers. Not that I mind. Not in the least. But the whole thing makes me a little self-conscious, to be truthful. I thought about going back and sanitizing my rant. Taking out the word idiot. But that would take away from the authenticity, don't you think? So I'll leave it. I wrote it knowing it was open to public. My .15 seconds of slight LDS fame will be quickly over, regardless.
So while clicking around I found this WONDERFUL editorial from the Deseret News exploring the complexities of the immigration issue.
Also, check out this link Ben Reed sent me from the LA Times. Theirs is a touching story and, unfortunately, more common than you'd think.
So while clicking around I found this WONDERFUL editorial from the Deseret News exploring the complexities of the immigration issue.
Also, check out this link Ben Reed sent me from the LA Times. Theirs is a touching story and, unfortunately, more common than you'd think.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Growing Up is Hard for Mom
Kindergarten? Well, that should rock. We've discussed that she's academically there. Not worried about that. Socially? She's slightly awkward/bossy/cliquish. Being around other kids will be good for her. I'm excited for her to break free of this boring, very adult household for 4 hours a day.
Getting dressed for kindergarten, well, that's the problem here. I suppose I envisioned her wearing something along the lines of Gymboree or Janie & Jack. The truth is, however, that we cannot afford to buy Gymboree, let alone Janie & Jack. That leaves me with Children's Place, Penney's, Target. "Not so bad," I think to myself. And then we go school clothes shopping.
The stores in our budget range also happen to have a rocker, 1980s theme going on, and I'm not too happy. Preppy 1980s I can deal with - albeit without the tight white jeans. But black lace tights and t-shirt dresses with elastic belts? I'm horrified. Lola is in love.
Confused, I ask, "what do you like?" she responds, "I want to look fashionable. Like a rock star." Crushed are my dreams of pleated skirts and knee-high socks. My girl wants to look like Hannah Montana (whom she says is a great rock star, but hasn't seen very often given the lack of cable in our household).
So, we compromise.
We get the plaid, pleated skirt. And the matching "Girls Rock," hoodie jacket complete with metal studs. I did get the knee-highs. We buy plain jeans with a little leopard-print pink shirt (oy). She expresses her individuality, I bring it all together into an outfit that doesn't make me cringe.
I have a feeling it's not going to get any better.
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