Music is my default plan for untangling my inner world. At the end of a particularly oppressive, ridiculously overtaxed day, I need my itunes. Yes, I admit that is probably rather tweenager of me, but it acts as a sort of sieve for my internalized angst. I randomly select songs with mood and content to address the days unresolved issues. It is all I can do to not devolve to karaoke sometimes. But, I restrain myself for the sake of my family.

It can be as simple as something retro and rock, a blaring anthem, global house, or alternative and folklike. Eventually I wind my way around to worship. I am a lover of God and His presence is my ultimate destination and desire, regardless of my air guitar, rockband mentality.

This searching reflects my typical pattern of relating to Jesus, one that I hope I will ultimately outgrow. You see, I have to explore all my options, exhaust myself with my own inadequate pursuits, and ultimately arrive at this throne, wondering what took me so long. He smiles. He know me. He is a patient God.
In eterntiy, I doubt that we will float around with harps like the great artists of old depicted. I imagine the choir leader has some new technology that will stun the senses, but I must admit, I think Christ will enjoy all the soloist He knows so well, who found themselves and ultimately Him through a digital download.

Don't Mess With Shakespeare

Table talk for our family usually involves at least one conflict over the misuse of a word.
My children think I am slightly daft. I can live with that. I have a little of a Shakespearean complex that leads me to believe that I too can validate new words. I make them up "on the fly," with great degrees of self-satisfaction. The horror of a wounded word is not to be tolerated in my home. There are cries of foul play and penalty, but I hold my Shakespearean head high and grin maliciously. I also mix my Spanish and French into my own little language, but that flaw will be saved for another post. I have created communication mayhem with these skills on more than one continent.

For now, I will simply share with you my favorite real words. All of these can be found in a dictionary, and I hope they will eek their way into your conversation this year.
Give a new word a chance.

Words that inspire me:
catalyst, portal, possibility, gracious, achievable, gratitude, eternity, excellent, promise

Great mean words:
loathe, repel, despise,vex, malicious, malevolent, vendetta, Machiavellian (this one was to impress you). Note the repeated use of V. What is that about?

Happy words that need more use:
whimsical, radiate, embrace, kite, delicious, cocoon, savor, curious, bliss, release

Four letter words to try:
love, hope, help.

How about you? Have any swell words to share?
Share them with me. I am blissfully curious to savor your gracious contributions.