AirPort Issues

Dear Friends,

I've been having some issues with AirPort on my computer. For some reason it won't hold a signal - it just keeps saying it's unable to connect. Because of how my Mail works, I can't access it away from my computer. Thus, if you have tried to email me and haven't received a response, it's because my computer has ISSUES! Agh! Just wanted to let you all know.

Love,
Lauren

p.s. if you're wondering how I posted this, my sweet husband let me borrow his computer for a few hours - hallelujah.

More...

The Whole Chandler Clan: Rich, Heather (Matt's younger sister), Hudson, Katie, Janet & Steve (Matt's parents), me, Matt, Reid, Audrey, Stephanie (Matt's older sister), Sherman, Adam, Ethan, Lizzie & Brian

New Picture

So the new look for the blog was actually an accident. I was trying to change our profile picture but instead posted a HUGE picture of our crazy family as the title. Though I thought about changing it back, I'm going to keep it for now - keep you on your toes!

(Thank you Lindsey Brittain for the excellent photo!)

Constructive Criticism

Mmm...don't those words just warm your soul? Aren't you just jumping at the chance to receive it? I mean, if you think about it, we should be, right? It's an opportunity of a lifetime - to receive information for our benefit and betterment. I know you're all thinking this with me...

Bring. It. On.

Okay. Maybe not everybody. Maybe not, and especially not, me.

You see, I'm like that man in Matthew 25. No, not the one with 5 talents, nor the one with 2. I'm more like the one with one talent. The Lord graciously entrusts a gift to me - it's a gift I don't deserve in any way, shape or form. Yet despite my unworthy state, He gives me the chance to use it to glorify Him.

However, I get out into the world and start noticing that my measly talent is nothing compared to others. People come up to me and say, "Wow. Have you seen such-and-such's talent? It's so bright and shiny! She totally needs to put that in a case and display it for everyone's enjoyment."

Glancing down at my small, dull coin and quickly tucking into my pocket, I stammer, "Yeah. Sure. I'm mean, she's awesome!"

Secretly I'm thinking, Whew. I will never let anyone see my talent who's seen hers. It just doesn't compare.

Then I begin plotting what I will do with my talent. There's no way I can risk investing it. People might see that it's lacking and needs improvement. I don't think I could take the criticism - even if it is constructive.

I conclude to find a field in the middle of nowhere and bury it. Deep. I'll still "have" it. I just won't let anyone know. That way, when God asks me for it, I can give it back to Him - in the same state He gave it to me. Except, a little bit dirtier.

But a voice deep inside whispers, "Oh my daughter. Don't you see? You have been lazy and so full of your own pride. Be faithful with that small, dull coin. Dig it out. Dust the dirt off. Take it out of your pocket. Put it on display where I have placed you. Risk. Risk the pain of disappointment. Risk loss. Risk the criticism. And grow. Bloom. For Me and My glory. Be faithful over a little and I will give you much. Most importantly, grow and bloom in My joy!"

So maybe my whole being doesn't long for constructive criticism. I don't run around looking for it. I don't embrace it with joy.

But, perhaps I should. Perhaps I am missing out on an opportunity to receive the greatest blessing, the most amazing talent - more of Him.

Charles Eugene Parmesan

a.k.a. Chuck E. Cheese...

i.e., where we went last week when Daddy was out of town for a few days.