Birthday Eve

As I was thinking about holidays and special days and such, it occurred to me that only Christmas and the New Year seem to be special enough to have an "Eve" to celebrate before they actually get here. We don't even have a Thanksgiving or Easter 'Eve.' :-) But my birthday is tomorrow and, while it certainly doesn't rank up there with Christmas or New Years... I thought I'd write a little on my 'Birthday Eve.' ;-)

First, a little birthday trivia about my family that you may or may not know. I think this is pretty cool - almost Guiness Book worthy - but I'm sure there's someone out there who would beat us. Anyway, on my dad's side of the family (the Townsleys) we have some interesting birthday 'coincidences.' My dad's sister (my Aunt Carolyn) was born on Oct. 28th. She's the only girl sibling that my dad had. My dad's brother then had his first daughter (my cousin Sydney) and she was also born on Oct. 28th. Then my dad had me (his first daughter) and I was born on Oct. 28th. So, we always thought this was pretty neat. Then my cousin Steven (Sydney's brother) had his first daughter (Danielle) and I still remember this because she went into labor on Oct. 27th and we all were holding our breath to see if she would hold out until midnight before she was born...... well, she didn't (boo) -- she was born a couple hours before midnight. Guess her mom didn't hear our pleas to 'wait just a little longer!' (haha) And finally, my brother Mark had had his first daughter (Lena) 3 years ago and she was due to arrive on, yes, Oct. 28th. But she had other plans of coming into the world a bit sooner than that and was born on Oct. 20th. And so far that's it for the Oct. birthday streak. So it's safe to say that Oct. is a pretty busy birthday month in the Townsley family!

Since I'm writing about 'Birthday Eve,' it's been on my mind today to come up with a resolution for my 45th year of life. I've never been very good about making or keeping New Year's resolutions, but somehow doing one for my birthday year seems more personal to me, so I'm hoping I'll stick with it a little better. ;-) The problem was that I couldn't come up with what I wanted my resolution to be. Well, I had prayed this morning to be able to see God more clearly through the day... and one of the first things that I came upon was a facebook status update from my friend Lisa that said she was praying to see 'God-moments' in HER busy day. So that encouraged me and helped me see God as I saw us praying the same prayer today... A little later I was praying while driving in the car and thinking that I really wanted to hear God's voice and just sense His presence -- and I thought that in order to do that, I really had to get my own selfish desires out of the way and just listen to Him. And this account of John the Baptist and Jesus 'popped' into my head:

They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

He must become greater; I must become less.

John 3:26-30

Now, this is not one of those verses that I normally have 'on hand' in my memory stores for quick recall when I really need some encouragement or help... it kinda came out of left field, if you know what I mean. But it has stayed with me all day and I think that what I want to start my birthday with tomorrow is this idea that in all things I do, think, feel, want and so on... "Jesus must become greater, and *I* must become less."

A while back a study came out that pointed to the "40's" as the most difficult decade in life to navigate through. And in particular, they noted that "44" was indeed the worst year... (I know, realy encouraging stuff, huh -- my apologies to all you 'youngsters' who haven't gotten to 44 just yet!) Well, year 44 in my life has certainly had it's challenges -- and I imagine it's mostly because I had John 3:30 very backwards. So, my resolution is to turn that back around this next year (and from now on!) and live so that Jesus, indeed, becomes greater in my life, and I become less...

Things I learn from TV

Those of you who know me well, know that I really enjoy TV and have several shows I like to follow. And quite often, beyond the entertainment factor, I find interesting things to ponder. :-) Well, my newest, most favorite show is Eli Stone. It's rather quirky and odd, but I like the concept of the show and Eli's struggle to understand the 'gift' he's been given, where it comes from, and how it's changing him. In the last season, he seemed to wrestle constantly with the thought that his 'visions' were from God and were meant to be of help to other people. He found out that he had a brain aneurysm and thought he saw visions because of that. When we left him last season, he had just had surgery to have the aneurysm removed so that he could go back to leading a 'normal' life and get 'God' out of his brain. (or so he thought!) As this season begins though, he finds himself depressed and a bit lost and struggling to find meaning in his life. He's been temporarily laid off from work (because he was deemed mentally unstable due to the visions) and he thinks he will be fulfilled if he can just get back to the job he loves. In order to do that, he has to get past the psychiatrist who has the power to determine if he's competent to go back to work or not. After some pleading, she finally signs his paperwork, but tells him that his job is not what is going to cure the 'emptiness' in his heart. And I love her parting comments to him -- sorry about the long explanation to get to this, but I thought it would be better in the right context. He starts to walk away and then turns to ask her what she thinks he really needs and she says this:

"Eli, you're missing having a sense of the divine in your everyday life. I think you are less happy now than when your life was occasionally upended by the fantastic. I think that grace fulfilled you in a way that you didn't even know you needed. And the only thing crazy about you is the fact that you don't seem to realize that."

Good stuff... :-) ... especially the part about grace. The great thing about the internet these days is that most of these TV shows can be watched online now, once they've been aired. So if you're interested, you can go to http://abc.go.com/primetime/elistone/index?pn=index and check it out for yourself. Or just tune in on Tuesday nights at 9:00. :-) (that's the old-fashioned way -- haha)

More from Green Mountain...

I took this picture a couple of days ago up on Green Mountain. I think it is just beautiful up there and I'm trying to 'capture' the fall as it begins here in Alabama, even though it hasn't felt much like fall this week! You'll probably see more pictures later, but I don't have time to post a bunch of them now - but this was one of my favorites. :-)

I have been working on getting up the courage to post a 'poem' I've been working on. I wrote most of it probably a couple of months ago... but each time I read back through it, I usually find a little something to change. Here is my disclaimer -- I really don't write poetry. :-) In fact, up until probably a year or two ago, I'm not sure I ever even tried to write a poem unless I had to back in school or something - and that was under great duress. ha But I got inspired a little while back to try it some and I find now, that every now and then, something just comes to mind and the ideas and words seem to flow -- and that's kind-of a neat thing. It feels like it doesn't really come from me -- Anyways, this poem came from a study I did a while back on Jesus and all the ways he interacted with and responded to the various women he came in contact with. And how he changed their lives... I was actually amazed when I started looking at that, how many women that actually was - and I'm sure I've missed a few! So here goes:

Who Do You See?

Who do you see, Lord
When you look at me?
What do others see?
Will I be changed? Will I be free?
What will become of me?

You saw Mary
A frightened teenage girl… with a secret
No one could believe her
She surrendered all to you… in trust
And held the Savior of the world in her arms.

You saw the bleeding woman
Suffering in physical pain… 12 long years
No one could heal her.
All she needed was to touch you… and she did.
Your power flowed and her body was healed.

You saw the Caananite woman
She was nothing… an outcast
No one would give her the time of day.
She begged you… in humility
And you were amazed at her faith.

You saw the mother of James and John
She was very bold… maybe even proud.
She wanted what she felt was right for her sons
She wasn’t afraid to ask… even demand
You kindly, but firmly, told her she didn’t know what she was asking.

You saw the five wise virgins
They were prepared… waiting for the bridegroom.
Soon they would be called to action
You arrived… and they were ready
You took them with you into the wedding banquet.

You saw the five foolish virgins
They were unprepared… but waiting for the bridegroom
Soon they, too, would be called to action.
You arrived… and they were not ready.
You left them outside the locked door in tears.

You saw the woman who anointed your feet
Her reputation preceded her… a sinful woman
Everyone looked down on her
She showed her love extravagantly… unashamed
You said that what she did for you was beautiful and would be remembered.

You saw the widow
Crying over the loss of her only son… so much grief.
Everyone pitied her but could not console her
She had no words to express her need… but you knew it anyway.
You raised her son to life and gave him back to his mother.

You saw Martha, opening her home
She was concerned about everything being just right… a proper hostess
Everyone depended on her to take care of things
She was distracted by all she needed to do… and missed what was important
You gently reminded her not to worry, but to be with you instead.

You saw Mary, at your feet
Quietly eager… listening, learning.
She was criticized for being of no help to Mary
But she saw past the distractions to the one thing she needed… you.
You made it clear that she had made the right choice.

You saw the persistent widow
She had been wronged… it wasn’t fair.
But no one seemed to care.
She refused to give up her plea for justice… the squeaky wheel.
You listened and gave her the justice she was seeking.

You saw the poor widow
She had nothing to live on… except her faith.
Others secretly scoffed at her meager offering
She gave everything she had… and you noticed
You praised her above everyone else for her trust in you.

You saw the Samaritan Woman
She had gotten very good at hiding her shame… avoiding the truth… keeping up appearances
Others whispered and talked behind her back
If only she could believe what you were telling her… life-giving water!
You exposed her secrets and showed her that you loved her just the same.

You saw Mary Magdalene at the tomb
She was heartbroken and desperate… mourning her loss
All the disciples had gone back to their homes
She just needed to be with you… but you were gone!
You spoke her name, “Mary,” and she recognized her Lord.

You saw the woman caught in adultery
She had no dignity left… completely terrified.
Those around stood in self-righteous judgment, ready to stone her
She couldn’t even look at you… didn’t dare to ask for anything
Your probing question dispersed the crowd and you sent her on her way, redeemed and forgiven.

Go and sin no more.

Who do you see when you look at me?
Each woman here… I am all of these.
You look at me
I am full of sorrow… so much pain and regret.
Does anyone know my guilt, my grief? You do.
If only I can rest in the comfort of your love… feel your touch.
You promise to be with me always, to the very end of the age.

Now look at me again, Father
Who do you see?
I am clothed with Christ… it’s Jesus you see!
What do others see?
A sister, a friend… very much in need.
Will I be changed? Will I be free?
What will become of me?
Let my heart be yours alone, Lord… to YOU be the glory!

A few pictures...

Besides the yoga poster and BMW assembly line picture, I did manage to take a few pictures at my sister's house earlier this week - so here's a few of my favorites:

The car ride did get a little tedious towards the end, so the girls found the best way to deal with that. And I had to include the picture of the bear from our trip to the zoo on Sunday because it seems like he could have been curled up right in the back seat with the girls. :-) By the way, when Mackenzie realized I had taken this picture, she threatened to destroy my camera. (heehee)

Mackenzie, Anna, Shelby and Nathan at the Riverbanks Zoo.

Time for lunch! I was impressed that the food at the zoo was actually pretty good.

And the cutest and most famous member of the zoo -- the Koala.

(Look closely at the gray fuzz in the middle of the greenery!)

Tom and Shelby relaxing with a book...

...meanwhile, in the other room, we were rocking out to Guitar Hero! :-)

Me and my sister as we were packing up to leave....

You know, part of the reason we went for a visit was to see all the renovations to the house that had been done -- expanded kitchen, granite countertops, new master bedroom and bath off the first floor, and a beautiful screened-in three season porch with a brick fireplace... but did I take any pictures of that? No..... that was kinda dumb. But it was all very nice and the porch was great -- we enjoyed sitting out there at night in the peace and quiet. Hey Lisa, maybe you should send me some pictures and then I can post them here for all to see? That could work... ;-)

I thought I might get around to blogging about our trip to Rainbow Omega tonight, but just getting all these pictures posted and in order has taken forever, so I'll have to write about R.O. another time...

New Experiences

While I was visiting my sister this past weekend, she told me that she had started going to a yoga class about a month ago and that I was going to *have* to come with her to her class on Monday morning and try it out. I've always been curious about yoga, but have never done it. So I went along with her and had the best time! :-) It was very relaxing - well, at least when I wasn't stretching my body beyond what I probably should have been doing! - and it was a very uplifting experience - that's the best way I know how to describe it. I came away with a couple of things: One, I was pretty sore from doing that 'triangle' pose over there in the picture. (The cobra is harder than it looks, too!) Thankfully we didn't get to the 'tree' -- not sure what I would have done with that! Fallen over, probably. haha Secondly, I found that after spending an hour with an instructor who only had really nice, encouraging things to say in the most peaceful type of manner, that I just felt better. And it was funny how unusual it felt to be talked through a 'workout' in that way. But I think I'd like to try it again. Don't know if I'll find a place to go to a yoga class here, or just try some DVDs at home, but I'm going to start exploring my options there.





Now on a totally different note:
While I was learning about yoga, my sister brilliantly discovered that you could go on a tour of the BMW assembly plant in Greenville, SC (about 2 hours away from Columbia) and we sent Jack off for the day to go and do that. A MUCH better plan for him than yoga or shopping with the girls!! ;-) He had a fabulous time doing that and decided that Lisa won the 'sister-in-law of the year' award for figuring that activity out for him. haha



So our trip to South Carolina was full of new adventures and a good time with family. It's just too bad that drive hasn't gotten any shorter -- wish they were closer....

Go Panthers! :-)

I'm still trying to get used to 'cheering' for the Panthers given that I graduated many years ago from our now rival high school, Grissom. It was 'Go Tigers!' way back when I was the one sitting in the stands at Milton Frank in a goofy band uniform. ha But that's a whole other story... Last night at the HHS vs. Austin game (that we won, by the way - yay!) I finally got around to taking some pictures of Mackenzie and the band. This is not something she really appreciates me doing, but I did manage to get her and a couple of friends (Niki and Janna) to cooperate with me for just a moment. :-) If you're looking at that upper right picture, Mackenzie is the 2nd from the left in the line of flutes and piccolos. Just look for the shortest kid in the line and you'll see her! ;-) I'm very proud of both of my girls accomplishments in band these days. Mackenzie has had the opportunity to be one of the section leaders this fall for marching band and is really growing in taking on responsibility and leadership in the band and it's neat to see her do that. And Anna, who just started playing french horn in the 6th grade band just made 1st chair this week! :-) I think maybe I was 1st chair french horn once upon a time long ago in 6th grade, but I kinda went downhill from there -- I hope she'll continue her success with that a little better than her mom did! haha Anyways, it's kinda fun reliving some of my old band memories through my kids -- those were times I really enjoyed as a kid. Hopefully they'll be good times to look back on for my girls one day....