Toy Story

Yesterday I took Brooklyn to Wal-Mart to get a few things we needed. Well, I can't help but to go down the toy isles to see what all I want to get for her (which I usually never do because she already has everything she needs). While walking down one of the toy isles I saw some Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys. Its crazy how they are still popular now when they were also so popular when I was a child. But they got me thinking of a memory that's been on my heart constantly since then.

When I was in 3rd grade, my mom bought a buzz lightyear toy for a little boy in my class. He was very poor, had several learning problems, and lived with his grandmother who didn't allow him to have any toys. So my mom wrapped buzz and made me give it to the boy for Christmas. I was so embarrassed... (I'm embarrassed now just thinking about being embarrassed) I was afraid that people would see the toy and think that I liked him. It wasn't like I was "cool" or anything...I spent most of my recess walking around the playground talking to myself...but I didn't want anyone associating me with him. He kept Buzz in his desk all the time because his grandmother would take it away if he took it home. Somehow he was able to keep it over the summer and in 4th grade (we had class again together) he still had the same Buzz kept in his desk.

I moved shortly after the beginning of the year so I don't know what happened after that, but I look back on this memory and I'm ashamed of myself. I didn't know til a couple years ago that he was so poor and had to go through all the stuff that he had to go through, but that still shouldn't excuse my behavior. No, I was never mean to him, but I sure could have tried to be his friend. He probably could have used one. I was too caught up in myself to worry about him though. I was afraid of what others would think of me when I should have been worried about what God wanted me to do.

Looking back has got me thinking about the kind of person I am now... Have I really changed? Am I too embarrassed to befriend those who are less fortunate than me? There are times I have to admit I am. Jesus befriended the lepers and prostitutes and those less fortunate. He led them to believe in Him and trust Him and now they are in Heaven with Him. Why can I not do the same? I want to be a witness to everyone. Not just those who I deem worthy. I'm not the most outgoing person ever...I would rather be by myself most of the time...but God has called all of us to be missionaries. I need to start doing what I was called to do. I need to start right here in my very neighborhood. God has been burdening me to do something and though I can't put my finger on what He is wanting me to do, I can start trying to reach out to others. I want to do God's work, whatever it is He has planned for me.

Random

Two days from now Brooklyn will be 11 months old!! I can't believe it! She is fixing to be 1 year old!!! Holy cow! Time has flown by waaayy too fast! Here are a few things that Brooke is doing now:

*She absolutly loves taking a bath. Really being in water in general. She will play in the bathtub for at least 30 minutes most nights. Some days its the only time I get a break from her wanting me to hold her. I can sit by the tub and read for a little while.

*She has a mouthful of teeth...really only 7 (just about to be 8). It just adds to her beautiful smile!

*She talks all the time! She loves saying "scat cat," "granddad," "thank you," "hot dog," "eat," and "da da." She only says Mama when she's really tired or upset.

*She loves to play and read. And especially play chase.

*She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, and Phinaes and Ferb.

*She still only crawls but she is getting closer and closer to walking everyday.

Luke and I are so blessed to have our sweet angel! Thank you God for giving her to us!!