My 2 cents!

[  Mood: In Love ]
[  Currently: Listening to  ]

Ladies and gentlemen,

Just wanted to let y'all know that if you want to follow me on my new blog since I've been married you can find it here:

http://lucasandelysse.blogspot.com

And, you can read the beginnings of our story here: http://lucasandelysse.blogspot.com/p/our-story.html

Someday, I'm sure we'll write a book about it. In the meantime we're busy adjusting to married life learning to seek the Lord together, and both working full time!

I've added some photos of our wedding to my profile!

Miss y'all on here and hope to introduce my husband to you all someday!

[  Mood: In Love ]

To all the curious folks who wondered if the gal who wrote about why my generation isn't getting married would ever get hitched herself...the answer is...yes, I'm engaged!

And...I'd love to invite you to the wedding.

You can receive an invitation by doing 1 of 3 things

1) PM me your address asap!

2) Go to my fiancee's blog and fill out the form here: http://imwithlucas.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/wedding-announcement-feedback/

3) Send me your email address and I will email you the form to fill your address out

Yes, there's a long story behind all this and I can't wait to tell all of you about it. In the meantime, I'm praising God for His grace and goodness and planning a wedding.

-Elysse

I never stray to far from my homeschool roots

http://liter8.net/chgradio/elyssa-barrett/

Thought y'all might enjoy hearing this.

I miss all my HSA folks...terribly. Life is very crazy busy and I hope to get back on here and blog more often. But I'm not going to make any promises that I'm not sure I can keep. So, let's just say I'll do my best.

March 5, 2011

I thought I was done crying.

That’s what I was doing Monday evening.

But, just a few moments ago...I made the mistake of logging into my email account and typing the words “Greg Wallace” in the little search box. Almost instantly hundreds of messages popped up on my screen. And, as I remembered once again the impact that he had on my life, the tears rolled off my chin.

Greg’s impact, almost un-noticeable, but oh so deep and rich.

I honestly don’t really remember the first time we met. It would have been at a HomeschoolALUMNI reunion. After seeing him at a few events, I really got to know Greg through working together with him on the Homeschool ALUMNI Reunion. He was a real team player, and I began to respect him for that.

Working with him was an honor. Being friends with him was easy.

Since we were part of the early folks on HSA each of us felt a great deal of responsibility for what was going in the community. Usually our chat conversations would start with something about HSA - some post or bit of news we’d heard, and then tangent off in to an entirely different direction.

He would encourage me to broaden my musical tastes. He’d chide me for not learning ECD. I’d ask how he was feeling. He’d tell me. And, then we’d be back to discussing our friends. Or maybe talking about future plans. Asking a bit of advice. Always, always, there was humor, smiley faces. I don’t think I ever heard a cross or frustrated word from Him. It was up-beat, encouraging, hopeful.

...HSA. Get Smart. Immune System. Work. Stress. Grammar. Family. Music. Travel. Cancer. Friends. Jesus. Andy Griffith. Baseball. Techie stuff. Word Games. Cars. Guns. Traditions...

And then, he had heard about one of my adventures to transport Bibles in to a Restricted-Access nation, and decided that he wanted to go on the next trip. At first I couldn’t believe it...a guy who just beat cancer...and he wants to spend his healthy days sweating like a pig and taking part in helping out some strangers that he’ll likely never meet on earth and who live halfway across the world? He was thrilled about it, like a kid in a candy store, and most of our chat conversations began to be about the trip. Filling out the applications, raising the money, making travel arrangements.

I’ll never forget the trip. These last few weeks so many memories - like snapshots - have passed through my mind. His adventurous spirit. How he insisted on staying behind me in case I slid when hiking to the top of the mountain on a washed-out path with overgrown brambles because I had flip-flops on and was the only girl attempting to make it up there. When we both went in search of a cold, American drink (like a Coke, since we had to be careful about water) and ended up with Aloe jelly smoothies. Him proving his culinary skills when it was his turn to help with breakfast for the team. And, the gifts he wanted to bring home for his family - he so carefully and thoughtfully chose each one and wouldn’t stop until he found just what he was looking for.

Not too long after we both got back, the routines of life took over and we swapped “howdys” occasionally, but not as often as before. Until...he told me about Melody. It may sound trite to say, but she was an answer to prayer. Greg and I had both - many times - discussed the issue of the lack of relationships amongst young people in conservative, homeschooling circles. Not only had I written on it, but I had resolved to pray for each one of my single friends. He was fairly bubbling over in the message about Melody that came my way.

Before Monday this week it had never even crossed my mind that when I hugged Greg and said “until next time” on January 1, 2011 that was going to be the last time I would see him on earth. When all of a sudden I realized that Greg was going to beat me home, the tears started falling...

Even Jesus wept.

The tears are bittersweet. I wouldn’t change a thing. And, as much as we are all going to miss him, our lives are full having known him. Not so much because of who he was, but because of Whose he is.

Now that he’s with his King. Now that he knows about those people whose lives he changed by taking them a Bible halfway across the world, or like me - by just being their friend. Now, his life is complete in every way.

I had once wondered, but never really wanted to know what it feels like to lose a friend. Now, I do.

Words are just so inadequate.

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Until then - and for however long it takes, I will let the tears roll down and envy Greg who has no tears and is dancing with Jesus. Someday...

From the moment she was introduced as McCain's running mate, I've been much more of a Palin skeptic than fan. I certainly admire her stance on several issues. And, I have a certain amount of respect for her family and all they've been through the last few years (albeit much of it has been self-inflicted).

However, as the time passes I have become less and less impressed - if that's possible.

I'm not impressed with her as a woman. I recently read a book by the wife of a prominent Christian apologist, and in one chapter she reminds women that once they are married their husband and family should be their full-time “project”. That’s the type of woman I want to look up to - one who is consumed with her love for the Lord, and being a loving helpmeet to her husband. When I see pictures of Sarah dressed to the gills, next to her husband who is dressed more casually in jeans and a ball cap it just looks so wrong. I'm certainly not questioning their love or her heart, but it's not the example I want to set, or follow. Do I think that women can ever be in leadership or elected to office? Absolutely. But, I don't think it should be common or normal. Women in civil leadership is a sign of male leadership being abdicated. So, no woman should ever be excited or aspiring to step into civil leadership except as a last resort and in the case where there are simply no good men.

Secondly, I'm not impressed with her argument for *why* a woman would make a good president - because women can multi-task. Really? I know several women who can’t. Women being genius multi-taskers is a ridiculous stereotype propagated by the feminist movement who wants to add to their list of why men aren’t as good as women. Besides, Palin herself alludes to the concept that the women who are good at multi-tasking should be the ones at home raising their families. Frankly, multi-tasking is never something that crossed my mind when I run through my mental list of qualifications for leadership. And, I bet in never crossed yours either. In fact, I'd probably rather have someone who is one-track minded - at least they are less likely to be distracted by the myriad of special interests vying for their attention. My checklist goes something like this: Christian, pro-life, man of conviction, unwilling to compromise, rules well his own life, a man of character, one who loves his family and friends over and above power or money, one who is informed and teachable. Most times the options we have for candidates do not even meet the first two on this list, and rarely more than 3 altogether. It's in those cases that I usually write a name in the ballot. Yes, I know that it probably won't even get counted, but I can write a name down with a clear conscience. It might not count here, but I know that it counts in God's economy.

http://everythingbarrett.blogspot.com/2011/03/sarah-palin-and-multi-tasking.html

It’s been about 4 months since I’ve lived alone. And, I’ve discovered there’s a big difference between living alone and living “on your own”. I’ve been responsible for my own decisions and schedule for all of my adult life, on my own so to speak. But, my living arrangement had been with my family, until I moved across the country - where I rented a room from friends. The fact of the matter is when you live alone, all responsibility falls on your shoulders. There’s no one else to fill up the gas tank or check the oil. No one else to make dinner or to run to the store. Either you do it, or it doesn’t get done. Not being someone who is thrilled about being alone, I was expecting this season of my life to be hard. In many ways, it is. But, surprisingly, I’ve actually come to appreciate being by myself. Sure, I am still a very social person. And, it is no fun to come home to a cold, dark house and have to make dinner, but our God is good and uses these circumstances to remind us of the vastness of His love and care.

Family and Friends are Irreplaceable
There’s nothing like 1,653 miles to teach you that lesson. We live in a society that almost makes taking others for granted a sign of nobility and bravery. I know I’ve said it before, and I will probably say it again and again, but the family and friends God gives you are irreplaceable. There’s no easy substitute, and there shouldn’t be. Yes, technology is helpful. We can email, instant message, and even video chat. But, you can’t sit down and have coffee with a good friend, or hug your Mom, or give your little brother a high five. You can’t bake cookies for your Dad or have a tea party with your sister. You can’t hop in the car and help a friend move or take them chicken noodle soup when they are sick. It’s not the same. Treat your friends and family as if they are irreplaceable.


Good Community is Irreplaceable
God made us to be in community - in relationship - family relationships, friendships, and Church relationships. The older I get the more I realize how important good community is - and how rare. When one is surrounded by good community it’s like having a wonderful feast spread out before you, and without the presence of good community you can feel like you’re wandering in the dessert, parched and alone. Whether it’s the constancy of being fed the Word of God on a Sunday morning, or the consistency of encouragement from an old friend, or the wise counsel of your parents, good community should be of the highest priority in our lives. And, when one has found it, we should nurture and treasure it. But, being a part of good community is not just a passive experience, it’s active as well. You must take responsibility to be a giver and encourager in this community. Share, edify and be edified, reach out, and be hospitable. Don’t forsake the gathering together with your community - however large or small.

Hospitality is still possible
Along those lines, I learned that hospitality is still possible in a little 700 sq foot home. It may not be glamorous and elegant, but I think my Great Grandma would be proud of my efforts nonetheless. Sure, I can’t invite a whole family over, but I can invite a few people at a time, or small families. But, I can also be hospitable in other ways - baking cookies and taking them to work, volunteering to help with Church outreaches, being neighborly. All of these are ministries of hospitality.

Being Alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely
This is a lie that I had come to believe, and I had started to get fearful of living on my own. I certainly don’t think God made most of us to live alone all our lives, but being alone and being lonely are two very different things. Being alone is a state of being. Being lonely is a perspective, an attitude. The Lord has promised to be with us and never forsake us. Do we take Him at His Word? Do we look for opportunities to be friendly rather than wallow in our alone-ness?

Discipline is Essential
I like having a schedule and sticking to it. Being by myself, though, I can set my own schedule and have much less incentive to keep a good, disciplined life structure. I know that for the future and even my current overall well-being this is not a good plan. I can so easily get distracted by “good projects”, “interesting articles online” or “just one more episode of this show”. I can so easily forget important things - study of God’s Word, sleep, and eating regularly. It’s all just a matter of discipline, and living alone - when no one is looking over your shoulder - is a great opportunity to work on my Character, and make the things that are truly essential my priorities.

It’s often easier to hear God in the stillness
In my quest to be more disciplined, I have worked to remove distractions in my life by minimizing extra “stuff”. I rarely go shopping unless I absolutely need something (such as groceries), and I almost never go shopping for clothes. If I do, I try to have an accountability partner with me who will remind me that I really don’t need everything I’m tempted to try on. I have found that without the distractions that we so endearingly pass off as the necessities of life, the statement, “Be Still and Know that I Am God” has taken on new meaning in my life. I am savoring the stillness, the opportunity to see at a distance God working in the lives of those I hold dear - and even my own life. Many times the best course of action we can take is to stop moving, to be still, and to know with all we have and all we are that He is God, and He is good - perfectly good.

Trust, Faith and Move Forward
Moving over 1,500 miles away from home doesn’t seem that smart. It doesn’t seem like the brightest thing to do. Some days I wonder if it was. I mean, chances are I will move home someday, so why do I sojourn here? But, then I remember something that I learned so very clearly when I went to Asia to carry Bibles into a restricted access nation: “Trust Me, Have Faith, Move Forward”. I often repeated that to myself over and over and over and over as I set about my clandestine mission. It seems like utter foolishness to me. Why does God allow these borders to remain closed to large shipments of Bibles, but allows foreigners to transport His Word in? There’s only one answer that He’s seen fit to give me: “Trust Me, Have Faith, Move Forward”. And, so I did. And, so I do. Every day. Wherever I’m at. To whatever task I’m called at the moment. I try to do as he says: “Trust Me, Have Faith, Move Forward”.


"I will do my work quickly and efficiently, but I will live my life slowly and intentionally."
This is one of those quotes that I feel like the Lord has given me for this season of my life. It is a season of learning, of change, of trust and faith. That doesn’t mean I feel any less passion for the work He’s put before me, but I am more aware of the purpose He’s created me for, and the ultimate calling He’s given me. When I am tempted to get caught up in busy-ness, or distracted by things that should be secondary then I remember this quote and focus on the being slow and intentional with my life and life decisions.

I praise God for this journey and hope that these lessons he’s taught me might be a bit of an encouragement to you as well.

One of my 2011 New Year's Resolutions was to read at least 52 books (that's one per week, in case you were wondering...).



Apparently I got a jump start in January, reading 18 total (and starting several others). I figured one way to keep track of my progress is to post a list up at the end of each month. I did the math and at this rate, I'm over 1/3 of the way to my goal...



It's quite a diversity of books...and I'm kind of proud of that Also, several of them I listened to as Audio boooks - something I highly recommend doing if you have the opportunity!



How Could you Do that? - The Abdication of Character (by Dr. Laura Schlessinger) - while I don't agree with her methods all the time, I appreciate her strong stance for truth in many areas. I was curious to see how she was as a writer.



10 Stupid Things Women do to Mess up their Lives (by Dr. Laura Schlessinger) - mostly anecdotal. Nothing shocking here.



Rebecca (by Daphne Du Maurier) - I was proud to know that I read this novel before any of my other siblings



The Inheritance (by Tamara Alexander)



A Lantern in Her Hand (by Bess Streeter Aldrich) - This author was recommended as highschool or post-highschool literature by "The Book Tree" (which is a book I highly recommend using as a resource for quality literature)





A White Bird Flying (by Bess Streeter Aldrich)



Before you Meet Prince Charming (by Sarah Mally) - this book was sent to me by a friend who wanted my perspective on it. I found it refreshing, although targeted at a much younger audience.



The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe (by CS Lewis - Audio book) - I had never read much of CS Lewis, so figured I'd correct that. Can't say as he's become a favorite author by any stretch...but I can appreciate some of his work.

The Silver Chair (by CS Lewis - Audio book) - by far my favorite of the Chronicles of Narnia - at least so far.



The Last Battle (by CS Lewis - Audio book)



Prince Caspian (by CS Lewis - Audio book)



The Far Side of the Dollar (by Ross McDonald) - quite a study in human psychology and a picture of the rewards of deception.



Blink of an Eye (by Ted Dekker) - Also, another author I've never read before. It was pretty good - somewhat similar, in my opinion, to Oliver North's novels that are based in the present day.



The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (by CS Lewis - Audio book)



Why isn't a Pretty Girl like you married? And Other Useful Comments (by Nancy Wilson) - Also another recommendation from a friend who wanted to know my opinion on this recently published book. There wasn't anything earth-shattering in it for me, but I am glad it's been written. She says things the conservative Christian movement needs to hear. It was very practical and encouraging.



Building her House: Commonsensical Wisdom for Christian Women (by Nancy Wilson) - Also very practical for any woman in any stage of life. Definitely worth a read.



Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce (by John Piper - Audio) - probably the single most impacting book I read this month. A survey of his life and work. Inspiring, equipping, challenging. I plan to listen to this over and over and over and over again.



Unplanned (by Abby Johnson) - the story of the former Planned Parenthood director who God redeemed and has made a champion for life and truth. As one who is very familiar with the pro-life movement I laughed and cried...and praised God at the end!

...about what my favorite food might be...

This week's question:

What's your favorite food?

Elysse - Chicken Fettucini Alfredo or Home-made Spaghetti with Angel Hair Pasta

Josiah - Home-made Spaghetti or Roast

Liberty - Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato Sauce (w/ Squash, Zucchinni, onions) with Cheese Or Chicken Breast Sandwich on Wheat Roll with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato,Parmesan cheese

Jacob - Homemade Lasagna

Mercy - Home-made Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Joel - Salmon w/ Italian Dressing

Justin - Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

http://everythingbarrett.blogspot.com/2011/01/fridayer-sundayfavorites.html

For your intellectual and humorous enjoyment...


November 30, 2010

Express Toll

22470 East 6th Parkway, Ste 110

Aurora, CO 80018



To Whom It May Concern:



I drove through Denver on your toll road as I was moving back to Idaho after being temporarily away. I have driven all over the US and this is the first toll road I've encountered that is not user-friendly, and frankly, in my future travels I do not plan to use it. Certainly, I don't enjoy the thought of dealing with downtown Denver traffic, but after my last experience the negatives outweigh the positives of using the Denver Toll Road.



My first concern is with the poor service offered to those who *do* use the toll road. As you know, there is no option to pay for the tolls right there on the roadway. I was rather confused by this. A few months after returning home I received a bill for the toll and an additional finance charge. Please note that this was the FIRST bill I had received. I NEVER received a bill for just the toll amount itself. When I expressed this concern to your very nice Customer Service agent (and consequently her supervisor), I was told that it was up to me to read the Express Toll signs and go online or call the 1-800 number. It was made clear to me that not receiving the first bill could not have possibly been oversight or mistake, and it was predicated on me to search the bill out (even though I live in a different state, and I had no way of knowing who to contact). I find such logic to be flawed and offensive. I've worked in customer service for many years and I understand how to deal with complaints, and that some people just whine and gripe. That was not the tone of my call, nor my purpose. I was more than happy to pay the tolls since I used the road and was rather befuddled at the prospect of not being able to pay at that time. The issue is that universally accepted customer service rules of 'the customer is always right' and extending a grace period were not enlisted. When I mentioned that most companies have at least a 90 day grace period and reminded the representative once again that I did not receive the initial bill, I was flatly told that "we don't have a grace period". I don't wish to be inflammatory, but not only do I find this to system to be clumsy, I would call billing in such a manner robbery. Honestly, I don't know why you have a Customer Service phone number on your bills if there is no opportunity for discussing a bill and actually serving the customer.



My second concern -and another reason I will not be using the toll road in the future - is on a deeper level. I do not appreciate the technology set up to monitor the cars (license plate numbers, and thus names and addresses) of those who drive on the road. Please understand, as I already stated, for my work I drive all over the country, and I travel overseas on a regular basis. I'm no stranger to transportation, transportation systems, security, etc. That being said, I don't appreciate the invasion of my privacy and right to travel that your system subjects every driver on the toll road to. My freedom and right to privacy is more important to me than avoiding 30 extra minutes of downtown Denver traffic.



All this concern, you say, because of a $5.00 finance charge? Yes. Certainly, as I've explained above, this is a matter of principle to me. However, it's also a matter of economics. These are hard times. I have a budget, and I don't believe in debt, and work every day to pay all my bills and pay my credit cards off. I can't afford to accrue $5 finance charges. $5 is what I spend for meals for 2 days. Having paid the bill - since I wasn't given any other option - I now face figuring out how to eat for the next 2 days.



Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and I hope that improvements will be made for the benefit of those who will drive on the Denver Toll Road in the future.



Sincerely,





Elysse Barrett

As you may now the last few months I worked on a campaign in my hometown of Boise Idaho. I’ve worked on several elections over the years – doing everything from collecting signatures to setting up press conferences - but this was the first time that I’d actually gone knocking door-to-door. Besides it being a very healthy exercise, I found it to be very fascinating. Those of you who know me well know that I have a sort of hobby in trying to figure out what makes people tick – and how they make up their little sub-cultures and the culture at large.



Let me tell you…knocking on someone’s door provides you with prime opportunity to figure them out. Of course, there were categories of people, like: “mean, bitter ol’ grouch”, or the folks that would just answer “I don’t know” to every question you asked. Those were the special ones I marked under the “idiot” or “stupid” category, and as I left their door I prayed the Lord kept them from voting on election day. We don’t need any more idiots making decisions for our country. Now, the district we were working in is considered very Democratic. They’ve had Democratic representation in all of their state-level seats for about 8 years. I was pretty intrigued by what I found…and, I’m convinced that Boise’s not the only place people like this live. Most people were completely clueless, and blissfully so. They didn’t really want to answer any questions having to do with the issues we’re facing today. And, if they did answer many times it was with an “I don’t know” or some other illogical answer. Their body language typically communicated something like… “Look, I know there’s problems out in the world, but I’m denial and I want to put the problems off for my kids and grandkids to deal with. I don’t want to know anything more about these issues because I don’t in any way want to feel responsible…”



The other group of people I ran into went in the “very angry” category. Angry at the upside-down state of our world. Angry at the government, angry at the banks. Angry at everything in sight. Young people angry they can’t get jobs. Old people angry that their family is moving back in with them. Wives angry that their husbands have been out of work for months. On the one hand, I think that being angry is not necessarily a bad emotion – I saw this anger as very incomplete. People were angry, but had no tools to do anything about the situation. It was actually one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen. This look of wild frustration and total helplessness in the eyes of folks I was conversing with on their door steps. It made me so grateful to have the peace that passes all understanding and confidence in the victory that the Lord has already achieved in my life – and not only that for this world and the one to come.



Growing up removed from many of the cultural norms, I have to say I *was* surprised at what a strong stranglehold 3 things in particular have over the American population at large: the government school system, the right to healthcare, and personal comforts. I don’t know how many times I heard statements like “I don’t care what the government cuts, but I will never vote for anyone who cuts spending to education. In fact, I will pay *more* taxes if it goes to education.” Or, the old lady who is smoking while on oxygen pontificating that “…it’s about time America catches up to our progressive European friends and provides everyone healthcare…something we all have a *right* to!” I have to admit that more than once my jaw fell open in utter disbelief. A few times I repeated a person’s statement to them just to make sure I *actually* heard them right. People openly believe this? Wow. I have to say, walking the streets in the beautiful city of Boise almost convinced me that personal responsibility, a sense of right and wrong, and common courtesy are things long dead and gone. Yes, the public schools, healthcare, and a general love of personal comforts above everything is certainly deeply entrenched in the American way of life. And, let me make a comment on the national election here. I know many who were and are staking their hopes on this Republican swing. While I’m certainly not disappointed that there is now more R’s than D’s…what I can say is that I recognized more clearly than ever this election cycle that the only real change MUST be individual people and families changing their entire lifestyle to one that’s Biblical. No amount of Republican representation is going to accomplish that.



Well, despite having knocked on hundreds (actually, thousands) of doors…we lost. But, oh, I learned so much. I learned that the only way to fix the problems in a culture is to take the advice of Dodge. Grab it by the horns. We can’t solve problems without facing them. Nor can we solve them without providing solutions. The problems in our culture are so far beyond the “standing around the water cooler and talking about how bad they are” stage. The best way solve the issues in the pseudo-American/Christian culture that everyone seems be in a mad dash to be angry about is to build a new and better culture. Make the old one obsolete by making a better one. One that works. One that values what God made us to value. One that is Biblical. And that takes work. Hard work. Intentional work. Tough decisions. Maybe even crazy ones.



It means seeking to set aside your own comforts and desires at every opportunity. It means pouring your life into the lives of other people. It means confronting their futile thinking and giving them truth, which brings restoration and healing. It means giving children a distinctly Christian education, so they can’t even understand Mathematics without understanding God. It means practicing hospitality – whether we like to or not, because Jesus said to. It means being peacemakers. It means approaching healthcare from a Biblical perspective of responsibility and bearing one another’s burdens. It means changing our perspective of family to include orphans and widows because we are the orphans Jesus chose to save for His own glory and no merit of our own.



It doesn’t mean making a hide-out and separating ourselves from the world. It doesn’t mean eating granola, wearing denim jumpers and driving 15 passenger vans. Those might all be good things, but they’re not the answers. What we’re doing – by the grace of God – is so much bigger than that. It’s brick by brick taking a hopeless culture apart and replacing it, brick by brick, with hope.