The Kisers

Picture of Good and Evil

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Yes that's me stuck between Darth Vader and Jesus. Just your typical Saturday night.

America's Got Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:44:00 +0000

Great

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite women of all time:

Friends meet Great.

This is my great-grandmother ( dad's dad's mom). Basically when my brother was little he couldn't say great grandmother, he could only get out Great. It stuck and that was her name.

Yesterday would've been her 100th Birthday.

I have been so blessed to know 4 of my great-grandmothers in my life time. Each of them heroes of mine in their own way.

When my parents divorced when I was a baby Great moved in with my dad for a time to help out some. This picture below was snapped of us sitting on the swing of our house in the Heights that was printed in the Houston Chronicle (must have been a slow news day).

I loved (and still do) this woman with so much of my heart. She is a woman of great strength and incredible humor. She found her self a young widow with four children too early in life.

She was a pillar in our family of faith (and the last Baptist woman before me... my Papaw lead the rest of our family astray into the Methodist world. I'm totally kidding Papaw, just seeing if you are still paying attention).

She was also a beautiful poet. After she passed away my Papaw made a collection of her poems that is one of my greatest treasures in life.

One of my favorite things she used to tell me growing up is how much I remind her of my Uncle Steven. My Uncle was killed in a car accident when he was just 17. I never knew him. But Great used to tell me all the time that I was a little Steven. I loved that. You see my Uncle Steven was the crazy, adventurous,... not like the rest of group kind of a man. From what I know he pursued passion in life-- maybe not always in the best ways, but passion was his quest.

And I'll end with one final story about the two of us.

When I was little Great had to have heart surgery. Apparently I was really worried about it as a young girl. When my family was talking to me about it I finally asked what had been on my mind: "Well if they open up Great's heart is Jesus going to come out of it?" Oh the raw faith of a 3 year old. (Update: Just realized (and was reminded) that the heart surgery was my other great-grandmother. But still a neat story and testimony of what I had been taught.)

Great, I'm so thankful that you poured into me the truths of Jesus before I even could truly know what you were talking about. I still miss you and think about you often.

Your favorite oldest great-granddaughter,

Sinking Mountains

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Trusting God is my biggest problem in all of life. I’m ridiculously independent... well, that and prideful. Not a great combination.

This past year or so the Lord has been taking me through this process of trusting Him in some CRAZY (to me) areas. He has called me to trust Him in ways that I, number 1, didn’t realize I wasn’t, and, number 2, never thought He’d ask it.

We’ll I wasn’t and He did. So here we are.

This morning I was reading in Matthew and came across the story of when Jesus cursed the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22). It is actually kind of a crazy story. It says that Jesus was hungry and when He came to the fig tree and saw that it had no fruit he cursed it and it withered.

If he was hungry, why didn’t he just cause it to sprout a fresh fig? More than likely and yet again, He sacrificed He personal comfort so that we could learn a lesson.

What he said next to the confused disciples grabbed me in a whole new way this morning:

“If you HAVE FAITH and DO NOT DOUBT, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ IT WILL HAPPEN. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, IF YOU HAVE FAITH.”

So this morning I found myself desperate for this faith. A faith that could take this mountain of unbelief and fear and throw it into the sea-- completely drowned, never to breath again!

This leads me to one final thought...

Do we pray in faith any more or do we pray in the comfort of “your will be done?”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying to stop praying for God’s will to be done. But shouldn’t we pray with faith for greater things since we don’t know what His will is?! Isaiah 55:8-9 says that His ways and thoughts are greater and higher. If we believe in His sovereignty we trust that regardless His will will be done. But don’t we want our faith to be evident to Him that we believed for great things, then when His greater thing comes, we knew He would amaze us all.

I think sometimes we pray “your will be done” not because we want to honor His sovereignty but because we don’t want to be let down. We really don’t believe that He could do greater things.

But He can. And He will. Just watch...

Pray for Matt Chandler

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:28:00 +0000

Please pray for Matt Chandler when you read this. His surgery is starting in 15 minutes to remove a mass in his right frontal lobe. Pray for healing, hope in Christ and peace for the family as they wait all day in the hospital room.

Here's a link to a blog he wrote this morning...

http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/hvpastor/

We love you Matt and Chandler family and will be praying for you and the doctor's throughout today...

Could it really happen?

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:41:00 +0000

KHOU is making some dangerous claims and they better not let us down:

Friday
High: 40°
Low: 32°
Chance of Snow

That's right friends... SNOW might actually be here soon. And we thought we wouldn't see snow till we got to Indiana next month.

P.S. This isn't helping any of the arguments for global warming.

P.P.S. Do any other Houstonians laugh ever time they see the signs: "Watch for Ice on Bridge." I found myself cracking up about this earlier this week. But maybe this year I just will have to!

Dating Advice: What NOT To Do

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:34:00 +0000

I was flipping the channels earlier and came across a show that trains teens how to date. Intrigued I stopped for a minute to see what the media is training teens to do.

With in minutes I was shocked, saddened and horrified.

It wasn't even sexual, it was deeper than that. It was identity based.

The girl in training was 16 and loved comic books and anime. Now that isn't exactly my choice thing, but I know that there are guys out there that would love to find themselves a comic book girl. She was adorable, but not in the typical (really not so typical) Gossip Girl / 90210 kind of way. She was totally herself and confident.

Until this teen dating trainer started to "teach" her how to be a better date.

The first thing she told the girl was to never mention anything about her love for comic books or anime. She said that guys can't see a girl that likes that as feminine.

Isn't that sad?!

So here is what I would say to you: BE YOURSELF. Be fully yourself. Don't ever hide something you love for a guy. If you have to be something you think he would like better than you are a phony and the relationship is a hoax. Not to mention that you will be even lonelier than when you were single because you won't even know yourself. Be patient and discover who God and you will discover who you were created to be. Then maybe the right guy will come along during that process... or maybe he won't. But your identity will be solidified.

Comment Question: If you could give any piece of dating advice, what would it be?

Anniversary #Cotton

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Surprise! This isn't Becky... she's been wanting me to write on here for a while so I figure what better time to start than right before we go on vacation so I won't succumb to the blogosphere's pressure to post within a certain time frame :)

After almost 11 months of work with 4 days of vacation taken, it's finally time to unplug and re-energize. I can tell, especially from this past week, that I'm starting to get a very short fuse. I'm writing people's names wrong in emails at work, I'm misspelling words (which just doesn't happen... it's my OCD that usually keeps that in check)... I'm just ready for a nap.

The best part of our trip will be staying in a Bed & Breakfast in Gruene, TX. The cabin overlooks the Guadalupe River. There's a porch with two rocking chairs. Ahhh, if I didn't know any better I'd think Becky and I were celebrating our 20 year anniversary after 4 kids and a dog (well you're never really AFTER kids, but I digress) instead of our 2nd. Life is fast paced in our home so I'm sure we will be shaking after spending 30 minutes in solitude in the room. But we've made a commitment to rest and that's what we're going to do. Lots of reading... lots of talking about the future together, dreaming and praying for God to guide and direct us down a path that honors and glorifies Him. It won't all be spiritual, I'm sure we'll have a few dance parties in the room with music from our iPhones (we don't dance in public, and no you won't be sorry you missed it), walk around with our arms around each other seeing which one can squeeze the other one the hardest (fun games we play), and laugh if we see someone in a frantic panic to get something done (it's nice to laugh at yourself from an outsiders perspective). All in all I have high hopes.

So for husbands, invest in your wives. In Christ before her, in her with time before money, with money before debt. That's our framework. This week I'll seek to love my wife. I get to be around someone uninterrupted for a week that I admire, adore and cherish greatly. I love her to death. So for all of you that think we'll be suffering in our quaint solitude, here's proof that we won't be :) Thanks for being our friends, we love y'all.

What to do: Mac or Dell?

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Chris and I are planning on getting a laptop next week. Since the one we have is from my college years and weights at least 50lbs, we thought it was time to update. Since I'll be "working" primarily out of the house (this Sanguine has to be around people some how), carrying around our desktop would be embarassing. :)

So what should we do?

We are leaning towards a Mac because EVERYONE that has one swears by them. We didn't understand the phenomenon until we got iPhones. It's like you didn't know what you were missing out on until you got one.

However, we all know they are about 3 times the cost. So we want to make sure it really is worth it. When, in all actuality, we only need a Dell-- the bells and whistles aren't necessary.

So here is my question:

what do you have?

what do you recommend?

WHY?

A Day of Lasts

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:39:00 +0000

While tomorrow is my last technical day, today is my last real day.

All I'm doing tomorrow is packing up the office then turning in my key.

So today is going to be filled with a lot of lasts.

So far I've done the following for the last time...

slept in too late
tried on at least 25 outfits for the perfect last day outfit (why do girls have to be so ridiculous?!)
hit every red light possible
got to work way too late
missed a meeting
made a to do list that is going to take more time than i have today
opened my outlook box
went to the cafe downstairs to get one last breakfast fruit bowl
made ice tea in the office one last time (Debbie and I are MAJOR tea addicts)
had my morning update with Debbie (I'm going to miss her)
and, now, blogged to put off the previously mentioned to do list

All this and it's only 9:42am. Today is going to be an interesting today. :)

Seriously though, I can't believe it's finally here. I know next week I'll savor and process what this means and where I finally am.

A week ago I got to Joshua in my reading plan and I had to stop. I can't wait to enter my next "promised land" along side the Isrealites. Hopefully I'll learn from their mistakes and not repeat too many of them. :)

But I am so thankful for this journey and so thankful that the Lord hasn't revealed what's next. Its teaching me to trust Him in ways I've never done and to find my fullfillment in Him, not what I do or how other perceive me. Right now my job is to love Him and follow Him and love others. The details are up to Him.

As Chris would say: MAKE it a good day!

If you don't know my brother, let me introduce you

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:30:00 +0000

When I look back on my life there are few people that I can say have literally forever shaped and changed who I am. Without question, Nils is in my top two.

Like most siblings we bickered when we were younger. OK we bickered when we were older too. But it's only because he smacks and slurps his cereal and I just couldn’t handle it first thing in the morning. I still don’t eat breakfast because I was so traumatized. I’m half kidding.

Coming from a divorced family since I was a baby and he was a toddler, we have always been each other’s only constant. We might have lived out of a suitcase growing up, but Nils was always there.

I can remember before I was ready to surrender my life to Jesus, Nils was Jesus to me-- hands and feet Jesus. I'm not saying he was my God. But he was sent by God to show me what true love and grace and hope and faith really was. Without judgment. Without condemnation. Full of grace.

You see my brother is one of the most genuine people I know.

What you see is what you get. You’d have to be a lunatic to see anything but one of the greatest guys you’ll ever know.

Even though my brother is a private man, he has allowed the Lord to open up his life and shape hundreds, maybe even thousands of lives all before the age of 30.

Today I am beyond excited to see what the future holds for my brother.

I know you might think I’m biased, but I really believe that he is one of those people.

You know those people that are so packed full of potential and giftedness that as long as they fully embrace it, who knows what the Lord will do.

When I look at Nils I see the same faith and devotion and drive and passion that Noah had to build an ark, that Abraham had to offer up Isaac, Moses had to part the Red Sea, that Joshua had to lead the people to the Promised Land, that David had to be King, that Josiah had to make every attempt to lead the people of Israel back to the Lord, that Paul had to turn to a calling that didn’t quite make sense, … that Luther had to nail the 95 Theses … that Jim Elliot had to give his life to a group who’d never heard of Jesus, that Billy Graham had to start a gospel revolution, that Louie Giglio had to ignite Passion in college students.
I believe that in 50 years we’ll see that God will use Nils in great ways like he used these men that came before him.

I’m not saying that there are great and small ways to be used by God. But I think we can all acknowledge that every generation has that person that changed things forever for all Christianity. I believe that Nils will be one of those people.

If you know him at all you are nodding your head in agreement and remember how he shaped your life forever.

And if you don’t, you can get to know him more at: http://www.nilssmith.com/.

I'm so angry!

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Not really, but it did make you want to read on didn't it?

But this Sunday I am teaching on Anger. Your typical nice, easy going Sunday School lesson. :)

Amy Kuntz and I co-teach a women's Sunday Bible study, Oxygen, and we are journeying through Colossians 3. This week happens to be on anger and my turn to teach.

This can be such a confusing topic for us as humans, but especially as Christians... at least for this Christian. I know I struggle with it all the time.

I know the Bible says "be angry and do not sin" (eph 4:26). But what does that look like? And what do you do when you really feel anger?

I need your help!

Please comment and answer some questions.
*If you don't feel comfortable commenting, either comment anonymously or email me at beckyjkiser@gmail.com.

-What makes you angry?
-How do you deal with your anger?
-How do you interpret "be angry and do not sin"?
-Anything else you'd like to share?

When you comment please include your gender, age and religious affiliation (Christian, Muslim, Atheist, etc.) if you wouldn't mind. And yes I said "when"... I know for a fact there are more than 3 people that read my blog. Come out of hiding today dear friends, I need you. :)

Thanks!

First Trip to the E.R.

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Yesterday I had my first trip ever to the E.R.

On Monday I started having the worst migraine I've ever had. It was kind of strange-- I hadn't had a migraine in a really long time, but this one more than made up for our lost time together. I felt like the whole world was pounding on my head and at any time I might vomit.

Finally yesterday after lunch I felt like I had no other choice, it was time to take an Excedrin Migraine.

Now for the normal person this is where the story would end.

I am not normal. Never have been. It's God's sense of humor or His way of humbling me... maybe both. :)

What you should know is that 75% of the time that I have taken Excedrin Migraine I've had a minor allergic reaction to it. By minor I mean the bottom part of my eyes would get a little puffy like when you've been crying or having a bad allergy day. Typically I take a dose of Benedryl and I'm fine in an hour and on my way to really great nap!

Well this time I thought I had beat it and I was looking at the 25% chance of it being ok. I took it at 1:30pm and at 3:00pm noticed that nothing had happened! Victory... and my migraine was gone!!

Then 3:30 came. I started feeling it, I could tell I was getting puffy. So I went to our medicine supply and we were totally out of Benedryl. Bummer. What to do?

I called Chris to see if there was any way he could come home. I just didn't feel safe being home by myself while having a reaction. Sweet man left work immediately. Then I decided to walk down to our neighbors house, the Trickett's, and see if they had any Benedryl. They did! 30 minutes later, after the sweetest 4 year old looking at me like I was an alien, I decided to see how I was doing and I saw this:

**Please laugh. I look like a I got in a fight with myself. I laughed when I saw it, so you can totally laugh! **

For those that don't know me, I don't usually look like this. Benedryl was not working and it was definitely getting worse. I called my allergist to let him know what had happened and to see if he could squeeze me in at the end of the day.

They told me to go straight to the E.R. What? This is crazy.

So as soon as that conversation was over Chris walked in the door and I told him what he said. He was so sweet and rushed to get us there as soon as possible.

By the time we go to the E.R. it looked like I was Hitch when he had that allergy attack. I wore my sunglasses inside to ensure that I wouldn't scare off any of the children.

They'd obviously seen worse and were not super concerned. 3 1/2 hours later I got a shot, an prescription, a bill and was on my way. The puffiness has definitely gone down, now I just look like I was crying all night.

So the lesson to be learned here is: Migraine + Excedrin Migraine + Becky = Emergency Room. I promised Chris I will never take it again. I am not as invincible as I thought. Good news though: the migraine is still gone!

It's really happening

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:34:00 +0000

I am actually leaving my job in 11 days.

On Sunday Pastor Gregg preached the most affirming sermon: "Build a What?" Listen to it here.

As we are journeying through the book of Genesis we've come to the story of Noah. So Sunday was all about how God calls us to do unexpected things. It was an affirmation that He knew I'd need as I'm facing lots of goodbyes and wrap ups I don't really want to do... but I do... but I don't.... :) I'm so thrilled knowing that His hand is all over what's to come, but sad to let go of where I've been. I know it's right and time to move on, but this place is home, this is my family and I'm comfortable here.

That's the problem, the Lord never called us to be comfortable and just as I was getting in my groove, He's called me down a new path. One that I NEVER thought that He'd call me to go down. But He has and He ALONE will receive full glory for whatever will come of this total faith step.

This past weekend I was listening to one of my favorite artists, Francesca Battistelli and I came across this song: "Keeping Me Guessing." My heart so connected to the words because Christianity isn't at all boring like I thought it might be 10 years ago when I gave my life to Him, it has been a wild ride and He really does keep me guessing!

If you don't already own it, go to iTunes immediately friends. Here are the lyrics:

Coffee cup waking me up
I gotta board a plane And fly away
sometimes it feels like I’m going at the speed of light
Can’t relax I’m movin to fast
I wanna find the gold But I don’t have a map
I wish that I could know
What you’ve got in store for me
I try and try to read your mind
But I forget that patience is a virtue
Your teachin me to hold on tight
And I don’t know how the story ends
But I'll be alright cause you own it
I don’t know where the highway bends
But I’m doing just fine
Cause your in control
Even when I don’t know Where my life’s gonna go
You’re keeping my guessing

Slow me down, show me around
I wanna see the world that I’ve been without
I am here and now the future is out of my hands
I trust in you and how you move
I won’t forget that patience is a virtue
You’re teaching me to hang on tight
Cause I don’t know how the story ends
But I’ll be alright cause you own it
And I don’t know where the highway bends
But I’m doin just fine Cause your in control
Even when I don’t know Where my life’s gonna go
You’re keeping me guessing

Seasons come and seasons go
But you decide
And I don’t know how the story ends
But ill be alright cause you own it
I don’t know where the highway bends
But I’m doing just fine
You’re in control Even when I don’t know
Where my life’s gonna go
ou’re keeping me guessing
You’re keeping me guessing

My First Fall Festival as a Hooker

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:22:00 +0000

Since FirstFest is tomorrow I thought I would share my first experience ever with a Fall Festival. If you need to go to the bathroom at all, I suggest you go and then come back and read this. :)

First you should know that Halloween is hands down my mom's favorite holiday. I know what you are thinking-- it's a miracle I grew up to be normal. :)

My mom went ALL OUT for Halloween. You know those little old ladies who have all the Christmas sweaters and their house looks like a Christmas Store. Well my mom wore a full witches outfit, cackled around the house for weeks and our house was a haunted house.

At the age of 7 I realized I had grown out of being a clown every year and I wanted to be my favorite character in my favorite movie.

Any guesses?

No not Cinderella. Not Ariel. And Hannah Montana wasn't even born yet.

My favorite character was Vivian in Pretty Woman.

I don't know why. I don't know how I had seen that movie at age 7 enough times for it to be my favorite but when the witch of Halloween is your guardian you can only imagine. (Note: I tease my mom here, she is definitely different than most moms... but she is a fabulous mom!) :)

So I put my clown suit in the attic and started on my costume-- I was going to be Vivian. Not Vivian after a massive shopping spree on Rodeo Drive, but Vivian the first 30 minutes of the movie.

You see as a 7 year old I didn't realize that meant I was dressing up as a hooker for Halloween. And my mother did nothing to stop me. Please tell me you are laughing now.

So here is a picture of me at age 7 (girl on right):

Now picture that sweet little girl dressed up like a hooker (you can see the cover of the movie at this link. I didn't want to post it since I know guys read my blog too).

For those visual people, you can imagine: my mom's knee high boots that went all the way up to my thighs, my skirt rolled up as high as I could get it, my shirt twisted inside out (remember that?) so my mid drift was showing, and as much makeup as I could find in my mom's bathroom.

Unfortunately that night it was raining. We went to the mall and it was lame. So my mom in her determination to make Halloween the best night ever started driving around to find something for us.

And that's when we saw the sign: "Free Fall Festival! Lots of Candy!" The tires came to a screech and we pulled right over. We all piled out of the car and walk into this sweet little church in the Heights.

At the first booth I walked up to they asked, "And what you are you for Halloween?"

I proudly proclaimed, "Pretty Woman." There was no shame. I was Vivian, fish net stockings and all.

So here I am exactly twenty years later and the Lord receives full glory-- because this year I'm running the Fall Festival at our church. The Lord always chooses the least of these. I'm so grateful.

So, it doesn't matter if you are dressing up as Bible Man, Spider Man, Hannah or... Vivian, I'd love for you and your family to be our guest for FREE this Saturday from 4-8pm at FirstFest. For more details go to: www.HoustonsFirst.org/FirstFest

Worst Gift EVER

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:56:00 +0000

Chris and I will be celebrating our two year anniversary in less than a month! So I looked online the other day to see what the traditional gift is for that year.

I was horrified. I mean horrified when I saw what it was. Any guesses?

C-O-T-T-O-N.

Are you kidding me?

For those that don't really know me this might be one of my greatest fears in all of life (well after this past Sunday I'm also afraid of Boa Constrictors).

I don't know what it is about cotton but it totally gives me the hibie-gibbies! The texture, the way it makes that stretchy noise when you pull on it. Ahhhh. And why does EVERY medicine and supplement bottle have to stuff it with cotton? I feel like a child when my husband has to open my medicine for me.

So honey, if you are reading this, the only cotton gift that would be acceptable would be Egyptian Cotton Sheets. But know I think that too is ridiculous and not part of the Ramsey Method. :)

So a final note to all loved ones: If you are hearing this information for the first time and think it would be really funny to chase me around with cotton or maybe hide it some where or anything like that... know that it's been done. And if you think you might be able to do it better, know that I am not one to be tested. When it comes to pranks I always go too far. I will cross the line and you will be sad you ever started.

Comment: So now that I've been vulnerable, it's your turn-- What is the one thing that gives you the hibie-gibbies?

18 days till unemployment*

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:18:00 +0000

That is so weird. The sadness of it all is starting to hit but also the excitement.

I've been reading in the Old Testament-- primarily studying the Israelites in the wilderness just before the enter the promised land. I feel like I can relate so much to what is happening. I am literally facing stepping into a new territory. Like them I am starting to think that maybe I'm crazy to move on, that I'm comfortable here. That there are some giants on the other side that I am terrified to face.

Deuteronomy seems to be filled with Moses giving lots of instructions of what to do and what not to do. He is so careful to add: DO NOT ADD OR TAKE AWAY FROM THE COMMAND OF THE LORD. The Lord knows us so well! We love to make our edits or tweaks to things to make them work for us or fit in our comfort zone.

My lesson for my ladies class on Sunday over viewed the kings of Israel from Solomon to Josiah. I saw the same cycle: worship God, God blessed them, grew prideful, put up idols/high places/altars to other gods, repent, worship God, God blessed them, grew prideful, put up idols/high places/altars to other gods, etc. It was cycle that they never broke.

I don't want my life to be lived in a cycle, but to be a escalating journey! I don't want to grow lazy or prideful, but simply be used of God... whatever that looks like.

So I'm excited of whats to come. But for the next 18 days I'm committed to making the most of my remaining time here. I want to leave a legacy... of excellence not pride/laziness.

So as my husband would say: "Make it a good day!"

*Unemployment: If you are just hearing about me leaving my job, you might be confused. You can read more about my unemployment here. :)

Accountability

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:35:00 +0000

For years I longed to have a person or a group that was made up of mutual accountability. Several groups or people started... but all fizzled out.

Last spring I went to an AMAZING accountability work shop that our church hosted. And guess what? They are doing one again. Here is the information:

Wed, Oct 28 @ 6–8:30 pm – Connection Center

With Vicky Wright and Carolyn O'Neal
Accountability groups speak truth in love and encourage each other to walk out their faith and go deeper in their relationship with Christ.
CONTACT jessica.villalpando@HoustonsFirst.org, 713.957.7642

Click here to register.

Y'all this workshop is a-maz-ing! I learned such a great model of what it can and does look like. To make things even better, I formed the most amazing group with 3 other ladies. It is so amazing how the Lord pulled it all together.

If you aren't able to go but are interested in accountability, let me know and I'll connect you with the leader for it all at Houston's First.

Good Morning Bo-Bo

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Y'all I have never laughed so hard in a church bathroom as I did yesterday. I know that's a strage way to start off, and you've got to be wondering where this could go.

So I was in the ladies room at church yesterday and I heard a mom on the outside of the stalls talking to her 3 kids that were each in a separate stall. And this is the conversation that proceeded:

Mom: Let me know if you need me to wipe your bo-bo

Me: (thinking to myself) what's a bo-bo

Child 1: Mom, I don't need you to wipe my bo-bo, but...

Me: (thinking to myself) what could this child possibly be about to say

Child 1: Mom, my bo-bo wants to say (screaming voice starts here) "GOOD MORNING TO YOU!" (insert massive laughter here)

Me: (thinking again to myself) What?! Did that kids say what I thought they said?!

Child 2: (screaming and laughing) No Mom, my bo-bo wants to say "GOOD MORNING TO YOU"

Me: (thinking again) I am so thankful I am where I am because I might pee in my pants. Keep your laughter silent Becky. Don't laugh out loud. Mom, how in the world do you keep a straight face right now.

Child 3: (screaming and laughing even louder): NO MOM, MY BO-BO WANTS TO SAY "GOOD MORNING TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!"

Child 1, Child 2, Child 3: (all screaming and laughing) No me... no me... no me...

Mom: (same voice as before, not even a hint of smile in her tone) Ok, well open up.

I was dying laughing! It's such an odd gift moms have to not be phased by this. I can't imagine what life will be like when a normal conversation with my child will involve saying "Good Morning" to their... ahem... bo-bo.

The Mafia and Me

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:40:00 +0000

A year after we moved in we found out that we lived next door and across the street from the mafia.

No I didn't misspell anything, you read that right the M-A-F-I-A! Not just any regular Mafia member either, the Captain.

So as soon as I heard that I FREAK OUT and immediately told Chris we had to put our house on the market and move as far away as possible. Of course I totally played into the fear and did way too much internet research. Sidenote: if you ever find out you live by the mafia, don't do that-- statistics aren't comforting.

Well after we considered moving, we really felt like we needed to stay in this house a while longer. It's kind of crazy but we were actually safer being next-door-neighbors with the captain of the mafia-- no one messes with him or his area.

But recently I started getting a little nervous. I'm leaving my job in a month and I'll be at home during the day a lot more by myself. Fear was starting to really play into my life again.

But guess what?

THE MAFIA IS MOVING... actually they got evicted (brave landlord).

Is that so the Lord or what?! Love it.

Tip: Washing Hands

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:12:00 +0000

I've been hearing everyone talking about washing your hands... especially with the swine flu going around (BTW: Chris' little bro, Colton, has swine flu-- please pray for him).

You know how they tell you to sing Happy Birthday twice and that's how you know that you've washed your hands long enough? Well I tried it yesterday. I looked at myself in the mirror while singing in my head and just laughed at myself. I felt ridiculous.

Well last week I felt so convicted about not making scripture memorizing a priority in my life.

So I decided instead of singing a ridiculous song to myself, I'd just recite (out loud at home & in my head in public) my verse! Since I've started drinking an insane amount of water (by insane I mean the recommended amount by my nutritionist), I am quoting it a ton and it really is sticking!

Thought I'd share a tip since most of us struggle with scripture memory.

Comment: I'd love to hear what verses you are memorizing or meditating on... or are choosing this very minute to meditate on now. Please share! Mine will be in the comments.

Sign it might be an interesting day:

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Forgetting to brush your teeth.

It totally happened to me today. You would think I was a 7th grade boy... but no, I am a 27 year old working adult woman and I forgot to brush my teeth this morning. I think. I honestly don't remember doing it or not.

Don't worry though a co-worker had toothpaste and I will be chewing gum all day. That's almost the same, right? Oh man. So embarrassing. This is what I get for praying earlier this week that the Lord would grow me in humility.

Today should be interesting... :)

Update: I couldn't take it and after lunch stopped at CVS to buy a toothbrush and toothpaste. Minty fresh now. :)

What should I write?

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Since I "retire" in just 38 days, I have been dreaming more about what's next.

One thing I keep coming back to is to write something. I have a few ideas that I'll share soon. Also, I don't know if it will be a Bible study or a book. I had always thought that I would write a Bible study first since I've written a few before (like printed out from a Word document). But lately I've been having all these ideas for a book.

I love how the Lord is making this CONTROL FREAK wait on His timing and leading. Well if I'm honest, I love it and hate it. :)

So... that's where your feedback comes in:

What would you recommend for topics for a book?

This is a book that would be primarily geared for ladies 20 - 35 (but hopefully it would reach more than that) both single and married.

Emery is here!

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:54:00 +0000

She actually has been for some time now... but she came during our blog break or else you know this proud Aunt would've posted some pics sooner (you can look at my Facebook page and Twitter for more pictures).

Here are some of my favorite pictures of her from her newborn photo shoot:

I really don't believe I'm biased-- she is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. I have often thought to myself: "Will I be able to think my child is even cute now?" :) I'm joking... well half joking. I know either way the mother's love kicks in and most babies don't have the privilege of starting off this cute.

She is just one of the sweetest babies too. Her cry isn't one of those piercing cries (unless it's become that way recently). She is already so expressive-- she makes the funniest faces. I love how she can just stare into your eyes forever. She's starting to smile... but you have to be willing to sacrifice all pride and go to a place of ridiculous noises and faces to get one. It is so sweet how she can totally tell when her Mom and Dad are holding her-- they can put her at ease in seconds.

I took my remaining vacation days and went to spend a week to be a stay-at-home-Aunt in September. I definitely have a lot more respect for all the mom out there-- those that work and those that stay home. It was certainly a wake up call for me of what it really is like... WAY different than babysitting. :) I had such a great time though just spending the day staring at her, caring for her, praying over her,... and spending a whole week with Nils and Katie! It was nice to just live life with them. Usually all we have is rushed weekends or holidays, so it was a nice change of pace.

I could go on and on about this little one... but my lunch break is officially over.

Aunt

We're Back... But I'M LEAVING!

beckyjkiser@gmail.com (Becky Kiser) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Wow it’s been such a long time! Honestly I was ready to come back to “blog world” a month ago but I’ve been having such a hard time figuring out how to “come back.” Sounds silly I know.

I guess the biggest announcement from the summer is that… drum roll please… I am leaving my full time position at Houston’s First on November 13th. (For all you that started to hold your breath… we are not pregnant. Patience my friends, patience.)

This has been one of the hardest processes I’ve ever been through. So I’ll walk you through it…

Last Fall was probably one of the hardest personal seasons I’ve ever walked through… actually maybe this whole year has been! But anyway back to last fall. I felt this constant urge from the Lord that something was coming, something was beginning to stir. Then it started to happen… everywhere I went, whether it was scripture or a sermon or a friend or song, I heard a very clear message: “GO!”

This process first began with my reading through Genesis and I stopped for a while in chapter 12 verse 1: “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘GO from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” I knew in my spirit immediately that I was dead on with where the Spirit was leading. The urging I was feeling was that I was supposed to GO to a land that He would show me. So I turned in my 9 months notice (you would’ve thought I was pregnant… in fact that has been the rumor).

It’s hard to believe that in just 45 days I will really leave. I will still teach Oxygen at 8:20 every Sunday, and I won’t miss the chapel worship at 9:30 and we are so in love with our class, Veritas, at 11:00. So I’ll still be a member, and probably the most overcommitted volunteer, but I will not longer be on staff.

Identity crisis is beginning to surface. I already cringe every time people hear I’m leaving because they also reply back with: “So what are you going to do?” I know I sound like a lunatic when I say: “I don’t know. Still waiting on the Lord.” I think the truth is I know what I am going to do. I feel so lead to start writing and speaking more. But there is this fear that I’m not old enough, wise enough, know enough about the Word… basically that I’m not enough. But I think that is exactly where the Lord wants me. Because in Him I am enough.

Looking back on my life I can see that just as I became comfortable the Lord leads me “to a land that He has yet to show me.” Every time He does it. I don’t know why I am still shocked by it. I mean who leaves Texas A&M before their senior year and 9 hours shy of the coveted aggie ring? leaves Dallas to move back home to live with their parents and finish up school at UofH? Who leaves the fabulous PR world to work in church (with a ministry salary)? And who leaves working at a church like Houston’s First? But I know the Lord called me then and is calling me now. And just as He was faithful through all those moves, He will be faithful again.

One of my favorite verses in all of scripture is Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Wow… I just happened to keep reading and stopped at verse 11 & 12: “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent. For you shall GO OUT in joy and be led forth in peace…”

Even now He continues to confirm that it is time and that He will provide when I GO!

In Genesis 12 Abram didn’t even know the land that He was been called into. But he still packed up his whole family and started the journey. It ended up being more than 1000 miles. I can hardly pack Chris and I up to go see family 200 miles away and we have a car and it’s just the two of us and I know when I’ll be back. Can you imagine being told to GO and having no clue what could happen to your family… what harm you might be placing them in.

Oh I want to be like Abram and desire God’s call more than any of my fears! And God is always faithful… look at what came from Abram/Abraham’s line. Wow.