100 things about me

Here is more about me than even my family knows.

There’s puppy dogs and ice cream in it for you if you make it down to 100.

1. I have been crushed, and pieced back together by a God who never once delighted in the crushing, and who knows where every piece belongs.

2. I have a Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis MO. It’s just letters after my name. I garnered a lot of head knowledge – the heart knowledge took more time and came without letters.

3. By practically every standard of wordly success – I am not one.

4. But God’s standards are different. It took a while, but I think he smiles now. I used to get a lot of the shaking of the head.

5. Every project always takes me twice as long as I think it will. You’d think by now I’d consider that when planning. Nope.

6. I used to think I knew everything – but everything turned out to be far more comprehensive than I originally thought.

7. I had a pet snail for a couple of days when I was 7ish. I stole him from a barrel outside a fish store in Brooklyn. He disappeared suddenly. I suspect he was someone’s snack – not namin’ names.

8. My body doesn’t sleep – even when it’s unconscious. I haven’t slept through the night for 13 years. Lots of doctors – apparently no cure. But everybody has their own cross to bear. It is what it is. No big.

9. The name of the cat who saved my life was Froofy. Froofy the Miracle Cat.

10. My faith is as strong as it is, because my doubt was as strong as it was.

11. I don’t take orders or ultimatums well.

12. I sold my old Ford Tempo to a man who said he really needed a car. He didn’t have the money. We wrote up a bill of sale, I gave him my title, and he promised (in the bill of sale) to pay over the next two months. He waved as he drove away.

13. You can guess how that story ended. Apparently anybody could. Strange how I was the only person who couldn’t.

14. I think that if someone doesn’t occasionally catch me seemingly talking to myself, when in fact I’m chatting with God, I’m not praying enough.

15. I’m the strangest mix of bravery and timidity.

16. I talk too much, and don’t listen enough, but I’m getting better. I’m sorry, did you say something?

17. I have never been married and sometimes I’m sad about it.

18. I think moms are truly magnificent. The more of them I read the more in awe I stand.

19. I think about everything, everywhere, all the time.

20. I heart chocolate milk, but the kind from Nestles Quick not the syrup stuff.

21. Favorite all time TV show – Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

22. I’ve played the penniless Sitar player opposite Nicole Kidman in the Movie Moulin rouge far, far, far too many times.

23. I don’t get lawn gnomes. Seriously, aren’t they kind of creepy?

24. I love seeing pictures of me, but shy away whenever I see a camera lens.

25. I heart Joan of Arc (she was slaying demons long before Buffy)

26. I have the culinary taste of an eight year old boy (in case you invite me over for dinner)

27. Spinach grosses me out, ditto broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and most of the “adult” vegetables.

28. I never text, but I know enough texting to say, “PP 4COL STPP TXTM – JCM – IYKWIMAITYD, I h8 it. NUFF.” (If you need the translation – you can tweet me, email me, or text me – or maybe not that last one)

29. I love to eat a big plate of spaghetti – and keep eating and eating and eating until I start saying…must…finish…spaghetti (more fun if it’s with my sister)

30. My sister is more like me than she’d like to admit (although I kind of understand that).

31. My favorite movie of all time is Mulholland Drive, it’s deep, brooding, dark, and not very Christian – but reminds me to deal with internal monsters before they deal with you.

32. I cry every time Dorothy kisses the Scarecrow goodbye. I’m fine with the Lion, and the Tin Man – but oh, that goodbye to the Scarecrow.

33. I cry every time I watch It’s a Wonderful Life. You know, when they’re bringing in all the money at the end of the movie, and after helping so many, George Bailey finally gets helped.

34. I like looking at nature, like forests, and oceans – but don’t like being in nature, like forests and oceans.

35. I once, unknowingly, picked up a murderer who was hitch-hiking – yes a real murderer – three times a murderer.

36. He had gum on his shoe. I had printouts of things I was writing on the floor of the car. He apologized for the mess. He said, “But you’re a writer! I have something for you.” He reached in his backpack.

37. Yeah, this really happened. He handed me a cd. He told me that it explained the whole government conspiracy – the reason he was on the run.

38. I only found out he was wanted for murder because when I got home I clicked on the Fox News website. And there was his picture. I called my brother the cop. He told me to call the local police, and hand over the cd – and NOT to put it in my computer.

39. I half kiddingly bantered with the officer when he showed up, “You’re not part of the conspiracy are you?” He looked at me for a second, put on his sun glasses, and drove off. Now we’ll never know.

40. I try not to pick up murderers anymore.

41. I was told in 7th Grade by the queen bee of the school, not to let my hair hang down over my eyes because – wait for it…”Your eyes are your only good feature.” I didn’t get that it was an insult until ten years later.

42. I’m still waiting for that growth spurt my mom always said would happen. Genetics people! Genetics!

43. My mom bought me the story book “The Wait for me Kitten” because – well – I was always late.

44. It backfired. I identified with the cute little kitty, and how he always said, “Wait for meeeeeee! Wait for meeeeee!”

45. It’s a cautionary tale to parents about being too clever for your own good.

46. I like plain vanilla ice cream – so sue me.

47. The best thing I have ever done is make sure my mom knew the way to heaven.

48. The second best was taking care of my baby sister until I gave her away to her husband.

49. I don’t know how to belch – even fake belch.

50. I think one of the best things about God is that he is so big, creating and sustaining a universe and more – and gets small enough to care if I’m having a bad day.

51. And he’s big enough to do something about it.

52. I’ve been a handful for God. I kicked, and screamed, and moved when he said ‘still’, and froze when he said ‘move’, and ran away while demanding he keep his hands on me.

53. And he kept his hands on me.

54. Beds should make themselves. Honestly, it’s not that hard!

55. I like putting so much sugar on cereal that you can scrape big splotches of sweetness off the bottom of the bowl.

56. I love me some sugar.

57. When I have a stack of pancakes I cut a little hole in the middle and pour the syrup in. Then when I need more syrup, in it goes. The hole keeps enlarging as pancakes shrink. Makes my sister shake her head every time.

58. Confession: when I was 7 my mom sent me to the store, I heard a kitten hiding in an alley along the way. It was raining. He was hungry. I used the money to buy him a slice of pizza. He ate it voraciously and I stayed with him until he fell asleep.

59. I told my mom a bunch of kids stole the money. Sorry mom.

60. He wasn’t there the next day when I brought him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

61. Speaking of kittens, I got my first one in 3rd grade. My teacher had a kitten giveaway, all that was required was a note from our parents.

62. I forged the note, never once thinking about how I would explain said kitty until I arrived home that night – with two.adorable.kittens.

63. But I’m older now and think maybe I should’ve done it differently – maybe.

64. I voted for the first George Bush – you can start doing the math now.

65. I’ve never been tall. dark, or handsome.

66. Although graduating from Seminary I didn’t become a pastor. My gifts far exceeded my character. I now know that character is better than gifts.

67. My character finally caught up with the gifts – but then came the sleep thing.

68. In the 11 years between 2nd and 12th grade I went to 8 different schools. It was very confusedme – err – confusing.

69. As a child living in Brooklyn I couldn’t see stars at night. But I noticed that the concrete had sparkles in it. I thought it was nice of the city to put stars in the sidewalk.

70. I played trumpet in the school band, I wasn’t that good. It soon became clear to me that I would never be able to pass all the good trumpeters ahead of me.

71. Then I looked at the French Horn Section – only 4 of them – much better odds.

72. I finished my High School musical career as the 1st French Horn player. Top of the musical food chain. If you can’t beat the big fish – just try a smaller pond.

73. When I’m depressed I watch Anna Karenina – the poor thing. You keep on thinking, “It has to get better for her. It has to get better for her” but…

74. I was tied to my desk in 4th grade by Sister Annunciata. I asked if I could try to get out. She said she wouldn’t. The story did not end well.

75. When I’m watching things on tv with others I like talking about it – not a single person in my family approves of this sort of conduct.

76. It doesn’t stop me from gabbing.

77. I doubt myself tons, but cover it up nearly perfectly with bravado.

78. I am not me without God in me.

79. I don’t like the word “Christ” – It goes back to my childhood days in Brooklyn, way before I even knew who Our Lord was. Every adult I knew used it as a curse word. “Jesus Christ!” It was something I knew NOT to say.

80. When I read “Christ” in my Bible I automatically sub it with “Messiah”, “Lord”, “Our Lord” – or the like – makes me feel better.

81. I love God. I love his church. I struggle to actually go to church though, to get out of my own private “just you and me God” bubble, and connect.

82. I’ve been Christian for 26 years now, graduated from Seminary, and have spent only 7 years as a church member. I was intimately connected to God all along. That’s all I needed. Right? Wrong.

83. Only when I was homeless – I guess that should be one of these numbers – only then, in a study of ancient church history did I discover finally that what I called “freelance” Christianity was never the plan. It has always been about connection with our brothers and sisters in Our Lord. I missed that boat entirely. I’m now learning to connect. It’s hard.

84. Studying ancient church history is what all homeless people do right?

85. I like pistachios – but my thumbnail gets sore from splitting them open when I eat too many at one sitting.

86. I always eat too many at one sitting.

87. I used to like the roadrunner, but as an adult I identify more with Wile. E. Coyote.

88. I always thought Tom, from Tom and Jerry, you know, the cat – I always thought he got the short end of the stick.

89. I realize, of course, that if either he or the coyote if he ever did “win” in an episode – there would be no more cartoon. So I kinda get it – but still don’t like it.

90. I will always be indebted to “mommie bloggers” for teaching me how to line up my words like bunny prints in the snow instead of squares of concrete on the sidewalk.

91. I never had a tattoo. I hate pain. If I ever get one – it’ll be a dot.

92. I love hot tea, in something ceramic, with a handle, and enough whole fat milk in it to make it a light tan color, AND about 1.5 tons of sugar.

93. My natural bent is to be self centered, whiny, impatient, doubtful, oversensitive, undisciplined, rebellious…but then God.

94. I heart twitter – don’t heart facebook so much. People who follow tweets, well, they really do follow your tweets. People who “friend” you – seriously, are they really friends?

95. I think “please” at the beginning of almost any request makes it better.

96. I find it fascinating that if someone sees a Happy Meal they don’t assume it was made by a random smashing together of atoms – someone had to make it. But the whole universe? Oh, that just happened, all by itself.

97. If I don’t keep reminding myself that this journey really is the destination, that the now is important to be in, I get lost somewhere between dreaming and depression.

98. Now is the only thing that actually is. God is in and all over the now. The past is gone. The future isn’t real – yet. Literally, God’s name is “I am”. He is, by title, “He Who Is”.

99. And in that “which is” we live and move and have our being. Whether we admit it or not.

100. Ergo…God is the number one thing.

The puppie dogs and ice cream are down the hall and to the left.

{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }

Angela February 4, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Hey Craig, I wanted to leave a comment on your post, but I couldn’t. Then I clicked on to read some more “about” you…and found myself here.

Great post! Yeah, sometimes you do feel like giving up.

Thanks

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Craig February 4, 2011 at 2:41 pm

Thank you for going all the way here to this place to leave a comment. That is really nice of you. God Bless. And don’t give up. And I’m glad that you are one of the ones I’m praying for today 🙂

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Kim February 5, 2011 at 2:05 pm

Okay, I always wonder if I’m the only one. I see others are having the same issue. What a beautiful post Craig. I must have been directed here because I needed to hear those words. Sometimes the job of mothering is really hard and it’s easy to feel like you’re failing.

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Craig February 5, 2011 at 2:10 pm

Kim – being a mom is easy – doing it with like you do it – like all good moms do it – that’s the hard part. Only really good parents worry about not being good enough! 🙂

I am so happy that I’m now praying for you too. I’m doing it right now (well not by the time you read this – but now meaning now – know what I mean?) — and I’m smiling while praying.

God Bless

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Dawn February 6, 2011 at 3:02 pm

Hi Craig,
Thanks for your stop by and your gracious words. I love 100 Things lists. I only did 50, but it helps you to get to know someone. Your list is wonderful, and it’s nice to meet you.

48 – What a gift to your sister. My brother did it for me. Then I had to give him away to Heaven at 28.

49 – That’s because you’ve never been pregnant with a baby that was born with as much hair on her head that you have in your “about” pic.

Blessings to you.

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Craig February 6, 2011 at 3:11 pm

Thank you for reading all the way through – sorry about the lack of puppies and ice cream at the end. It was a blessing having you here. God Bless.

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Cheri February 14, 2011 at 4:52 pm

Loved your list and your writing….when you find the puppies, I’ll take a little female boxer and vanilla is ok as long as I can make home made carmel sauce to put on top…just a small bowl please.

Blessings,
Cheri

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Craig February 14, 2011 at 5:17 pm

I am sorry to say that Laska the Love kitty has put a kabash on the whole puppy thing for now – he says he’ll be happy to send you some white boxers if that will do.

The Ice cream with the carmel sauce shouldn’t be a problem though.

Thank you for reading – and God Bless.

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Dianna McBride February 15, 2011 at 5:18 pm

Just stopping by, Craig, to tell you that I read all the way to the end…all 100 things because our Border Collie of 15 years passed away about a month ago. SO…you can only imagine my disappointment when I realized there were no puppies here for real. I have the ice cream in the freezer, but I really could have used the puppy. 🙂 Our dog really did pass away, but we aren’t really considering another dog until late spring/early summer. I read to the end BECAUSE I wanted to learn more about you. Thank you for the comments that you’ve left for me when you’ve been over at Ann’s.

You’ve lived quite a life ~ number 83 as a case in point. I enjoy your writing style.

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Craig February 15, 2011 at 5:25 pm

Dianna thank you. Sorry about the puppies – I blame it on Laska the love kitty – there are issues to be worked out still. And sorry for your little circle runner – I know how they like to herd things. Thank you for reading this -and me – and your kind words. God bless and keep you. And thank you again – I say it a lot I know but that you took time to read me – it’s a blessing.

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Miz Liz February 23, 2011 at 11:00 pm

I found Kathy at Ann’s Holy place and you at Kathy’s Lifesong. I heart many bloggers but am on a search for Christian women blogers OVER 70–Seriously Silver Seventy Sisters. 🙂 But I heart being here at your place. I shall return, want to study here awhile. I’m so relieved there are NO puppies. One, rescue Blk Lab mix, One resuce barn calico ENOUGH for this OLD great grandma.
But I did do all 100. Thank you for some serious chuckles…#61-my now a Marine for 21 years son brought one home 36 years ago..This is Sam, he needs me. We had Samantha fixed and she did need boy child for 10 more years. 81- ditto; 83 homeless people, even w/o ancient studies, grasp community but even with home, some of His followers make life hard. So, 78 gets a round of applause and a bold print on my Thanksgiving list. Finding you is big, also! Thank you for this blessing. Thanks for no word limit….And may Jesus–all parts of Him — shine on you.
Liz

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Craig February 23, 2011 at 11:57 pm

#8 – about sleep. It’s midnight as I write this to you. The last three days the sleep pattern has been that of Laska the Love Kitty 30 minutes here, 90 there, 20 here, when it happens it happens. The drugs do nothing but make me sleepy and foggy headed. It is what it is. No complaining – just explaining 🙂

The easiest way to describe these last few days is that they really aren’t three – but more like 21 very short days. And here on this day of who knows how many hours before I have to sleep again I find you – and you are a blessing. I have a woman I greatly respect – Her name is Joyce Gibson – she published me once – maybe I need to give her a nudge to start blogging next time I see her – she’s a tremendous writer – you two would hit it off well I think – I think she’s 80 something. God bless and thank you for such a thoughtful comment.

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Becky March 15, 2011 at 7:51 pm

Oh my goodness! You are hilarious! I laughed all the way through.

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Nacole Simmons March 17, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Hi Craig! i actually stopped by here yesterday, before you stopped into my page, but i do not leave comments that often. however, happened upon this list–and yes, i read all 100 (i am reader as well as writer)–and it is a lovely list! i MUCH agree with Becky: this is hilarious and thoughtful and i laughed all the way through. thanks for that! i have one question: what is lining up words like bunny prints in the snow? im guessing you mean a gentle, happy, almost haphazard sort of flow of writing. but still need to ask. bless you!

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Craig March 17, 2011 at 1:52 pm

Thank you for reading and for making it all the way down. The bunny prints in the snow thing – it’s all kind of explained in this post https://www.deepintolove.com/2011/01/21/love-explains-things-why-this-man-is-attending-blissdom/ – basically the difference between all blocky and blah blah facty – to – well – the way I write now. Hope that helps – if not – let me know and I’ll explain better. Again – thank you very much – and God Bless.

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Nicol March 19, 2011 at 9:00 am

Thank you for visiting my blog! I cherish the few visitors that I get! I read your 100 list and I was hooked! It was the most interesting one that I have ever read! Does that make you the most interesting person that I have ever read about? Looking for to reading more of your blog entries…Grace and peace to you, nicol

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Craig March 19, 2011 at 9:08 am

That’s kind of you to say – all of it. It is a joy visiting your blog. Blogs like yours are the reason I chose to write in this community that’s almost 100% not – well – male. My man card is always in jeopardy – the “club” has eyes everywhere 🙂

And I’m not the most interesting – just probably the one with the longest history faux pas.(◠‿◠)

And I heart those words of Paul – need to use them more – Grace and peace to YOU Nicol.

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Kira@Kissing the Joy March 24, 2011 at 12:24 am

Craig this list is GREAT. I clicked on your “100 list” thinking I would just see what it was. Then I was just going to read a few of them, because I’m supposed to be doing the dishes… and then I read them all. Fascinating, insightful, witty… I really like this list. Thanks for writing it 🙂

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Craig March 24, 2011 at 8:31 am

First – sorry about the dishes – if I’d known I’d have have come over and washed them – and swept and mopped the kitchen floor. Sorry. And thank you – it took a while to write. It’s pretty much me in a big long winded nutshell. Again

sorry
thank you
God Bless.:)

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thefisherlady March 25, 2011 at 12:17 am

it is about the pistachios… try using your tongue and teeth to split them… saves the nails…and you begin to feel a bit like a squirrel, or a mouse, or a bird of sorts…
I love the Happy meal and big bang theory thought … I heart it 🙂
I will pray your body finds its proper rest!
I think you are a sweet big brother… lucky sister

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Craig March 25, 2011 at 10:15 am

Really ????? I will try that – it does sound squirrely – but then – they would know. And the Happy Meal analogy – I heart that too. And thank you for the prayer – if God removes the thorn I’m delighted. If he doesn’t I’m OK. If “me of little faith” had more faith – I’d be delighted either way. And I love my sister – loving her taught me how to love like a parent. The closest love on earth to God’s love for us – is the love of a parent – most especially – the love of a mom. God bless you – and thank you.

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Kim March 28, 2011 at 9:52 pm

I’m so glad that I was able to access this tab. Great list. I like what you said about twitter. I don’t have a twitter account but I agree about FB. When my bro passed, I put his funeral arrangements as my status – the only time I’ve ever had a status and only 6 people out of the hundred friends sent me condolences. I put it on my status because I was too exhausted to talk about it – my baby was also due that week – but I was downright shocked at how many people I’ve known for over 20 years didn’t even write a quick sorry for your loss. Astounding.

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Craig March 29, 2011 at 12:17 pm

True – I think facebook gives us the illusion of real connection and friendship bonding – and some of it is real – well I can’t explain it any better than you just did. Thank you for reading Kim – God bless you.

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Brooke April 2, 2011 at 10:17 pm

Just read your 100 list….so funny and much wisdom too. #15 – I relate and sometimes scare myself! Thanks for your blog….loving it:)

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Craig April 3, 2011 at 5:58 am

Thank you Brooke. And these words, “sometimes scare myself!” They remind me of the cowardly lion – and his tail – and how it scared him. I’m glad I’m not alone in this. Thanks. And thank you for the kind words about my blog. I’ve found that everything comes back to Love – the reason for the universe – for our lives – everything. Thank you for reading. Grave and peace to you and yours.

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Beth Coulton May 23, 2011 at 1:29 pm

Love the list! I’ll skip the puppy and just have death by chocolate.

Thanks!

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Craig May 23, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Puppy skipped – and one death by chocolate on order – I’m assuming that would be dark chocolate 🙂 God bless and keep you and all of yours Beth – and thank you.

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Julie@OnePennyJumblePacket July 13, 2011 at 7:49 pm

This list was very funny and wise at the same time. And the story about the murderer just slayed me (pun intended!)

However, I am praying that you will be able to get some real rest — Psalm 4:8, Psalm 127:2, and Proverbs 3:24 — I claim these verses all about God’s rest and sleep for those He loves for you.

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Craig July 13, 2011 at 8:01 pm

Julie, that was very, very, very PUNNY of you. True story about the guy – and he was truly disturbed – turns out he and his girlfriend partner were on the way to commit another murder – and had drugs in their system – and crashed their truck.

Unless of course there really was a conspiracy…

And the sleep – it’s been this way for 15 years, it’s my thorn – it’s my thorn in the side – I hate it – but it does serve a purpose. It has humbled me, and made me more compassionate. I hate – HATE the stupid thorn – but I love – LOVE the God who allows it to remain. I say it all the time. If he heals me I’ll praise him. If he chooses to allow it to remain – I’ll praise him. It is what it is. It’s just a thorn. Thank you for praying though – one of the things I’m finding most amazing about this blogging world is the prayer. We are all so far from each other – but I have hearted praying for all the people I have prayed for, and know that I have been prayed for, and prayer is faster, and better, more effective, and more important, then all of the inter-webs combined. No? thank you again Julie, and God bless.

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Adrienne July 24, 2011 at 10:26 am

Now I know so much more about you! It sounds like many of these items could be posts (or post series) all by themselves… You’ve had in interesting journey. Thanks for sharing!

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Craig July 25, 2011 at 1:39 pm

that IS a lot to know about me. I’ve lived a life, where I never let anyone know anything about me – this journey into blogging, and especially into blogging in this community – with people like you – it’s changed an awful lot about me. Thank you for reading my hundreds list Adrienne, and God bless and keep you and all of yours!

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Lori Ferguson October 11, 2011 at 8:25 am

” 96. I find it fascinating that if someone sees a Happy Meal they don’t assume it was made by a random smashing together of atoms – someone had to make it. But the whole universe? Oh, that just happened, all by itself.”

WOW – never heard it said so well! Can I borrow your explaination the next time it need it? Please?

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Craig October 12, 2011 at 6:10 am

Lori, first of all, I hope you don’t mind that I’ve poked around your blog a little – thank you for finding me – and commenting –– I know I’m going to heart reading you. And isn’t that amazing – we look at the simplest thing, and assume it was created – but the universe was just chance. And people who say they don’t believe say that WE have faith! Everybody believes – it’s just a matter of believing in what’s worth believing. No? And borrow anything you’d like – anytime you’d like – my closet is your closet. I may have invented the “happy meal” version of the concept – but I don’t think I’ve invented the concept. ツ thank you again Lori, and God bless and keep you.

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Augustin October 30, 2011 at 6:29 pm

I found Kathy at Ann’s Holy place and you at Kathy’s Lifesong. I heart many bloggers but am on a search for Christian women blogers OVER 70–Seriously Silver Seventy Sisters. But I heart being here at your place. I shall return, want to study here awhile. I’m so relieved there are NO puppies. One, rescue Blk Lab mix, One resuce barn calico ENOUGH for this OLD great grandma.
But I did do all 100. Thank you for some serious chuckles…#61-my now a Marine for 21 years son brought one home 36 years ago..This is Sam, he needs me. We had Samantha fixed and she did need boy child for 10 more years. 81- ditto; 83 homeless people, even w/o ancient studies, grasp community but even with home, some of His followers make life hard. So, 78 gets a round of applause and a bold print on my Thanksgiving list. Finding you is big, also! Thank you for this blessing. Thanks for no word limit….And may Jesus–all parts of Him — shine on you.
Liz

+1

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Craig November 30, 2011 at 2:39 pm

Liz, I don’t know how this beautiful comment of yours escaped my notice – but it did – and I’m sorry for replying so late – I’m thankful that you found me – I hope you still read – and even if you don’t – I hope you don’t mind that I just finished a prayer for you – I don’t know the details so I just made it a general prayer for your faith, for your heart, for your health. I know a blogger or two who is at least 60, maybe 70, and one even 80 – get back in touch with me if you want me to point the way to them. My sleep thing makes my body work like it’s 80 sometimes – but I’m not there – nor am I a girl – I just write like one. Anyway, thank you very much, and God bless and keep you and each and every one of yours!

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Libby November 23, 2011 at 5:44 pm

Hello,
I don’t know how I got to your site while searching for pictures of Tumbleweeds but I am glad I did. It was refreshing and humorous reading your 100 things about you. Actually your “84. Studying ancient church history is what all homeless people do right?” reminds me a lot of my brother. He found God through a homeless guy while being homeless himself.
Wishing you an enlightened and humble life.
Libby

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Craig November 30, 2011 at 2:49 pm

Libby, I heart that you found me, I had a picture of the Tumbleweed on one post – and I think it’s entitled Tumbleweed – so that’s how you found me I guess. But the timing was tough because just after you commented a computer virus hit my computer – and I was down – and the computer was nearly destroyed – and it still fighting the good fight – but it’s been this long for me to get a chance to catch up on all the comments that happened when I was down. So I apologize for being so late to reply to your comment – I always reply to my comments – every single one. I’m glad you enjoyed the hundred list – it’s actually surprisingly easy to put one together – it just takes time. And the story of your brother and his homelessness – I heart that. Lots! Thank you for your wish for a humble and enlightened life – that made me smile – and I need both – always! God bless and keep you – and again – thank you.

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Jamie @ See Jamie Blog January 5, 2012 at 11:44 am

I never read these lists because they are boring. But I popped over and read one or two, and then I had to read the rest. My favorite 100-list ever. Now I want to write one, except it won’t be as funny as yours, so I probably won’t. 😉

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Craig January 7, 2012 at 9:57 am

Jamie, thank you. I heart my hundred list. And having read you – yours will be just as good – the trick – the secret – is when you get a really good story from your past – one that really defines you a little – you spread it out over a few numbers – and you have your whole life to draw from – no hurry – just start it – and add to it – and subtract from it – and before you know it, I’ll be reading yours and telling you it’s MY favorite 100 list ever ツ God bless you Jamie, and thank you again.

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Kristi February 21, 2012 at 6:18 pm

I am intrigued by #1 and #4. Have you shared the beginning of your story? I am so curious and love the way you write. Glad I found your blog!

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Craig February 23, 2012 at 2:15 pm

Kristi, first of all, I’m sorry it took so long for me to reply to your comment. You got caught in my spam catcher, and I didn’t clear it out till today – luckily I looked before removing all of the spam – because YOU are not spam. Sorry!

And about numbers one and four – I never used to share anything. I used to keep my cards very close to the vest, but I named last year “connect” and there is no connecting without sharing, without being open, without being vulnerable and transparent – so now I’m probably a little bit of an over sharer on the blog – so yes, I have elaborated on that. In short I guess I can say that there was once my gifts were many but my character didn’t match – now I think I can safely say the character definitely matches the gifts – and they both match the faith – and in large part it’s because of knowing love and doing it.

See – told you I was an over sharer.

Thank you for your kind words, I’ll be finding your blog very soon. Thank you for NOT being spam, thank you for forgiving me for being late to comment – I assume you have forgiven me (◕‿◕) and God bless and keep you and each and every one of yours!

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Kristi February 23, 2012 at 2:42 pm

Ahhh. Of course I understand about the spam thing. I also think I understand what you are getting at (1 -4). You write so eloquently, a real joy to read. How do I get an attitude like yours? Ever read Joel Osteen? He is pretty inspiring. I am otherwise a cafeteria Catholic lol! Thanks for you reply and have a great evening!

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Craig February 25, 2012 at 6:48 am

Number fuor is maybe the hardest thing in the world for a man to admit – no matter what the world says, men and women are different – and men find their identity still in what they “accomplish” – their “success”. I have failed – a lot. But after many, many, many mistakes, and failures, and crushing defeats – and yes – one horrible crushing at the hands of our Lord who we both love – I still keep coming back – I think that’s my best character trait – I have fallen a lot – but I’ve never, ever stayed down. Anyway, I’ve heard Jill Osteen, but never read him, and “cafeteria Catholic? – I was Catholic as a child so I know the term “nonpracticing” Catholic – is that the same thing? Teach me !! (please and thank you) And lastly, thank you for your kind words, I heart writing, and if I keep writing, one day, who knows – I think I’ll put together an e-book or two here, and I have a love calendar that I will introduce to the site soon, I currently live well below the poverty line, but you never know, right? Thank you very much for all you wrote, God bless and keep you and all of yours Kristi! I’m uber glad you found me. (ˆ◡ˆ)

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Kristi February 25, 2012 at 6:16 pm

Well a cafeteria Catholic goes to church when it is convenient, doesn’t follow or agree with all the “rules” (contraception).

I read once that all religions are is just the language in which we speak to God. I guess you could say I am bi-lingual when it comes to that…..

Anyway, good bless you and yours too! Keep up the great work!

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Marlo T Wells March 23, 2012 at 12:48 pm

I’m not quite sure why…but this made me cry. You are more connected than you know!
Blessings to you Craig!
Marlo

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Craig March 25, 2012 at 2:35 pm

Marlo, thank you. I named last year “connect” – and I opened up and really connected for maybe the first time in my life. I named this year “see” – as in to see with better eyes, spiritual eyes – and Ive seen bitter cold darkness and great light. Turns out “naming” years is a challenging thing. Anyway, thank you for what you said, thank you, and God bless and keep you.

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Maxine October 13, 2012 at 6:17 pm

I got all 100, no need for puppies or ice cream. The read was reward enough. Have you ever asked God to hold you while you slept? You know He does already, but if you specifically ask, you may be surprised.

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Sally Chapin November 15, 2012 at 11:54 am

Where did you find the photograph of the baby hand in the adult hand??? I love it! sally

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Craig November 15, 2012 at 1:33 pm

Sally, tell me which post that was on. When I started blogging I didn’t know to source all the photos. But for a long time I’ve known and all photos now, if they are mine, have no source below them – but if they’re from another source, below the image and to the right is the word “source” – if you click that it will take you to the original source. 🙂 God bless and keep! and thank you.

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baby hand in adult hand November 16, 2012 at 10:12 am

Craig…it is a little baby hand in an adult hand “Does a mama forget the first time she touched her baby’s hand?” above it. I need your permission to use it for a fundraiser for infants at Children’s Hospital. Thanks Craig….sally

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Craig November 16, 2012 at 5:22 pm

Sally – that picture isn’t mine – can you remember what post it was on – even if you just tell me the title I can find it. I don’t keep a list of photo credits. Only ON each post – FOR each post. We need to find the post – to find the credit 🙂 God bless.

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Nerea June 10, 2014 at 10:59 am

Hi
I came a cross a drawing that it looks like from your website. Could I use it for my seminars,Please?
It is the one with the circles and the listening

Kind regards

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Craig June 10, 2014 at 12:13 pm

Hi, unless it’s from one of my first posts I’ve always put the source of the artwork. if you click on source, just below the picture, it will take you to where I got it. All credit where credit is due. If it doesn’t have the source, let me know, I’ll try to help you find it. GOd bless.

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Nerea June 10, 2014 at 6:12 pm

Hi
I cannot find the source but before I saved it I put your website so I think it comes from you.
Sorry I close the windows and now I cannot find it
It is two big circles with two little people on them one circles is reveal the other Listening and the common ground is understanding.
When I click came out your website with (np) or Pn I cannot remember…now I cannot find it,

So sorry about this

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Craig June 15, 2014 at 12:15 pm

I wish I knew which post it was from. Do you remember what the post was about? If not I’d have to look through all my posts one at a time to find it for you – or you would. Sorry. I wish I could be more helpful.

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Craig June 15, 2014 at 12:17 pm

maybe if ou did another search for the image – and pulled up the webpage, not just the image, then you’d see it on the page and hopefully find the source THAT way 🙁

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A March 14, 2017 at 8:23 am

Craig, I just re read your list and it warmed my heart all over again. Praying for you today!

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