Category: Truth

The Chicken vs. Sexuality War

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Unless you are worm living in the dirt under a rock or you are too enthralled with The Olympics to pay attention to anything else, you’ve probably heard of or read about the recent “support that chicken place vs. the rights to our sexuality” debate.

As much as I’d love to list my own wonderful opinions on either side of the matter…
I’m going to engage in the story by sharing my own hearts cry…

My love for Jesus, for chicken and for all people.

Jesus wants all of us. He desires a relationship with every person on this earth.

Jesus wants every part of us.  He wants every part of our whole being ~ body, mind and soul ~ from our sexuality to the food we put in our mouths, whether it be chicken from a certain restaurant or not.

Jesus wants every part of us fully surrendered unto Him. Any part that we don’t fully surrender to Jesus – whether it be what we eat, our sexuality or anything else – can become an idol. Idols are anything we Worship, or have excessive devotion to, within a society or culture. Our golden calf. Our cross to bear. Our favorite American Idol. Our modus operandi. Our ______ (you fill in the blank).

Culture wars and cultural norms can easily become idols.

It used to be a cultural norm to own slaves. It used to be a cultural norm for only men to vote. It used to be a cultural norm to smoke anywhere. It used to be a cultural norm for everyone to wear bell bottoms. It used to be a cultural norm for everyone to use an entire can of hairspray on their bangs in one day… or at least that’s what I was doing in the 7th grade…

The chicken vs. sexuality war raging now is a Culture War fighting for New Cultural Norms. Jesus is not surprised by any of this. Idols have been around since day #1. To America and beyond: we have a lot of idols, that are of a sexual nature and beyond.  And throughout the years of history, some of our idols have changed and some have stayed the same. Humor me and read 2 Timothy 3:1-7.  Sound familiar?

Jesus calls us into the Worship of Himself more than anything. He is more important than our sexuality or what/where we eat.  Worship of Jesus moves us from places of brokenness and bondage and brings us into Freedom. True freedom, for every part of us ~ body, mind and soul ~ can only be found by abiding in Jesus (John 8:31-36).

We shouldn’t get our panties in a wad to defend our sexual rights or what and where we eat… Culture wars are typically dripping with offense, unforgiveness, hurt, bitterness and hate. If we are drowning ourselves and our focus on the culture wars, we won’t be prepared for the spiritual battle that is raging. Ephesians 6:10-20. We must speak in truth and in love, without compromise.  The war we should be fighting is for what and for whom we Worship.


The Worship of Jesus will change, transform, justify and renew us. Titus 3:1-11.  

Let us fully surrender every part of our lives ~ body, mind and soul ~ to Him and keep our focus on Him.  Let us not boast in our sexuality or where we eat chicken.  Let us boast in the Worship of Jesus, knowing His Love and His Glory!

i didn’t mean to break the law…

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Today I broke the law…
I didn’t mean to, but it happened.  

Even as I write, my stomach is turning, and I. feel. sick.

I hate breaking the law!  

Now wait a minute, Leslie… Let’s just stop the story right there. Rewind.

law the breaking hate I!

Okay, what I really mean is that I hate getting into trouble with the law.  This is true. I’ve never been in “trouble” with the law. My first and only speeding ticket was at the age of 16.  I had only been driving for a few weeks and was speeding thru a neighborhood to get to my high school musical rehearsal.  Really important stuff worth speeding for.  I got a ticket.  I had the same sick-to-my-stomach feeling. Lesson Learned.

When we lived in New York City, we were pulled over once with no idea why… Sure, during our years of driving in NYC, we paid our fair share in parking tickets. But that was by choice. To avoid parking garage fees of $450 a month, we took chances, drove around for hours, sat in our car during street cleaning and paid an average of $100 a month in parking tickets instead.  Brilliant.  But on this particular day, the Officer approached our car so that he could test the window tint on our awesome 2001 Ford Focus.  He had some gadget that tested the tint, to ensure it was not over 25%. Ours was at 19%.  Whew!  We passed.  Can we go now?  Not. So. fast.  The Officer still kept us pulled over while he took his sweet time “testing” all of our windows, reminding us the tint could not be over 25% – which it wasn’t – while we both grew extremely agitated as we waited in the car knowing we were well under the limit, until finally he came over to my window.  I rolled it down and… BOOM!  All of sudden the Officers perspective changed.  He could see that I was 9 months pregnant and in no mood to mess around, so he “quickly tested” my window and let us go on our merry way.

I have never been in any accidents where I was at fault.  In 19 years of driving, I’ve done a 360 when my wheels slipped in the pouring rain, crossing 4 lanes of traffic and miraculously landing in the median, without hurting myself or causing a wreck for anyone else. I’ve been sideswiped by a truck which was being chased by the police for robbery. I’ve been crashed into at a stop sign and rear ended at a stop light by negligent drivers. And once… I was pulled over on Long Rd. after coming to Adam’s rescue when his truck ran out of gas.  The first Officer who arrived at the “scene” was someone we know from our church.  Leaving Adam in his capable care, I pulled out from behind his truck.  After I pulled in front of Adam’s truck to head home, the second officer approaching the scene passes me, and then whips around to pull me over. As I was driving away, I realized Adam had possibly left his wallet in my car, which he needed for the tow truck.  So, I pulled into the entrance of a neighborhood up the road from Adam’s stranded truck, began to rummage thru his bag looking for his wallet, and look up to see the 2nd Officers lights blaring in my rear view mirror. He then approached my car and asked me for my license and registration. I’m thinking – What the…?!? Your pulling me over???

“Sir I just left my husband, he’s just a few hundred yards behind us. He was stranded without gas and now I’m heading back home.”
“I just need your license and registration.”

He didn’t “care” about my story, or the fact that our wee Babs were sleeping in the back seat, even though I had woken them up to come and “rescue daddy” at 11pm on a Tuesday night.

In the meantime, as he is checking my pristine license and registration record, he must’ve also communicated with the first Officer at the scene – who we know – who must’ve talked him into “letting me go”.

But first, He came back to my car and listed the reasons he had pulled me over:
1. I pulled out into oncoming traffic (which was his car, btw) and there was PLENTY of space for me to pull out from behind Adam’s truck, and get in front of his truck before the Officer passed me. Apparently, it was supposed to be at least 500 feet… well, I didn’t have my measuring tape handy, but from the distance of his headlights, I had plenty of space… maybe it was 450 feet?
2. I pulled into a neighborhood entrance with the intention to complete an illegal u-turn. What the…???  At this point, I was becoming extremely angry. But I held my tongue. Nope, Officer. I pulled over to check and see if my husband left his wallet in my car.

At this point, he didn’t have any further evidence, so he “let me go”.  How Nice.

For the most part, I’ve been a law abider. 

But today was different.  I didn’t mean to.  I didn’t set out to.  But today I broke the law.

I pulled into a handicapped parking spot to wait with the wee Babs in the van, while Adam ran into a store “real quick”.  I knew it was wrong when I did it.  There’s no excuse.

After waiting for a few minutes, perusing the latest news on Facebook and handing out snacks to the kids, a police car drives up and slows down as it passes the spot where I was parked.

I quickly jumped into gear, put the car in reverse and start backing up – just in time for the policeman to complete his circle around the parking lot and catch me trying to flee the scene.

Too late. I was caught.  Illegally parked. 


“Miss, do you have a Handicapped sticker for your vehicle?”
“No sir. I was just getting ready to leave.” (mmm hmm, he’s thinking – yea right lady, likely story)
“Are you aware there is a $287 fine for parking here illegally?”
“Yes sir, I know. I was giving my kids some snacks (and I conveniently left out the waiting on my hubby part) and was getting ready to leave.” (yes, I was sticking by that story)
“Okay, you could’ve done that over there.”
“Yes sir, I know. I’m sorry.”

At this point he nodded and “let me go” with a warning. Whew!  

Here’s the point when I start to freak out. I reverse out of the illegal spot and drive down the lot into another – legal – spot, and immediately text Adam “Come On!!!”

A few moments later, Adam emerges from the store and begins walking toward our van.  I start driving toward him to pick him up.  At the same time, I notice the Policeman circling around our way again (he totally wasn’t letting this go).  As we start driving again, he stops in the parking lot next to us and rolls down his window;  I stop driving and roll down mine.

Officer: “So you weren’t really giving your kids snacks, you were waiting on him to get out of a store.”
Me: “No, I really was giving them snacks and was getting ready to move my car (as soon as I saw you coming), while we were waiting on him.”
“We’ve had a lot of problems with people parking illegally in these spots and the Sheriff has us cracking down on this.”
“I understand. I know it was wrong.”
“If it was the Sheriff, he would’ve given you a ticket for sure.”
“Yes, I understand. I know it was wrong to park there. I understand.”
“Okay, I will let you go with a warning. You folks have a nice day.”
“Thank you.”

I rolled up my window and started breathing again. As soon as I caught my breath, I was able to explain the whole story to Adam.  I felt sick to my stomach for the next half hour.  As I was getting over my nausea, Adam chimed in, “Doesn’t that Officer have anything better to do?”

The Truth Is – I broke the law. No excuses. I was caught in the act. I was Guilty.

But I wasn’t charged. 
Sure, there have been times in the past 35 years, when I have experienced that “Life is not Fair”.

But as I walk with Jesus, even when I am in the wrong ~ I am not charged. Everyday, I experience His extension of Grace and Mercy, the Holy Spirit’s sweet conviction in my sin, and the Lord as my Shepherd ~ forever leading me back to walk His path ~ not my own.

I broke the law today… And, I learned about more of God’s unfailing love for me in the process.  It was totally worth it.

Preach. Push. Stop. Diffuse. Deliver.

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This week as “Mom”… I Preached a sermonette, Pushed 100 lbs for 5 miles, Stopped a wreck from happening, Diffused several bombs and Delivered a baby.
***

On Mother’s Day Sunday, I preached a sermonette.  I had the honor of giving the sermon at our church.  This is something I said I would never do.  But guess what I’ve learned?  Never. Say. Never.  I spoke about hearing God.  This is a subject I am passionate about.  It was an exhilarating experience.  You can listen to it online by visiting our church website here.
***

This week I stopped myself from getting into a wreck.  I was driving to a conference and the whole time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something might happen.  I knew God was preparing me to be aware.  I was waiting at a red light, and after it turned green I waited before taking my turn to go.  It’s unusual for me to hesitate at a green light.  I’m typically a very aggressive driver.  As I began to drive, I took a moment and looked to my left, thankfully seeing another vehicle barreling thru their red light and crossing into my lane.  I was able to stop in time before being t-boned.  I didn’t have time to honk and yell at the idiot who almost hit me, but after I felt the anger bubble up inside of me, I was filled with thankfulness.  For God’s protection and preparation. For hearing His voice, with an awareness to heed His warning.  
***

This week I pushed two sleeping souls for 5 miles…
After playing at the park with some friends, I pushed Salem (40 lbs) & Selah (30 lbs) in the stroller (30 lbs) on a run / walk for 5 miles on one of my favorite trails.  It was a beautiful day and a peaceful time.  I got a work out.  They got a nap.  Good Times.

 ***

This week I diffused several bombs…

Wee bab bombs.  This was a difficult week.  Emotions were high.  We went to bed late every night.  We were away from home four nights this week and P.A. was gone an additional night. We were all out of sorts.  Our family functions best when we have a lot of quality time together.  Quality time is our family love language.  

Warning: Minimal fam time + tired / busy Babs = kid bombs and explosions may will occur

Thankfully, I am good at diffusing bombs.  I’ve been a mom now for 8 years.  I’ve had a temper for 35 years.  I have gifted that wonderful trait to my children.  I’ve surrendered my temper to God over the years and learned a lot from my mistakes.  God has helped me to diffuse the bombs our wee babs can make.  He really helps me to see situations with their behavior before they explode everywhere.

There are times when they do explode.  Thankfully, we are good at practicing forgiveness in our family.  and, on those days when bombs are going off all around me and I just can’t get to them in time to diffuse, I always feel better after I clean my sink.

***

This week I delivered a baby…                                                                        
                                                                                                  

Adah Joy Droz
Well, not really.  My friends, the Droz’s, had their baby and I was honored to be their doula as they welcomed Adah Joy Droz into the world.  Labor began at 1:30am, so I stayed up all night as a support and encouragement to Natalie as she labored to bring Adah into the world at 6:25am.  Since I love sleep, I’ve been taking lots of short naps the past few days to recover from staying up all night, in between diffusing bombs and being Mom.  I’m not 21 anymore. I need my sleep.  
Snoozing doula 🙂

The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” who provides physical, emotional and informational support to the mother / family before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

In 2006, I took my doula training courses and have attended 6 births as a doula over the past 5 years.  Since I took time off to have my own wee babs, I am not certified with a doula organization… yet.  It’s kind of like I went to school and did all of the work to graduate, but don’t have my diploma.  This is due to my special skill of procrastination… and “some day” I’ll finish that.  My passion stems from my own intensive birth research and personal birth experiences.  I’ve had three wee babs with no medicine and have a passion to support and encourage women who desire a natural labor experience.  

***

It was a very busy week as “Mom”…  Even though I procrastinate some things, I am not procrastinating anymore on other things…

Like this blog.  I’ve had a passion to write for a long time.  And now I am.

What are you passionate about?  Are you procrastinating your passions?

Don’t live in regret or the “some day”.  Just do something.

It’s my birthday and I’ll cry if I want to…

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Today (or yesterday, depending on how long it takes me to write / post this blog) was my birthday…

It is / was also Cinco de Mayo… but since I am not Mexican, my birthday being shared with the day of Mexico’s unlikely victory over the French at the battle of Puebla in 1862, doesn’t have that much significance… except that we had Mexican food for dinner.  But since I love eating mexican food, making mexican food, and smelling mexican food, this is a regular, at least bi-weekly occurrence. P.A. made our amazing mexican food for my birthday dinner and I contributed with a kick-ass handmade mango pico de gallo.  Yum.  And, you can check out some of our favorite recipes here.

btw, did you know that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day?  Nope, that would be celebrated on September 16th.  Now you know.

So, on May 5th, 1977 I entered the world and it’s never been the same… well, at least for those who know me… 

If you know me, you know this is how I look 95% of the time…

well… maybe that’s an exaggeration, but if you know, me you know I like to make silly faces and I can be… dramatic.


If you know me, you know that my hubby (P.A.) is my best friend and his birthday was 6 days before mine!  And… it’s no coincidence that we celebrated at a Mexican restaurant.  Some of our awesome friends took us out for lunch, after church last Sunday to celebrate.

P.A. with his face covered in ice cream and the Kelly’s ~ our awesome friends who took us to eat to celebrate P.A.’s b-day, which was on April 29th.

                                                  Our awesome kids sporting the mexican hats!

P.A. and I prepping for our awesome pic together 🙂

If you know me, you know our wee Babs (Soleil, Salem, Selah) are super. duper. important to us.  Here they are in a little “photo shoot” from last fall.  They mean the world to us. I could go on and on about them, but if you know me, you know I will save that for another blog… 

If you know me, you know that I love to be silly and I think I am the funniest person. on. the. planet.  I boisterously laugh at myself and my own jokes, even if no one else “gets them” or thinks that they are funny.  I am thankful that most of the time, my family thinks I am as hilarious as I think I am.

If you know me, you know that friendship is important to me… 
Over the last 35 years, I have had the honor of meeting so many people from across the world.  I have had the privilege to call many of them friends… or at the very least, Facebook friends…  My life has been enriched by my amazing friends.  They are truly a gift from God.  I was blessed the other night when some of my friends took me out to dinner and coffee for my b-day.  Some of my friends live just down the road, some live on the east coast, some live on the west coast, some live in the north, some live in the south, and some live in flippin’ India.  Wherever they are, they know who they are... and I am thankful for them.
Here’s a pic of us camping with our friends the Zeuch’s – the ones that live in flippin’ India
If you know me, you know that even though it’s my birthday, I can cry if I want to.  Today I cried on my birthday.  I also cried on P.A.’s birthday.  Because even though they were great days, something was missing… our families. They are in Oklahoma and Oregon… and we miss them terribly, especially on our birthdays.
(Sorry, no pictures to show of me crying… don’t be disappointed.  I’m a sniffly, red-faced mess.) 

But truly, my hope is that even if you don’t know me… I mean really know me, like hang out with me, talk to me in person, or on the phone… you will still know that my most important relationship is with Jesus.  

My deepest hope and prayer ~ that goes against all of my human nature ~ is that I will be *known* because of Christ…which really means that I will be ~ Unknown.    

That HIS beauty will outshine my flesh.  That HIS mercy will overwhelm my insensitivity.  That HIS grace will subdue my unforgiveness.  That HIS presence will saturate my sinful soul. That HIS love will replace my anger.  That HIS glory will overcome my humanity and invade my entire life. 


And that HE will be evident in all that I do, think, say, or blog… 

the truth is…

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i have rather large feet for someone of my stature… i wear a size 10 shoe, weigh 100 + pounds, and i’m only 5’3″… i know, it’s so bizarre.  and that’s on a good day.  those days when i’m really focused on my posture, sucking in (my jello) and standing up straight.  on the rest of the days of my life, which are the majority of days, i’m probably slouched over, closer to 5’2″.  these are the days i typically feel out of proportion.  and with size 10 feet, no wonder i’m always tripping over my self… hmmm.


the truth is… i used to be embarrassed by my big feet, and now i see it as another way God has made me unique.


when i was in high school and college choir, i always sang as a soprano (the melody part, for those of you who don’t know).  i would audition and sing the soprano parts because i thought that was the “cool” thing to do.  because being in choir is. really. cool. (for those of you who don’t know).  i also have a low speaking voice.  i don’t sound like a guy or anything, but my voice is low.  so, although i was good at singing soprano, i was really in denial.  I am an alto.


the truth is… i used to want to be a soprano, but i am glad God made me an alto. God gave me the ability to sing harmony and He gave me a voice that is unique.


one day, P.A. and i really want to go on the Amazing Race.  we keep saying “when the kids get older”… but we don’t want to procrastinate our dreams. and what if the show is off air by that point? what fun it would be to experience running around the world together, competing against other teams.  it would be so. much. fun.  and we would be hilarious.  it is a dream of ours to be on that show.  all the contestants have a story.  our story would be great for the Amazing Race.  we love to travel, love to compete, we are parents, we are married and best friends, we are employed by God.  would our relationship be able to survive the stress? would the Babs have what it takes to win the Amazing Race?  what drama.


the truth is… we would love to experience the fullness of the Amazing Race.  and sure, it would also be nice to win a million dollars.  to be the first team employed by God to win the Amazing Race would be unique.  


i know i have big feet, a low voice, and a dream of experiencing the Amazing Race for a reason.  unique reasons.


the truth is… i don’t look like anyone else.  i don’t sound like anyone else.  i am unique.  i want to embrace the unique characteristics i have and the desires God has put inside my heart.  the truth is i never want to be anything but unique.
and who knows…?  watch out because next season, you might just see the Babs running the Amazing Race…