Premarital Counseling

Kenyon and I have officially started pre-marital counseling. (No, there hasn't been a formal proposal yet. Trust me, you will hear about it when it happens.) Since my schedule is wound so tightly and we haven't decided on a home church yet, we decided to do a workbook called "Before you say I do." I completed the first two chapters this week and I assure you it isn't a slacker way out - there are some challenging excercises in this book. The beauty of the study is that it walks a couple through key topics like, (in no particular order) expectations and roles in marriage, finances, dreams about the wedding, family life, personal history, sex, communication, a vision for the marriage, conflict, etc all from a biblical point of view. There are thirteen chapters to complete. So far, it seems like much of this we have already talked about, we'll see if that holds as we get further in to it. The plan is that we will complete the lesson during the week and then go over it when we are together on the weekend. If nothing else, I think the book will improve communication and understanding. That is not a bad thing.

When we get close to completing the study we plan to set a couple of meetings with a local pastor and personal friend of Kenyon's who has been married to his bride for 30+ years. We hope to learn some valuable lessons from their experience.

Valentine's elf?

What might a Valentine's elf look like? I'm taking suggestions, because I think I'm going to wear a costume next year while I deliver v-day gifts to single women. This year, at one of the offices I visited a co-worker of one of the delivery reciepients said, "She's back. The Valentine's elf comes every year." Imagine an office full of people working and the Valeninte's elf walks in. Just so you know, I refuse to wear an adult diaper like cupid. I don't think that is an appropriate v-day elf costume. What's your vision of the Valentine's elf? I'd love to hear about it.

This year I couldn't afford flowers, so instead I delivered conversational hearts. I found some that were written in Spanish. Cool! I had a great time keeping my tradition as the holiday delivery person. I'm already looking forward to it next year. What's great is that many of the women have come to anticipate it. One single mom said, "I woke up this morning and wondered if you'd show up." Of course! I love that she anticipated it. It gives her something to look forward to, rather than think about what she is missing out on. At another office where I visited a single gal whose never been married, but would really like to be I found her empty desk so I left a note and the gift. As I was leaving I saw her in the hall talking with a co-worker. I said, "I left something on your desk." She walked off with a smile and a pep in her step. The co-worker told me they were just talking about how much she hates this holiday because it makes her feel lonely. What timing!

I hope you know how special you are, even if you don't have a special someone to recognize it.

Serenity

Serenity is definately something I need. Webster defines it as "quite, calm, peaceful." Quite and calm only happen in my life as I'm sleeping - which usually isn't for long. You've probably heard the Serenity Prayer before, but have you heard the whole thing? Here is what you are likely familiar with.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

But wait, there's more...

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen

This, I can do - give it to God, take moment by moment, only do what I can do and know that it is all part of a bigger picture. Now, if I would stop over scheduling my life I might actually achieve serenity.

I can't resist politics...

I know my schedule is busy. I know I'm already trying to juggle an insane amount of things with limited time and energy. I know all of this, but when I'm asked by one of my former professors who is running for KCMO mayor if I can help on his campaign - what do I say? Sure! Mark Funkhouser, affectionately known as "the Funk", is running for mayor. The biggest hurdle he has in winning the position is that he is honest and not at all like a politician. In fact, he's not a politician. He's a regular guy who believes to the core of his being that he can make a difference. I admire that kind of dogged determination! He has been the cities auditor for 18 years and in that time did hundreds of audits of city services, surveys of citizen satisfaction and ultimately crafted his very clever plan to make the city better. What is that crafty plan? Simply, "a city that works, with cleaner streets, safer neighborhoods and more responsive government." This morning I'm studying, then I'm headed to my career services job, then I'll be calling voters until late into the evening.

If you want to know more about the Funk, visit his website: http://www.markfunkhouser.com/index.html

He also has a blog at: http://funkhouserformayor.blogspot.com/

There are some creative TV ads and informative videos on his blog. Check it out. I have no ambitions to run for political office myself, but I do enjoy the atmosphere. I think college was the first political campaign I volunteered for. It was fun (yes, I said fun), and a great democratic learning experience.

Feeding the homeless

Last Saturday, Kenyon and I, along with a couple of the girls from my small group went to the urban core to feed the homeless. We had a great time serving fried chicken, corn and mashed potatoes. I would show you a picture of Kenyon with a hair net on, but he would be very upset with me, as I remembered to wear a ball cap in order to avoid the hair net fashion accessory and failed to mention it to him. Bad girlfriend! I could show you the photo, but then I'd have to kill you. :) Before we arrived he wasn't sure he wanted to attend, a day or so later he said, "you can sign us up for that again."

You know me, I probably will.