I have been reading Erwin McManus’ “Uprising” today, and I’m about halfway through it. In it, he talks about integrity and how (my paraphrase) when the crap hits the fan, we will show what we’re made of with our attitude. Either we’ll be reflecting the grace of God or we’ll be showing our true nature.

Today has been a really crappy day. Let’s just say neither of our cars are working right (one isn’t working at all), we got stranded in San Marcos for a couple hours because our newest car decided not to start. We get back and the kitchen is totally infested with ants. Nothing really major in comparison to the really horrible things going on in the world, but still, really frustrating.

So, even after just reading this bit about integrity, I don’t even give it a second thought and retreat to my old vices. I get really pissed off and drive like an idiot with the radio blaring, and white-knuckling the steering wheel and putting both my husband’s and my safety at risk. I think how easy it would be to go home, drink a huge glass of wine to “relax” or medicate my attitude in some other way. That’s what I did in the past and it helped, so it would surely be okay now, right? Then, some guy emails me with a rude comment and I instantly snap back at him just as rudely and then I realize how stupid I am being (and email him again to apologize).

Anyway, all that to say, if you read my blog…please do not hold me up on some pedestal. While we were in Scotland, James was joking that I pastor a megachurch because of the number of people that visit this site in a month, and I want to officially let it be known to you that I am human, a woman of many faults & weaknesses and lack the faith to trust God in crappy times and instead rely on my own anger-management habits.

Now I am going to take a really deep breath and go to bed and hope my husband will forgive me for being dumb tonight.

So, a few people have told me, “You know, you should really sell your photos.” And I say, “Yeah, whatever.” But I figure I’ll put those people to the test in attempt to prove them wrong that nobody would actually pay money for this stuff!

I’m going to sell some of my photography. I’ll frame it for you, whatever matting you want, frame color and size you want, whatever. You just pick something out of my gallery (Gallery One or Gallery Two), I’ll fix it up for you and ship it out. The price will depend on what you want for size, framing & matting, but the photo itself will cost you $25. Not a bad deal. We want to start saving for our trip to Scotland next year and you get a halfway decent piece of art.

Below are a few examples. Think, Christmas is coming up…what better to give than a unique gift? ::Wink, wink::

Email me if you want to get in touch…

So, a couple days ago, I was asked to attend a kiosk exhibtion in San Antonio. Let me tell you, if it weren’t for the informational kiosk, we couldn’t check in at airports so effectively or pull money out of an ATM. Now the church is going high-tech with the kiosk. You’ll be able to walk up, use it as a confessional, order communion, or deposit your tithes.

Ok…maybe not…and I honestly think that’s quite alright. But we are going to start using them as information stations around the church. So I am going to schmooze with kiosk vendors this weekend.

Chris and I are leaving tonight and hanging out in Austin, then it’s off to San Antonio.

What’s the craziest thing YOU would want a kiosk in a church to do???

Finally, we uploaded all of our Scotland pictures. Click on the one below to see them all.

Ok, so, Lori just posted a comment on the entry below about the book I am supposedly writing. Earlier last week, our new Scottish (Ok, English…but currently Scottish) friend Geoffrey asked something similar on his blog. The few links I was missing in my head were connected on the flight back from Scotland, and I’ve decided to do it. For real this time.
I am going to write a book.

It’s probably going to be targeted more towards girls, but guys, you are more than welcome to chip in as well on this question. I read Every Man’s Battle and skimmed through Wild at Heart, so surely there are guys out there who would read something to get inside a woman’s head, right?

The temporary title and direction I am going is…

Confessions of an Affirmation Junkie
(and other taboo topics good girls don’t discuss)

which is going to encompass the idea of loving God with all our hearts, minds and strength (physical, mental and emotional) – and how there are areas most women struggle and find temptation, yet no one ever talks about…such as porn, emotional affairs, wondering if you married the wrong person, dating and sex, etc., etc.

That is where I need your help. What are some topics YOU think should be written about that aren’t talked about??? If you’d like to post anonymously, just type in “anonymous” and a fake email for your comment.

Also, I am sure there are tons of people who read your blog (because you are way cooler than I am…) that would have extremely valuable input on this conversation. I would be completely humbled if you could post this request for people to respond to.

Thanks for your never-ending support!!