The Pact

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In honor of Valentine's week, I am posting a note written by my valentine. Once you read it you will quickly understand why I love this man. He is so much more than just "Music Guy". Enjoy!

The Pact
Like it happened just last week I remember making a pact with my wife Denice. But it wasn’t last week at all. It was some twelve years ago when our oldest child Ethan was about three. The pact was made in the basement of an old church. Now, I know that sounds a little creepy but stay with me; it’s really quite wonderful.

You see, the building no longer served a congregation of worshipers but instead, an interesting collection of consumers. Upstairs, in what would have been the sanctuary was a quant little music store. And the basement, which opened onto a parking lot (for the structure was built into the side of a hill), no doubt was once a fellowship hall and the place where the pact was made. It had been turned into a restaurant/grocery store. Good Earth was the name of the restaurant and really, the name probably tells the story. The employees at the restaurant looked exactly like you would expect employees who work at a place called Good Earth to look; very...earthy. The food was all home made, vegetarian and very delicious. And there we sat with our toddler, enjoying food we knew was good for us in an eclectic, non-commercialized atmosphere completely opposite of a McDonald’s or Burger King. We talked about our appreciation for all of the things this little place provided. We started talking about Ethan and how we wanted to help him develop the same appreciation for ambiance and truly good food.

So, the pact was made: We agree to not be a “fast-food-family”, we won’t give in to the “McDonald’s melay”, the “barrage of Burger King” or the “tyranny of Taco Bell”. And the journey began. Now, that’s not to say over the years we’ve never darkened the door of a FFR (fast food restaurant) because we have. But we have continued to place priority on a higher thing. And it’s obvious our kids have caught on.

Tuesday this week we were all in Oklahoma City and stopped at one of our favorite places; Redcup; great coffee, food that makes you smile and atmosphere with a capital A! We stayed as long as we could and on the way out of town we passed a Taco Bell. The commercial/institutional ad in the window promoted some sort of burrito with a tricky little name for .89 cents I think. Sarcastically, I said, “Hey kids, (in a very disappointed tone) look, we could have Taco Bell Oooohhh!” Suddenly, the whole car was caught up in the comedy, Denice looked at me and said, “Do you remember the pact?” to which I replied, “Yes, I do, and I think we’ve accomplished the mission!”

Buy Books Eat Bologna

I love days like today! We are so excited to be bringing our son home from his surgery today. Everything went really well and I think we are finally at the end of this 7 month ordeal. I just have so much to be thankful for. It is one of those days where I feel like I can't help but smile. I even enjoyed going in Walmart and buying stuff to make lunch in the car. We have done this before but somehow going in there today with the man I love felt almost like a date. I know, I know I need to get out more. But seriously, sometimes it is the really simple things that make life special. I remembered all of the previous times we have done something similar in order to save money. One time we were at the end of our vacation and only had a certain amount of cash left in our budget. We decided to stop at a Barnes and Noble. Wouldn't you know it, they were having a sale. We found our selves in a dilemma, buy books or go out to eat one last time. We realized that we could stop in a grocery store buy some bologna, bread, chips and fruit, and still have plenty left in our budget to buy the books we wanted. It was great; it was memorable; it became our family motto, "Buy books, eat bologna". Now we could have ended our vacation with one more meal out, but would I be writing about that meal 8 years later? I don't think so. I also think I would have missed an important lesson. It is fun to be different, to go against the grain, to place priorities on things that last. So slow down, pack a picnic, take the road that goes through the pretty part of town, and for sure, buy the books and eat bologna!

I love musical theater. The songs, the drama, the costumes, the lights; I love it all. I don't think there is anything quite as powerful as matching a great story with beautiful music. It melts my heart, it makes me smile, and often brings a tear to my eye. Ok, my family says it brings many tear. I cry a lot, is that so wrong? Anyway, back to musicals. I vividly remember going to see my first show Hello Dolly with my grandmother. I was smitten. Carol Channing played the role of Dolly. I told myself that one day I will sing and act on a stage.

That first show was many years ago and yes, I have sang and acted on many stages. But, I never dreamed at 8 or 9 that I would be here doing this. After finishing a double major in music and drama, (that's another story) I went on to teach public school music. I have directed, performed, and produced many church and school shows. I have watched my kids develop their talents in the arts. All these experiences have been fulfilling for me. However, what I love most is getting to use my talents and experience on The Creative Team at our church. I work side by side with my husband and other talented folks creating meaningful worship experiences for those attending our services. It's kind of like writing and producing little mini musicals week after week. I mean, what greater story is there than the one of God's love and redemption? When you combine God's story with music you take full advantage of the power I mentioned earlier.

This Christmas was a high point for me as an artist. Working with my friend Ginger on the script and my talented husband on the music, we wrote and produced our version of "The Christmas Story". We used lines from pop tunes to tell the story of Mary, Joseph and the infant King. Describing Mary as "just a small town girl, living in a lonely world..." from Don't Stop Believing by Journey and the Wise Men searching with U2's I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. You get the idea. It was amazing. The students and kids were so great. It was a success. As I sat smiling from ear to ear listening to the congregation laugh and sing along, I realized something. This is the feeling; the same feeling I had as a child sitting in the auditorium with my grandmother. Maybe the shows I produce will help cultivate a love for theater in someone else.

long lost loves

Somewhere along the road of pursuing our "American Dream" many of us lose the very thing that made us who we are, our passions.


Many people equate being a good parent with martyrdom of personal likes and interests. I used to feel that way. While I still whole heartily agree that parenting requires sacrifice, I think it is crucial that we don't lose our sense of self in the process.  

Our kids need to see that we are people with likes, dislikes, feelings, and talents. Recently, I was reading a blog written by a very interesting vegetarian mom with dreadlocks, my daughter freaked. She had no idea that her mom has a hidden desire to be a granola eating, long skirt wearing, Colorado dwelling homeschool mom. Oh, I am a homeschool mom, and I do sometimes eat granola and wear long skirts...but there is a difference.


Now, I am not on some power rampage screaming for my voice to be heard. I am finally at the place where I can say without guilt or fear," no thanks I'd rather not" or better yet, "hey, you know what I'd like to do?". See, I once was a vibrant and interesting person their father fell in love with. I need to allow a little time to develop my interests so that when they leave, and yes they will leave, I  am still a person of interest and vibrancy.


So, that's where this blog comes in. I am reigniting my love for things past, things that helped make me who I am. Who am I? I am a God loving, grace seeking, homeschooling mom who is madly in love with my pastor husband. Come join me as I explore my long lost loves, I may even find a few new ones along the way!