MY BLOG POSTS

I can’t stand it when people talk during movies. It drives me crazy. I pay money to see a film, not to hear my neighbors discussing their plans for after the film or to listen to a running commentary about what they do/do not like about the film.

A few years ago, I went to a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” — my favorite movie EVER. It was my first time seeing it in a movie theater. I couldn’t wait. I have watched this movie dozens and dozens of times. I couldn’t wait to see it on the big screen. So I went, found the perfect seat, and waited patiently through all the previews until….ta-da! It began!! And the person in front of me starts singing. With Judy Garland. I was appalled. You don’t sing over Judy! You sit in awe at her amazing talent. Quietly.

I’m thinking about this because I am really excited about “Les Miserables” coming out on Christmas Day. Really excited. I love that musical, too. I’ve seen it, memorized it. Had the T-shirt, teach the book. But I am nervous. I want to go on Christmas Day. Really, really want to go. But there will be a lot of people there that day. People who also love the movie and know all the songs. And if one of them busts out with “Who Am I?” while Hugh Jackman is singing, I might hurt them. And that wouldn’t be good. On so many levels.

Maybe I should contact the theater, ask for a special screening for those of us who promise not to say a word the whole movie. I can’t be the only one who appreciates silence in the movie theater, right? Who wants to listen to the paid actors rather than karaoke happy hour?

I am torn. Go when it opens or wait until the crowds die down? Anyone else struggle with this? Or am I…. “On My Own”?

I hate saying I’m wrong.

I rather take a semester of Calculus than say I’m wrong. I’d rather eat a bucket full of broccoli than say I’m wrong. I’d rather have a mouse run across my foot than say I’m wrong.

I wish this were one of those posts where I follow that up with something wonderful and mature, a life lesson that turned me around and made me joyful when given the opportunity to admit my mistakes.

Sorry. Not gonna happen. Not yet, anyway. This is one of those posts where I admit I am still growing and falling and struggling. Do I think I am never wrong? No. I know I make mistakes. But saying it out loud? Ouch. That is so difficult. I’d rather act like the wrong never happened. Or, even better, justify why my wrong wasn’t nearly as bad as other people’s. I’m really good at that. I make excuses for my wrongs, I sugar coat them, I do anything – anything – rather than admitting them.

But – and here’s the lesson that God keeps trying to teach me and I keep remaining too hard-headed to totally learn – I am miserable when I refuse to admit I’m wrong. Making excuses and justifications, ignoring or blaming, those do not bring satisfaction. Being right all the time is exhausting! And it distances me from the One who knows the truth.

On those rare occasions that I actually do admit I’m wrong, it feels good. After I say it. Before I say it, my stomach is in knots, my tongue is tied. I have beautiful, long debates with myself about whether or not it’s really necessary – and, to be perfectly honest, the “you don’t need to say it” argument wins most of those.

Maybe other people don’t struggle with this. Maybe you’re reading this thinking I am crazy. You can say “Sorry” all day and not be bothered at all. Well, good for you. I bet you like broccoli, too, don’t you?

But this is where I am. Not finished, still in process. Still struggling with things that a two-year-old struggles with.

I am thankful for a God who doesn’t give up on people as pig-headed as me. I am thankful for a God who doesn’t just say, “Do whatever you want. It’s fine.” Because it isn’t fine! But a God who says, “You ARE wrong, but I love you enough to help make you right.”

Congratulations to Lydia & Rebecca, winners of the Right Where I Belong giveaway! Email me (krista@kristamcgeebooks.com) with your addresses, and I will get those out to you right away!

If you didn’t win but you’d still like a book — check out Thomas Nelson Fiction on Facebook or Twitter for Freebie Fridays! Or pick up a copy at your local virtual or actual bookstore.

Giveaway time!!

Right Where I Belong  has been released from the warehouse. I have two copies that I would love to give away. And since this story has a lot to do with moving and adjusting to a new place, I want to hear your stories about just that. Any story, any length – tell me about a move you made, your parents made, a friend made. It doesn’t even have to be a change of state, maybe a move from one school to another, one house to another. I’ll take anything you’ve got!

Comment away – here, not on Facebook – and you’ll be entered to win. I’ll announce the winners Tuesday.

Natalia’s about to discover her place in the world . . . and it’s not following in her father’s footsteps.

After watching her father jump from one marriage to the next, Natalia has completely written off love. And when her father divorces his third wife—the only one who has been a mother to her—Natalia is ready to write him off too.

Needing a change of scenery, Natalia leaves her home in Spain and relocates with her stepmother to sun-soaked Florida. But she didn’t realize just how far a new school, a new culture, and a new lifestyle would push her out of her comfort zone.

One of her biggest surprises comes from Brian, a pastor’s son with an adorable smile, who loves God with a sincerity that astounds Natalia. She doesn’t want to fall for him, but she can’t seem to avoid him long enough to get him out of her mind.

Love is the last thing Natalia wants. Even so, God has her right where she belongs.