Friday, February 09, 2007

I am From

When I read Kelly's and Heth's "I am From", I knew I wanted to do this little writing exercise myself. I wrote mine several weeks ago and just let it sit for awhile. It is amazing how many things come to your memory when you right things down. I often think of the heritage I want to leave my children in the written word. I want them to read things that I have written, my love of God and His word, my love for their daddy, and my love for each of them. I want them to hear my struggles, the pain, the disappointments, and my faith. I hope that in each of my journals and even this little blog they discover my faith in Jesus Christ.


I am from...

I am from black tops and side walks, from Disneyland to Knott's Berry Farm.

I am from the small stucco house at the end of a cul-de-sac, the smell of chlorine, block wall fences and Ford trucks.

I am from green grass throughout the year, sandy beaches, palm trees, Santa Ana winds and snow capped mountains.

I am from Christmas Eve with Grandma and Grandpa, Norwegian Lefse and homemade cinnamon rolls, from Ron and Blanche and a man named Jim.

I am from bus rides down Brookhurst street straight to Huntington Beach and summer visits with my aunt and uncle, their eight kids, barbeque's in the backyard, kick the can and hide-n-seek.

From Santa Claus and and the little song, "My mother said if I'd be good, she send me to the store"

I am from Jesus becoming Savior, a small church on the corner and Calvary Chapel concerts.

I am from the sunshine state, an accountant, beautiful wood work, and simple family meals around the kitchen table.

From the love of antiques, all things old, doll collections, cowboy boots and western wear, Johnny Cash and Engelbert Humperdinck, Mano's Pizza, Squirt and RC Cola.

I am from the stories of growing up in Wyoming, or the small town of Keokuk, and the Grandma retired in Santa Monica who raised five boys by herself.


The beauty in this little exercise is that no matter where "I am from", I am most importantly a daughter of the Most High God.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:33

8 comments:

Heth said...

Is it bad that I am wishing I was from green grass throughout the year?

Fun memories Chris. It's so neat to read about the details of childhood. It's amazing all of the things you didn't know you remembered until you sat and thought about it.

melanie said...

I agree with heth, I have read so many "i am froms", and always wish i could trade places, is that bad? but when i sat back i remembered all the little things and all that i have to be thankful for.
i would have loved to have sat down and shared an rc with you on the warm beach!

Mrs. Julie Fink said...

This was something special. Thanks for sharing it. Someday (when I can think for a few minutes straight :)!) I may try it.

Kelly said...

I am so glad you did this, Chris! It is such a beautiful way to reflect on the things that mold us and make us who we are. So glad to learn a bit more about my new friend!

Tina said...

that is so cool!
Hey... I'm from bus rides to Huntington Beach too!!! :)

I loved summer there!

Cyndi said...

This. was. so. COOL! How I loved reading this. :)

Carol said...

And I love that last paragraph!

Tammy said...

This was beautiful.
And I can so relate to the fact that you want to write to leave a legacy for your children.
I also write- (I posted part of a short story on my last post).I use to only love to write stories and fiction, but now part of the reason that I blog, is for my children.
It was fun to read all of the things that you are from and I love this way of doing it!