Confessions of a Compulsive Liar

I've recently finished the third book in the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. While not the most profound thing I've read lately, the series is a fun read. However, after three books with basically the same plotline, I am slowly tiring of them. Each story involves the main character, Becky, getting herself into some outlandish trouble (think: I Love Lucy) and digging herself deeper & deeper into the mess. Finally, it all blows up in her face and she (supposedly) learns her lesson as things work out in the end. The problem is, the next book barely begins before the reader begins wondering if she ever really did learn that lesson.

I've actually never been a fan of I Love Lucy; It always made me too stressed out. If a show or movie uses the "Our main character is caught in a pattern of deception about who they really are, and just when it looks like it will work, the bottom falls out, the person they lied to is hurt, they learn a valuable lesson, apologize in some extravagant way, and live happily ever after" script (and let's face it, that is A LOT of movies, especially romantic comedies) it has to be really well- written and clever for me to stick with it. Even then, I tend to be unable to sit still- I can't stand the risks people take when they weave such elaborate lies! It stresses me out.

Maybe it is because on the few occasions when I have succumbed to lying or gossiping, I never got away with it. Perhaps it is because I've always been a worrier, maybe even with a bit of a guilty conscience. Maybe it's maturity or the Spirit convicting me. Or maybe it is because it is just too much work, balancing out who believes what, when just telling the truth will ensure you can easily keep your stories straight! Whatever the reason, I just don't identify with these characters. I liked reading about Becky's amassed debts (while she gave financial advice for a living) or simultaneous weddings (planned for the same day on two different continents) but I couldn't really relate.

Am I the only one? Lots of people love these books, but do they find them relatable or just outrageous and entertaining? Are they not bothered by the silly lies and seemingly all-consuming pride that keeps Becky from admitting her shortcomings to anyone including her best friend, her fiance, even (sometimes) the reader?

The bottom line is this: after three books, I don't know how the people in her life aren't staging an intervention, or turning to run in the other direction whenever they see this girl coming. I definitely can't understand why they keep believing her! I am not sure I could continue a friendship with someone who would rather lie to make themselves look infallible (even in the tiny things in life) than be open with her loved ones. I'm not saying I'm perfect when it comes to the truth or admitting my mistakes, but I'm not usually one to be afraid of being real or honest (maybe sometimes too honest- I feel a confessions of a bad mom coming on....)

I was already thinking about this when I heard the people on the radio morning show chime in on the same subject from a Biblical perspective. They talked about how Paul said that he boasted about nothing but his shortcomings, so that God could receive the glory. They discussed transparency and how, as followers of Christ, being honest about where (and how often) we fail can only draw people to our God- a God who loves us inspite of those failings and is still working in us to bring about good.

On the other hand, pride can only draw people to look at us- either in admiration for what they/we think we've accomplished, or in frustration/disgust at how fabulous we pretend to be. Either way, when you put it that way, I don't like the pride option at all. We're all susceptible to it; it's human nature. But I truly think it is the root of many sins in my own life, and probably many other lives out there. Lord, save us from ourselves! I struggle enough trying to get my head out of my own, ahem, life and keep my focus on what's important, without cozying up with a fictional series about a girl who worries so much about what others think that she can't even be honest with herself.

So that, Becky Bloomwood, is why I don't think we can be friends anymore. I need to find a new series to read- any suggestions?


*An interesting side note: when I did an image search for the book cover above, I found the photo on this blog post. I've never read this blog before, but this particular post is also about the Shopaholic series from a Christian perspective. Just in case you're interested.

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine...

Sunshine, bubbles, popsicles, porches, and my beautiful babies... what makes you feel fine?

A letter to Granny

I've had, on more occasions than I can believe, the unfortunate privilege of saying goodbye to loved ones as their time on this earth grows short. It is both painful and precious. One of the reasons the girls and I traveled to Ohio last month was the possibility that it would be the last time we would be able to visit with my Granny. Battling cancer, treatments were taking quite a toll on her and had to be stopped. Though not my grandmother by blood, she has always been "Granny" to me. Among many other wonderful memories, I'll remember her for the way she sent cards for every occasion, and I sent her a note to let her know how special that was- how special she was. This is what I wrote. It's nothing elaborate or fancy, just short & to the point (I think she would prefer it that way anyway), but I wanted to share it as a tribute to Granny, who passed away this morning.

Dear Granny,
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of and praying for you all the time. I can't imagine how hard it is to be limited in where you can go, what you can do, etc. I especially can't imagine facing all that you face right now. So instead of trying to imagine, I pray. For healing, although our God is mysterious in how He heals. Sometimes he works miracles and heals physically- and I am definitely still praying for one of those miracles. But sometimes He heals what is more important to Him- our hearts, our souls, our lives. I pray for that, for you and for those of us who love you. I pray for you to be surrounded with love and laughter and hope and peace. I pray for you to have special moments with special people. I pray you're not in too much pain. And I pray a prayer of thanksgiving for having you in my life- someone to push baby carriages & wear floppy hats, to teach me to swim, to develop a love for cinnamon toast and eggy eggy, to help me pick the perfect pumpkin, and to make me feel special with every card I received in the mail. I am also so thankful and glad that we got to visit with you a few weeks ago. I know it was probably very taxing on your body to come see us for the cookout and party, but I hope it was worth it. I know it was worth our whole long trip just to get to spend time with you! I love you.

Love,
Emily

Song for Sunday- "The prize is always worth the rocky ride"

Yesterday, DaddyClay & I went rafting with the college students from our Sunday School class. I was excited, but also a little nervous about being thrown out of the boat. Every time the guide would say, "Coming up in is a class 4 rapid we call BoneCrusher" I would think This is it... this is the one that is going to get me. But when I finally did get flung from the raft, along with four others including our guide(!) it was not nearly as bad as the anticipation. In fact, I thought it was a lot of fun! And apparently it was a pretty bad spill. So that, and other recent (more figurative) bumps & scrapes have inspired this week's song:

The Wood Song

Words and Music: Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls)

The thin horizon of a plan is almost clear
My friends and I have had a tough time
Bruising our brains hard up against change
All the old dogs and the magician
Now I see we're in the boat in two by twos
Only the heart that we have for a tool we could use
And the very close quarters are hard to get used to
Love weighs the hull down with its weight

But the wood is tired and the wood is old
And we'll make it fine if the weather holds
But if the weather holds we'll have missed the point
That's where I need to go

No way construction of this tricky plan
Was built by other than a greater hand
With a love that passes all out understanding
Watching closely over the journey
But what it takes to cross the great divide
Seems more than all the courage I can muster up inside
Although we get to have some answers when we reach the other side
The prize is always worth the rocky ride

But the wood is tired and the wood is old
And we'll make it fine if the weather holds
But if the weather holds we'll have missed the point
That's where I need to go

Sometimes I ask to sneak a closer look
Skip to the final chapter of the book
And then maybe steer us clear from some of the pain it took
To get us where we are this far, yeah
But the question drowns in it's futility
And even I have got to laugh at me
No one gets to miss the storm of what will be
Just hold on for the ride

But the wood is tired and the wood is old
And we'll make it fine if the weather holds
But if the weather holds we'll have missed the point
That's where I need to go

*In case you were wondering, that is just some stock photo I found online. I'm not in it. It wasn't even taken in this region. And our guide didn't have those monstrous arms. But the boat & oars look the same, and we sure did get to wear those cool helmets!

And the winner is...

... chosen. If you are like Big Sister (or her father) and have zero patience for surprises, go ahead and scroll down now to find out who won. I thought I'd explain how the winner was selected. I looked at all of the comments and gave everyone numbers. For instance, since my hubby was the first one to comment, he was #1 (and not technically eligible since he lives with me, but don't tell him that). The Brown Eyed Pea was already following my blog, so when she commented she got numbers 2, 3, and 4. By the end of this process, there were 33 entries. I used random.org to pick a winner, and viola! Only, I can't do anything exactly like planned, so instead...

... I picked two!

Congratulations Ashlee & Michelle! Ashlee, send me a massage message (freudian slip, perhaps? Can those be typed? I really could use a good massage today. I'll post why soon...) on facebook with your address, and I'll send you your prize! Michelle, I will deliver yours to you when it comes in, and I promise not to rely on our husbands to hand it off!

Thanks to everyone for commenting. It was nice to round up my readers. Maybe I'll do it again in a month or two.

Giveaway reminder!

Just a reminder, I still need eight more comments to be able to give something away!

Some of you (mother) have commented on posts after the giveaway post but skipped the one that has free stuff for you! Even if you're not interested in freebies (who are you, by the way?) I am considering this a challenge just to see who has checked in on my blog this week. I know it is summer and a lot of you have VBS or are traveling, but surely I can find 20 comments, right? Right?... we'll see... Click here to comment if you haven't already.

I can't resist...

... one more post about Compassion. I know I said I'd cool it for a bit, but this is too awesome not to share! Compassion just sent out this message:

On May 20, 2009, Compassion welcomed Fellow Blewussi Kpodo in Togo as our 1 millionth sponsored child. This is the first time in Compassion's 57-year history that we are ministering to 1 million sponsored children at one time.

You are part of an amazing movement of grace and compassion! Families and communities are seeing Christ's love in action all over the world. The impact has been incredible as lives are being transformed.

Let's keep it going! We're not stopping here ... even for a moment. Let's quickly reach out to the next million children who are still in great danger, who are hurting, who are lost.

Let's do it together, as God's people, in the name of Jesus!

Amazing. Click on sweet little Fellow above, or on the widget to the right, to join this ministry. I'll try not to post about it again for a few weeks... but I'm making no promises!