endings...

endings from Zalaine Dille on Vimeo.
It may seems strange to start a week with an ending but it seems very natural today.
Most of us start our mornings with as much gusto as we can muster up and often end the day, in complete chaos. We feel bad, say we are going to do better tomorrow or next week or when the kids leave or most certainly, when we retire. We are tired, worn out and the last thing we have time for is a perfect ending. I am here to tell you, it will always be this way.

It dawned on me this morning as I waited for Pastor Jim's ending prayer, how much I look forward to it. I know it almost, word for word and it brings me to a place to start the new week.

And now, to Him who is able to do immeasureably more than all we ask or even imagine,
According to His Power, that is at work within us, to Him be Glory in the church.
both now and forever more...And all God's people said...Amen. It flows from his mouth and heart and because he has repeated it so many times, it fits him like a pair of well-worn shoes.

I loved what he read today. I love that he talked about committing to memory those things we need to hear the most. The things I need to hear at the end of the day. The things I need to hear. I want something that no matter what the day has brought, will end in thankfulness. This prayer would be a great way to do just that. Endings... we all look forward to beginning but endings, not so much. Maybe it is time to change that...

JPEG...

Sometimes, we Martha's have to be Mary's.
We have to put down our pots and pans a while,
look around and see what time it is.

We need to rest, pause and reflect.

I got this photo from my DD this afternoon and stopped making dinner and started tweeking it, With each preset, I could feel the life of the photo begin to reach out and grab my heart led me to Love. The kind of Love that brings one into community not just for my favorite three year old ballerina but for all that surrounds me.

It's an old choral song from NNU and I can still hear Royce Mitchell singing the words of Jesus.

You try so hard to please,
and still there is no peace.
Stop and listen, there's another Voice a calling.

To think, sometimes it comes in the form of a JPEG...

politics - this is about as exciting as it gets...

After over a year and a half of watching and waiting, we are now down to the Final Four. In two months we will either have a Black man as president or a woman as vice president. Either way, it will be a new way of doing business. For my generation, although we came too close with Geraldine Ferraro - not sure I expected to see this before my Social Security years. For DD's generation, it will become common place in the next few elections. For my gkids, it will be life as usual - nothing to write home about.

Two months, hard to believe that it all comes down to 60 some days. Last Thursday, I couldn't have imagined Sarah Palin - now she is all you hear about. Her family's private life plastered on every news show but that is the price you pay if you want to run with the Big Dogs. Tomorrow night after John McCain does his Big Speech, it will be hours and hours of watching each team shaking hands and kissing babies in every city imaginable...but it is only for two months.

If the election were held today - who would you vote for? A 10 page post on a digi board that I keep up with came up with unremarkable results. While most of it was semi-polite discussion, the actual vote count was 29/Obama and 27/McCann. There were 2 posts that really stood out - because of VP choices, two ladies from each political party were going to cross party lines and vote against their party. That tells me that tensions and emotions are running deep.

Whatever the outcome, for the most part, our lives will go on. God help us if they start campaigning January 21, 2009 after the last musician has left the Inauguration Ball. This is history being made and however you vote, you will be able to tell your children, grandchildren and ggrandchildren about this time in our country's history.

I am going to relish each moment of the next 2 months. While I have a general distrust of all things organized, this is proof that we live in the greatest country in the world, faults and all, I love the USA...

stellan...

Family affair - it started out as a small family project and wound up with poppa and a camera on the roof.

DD and I both are walking with Stellan and his mommy aka MckMama thru their journey at mycharmingkids.net. Stellan has already defied the doctors expectations and continues to keep growing on. One of the things MckMama is going to do is make some funky wallpaper for his nursery with all the photos people have sent in of Stellan's name written in all different kinds of ways.

So yesterday, DD came up with the hose idea and her and her dad hooked a couple hoses together and came up with a nice little Stellan outline. The thing was it was pretty big. We got poppa up on a ladder and it still wasn't enough so he took his ladder and headed for the side of the house, climbed to the opposite side and finally got a shot.

The whole time, I was praying for Stellan and poppa, for obviously different reasons but mainly I prayed that someday Stellan and his poppa might do the same for someone else and Stellan would get as big a kick of watching his poppa go on the roof with everyone squealing in the background to Be Careful, as Keaton, Gage and Morgan did. There are many roads to love - sometimes all you need is a hose and a camera...

feels like fall...

School was out Friday and we took advantage of the still very warm weather and headed to the pool for one last swim. Those of us not in swim suits soon wished we were. It was also the last warm, warn day we have had. Fall is already in the air. You can feel the change coming already. The weather liars say it is one of the earlier fall seasons on record - I don't have the courage to ask about winter yet.

We have enjoyed a lazy weekend. DH had a few days off and we took advantage of it to do a few honey do's but mainly not much. We did manage to meet the kids at Costco yesterday and have a little lunch. While there, I did have to check to see if they were carrying my Happy Chocolates. I have been stalking my Costco for the last 2 weeks and they were thinking late this week. Lo and behold, the other Costco already had them. I did not plan very well last December - usually try to make sure I have enough to last until September because they are only available until Dec 24, then they are pulled from the shelves, not to return for a good 9 months. Yes, I know too much about Costco and their marketing ways but if you are close and need a fix, I am your Woman.



We will have a BBQ with the kids this afternoon then DH has to get some sleep before heading to work tonight. All in all, it has been a great weekend. Living in the Moment in times like these, is the greatest lessons one can learn from. That and Happy Chocolates...

common sense really ain't that common...

So I am at a stop light with this guy and I just have to pull out my camera. We are at a major intersection - no 25 MPH here. I realize it is warm out already and I imagine it is pretty hot under that helmet but does one really wear shorts to compensate for the heat overload?

I had to laugh because I think this is how many of us do life on an everyday basis. We see the benefit of protecting parts of ourselves but completely miss the boat, in other areas of same said life.

Common sense is vital to our lives, I am throughly convinced and those who lack it truly are handicapped. Common sense can take you places that higher education can't even get close to. With me, there is never a question of which road to take, CS is the only way for me. Even in a setting, like a medical office where more expertise could be helpful - if I perceive a lack of common sense, I am out of there. I have lived too many horror Stories to trust the medical community. I am following a blog now that just has confirmed that not much has changed. Nurses don't read charts, have no idea which patient they are treating and have no qualms about not double checking charts to make sure. This is not about education or a degree - it's about common sense and for us, to know when to run away.

There are other Stories this week that come with the same danger. One in the education field, several in the food industry. The lack of common sense shows no favoritism, and is an equal opportunity sense - available to all, just for the taking.

Enjoy this last holiday weekend of the summer. Hope you have some great summer fun! Don't forget the sunscreen and some common sense - you are going to need them both...

firsts...

There are firsts in every season of life. Some, like kindergarten, are firsts that most of us share and being the humans that we are, we try to spread knowledge Love that we have acquired. When we are little and just starting to experiencing new firsts, we are less likely to listen. This is not the time to being open to encouragement and reassurances - we are in definite panic mode.

As we get older, the firsts become tougher. sometimes overwhelming to handle. When the firsts come for me now, they hold a bit more surprise and a little bit of joy. I realized a while back when all parents and in-laws were gone and now I had moved up a generation, there were still some firsts I will never experience in this life.

I will never be a young widow.
I will never lose my child during childbirth.
I will not die before I am 30.

These were all fears I believed could and more than likely, would happen. This last week reminded me that even after 30 some years of walking with Christ, there are still Jesus firsts, coming my way. Wow.

Another first, I bought and delivered my first Christmas presents. It sounds weird but when you see the whole picture, it makes perfect, perfect sense.

Adult onset allergies has been added to my firsts. Yesterday, I mowed the lawn with a blue mask on my face. I wanted to wear my sunglasses but thought I would resemble a terrorist so bagged that idea. I didn't want to wear the mask. Kids were just coming home from school but after a while, it was ok. Funny, never saw that one coming.

It is Day 3 and Gage is still asking if he has to go everyday to Kindergarten. Godd thing it is a short week and we will have some time to fill in some of the blanks for him this weekend. He is in the process of trying to understand why some kids don't follow the rules and he wants to go straight to the principal and bypass the over worked teacher.

Nothing quite like a first. It can be a time of renewal and confusion. It can be a source of awe and overwhelming. I can't wait until my next one!

refreshed...

When I wrote the last post, I had no plan to take some time off before I started typing. Two hours after that post, it became very apparent that taking this time off was not my idea and that I was in for quite a ride.

It started with a video that I have had for over 6 months but never watched. IMHO, everyone should watch Rob Bell's, Everything is Spiritual. I have seen it four times and plan to watch it again. I was in the middle of watching it when I got a phone call asking for prayer. I don't think it was a coincidence.

There were 2 deaths during the week, one was my internet friend Baldy. Someone I had never met but became part of his Story. The other was a friend of over 35 years. I knew she had been ill and while I haven't seen her in a long while, our last conversation revolved around both of us becoming Jesus believers and how amazing that was. We both shared the same babysitter many years ago, her son and my girl. We worked swing shift and would drop our babies at the kind, older woman's house and pick them up at midnite. One night, we knocked and knocked at the baby sitter's door and she didn't answer. We tried the front door and it was unlocked - a vodka bottle on the coffee table, a passed out babysitter and both of our kids awake. We grabbed our babies and ran out. The baby sitter called the next morning and begged for a second chance and as you can imagine, that didn't happen.

I didn't know I would need this time to rest, just rest. As Rob Bell, pointed out - even God ended His week in Genesis with rest. I tried to limit my creativity - to just stop and rest. It was tough and I did stop until this picture of Morgan on Friday. With a wedding reception on Saturday, there were more pictures. Hard to sit on these and not play.

School started Monday. Keaton was ready to us to let him go into his class himself. He is turning into such a big boy. Gage was a little apprehensive about Kindergarten but went back again today. Months ago, we bought tickets to a Bill Gaither concert which turned on to be, on the first day of school. Keaton, Aunt Bebe and I went several years ago and made a pact that if BG came back, we would all go. We added Grandma S and mommy to the party and walked out 3 hours and 45 minutes later, full of Jesus and His Love. I can still hear those harmonies in my head. What a way to end this magnificent time.

The bottom line - God is so much bigger than anything I can think up, imagine or realize. It is not about living with your head up on the clouds but understanding that as humans we use our finite brain to figure out things we have no comprehension of and making choices based on those thoughts. I walk away from this time of rest, a new person. I plan to make this time of rest, a habit. I see the value of making this a part of my life. Not sure what it will look like for me - we will see. Thank you Jesus, thank you...

Step of faith...

Most everything I have learned about faith has come from Indiana Jones. I play this scene in my head everyday - everytime I think about faith and what it really looks like. This is faith - pure and simple... and a bit scary.

Little bit of everything going on next week and I need a staycation. We all need times to clear our heads, time to refocus. With only a week before school starts and a birthday, concert and other fun things coming up next. week, I am hoping to refresh and recharge.

Will back back on Tuesday, August 26. Will think of you till we meet again...xo me

compensation...

You can't leave your TV on for long without being told that if you used this medicine or that procedure that you may be entitled to a monetary compensation. I have seen a hundred of them and haven't qualified for any of them. Perhaps I don't get around enough in the medical world - I admit, they scare me. I have been mostly exposed to the hunt and peck method of modern medicine and when it comes to medical matters, I am somewhat, gun shy.

Compensation (kom'pen sat)
1. to counter balance, to be an equivalent, make amends, or produce equilibrium

We live in a world that values compensation. Any way to make an extra dime. 15 years ago, I was on the receiving end of a class action lawsuit filed by women at the company I worked for. Didn't know a thing about it until I got a letter in the mail. Deciding that if I got enough to buy pizza for the family, imagine my surprise when I walked away with $9000.

We all have those times in our lives when we think life isn't fair - and it isn't. The sooner one learns that, the better off one is. I don't remember thinking that when I was growing up, I was too busy trying to find a way out. It has been in the last the last 15 years than it has occurred to me, that in a very real way, God has compensated me with the second part of my life ...for the first part of my life.

If everything falls apart today, I would still think the same. Watching the boys last night reminded me once again of that great Compensation. They watched the cool skateboarders do all their tricks and then listened with one gave his testimony on the saving Grace of Jesus. Compensation is not always monetary, we need to broaden the View and see all the counterbalance that is really there for the taking. Need equilibrium? Just look up...

I live for...

these moments.

Taking my boys to watch skateboarders that will later speak the words of God. There can be no greater moments to live for. For the skate team, I imagine they would agree.

These everyday moments when life takes you pass what you imagine it to be into the world of Him. In the last places you would ever look, wonder what else you might be missing? I do.

1691...

"How does your life compare to the plans, dreams, and expectations you had ten, twenty years ago?"

That is how many responses PW has received as of this morning, to her post of nearly a month ago. 1000 is how many I have read so far. No, not all at once. Usually 100 at a time. You can't take in much more info than that. There are times I just have to stop. The Stories are as varied as we are...and as similar.

PW's people have poured their hearts out. Stories that are raw and honest. Stories of dreams lost - never getting married or having children. Stories of loss - death, divorce and dreams. Many have more than they ever expected. Lives they never would have pursued but while the opposite of what they thought they wanted, turned out to be exactly what they wanted.

Depending on your season of life, a lot can happen in a short period of time. I didn't respond to her question then but have been thinking about my own Story and this is what it looks like...

56 - ten years ago, I had lost my job of 25 years and quit a job of 5 months. I went home to start my retirement early. Two months after starting that retirement, I found out I was going to be a nana. I started a pregnancy journal for my girl - and document every doctor appointment, took photos and kept a running update on names and name changes. The journal ended when Keaton was born and went home. Then, I kept a photo journal of his first year through his first birthday party. I did the same for Gage and Morgan. I didn't know what being a nana would look like but I could never imagined it like this. Always with a camera close by, my life looks nothing like I could ever imagined.

56 - 20 years ago, Brandi was a junior in high school and I had a job that I was always trying to get away from. The only good thing about working is 8 hours of free toilet paper. I had a good job, I just hated working. Still do. I am happiest at home listening to the hum of the dishwasher. There was no joy in finding a $25,000 error in an inventory mistake by the accounting dept who didn't want to be questioned, least of all - by me. I couldn't see a way out. I had to stay until I was 55 to get my full retirement and that was a long way away.

So here I am. My retirement did start last year at a tenth of what I would have got had I stayed. I was the first one to leave in my department and the whole plant shut down around my 54th birthday which would really have made me mad. My plans didn't pan out but the life I have been given is so much more than I could ever have imagined.

I would encourage you to check out some or all of these Stories. It will make you reflect on yoru own life and maybe even, help. Isn't it a great thing that we only think we are in charge. That we think we are the boss of us. Life is full of ups and downs, not of us are exempt but what we do with what we are given, makes all the difference...

words...

Lots and lots and lots of them last week...

Some good and some not so good. Some spoken to me, some by me and some secondhand. some that were mean and rude - some that were untrue, some that mocked God and some that were so wonderful, I wanted to cry.

We all have people in our life that are can be difficult ( thank you, you know who you are) and we usually let them get away with their words, maybe because it is easier than confronting them. I confronted someone this week and made them apologize for rude behavior. They did...Several times. Maybe it is not so hard after all and just maybe, by holding them accountable, they learn something too.

I heard words about God spoken in earnest that were dead wrong. God and slot machine should never be in the same sentence. More people have left the church because those who claim Him, instead of showing people where the water is - take it upon themselves to be the water. Years ago when my sister had 2 brain surgeries in less than a week, good church people and after they prayed with us told us it was our fault she had to have the surgeries because if we had been really praying, she would have been cured. Those who distort the Gospel whether thru negligence or on purpose make an old tape play over and over in my brain and not in a good way.

I would like to say that I had an equal amount of wonderful words this week but life doesn't work that way. The good words I had were great and maybe it is about quality not quantity. I had a great email discussions with a digi designer yesterday. she had given me a lovely gift certificate for her store but we couldn't get it to work. Finally figure it out after 6 emails and 24 hours. What a great time we had.

The highlight of my week had to do with my next door Neighbor. He had seen my gk in the yard but Thursday night, we were all out in the yard. While poppa shovled extra rock that Neighbor had gracious shared with us in our island, Neighbor decided to introduce himself to each one of them. First the boys, Gage LOVED him. They share birthdays just a few days apart. He asked permission to shake both boys hands as he asked their names. Firm handshakes, the boys loved it. Then he took off his hat, and shook Morgan's hand as he said her name so very gentle. I wanted to cry. I haven't seen a man take off his hat for a woman, no less a three year old, in a long, long time. Something I never would have expected from Neighbor. Shows you what I know.

It is Neighbor's birthday next Saturday and we have been invited. He always warns us of his loud and out of control parties. He acknowledges them and makes no bones about them. He said he will escort us into the backyard and hsi guests will give us the respect we are due ( not sure what that means exactly) No gifts but a Budweiser would be greatly appreciated.

We all throw around words most moments of everyday. Sometimes we are careful about them, sometimes not. Sometimes we say what we want to say and damn everyone else. Sometimes we are gentle. I could have taken a few less words this week but I wouldn't have traded the good for all the bad and even more bad. It just makes me aware of thw only words I can do anything about. My own...

free concert download ...

If you haven't heard Phil Wickham sing, you are missing out. The download will be at his site tomorrow, philwickham.com/blog/. Enjoy...

dead run...

Have spent most of the week on a dead run. More school shopping, a family shoot and helping my BIL buy a new computer, digital camera, external hard drive and iPod. We brought him and my sister into the digital age in about 3 hours of shopping. In between shopping, I have been moving all their stuff and my sister's iTunes music from the old to new computer. There will have to be some more tutoring - not sure my BIL has the Craig's List thing down. It is a lot to take in all at once and when you are digitally challenged, even more so.

Despite the hectic schedule, there have been two blogs I have been checking in on throughout each day. Baldy's Blog is about Mr Adrian who is literally dying as we speak. No more herotic actions. He is a young man with 2 forms of leukimia that have ravished his body. He had a gentleman's bet with one of his medical people whether he would live through the end of last week. He won that bet. He has said his goodbyes to family and friends and now we wait and pray.

MCK's momma is in the hospital with baby Stellan - his fate unknown from minute to minute. As Mrs My Charming Kids shares the up and downs of being in the hospital. she also shares her strong faith. She truly wears her faith on her sleeve.

The third family that has been on my mind this week is Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman. They made their first public appearance on GMA today along with their kids including Will Franklin who tragically ran over his little sister. His words show a boy who is starting to accept what has happened. He is surrounded by Love and better yet, he know it and is embracing it. The whole family will be on Larry King tonight, you might want to see their faith in action.

While it would appear that I am running from task to task, these precious moments that I take to check in on my people help me to slow down. I don't know what life will look like on Monday for my peeps but I don't know what might happen in my life either. We pray, we hope and we exercise our faith like crazy. After all, He is the One who introduced us to this Crazy Love. We play it out and try our best to follow Him. That is all He has ever asked for...

Joe Cool...

Ok, not his REAL name but Kim, he should look very familiar. BTW, your family rocks! Had a great time taking pictures of Joe and his lovely family. They spent part of Joe's last evening taking family pictures before he heads back to California. They were an absolute delight and pretty darn cute to boot.

I have had my own share of Joe Cool moments. No, really. We all have. Those days when either our hair did exactly what we wanted or for some reason, the hind end looks a bit smaller. We stopped at a McDonald's last year coming back from The Lagoon and they had this special mirror. Brandi and I refused to get back in the car - we were there to stay. We both felt like we looked so good. We wanted to know where we could get these for home. Having a bad day? Just stand in front of the mirror for 15 seconds and the troubles of the day would just melt away.

Maybe I should grab my sunglasses and ask Mrs D to take a few pictures. Wonder if that would do it. It wouldn't be anything like the mirror but it may satisfy the very human need to be cool. Deny it all you want but every once in a while, each of us wants to be... a little cool.

back to basics...

School starts in three weeks for us and fall is on its way. We did a little school shopping last week. Shirts are pretty easy to buy early on but because these guys are growing like weeds every day, we waited to buy pants until now and we will wait even longer to buy shoes, like 10 minutes before they actually put them on and head out the door.

The theme is always the same - maybe a little variation but not much. Back to the basics and I think we humans need that reminder for life too. We all get caught up in life and forget that that life we are so desperately chasing is built on more than a few building blocks.

That is why a few things in the news have made me crazy lately. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie accepting $14 million dollars from People magazine for pictures of their twins. It is not about them donating it to charity, it is about raising the bar so incredibly high for an inappropriate value. Not much of sports girl but I felt the same way last week when Brett Farve was offered $20 million dollars - not to play. It is like paying farmers not to grow crops. Now with Ethanol taking food out of our mouths, it seems like we have forgotten all about back to basics.

We each have to walk the journey we have been given. Tomorrow Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman will be on GMA to tell their Story and share their faith with the world. On Thursday, they will be on Larry King to share again. I would imagine that since they lost Maria and help Will Franklin that they started their own personal Back to Basics tour the fateful day back in May.

For me, going Back is always a way to regroup and refresh. What is working and what is not. Where am I relying on too much or too little. What do I know to be true and do I still know it. Maybe a little hopscotch might clear my head - might just give that a try...

mamma mia...

Sweeter the second time around - maybe or maybe it's something else. Maybe because it was Meryl Streep. Maybe because she is 59 and YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS IT. I have see it twice and the soundtrack is loaded on my iTunes. I read a bit about her doing this part today and found out she was a little scared. She had seen the play and even sent the cast a note saying she would love to sing with them or it could be because she said her 20 something kids would die of embarrassment when they saw her dance - that alone, would be worth it!

She did the splits - no stunt double was used. Maybe 59 is the new 30 or maybe it was because she worked out more than usual for the part. She had to scale a wall while singing. She said it was lots of fun but also lots of work.

Villa Donna was a marvelous place and I found myself thinking about painting my house baby blue. I have never owned a Abba album but know all the songs - how could you not?

I think we should recreate the Dancing Queen dance at the next wedding we go to (Look out Miss S!). We are going to a bridal shower tonight - maybe we should mention to the bride that we are avaiable...or not.

twenty five dollars...

2 weeks ago - first day of swim lessons.

Me - Gage, if you go down the slide this year, I will give you five dollars.

Gage - seven dollars

Me - ok, seven dollars and twenty five dollars if you go down the high dive.

I had already made a five dollar deal with Morgan. She was highly confident about going down the slide. If I was a betting woman, this was the one I thought I would have to pay off. Although Gage LOVES money, he is not one to be pushed into anything. He is like his nana, loves a sure thing.

Keaton had been listening to our highly charged negotiations and wanted a piece of the the action so I told him, twenty five dollars if you go down the high dive. I didn't stop to count up how much I would be out and not sure how to explain to poppa that he would be eating mac and cheese for the week because I didn't exactly budget for the potential thirty seven dollar bill I might have to pay.

The first Friday went pretty well went as I expected except for Miss M. She was so confident all week about going down the slide and when she got there and looked up, she was done. It looked like her slide days were over. The boys stayed away and the money prize was the farthest thing from their mind.

The second Friday was the final day of swim lessons and it was Fun Friday and the last day to take nana up on her offer. All classes played with the dreaded, potential jumping at the end.



Miss M got this far and came right back down. She was no longer interested.

Gage had an inner war going on with himself the whole time - he didn't want to miss out on cash but just couldn't bring himself to slide down.



I was sure Keaton wasn't going to take me up on my offer. After everyone had gone one round of jumping, here he comes. He starts climbing up the ladder and is really, really thinking about it. Later, I would later ask him what made him jump? what was he thinking?



He replied, Twenty five dollars.

the perfect gift...

Gift (gift) n - Something given voluntarily with no expectation of payment in return.

I agree. A black Hummer would be the perfect gift but I couldn't help but think about a friend who years ago received a fabulous car as a gift for her birthday and ... it also came with a payment book. I hope the reason she had that particular vanity plate made was that it came without strings.

Gifts - we all have very diverse ideas of what constitutes a gift. Sometimes there are expectations and that makes it a bit difficult when the gift doesn't live up to those exps. Sometimes, a gift is completely unexpected. This week I received a $ 20 gift certificate to a wonderful digi designer's shop. I had emailed her several weeks ago and asked about doing some word art kits and she thanked me with this wonderful gift. I am so excited to go shopping!

Not all gifts are material in nature. Some of the best gifts I have ever received were this week in the form of unsolicited kisses and hugs from the most wonderful little people in the world. An I love you so much, can keep me going for days and I have had more than my fair share of nana love this week.

DH has hard a tough week. The heat and no days off has taken its toll yet I got a unexpected hug, just because. After 36 years, that certainly qualifies as a gift.

The pastor's sermon was a gift this week. Part of my prayer life was made clear. I didn't know that I had something in common with Mary who loved Jesus, but it all makes sense now. Blew me away when the pieces all fit together. What a gift that was.

The other thing we need to understand is that all gifts are not created equal. Some will last a few moments and some a lifetime. If you give someone something of a material nature, perhaps the best part of the gift is to let them decide where the gift falls. I have seen so many of these gifts given with inappropriate strings attached. We all need to understand that when a gift is given so is our right to define the gift's value. It is the same thing with a non-material gift - whatever we pass on as a gift is just that. Done expecting nothing in return. It is a good way to live. It makes givng the perfect gift...doable.

Beijing

8.08.08. I read today that the number 8 is considered a lucky number in China. With 9days to go before hosting the games of their lifetime, ready or not China - here they come. I have followed the Geswein family journey for over a year now as they are teaching in the city. Very interesting posts as Kimberly talks about getting the Chinese people culturally and environmentally prepared for this Bigger Than Life event. Tonight's news brought word that the Powers That Be are trying to clear out the pollution by not allowing the masses to drive their autos hoping that the skies will clear when company starts showing up.

Anthony Bourdain, of No Reservations fame had some very interesting non-food facts tonight that explained alot about what is going on in my world. The default mode of transportation in China has always been the bicycle. In the last 5 years, the amount of cars has increased 10 fold hence a clue into our current gas crisis. Today was the first time in a long time that I paid less than 4 dollars for gas. What a thrill!

I am not much of a Olympic games fan nor does the thought of going to China thrill me. I had a chance once to work there for a couple of years but could not say no fast enough. DH, on the other hand, was hoping against hope that I would change my mind but in his heart, he knew., Nothing personal against China - would have lived in a hotel, would never have had to cook or do laundry but there was absolutely no value to me.

I don't know that you can ever been totally ready for company. As China has been westernized over the last 10 years, I hope they don't get overwhelmed and can enjoy themselves every once in a while. Having guests can be exhausting and even the best of hosts can feel like they haven't done enough. So many expectations in so little time. I wish everyone well...

wedding season...

Welcome to StillMotion - the Demo from Patrick Moreau on Vimeo.

It is more likely than not that you have been invited to or been a part of a wedding this summer. We have one later in August that we are so looking forward to. An evening reception in a gorgeous location. Our bride and groom are perfectly matched and are going to throw a great party.

Speaking of great, Still Motion are the cream of the crop when it comes to wedding videos. They really are more like happy productions of the first of fabulous times in one's life. If you are not personally involved in a wedding this year, find one to observe. We humans are at our best when we celebrate and there is no greater celebration than a wedding. Whenever I attend one it takes me back to my own wedding and my favorite wedding of all, my girl's. Boy, we had a great time.

If I could do it all over again, it would be a bit different. There would have to be a surprise dance that would rock the house and Still Motion would be there to get it all. If not me, thank goodness that these couples will have a lifetime of memories to remember.

nothing quite screams summer...

like swim lessons. With less than a month to go until school starts, it is time to get down to business. The honeymoon phase of summer is gone. Is it going to rain or be hot? You can pretty well bet that everyday for the next 30 days is going to be hovering around 100 with no spring-like conditions in sight. It is a marvelous time of being hot and knowing that you are headed for fall. It is almost time for school clothes and backpack shopping...but not quite. It is just perfect.

Right now it is about goggles ( or googles as Miss M calls them, swim rings and is anybody going to go down the slide? Everyday last week, Miss M told me she would be headed down that slide. On Friday which is Slide Day, she looked at me and said, I am not going down the slide. End of conversation.

Not unlike real Life, we all get cold feet everyonce in a while. We try to put on a brave face and at the time, we truly do believe we will be able to carry out said task but in the end, not so much. I have been in Miss M's shoes many times and would love to report that I never backed out but that is not the case. Sometimes I wonder how much I have missed because I backed down the high dive of life and wouldn't take the chance.

How many times do we find our courage, go through with it and find out our fears were a waste of time?

How many times should we have been fearful and weren't?

How are we to know which way to go?

I guess that is one of the mysteries of life that we will never fully understand. All we can do is our best, in the Moment. It will be interesting to see if anyone slides down the Big Slide or jumps off the High Dive this week. Swim lessons will be over for another year on Friday and the kids will pick up next year where they left off this summer. The summer of 2008 has been very good to us and whatever we learn this week, will only add to our life experiences which is what we use when we make those choices about facing our next set of fears. So, I guess I will grab my googles and dive right in...

fonts - so this is what they look like...

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

I love fonts. In the world of digital scrapbooking, they would have to be considered adjectives but dang, sometimes - it is all about them. Now I can put a face to the name. My familiar friends - those I hang out with most days.

I most closely resemble Wingdings but may be Broadway at heart. So glad to meet you...

Is it difficult to be a photographer?

This blog post made me smile. While I haven't been in these same positions, I recognize the pose. We photographers will do just about anything to get the picture that we see in our minds. I have been flat on my back and stomach, trying to get that shot. Sometimes it is there and sometimes you miss the mark but just anticipating what you will see when you go home and download your memory chip, give you that Photographer High.

But, back to the question - is it difficult to be a photographer? For me, it is a great lesson in learning to live in the moment. You many not get to take every shot you want, there may be people/places/things in your way and people do blink, at the worse times but you also learn patience and that is the stuff that builds character. Shooting kids is so fun, always on the go and never sure how they are going to react or what they are going to do. Keaton was fooling around one day and pretended to pick his nose then a week later, Gage wanted me to take the same picture of him. Go figure.

Finally, I found something that makes me so happy. Post editing is as much fun as shooting and you add digital scrapbooking on top of that and it just doesn't get any better. Tomorrow we are going back to the Big City to take some more urban shots and I am downright giddy about it. Difficult, maybe on the body but it is a good burn - wouldn't trade it for the world...

husband training...

Even though DH misses lots of parties because of his work, there is still a part of him that always makes it. I have taught him to sign cards - birthday, anniversary and whatever else that is coming from the two of us. I just feel strongly that he should participate and this was something that he could do - if properly trained.

There have been many, many husband lessons over the last almost 37 years.
Many
Many
Many.

I think I have a deep desire to know that if I am gone, he will be able to continue on and be, well...me. It dawned on me this week, that what I have been trying to do all these years is clone him. I have been in training mode for as long as I can remember and you know what, it's not fair - to him or me. Neither of us can be replaced by the other - on so many levels.

We are polar opposites.
He is from Mars, I am from Venus.
I am warm fuzzies, he is robo cop.

I have spent all these years trying to do something that is none of my business. He belongs to God and if something should happen to me, they are on their own. Whatever his life would look like would probably make me crazy but it's not about me, then. If I am honest, either is it now. He belongs to God and is on loan to me. Hard to remember when he doesn't respond the way I think he should but at least, I am fairly confident that if left to take of cards, he has learned his lesson...I sure hope so.

wordle

Came across Wordle.net last night and pretty sure this find is going to be creative and therapudic. Just type in words, songs, quotes - anything you want. Read the FAQ to find out how to size your text. Cruise the Gallery for some fabulous word art. Put your Wordle on t-shirts on in a frame. My mind is just going crazy and must have more. The possiblities are mind-boggling.

FYI - to download to your computer, download the Cute-Writer app in the FAQ section. When you finish your Wordle art, pick the Print button and then choose Cute writer as your printer option and save it to your desktop. You can then pick it up in PS Elements and if you need it for DIP, save it as a png or jpeg and then use it from there.

Off for more, hope you have a creative day!

Staycation...

Staycation is all the rage and will be the icon for the summer of 2008. With the rising cost of everything, more and more people are finding themselves staying close to home and rediscovering their hometown delights. Picnics are back in style - for us, they always have been. They say the average picnic cost is $3.50 each. Seems a little steep but a good picnic basket would be way worth it. We carry a cooler most everywhere we go and since kids are always hungry, we must be prepared.

Staycation may be a great thing for our nation. We never would have voluntered to do it but as we Americans always do - make it popular and it will become second nature. Why does a turkey and cranberry sandwich taste so much better under a tree while sitting on a blanket? It is truly one of the delights of life. Staycation is my default and I could not be happier to see everybody starting to see the benefits and discoveries that come with it.

Summer is in full swing. We start swim lessons today and have already started school shopping. Not ready to even think about school but the reality is, we must... but not today. Today we are going to try to listen to our hair grow and enjoy ourselves. NOw, this is the life...

plans...

Do our lives look anything like we imagined they would? As strange as it sounds, I don't remember much about the future as a kid or even as a teen. No goals - not sure if it was the times or me. I can remember thinking it would be dreamy to be married and have 10 kids and I still think the white picket fence is the epitome of dreamy.
If you want some fascinating reading, check out PW's Change of Plan post and the comments that follow.

“I’m married with two kids, but I’m a stay-at-home-mom…It’s definitely not what I intended for my life, but it turns out, it’s everything I never knew I always wanted.”

“My daughter’s angst now is that she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life; she’s a year out of college…I keep telling her that…fate will take her in many different directions, regardless of her plans…”

“Fourteen months ago, my life was more than I ever thought it could be. And then we lost our baby. And my oldest daughter was diagnosed with cancer.”

“When I was little, I was planning on Donny Osmond coming to my house on a motorcycle and taking me away. We would then become a duet and be famous…”

“I can’t say I’m unhappy but I wish I would have been a little smarter and not gotten pregnant when I did. I think I’ve made life harder for myself and my children…

“I was too busy getting high and chasing boys. But 26 1/2 years of sobriety later, I wouldn’t trade all of the experiences I’ve had and lessons I’ve learned for that lifestyle again. God it was fun, though…”


It is a sobering, reality that we humans are experience a wide range of expectations and experiences but what we have in common is that life doesn't always turn out the way we thought it would. We all get blindsided and don't know what to do. It can happen in an instant. Your life, your plans - everything can be gone in an instant.

Last night in our little town, A young couple were about to give birth to their first baby in two weeks. A tragic motorcycle accident and now a young woman will become a mommy by herself. All their plans and dreams as a couple are gone and she will have to find her way. I pray she will reach out to God because there is no where else to go. It is a reminder to me to go ahead and make plans but remember who really is in charge and that not only do we need to embrace every moment but be ready to embrace the One who made us when those plans turn out to be nothing like we planned...

the green, green grass of home...

We have all heard it all our lives, our perception is that the grass appears to be always greener on the other side.

These days, most of us are finding ourselves stretched to the limit. Financially, we are making different choices, literally changing the way we do life on a daily basis. Do we fill our cars with gas or buy groceries for the week? Where to make cuts and what can we do without. It is times like this that it is easy to think that the other guy has it better than we do.

I have never been one to keep up with the Jones. I might have coveted the Jones loving family life but I have lived long enough to know that the life I have is the life I was meant to have. If one is always looking at someone else's green pastures, they miss their own. The green, green grass of home is where we will flourish. It is what is ours, good and bad.

Sometimes. that other grass may appear to be greener but you may not be able to see why and maybe if you did, it wouldn't look so appealing. So, my suggestion for me and you is to enjoy your own grass. Be content in it and honor what you have been given. Let your bad self be allowed to flourish...

the fisherman...

He works hard.
Mostly 7 days a week.
He is on call 24/7 when the plant is running.
December 23, 2008 - he will have 42 years at this job
and a minimum of 2 more to go.

He is a man from a different era.
Being available for the job is all he knows.
He has missed birthday parties and Thanksgiving dinners
and now it is starting to bother even him.

He is kind of like a kid,
you never know when he may be paying attention.
He doesn't say much, but today after being laid off for 2 weeks,
the thought of going back, makes him physically ill.

They called today and he was on call to go if they couldn't figure it out,
but he didn't tell me and said, let's go fishing... so we did.

We also hit the Mall and had dinner at PF Chang's.
Someday, we will get to choose what we do,
Everyday.

The first day back is always about putting out fires that have been allowed to burn,
and the rest of the week will be a logistical nightmare.
There will be long days and little sleep.
The phone will ring in the middle of the night,
that annoying Caribbean music that is really loud so we can hear it.

So I take this photo and will get it out for him when the going gets rough,
and remind him that Someday, it will be all about the fishing...

let your light shine...

We all have a natural disposition toward being comfortable turning inward or breaking out in outward song. Whatever our natural inclination is, letting our light shine everyday is something I perceive, that we need to consider.

I live with Mr Grumpy. I know it, he knows it and last week as we talked about it, we were in agreement that it was unlikely to change, ever. I wasn't thinking about the light shining thing then but as I am now, I don't know that you have to have a non-grumpy persona to let that light thru.

My definition of LYLS is more of a word picture. Light shining thru an old wooden fence, for those of us further Down The Road. Children come with much light and somehow, we seem to lose it as we grow older. Somewhere we got the message that it must look silly, that we must grow up or our or worse, that it is no longer a valued adult trait.

Whatever LYLS looks like for you, think about if it is something that we should do because it is the right thing to do while we are living our lives.

Do we owe that to each other?
Is it part of our spirtual journey?
How would it look if alot of us saw potential value in pursuing it?

This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shing
Let it shine.

seeing the world...

I saw this while blog cruising but I can't remember where. I do remember that she lives in Australia and those high heeled feet belong to her. Global- minded being nowhere near my mental default, I tend not to think about these differences on a daily basis but when confronted with this kind of imagery, I am floored.

My need to know rarely goes outside of the borders of the USA. I probably learned the most I have ever known outside of my country when we had exchange students and their families to share their worlds with us but even then, I still had very little true interest. It was like watching someone's home movies of their trip to Yellowstone - pass the popcorn, PLEASE.

These days, a photo like this will make me want to know a bit more. If God ever calls me to the mission field, He is going to have to send put it in a really BIG envelope. However I believe in miracles and it is not beyond what is possible. It is still not to late for a burning desire in me, to want to go but certainly not with today's attitude. The whole Dive thing is still in my head and I think God is the coach and if it needs to happen it will - really never spend much time thinking about the What's If's when it comes to spiritual gifts. Living in the Moment is about all I can do.

I am going to keep these photos around for me to see. To remind me that God is in charge of a big world with lots of people living lots of different lives. There is more to see, if I am only willing and with these photos, I am willing...

friday night...

July 11... Jim Houser, Steven Curtis Chapman's manager announced in early June that the family decided to Save the Date for returning to the concert stage. As I prayed for them, I couldn't help but think how it would feel when they walked out on stage for the first time since they lost Maria. The Chapman boys would hit the stage together - can't imagine they didn't feel the crowd's Love.

Jim updated his blog 13 times that night with pictures and Stories from Wisconsin that let all of us in on what it might be like to be there. As I read each entry, over and over the theme was the same. They believed what they have been singing and playing. How difficult for Will Franklin, I worried about him the most. The next night, in Michigan seemed to be a bit more difficult - SCC had a hard time making it through Cinderella. Tonight they are in Nebraska, playing to a full house.

One of Jim's entries Friday night was the set list of songs for the night. They decided to end the concert with Dive which seemed so appropriate if all is well. To come back from where this family has been living for the last month and a half seemed impossible but you couldn't do it if it wasn't true.

Blessings tonight guys - blow the socks off those Nebraskans. Preach it from the stage, give Him the glory and may we find that same strength for our own lives. Thanks for leading the way...

Downtown.

Sometimes all a person needs is a little walking around time to clear their head. It was Keaton's request that we head for the Big City and walk around. We had a wonderful time. Much to see - lots and lots of energy. People strolling, business people working and we were just talking it all in.

The downtown hot dog vendors were gone. I missed that memo. There used to be no less than a 1/2 dozen of them making the best hot dogs in the world. No one seemed disappointed to eat at PF Chang's so our great day continued on. We dropped off mommy, Gage and Miss M and took Keaton to see Prince Casptian at the movies. We returned home to have the dinner that the Birthday Boy requested, complete with a yummy, if I must say so myself, Peanut Butter Cup chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling and PB frosting. He also had a friend over for a sleep-over. Today, we are taking 5 kids to see the new Veggie Tale movie. We know how to throw a party and sometimes, they flow into the next day.

So, I am off for Day 2. This is the part of summer that I love the most. Carefree days, so childlike and fun. Just have to throw my hair in pigtails and off we go...

nine years ago today...

We will be out early today. It is all about the Birthday Boy and he has a full day ahead of him. A walk around Downtown and lunch with the fabulous hot dog vendor, TJ's. Then we will split up and papa and I will take him to see Wall-e. No longer wanting pizza for his birth day dinner, the boy asked for steak, mashed potatoes/gravy and corn on the cob. The day will end with a homemade Reece's Pieces cake complete with chocolate mousse and PB frosting. All in all, he will want for nothing.

Indiana Jones is his thing right now. Good thing he will be getting a ITunes gift card to download the theme song. It will fit nicely on his new IPod shuffle. Nine doesn't look like it did when I was a kid. Nine seems so much older but it is all relative and besides, you need a nine year old to help you play DS Guitar Hero. He is certainly earning his keep.

Happy Birthday, buddy. We could not be more proud of you. You are a wonderful boy. We will always think, you hung the moon. Get ready - we are on our way. Time to party!!!

Ca$h Cab...

If you haven't seen it, it is a great little game show that takes place in a taxi cab in NYC. You simply answer Ben's questions and win money. If you make it to your destination, you get to keep the money and get a free cab ride. Simple...

But just as Ben is ready to hand off your dough and you are ready to go spend it, he offers you a last deal. Double or nothing, he offers you a video bonus question only requiring one answer and you walk away with double your money or nothing.

This last part has taught me more about human nature than anything in the last few months. It has broadened my people understanding skills and reinforced that very little about human behavior is predictable. There are those who make up their minds immediately - before Ben is even able to finish giving them the FYI. Both ways - some talk about a bird in the hand - those to whom risk is a four letter word. In others, you can see their eyes light up, like they are in Las Vegas and nothing but going the distance is even a option. The tricky part is if there is a difference in opinion which usually leads to going with the safe option. The risk-takers seem to sense and respect the Code Red response of the non-risk takers. Risk-takers must be secure in knowing that they will get another chance to go with their natural instincts while the non-risk taker hopes to never have to been in that position, ever again.

This is what I have learned. We are all extremely different, more different than I could ever imagine. They may be millions and millions of thought processes instead of the less than 5 that I have imagined there to be. Meeting someone is an adventure, I want to remember that and be in their moment. Thans Ben and Ca$h Cab. Who knew???

the devil you know...

She said, I am afraid to go forward because the devil I know is safer than the devil I don't. Interesting words from a young one talking about self esteem issues. Got to thinking about how we perceive different things in our life.

Growing up, my perspective of the devil was a guy in a red suit, long tail, mustache - smoking a cigar with a face that looked like every male relative I have ever had. I had absolutely no concept of a devil who could and would mess up your life. I did not understand the concept of Flip Wilson's, the devil made me do it bit, even though I said it most frequently.

So later on, Down The Road, when I discovered that first, there was a devil, a real devil and second, that he had been an angel - I was confused. No red suit, no cigar, no way to explain those male relatives...or maybe the actions of the relatives made all the sense in this world.

I have seen bits and pieces of evil that have brought me to some kind of understanding about our world. One of the most poignant was watching a older couple literally run out of church while we sang about the blood of Christ. That memory will stay with me forever. It is an icon that has been substituted for the red-suited pitch-forked devil, just waiting.

While we it maybe true that we feel comfortable with the devil's that we know in our lives, we need to remember it is not an either/or. The is only one and will be for the duration of his allotted time. We have seen much and I dare say, we will see more. Hang on, this is not all there is...

start all over again ...

Went out to get my mail and Neighbor was sitting on his front porch and we started we chatting. He got hurt working on his car, now is is unable to to work. It will be along time, close to a year before he can fully return to work. He doesn't know how he is going to feed his family and is feeling a little low.

There have been a few times I have been able to share part of my Story with him and today, he got the chapter on unemployment. DD was eleven months old and the plant we both worked at was going on strike. We thought DH would have a job but a few minutes before shift change, he lost his job. We had nothing and did eventually, lose our home. We had to start all over again. It would be six years before we would buy our a home. It took us a long time to recoup financial and emotionally.

I finished telling him our Story and he looked at me and said, Thanks - I needed to hear that today. . We went on to talk about gratitude - this tattooed Harley guy taking it all in. Soon, we went back to our respective lives, both a bit wiser I think.

Life really is about starting over, again and again. In all areas of our lives, there are times, we have no choice. We have the ability to learn Something each time or we can dwell in the What Ifs. Dwelling there for any real length of time can lead to no good. The What Ifs will kill you. Neighbor has been hanging around there for a bit, hopefully he is ready to move on.

I hadn't thought about those days in a while. Those memories never go away and I walked away today with a sense that we may be stronger than we imagine. I love hindsight even after 34 years. We learn and then we start all over again. Not such a bad thing, when you really think about. Room for great potential...

proud...

Proud (proud) adj, the eighth definition reads like this, full of vigor and spirit. Ok, the first seven are all about self-esteem, honorable and magnificence. The point is, proud is highly subjective and what we deem to be proud of - maybe, we are off base more often then we think.

We all have a mental list of what makes us proud of each other. There are different lists for different people - we don't all start from the same vantage point but there is a common theme in all the lists. The thing is expectations get mixed up in the whole proud thing and the whole things gets a little blurry. If you are one who grades on a rather lofty curve and I think we all do, at one time or another - do you need to reset that bar? It is not unlike being in the moment, proud can be very simple.

You might think that I am being less than honest about being proud of this boy and you would be wrong. I am proud of his creativity, ability to take advantage of the moment and mostly, of his quickness. Being proud may mean to reset a focus or look beyond the obvious. I am also proud of this layout. It is honest and has almost-nine year old boy, written all over it.

Keaton, I am so proud of you. You have my wit, my sense of humor and my lightning fast speed. Don't ever change...

unphotographable...

This is the photo I didn’t take of the woman who was just ahead of me, waiting in line at the bank. Since I was behind her, I got to see the back first. She was approximately 65ish, slim build and worn khakis Capri’s with a muted orange, pink and green tropical type shirt. I admit all these details came AFTER because I couldn’t get past her hair. She was completely grey. Her hair was in a long, thin braid that hit just the middle of her back, suggesting she hadn’t had a haircut in a long time but the sides and top of her hair were short and curly, suggesting a little hairdresser action, perhaps even done at home.

The part I couldn’t help staring at and I really, really tried… was her decorative touch. At the top of her head where there must have been some kind of ponytail holder but you couldn’t tell because she had two bows, a larger one on top and the smaller one directly underneath it. The thing so fascinating about these bows was their size. The smaller of the two, in bright pink, was about 6 inches long and had several folds of material that formed this huge bow. Which only would have seemed huge had it not been for the 8 inch florescent orange bow on top of the pink one. This one seemed to have a 3D effect but may only have appeared that way because of its giant size.

I tell you the truth, I could not stop staring. I kept finding myself Somewhere in the 70’s. Although I would not have gone in that direction during any era, I remember seeing these bows, usually in kids. I was completely captivated. There was an unusually long wait to do your banking that day so I was able to then, see the rest of her outfit.

She had confidence, I daresay she liked her look. She seemed in good health and appeared to be enjoying her day. I wanted to ask her how she got those bows in her hair and maybe the Story behind her look but even more, her confidence. There is a Story behind her look – would loved have asked her about it. Probably should have asked her about her confidence instead – would have done me the most good in the long run.

creative...

The more art you make, the more you notice. The more you exercise your creativity, the more art you make. For those of you who are naturally creative, you already know this, probably instinctively but for those of us who have learned to find the creativity in ourselves - this must be learned.

I am still amazed everyday at what comes out of me but I am truly understanding Sally Jean's phrase, if I don't make art, I'm going to have a hissy fit. There is Something so therapeutic about the creative process. After an hour of processing a set of photos, there is a surge of serotonin that floods over me and I am as happy as a clam.

Summer certainly makes it easier to find the creativity within for me. The sights, sounds and smells of summer bring back childhood memories of happy, carefree days. The sound of sprinklers going off and the smell of suntan lotion - the coolness of a sweet drink and the taste of a cold popsicle.

Creativity may take some day dreaming, that has been my experience. It doesn't matter what form your own takes. There is a whole section of YouTube devoted to latte art - how fabulous is that? and I don't even like coffee. I hope you each have a place to be creative and that if you don't - please do yourself a favor and find one. You will not be sorry and it just may make all the difference...

FYI...

Just in case you missed it - there is a turn off button on the music player that you can hit to watch videos. May come in handy, it sure does for me when I am blog hopping...

what do you see?

DD's pastor has gotten around, quite a bit. He knew Corrie Ten Boom. He said they called her Tanta Corrie - I immediately knew they called her aunt. Speaking 90% German until first grade will do that to you. I use to dream in German. Now days, I understand words and partial sentences but no longer paragraphs. I digress.

The pastor said this was during his intellectual times. The crowd he hung around with seemed to think her ways were too simple...for them. They needed thinking of a higher calling. I think he gets it now.

She always carried around a large, heavy bag, filled with props she would be using. One particular time, she pulls out a large tapestry. It a a beautiful piece depicting Da Vinci's, The Last Supper. Beautiful colors and rich detail, she takes it around the room so that each person can see. He hinted that they rolled their eyes, thinking this wasn't what they signed up for. Then she turned the tapestry around. The backside was like all tapestries - loose strings, not so great looking and took it back thru the crowd again, showing each one. She stood up in front of them and said, This side, the beautiful side is how God see you...The backside is how you see you.

His sermon was Why so much bad if God is so good. Romans was his reference. He said that is the biggest concern of believers and non-believers alike. Someday we will understand but for now, all we have to remember is God is good, all powerful and in charge, the rest will come later, I can live with that.

You just need Jesus...

David Letterman asked Eric Clapton who the greatest guitar player in the world was and he answered, Caleb Quaye.

I had the opportunity to hear him this morning at DD's church. The pastor had met him years ago and was invited to a little jam session at a church. He said he thought he was a pretty good until he heard Mr Quaye music, then he decided he couldn't play at all. After he heard EC comment, he felt a little better about himself.

Looking alot like a stocky Eric Clapton, he played with the worship team and just blew me away. In much the same style as Clapton, I closed my eyes and let the music wash over me. Whatever heaven looks like, I am putting it out there right now, this guitar corner is where I am going to hang my hat, for eternity.

He has a great testimony. As a kid, he sang in the choir with Elton John. Traveled with him and is still friends with him today. When asked what is it like to talk Jesus to Sir Elton, he said it was tough. Like a rich man trying to get to heaven. He said it was Only God situation - God will have to directly intervene with Mr John. Imagine that.

While touring with Hall and Oates, he was in a hotel room and heard a Voice. He didn't know who or what it was but wanted to pursue it, someday. He started hanging around with Chester Thompson who played for Genesis and Phil Collins. Having dinner with Chester's family, they would ask him his philosophy of life. Stumbling over his words mixing cultures and creeds, not making much sense, he would ramble for 40 minutes about not much. Chester's standard answer would be four words - that;s it.

You just need Jesus.

He said that same scene - dinner, question and answer played over and over in his head - like the movie, Groundhog Day. It was Easter 1982 and Chester invited him to church and he went. He also heard the Voice again and gave his life to Christ.

You just need Jesus

So simple.
No muss
No fuss.

He is coming back in December and is going to play his entire Christmas album. I am going to pray for Elton John for the next 6 months. That God will go after him, and much like Caleb Quaye, you and me - drive home the simple thought that one just needs Jesus...

class of 2008

It was a day of celebration... and much entertainment. His Batman dance is legendary and you never know when it is going to appear. The graduation ceremonies were just not moving fast enough for him so we were treated to more than a few special moves. There are 337 pictures to prove it. Not all of graduation. There are memories of the luau after the ceremony and then we continued the festivities at Boondocks with miniature golf, go karts and bumper boats.

We don't need much encouragement to celebrate. We celebrate just about everything. The whole day was certainly a big hit. Everyone went home, tired and one had too much fun and she had a hard time letting nana go. Someday, the kids will remember doing fun, family days and I hope it will bring them great joy.

We close out the week on a high note. It has been a good week. Summer is now in full swing. DH will turn 60 on July 3 and the 4 of July is just around the corner. We have both boys' birthdays to celebrate. More cake in our future! More to celebrate. More to be very thankful for...Have a great weekend.