Some things you always wanted to know

but were afraid to ask:

I got this off of, oh, everyone's blog. Who HASN'T done one of these??

9 Things About Me
1.) My parents never really practiced any faith, but they sent me to a Church of Christ affiliated school. I grew up being indoctrinated in the "we are right, everyone else is wrong and going to Hell" mentality. I was also told that musical instruments in worship were a sin and hand clapping just as bad. God does not still perform miracles. And that in order to be saved you had to be baptized--that was all that really mattered. Get a little wet and go to heaven. Oh yes, and if you decided to be baptized but died in an accident on the way to the church then that was just too bad and you should have done it sooner. There was no joy in God and certainly no joy in worship. I compounded my dislike of church (the institution) by going to a private Christian college where the frat boys got drunk in the evening and led worship in chapel the next day. And where school leaders had to repeat 37 times that "The worship service is officially ended" before a female was allowed to approach the stage.
Yep--legalism at its finest.
I HATE, LOATHE and DESPISE anyone who teaches with the I'm right your wrong and thus going to Hell mentality. Not that I don't beleive in Hell, and not that I don't beleive that there are certain steps to made to keep from ending up there. But between denominations that garbage makes me insane. It's all about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My church plays instruments and we raise hands (sometimes we dance a little too) Some people do more, some less--who cares? It's what is in your heart.
Praise God I found a church that is extremely doctrinally sound, but teaches grace and mercy as opposed to hellfire and damnation. Where I can leave feeling good, not because I am good enough and have done any good on my own, but that I have a Savior who knows me, loves me and died just for me, and would have taken that road were I to be the only person in history to ever claim His holy gift.
That is something to feel good about!

2.) I have only loved one man my entire adult life. I am still madly, passionately in love with him. Anyone who loves you when you are bald and your head sticks to the hollow in their shoulder is a keeper.

3) I suffer from a condition known as "chemo fog" or "chemo brain" It has only recently been recognized in the medical field. You can read more about it here and here, but the short story is that the most common forms of chemotherapy given to breast cancer patients also cause significant and long term memory loss. It is very frustrating to me because I have always been highly intelligent. Now I never know what will stay and what I will lose. I forget entire book plots but can tell you what you wore to church 3 Sundays ago. I forget names of people I have known for five years, and if I haven't talked to you at least 10 times, you might as well forget that you ever introduced yourself the first time--I won't remember. Appointments, plans, ideas, common words all slip in and out of my ability to retrieve them. It can be very frustrating and has done a real number on my self esteem in this area. I used to talk about going back to school one day, but I doubt I ever will. I'm too afraid I couldn't do it now.

4) I have had 14 years of professional vocal training. The one thing I can remember is music. I learn it quickly and I never forget it. I remember songs taught to me by my kindergarten music teacher. Music inspires me and speaks to me, and it is often the tool I use to speak to God.

5) That picture in the left hand column--that really is me. I really did dye my hair pink last year. And I really might do it again. It was fun. It made me remember that looks are simply that--looks, and that I am so much more than what people see. Why did I do it, you ask? I went to Washington DC for the National Race for the Cure and met a bunch of my on-line sistahs (young breast cancer survivor support group). It was incredible.

6) I am not athletic, but I can swim rings around just about everybody I know. I love the water, all kinds of water, ocean, lake, pool, pond. Doesn't matter to me. I can never remember a time when I couldn't swim or a time when I was not completely at home in the water. My ultimate dream home would be on the water. I'm pretty sure my hilltop mansion overlooks the River of Life.

7) I have a scuba liscence (although by this point I would have to take a refresher course). One of the coolest things I have ever done is swim with manatees. Those big babies are playful and fun! I have had my face mask and breathing tube attacked by an alligator gar (he didn't like the bubbles) and been in the water with dolphin. One day I want to go down in a shark cage. Yes, with great whites. Sharks fascinate me totally! I live for shark week on the Discovery Channel!

8) I have been fully immersed in baptism twice. The first time I was 13, and all I did was get wet. I listened to the people who told me "You have to be baptized to be saved" but who didn't focus on anything else. Nothing about me changed. The second time I was baptized I was 28. My huband baptized me in Intercoastal Waterway. That was the real thing--not the moment of salvation, but the moment I fully realized the what, why and how of the obedience of baptism.

9) If I could choose a secondary career, I would run a nursery and greenhouse. I love to garden and grow things. I love to be outside digging in the warm earth and feel the sun on my back. I love to be surrounded by flowers and green growing things. It's one of the most relaxing things I can think of.

and finally-- a funny little quiz. Good thing I can swim, eh?

You will sink in a mire. You like to think you're
normal, but deep down you really just want to
strip off your clothes and roll around in
chicken fat.


What horrible Edward Gorey Death will you die?
brought to you by Quizilla

Comments

[Jeremy]

I hope your hilltop mansion does overlook the ocean. I reckon it will also have a really cool lighthouse next to it, because you're doing a great job of sharing a little bit of your light on a dark world. Shine on baby!

[Janet]

Color me AMAZED! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing all of that! I am even more impressed with you than I already was!

[Kelly]

It's so funny that you posted that, because I just finished a BIG OLD RANT on my blog about the legalism stuff...

...oh. And you're great. =)

[Nattie]

You are an amazing woman!!!

[lori]

You really are a remarkable young woman!

[Friday's CHild]

Thank you so much for your comments - you are truly a special lady with a heart of gold. HUGS!

[Heather]

I am proud of myself b/c I KNEW that stuff. yea me!!!! Oh, and i am smothered under a rug.

[naomi]

Hey sweetie we're all trying to find our way out of some legalistic trap and find HIS grace and love that covers us and keeps us warm. and oh what a way to go (chicken fat).........hugs.