Double Dutch Bus Won't Let Me Off

What do you do when you can't shake an idea, a thought? What do you do when you have time to "dream" and your thoughts run to kids jumping between two ropes, giving it all they got? I guess you start asking more questions. Hey, is this something I should pursue for our kids?

And so, I find myself on websites like the Jumping Bulldogs and the Superskippers. How did they start? They started with a thought which led them to the next step.

I can see the kids gathering around learning the basic skills. I can see those who want to belong to something standing around hoping they could get up the courage to hop in and give it a try.

Watch and see if things happen here. Let me know if you have a similar dream.

Double Dutch Does Good

The other night, I went to a game night with a bunch of teenagers on Spring Break. What a blast. Usually, I have a hard time staying up past 9:30, (except on Monday nights). This night was different though. I truly didn't want to go home even when the clock said it was 11 p.m. A few different things happened. My dear friend and I turned rope for double dutch. If you've never seen it or tried it, well, let's say it's something you won't forget! If you turn the double ropes, you will immediately know if you are coordinated or not. Also, your physical fitness will be put on display! (The jumpers are not the only ones who are workin' it!)

So here we are, two moms just having fun as we watch the group grow in size and see various guests try to get into the "mouth of the whale." Frankly, I just couldn't stop laughing. I had to turn my head away at one guy (JD) who approached the ropes with a little jig, hoping to get the rhythm first before he got into the middle. Some kids got it right away. Some came flying in and thought that maybe if they hopped around enough and high enough, they might get the beat. Sorry! The ones that surprised me the most were some of the basketball players who came over. They were determined to "get it." And some really did!

I didn't know that two ropes, with two moms could produce so much fun. I only wish I had gotten pictures to post it. I am thinking though...uuum...what would it take to organize a "double dutch team"? Is there such a thing as "Double Dutch for Dummies?" I can see it as a way to attract a crowd, a way to talk to people, get to know them a bit, invite them over. Uuum...it's got me thinking.... Could the Father use double dutch team to build a bridge to share the Good News with our community? I think He can. What about you?

Go ahead...jump in!

Gratitude

"It is a sign of mediocrity to show gratitude in moderation."

Let it not be said of us that we are mediocre. Help me with this girls.

Bye Chuckie. See You Next Year.

Yep...we put Charlie and his pals away in the shed. Still have remnants of Christmas around...a random wreath here, a Christmas mug there. It was great to be quiet this year.

I wonder what this new year will bring. I hope for a softer heart towards God and others. I hope for more freedom in my mind as I learn and live what grace is and does. I hope for more joy and enthusiasm in every area of life. I hope for more of God's presence, more clarity in hearing His voice...not just when I'm praying but when I'm doing dishes or cleaning laundry or driving around or standing in line somewhere. I know He speaks; I hope I hear.

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!

Wow Girls...we did it! We saw something we liked, said we wanted to do the same and it's in our front yard this Christmas. I loved working with you all and your Daddy. Next year we'll do Linus since he did have the most important lines in the script!

" Sing Mary Sing" by Jennifer Knapp

Mary Had a Baby Born in a Manger
Mary What To Do, Mary What To Do?
Before the Vow Was Made,
In Her Belly Laid The King

Chorus:

Sing Mary, Sing
Lullabye The King
Born To Be Our Pardon
No Longer Shall We Weep
Come Soften What Was Hardened
Sing Mary, Sing

Herod With a Vision Out With a Vengeance
Mary What To Do, Mary What To Do?
Flee to Galilee
Raise a Baby King of Peace

Chorus

Mary In Your Mourning
Turn Now As You Weep
Look to See a Savior
O, Sing Mary, Sing!
Sing Mary, Sing!

"Happiness Communicated Doubles Itself"

Back in Luke this morning. Mary and Elizabeth have a great visit. When was the last time I visited a friend and they were filled with the Holy Spirit? Can you see Elizabeth reach for her round belly as she feels her baby "jump" inside her. Someday girls, you'll know what that feels like. This was no ordinary greeting, but it sure made me want to think about it more. How sweet fellowship is with a sister or close relative. Mr. Ryles had something great to say about that too.

"We should always regard communion with other believers as an eminent means of grace. It is a refreshing break in our journey along the narrow way to exchange experience with our fellow travellers. It helps us insensibly and it helps them, and so is a mutual gain."

"There are many who fear the Lord and think upon His name, and yet forget to speak often to one another. First let us seek the face of God. Then let us seek the face of God's friends."

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened

and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name." Malachi 3:16

So, the Lord carefully listens and records our conversations with one another so that we remember. Help me Lord to be that refreshment that Mary and Elizabeth were to each other. Let our exchanges with each other have the same effect that these two friends had on each other. The Holy Spirt filling us up and praise and thanksgiving being the overflow of our hearts! (Oh, and note that there was quite an age difference between the two!)