Random Musings

I typically do not have a difficult time organizing my thoughts and putting them to paper. However, the topic of this blog is one that has stirred me so greatly that I’ve had trouble organizing my thoughts about it. I’m still sorting through the reasons it has affected me as deeply as it has, and writing is usually part of that journey for me. The tragic death of Anna Nicole Smith has affected me in a way I could not have anticipated. Although aware of Ms. Smith, I never considered myself a fan. However, the media spectacle and constant conjecture surrounding her life has stirred my heart and challenged me to take a closer look at myself and the culture in which I live. Since her sudden passing, I’ve heard many people (in the media, in conversation, in the blogosphere) say things like “What a wasted life” in regards to Anna Nicole Smith. The constant media scrutiny of the situation has also given many the opportunity to make other judgments about her life, i.e. “She married her husband...

I just finished reading the last book in a series about a family in Indiana. The story started with The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury and has continued in The Firstborn Series. (I hear there's a third series on the way and I can't wait to see what happens next). Anyway, this series of books follows the ups and downs of a Christian family as they learn to love each other and make it through the trials that are thrown their way. At the heart of the family are John and Elizabeth Baxter, the parents. In this story, they weather many storms together through decades of marriage. At one point in their journey, Elizabeth takes the time to write down her "Ten Secrets to a Happy Marriage". And, although this is drawn from a fictional story, I found the words to be poignant and applicable to all relationships, not just marital ones (although some of them are specific to marriage and may even raise a few eyebrows for some of you). I wanted to repost them for you he...

Fallen off the face of the earth… It’s been a while since I’ve blogged anything. It’s actually been a while since I’ve done much communicating at all. For a natural born introvert who converted to extrovertism at a young age, there often come times when I need a break from all social activity. Sometimes these periods are brief, other times they can be quite protracted. I have no idea when this one will end. I suppose the fact that I’m even thinking about sharing my most recent thoughts is a good sign that the end is near. We shall see. During these periods of introspection, I spend a great deal of time reading and “chillin’ out” and not much time conversing and connecting. I find that I need these stretches of time to recharge myself and again be able to face my world of extroverts. However, I think these phases of mine confuse my friends. I think they begin to feel as though I have “fallen off the face of the earth”. Thanks to Jamie for drawing me out some this weekend. It w...