To ink.....or not to ink.....

......that has been a question tossed around lately.

So as you all know, I am a fan of tattoos. Last week, I shared the last one I got done. I enJOY my tattoos, they make me smile when I look at them, I reflect on what they mean to me/what they represent. Some of mine are in places that others cannot see for the most part, this recent one is on my inner wrist, clear and plain for the world to see....They are my own personal expression. I love Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!

I also understand and respect that not everyone feels the same as me when it comes to tattoos. In fact, many good Christians frown upon them and sometimes condemn those of us who have them or want to get them.

I would like to add this disclaimer that I do not claim to have any theological background at all, remember, my favorite version of the Bible is the Children's One I read with my kids. I am just going to speak from my heart and how I am understanding God's Word.

I have heard the verse in Leviticus 19:28 be used as a basis for many. "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD."

It was explained to me that God is warning the Jewish people about a pagan practice at funerals, where people would mutilate/mark themselves to appease their false gods. Apparently as a form of grieving, they rubbed the ashes of their deceased loved ones into the wounds as a sign of respect and also so that they were "carrying" them with them. Another theory is that they hoped that by cutting themselves and marking images/symbols of idols on their bodies, that they would obtain favor in the afterlife from their false gods, both for themselves and for those who just died.

It is also interesting that when Leviticus is followed to the letter, other passages in Leviticus warn the people from cutting their hair or trimming their beards, wearing clothes that are made of a mix of textiles and growing certain crops beside each other; ( ie, the "mingling" of seed). So what about the man who shaves and wears polyester?

Here is another angle from me and how I think. When also referring to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body,"

When talking recently with a friend (who is a youth pastor and tattooed as well)....he reminded me that you destroy your "temple" by allowing sin to run rampant in your life. Whether you are tattooed or not.....I believe it is more about who you are, what is in your heart.... how you treat others. We all know unfortunately of the many hypocrites in Christianity. Jesus reminds us that you can clean the outside of the cup and if the inside is dirty, it means nothing.

Ultimately, it is all about your personal relationship with Jesus. I would like to believe (again *my* interpretations/beliefs....) that if Jesus was hanging around here with us, he'd be wearing his sandals, sporting a few cool tattoos and have some awesome dreadlocks. (sorry, the hippie in me is coming out)


So I guess I'll wrap it up with this......I believe Romans 14:23 where it reminds us that anything that does not come from faith is sin. My tattoos come from my faith and my love for Jesus Christ. I have no regrets.

I would love to hear how you all feel about tattoos.......you know I keep it real, so I encourage you to do the same. Remember, I have my big girl panties on, so no worries about "agreeing to disagree" with this topic. If I couldn't handle all opinions, I wouldn't choose to put this out here and ask. I think as long as your comments are shared from what you truly feel in your heart and not out to slam any of our brothers/sisters opinions and beliefs........ there is no right or wrong response.

Thanks!

*~Michelle~*

Agape Love

Just wanted to share my newest tattoo!

......I got it right after my son Hunter got his:

(pretty awesome, huh? But can you say OUCH!?!?!)

Thank you for letting me share...

Have a beautiful and safe weekend, my friends~
*~Michelle~*

The Cost of Anger-Guest Post/Shirley Jones

Back in October I wrote a post called Listening to the Littlest where it dealt with one of my not-s0-mother-of-the-year moments. I received an email from a wonderful person, Shirley, who took the time to reach out to me. Now I am now blessed to call her my friend. Shirley describes her blog Sketches of a Common Life as a scrapbook of common life. I describe it as a blog jam-packed with wisdom, truth, hope and faith.....now throw in a twist of humor and what she likes to refer to as "demented conversations". But don't take my word for it.....hop on over and read for yourself. But don't go yet.....

......now back to that email.......It blessed me beyond words. Not only did Shirley encourage and remind me of the rewards of mothering.....but she also opened her heart and shared a story about her daughter Missy. I was so moved by her story that I asked her if she would mind doing a guest post for my friends.

So without further adieu.....

The Cost of Anger
~by Shirley Jones

Toward the end of the summer of 2007, our daughters, Missy and Karri, hopped into the car, mostly on a whim, and took off for a week's vacation in Florida. I have jokingly called the trip their Thelma and Louise moment, and I am so happy they had that bit of time together and for the memories they made. I am an only child, so I don't understand the bond of a sister, but they were both sisters and best friends.

However, I was not happy that they both came back with souvenir tattoos. I was livid and hurt and disappointed, and I had actually decided that I would show them how hurt and angry and disappointed I was by pulling back from them...by withholding my love from them in an old fashioned pouty fit.

I am constantly amazed at God's mercy and how He can intervene when we're about to do something irreversibly stupid. After I found out about the tattoos, I called a friend to cry on her shoulder and to vent. I don't know what it was, but there was something about that conversation that God used to stop me from doing something I would have regretted the rest of my life. By the time I hung up, I had decided I was being silly and that I was just going to let it go...and I did. I realized that they were both still my beautiful daughters and that I loved them no matter what and that tattoos are just ink and certainly not worth destroying a relationship over.

Thank You, God! Thank You!

Four months later, Missy was killed in an automobile accident.

How dear the cost my anger would have been had I withdrawn from her! How could I ever have lived with myself...with the remorse! I believe with all my heart it would have driven me insane because I could never have gotten that time back! Never! But God intervened and saved me. My last months with Missy were wonderful instead of being spent in near estrangement from her.

Still, after Missy's death, I struggled with how angry I had been. It was my last point of anger with her. I could not forgive myself! It haunted me during long, sleepless nights. And then one day I made a decision--I was going to get a tattoo. Call it penance...call it a peace offering... I felt it was my best I could offer to Missy and to Karri and to myself. Eight months later, I sat in a tattoo parlor, at the age of 61, with Karri, Don, a friend, and perhaps Missy, there by my side lending me love and moral support. When the tat was finished, tears, cheers, and hugs filled the room. I was at peace...

The tattoo is a constant reminder to me of anger's cost. That who people are has nothing to do with ink on their skin. That we have to live so we can live. And that we cannot foolishly assume we have the promise that our loved ones will be here tomorrow! Every moment with them is a sacred gift from God to be treasured!

The cost is much too dear for us not to!

~Shirley

Shirley's tattoo was carefully chosen for it's symbolism....

"Just when a caterpillar thought it's world had ended, it became a butterfly"

Missy is now a butterfly.

Today is the second anniversary of Missy going Home to Heaven.....won't you please take a moment and say a prayer for Shirley and her family. May they feel God wrapping His loving arms around them.....May they feel a supernatural peace over them knowing that Missy is at the feet of Our Savior, happy and whole.

Thank you Shirley for sharing Missy with us.....and may you all hug your loved ones a little extra tighter today.



Peace and love~
*~Michelle~*

*Fresh Ink*

(*excuse the crappy camera quality)

Not so sure this is the norm, but this is how we celebrate turning 16 in our home!

Happy 16th birthday, Hunter!
We love you so much!

Three Things This Thursday

I can't believe it is already Thursday! This week flew by......so let's get into Three Things:

1. So G, my oldest son went out and got a new tattoo yesterday. I must be a weird mama but when he got his first tattoo (at 16) it felt kinda like a milestone in a way. I have had my share of negative comments such as "I would never let my kid get one at 16" or "he is going to regret that one day".
Ummmmmm.......
A: never say never when it comes to life (and children).
You.never.know.what.tomorrow.brings.

*and most of the time, the people who give advice or make comments about parenting do not even have any children. Or they judge situations that they have never been in, such as teenage years.

B. My son got a Bible verse down his forearm. Not a naked girl or a giant Spongebob! (no offense to any people sporting Spongebob, Patrick or any of the Bikini Bottom gang)

So yeah, I love tattoos as I have mentioned before. I believe they can be a great way to express yourself . I am intrigued when I see them. I wonder who or what they represent.

G came to me and told me what he wanted for his next tattoo. Together we found the perfect font and designed it. (nothing like a little sketching-tattoos-with-your-mom bonding time to create lasting memories, huh?). As you can see, it says "In God I Trust" where he can flip it around to also say "I Trust In God". We dropped it off at the tattoo shop and made an appointment for the following week.
Well that week....G received some pretty devastating news. He found out that his basketball coach, who is an amazing guy.....has cancer. It really shook G up. This coach has been so influential in G's high school years.....he actually is one of the reasons G is still in high school as academically he struggles. But his determination to play and star on the basketball team has kept him focused and disciplined. We owe alot to Coach D. And Gunner felt he owed him this added piece as well.
Can I ask you to please pray for G's coach this week? He starts his treatments and we believe in the power of prayer and miracles. We believe that when two or three come together, God is with us and answers our prayers.

2. So I was actually mad when I went to the grocery store and saw the price of hummus. I think I might have even said "Are you kidding me?" a little too loud when I asked for a price check with that teenager working in produce. He gave me this strange look and quickly resumed stacking his cantaloupes. It was like this thimble sized container (OK, I am exaggerating, but it was something that would last about 12 minutes in my house) and it was priced $4.29!

So not giving in to the MAN (who is the MAN anyway?).....I came home and with the help of a friend found a recipe to make my own. I went a little too heavy with the balsamic vinegar so we toned it down with more garlic, onion powder, salt and some toasted sesame seeds. But for the price of a couple cans of chickpeas and other things I already had in my cupboard....I will never be buying hummus again. The great thing, is that you can make it with whatever added ingredients you like. I am going to try blending in roasted red peppers the next time I whip up a batch.

Homemade Hummus

• 1 clove garlic, peeled (I used 2-3 heaping tablespoons of minced garlic)
  
• 2 (15.5 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained
• 1/4 cup olive oil
  
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar(this was WAY too much.....I would suggest maybe 3 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup cold water
• salt and pepper to taste

Put garlic and chickpeas in food processor until evenly blended....with processor running, slowly pour in olive oil, scraping sides as necessary. Then add vinegar until evenly blended.....add water until you get a spreadable consistency........season with salt/pepper to taste.
As I mentioned, we added toasted sesame seeds and onion powder too. Chill before serving.

If you don't have a food processor, which I do not.......use your blender on "pulse" setting. It is a little harder as you have to keep stopping and mixing it up......but it worked!

This ended up giving me enough hummus to fill up a medium size tupperware container and send some home with my friend.

It was awesome with toasted pita pockets, tortilla chips and pretzels......it basically lasted 2 days in this house! But it probably cost me less than $2.

3. Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the yummiest hand-made soap ever!!!! Bath Artisan Soaps is also offering FREE shipping to you all this weekend.......great time to treat yourself!

OK, so there you have it........my Three Things This Thursday! Please join in and leave your link with Mr. Linky! I could always use a great laugh or learn something new such as a helpful hint or a new recipe.






Have a great day! We are off to a wildlife sanctuary for a homeschooling field trip. :)

Peace~
*~Michelle~*

Time for a change....

Do you ever get antsy that you are ready for something new or a change? I am not sure if it is because spring is here and the "new beginning" buzz is in the air.....but I am definitely on board for changing things up a bit.

Josh and I are tackling a new section of our yard.....clearing out some land....cleaning up the random items that I swore I would never have hanging around to turn us into hillbillies.....such as an old set of tires, a heap of broken bikes, some extra windows and odd pieces of lumber that I've hung onto because there always is a project that needs that odd piece as soon as we decide to burn it.

Our mini corral fence needs some serious repair.....especially now since Josh was on his testosterone high with his new chainsaw. Something about a man and his STIHL (some hardcore saw company).....just observe it from a distance is my advice. You see....math is not one of Josh's best subjects and let's just leave it that he didn't calculate how tall that tree was when it came crashing down on a few sections of the fence. I loved the look on Josh's face.....who calmly turned to me and said...."Add fix fence to our list"

So yeah, we have changes to be done in our home.....but I am getting the itch for changes with me....I know it starts with dusting off the coat-rack treadmill and start running again. It also is going to include using the As Seen on TV "Flex Band Powerpack" pilates set that includes Intense Sculpting Challenge DVD, regular and extra strength Flex-Bands......as well as an Easy Start poster. neat! (eek....now I can see where Nev gets it from, remember this post?)
I scored this at 75% at CVS, because you know I wouldn't have spent more than $5 for it...

OK,
new yard. check.
new body. check.

onto......new tattoo.

Not sure how you feel about tattoos....and it's all good. I respect people's opinions....as long as they are on the same page as me......KIDDING!!!! Seriously....I know some people do not like tattoos....I love what they express.

I have a few....I have a beautiful detailed blue swallowtail with John 8:32 which totally represents how I feel about the butterfly....pretty sure it was one of my first blog posts.

I have a cross with G and H's name in it that was my first tattoo....my big turning 30 moment. I also have a little pawprint that is dedicated to Beethoven.....our gorgeous Rottie who passed away from cancer in 2006 at almost 11 years old. What a beautiful creation from God.

So I have a few ideas on my next tattoo(es). I def. want some sort of "tree of life".....with my and Josh's initials scrolled into the roots.....and then the kids' initials scrolled into the branches. There will be fallen leaves for my angels.....and a dove perched in the branches to represent Our Lord who sits in the center of our family. I want it done in the curly "henna" style, very feminine.....kinda whimsical/paisley looking if you can imagine that.

I also want little curly lines under it to represent a stream....and this all ties into a few Scriptures that it will represent:

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. ~Psalm 1:3

and/or

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." ~Jer. 17:8

So I know I definitely want this tree to represent me and my family....just gotta figure out where I want it. If I had buff Madanna arms, I would put it somewhere on my upper arm......but that is about 1,385,549 tricep dips away. I even might consider a smaller version on my inner forearm......I dunno. I do know it is going somewhere. I am very particular about not looking like a patchwork quilt of bodyart....so I have to get creative with this.

But going with my un-medicated ADD brain......this weekend, I have this overwhelming emotion come over me with Christ's resurrection and it just blows me away.....and I have the image of Cavalry Hill burned into my heart. Just a simple sketch of the three crosses on the hill is what I am imagining behind my neck, I think. Hmmmmm.....decisions decisions.

Please feel free to leave your suggestions and/or ideas on artwork.....and also if you have any tattoos....I'd love to hear about them and/or see them!

So for now......I am tossing around the ideas in my head, trying to get them on paper......

I guess I am getting to that "time for a change" point for many reasons lately......celebrating Josh's b-day reminds me that we are venturing into a new chapter in life...my baby losing her first tooth....life is pleasantly moving ahead....

....and being in that time for a change kinda mode, I did what any normal sane level-headed person would do.....I went out and got a few baby chicks to hold me over in my "need a change" state of mind. :)

You can see that Mufasa is very on board with our new additions too. Although his "on board" might include how good they might taste.

Have a great day!
Peace~
*~Michelle~*