Be brief...

We have been attending a church we actually like quite a bit--the best thing about it is the pastor, a genuine, kind-hearted man who is engaging and incredibly down to earth. The worst part is the music. Where are the SP musicians when you need them? It was so bad that today I was actually glad we were late so we missed some of it. Sigh. Note to singers: Please don't ever try to sing Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" in church.

Anyway, today, Steve (the pastor) had a time of "open mic" sharing before he spoke telling us that anyone who wanted to share was welcome to stand up and do so. He then instructed us on the "Five B's" of sharing in church: Be Brief, Brother, Be Brief.

I found this hilarious only because I have sat through too many open mic sessions in some of my past churches where I got to hear about sick old Aunt Betty and the cat and the old job from 10 years ago and so on... Not that I am insensitive or uncaring, but there is something to be said for conciseness when telling about God's goodness in the world and in our lives. That is what blogging is for--to ramble on about whatever the heck it is one wants to.

Tonight, as I am about to crawl into bed, tired and sick, I am thankful for the small things this week that have brought me great joy.

A couple from our church is starting a Friday night group--starting at 6, including dinner, AND they are from Minnesota! This is suspiciously like the last group which we were in, one that we dearly miss and have longed to re-create here in Denver. God answers prayers with an "okay", even if they are over a year later.

I am also thankful for my new king sized bed. Not so much for my own sake, but to avoid being hit and pushed and kicked, Dan has given in to the demand of my growing body and my need for space when I sleep. Sure, a bed can be used for amorous activities and for snuggling, but come on people, when it is time to sleep, Lord knows I don't need no elbow in my face. If I had any advice to newly married couples, it would be to get a king sized bed. No one needs to smell morning breath because of close sleeping proximity. Now, Dan won't have to smell mine because I don't have to say, "Move over!" at all hours of the night.

I am thankful for Eli becoming a yellow stripe belt in tae kwon do this week. Who knew he could break a wooden board with his hand?

I will have to follow up all this damn thankfulness with some complaining in tomorrow's blog. I warn you--it will include reports of acne and vomiting.