Some years ago Cheetos had that crazy looking cheetah, Chester, on their Cheetos commercials. He was always getting chased and attacked from crazier looking cartoon kids for the Cheetos. At the end of every commercial, he would be defeated and dazed and say - it ain't easy being cheesy. Y'all remember those?Well ..... I had a thought today - maybe our old friend Chester should have stayed off Rat Avenue ..... And, I say that because this week I have been entrenched as a long standing Rat Avenue Resident, and Chester keeps weaseling out in front of me in Sharp Cheddar underwear!!!
People ..... BRING ON THE GRATER, IT IS SNACK TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You know, I spent this past weekend in St Louis at the Love Revolution conference with my family. It was truly a divine weekend for the women in my family that was able to attend, and I came home full of all kinds of love, understanding and other heavenly things too numerous to count. Wouldn't you know the Chester Cheetah of all Chesters (Liar, liar pants on fire devil) was waiting. If there is anything that can trip me up from my love walk with God, it is somebody messing with my kids ..... and my FIRST act back in the Mom Squad was dealing with an attack against Malcolm.
Y'all know my boy ..... loving, compassionate, respectful ..... everything Mark and I have taught him to be. Well ..... from the day he started school down here, when he was in third grade, that boy has been fighting - EVERYDAY - just to have his place in life. He has been tormented, bullied, beat on, lied about, whatever else you can think of. Amazingly, every day he gets up with hope in his heart that it's going to be a better day, giving all of these nasty kids a new chance, and I have spent too many days seeing him defeated and deflated. That boy has the heart of a lion!!! My son is my hero in ways I cannot even begin to explain.
Well, Monday afternoon, he got in the truck and handed me an envelope that read "To The Parents of" ..... BLAH ..... YUK ..... UGH! As it turns out, he had received a day in ISS - In School Suspension - for a shoving match he got into on Friday. OK ..... he broke the rules, put his hands on another student, consequence. Move On!
Now the rest of the story ......
Another kid intentionally tripped him in PE. He and the other boy pushed and shoved back and forth. Teacher got close by, and the situation diffused. The boys go back into the locker room, change clothes for next period, sit and wait for the bell to ring. Bell Rings, and THEN ..........
This other student walked up BEHIND Malcolm, comes around to the side and punches him in the arm and IN HIS FACE!!!!!!! Oh, ok, THAT explains the bruise on his left cheek!!!!!!!!!!!!
ENTER QUEEN KALENA DIA, MOTHER OF ALL VERMIN, MAYOR OF RAT AVENUE!!!
Long story short ..... after Malcolm checked in for next period, he told the teacher what had happened, and she sent him down to see the Asst Principal. He wasn't there, so he was sent to see the Principal. As the story goes, the Principal had only a minute for him, because he had to get outside for Bus Duty!!!!! Are we serious????? The investigation unfolded on Monday, and Malcolm ended up with ISS, because he reported an incident he was involved in.
Long story even shorter .....
ENTER WATASH ..... OUR MARINE'S MARINE ..... RIGHTER OF WRONGS ..... MESS WITH MY KIDS, AND I'LL BREAK MY FOOT OFF IN YOUR (whatever needs to have a foot broken off in it)!!!!!
We are now waiting for a return phone call from the Deputy Super-Intendent of Schools to schedule a sit down to find out WHAT THE HECK????????????
Folks, pray for my son and pray for this public school system!!!!!!
Love, Love, Love
Kalena on D-Con
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Football in America
I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!!
Fall is awakening on the East Coast, and there are magnificent signs of red and gold peeking out of the normal greenscape of the summertime. Shortly, the entire scene will be brushed with a harvest rainbow! I love the cool crisp mornings of the fall and the times during the day and evening where it isn't quite cold enough for a coat, but a hoodie or a light jacket is draped across the arms of everyone you see on their daily ventures. I love seasonal changes, and, if I had to list them by preference --- fall would be at the top of my list! Change is absolutely beautiful, and how creation works where a landscaping of complete green can turn to such a magnificent array of color is amazing to me! It's also during this time that Fall Festivals are in abundance in Virginia, and I love the atmosphere of walking and watching families together either hunting for that perfect pumpkin, or going on hay rides. Such fun!!!!
It's also during September that the sports world comes alive in our home. The Yankees are playing September Ball with purpose and the NFL has begun a new season!!! Added bonus for Mom and Dad around these parts is that this is the first year that both Malcolm and Mackenzie have laced up their cleats and headed for the Grid Iron!!! I absolutely do not have the words for what it does to my heart to see my kids out there in life and doing!!!! And .... there is just something about football in America that does something to the human heart! If football ain't your thing, I cannot explain it, but I can tell you this ..... there is no doubt in my mind that my God in Heaven is a huge Football Fan!!!!!
I don't think he pulls for a particular team (OK, maybe the Saints, but that sounded a little too obvious to say). I don't think He's sitting up there in Heaven keeping secrets from Himself about the outcome of the games, so He can be as excited about a down to the wire, fourth quarter comeback as we are. I think He smiles equally on all the teams, all the players and all the fans!!! The same way I feel my heart filled with love and joy at watching Malcolm and Mackenzie battle it out on Saturday morning - that's the way I believe God watches. A loving Heavenly Father watching His children have a game of pick up, if you will!
I also believe God created football! How else can you explain a Washington Redskins fan telling me in the airport how happy he was that our Giants beat the Cowboys Sunday night! Or a Cowboys fan in the grocery store two weeks ago telling me he was pulling for our Giants against the Skins! With tailgate parties and BBQs --- football is ALL about the fellowship! It opens doors for people who otherwise would never even speak to strike up a conversation. Something about this play, that player, this week's games. Did you see this? Can you believe that? Man, when I played ..... AND ..... in a truly divine way, it creates and strengthens bonds between Fathers and Sons like nothing you can ever explain. And, we ALL know God is all about Father/Son relationships!!! Daughters, too, of course, but we know.
Football is common ground that the majority of Americans stand on, reminding all of us that we're not so different after all!
Yep, there is just something about Football in America!
Much, Much Love .....
Kalena in the Huddle
Fall is awakening on the East Coast, and there are magnificent signs of red and gold peeking out of the normal greenscape of the summertime. Shortly, the entire scene will be brushed with a harvest rainbow! I love the cool crisp mornings of the fall and the times during the day and evening where it isn't quite cold enough for a coat, but a hoodie or a light jacket is draped across the arms of everyone you see on their daily ventures. I love seasonal changes, and, if I had to list them by preference --- fall would be at the top of my list! Change is absolutely beautiful, and how creation works where a landscaping of complete green can turn to such a magnificent array of color is amazing to me! It's also during this time that Fall Festivals are in abundance in Virginia, and I love the atmosphere of walking and watching families together either hunting for that perfect pumpkin, or going on hay rides. Such fun!!!!
It's also during September that the sports world comes alive in our home. The Yankees are playing September Ball with purpose and the NFL has begun a new season!!! Added bonus for Mom and Dad around these parts is that this is the first year that both Malcolm and Mackenzie have laced up their cleats and headed for the Grid Iron!!! I absolutely do not have the words for what it does to my heart to see my kids out there in life and doing!!!! And .... there is just something about football in America that does something to the human heart! If football ain't your thing, I cannot explain it, but I can tell you this ..... there is no doubt in my mind that my God in Heaven is a huge Football Fan!!!!!
I don't think he pulls for a particular team (OK, maybe the Saints, but that sounded a little too obvious to say). I don't think He's sitting up there in Heaven keeping secrets from Himself about the outcome of the games, so He can be as excited about a down to the wire, fourth quarter comeback as we are. I think He smiles equally on all the teams, all the players and all the fans!!! The same way I feel my heart filled with love and joy at watching Malcolm and Mackenzie battle it out on Saturday morning - that's the way I believe God watches. A loving Heavenly Father watching His children have a game of pick up, if you will!
I also believe God created football! How else can you explain a Washington Redskins fan telling me in the airport how happy he was that our Giants beat the Cowboys Sunday night! Or a Cowboys fan in the grocery store two weeks ago telling me he was pulling for our Giants against the Skins! With tailgate parties and BBQs --- football is ALL about the fellowship! It opens doors for people who otherwise would never even speak to strike up a conversation. Something about this play, that player, this week's games. Did you see this? Can you believe that? Man, when I played ..... AND ..... in a truly divine way, it creates and strengthens bonds between Fathers and Sons like nothing you can ever explain. And, we ALL know God is all about Father/Son relationships!!! Daughters, too, of course, but we know.
Football is common ground that the majority of Americans stand on, reminding all of us that we're not so different after all!
Yep, there is just something about Football in America!
Much, Much Love .....
Kalena in the Huddle
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
In Simon's Shadow --- Update
All in God's Timing .....
Some weeks ago, after posting In Simon's Shadow, I wrote a letter to Pastor Chewning specifically about that day on the bay in 1986. My intention was to mail it immediately upon completing it, but, for any of you who know me ..... I have a severe allergic reaction to the Post Office! :) And, it didn't happen!
Well, I did finally get it in the mail, and, although I hoped to hear back from him wasn't really waiting expectantly. Much to my joy, I received a short note from Pastor Chewning in the mail today, thanking me for writing and telling me he received my letter the LAST SUNDAY MORNING he would ever preach, as he is now retired.
Beautiful heart that he is, he found Pastor Westbury for me, called him, told him about my letter, and tomorrow I will be writing Pastor Westbury, as he requested Pastor Chewning give me his contact information; because, he would love to hear from me!!!!
I have an unexplicable excitement about sharing with this Pastor the impact his ministry has had on my life!
Hope lives on the Horizon of the Heart!!!!
Kalena Rejoicing
Some weeks ago, after posting In Simon's Shadow, I wrote a letter to Pastor Chewning specifically about that day on the bay in 1986. My intention was to mail it immediately upon completing it, but, for any of you who know me ..... I have a severe allergic reaction to the Post Office! :) And, it didn't happen!
Well, I did finally get it in the mail, and, although I hoped to hear back from him wasn't really waiting expectantly. Much to my joy, I received a short note from Pastor Chewning in the mail today, thanking me for writing and telling me he received my letter the LAST SUNDAY MORNING he would ever preach, as he is now retired.
Beautiful heart that he is, he found Pastor Westbury for me, called him, told him about my letter, and tomorrow I will be writing Pastor Westbury, as he requested Pastor Chewning give me his contact information; because, he would love to hear from me!!!!
I have an unexplicable excitement about sharing with this Pastor the impact his ministry has had on my life!
Hope lives on the Horizon of the Heart!!!!
Kalena Rejoicing
The Bigger They Are .....
I love Tuesday Mornings at the HeBrews Cafe .....
For those of you who can't be there ..... I pray you have moments throughout the week that bless you and uplift you the way every one of you should be. It's kind of funny how I found my way to such a place that was established in 1820, but I have. The past few days have been emotionally exhausting and spiritually draining for me, and, more than in weeks past, I was desperately in need of the fulfillment I get at the "Home of the Original Heavenly Blend".
This week my Bible Study was on the story of David and Goliath. We have all heard the old addage "the bigger they are, the harder they fall", and, in the Christian community Goliath's fall is second only to Adam's. We've all heard the story and could relay it with ease, but I wonder how many of us actually KNOW the ending of that account. Yes, David slew the mighty giant with his slingshot and one stone. Though David picked up a few ...... God used the FIRST stone to bring the enemy down! BUT ..... and this is an enormous BUT ...... that is not the end of the story, though this is where most Sunday School stories end. The story actually ends when David, having killed Goliath, walks over to him, takes his (Goliath's) sword out of its sheath and cuts his head off in front of the ENTIRE Philistine Army!!!! Then David puts the head in a bag to take it to Saul ..... AND ..... took Goliath's Sword and Shield and kept them! A ruddy kid who had just moments ealrier been chastised by his older borthers for even being there!
The summary of the Bible Lesson is this: by force, the Philistines had occupied land that belonged to Judah. They were squatters and trespassers, and, when the Israelite Army went to confront them - they were afraid. For forty days and forty nights, Goliath taunted and tormented them. Until a young boy standing firmly on the truth of who God is and his faith in Him rewrote history (His Story). God said ENOUGH and sent the most unlikely of characters to represent Him.
As children of God, it is imperative that we recognize and face our own Goliaths. Whomever or whatever those Goliaths are - they are trespassers and have no right to be there!!!! Though most times, they seem unconquerable, they challenge us, defeat us, until finally we lose the heart to fight! Then ..... they master us, and, even though we know this defeat is not the abundant life Christ called us to, we feel we have no freedom to change and that we are stripped of our strength and power.
What we must realized is that the facts are not always what they seem to be. Even though our observations are real, many times it is not the ultimate reality. In this case, what the Israelite Army had been trying to do for many days wasn't working. Out of fear of defeat, the greatest thing they chose to do was nothing. Much the same way how we do things in life, I suppose. Facing many situations we tend to try to do nothing and just keep the peace. Well, my friends, there is nothing in Scripture about "keeping" the peace. The Beatitudes say "Blessed are the peace MAKERS". Throughout history, every peace agreement ever signed came at the end of a ferocious battle! If we have been trying to do something over and over and it is constantly met with rebuttal and refusal, maybe we need to change what we're doing. Saul tried to get David to wear his own personal armor into the battle, and David said no. The armor hadn't worked for Saul, and it wasn't working for him.
David walked into the battle armed truly with nothing more than the Word of God, God's name and his knowledge that God is ALWAYS FAITHFUL to the truth. This week I have felt that I have spent my entire life fighting one Goliath or another ..... always fighting for a place in life that doesn't exist.
BUT GOD .....
If nothing else in my life ever changes ..... I know that I know that I know ..... this week, God said ENOUGH, and, as I slept, He built a hedge of protection around me as He took one of my Goliaths' heads!!!
In conjunction with this story, my beautiful friend reminded me today of a passage of text from the book, "The Shack". In this part of the story God is having a conversation with Mac about a bird that landed on the window sill near where they were talking. God comments that the bird flies because bird's fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly. Humans, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So, for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation - not the other way around." The God character continues with this..."Living unloved is like clipping a birds wings and removing it's ability to fly. (Life circumstances - Goliaths, if you will) have a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly..."
What God showed me in the early morning hours of today is that ..... He is indeed faithful to the truth and His love for me is unconditional in a way no human can ever express. For that ..... I stand in awe!!!!
In the Battle,
Kalena Flying
For those of you who can't be there ..... I pray you have moments throughout the week that bless you and uplift you the way every one of you should be. It's kind of funny how I found my way to such a place that was established in 1820, but I have. The past few days have been emotionally exhausting and spiritually draining for me, and, more than in weeks past, I was desperately in need of the fulfillment I get at the "Home of the Original Heavenly Blend".
This week my Bible Study was on the story of David and Goliath. We have all heard the old addage "the bigger they are, the harder they fall", and, in the Christian community Goliath's fall is second only to Adam's. We've all heard the story and could relay it with ease, but I wonder how many of us actually KNOW the ending of that account. Yes, David slew the mighty giant with his slingshot and one stone. Though David picked up a few ...... God used the FIRST stone to bring the enemy down! BUT ..... and this is an enormous BUT ...... that is not the end of the story, though this is where most Sunday School stories end. The story actually ends when David, having killed Goliath, walks over to him, takes his (Goliath's) sword out of its sheath and cuts his head off in front of the ENTIRE Philistine Army!!!! Then David puts the head in a bag to take it to Saul ..... AND ..... took Goliath's Sword and Shield and kept them! A ruddy kid who had just moments ealrier been chastised by his older borthers for even being there!
The summary of the Bible Lesson is this: by force, the Philistines had occupied land that belonged to Judah. They were squatters and trespassers, and, when the Israelite Army went to confront them - they were afraid. For forty days and forty nights, Goliath taunted and tormented them. Until a young boy standing firmly on the truth of who God is and his faith in Him rewrote history (His Story). God said ENOUGH and sent the most unlikely of characters to represent Him.
As children of God, it is imperative that we recognize and face our own Goliaths. Whomever or whatever those Goliaths are - they are trespassers and have no right to be there!!!! Though most times, they seem unconquerable, they challenge us, defeat us, until finally we lose the heart to fight! Then ..... they master us, and, even though we know this defeat is not the abundant life Christ called us to, we feel we have no freedom to change and that we are stripped of our strength and power.
What we must realized is that the facts are not always what they seem to be. Even though our observations are real, many times it is not the ultimate reality. In this case, what the Israelite Army had been trying to do for many days wasn't working. Out of fear of defeat, the greatest thing they chose to do was nothing. Much the same way how we do things in life, I suppose. Facing many situations we tend to try to do nothing and just keep the peace. Well, my friends, there is nothing in Scripture about "keeping" the peace. The Beatitudes say "Blessed are the peace MAKERS". Throughout history, every peace agreement ever signed came at the end of a ferocious battle! If we have been trying to do something over and over and it is constantly met with rebuttal and refusal, maybe we need to change what we're doing. Saul tried to get David to wear his own personal armor into the battle, and David said no. The armor hadn't worked for Saul, and it wasn't working for him.
David walked into the battle armed truly with nothing more than the Word of God, God's name and his knowledge that God is ALWAYS FAITHFUL to the truth. This week I have felt that I have spent my entire life fighting one Goliath or another ..... always fighting for a place in life that doesn't exist.
BUT GOD .....
If nothing else in my life ever changes ..... I know that I know that I know ..... this week, God said ENOUGH, and, as I slept, He built a hedge of protection around me as He took one of my Goliaths' heads!!!
In conjunction with this story, my beautiful friend reminded me today of a passage of text from the book, "The Shack". In this part of the story God is having a conversation with Mac about a bird that landed on the window sill near where they were talking. God comments that the bird flies because bird's fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly. Humans, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So, for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation - not the other way around." The God character continues with this..."Living unloved is like clipping a birds wings and removing it's ability to fly. (Life circumstances - Goliaths, if you will) have a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly..."
What God showed me in the early morning hours of today is that ..... He is indeed faithful to the truth and His love for me is unconditional in a way no human can ever express. For that ..... I stand in awe!!!!
In the Battle,
Kalena Flying
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Language of Love
OK ..... so in my readings, I have decided to rescan all of the books I have read over the past months, going through them again high lighting and underlining the parts that have touched my heart the most.
My venture right now is going back through "The Noticer", the first book I read by Andy Andrews. I have a particular attraction to this book, because the setting is just a few miles west of Pensacola, an area that I know well, and can envision as I read. In my life, I have heard and seen many things about love languages - the way people receive and feel loved - and categories and such, but this author put the words down in such a way that I immediately recognized the people in my life by them. He gives four main types ... puppy dogs, cats, canaries and goldfish. See if you can find yourself in his descriptions.
Puppy dogs - Puppy dogs know and feel they are loved by spoken words of approval. Think about it, tell a puppy how wonderful he is and his whole body wags. Nothing - and I mean nothing - is more devastating than words of disapproval spoken in an angry tone of voice. The same way a dog cowers under attack is the same way people who fall under this language type respond.
Cats - Cats need physical contact to know they are loved. Cats don't really pay attention to direction from anyone - they do their own thing, but when they need love they rub against their owners, walking around their legs and feet feeling loved by the touch. Other than that they are independent.
Canaries - Canaries feel loved through attention - quality time. Touch, words of endearment or gifts don't matter much, these types of people really only care about you spending time together with them. Canaries that are ignored die - not from a lack of food, but from a lack of love and attention.
Goldfish - Goldfish feel loved through favors and deeds. They don't necessarily need words of affirmation or to be touch. Women feel loved because their husbands take the trash out, or trim the bushes they've asked about. Men feel loved, because the house is clean and dinner is cooked.
Pretty simple stuff, if you think about it, but it's an amazing view point. The beauty is that once you figure out who these people are in your life, you will know how to make sure they always KNOW they are loved in a way THEY understand. Like I said, I saw a lot of the people in my life through these explanations. I know for sure I am raising Sylvester and Tweety in my home! Explains a whole lot if you've ever tried to talk to me on the phone when the boys are home! And, I also know why our house always seemed like a zoo when I was growing up!!!!! LOL
As for me .......
I think I am a nasty mutt mix of all four - a cadogishary! :)
Much love and prayers for Ciera!!!!
Kalena Loving
My venture right now is going back through "The Noticer", the first book I read by Andy Andrews. I have a particular attraction to this book, because the setting is just a few miles west of Pensacola, an area that I know well, and can envision as I read. In my life, I have heard and seen many things about love languages - the way people receive and feel loved - and categories and such, but this author put the words down in such a way that I immediately recognized the people in my life by them. He gives four main types ... puppy dogs, cats, canaries and goldfish. See if you can find yourself in his descriptions.
Puppy dogs - Puppy dogs know and feel they are loved by spoken words of approval. Think about it, tell a puppy how wonderful he is and his whole body wags. Nothing - and I mean nothing - is more devastating than words of disapproval spoken in an angry tone of voice. The same way a dog cowers under attack is the same way people who fall under this language type respond.
Cats - Cats need physical contact to know they are loved. Cats don't really pay attention to direction from anyone - they do their own thing, but when they need love they rub against their owners, walking around their legs and feet feeling loved by the touch. Other than that they are independent.
Canaries - Canaries feel loved through attention - quality time. Touch, words of endearment or gifts don't matter much, these types of people really only care about you spending time together with them. Canaries that are ignored die - not from a lack of food, but from a lack of love and attention.
Goldfish - Goldfish feel loved through favors and deeds. They don't necessarily need words of affirmation or to be touch. Women feel loved because their husbands take the trash out, or trim the bushes they've asked about. Men feel loved, because the house is clean and dinner is cooked.
Pretty simple stuff, if you think about it, but it's an amazing view point. The beauty is that once you figure out who these people are in your life, you will know how to make sure they always KNOW they are loved in a way THEY understand. Like I said, I saw a lot of the people in my life through these explanations. I know for sure I am raising Sylvester and Tweety in my home! Explains a whole lot if you've ever tried to talk to me on the phone when the boys are home! And, I also know why our house always seemed like a zoo when I was growing up!!!!! LOL
As for me .......
I think I am a nasty mutt mix of all four - a cadogishary! :)
Much love and prayers for Ciera!!!!
Kalena Loving
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)