Kendra Starter Kit

The starter kit idea is nothing new under the sun, but I like it because it's not just a shameless consumerist plug for products. The starter kit is a sampling of items (some intangible) that say something about who you are. I invite other bloggers to join me. Comment with a link to the blog post where you do. I'm specifically tagging my friend Jackie here to encourage her to do a starter kit :)

Here's my starter kit for me, right now, April 2012.

SUGAR LIP TREATMENT SPF 15 by fresh

This is the greatest lip treatment known to mankind. I have it in my office and my bathroom and possibly my car. I am trying to live a more natural life. Also, I like to leave embarrassing smooch marks on Loverpants' face. So. I go through a lot of it.

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The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

If you want to understand the place that I started on the spiritual path that I am on now, you need to read this book. I was never a prodigal. I was always the brother who remained. I followed all my parents' rules. I never squandered my fortune. I always thought God's love extended to me for my own righteous works and observance of the law. I never really understood the grace that God extended to me as a sinner, never understood what it was to come to God in faith until I read this book. I read it as a freshman in college when I first began to wander from the doctrine that I had formerly received as truth and this book helped to form the faith that continues to grow and be shaped by a God who really does care for us as a Father receiving His prodigal and rule-following children with equal parts love and compassion. Also, Nouwen's writing is immaculate.

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New Balance Women's WR993 Running Shoe,Grey,9 B

I am on a weight loss journey right now. I am not happy in the land of obesity. I was in excellent shape before we moved to TN but my life here is significantly more sedentary than in Boston where I was involved in Baby Boot Camp and walking was more a part of the fabric of my life. I also keep getting injured in TN and I know that part of this is God telling me to stop being so hasty, but it's also been a detriment to my activity. I just bought some new running kicks, though, so hopefully I am on a smoother past to better fitness.

*** See Eyewear

My glasses are something of a penance since I would probably rather wear contact lenses most days but I skeeve the thought of touching my eyeballs. Cannot bring myself to do it. So I wear glasses and why not wear some Mad Men specs that are a constant conversation piece?

*** Frozen Yogurt Self-Serve Bars

I am an addict. You need to know this.

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These cuties. I feel my purpose within this family is clear and therefore my purpose in the world is clearer. I am loved by this family and have come to know God because of these 3 blessings.

photo by Caressa Rogers

 

So, that's a start. I could throw in a Bethany Dillon album, a view of the Boston Harbor, some crazy stockings, and an iPod full of The Moth broadcasts. But for now, I am eager to explore your own kits!

Shelter

Today I'm thinking heavily about housing. I'm remembering last night when we four in the FamiLee were sitting on our front porch watching the storm roll in and then our landlord ran over and probably thought, Who are these idiot Yankees without cable that have no idea that a twister is less than 5 minutes away? He scuttled us into his basement where his wife and four daughters were huddled around the TV. We're watching the doppler and the eye of the storm is headed right for our street and I'm thinking how I left my cellphone back at our house and then I thought, oh wait, all of my important belongings are right here in this room. Then our landlord said, "We need a prayer!" And he prayed for safety for all. The storm passed. It touched down about a mile from our home. It took other homes. It ripped off roofs. It mangled huge trucks.

Little Man pooped.

While we were watching the Doppler, Little Man delivered a righteous surprise in his diaper.

Later, when we got to go back home, I gave thanks that we did, that we got to go back to the home that was still in tact and change a little boy on the changing pad where I always change him.

It was one of the singular moments in life that one thanks her kid for having an untimely poop so that she could be reminded of the important things in life.

I'm also thinking heavily upon our housing in Boston that will likely be listed for sale this weekend. We're trusting that God will work a miracle with that property, that it will sell somehow even though mortgage lenders aren't dolling out the big dollars. We have faith because the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away and sometimes that means taking away our burdens.

Thanks be to our Shelter in this Storm, ever more real, ever more caring in our lives. God be with those who are starting the long road to repairing home and heart right now. God is still bigger than the biggest storm. Take heart.

Not Finding, Not Looking

I've been not looking for something for a while now. And the upside of not looking for something is finding something different and maybe even better in its stead.

I have been not looking for balance for almost two years now. A sweet and wise friend told me after I had my son (when life really began for me as a juggling mother of two) to stop trying to seek the balance. To cease this vain search for something that would forever prove elusive and possibly non-existent.

She told me instead to try and find a rhythm that would jive with me. To recognize the erratic ebb and flow of life and to accept that some days are just going to be Too Honking Much for One Woman and then let us hope for several days of peacefulness henceforth.

That thought, that simple principle of abandoning this ommmmmming yogi who keeps all things centered in lotus position, in exchange for BRING ON THIS MESS because cleaning up spills is good exercise for my core? This is what is working for me.

When I seek the balance, I am looking to myself and hoping that I don't tip over.

When I seek to find a rhythm, I am looking God-ward, asking for increased strength to weather the choppy notes, and lifting up thanks for those rare gifts of grace notes.

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The past two weeks, my winter depression has been trying to steamroll me. I feel the depressed feelings in my very cheekbones; my face is achey.

I have been quite good at preparing for my classes and staying on top of trends and reports in my field.

But that? That is all.

I know this rhythm, though. I know where the notes on this scale resume after this breve, after this rest.

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I received a voicemail from Baby Girl's teacher last week. I retrieved this message after lunch was over. After, specifically, the lunch where I was supposed to show up as a lunch guest. The lunch guest appointment that I should have written down in my planner when it was assigned in September.

I spent about 5 seconds self-examining WHAT KIND OF PARENT DOES THIS? WHO AM I? I DON'T DESERVE TO EAT OR BUY NEW LOAFERS EVER AGAIN!!!

I know this rhythm, though. I know that Baby Girl will forgive me and that sweeter notes are on the next bar.

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In other hair-raising news, Little Man is a photo stahh. Stay tuned for more from Inspired Magazine.