ELECTRICITY

Our church is challenging us to do something that we'll make us all more aware of what is happening around the globe. Tomorrow, Labor Day, the Roderick's will not be using electricity. Really. And even more astounding is that the girls are giving us no push back. They are excited for this experience. When they were little we would call these days Amish days and it was purely for some peace and quiet for the parentals. This time is different.

So . . . no lights, no laundry, no laptops, no fans, no TV, no getting anything out of the refrigerator (this one is going to be the hard one), no straighteners or blow dryers (yikes), no cell phones (hello, charged by electricity), no iPods, no land lines, and I am sure there are many more that I can't even think of right now but will hit us tomorrow. I am praising God that we decided not to purchase a Hybrid many years ago.

During this "powerless" time at our house we will be praying for those in China and North Korea that someday they will be introduced to the light that Jesus brings each of us.

Our scripture for the day is: Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Anyone up to taking the challenge with the Roderick's?

TIM HOWARD

We went to last night's soccer game and we got to sit right behind the goal and can I just say wow. Tim Howard is one fine keeper and he is a lot bigger than he looks on television. And so easy on the eyes. I think he may have just become my favorite USA National Team player.

Costa Rica took a shot and it went over the net and right at my face. Fortunatley I am good at ducking and Addison and Scott were sitting next to me and deflected the rocket to Hope who caught it and gave it to Kelly, one of her friends, to throw back on the pitch. Such a thrill since it was the National team playing.

The did chalk up a loss, but it was a friendly so no harm done. Perhaps some egos were bruised but they will heal and come back stronger.

I love the beautiful game.

ESCAPING THE PARKING LOT

Leaving the Home Depot Center after a lively night of soccer is always a crap shoot. You never know how long it will take or how organized the parking staff is going to be. Last night was no surprise. Here are some comments heard in the Roderick car. Those present, Scott, Cindy, Addison, Hope, Don and Cherylynn Hurdle.

"Turn on the heat."

"Dad, she's telling you to turn on your headlights."

"Turn off the radio, I'm getting a headache."

"Scott, just push your nose out there."

"Hope, roll up that window, we are in the hood."

"Addison you are not hanging a moon at those people."

"Roll down your window and tell that guy to watch his language, there are little kids everywhere."

"Mom, we're in the hood, that's how they talk here."

"Did you see that guy?"

"That girl can't drive."

"Scott, you are going to hit that car. STOP."

"Cindy, it is not his turn, it will be his fault if I hit him."

"I am so glad we have boys."

"Hope, you take sign language, what sign was that?"

And the comments go on and on. A parking lot the Roderick way.

LIBRARY

As we returned from the game tonight we were discussing reading in the car. Addison has a friend who has a little girl about 18 months old and Addi would like to introduce her to the world of children's literature.

First question, "Mom do you have any books you can donate to Memphis?" Wait. What? I think you mean give to her, loan to her, buy for her, but donate? Not so much.

Next question, "Mom does the library rent books?" Wait. What? I think you mean loan. Remember your library card you carry in your wallet. It comes in handy when you want to borrow a book.

Final question, "Mom could I give the book to Memphis?" Wait. What? Addison, perhaps you should take Memphis to the library and read to hear there. It would be so much easier.

Sigh. Roderick.

KLINSMEN

That's the name of the new Men's National Team coach for the United States in the sport of soccer and we are going to watch the game tonight at the Home Depot Center. Yeah. I hope it will be a nice night and we can add another notch on the win side of the competition. If I'm not mistaken I believe it will be Coast Kinsmen's third time leading the red, white and blue. They will be playing Costa Rica, which I understand is a beautiful place to vacation, but on the pitch I want our boys to kick it and kick it good.

So while you're watching the game on TV look for the Roderick's and company on the south side of the pitch behind the goal.

USA. USA. USA.

ANNA GRACE

Well tomorrow morning at 5:00am I will get up and do the hair of my niece who will be competing in the finals of her ice skating competition. My sister Shelly will be doing the braiding and I will be sewing flowers into the braid. That's right, I said sew.

We will then take off for Culver City for the 9:00am program enjoying the ice revelery of 15 girls. It should be exciting, colorful and extemely cold. Blankets, sweaters and jackets will be the fashion of the day. The world of figure skating is so interesting and people take it very seriously. Very.

And although I love cheering on my niece in her chosen sport and I love watching her succeed, I think I'll stick with soccer. The hair is so much easier to do.

TECHNOLOGY

I am technologically challenged. There. I admit it. No excuses. I don't do well with a computer. I don't do well with an iPod. I don't do well with any communication device. I don't do well with TiVo and/or DVD players.

That having been said, I also try to not be rude and disrespectful of other people. Believe me I have seen people at their worst when on the phone, computer, iPod, etc. I turn my phone off when I am talking to someone or at the very least, I ignore it. And after today I will be much more aggressive about my behavior regarding distractions. Nothing is more important to me than the person standing in front of me. Nothing. Not an overdue email. Not my girls calling to chat. Not Scott texting me about dinner. My attention, all of it, is on the person that has eye to eye contact. It's not like my fingers are broken and I can't return any of the URGENT communication in a short period of time.

This is my new mantra and I challenge you to join me in the rebellion against rude behavior concerning technology.

Ooooo. That has a little "Star Wars" ring to it, pun intended.