Snakes in the Pulpit?

I got a funny phone call today...
Apparently a local library is considering pulling my books because I dedicated one of them to Lebanon family Church (Actually I've dedicated three to either pastor or the church or a group in the church). Rumor has it, our pastor brought snakes to church (ie snake handling). Now, the guy likes his manly stuff...bball, football, things like that, but I'm pretty sure he'd cry like a baby if someone stuck a snake in his face.

This whole thing begs the question, why are people so quick to believe awful things about other Christians? I mean, we have wonderful, beautiful music, a relevant message from God through the (non-Snake boy) pastor and various other awesome things. This church is making a difference in our region and to hear that someone is gullible enough to actually believe 500 people would stand for a pastor bringing a snake to the pulpit and asking for volunteers of faith, OY VEY.

Anyway....Snakes....I can't even picture it.

Good friends and music

Last night our good friends Eddie and Arlena came to dinner. They used to be our pastors at the church where I led worship for a year and a half before we started attending Lebanon Family Church (the one I love so much!).
I'd forgotten how sweet home fellowship can be. Was raised on hospitality, but never incorporated it much into my own life. After dinner my daughter, Cat, brought her guitar into the living room and Eddie played some worship songs and Cat played a few. It was very sweet. God was here.
Next Friday Eddie and Arlena will be back along with another friend who is a worship leader. I'm looking foward to soaking in the presence of God and worshiping with likeminded Christians.

Peace

The Velveteen Writer

I've been on a Velveteen Rabbit kick this week and it sparked my newest speaking topic. The Velveteen Writer...how do you know when you're a REAL writer. :)

That's all I'm giving. But I'm going to start working on it and I think it's going to be good. I love to encourage new writers, but I've gotten so busy with my own deadlines, promotion and life in general that I don't have time to do much one-on-one. So I'm praying that God will open up some realistic areas for me to continue to mentor.

On to other things. Yesterday I did an interview with Fred Young at Spirit FM in Camdenton, Mo. I love Fred. He does everything just right. He's one of those incredible men of God who has the ability/gift to make whoever is around feel like they're the best. :) This was my all timey favorite interview. Not sure I was that great. But I had the most fun. Thanks, Fred!

Today I'm heading into town to work at a little coffee shop I love so much. They play Jazz music from long ago and I love listening to the swanky swells of trendy places laughing and talking and doing business over fatty, sugar-filled so-called coffee. And yes, I eavesdrop...I call it research. It's not like I'm planning to reveal state secrets or out FBI agents. It's just funny to put on headphones and pretend I'm listening to music when really... I should be a spy. I'm SOOO Sydney Bristow. (Alias).

Anyway...Those of you who have read the CLAIRE books...this is her coffee shop. Churchill. If you're ever in Lebanon, Mo on a Saturday night, they play live music. Very cool place...

Off to do what I do...
God Bless
T

Weekend Update

So I haven't talked about the exercise/weight loss in awhile. As far as weight loss in lbs, I'm staying within five pounds over the last three months. I'm frustrated, but I know I'm getting in shape and I'm smaller even if the actual scale doesn't show it yet.

Up to jogging 2 miles without quitting now. Then on to the elliptical for a total of one hour a day of exercise. I love it. Truly. It's the icing on my cake at the end of the day.

I'm amazed at God's goodness. A year ago, jogging was a dream. walking faster than 2.5 mph was a dream. A lot has changed in my body in a year. I still want to lose about 30 lbs. But I'm so happy where I am.

Rusty bought me another Shih tzuh puppy for our anniversary last month. Chloe bateman is a sweetie. I still miss Zoe, though. Chloe is funny. She goes after Cat's husky puppy--think a fight between an ape and a mouse. Guess who wins? :) The puppy has no fear.

that's all. :)
Tracey

MY Mom Thinks I'm going crazy

Saturday, March 03, 2007
My mom things I'm going crazy
A couple of weeks ago I started telling her how there are things stirring in me that I don't understand. It started when Kelly at Harvest TV asked me what do you do for social justice and all I could do was stammer and tell her I'm raising my kids right now.... BLAH BLAH BLAH....



I cry when I watch bloated African babies on TV. Does that count?
I don't vote for pro choice candidates. Does that count?
I watched Oprah's special about the girls school and I prayed that God would give me the opportunity to make a difference somewhere. Does that count?

I came home and put on a dog suit for children's church because I had to do SOMETHING to make a difference. Unfortunately, my bark was rather rooster-like in sound and I'm not sure I was very good. It was fun, but I have to stop trying to soothe my guilt by taking the easy way out. There is more to be done. And I know I'm supposed to do it. Some people can write checks and go their way and that's all God expects. But not this kid. It's never that easy with me.

SIGH

Then I started reading Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson and I AM Heather. I read. I cry. I want to hit walls. I live in a town where I've never seen a homeless person. Do we even have any? I'm calling city hall next week to find out. Do we have programs to help teenagers who are kicked out of their homes? I don't know. But I'm going to find out. What about a shelter for abused women? Not a clue....

So, these are the steps God has given me to get me here. I don't know what's going on. Truly. But I think it's time to stop talking about it and start putting some legwork to my convictions.

I don't know what HEather is going to do, By the way. I'm only half way through the book.... Write on, Lisa Samson. You are amazingingly right on. :)