Hooray for Friday! I am glad to see this week come to an end and I am looking forward to this weekend. We have a couple of fun possible things to do but nothing concrete or "Must Do." I wasn't sure I was going to be able to post today. My post yesterday- I'm An Ally and I Give A Damn and I Love God, too- kind of took it out of me. In fact, I felt bad that my originally intended post didn't get as much attention- Everyday Heroes. But it had to come out and I needed to say what I said and I am glad I did! I always feel good when I have that kind of emotional and spiritual purge. Halloween costumes have been chosen! Zach originally said he wanted to be a football player and Teagan wanted to be a cheerleader. But when we started looking at the costumes, Zach saw a Captain America costume and that was the end of it. He wanted nothing but Captain America. Teagan seriously considered some very cute super hero outfits- Super Girl, Wonder Woman, Spider Girl- but decided to stick with a pink and black cheerleader costume. Halloween wasn't something I did as a kid so this fun and excitement with my kids has me feeling good! Halloween for us is usually just trick or treating in the neighborhood. However, last year we went to a Trunk Or Treat event at our sister church (it was a combined event between 2 churches) and that was fun so I hope we do that again. The other thing I want to do this year that we've never done before is go to the Indianapolis Zoo for Zoo Boo. Thinking about adding a new possible tradition to our fall activities- yep, you guessed it- has me feeling good! I love that it's finally feeling like autumn! I love the leave changing colors and the crisp air and turning on the heat from time to time. I get really excited about fall and winter and all the fun things to do to celebrate this time of year! Changing seasons = feeling good! I'm going to sign off at this point- because if you're going to spend time on my blog today, I'd really like you to read my posts from yesterday that I linked above. I'd also encourage you to consider my FitCity post this week and I'd love to have Eternal Lizdom readers participate in that Recipe Exchange! Because if you go read those other posts (and comment if you feel so moved), I will feel good on this fragmented Friday!!

I'm An Ally and I Give A Damn and I Love God, too

Gay teen suicide has become a bit of a buzz word these days. I've been moved by videos popping up on Facebook and Twitter by celebs- gay and straight- reaching out to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi, trans, questioning) youth with the message "It will get better, I promise." It's an attempt at a ray of light, even a pinpoint of light, to youth who might be in a very dark place as they struggle with feelings, bullying, acceptance from others and even acceptance of themselves.

One group, The Trevor Project, is a resource for LGBTQ youth to reach out to if they are in a situation where they feel there is no way out. I spent a good amount of time on that website, reading about the project and the film that inspired it. The Trevor Project also encourages people who aren't L or G or B or T or Q- but who are allies- to be involved and supportive.

I support The Trevor Project. I'm an ally.

Months ago, Cyndi Lauper launched the Give A Damn Campaign. To "Give A Damn" means to be a straight person who supports equality for the LGBTQ community. It's a campaign to bridge the gap between straight and gay - an alliance, a co-existence, a statement of being on the same side.

I give a damn.

Yesterday, I saw a few other groups and events pop up on Facebook that appeared to be supporting these ideas. Offering hope and also an opportunity to stand up together. But one thing kept stinging me. I would visit a group page on Facebook or read a blog or read a Tweet that was a good and positive attempt at reaching out to the at risk community. And I was all for it. But then... there would be some sort of line like "we know you can't reach out to the grown ups around you or the Christians around you."

Ouch.

I understand the sentiment. Too many LGBTQ youth have turned to a trusted adult to come out or express concerns and been strongly rejected and bashed. Kids being kicked out of their homes, being told they will go to hell, being disowned. I get it. I've had gay friends be very deeply hurt by the church where they thought they were loved. I've had gay friends get bashed with Christianity as the driving force behind the hatred. I was raised being taught that homosexuality was a sin, it was wrong, it was disgusting. That never made sense to me when I stopped and started to really think about God. I believe in a loving God. I believe that God has a plan for each of us. I believe that God created each of us in love. I believe that God doesn't make mistakes. I believe that God is the only judge. I believe that God's purpose for my life is to focus on love. I believe that God loves all people- no matter who they are, what they've done, what they look like or what they believe. I believe that God is bigger and mightier than anything I can comprehend and that I don't need to have all the answers but that the few answers I have are enough.

The answer that I have... is love. All encompassing, available to everyone love. The kind of love that isn't dangerously close to hate, the kind of love that doesn't result in jumping to anger, the kind of love that isn't available to only a certain definition or population. I do not believe in "love the sinner, hate the sin." I believe we are all sinners so let's just love everyone and leave the sin determining to God. I believe that applying that statement to homosexuality is wrong because I do not believe homosexuality is a sin. Period. God loves gay people. God created gay people. God doesn't make mistakes. Being gay isn't some great temptation of the devil. Being gay is BEING. It's creation, not choice.

My passion for equality and fairness isn't just about laws and civil justice. My passion is based in my faith. My beliefs are founded in my Christianity. I have a friend- who is gay and came out as an adult and had a bad experience with his church when he came out- who has given me one of the best compliments of my life. He's told me that he wishes every gay youth could have me as a mom or have me as someone in their lives that they could turn to for love and acceptance.

But if the message being sent by these spin off efforts is to not trust Christians or adults... those of us who are Christian and adult and totally accepting and supporting of the LGBTQ community aren't being given the chance to reach out and support and love. I know that there are a lot of Christian communities where it would absolutely not be safe to turn and open up. I know there are a lot of people who say they love God who would not be a resource that would be supportive and loving. I also know that I am deeply troubled to think that a teen in my church might think they can't come to me because the online presence is telling them they can't turn to adults and Christians.

So here's what I think... let's stick with a more positive approach and message. If you are a teen or adult and you are facing some questions that scare you or trouble you about your sexuality- take the risk and talk to someone that you know loves you. If you are thinking about hurting yourself or feel like you simply don't want to exist anymore, reach out to someone. If you stop and think for a moment, I hope that there is someone within your circle that you have heard say things that indicate that they are open-minded and all-loving. If there isn't, turn to resources like The Trevor Project.

And if you are one of those Christian adults who believes that God loves everyone and that being gay isn't a sin and that want to have people know they can turn to you with what they feel is a deep, dark secret- be open and loud about. Shine your Christian light to show that you are different. Don't try and stop yourself from saying something positive about gay people. Don't be afraid to stop people when they use hateful terms in regards to gay people. Stand up for God's children and let your voice be one that reaches through that darkness to someone who needs that pinpoint of light.

You might just save a life.

 

Everyday Heroes

The other day, a friend of mine posted a status update on Facebook about a sweet moment with her son who has autism. It was a cute little story and I teared up reading it. And I was reminded of other friends of mine who parent special needs children. I am so blessed to know women who are true advocates for their kids- working with and sometimes fighting the school, the doctor, the counselor, the insurance company to secure what is needed for their child. It got me thinking about people who are Everyday Heroes. Some people are heroes because of the career they choose- firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors, teachers, pastors, military. Some people are heroes because of their community involvement- the volunteers who run a food pantry, the woman who helps other women escape domestic violence, the neighbor who starts a safe neighborhood program. I asked the question on my Facebook page and on Twitter- Who are your everyday heroes? Everyday hero- people who don't do big, heroic acts but who live a life that you see as heroic. The way a specific mom manages her child who has autism. The way a husband cares for his sick wife. The way a child stands up to bullies. Who are the people who have been in a tough situation and made choices- sometimes even small choices- that you admire and find heroic? The answers- single moms, bus drivers, a husband. My friend Anne shared some people in her life that she considers heroes- and then she realized that she was describing specific traits or life philosophies that she admired (women who achieve balance). In church this past Sunday, our pastor started his sermon with a story about a violinist who was playing a concert and the strings on the instrument kept breaking until he was down to a solitary string. He could have quit, he could have walked off stage. But he continued to play that one string and compelted the piece. The point was- do you keep playing when you are down to one string? I think those are the people who are my everyday heroes. The people who have been faced with impossible situations but who continue to play that last string. Even moreso are the people who get down to that last string and find a way to keep playing and restring the instrument at the same time. And more than that, I am in awe of people who are down to one string that is about to break and they mange to keep playing, restring their instrument, and eventually build an entire orchestra. And that leaves me wondering- what example do I set with my life and my choices? Is there anyone out there who sees me as an Everyday Hero? Do I inspire others with the decisions I make in my everyday life? When I am down to one string, do I keep playing and then go further to teach others to play, too?

FitCity - Recipe Exchange!

Today, you will find me blogging over at FitCity Indianapolis. They are hosting a recipe exchange that I'm really excited about! Go check it out and leave a comment. I'd also love it if my readers participated in the recipe exchange! I'm turning off comments here and would love for you to leave me a comment over there instead. Most of all, I'd love for you to submit a recipe (you can "sign" it with your blog url / name - the recipes will be distributed electronically)! Go check it out!

*****

Sometimes I really struggle with figuring out what to cook for my family for dinner.  I work full time.  My husband works full time.  By the time we all get home and we have food ready, we end up with about an hour to eat and enjoy time together before we start the bedtime routine.  Our days are long and our evenings can be pretty hectic.  Sometimes, I really envy the moms I know who start the evening meal in the morning or mid-afternoon and can serve a healthy, homemade, well-balanced dinner to their families.

We eat out more often than we should.  It’s too expensive and it is too easy to get trapped in unhealthy food choices.  But at the same time, everyone orders food they want, there isn’t time spent on food preparation, and no one has to clean up the kitchen afterwards. 

In addition to the time crunch, I struggle with my own emotional connection to food and what making dinner really means to me.  I recently blogged about it- and about the solution we came up with.

With all of that in mind, it makes sense that I got excited about the new FitCity Indianapolis Recipe Exchange!   If you haven’t heard about it, please click over and check it out.  Send an e-mail of your favorite recipe by Oct 15 and you will get a copy of all submitted recipes.  Send a recipe that includes kids helping in the kitchen, and you will receive a free copy of First Lady Cheri Daniels’ new cookbook, “Family First.”

I am a member of Indianapolis MomsLikeMe.com.  One of my favorite forums is Recipes, Meals, Snacks.  And one of my favorite daily threads is the What’s For Dinner thread.  Moms share their plans for that night’s meal.  Some are complicated.  Some are simple. Some are leftovers. Some are “I give up and we’re ordering pizza.”  I get ideas and I also see that I’m not alone in my need for some creativity or my throwing in the towel due to stress.  I can read through that thread and get ideas on what to do with the chicken breasts I cooked Sunday night.  I can get inspiration to try flavors or foods I’ve never tried before.

Between FitCity and MomsLikeMe, I have also found a multitude of ways to get my kids in the kitchen more often.  I have used the FitCity recipe archive to make snack mix with my kids.  I have shared my own kid-friendly recipes on MomsLikeMe.  I’ve blogged about cooking and baking with my kids.  Having these resources to connect to, moms who face the same struggles that I do, helps me and keeps me focused. 

Much of what I know about cooking comes from my mom- and she learned from her mom.  Having the internet really opens up new doors.  It used to be that you learned how to cook from your family and the Joy of Cooking and a school or church fundraiser cookbook and that was about all the outside resource you had.   Now, there are blogs dedicated to food and cooking.  Have you been to Pioneer Woman’s Tasty Kitchen or visited FoodGawker? 

There is no end to the cooking resources available to families these days.  The bottom line is that eating at home is healthier and less expensive.  Yes, it requires planning.  Yes, it requires time and energy and clean up.  But the pay off is so worth it- my family eating together, my family being part of the meal being served, my family being nourished. 

How about you?  Where do you find ideas when you need a creative boost in the kitchen?   Have you sent in your recipe for the Recipe Exchange?  Do you have a group of people you talk to about what you’re cooking?

Cold and Sinus Remedies

In March of 2009, I wrote a post about non-medicinal remedies for colds and sinus problems. I thought it would be appropriate to revisit this topic today as I am currently fighting a cold with everything I've got! So let's review the list and see if there is anything to add. 1. Neti Pot - I plan to use my neti pot Monday evening- wishing I'd used it Monday morning! It has still been an important tool that I very much believe in. It's warded off nasty sickies before and I hope it works again! Even if it doesn't "cure" the cold or sinus infection, I believe it reduces the severity. 2. Exercise - I'm heading to the gym at lunch today (Monday) and hoping to get a good sweat going to work out some of the sickie-ickies! 3. Hot Tea - Haven't gone this route yet today but I did enjoy my coffee this morning. I have some spiced chai or maybe I'll go for gingerbread herbal later today. 4. Wine - Still one of my favorite ways to unwind at the end of a day where I've just felt ugh-y. I enjoyed a glass of Merlot last night. I'm sure it was full of haelthy anti-oxidants, too, right? 5. Massage - Hm. Going to have to work on this one. I think I'm due for a Massage Envy appointment anyway! 6. Shower Steamers - I haven't gone this route yet but they certainly helped me through the cold and flu season the past 18 months. Great for my kids, too. Toss one in the shower, put the shower on super hot and then sit in the steamy bathroom with my sick kid, reading books or just snuggling. I also really like the vapo plug in things for me and for my kids. 7. TV - I have to admit that TV is such a normal part of my life these days that I'm not sure I can count it as a cold relief plan! However, a husband who makes an effort to record your favorite show or to bring home a rented movie or who loads my Zen with a season of Dexter or Vampire Diaries or Big Love... definitely helps me feel better! 8. Snacks - I find that I really get cravings when I'm under the weather. I don't know if it's my body wanting something specific or what. What's funny is that in March of 2009, a year before I started my Healthier Me plan, my food focus was on junk. Specifically, ice cream and doritos. That doesn't do it for me anymore! The least healthy craving I'm having with this little cold is fried rice- and even then I get egg and veggies! I want things like yogurt and spaghetti squash instead. 9. Sleep - I still struggle with this one. Especially coming off of our very busy, no down time weekend. Once the kids go to bed, I have things to get done. Even the basics take time- laundry and folding clothes (Jeff does the laundry, I do the folding and sorting and outfit planning for the kids). So while I'd love to say that I will commit to going to bed early... I also know it isn't really going to happen until my body simply crashes. Bad, I know. 10. Not getting sick in the first place - No answers on this one. But one thing I've added to my self care routine is taking Airborne. I like it. I have had illness pop up and I will up my dosage when I'm feeling blah and I think it reduces the severity. I take it daily- like a morning vitamin- and take it 2-3 times a day when I'm fighting a bug or sick. My fave flavor is Very Berry and my second fave flavor is Pink Grapefruit. I like the generic Target brand, too, but the flavor variety isn't there. How about you? What are your tried and true methods for feelings better when sick or for fighting off the bugs?

Seriously?

WARNING: THIS POST COULD BE CONSIDERED ADULT CONTENT! Do not read if you could be easily embarassed or offended by the word PENIS. Or GREEN. ***** Yesterday, we spent the afternoon at the Renaissance Faire. We met fairies and saw the Queen and met an enchanted statue and watch many groups of singers and learned about pounding steal and about using an abacus and lots of other things. One thing caught my eye and has me truly scratching my head. There was an area set aside for fighting and we saw some cool battles- knights in various types of armor, kids checking out foam weapons. And fencing. Fencing is a really cool sport- I've always been intrigued by it but have to admit to not knowing a lot about it. For example, I know the sword thing is called a foil. And I know they were cages on their heads. And I know there is a lot of tradition and you get points for certain moves or hits. Beyond that, I know nothing. Most of all, I don't know why you would need to sew a green cloth, cotton stuffed penis to your outfit. Any ideas or info on THAT one?

Friday. Fragments. Yeah, that Feels Good!

It's been far too long since I've done a Feel Good Friday Fragments post!! ***** How did it suddenly become OCTOBER??? ***** Tomorrow, we are heading to the University of Dayton to see my brother (Ted) for Family Day. We will have lunch with the marching band and their families. We will enjoy the game (I will really be paying attention to the band). We will be sitting on the same side of the field as the band so that should be fun for the kids. I'm betting my kids get to spend some time running around with Grandma. And maybe some family time after the game. Should be a fun day! I went by myself last year and had a blast! ***** Speaking of Grandma, Zach is already counting down the number of sleeps we have left until we get to see Grandma. He is desperate for a trip to her house. He asks to go to Grandma's house and cries when he finds out we aren't driving there right now. Looks like we need to plan an overnight where we can let the kids stay with Grandma while Mommy and Daddy get a weekend away! ***** Oops. An important date went right past. Sept 26 was my blogiversary! I've spent 2 years as a bloggy part of the interwebs and boy oh boy has my bloggy life changed! The really awesome thing is to go back and look at the first month of posts... I especially love seeing pics of my kids 2 years ago and realizing how much they've changed! ***** What made me feel good this week? My kids being adorable and actually loving each other!

***** Another feel good moment? A 30 minute walk with my friend Ashli last night after music team practice at church. I started a small church walking group- it hasn't really taken off but many people think it's a great idea. Last night, it was just me and Ashli. Which was excellent because it has been far too long since the two of us just had time to talk! It was great to get caught up and spend time with my friend! Other highlights include a very random fireworks display and a fun little jaunt on the hopscotch outline. ***** Sunday, we plan to go to the Renaissance Faire here in our town. We've gone before and enjoyed it immensely. ***** How about you? Wha't been the highlight of your week? What are your weekend plans?