Got 'Milk?'

I've written before about how people are skeptical of blogging and for good reason. Trying to discern whether someone's life is "real" or not is tough! I've gone to blogs where I've had to stop visiting because I felt like "gee, she has all that money of course her house is beautiful" meaning my house is pathetic! Or "wow, she's got it all together," and I throw myself a little pity party.

I think I look for blogs that are real, but not whiny. I know I learned the hard way to stay away from political blogs/topics because I get so revved up I could scream! (Please don't read anything into that statement other than "I'm Swiss, baby," Gilmore Girl quote by the way, meaning like another mommy blogger, I am a "political fence sitter.")

But back to my point, trying to find authenticity in blogs isn't always easy. This is a hot topic today! (Mind you, I was going to post about Jon & Kate Plus 8 and their last episode last night, but then thought that would sound so trivial.)

So, hmmm, how do you find an authentic Christian in the blogosphere? I guess the proof is in the milk pudding! How "perfect" does their life sound? Do they admit their flaws? Do they share the tough stuff? (if they can) Do they mention Christ or just religious activities? Are they a follower of groups that demonstrate any kind of hatred? Do they even mention the Bible?

In real life, I have met many Christians and I have decided that they, unlike people in general, fall on a kind of time line. Some are to the far left, lackadaisical in their faith and others to the far right, legalistic in most spiritual areas. And in between lie the rest of us, some floundering, some slowly maturing and others moving leaps and bounds in the direction of Christ likeness!

I'm currently reading a book that one chapter asks "Why do we not like Christians very much?" The answer has been startling clear from day one: we are in our own way.

Polls about Christians say we are hypocrites, judgmental and mean etc. How can this be? Gee turn on the news and you can see it there.

Well I learned a long time ago that "walking the talk" actually had significance. If we as Christians are NOT bearing fruit, then we need to reconsider exactly where we are in our walk with Christ. This is not to say we are perfect, far from it. We are human and we are flawed and we fail (unlike Christ who didn't.) But with our spiritual walk comes a huge dose of humility and our need for Him.

Christina and I once started categorizing Christians as milk products. We really did that, just once. But I liked the comparison, so bear with me...

Are we "skim milk" Christians doing only what is necessary to please God? Who go to church on special occasions, mainly Christmas and Easter? They serve to be seen, but their hearts aren't really in it?
Or are we the "2%" people who are striving, but still fall short of being anywhere near "whole milk Christians?"
Or worse, are we "Lactose Free," thinking we're Christians because we were raised in a Christian home, raised in the church, went to youth group and own a Bible? Are we legalistic? Are we judgmental? Do we say we love others, but don't really? Do we hide our sins and try to portray a perfect Christian life? Do we use the Bible--meaning, do we quote it but don't actually live it?

I could get into a whole other category of beverages...

I was talking to my friend this morning and we agreed that we as Christians can have all sorts of good intentions, but if those intentions hurt others and tend to puff us up in our pride, who are we really kidding?

So where are you? Where am I? We read that it's in the fruit we bear...what is it exactly that we're revealing to those around us? A watered-down version of Christianity or the whole truth?

Breathe, Just Breathe

I like finding new music to play. Tonight I learned how to play Taylor Swift's "Breathe." Yeah, I know it's not worship music, but it is my 12 year old's favorite artist. It's a pretty song (you can listen to it on my playlist at the bottom of this blog.)

I think one of the challenges about being a mom is trying to find that balance of love, discipline and establishing a healthy relationship. I do have music in common with my kids. I teach them all piano and we all do like to sing for the most part.

And truthfully, I wonder when my daughter hits the dreaded teen years, how much will we have in common? Right now, I am a queen to my 5 year old daughter! I can do no wrong and she always says "I gonna live with you fo-ever Mama!" Aww....

But a teenager? I know that I will be her mom forever, but I want a good relationship, not a behind-the-back-eye-rolling relationship and not an unhealthy one without boundaries. I hope she can feel comfortable coming to me with concerns and questions. Oy vey! I'm not ready, I'm not ready...

I guess like anything else, I'm building on our foundation, hoping, praying, waiting. So for now, I listen to her, to her music, to the bits and pieces of her life at school and I live in this season enjoying it while I can. And I breathe, just breathe.

Apple Pickin' and Eatin'

Still playing with Photoshop. This was apple picking in the Fall. Maybe I should have called it "Apple eating!" What a great day with the family. As we were leaving we saw many Green Bay Packer players there with their families for a birthday party. No I didn't take pictures of them. I am not the paparazzi!

That's my 5 year old munching away.

What's Cooking?

A few weeks ago, I cooked up some "Texas Caviar" thanks to MckMama. This is a delicious appetizer and snack! Tonight I learned how to change up the layout when placing photos on the blog. Still figuring out some details but really excited to learn more about using Photoshop Elements.

Anywho, served this with some Tostitos scoops and ate away! Yum-O!