Come Check it Out

Just to clear up any confusion...yes, I've got a new blog at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com. Come check it out for some funny and updated weekly blogs.

Also, check me out at www.twitter.com/pennyzeller - you can follow me there while you're at it.

I just did a radio interview on the awesome internet radio site http://internetvoicesradio.com/home.htm. It's worth it to check this site out. It includes a variety of guests and has a lot of good marketing information.

Don't forget, I'm also at www.shoutlife.com/pennyzeller and on Facebook.

Hope to hear from you soon!!!

My Other Blog

Come check out my other blog at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com!

I'm on Shoutlife!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm not on Shoutlife. Check out my blogs and other information at www.shoutlife.com/pennyzeller

Adventures of the Tooth Fairy

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 (NIV)

I never realized what an interesting adventure it would be when I took on my new identity as the Tooth Fairy. You would think that since I've been exercising my role as the Tooth Fairy for almost 5 years now, I would be a professional at it. Not so. Sadly, I have made a few mistakes. Take for instance last week when Doodle lost a tooth and the Tooth Fairy actually slept through the night and forgot to pay a visit. Doodle was disappointed when her tooth was still in the tooth jar and there was no money.

I'm sad to admit, this wasn't the first time this happened. It first happened to Sunshine and she was sure to tell everyone at school the next day the sad tale of how the Tooth Fairy had forgotten her. She seemed not to be convinced when I told her my lame excuse that the Tooth Fairy was so busy that she ran out of time since so many other children had lost teeth on the same night. Lon suggested I tell her that the Tooth Fairy had the night off. I don't think Sunshine would have fallen for that excuse either. He also suggested I tell her that the Tooth Fairy had lost her own tooth and was preoccupied. None of these excuses worked. The following evening, she wrote the Tooth Fairy a letter about the incident, complete with an artist's rendition of what the Tooth Fairy looked like.

Or another adventure...one night, I stumbled through the dark at 2:00 a.m. in a frenzy thinking there was only four hours left until dawn's daylight and I (once again) nearly forgot again to trade money for a tooth. I reached groggily into my wallet in hopes that there was actually some money in there. I grabbed out a handful of coins, deposited them into a plastic baggie and made the trade. (Hint to first time Tooth Fairies, if you place the coins in a baggie, it makes less noise and therefore doesn't arouse suspicion in your child).

In the morning, I found out that if my children keep losing teeth, I'm going to have to take up a fund. Sunshine burst out of her room and exuberantly said, "Mom! Guess what?! The Tooth Fairy brought me $4!"

I gasped. The going rate at our house is $1, yet Sunshine had ended up with $4 and it wasn't even a "special" tooth. In the dark, I hadn't been paying attention that the coins I'd withdrawn from my wallet were not pennies, but quarters and dimes.

Last week, between my kids, they lost three teeth in one week. I was running out of change and was desperate, so I did the only logical thing a Tooth Fairy can do. I zipped out to the garage at midnight and found a pile of pennies on Lon's workbench. I scooped them up into a plastic baggie and made the trade. The next morning, Doodle had a strange look on her face. "Mom?" She asked, "Does the Tooth Fairy work with wood?"

"What?" I asked. This for sure topped the Tooth Fairy questions.

"Does the Tooth Fairy work with wood? See, I found this wood chip in the baggie with the money."

Apparently, a wood chip had slipped in from Lon's workbench. Go figure.

My friend, Lisa, and I were discussing Tooth Fairies the other day. Her kids are teens now, but she talked of how she still has their collection of teeth, but had forgotten to label them. She now has to do DNA on them to find out which dog tooth belongs to who. I am trying to learn from her error. I've placed each tooth in a baggie and marked the name of the child on the outside.

So what about all those questions about this amazing little fairy? "Mom, what does the Tooth Fairy do with all those teeth?" "How does she lift the tooth when she's so small?" "Why does she want teeth? Isn't that kind of weird?" "Where does she get the money?" "How does she decide how much to give?" "Why are some teeth worth more than others?" "What does she look like?" "Is she married?" "Is there only one or is there a family of Tooth Fairies?" and finally, "When I'm a 'big woman' [it's what my girls call female adults] can I meet the Tooth Fairy?" Depending on the day and whether or not I'm feeling creative, I can usually answer those questions with some degree of success.

Speaking of teeth, Sunshine wins the award for the most interesting ways of losing teeth. She's pulled out a few herself, let me pull out one, and let Lon pull out one. Those are all typical ways. Now for the atypical - she lost one tooth when she was wrestling Lon and bounced into his rock hard abs. Her tooth fell out immediately. She yanked three teeth at school of her own, plus a couple of other children in her class. (Do I see dentistry in her future?) She's lost a few biting into food, and finally, she pulled one at the dentist's office while awaiting a teeth-cleaning appointment. Doodle's only lost four teeth, so I'm sure there'll be some adventures in losing teeth in her future too.

Phew! Who knew that being a Tooth Fairy could be so interesting? But isn't it great to know that whether we are having a Tooth Fairy Adventure, settling sibling squabbles, or changing our 178th poopy diaper, God is there to help us every step of the way? He has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter what. He gave us the blessing of our children and will equip us to raise them. What an awesome God we serve!

Lessons from Our Savior

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NIV)

Happy Easter! As I reflect on this day, I remember something I thought it appropriate to share with you - something important my Savior taught me several years ago...

I was saved at age 16 at a church camp near Sun Valley, Idaho. Before knowing Christ and even for a few years after, I didn't fully understand the concept of just what He had done for me on the cross and what forgiveness meant. I had a skewed thought that each Easter, I would pick someone to forgive - someone who had hurt me deeply - someone who I just hadn't been able to forgive prior to this time. Yes, on Easter, I would truly forgive that person once and for all. I began this odd tradition at about age 14 and continued on until I was about 22. During that time, I forgave the friend in high school who betrayed me in a way I'd never known before...and have never known since. I forgave the boyfriend who broke my heart; I forgave the relative who'd spoken harsh words...I forgave others as well - one per year - on Easter.

One day, I came to the realization of how wrong this concept was. For one thing, I'm not only to forgive on Easter. I shudder at the thought that God would forgive me for my sins only one day a year. Secondly, when Jesus hung on that cross for my sins, He forgave them all and completely - the past sins, the present sins, and the future sins. I needed to forgive people in the same way. Not only did I need to forgive them once, but I needed to forgive as I am instructed in Matthew 18:22, seventy times seven times. That's a lot of forgiveness!

Thirdly, I realized that if I refused to forgive others, God wouldn't forgive me. He's not kidding when He says in Matthew 6:15, But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Yikes! I need forgiveness and yet, I hadn't been willing in those years to forgive others willingly, except on one day a year. And then, it was only one hand-picked fortunate person each year that would receive my forgiveness. Those who didn't qualify for whatever reason had to wait until next year. That's a lot of bitterness and a lot of grudge-holding!

Fourthly, we are told in Matthew 18:35, we must forgive people from our heart. Not just a shallow forgiveness, not just one to appease a guilty conscience, but real forgiveness from the heart. God knows when our forgiveness is genuine. He knows our hearts. He knows that when we forgive others, it frees us, just as when He forgives us, it cleanses us and wipes the slate clean.

Yet, it's difficult to forgive at times. I know this full well as I have experienced a lot of hurt in my life. Some folks cause us so much pain and sorrow that forgiveness can't possibly enter the equation. Or can it? Yes, with our Lord's help, we can forgive and we must. On bended knee, I asked the Lord to help me forgive all those who had sinned against me - everyone. And it wasn't on Easter that I prayed this prayer - as a matter of fact it wasn't even close to Easter. God taught me so many important things about forgiveness after that prayer.

Many years have passed since I was 22 and learned that important lesson about forgiveness. I praise the Lord that He doesn't try to place forgiveness in a box or choose only one person to forgive each year. I praise Him that He doesn't pick only one of my sins to forgive and the rest are left outstanding. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me that all my sins are forgiven. And thank You, Jesus that You have helped me understand the real meaning behind forgiveness - and that You have enabled me to forgive all at all times of the year.

May you all have a blessed Easter as you reflect on the real meaning behind this holiday - a meaning that should be celebrated all year long, not just one day a year.

Grandparents...

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children..." Psalm 103:17

I absolutely adore my grandparents. Although they live 650 miles away, I stay in touch with them via phone and letters. My grandma, Nanie, especially has a special place in my heart. There's never been another woman on this planet who can wrap a package (any size package, from a Jell-o box to a shoe box to a four-times-used manila envelope) and have it arrive safely to its destination, even if the contents are highly breakable.

The other day, my grandparents (both in their early 80s), who live in a town of about 3,000 residents (where I grew up, no less), went to the grocery store. Nanie waited in their stylish red van while Papa went in to the store. "Now remember," Nanie said, as Papa climbed out of their van, "Get some prunes. Be sure to get the ones that are individually wrapped and taste like candy."

My grandparents have always been extra conscious of eating healthy foods that promote healthy bowels. After all, in one's golden years, it's critical to have a b.m. in the p.m.!

Papa went into the small grocery store. I can just see him in his Carhart Jeans, his favorite red flannel, his very used cowboy hat, and his wallet he carries on a chain like they do in those old movies. (Because of his streamlined physique, the chain on the wallet nearly drags to the ground). Upon seeing a box boy, Papa asked, "Do you have any prunes?"

"Yes, I'll show you," the box boy said. He led Papa through the store and down the aisle with the boxed prunes.

Papa grabbed a box of prunes off the shelf. Then, taking his cute little wrinkled self through the store, he exited through the automatic door. He didn't even pause to stop at the check stand, but walked into the parking lot and to Nanie, who was waiting in the van.

Meanwhile, the box boy was in a quandary. He had followed Papa, apparently alarmed that Papa would exit the store without paying for the prunes, but unable to figure out a way to gently apprehend an adorable and innocent-looking elderly gentleman with twinkling blue eyes.

Papa walked up to the window of the passenger side of the van and asked Nanie to roll down the window. Still figuring out how to use modern technology, Nanie instead opened her door.

"Are these the prunes you want?" Papa asked.

"Yes, Johnny," Nanie answered. "Those are perfect." Nanie smiled her precious Swedish smile at the thought that Papa had correctly chosen the individually wrapped prunes that tasted like candy.

"All right, then," Papa said.

"Johnny?" asked Nanie. "Why is that box boy across the parking lot looking at you with suspicion?"

"I have no idea," said Papa, because he truly had no idea. "Maybe because he's the one who helped me find the prunes." After a pause, he added, "I'll be right back, Ruthie." Papa walked back into the store, past the box boy (without even so much as a glance), and went to the nearest check stand. Taking out some money from his wallet on a chain, he paid for the prunes. Then, walking again past the perplexed box boy (without even so much as a glance), Papa returned to the van.

I love stories like these. How precious Papa is! The funniest thing of all is that Papa is a former police officer with the San Diego Police Department. He apprehended dangerous criminals on a daily basis, some who were caught stealing things much more valuable than prunes. But Papa had no intention of taking something without paying - he's honest to a fault and has never broken any laws in his entire life. He merrily wanted to ask his wife of nearly 60 years if the prune box he picked was the correct one. After all, he'd probably purchased the wrong brand in the past and after so many years of marriage, he had become a very wise man. He had learned his motto the hard way: ask first, then purchase.

I encourage you to take a minute to appreciate the grandparents in your life. They truly are such treasures. I am grateful for each memory the Lord has given me of my grandparents. I want to be just like them in another 50 years. Well, that's it for now. I need to go buy some prunes...

Just One of Those Days...

Have you ever had one of those days? The kind of morning when you have the kids all ready for school (finally, since you're running late) and as you head out to start the SUV on the cold winter day, you realize it's on empty? Yep, no gas at all in the old tank. As you watch the snow fall, you realize there's only one choice. You must drive the big truck today.

That happened to me the other day. I climbed in to start our large diesel pickup. Moments later, my children were loaded and ready to head to school. As I backed the truck out of the driveway (for more information on my depth perception or lack thereof, please see my blog about big trucks), I didn't realize a small detail in the way. Ok, so it wasn't that small. It was a large green garbage can ready and prepared for the trash truck to empty it since it was garbage day. "What was that noise?" I asked. (It's hard to hear anything over a diesel).

"Uh, Mom, you just ran over the garbage can," Sunshine told me.

"What?!" I asked. Surely not. I had checked my mirrors - had done everything right that that old Driver's Ed instructor had taught me. But sure enough, I backed up further and saw the proof. The tire tracks on the green garbage can were unmistakable. The worst part of all? It was our neighbor's garbage can!

It was just one of those days.

Or maybe you're preparing a nice meal of fried potatoes and ham for your husband. It's one of his favorite meals and he's had an especially busy day. Fussing over the stove, you smile as you realize that for once, the meal you're preparing is looking just like one of those ads in a cooking magazine. Suddenly, as you turn to the sink to rinse the salad, you spy something crawling on the ceiling - your worst enemy.

This is what happened to me that day. The fly crawling on the ceiling was completely out of place in the middle of winter. Yet, there he was sharing his germs with my ceiling. "Lon! Can you get that fly?" I said over the noise of kids doing homework, the meal cooking, and the radio loudly playing "Adventures in Odyssey."

"I'll get it," Lon said. He climbed on a chair and began to wave wildly at the fly with the newspaper. Unfortunately, my champion fly killer husband missed the target and the fly began to hobble off, half shocked, half socked by Lon's futile attempt.

I didn't think any more of the fly issue. After all, we'd find him later and take care of him...

"Please clear the table!"" I said exuberantly. "Dinner is ready!" I admired once again my meal. (What's that verse about pride coming before a fall?!)

"It sure smells good," Lon said as he eyed the fried potatoes and ham cooked in olive oil.

I stirred the meal one last time before preparing to serve it. That's when I discovered an ugly (and unhealthy!) truth. There in the middle of the golden potatoes was the fly. Yep, that same fly that had been injured in Lon's attempt to rid our home of insects. "AHHHH!" I screamed.

Lon came running to my rescue. Had I burnt myself? Had the oven caught on fire? "What's wrong?" he asked.

Caught between tears from frustration and disbelief, I pointed at the dead fly in the food. Too late to fix something else, it became a dinner of cottage cheese, cereal, and salad. It was just one of those days.

Or your oldest daughter, normally a nearly straight-a student comes home from first grade and tells you she refuses to do her homework. "Why?" I asked when this happened to me that day.

"Because I don't like that book," she declared.

"You still have to do a book report, even if you don't like the book," I told her. "Your teacher is an authority figure and we are taught in the Bible to obey authority."

Sunshine shook her head and refused to do the work. It was so uncharacteristic of her that at first I was in shock. Never before had she "bucked" the system. Never before had she refused to do her homework. She was such a good student. "Why?" I asked again.

"The book is called 'Caps for Sale' and I don't like it. The monkeys are very naughty. They steal caps and it's wrong to steal." Sunshine said. When she was younger, we called her "the lieutenant" because she has always had a devout sense of right and wrong.

"Caps for Sale?" I searched the far recesses of my worn out mom brain for the title of the book. Then it came to me. Yes, I remembered reading that book in school, but I liked it. It was an old classic and I remember finding it quite humourous.

Taught to obey, Sunshine finally did do her book report on the book, but it was the messiest and un-thorough (is that even a word?!) book report she ever did. Something good came out of it though, we have told her that if she misbehaves, we'll read "Caps for Sale" to her over and over and over again! She quickly obeys when faced with such an unfavorable prospect.

Just one of those days.

Or maybe you're speed-walking the track after lifting weights, as you do three times a week, your MP3 player playing your Christian favorite music. Then on the local Christian radio station you're listening to, the announcer begins the prayer requests and asks that you now bow your head and join him as he prays for the needs of the area's listeners. You forget you're quickly walking in circles in an attempt to burn calories and you close your eyes. Crash!

Yep, it happened to me. Just one of those days.

Finally, has your child ever asked a question that you don't have an immediate answer for? Sunshine (must have been her day!) asked me why is it that when girls become women they get big buns?

A perfect ending to a perfect day...

Even though we all have those kind of days, it's reassuring to know that God hears our frustration. As I laid my burdens at the Cross that night, I thought of all that had happened. "Thank you, Lord," I prayed. "For being there through the good, the bad, and just one of those days!"