I'm sticking my tongue out like the snake. I remember doing it every time we saw this snake at the zoo.

Not only were there serious moments in the last 5 years, but there were some funny ones as well.

Here are 5 of my favorites…

1. When toilet stall selection became one of the most discussed post on my blog. Definitely didn’t see it making the big time…

2. When my then roommate, current roommate, and I found $110 in a bush. Still a topic of lively discussion. You bet I looked in that bush every time I walked by it…not so much as a penny.

3. When I saw a man blowing bubbles in traffic. I still don’t get it.

4. When the boy I babysit yelled, “It ate its butt!” throughout the neighborhood.

5. All my crazy dreams, including the one that got me interviewed for the Washington Post.

Overall, I’m very happy with what’s happened in the last 5 years. I still enjoy blogging and look forward to seeing where I go in the next 5 years.

That’s super crazy, right?

Well that’s not where the craziness ends…

If you heard any news at all this weekend, you probably heard that Raleigh got some wild tornadoes of historic proportions. These tornadoes hit several places (and high winds impacted an even wider path), and one of those places where a tornado went was less than a 1/4 mile from my home.

I wasn’t home at the time, and my roommate who was is fine. Our house thankfully sustained no damage, and from what I saw, I don’t even think very many in our neighborhood did. The trees and vehicles are a different story, as you can see on the right.

About 30-40 trees in our neighborhood look like this one that is across the street from us (or worse). Many cars were scratched, a few were severely damaged. Not the first car-damaging incident in our neighborhood, but at least this one wasn’t foolishness-caused!

Since the tornado happened while I was still with the kids (in a nearby town away from the tornado, thankfully!), I had to get home (the parents got home just as the storm was ending). I was going to try to get home before I realized that the police had most of the roads near my house blocked off and decided to forget it. Instead, I went to the home of the mother of another friend….who also has 5 kids.

Perhaps I’m a wee-bit crazy. After having dinner with them (I ate a whole 6 pieces of pasta, 2 small pieces of bread, and a meatball…that’s a lot for me right now!), I decided to head out to yet another friend’s house (who only have 3 kids…slackers) who live near me. They didn’t have power at the time (came back at 4 AM), but I would rather be with others without power than alone without power.

Our power will be out (so we’re told) until Tuesday. The tornado completely took out 8 or so nearby power line poles (which were replaced this afternoon), and some larger power carrier thingies (what you see down in the picture) that may take some time to rebuild.

While this caps off a crazy week for me (though it’s not over for me until I’m home, which won’t be until we have power…I’ve washed my week’s worth of clothes and started them over again), it’s not been a crazy week for me on the inside. It’s hard to explain, but emotional times are so much harder than these times. None of the things that have happened have been emotional for me (though I have felt like I understand Job a wee bit better).

Others in my church were affected too. No injuries or fatalities, thankfully, but one house in particular was hit pretty bad. But the church has really rallied to help this family and the others that have been affected in our area.

It was hard to think who to call when I was displaced, not because I was afraid of inconveniencing someone, but because I knew of at least a dozen people who would have welcomed me with open arms. It came down to choosing the one that happened to be the closest to my house, so the most convenient.

The worship service this morning was awesome. At one point I had tears rolling down my face, as I so desperately wanted to worship God through song, something my disease won’t allow. It’s a little thing, but I was just so thankfully to the overwhelming grace God has given me this week. I can’t help but thinking of all that happens in terms of grace. Because in all that went wrong, so much went right.

I praise the God who holds the winds in his hands, both those that give me breath and those that knock down homes, power lines, and trees.

I’m not sure if it’s the drugs I’m taking or the fever (that’s currently being masked by Tylenol and Ibuprofen, but is still there), but when I sleep at night, I have one long connected dream. But the thing is, it’s not like a usual dream, where you don’t feel like you have any control over it. This type of dream I semi-control as much as I control my thoughts right before I fall asleep…that make sense? And when I get woken up, it takes me longer to distinguish between reality and my dream.

Speaking of sleep, I’m sleeping well. Every time that I wake up though, it’s been time for to take this or that. I actually wasn’t able to keep in my head all the times, so I’ve had to start writing them down.

I know this sounds crazy, but I don’t really feel bad. I cough all the time, and that’s what’s the most painful, but when my cough isn’t acting up, I’m just feeling tired. I’ve not really felt fully awake and aware since Sunday morning, before all this.

I still have the kids until late afternoon today. I’m basically make them do all the things I would normally do: wash the sheets, make and clean up the meals, and maybe even packing my stuff (though I think I can just throw it quickly into my bags). I will have them put it all in my car, though!

I covet your prayers. I’m very thankful that though pneumonia may be fatal in some, God has given me a healthy body and modern medicine. I don’t take those blessings lightly. This has been a week that I have seen God’s grace more clearly since any time since the fire in 2007.

You probably also recognize that this is a busy time at work for me as well, being the last week of the tax season.

But what you don’t know, is that I also have pneumonia. Seriously, I have no idea where THAT came from.

I’ve been dry coughing and having chills and sweats all week, so I realized I should take the opportunity today to run and get checked out. Since I was short on time, so I went to a minute clinic. The nurse practitioner took one look at me and my high heart rate, and immediately referred me to urgent care.

I get to urgent care and tell them why I was there, and they immediately rushed me back. It was kinda spooky, actually. But they quickly realized that it wasn’t a cardiac problem, and slowed down. The doctor did hear some wheazing in the ole lung (of course it’s the right one acting up!), so he ordered chest xrays, which showed the gunk that is pneumonia.

I’m already feeling better this evening, due in part to calls from home. The prescription cough medicine has helped, too.

On a more pleasant note, the past couple of weeks I’ve heard so much good news about the forward progress of adoptions! You should definitely check out the pics of precious little Peanut! I can’t wait to meet her in person.

A young girl I’ll call Maggie pulls out one of her Barbies. It’s one of the Disney Prince Charmings–a Prince Charming that has clearly been passed through the hands of most–if not all–of the 4 girls as he is balding (his black hair rubbed off near his forehead), missing a leg, and without his princely garments.

Maggie gives Prince Charming to me. “Here you go.”

“Uhh, thanks. Actually, I have been looking for a Prince Charming.”

“You wouldn’t care that he doesn’t have one of his legs?” Maggie asks, genuinely surprised.

“No, that wouldn’t bother me,” I respond truthfully.

“And naked?” she responds in disgust.

“Well, not until the wedding.”

I ask Maggie where my real prince charming is. She and her sisters proceed to offer up all the “available” men they can think of: several teenagers, a few married men, and their brother (I politely tell him that he can look me up in 20 years, causing him to blush).

When their list of eligible men was exhausted, I ask Maggie to look me in the eyes.

In a serious tone I tell her, “I do hope to get married some day, but even if I never do, I will continue to live each day happy.”

Her shock was obvious. At 6, she already is so ready to get married. “But that means you can’t have children!”

I fight back tears as I whisper, “I know.”

But her brain didn’t stop there, just like mine doesn’t. She delightfully gives her conclusion, “But if you had kids, you couldn’t watch us!”

I give Maggie a big hug. Yes, Maggie, I know.

As expected, I have a great respect for moms out there…especially moms of large families!  I’ve done a lot of refereeing as well a lot of “I’m not your mama so I’m not cleaning up the water you spilled/picking up the blanket you dropped/doing your chores for you.”

It’s great to have that excuse.

I was really concerned that Sunday morning was going to be a nightmare. Not the case: not only did I feel rested enough waking up at 6:15 (possibly with a little help), we actually arrived at church 10 minutes early. I don’t know how that happened.

The kids really have been great. I love seeing how they’ve matured over the years I’ve known them. The oldest two made lunch AND dinner today with little help. The “man of the house” was genuinely concerned for me, as he kept hearing me coughing and sneezing.

Coughing and sneezing? Oh, yeah. It’s spring allergy season! I’ve struggled all week to some extent, but today was the worst. I melted into the couch this afternoon, allowing my body to be used as a cushion, a jumping off point, and a sounding board. It’s awesome having five little servants to ask you to get this or that, and to have a couple kids old enough to get this or that for their younger siblings!

I’m afraid the allergy-brain is encouraging me to ramble on, sorry. Now for some funnies:

The youngest girls played baptism in the bathtub with their Barbies. Baptist style: full immersion baptism on adults.

I brought my growing cucumber plants with me, as they’re still quite portable. I’m glad I did, because the kids love them (well, except the unknown one who put their used water bottle in the container!). The youngest calls them my “flower babies.

One shall-remain-nameless child loudly whispered during the sermon, “Miss Ronnica, I have two holes in my underwear. Oh, never mind, there’s just one.”

I’ll post again tomorrow!

From this Saturday to next Saturday, I’ll be playing mom to 5 kids, ages 4 to 10.

I’ve had these kids overnight a couple of times, but at 8 days, this is obviously much longer than a simple overnight. I’ve known this family of 4 girls and a boy since the the oldest was in kindergarten, so we’re accustomed to each other. I think I’ve had a battle of the wills with at one time or another at least the oldest 4 (which I always win…at least in the end), so that’ll be nothing new.

Since next week is also the last week of tax season, I will be working my normal schedule. So I get to play not only mother but working mother to 5. I’m not sure if that makes it easier or harder for me…I think it’ll be good that we’re not spending 24/7 with each other.

I’m glad that I get to bless this family as they prepare to start a church plant in Chicago (the destination of the parents’ week-long trip). This is one of the best things about being single and childless–I have more flexibility to serve others.

The kids are so excited, and I must admit that I am too. I know it will be a lot of work, but I enjoy being with kids. There will of course be arguments to referee and talking back, but there will also be cuddles and smiles and sweet words.

What do you think the chances are that they’ll let me sleep in until my usual 8 AM (or later) wake-up time?

And just a small hint as to what I’ll be doing all next week. Details to come…tomorrow!

I actually want to name a daughter after a literary character, but I’ve not put her on the list for mystery sake. Will leave you in suspense on that one!

1. Lucy from Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

Okay, Lucy is just awesome. She has the most faith of the whole lot of kids, even though she doesn’t always get it right.

2. Skeeter from The Help by Kathryn Stockett

She’s willing to stand-up for what she knows is right (and admit that she was wrong) against much opposition. I hope my children would be willing to do the same. But no, I’d never name a kid “Skeeter,” don’t worry!

3. Reynie from The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Reynie is intelligently and a problem solver.

4. Ellie from the Tomorrow Series by John Marsden

I actually really like the name “Ellie,” too, but I chose her because she takes initiative. She isn’t willing to let the enemy win, but fights even when the odds are against her.

5. Francie from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Oh, Francie. She works hard to get to where she wants to go, not allowing her circumstances dictate who she becomes.

6. Jo from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

She’s passionate about writing. She’s not afraid of turning down the wrong man (yes, I agree with her that Laurie was wrong for her!) even if that meant that she might be an old maid.

7. Ransom from The Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis

He’s an adventure and gets to play a interesting part particularly in the history of Venus. You’d just have to read them to understand!

8. Levin from Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

My favorite character in one of my favorite novels (and the start of my love of 19th Century Russian literature). Actually, without him, I’d probably not have liked the book very much.

9. Elinor from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

I relate so much to both sisters, but I’d rather be more like Elinor and less like Marianne. Elinor sticks to her word–even when it’s inconvenient–and doesn’t allow her emotions to rule her actions.

10. Laura from The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Just because I always thought it was cool to imagine what it would have been like to grow up back then.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

This morning’s time with God was so intense. My emotional level was about a 9. I felt like I had just woken up from a dream, totally disoriented as to what was really going on. Things are changing in my life, but that’s okay. It is during times like these that I’m tempted to let my emotions get the best of me. Not that I should ignore my emotions either, but they certainly do not deserve the driver’s seat. The shakiness of everything else should point me to cling to The Rock who never changes and will always be a refuge for me. (Psalm 71:3)

A convicting word about how we participate in worship services:

The Lord speaks to His prophet, Ezekiel: “So My people come to you in crowds, sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don’t obey them. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue unjust gain. Yes, to them you are like a singer of love songs who has a beautiful voice and plays skillfully on an instrument. They hear your words, but they don’t obey them.” – Ezekiel 33:31-32 HCSB

Monday April 17, 2006 – I’ve Heard This Already

“I’ve heard this already.” That’s what I heard come out of a particularly ornery 5-year-old’s mouth as we were sitting in Sunday School on Easter. The teacher was teaching from Matthew 28, about Jesus’s resurrection. The fact that this boy treated the lesson like storytime wasn’t surprising; a lot of kids do. But it made me think about how much we grown-ups do, too.

Are we happy when we hear a sermon on a familar passage? Do we think, “Here we go again, the same old story”? I have to admit that I do sometimes have this attitude when I approach Scripture. It’s hard not to, actually, when our first thought is entertainment or fresh revelation. God can, and will, provide “fresh” insights even from familiar texts, but that cannot be our aim. We read, study, and listen to the Bible because it is God’s Word as He revealed it to us. We know Him better because of it, and we grow in our relationship because we know Him better. We allow His Word to act as a mirror and reflect our true self and reveal our hidden desires. We change according to what we read, in order to gain greater fellowship with the Father and with fellow believers. (James 1, 2 Timothy 3:16)

I hope that this post has been an encouragement to you in some way. I want to take this lesson to heart!