My husband amazes me.

He works.

He leads.

He even blogs.

And he’s pretty cute too! Can you tell that I’m missing him right now? He’s working it at TRAFFIC conference in Vegas baby.

So some people are talented in music- gifted in voice or an instrument, some are amazing in art, some have dedication and commitment to training their physical bodies to do amazing things…like run marathons.  Some are quick with numbers, and can take pictures, or write, or speak, or dance… Some people are pretty good in A LOT of things, and many have ONE area of expertise. While, I think I’m okay in a couple areas there is one gift that stands out.  I don’t really know what you’d call it.   About 10 years ago, I began to discover that I could finish people’s sentences pretty easily. Like they’d say, “Hey Noelle…” And I’d say, “What? You want to talk about the time in junior high when we called that guy and….”  Usually when I finish sentences like this, the people who were trying to speak get this weird look on their face and kind of tilt their head and say…”How did you know?”   I don’t know. I just do.  I’m by no means a genius (although some tests might say…) and often I miss the blatant obvious- but for some reason- I just know things. Not really important things. Nothing that is going to change the world- at least most of the time…just random knowledge that I might not otherwise know.

Why am I sharing this? Each time I’ve found out I’m having a baby- I’ve had a weird hunch. Granted, I’ve not trusted my hunches- and had no scientific evidence or reason for taking a test…but all three times I’ve shelled out the money to take a test…I’ve been right.  Not sure how I can use this gift to make some cash- but I’m working on that.

On January 26th I posted about how I thought good things were around the bend for me. Turns out I was right. At the time I had no idea I would find out in just a couple short weeks that I would be expecting our 3rd (AND FINAL!!!!) child. For those who care, late October will be the due date. For those who pray, pray like the wind that I’m healthy and not sick like the previous, yucky 8 months or so I spent each time I’ve been pregnant. 

Turns out I was wrong about one thing on that January 26th post- Sushi will not be in my future. At least for 9 more months…and that my friends, is tragic.   

You have a few gray hairs. You’ve changed a bit since those days when we were only kids. . .

I remember drawing hearts on my notebook with your name on it. Practicing writing my name with your last name. It’s funny how so much has come to pass- things I thought would only be dreams in a junior high diary. 

 I’m not sure what the next ten or twenty years holds….I know this year is going to be amazing. I’m so proud of who you are- your amazing heart, your adventurous spirit and your generous love.  Your going to make an incredible dad…again….

I love you! Happy Birthday.

Let’s play…

Take a minute to respond and answer me this: It’s almost Oscar time….so: IF you could have the “starring” role in any film already made- What film would it be? and What role would you play?

Some are cynical about today, some are cheesy- whatever you choose…

May your day be great!

Many of you know that I grew up going to church my whole life. Always involved. I’ve probably missed a total of 20 weeks of church my entire life. Scary, huh? For a long time I took church really seriously. It was a sacred time, every week a time of deep consecration, a time of serious introspection. And then it happened.

I walked into a church in Tulsa, Oklahoma that changed my thinking forever. I went there with “serious” expectations. At the time my boyfriend (this hot guy named Brad) and I were working for a really great minister who taught us a TON. No joke. We took what we did seriously. It was inspirational. It was motivational. But that Sunday, I walked away from a service where I was challenged to love more, inspired by God’s grace and had heard a message equally as poignant- AND I walked away having had a FUN time. I mean I’m pretty sure I laughed harder in that service than I had in a LONG time. I felt refreshed in a way that I had never ever experienced before. I loved God in a way that I had never ever felt before. It’s kind of hard to describe it, but I felt like I had been given a license to be myself in church for the first time in my life. I know this sounds weird- and PLEASE don’t read any deep theological opinions in this entry- cause I’m not trying to be deep in ANY way. Just talking…or typing, rather… There is still the element of sacred, there is still the element of serious…and that will never change. But now I don’t feel like I’m one way in life and then I walk into church and become the “holy” or “serious” version of me. Now I walk into the building as “me” and participate in and celebrate what is both “holy” and “sacred” in a way that reflects who I really am.

That experience and the time I spent there taught me something about myself. I think God is fun. When I read the Bible, I see Jesus as the savior of the world- the savior of MY life, but also the one who knows that life is meant to be enjoyed, people should be able to laugh- heck, even laugh at themselves. The Bible talks about kids wanting to be around Jesus, people inviting them to their house for dinner, or to parties- aside from the sense of love that he must have exuded- he also must have been FUN. I’m absolutely sure of it.

So it should be no surprise to you that now that I’m involved in another church I still value that same sense of fun. The people I have met at my church, the environment that we’ve created together- with each person contributing what they have- have made my life better and FUNNER (Betsy, I know this is not a word.) This weekend we’re launching a new series that is going to be the epitome of FUN & my leg warmers are getting excited…

Edit 2/7/08: After yet another disappointing loss last night…my feelings on this matter have changed. If this is move is what they need to prevent more heartbreaking losses that ruin my nights and bring me to the moment where they get their rings…then so be it.

The imminent trade deal where Shawn Marion (the heart and soul of the Suns) will be shipped off to Miami and replaced with SHAQ (??!!!!) has me feeling sick to my stomach. Risky. Very Risky. All I have to say is that this leap of faith; betting on the 35 year old, injured, Shaquille O’Neal better produce some results. Why? They are giving up one of my FAVORITE players, messing up the dynamic, increasing their payroll…for Shaq. The same Shaq who was in his prime when I was a junior in high school….

Here’s the story.

It’s funny how we resist change.  Even though our lives aren’t perfect, even if we don’t necessarily love where we’re at- it often still feels safer than venturing out into the unknown.  Jobs, Homes, Cities where we live…even relationships we have. It’s definitely “easy” to stay on the surface. You know, keep people out from the scary place that our emotions and brains can sometimes be.  To speak unfiltered, to risk rejection or being misunderstood, misquoted, or misused.  And I’m not saying that those things will never happen and that it is always worth the risk. Because it is not.  But what if it works out? What if we have friendships/relationships that are authentic, and people who know our crap and still come around?  Maybe even help us get past our stuff…  Maybe we even have something to offer them? Is it possible?  I am not saying I’m the poster child for being authentic. It’s definitely a practice, something I’m working at.  And it has failed me. I mean, I have been real with people who couldn’t handle it, or didn’t want to. But then again, it has also worked out.  Risking my pride, risking my image to be real has actually been good and I can say that I am known. And it feels incredible.  What about you? Are you known? 

Ever felt like really good things were just around the corner? I’ve been feeling that way lately. I’m not saying I think we’re gonna win the lottery or something. I’m just feeling really good about the coming days, weeks, even months. Even if its a million small things like, morning coffee with my husband on the back patio, talks with friends that take things to a deeper level, and you know the really important things like: sushi. Yes. I forsee a lot of sushi in my very near future.  Anybody want to join me?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfzYiC95Uk]