tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54640333230016917932024-03-08T12:56:08.157-05:00Musings of a Jolly Beggar"Grace substitutes a full, childlike and delighted acceptance of our Need, a joy in total dependence. We become 'jolly beggars.'" - C. S. LewisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546944426977100881noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-7483991241555531922012-02-17T14:23:00.005-05:002012-02-17T15:31:09.127-05:00JobI just finished reading the book of Job not long ago. I avoided it for a while because I felt I wasn't in the right emotional state to read it. Some difficult circumstances in the last several months had left me a bit fragile. However, after the new year Job and I got to know each other again. And once again, as I had before, I fell in love. I don't love Job because it is an easy book or a neat and tidy book or a book with all the answers. On the contrary, Job is messy, real, and leaves many questions unresolved. I love Job because he is transparent. He is honest. He doesn't hide the depth of His grief. He speaks of depression that causes him to wish for death. He rails in the face of pain. He doesn't just put a happy face on a broken heart. I love Job because he's not afraid to plead his case even when he is the only one left on his team. He begs for an audience with the Almighty. We always quote the famous verse, "Though he slay me, I will hope in Him," but we often forget that there is a second part, "Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him" (13:15). Job inspires me because he is CONFIDENT of his innocence before God - even when his circumstances and his best friends say otherwise. Would I be that confident in the same setting...or would I begin to doubt myself? Job delights me with his biting sarcasm to friends who doubt him. (Don't believe me? Check out Job 12:1-3, 13:3-5, 16:1-5, 26:1-4. Wonderful stuff.) Job challenges me because even when he has no clue what God is doing, he refuses to question God's character or His goodness. He acknowledges that He can't find God, but he knows God can find him (23:8-10).<br /><br />Besides falling in love with Job while reading, I also saw another facet of my Heavenly Father which causes me to love Him all the more. I love the fact that God doesn't sugar coat this book. He doesn't soften Job's cries of grief or mute his violent protests. He lets us see the depths of pain unmasked. God doesn't intervene right away. He lets us see one of His best and brightest saints in real life - untidy, questioning, angry, depressed - certainly not what we usually see on Sunday morning! God chooses not to answer Job's questions or his challenges. God never tells Job that he passed a huge test and showed Satan up in his "wager" with God. God simply says, "look at Me." And Job is reminded that he is not owed an answer. The fact that God shows us the "ugly" side of things actually makes me trust Him more. God is not a trickster; a sideshow huckster who promises one thing and delivers another. God gives us the truth - even when it's not pretty. But the really beautiful thing is that nothing is ever wasted - not even the darkest moments. Our God can redeem EVERYTHING and use it for His glory. The shattered remnants of our world can give rise to monuments of His grace.<br /><br />As a part of a broken world, I need the book of Job. I need to be reminded that it's OK that life is not always tidy and I don't always have the answers. What I do have is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sovereign</span> God who is in His essence loving and good, who took on flesh and bore my punishment as part of His work to redeem creation, who will one day make all things new and will heal forever all the brokenness I see around me. I have the assurance of His steadfast love even when I cannot find His hand. What a blessed hope! What a wonderful God! How kind of Him to give us this honest, messy book to show us another facet of Himself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-326367355762188872010-12-05T13:15:00.004-05:002010-12-05T13:30:59.975-05:00He CameThe taste of grape juice and communion bread lingers on my tongue. I savor it, remembering that only through His blood and broken body do I have any hope of redemption. My own brokenness and imperfections cry out that I am not worthy of His gift, but then I recall that He gave it anyway <em>because</em> of my neediness. The craziness of the whole thing startles me again this Christmas season. Omnipotence made helpless. Omniscience learning to fasten a sandal.<br /><br /><blockquote><p>Our God heav'n cannot hold him,<br />Nor earth sustain,<br />Heav'n and earth shall flee away<br />When he comes to reign;<br />In the bleak midwinter<br />A stable place sufficed<br />The Lord God Almighty<br />Jesus, Jesus Christ<br /><br />- Christina Rossetti</p></blockquote>I don't understand it, but I'm grateful...so grateful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-77609324505123386752009-05-05T00:23:00.007-04:002009-05-05T00:43:02.465-04:00You Know It's a Good Day...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/Sf_AnKwB_CI/AAAAAAAAAv4/jUU7KIWm940/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332192262963199010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/Sf_AnKwB_CI/AAAAAAAAAv4/jUU7KIWm940/s320/FA08-SP09+027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So many reasons to be happy in that one pic.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/Sf_AWr5t3NI/AAAAAAAAAvw/rPROVY2HLmE/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332191979804417234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/Sf_AWr5t3NI/AAAAAAAAAvw/rPROVY2HLmE/s320/FA08-SP09+037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />One final thought...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/Sf_A2qKvqxI/AAAAAAAAAwA/P1xOsUK3z2M/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332192529094781714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/Sf_A2qKvqxI/AAAAAAAAAwA/P1xOsUK3z2M/s320/FA08-SP09+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />"God says, 'No, I want that soul to prove its power to live an unprotected life. I want it to be a thing of wonder like this little wintergreen in its pocket of poor soil among the rocks. <strong>I often plant My flowers,' He says, 'among rough rocks.</strong>'" - Amy Charmichael<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/Sf_BR1hPlLI/AAAAAAAAAwI/FsApP9yM1Ts/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332192995998405810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/Sf_BR1hPlLI/AAAAAAAAAwI/FsApP9yM1Ts/s320/FA08-SP09+034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />(I am aware that this is not wintergreen!)<br /><br />Let's Bloom! (In whatever soil we find ourselves.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85714/sonjavernon/ce25ed9d038a5f4ba109e4150e41759f.png" border="0" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-20057401199482074352009-04-10T19:47:00.003-04:002009-04-10T20:02:23.866-04:00Thank you...Thank you, Jesus.<br />Thank you for drinking the cup.<br />Even though You didn't want to. <br />Even though You asked three times if there was another option. <br />And three times You surrendered Your will to the Father's.<br />You drank deeply.<br />And suffered horribly.<br />For me.<br /><br />Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-47771157687473348282009-04-04T16:42:00.031-04:002009-04-04T17:51:45.732-04:00I Rise...Spring has officially sprung, and with the plethora of "new life" vibes floating about comes the realization that I must shake off the chains of my winter stupor and Blog! (That...and some friendly and not so subtle reminders from unnamed individuals. *Mom*) And so, from the murky sludge of winter's thaw...I Rise...I RISE... (Sorry, had a Maya Angelou moment there. Thanks to both of you who got it.)<br /><br />Great Christmas. Wonderful family. Happy presents. Special times.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfJ6rqEreI/AAAAAAAAAr0/6urtyNK-4Us/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320943494750318050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfJ6rqEreI/AAAAAAAAAr0/6urtyNK-4Us/s320/FA08-SP09+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfSdWb-EaI/AAAAAAAAAu8/sUKBn_1dg64/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320952886442463650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfSdWb-EaI/AAAAAAAAAu8/sUKBn_1dg64/s320/FA08-SP09+040.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfSsDrgxQI/AAAAAAAAAvE/NCj4Q24-GBc/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320953139105416450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfSsDrgxQI/AAAAAAAAAvE/NCj4Q24-GBc/s320/FA08-SP09+042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Magic Kingdom.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfKXRcZ6xI/AAAAAAAAAr8/d9rUqRlAC6I/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320943985929874194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfKXRcZ6xI/AAAAAAAAAr8/d9rUqRlAC6I/s320/FA08-SP09+049.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfKpQbrC7I/AAAAAAAAAsE/eb7pZciqdk8/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320944294896012210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfKpQbrC7I/AAAAAAAAAsE/eb7pZciqdk8/s320/FA08-SP09+052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Tired bro.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfK_oCMfRI/AAAAAAAAAsM/TDoSmLzynWc/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320944679188725010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfK_oCMfRI/AAAAAAAAAsM/TDoSmLzynWc/s320/FA08-SP09+081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Wide awake.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfLVwWxpTI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Gub39-EMrTM/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320945059379651890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfLVwWxpTI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Gub39-EMrTM/s320/FA08-SP09+084.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ooooo...pretty.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfLzfLLVtI/AAAAAAAAAsc/I0DutxK-wis/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320945570163676882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfLzfLLVtI/AAAAAAAAAsc/I0DutxK-wis/s320/FA08-SP09+098.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Big snow.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfMTFMl7RI/AAAAAAAAAsk/wvI1UyN6rLk/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320946112946105618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfMTFMl7RI/AAAAAAAAAsk/wvI1UyN6rLk/s320/FA08-SP09+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfMkBd7QWI/AAAAAAAAAss/qkqHaW4VPYg/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320946404002840930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfMkBd7QWI/AAAAAAAAAss/qkqHaW4VPYg/s320/FA08-SP09+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Days off!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfM6lIhW8I/AAAAAAAAAs0/cvXS-MJE1II/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320946791533861826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfM6lIhW8I/AAAAAAAAAs0/cvXS-MJE1II/s320/FA08-SP09+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Underground Railroad.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfNr4nRJsI/AAAAAAAAAs8/Jo2aSSj3BeI/s1600-h/IMG_0582.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320947638576686786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfNr4nRJsI/AAAAAAAAAs8/Jo2aSSj3BeI/s320/IMG_0582.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Special friends.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfOBm7RuRI/AAAAAAAAAtE/xLvWBELvKLE/s1600-h/IMG_0234.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320948011785894162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfOBm7RuRI/AAAAAAAAAtE/xLvWBELvKLE/s320/IMG_0234.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfOfZyKHQI/AAAAAAAAAtM/KYxTz2kv9Zk/s1600-h/IMG_0603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320948523654061314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfOfZyKHQI/AAAAAAAAAtM/KYxTz2kv9Zk/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />College Banquet.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfO_03phjI/AAAAAAAAAtU/sOtXl3gnmqs/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320949080680662578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfO_03phjI/AAAAAAAAAtU/sOtXl3gnmqs/s320/FA08-SP09+043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Late curfews.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfPcc-KnKI/AAAAAAAAAtc/hpDStTlQNGM/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320949572481752226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfPcc-KnKI/AAAAAAAAAtc/hpDStTlQNGM/s320/FA08-SP09+046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfPvaHJUvI/AAAAAAAAAtk/J7xkS32xSJ8/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320949898131624690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfPvaHJUvI/AAAAAAAAAtk/J7xkS32xSJ8/s320/FA08-SP09+048.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Band tour.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQN1nSpcI/AAAAAAAAAts/0JlbAa1-bVg/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320950420910286274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQN1nSpcI/AAAAAAAAAts/0JlbAa1-bVg/s320/FA08-SP09+050.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQX2DnVLI/AAAAAAAAAt0/dlYJ3LNC8Qg/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320950592827774130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQX2DnVLI/AAAAAAAAAt0/dlYJ3LNC8Qg/s320/FA08-SP09+052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQgc9Wo7I/AAAAAAAAAt8/LbVDaWPYtKk/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320950740709450674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQgc9Wo7I/AAAAAAAAAt8/LbVDaWPYtKk/s320/FA08-SP09+053.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQq7bNj_I/AAAAAAAAAuE/S14b-TqfPek/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320950920686440434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQq7bNj_I/AAAAAAAAAuE/S14b-TqfPek/s320/FA08-SP09+054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Spring days.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQ8dOU90I/AAAAAAAAAuM/JiB6EQuDSkE/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320951221816981314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfQ8dOU90I/AAAAAAAAAuM/JiB6EQuDSkE/s320/FA08-SP09+069.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfRFjt5sEI/AAAAAAAAAuU/HfqvpOfjAMw/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320951378178846786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfRFjt5sEI/AAAAAAAAAuU/HfqvpOfjAMw/s320/FA08-SP09+070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfROFWt5PI/AAAAAAAAAuc/stmt9DPHOV0/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320951524647363826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfROFWt5PI/AAAAAAAAAuc/stmt9DPHOV0/s320/FA08-SP09+071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfRaGxqrGI/AAAAAAAAAuk/xxOhIAMNsGI/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320951731187264610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfRaGxqrGI/AAAAAAAAAuk/xxOhIAMNsGI/s320/FA08-SP09+077.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfRm7HVXPI/AAAAAAAAAus/IT56GaP75Qg/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320951951395216626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfRm7HVXPI/AAAAAAAAAus/IT56GaP75Qg/s320/FA08-SP09+078.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfRzmsr7QI/AAAAAAAAAu0/fW3a5glUnTw/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+079.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320952169253039362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SdfRzmsr7QI/AAAAAAAAAu0/fW3a5glUnTw/s320/FA08-SP09+079.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And there you have it. The picture book version. Greatly edited but adequate for today's reading skills. =)<br /><br />Final thought for the day:<br /><br />God is good, and as Solomon said, "not one word has failed of all His good promise." (I Kings 8:56b) Our job: know His promises. Know Him.<br /><br />Blessings!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85714/sonjavernon/ce25ed9d038a5f4ba109e4150e41759f.png" border="0" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-37053622553136872812009-01-05T20:09:00.006-05:002009-01-05T20:18:15.941-05:00Just Guess......what my New Year's resolution might be.<br /><br />Thanksgiving...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SWKv1j-WJxI/AAAAAAAAApM/eoShUxTBvP8/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287982247211050770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SWKv1j-WJxI/AAAAAAAAApM/eoShUxTBvP8/s320/FA08-SP09+136.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Soup and Carols night...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SWKwNCzHv9I/AAAAAAAAApU/Htq9J8Ak1mQ/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287982650622459858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SWKwNCzHv9I/AAAAAAAAApU/Htq9J8Ak1mQ/s320/FA08-SP09+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Christmas Eve fondue...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SWKwoV4HY2I/AAAAAAAAApc/XlzKM-tpqas/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287983119600149346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SWKwoV4HY2I/AAAAAAAAApc/XlzKM-tpqas/s320/FA08-SP09+036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />etc...<br /><br />More news of the holidays to come...once I push back from the table.<br /><br />Toodles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85714/sonjavernon/ce25ed9d038a5f4ba109e4150e41759f.png" border="0" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-77611858971017771922008-11-24T22:04:00.009-05:002008-11-24T23:14:59.691-05:00A Cautionary TaleThis is Sonja.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SStvSKzLgzI/AAAAAAAAAoc/rk3D_Ux1m0M/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272430146694644530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SStvSKzLgzI/AAAAAAAAAoc/rk3D_Ux1m0M/s320/FA08-SP09+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />She is nice. Some people really like her. But Sonja has a flaw. Sometimes she forgets to listen to her mother.<br /><br />When Sonja was little her mother said, "Sonja, don't ever leave the water running in the sink. You might forget about it, and you could have a flood!!" Sonja listened. She knew her mother was right because her mother was Wise.<br /><br />But Sonja thought, "I can do more than one thing at once." And so she did. For many years Sonja let the water run in the sink while she did other chores, and nothing ever happened until...<br /><br />Saturday morning Sonja was getting ready to meet her friends. She combed her hair and brushed her teeth. Then Sonja walked into the kitchen. Sonja wondered, "Why is that puddle on the floor?" "Why is that lake on the floor?" Then Sonja saw the water pouring out of her sink and onto the floor. The bubbles were piled high!<br /><br />Oh, no! What was she going to do? First, she turned off the water because she is a smart girl. Then she pulled the plug in the sink. Then she began to clean up the water. (Later she remembered to get her camera - after she had already cleaned up a lot.) The cabinet under her sink was flooded.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SStyo37IXZI/AAAAAAAAAok/Euw0TAb7UmQ/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272433835299593618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SStyo37IXZI/AAAAAAAAAok/Euw0TAb7UmQ/s320/FA08-SP09+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The floor was flooded.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SSty5zAXuKI/AAAAAAAAAos/CwbAqU4p-FU/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272434126037170338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SSty5zAXuKI/AAAAAAAAAos/CwbAqU4p-FU/s320/FA08-SP09+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Sonja cleaned 2 and 1/2 basins of water off her floor. Sonja was sad.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SStzGzM_v7I/AAAAAAAAAo0/qFxh9vQB5Bg/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272434349428424626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SStzGzM_v7I/AAAAAAAAAo0/qFxh9vQB5Bg/s320/FA08-SP09+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />But her floor and cabinet were clean! *Woo Hoo!*<br /><br />Sonja should have listed to her mother. She also should have read this poem BEFORE the disaster. Because it is a good poem and says Wise things.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center">TURNING OFF THE FAUCET</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center">If you don't turn the faucet off tight</p><p align="center">When you're done in the bathroom,</p><p align="center">You'll be wasting water.</p><p align="center">Also, the sink might fill up</p><p align="center">And overflow and flood the bathroom,</p><p align="center">And then the bathroom would fill up</p><p align="center">And overflow and flood the bedroom,</p><p align="center">And all your clothes would get soaking wet,</p><p align="center">And when you wore them, you'd catch a horrible cold</p><p align="center">And have to stay home from school</p><p align="center">And you couldn't learn anything</p><p align="center">Or see your friends.</p><p align="center">And after you'd missed school long enough,</p><p align="center">All your friends would forget you</p><p align="center">And you would be so sad and wet</p><p align="center">You'd probably just stay in bed</p><p align="center">Wearing your sad, wet clothes</p><p align="center">With your sad, wet head</p><p align="center">On your sad, wet pillow</p><p align="center">Until you just shrivelled up and wasted away.</p><p align="center">And nobody would care.</p><p align="center">Except your parents</p><p align="center">And they'd be all sad and wet</p><p align="center">And shrivelling and wasting away, too,</p><p align="center">Because you didn't turn the faucet off.</p><p align="center">- Jeff Moss</p><br /><br />Sonja should have read that poem. But she didn't. She should have listened to her mother. But she didn't. <br /><br />And she flooded her kitchen.<br /><br />Fortunately, my dears, the story doesn't end there. Later that night, after the coldness and wetness were done, Sonja went to see her BROTHER! Whom she LOVES! He sang in a concert. It was pretty. Sonja loved it. She smiled...and so did he.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SSt2VKJOwvI/AAAAAAAAAo8/N9m80nSuW_I/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272437894639698674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SSt2VKJOwvI/AAAAAAAAAo8/N9m80nSuW_I/s320/FA08-SP09+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />They both smiled. Because they were happy. But it almost didn't happen. Because Sonja didn't listen.<br /><br />So, my dears, always listen to your mothers. They are Wise. And never, never leave the water running.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85714/sonjavernon/ce25ed9d038a5f4ba109e4150e41759f.png" border="0" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-86102044408164318342008-11-08T01:48:00.012-05:002008-11-09T20:28:20.239-05:00FallishFall came back today. I think <strong>it</strong> took a bit of vacation and got summer to cover for <strong>it</strong> for about a week, but today <strong>it</strong> was back and working hard. (Does that seem like a lot of "<strong>it</strong>s" in one sentence? <strong>It</strong> does to me. Wait, there <strong>it</strong> is again...and again. *sigh*) Anyway, I kind of missed fall, and I'm glad it's back...overcast skies, rain, cold, the whole shebang.<br /><br />You know what else I love that's back? A full day without hearing any sort election coverage. I missed those days, and now they're back. (Excuse me while I wipe a tear of gratitude.) I pray that, no matter how we feel about who won or lost, we will behave like true followers of Jesus and students of the Word. May we honor, obey, and pray for those in authority over us. May our spirits stay sweet and our words gracious. (Enough said.)<br /><br />Many things have happened in my life since last I blogged. I shall quickly enumerate a few of them for you.<br /><br />I made a trip to PA to see my aunt and uncle. They always make me feel loved and a bit spoiled. (Lovely.) Of course, I didn't pull the camera out to get any shots of them...just their yard. But it was early fall, and I was overwhelmed by changing color. It must have gone to my head.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU7_B2Ln0I/AAAAAAAAAew/KPlf4A5ngeY/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266181293293150018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU7_B2Ln0I/AAAAAAAAAew/KPlf4A5ngeY/s320/FA08-SP09+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I love these trees. You just gotta love trees with faces.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU8N3aeJpI/AAAAAAAAAe4/fH8yeeDXmPI/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266181548190606994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU8N3aeJpI/AAAAAAAAAe4/fH8yeeDXmPI/s320/FA08-SP09+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Like I said, I think it went to my head.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU8tdX63WI/AAAAAAAAAfA/u1V3Svuyxuw/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266182090956397922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU8tdX63WI/AAAAAAAAAfA/u1V3Svuyxuw/s320/FA08-SP09+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I also made a little fall display for my office. My uncle picked out the appropriate pumpkin and gourds for me (following orders from his wife). I think he did a pretty good job!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU9nD9DUQI/AAAAAAAAAfI/bFkoz5uCrZ8/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266183080565231874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU9nD9DUQI/AAAAAAAAAfI/bFkoz5uCrZ8/s320/FA08-SP09+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I also went to a hayride and pretty much did everything but that. There is something lovely about a big fire, cold night, hot dogs, marshmallows, s'mores (in which the chocolate never melts properly), lukewarm "hot" chocolate, hats with pompoms, and crazy kids. It's a pretty great combination! Here are some of my flock.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU-zEcYpTI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/wMEmDWqj_3I/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266184386366711090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU-zEcYpTI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/wMEmDWqj_3I/s320/FA08-SP09+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU-7tzahCI/AAAAAAAAAfY/J1JXi-cxLYA/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266184534908109858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU-7tzahCI/AAAAAAAAAfY/J1JXi-cxLYA/s320/FA08-SP09+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU_NPcoI1I/AAAAAAAAAfg/Xo8fCUsQoDU/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266184835997115218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU_NPcoI1I/AAAAAAAAAfg/Xo8fCUsQoDU/s320/FA08-SP09+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is the one where I'm a disembodied head. (That's actually convenient at times.)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU_UERlwjI/AAAAAAAAAfo/p3i-ELkur2k/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266184953257116210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SRU_UERlwjI/AAAAAAAAAfo/p3i-ELkur2k/s320/FA08-SP09+012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So...it has been busy. Right now I'm teaching Biology for almost 2 weeks while the regular teacher is away. I'm really enjoying myself...except for the prep work. However, I find that it's actually the grunt work that makes the experience of teaching a truly enjoyable one. Without it I'm ill prepared, nervous and basically a mess. However, when I put in the time beforehand, I have a blast explaining how stuff works and examining the handiwork of our Creator. Hmmmm. Think there might be a lesson in here somewhere?<br /><br />This weekend I'm in the office. I just came back from late night in the gym, and sometimes it takes a while for me to settle in for the night. Thus, the blog. Speaking of the office, there's grunt work to be done in there as well if I want to have the kind of rapport I need to have with my girls. Starting to see a pattern here?<br /><br />I believe that in our spiritual lives there's grunt work as well. Sometimes we complete our spiritual disciplines simply because they are just that - disciplines. Sometimes we do right just because it's right. Am I saying that there is no joy in the spiritual disciplines? OF COURSE NOT! However, if I did only what I felt like doing, there are days I wouldn't take the time to forge through that difficult scripture passage or scribble my scattered thoughts down on paper. But, as with Biology, prep work yields rewards. I may not see them right away, but as I daily do right I form a pattern of living. I begin to watch the Word transform my life, and I enjoy the abundant life God promises.<br /><br />"For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Gal. 6:8-9 NASB<br /><br />Keep up the good work!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85714/sonjavernon/ce25ed9d038a5f4ba109e4150e41759f.png" border="0" /></a></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-31915530896599083002008-10-12T00:10:00.007-04:002008-10-12T01:05:25.640-04:00Awake...I should be asleep. I should. I was. But not anymore. Oh, well. Now I sit...awake in my green chair.<br /><br />"I could blog," I thought. So here I am, blogging. Unfortunately, I realize that, while many things have happened in the last few weeks, there really isn't much I can blog about. Not that I have a wildly exciting secret life of which I can share no details. No, nothing quite that spectacular. (I don't even have <em>The Secret Life of Walter Mitty</em>.) It's just that much of my life centers around the girls God has given me, and I choose not to share their struggles, joys, heartaches, blunders, etc. with the outside world. I care about them too much for that. Suffice it to say that the last couple of weeks have made me realize my moment by moment need for Jesus. They have made me thankful for those in my life who work alongside me and help me bear burdens; for those who remind me that there is only one Savior...and it is not I. (Unfortunately, I seem to need that reminder more often than I would like to admit!) I have also truly enjoyed my girls recently. Some of them can make me laugh so hard that...well, let's just say they make me laugh hard! I am truly blessed to do what I do. I am consistently amazed and thankful for a Father who so beautifully matches our gifts with ministries that will make a difference in His Kingdom while giving us a sense of complete fulfillment. What an amazing God!<br /><br />Speaking of my girls, one of them make this for my birthday in August.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SPF8y015QkI/AAAAAAAAAeY/AkjZxT5_V-w/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256119452738077250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SPF8y015QkI/AAAAAAAAAeY/AkjZxT5_V-w/s320/003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It's a fruit bouquet. Cool huh?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SPF90qvld5I/AAAAAAAAAeg/f0osMhogn7c/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256120583898625938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SPF90qvld5I/AAAAAAAAAeg/f0osMhogn7c/s320/004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This weekend was Homecoming. It went well. I did the traditional dorm-wide room check to make sure everything was squeaky clean for our guests. Unfortunately, the upperclassmen told horror stories to the Freshmen about the thoroughness of my checking. I had some pretty paranoid girls. God love their hearts. =) However, I think some of them are anxiously waiting for next year when they can do the same thing to the newbies!<br /><br />I just finished working my way through Psalm 119 in my devotions. If you want to be deeply convicted about your love for God's law, read this Psalm! It has been an incredible blessing to me. Allow me to share two verses that have been especially meaningful. I put them up in my office as a reminder. (NASB version)<br /><br /><blockquote><p>133. Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.</p><p>165. Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.<br /></p></blockquote><p><br />V. 133 is my prayer. Truly, I do not want any iniquity to have dominion over me. To take it a step further, I want to be ruled by NOTHING save God Himself. I love the concept of establishing. What beautiful connotations! What security - to be founded in and by God's Word. Obviously, if God's Word is to establish my footsteps, I've got to know it! It is my responsibility to love His Word, to feed on it, to let it cleanse me. As I do this, there are many byproducts, and one of the most beautiful is peace. In a crazy, changing, panicked world I am promised "great peace." I am promised a cure for stumbling. What a promise! Do I really believe it? Do I live like I do?</p><p>Good night, my friends. I wish you peace. If you don't have it...see above. =)<br /></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-2021393614069443482008-09-27T11:46:00.014-04:002008-09-27T12:54:04.669-04:00Normalcy?Thanks so much to all of you for your kind comments and commiserations. I must say that the "Blackout" week was a truly lovely time. The timing couldn't have been better for me personally (and I do realize that it's all about me). =) Seriously, I had been carrying a bit of stress that was a bit heavier than usual, and it was taking a bit of a toll (not to be confused with a "troll" - although...stress can be a bit trollish at times). Being able to completely disconnect for a while did worlds for my outlook, my emotional state, and my spiritual well-being. Cool, huh? Anyway, it was a wonderful week.<br /><br />After getting power back on Friday afternoon (at the same time I returned from my trip to the laundromat...grrr...if I had just waited...), I was treated by a visit from my extra special friend, Kimberly. Kimberly was my college roommate for 3 1/2 years (bless her), so we know each other pretty well. What a blessing to be with someone with whom you can truly be yourself! It was so great to spend time with her family as well. Her parents took me in on MANY occasions when I couldn't go home on school breaks because of the distance. They offered me a real "home away from home". (Sounds a bit corny, but it's true.) I have so many incredible memories that involve their family. Anyway, we had a great time together.<br /><br />I love this pic because Mr. Paul was trying to take our picture with a camera in each hand. I was highly amused at him and Kimberly, well she was being tolerant.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5YXxl0f5I/AAAAAAAAAc8/u5BIMSl1fv8/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250731381032779666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5YXxl0f5I/AAAAAAAAAc8/u5BIMSl1fv8/s320/FA08-SP09+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What a special family!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5ZFlaVbfI/AAAAAAAAAdE/ecG9dPdYcLk/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250732168037363186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5ZFlaVbfI/AAAAAAAAAdE/ecG9dPdYcLk/s320/FA08-SP09+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Kimberly's cousin, Janet and her husband, Chuck, also spent part of the day with us. Lots of great stories and many laughs.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5Zj3AE78I/AAAAAAAAAdM/Ei1_Rq2RFRk/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250732688155144130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5Zj3AE78I/AAAAAAAAAdM/Ei1_Rq2RFRk/s320/FA08-SP09+012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A trip to Graeters always brings out the best in people.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5ZyQnsNNI/AAAAAAAAAdU/CBK8tBtiEsg/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250732935550350546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5ZyQnsNNI/AAAAAAAAAdU/CBK8tBtiEsg/s320/FA08-SP09+016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And these are pictures from our "non-visit" to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. (We ran out of time, but we did see the gift shop!)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5aT0HAigI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Dil329pznOA/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250733512012630530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5aT0HAigI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Dil329pznOA/s320/FA08-SP09+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5adHtN8eI/AAAAAAAAAdk/mzY3FTg8R3k/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250733671891988962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5adHtN8eI/AAAAAAAAAdk/mzY3FTg8R3k/s320/FA08-SP09+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And dinner was at Pompilios (famous for appearing in Rain Man) - great Italian food. Yum. (Kimberly did wonder for just a bit how old the place was...)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5a7WP8IpI/AAAAAAAAAds/taD2iV7wgWs/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250734191191794322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5a7WP8IpI/AAAAAAAAAds/taD2iV7wgWs/s320/FA08-SP09+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The next week we got back to the serious task of educating our students. However, the Fall Picnic was already scheduled for Tuesday, so we took another break to eat outdoors and play softball. (Well some played. I just ate.) I actually work pretty hard setting the up the food for these picnics, so I didn't take many pictures, just a few of the loading process. What is it about guys that makes them want to throw things? Lots of this went on.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5bmInUSOI/AAAAAAAAAd0/qCkp8BEZP4s/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250734926266124514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5bmInUSOI/AAAAAAAAAd0/qCkp8BEZP4s/s320/FA08-SP09+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5btcr71AI/AAAAAAAAAd8/vQ1TEZr-RQ0/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250735051913286658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5btcr71AI/AAAAAAAAAd8/vQ1TEZr-RQ0/s320/FA08-SP09+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5b2FnoVMI/AAAAAAAAAeE/OZ4GDLgvN-g/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250735200340038850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5b2FnoVMI/AAAAAAAAAeE/OZ4GDLgvN-g/s320/FA08-SP09+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I don't really understand...but it makes them happy!<br /><br />This week has been a week of lessons; a week of reminders that I must lean heavily on my Heavenly Father. I have been reminded of my own frailties and my neediness, but I have also seen my Father's sufficiency and endless wisdom. I am more and more aware that I must let Him live in and through me moment by moment; that I must ABIDE in Him. (No stepping out for a few errands every now and again.) These lessons can pinch a bit, but I am grateful for them. I'm also grateful for reminders of simple love and simple joy. Like this...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5dUJOVO8I/AAAAAAAAAeM/rpX0-CxJ66w/s1600-h/FA08-SP09+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250736816215374786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SN5dUJOVO8I/AAAAAAAAAeM/rpX0-CxJ66w/s320/FA08-SP09+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Have a happy day!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-38200920812181717912008-09-17T17:07:00.003-04:002008-09-17T17:17:21.035-04:00Dark...To Whom It May Concern:<br /><br />This blog is to inform you of the continued but somewhat dim existence of the author of this blog. Her power has been partially off since Sunday evening, and her children have been sent away (a result of the Strong Winds of Ike that visited the Queen City on Sunday). She lives a life of semi-darkness and tepid water, huddling around the few working electrical outlets in her domain. The world is quiet and peaceful. She is happy. She is catching up on her sleep and finding that the sun shines brighter and the birds sing more beautifully. She shall return with her acerbic wit and astute observations when she again is able to connect to the internet from her domicile.<br /><br />Until then she remains,<br /><br />Your Humble ServantAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-62922465603604258002008-08-11T19:59:00.028-04:002008-08-11T22:46:27.919-04:00Bonsaiiiiiii!!!Here I sit in the embrace of my favorite green chair. I drink in the stillness of the hallway outside my apartment. I relish these last few moments of solitude before another year unfolds here on the Hilltop. Am I ready? Yes, I think so. (And thanks for asking.) There were moments earlier this summer when I could not have replied quite so readily, but our Heavenly Father has been reminding me lately of why I am here at all; has been reconfirming my calling, my purpose. So, yes, if He has more for me to do...I'm ready; ready to welcome these young women so full of promise, fears, hurts, and endless potential into my heart. I pray that they will truly find a home there.<br /><br />*Please pardon me while I make a wild shift in both subject matter and tone. There...it's done.*<br /><br />I realize that I left you, my faithful readers, smack dab in the middle of my summer and have since recklessly abandoned you with shockingly little remorse. I'll try to give you a brief rundown of the rest of my summer activities as quickly and painlessly as possible. (Of course, that's also what they tell you right before they jab a 2 inch needle into your hip, so it may not be of much comfort.)<br /><br />My summer was truly blessed with some time to disconnect and recharge a bit. It was also blessed by incredible moments with friends. I did not record every single one of these moments due to the fact that people begin to look at you funny if you pull out the camera every time you pass within 10 feet of each other. So, I expect you all to take me at my word when I say that I had many wonderful times with my friends. :)<br /><br />I did have to record our evening of Balderdash at Harold and Kayla's. My dad pulled out a very strange wig/hat arrangement in honor of our time. It demanded a photo.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDYYr5pKXI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/IGTXbymUx34/s1600-h/Summer+2008+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233420685617473906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDYYr5pKXI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/IGTXbymUx34/s320/Summer+2008+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My mom also had a few pretty funny moments with Dylan, who was absolutely determined to feed her chips.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDZA00JsDI/AAAAAAAAAaE/YL1AnW96K9M/s1600-h/Summer+2008+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233421375205126194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDZA00JsDI/AAAAAAAAAaE/YL1AnW96K9M/s320/Summer+2008+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDZNCnnoZI/AAAAAAAAAaM/rqAHUu08GJM/s1600-h/Summer+2008+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233421585069089170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDZNCnnoZI/AAAAAAAAAaM/rqAHUu08GJM/s320/Summer+2008+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Great times!<br /><br />The last week I was actually at home, our church had its yearly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">VBS</span>. The theme this year was "Go for the Gold".<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDaKceqRkI/AAAAAAAAAaU/zXTPvPcIH5c/s1600-h/Summer+2008+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233422639982855746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDaKceqRkI/AAAAAAAAAaU/zXTPvPcIH5c/s320/Summer+2008+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Different people from our church participated, and it turned out really good. We had over 200 kids every night. I had a lot of fun being involved with my buddy Willie. He had a way of keeping things hopping. He and Pastor Loper were a big hit with the kids.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDafk5HqeI/AAAAAAAAAac/WBgCY2MnVko/s1600-h/Summer+2008+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233423003018570210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDafk5HqeI/AAAAAAAAAac/WBgCY2MnVko/s320/Summer+2008+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Right after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">VBS</span> was over my family left for our vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Brent met us there, and we had a really fantastic time. My mom, who is wildly organized, brought lots of great food items to make our experience even better. She even brought my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">unbirthday</span> cake. (Remember last year's? So beautiful.) Unfortunately, the trip was not kind to this cake.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDbXmGLqbI/AAAAAAAAAak/ihP9JbLAfdU/s1600-h/Summer+2008+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233423965414468018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDbXmGLqbI/AAAAAAAAAak/ihP9JbLAfdU/s320/Summer+2008+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Oh well, it still tasted lovely!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDbiKy0h5I/AAAAAAAAAas/IhnVzA3VZao/s1600-h/Summer+2008+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233424147064063890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDbiKy0h5I/AAAAAAAAAas/IhnVzA3VZao/s320/Summer+2008+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I'm trying hard to force the trip into a nutshell, but it's a bit difficult. There was the trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dollywood</span>...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDcLfAbElI/AAAAAAAAAa0/4UMNrS4-F70/s1600-h/Summer+2008+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233424856864461394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDcLfAbElI/AAAAAAAAAa0/4UMNrS4-F70/s320/Summer+2008+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />...with my parents;<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDconhtqUI/AAAAAAAAAa8/2sd6byL5auU/s1600-h/Summer+2008+058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233425357367781698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDconhtqUI/AAAAAAAAAa8/2sd6byL5auU/s320/Summer+2008+058.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />the tubing accident that wreaked havoc on my elbow (I flipped my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">inner tube</span> in the rapids...dumb...but excessively funny.);<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDdLjqpeQI/AAAAAAAAAbE/CqfjdY8fcL8/s1600-h/Summer+2008+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233425957626935554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDdLjqpeQI/AAAAAAAAAbE/CqfjdY8fcL8/s320/Summer+2008+023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />browsing at The Christmas Place (or whatever it's called...my dad loved it.);<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDdxw7HD2I/AAAAAAAAAbM/JWsTVm2g9RE/s1600-h/Summer+2008+064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233426614020673378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDdxw7HD2I/AAAAAAAAAbM/JWsTVm2g9RE/s320/Summer+2008+064.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />eating good food at places like the Apple Barn, Huck Finn's Catfish, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bullfish</span> Grill, and The Old Mill (Hey...he's awake!);<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDge3UDRbI/AAAAAAAAAb0/n1hn86rk8zo/s1600-h/Summer+2008+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233429587853264306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDge3UDRbI/AAAAAAAAAb0/n1hn86rk8zo/s320/Summer+2008+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />visiting with our neighbors;<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDg9irftXI/AAAAAAAAAb8/VxlPMB46HGk/s1600-h/Summer+2008+081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233430114890397042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDg9irftXI/AAAAAAAAAb8/VxlPMB46HGk/s320/Summer+2008+081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />and just enjoying time together with our family. </p><p>There was this time when Brent annoyed my dad by "wasting film" in the digital camera (Not really, but the concept applies. He was annoyed.),<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDhiSGQjNI/AAAAAAAAAcE/GmqPxKxe3Jk/s1600-h/Summer+2008+093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233430746094406866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDhiSGQjNI/AAAAAAAAAcE/GmqPxKxe3Jk/s320/Summer+2008+093.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />and this time when he nearly sent my mother to her eternal reward out of sheer terror for his safety,<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDh5K8Bt6I/AAAAAAAAAcM/dkhpArslDko/s1600-h/Summer+2008+085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233431139309434786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDh5K8Bt6I/AAAAAAAAAcM/dkhpArslDko/s320/Summer+2008+085.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />and this time which defies explanation,<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDiTr95BuI/AAAAAAAAAcU/OjclKtHgHAk/s1600-h/Summer+2008+097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233431594852222690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDiTr95BuI/AAAAAAAAAcU/OjclKtHgHAk/s320/Summer+2008+097.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />and these two people who are responsible for it all. I rise up and call them blessed! *rising* "You are blessed!" *settling back to a reclining pose*<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDjM9G_CZI/AAAAAAAAAcc/NwHc2wwPBho/s1600-h/Summer+2008+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233432578706311570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDjM9G_CZI/AAAAAAAAAcc/NwHc2wwPBho/s320/Summer+2008+034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />If you are interested in any further tidbits from our vacation, you can view some excerpts on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WsI_oHMCAc">Brent's latest video blog</a>.<br /><br />After our vacation, I came back to the Hilltop to start the process of getting ready for the year. It wasn't all work, however. I did manage to fit in trips to the park, the flower conservatory, the art museum, the museum center, etc. Really lovely times. It was on my foray <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">through</span> the conservatory that I had a moment of inspiration. I shall share it with you now...ready or not. I was walking through the Bonsai display enjoying the miniature plants; so detailed and intricate in design. I came across this one.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDl9QCVxQI/AAAAAAAAAck/LyparVbyfpE/s1600-h/Summer+2008+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233435607444079874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDl9QCVxQI/AAAAAAAAAck/LyparVbyfpE/s320/Summer+2008+013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Not all that extraordinary really as bonsai plants go. Pretty, detailed, but that's what one expects in this sort of display. However, the thing that caught my eye was the card below it.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDmU8TIoXI/AAAAAAAAAcs/hOhy4Tji-go/s1600-h/Summer+2008+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233436014462673266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SKDmU8TIoXI/AAAAAAAAAcs/hOhy4Tji-go/s320/Summer+2008+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This little plant is 40 years old, and 31 of those years it has spent "in training". It is constantly being pruned, shaped, and bent into the image that its owner desires for it. Without this constant "training" the branches would grown unruly and this delicate plant would lose the thing that makes it unique. It would become just one more bit of greenery.<br /><br />How often do I chafe under the constant "training" of my Heavenly Father. "How long is this going to go on?" "Surely I should be good at this by now!" And then I remember that the One who owns me, both by creation and by purchase, is conforming me to a very specific image; that of His Son. He knows that without constant "pruning" and "training", I would grow unruly and the image would grow more and more indistinct as I became just like everyone else around me. It may not be the most powerful example, but I was blessed as I realized that if human <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">gardeners</span> will spend hours and years to perfect a tiny tree, how much more will our Heavenly Father patiently tend us until the image of Jesus can be clearly seen.<br /><br />Bless you, my friends. I wish you all very lovely last weeks of summer. Make them count!<br /></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-80012234369118507572008-06-30T16:11:00.035-04:002008-06-30T17:29:29.975-04:00A Suspension of SummerFor those of you wondering about the word "suspension" in my title, I use it in its scientific sense. A suspension (unlike a solution) is a mixture like pepper and water in which one ingredient will not dissolve the other (small rocks and water, small children and water...things like that). This blog promises to be just so. If you, dear reader, are expecting smoothness of flow and startling continuity, you are about to be sadly disappointed. Due to my utter lack of initiative (call it summer slothfulness), I have been amassing a great host of experiences which have yet to be recorded. That, my friends, is the purpose of this blog, an absolute juggernaut of information that I hope will not overwhelm you too intensely. So here goes...<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A Day With Mom</span></strong><br />by Sonja<br /><br />It was 5:15am on Saturday. Sonja was sleeping in her bed.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlAuW7DybI/AAAAAAAAAWY/1dkCJtX8zu8/s1600-h/Summer+2008+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217772808456882610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlAuW7DybI/AAAAAAAAAWY/1dkCJtX8zu8/s320/Summer+2008+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />All at once, her alarm clock sounded. "Beep! Beep! Beep!"<br /><br />"What is going on?", Sonja wondered. "Why is my alarm clock beeping?"<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlBUebKeTI/AAAAAAAAAWg/Z3DUexj2ZiU/s1600-h/Summer+2008+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217773463305615666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlBUebKeTI/AAAAAAAAAWg/Z3DUexj2ZiU/s320/Summer+2008+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And then Sonja remembered. It was her Day With Mom! They were going to Yard Sales! Oh, joy!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlB_IHg01I/AAAAAAAAAWo/a1a0I_dsByI/s1600-h/Summer+2008+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217774196051989330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlB_IHg01I/AAAAAAAAAWo/a1a0I_dsByI/s320/Summer+2008+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Soon she and Mom were in the car. Mom was Happy! She loved to yard sale.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlCWE_jo1I/AAAAAAAAAWw/L2dLh4_I3FQ/s1600-h/Summer+2008+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217774590350304082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlCWE_jo1I/AAAAAAAAAWw/L2dLh4_I3FQ/s320/Summer+2008+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The first yard sale was pretty good, but Sonja didn't get much. She also went back to the car before Mom did.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlC3YdDysI/AAAAAAAAAW4/OMrhJ57517Y/s1600-h/Summer+2008+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217775162510002882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlC3YdDysI/AAAAAAAAAW4/OMrhJ57517Y/s320/Summer+2008+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Then it started to rain, but Mom and Sonja braved the rain. They would not be deterred. They were very proud of their bravery.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlDEbkhVUI/AAAAAAAAAXA/c4HUljcZMhI/s1600-h/Summer+2008+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217775386684904770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlDEbkhVUI/AAAAAAAAAXA/c4HUljcZMhI/s320/Summer+2008+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The rain came down harder...<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlDhohRIPI/AAAAAAAAAXI/3ggZOFOSYA4/s1600-h/Summer+2008+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217775888377127154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlDhohRIPI/AAAAAAAAAXI/3ggZOFOSYA4/s320/Summer+2008+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />...and harder.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlDt4oSayI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/BSuK8W6w5Ms/s1600-h/Summer+2008+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217776098859969314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlDt4oSayI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/BSuK8W6w5Ms/s320/Summer+2008+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />But they still got a few cool things.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlENMX-oYI/AAAAAAAAAXY/u7imII0Y1tU/s1600-h/Summer+2008+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217776636736217474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlENMX-oYI/AAAAAAAAAXY/u7imII0Y1tU/s320/Summer+2008+011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After they were finished, Mom and Sonja met Dad at their favorite breakfast place, The Royal Cafe. Mom and Dad love to eat breakfast. They also love each other.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlEtVTq3JI/AAAAAAAAAXg/h2wGeEU7V-c/s1600-h/Summer+2008+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217777188889877650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlEtVTq3JI/AAAAAAAAAXg/h2wGeEU7V-c/s320/Summer+2008+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Eating at Royal Cafe is finger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lickin</span>' good. Right Dad?<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlFA-13u7I/AAAAAAAAAXo/qx_BXHdQhnQ/s1600-h/Summer+2008+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217777526456695730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlFA-13u7I/AAAAAAAAAXo/qx_BXHdQhnQ/s320/Summer+2008+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After their yummy breakfast, Mom and Sonja went to the dented can store to get Bargains...<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlFkcRbgnI/AAAAAAAAAX8/y0HG7Y6feUg/s1600-h/Summer+2008+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217778135652336242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlFkcRbgnI/AAAAAAAAAX8/y0HG7Y6feUg/s320/Summer+2008+025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />...and to the flea market to get a watermelon.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlH-LGSbVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ao9Cr05a-oc/s1600-h/Summer+2008+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217780776742055250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlH-LGSbVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ao9Cr05a-oc/s320/Summer+2008+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Their last stop was at Staples to buy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Stapley</span> stuff.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlHSapzdhI/AAAAAAAAAYU/xV4DDm5P5WU/s1600-h/Summer+2008+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217780025003308562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlHSapzdhI/AAAAAAAAAYU/xV4DDm5P5WU/s320/Summer+2008+026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After their big outing, Mom and Sonja were tired. It was time to relax in the Pool!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlILEqRBZI/AAAAAAAAAYs/PhyNeHfYus0/s1600-h/Hobe+Sound+-+Summer+07+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217780998352209298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlILEqRBZI/AAAAAAAAAYs/PhyNeHfYus0/s320/Hobe+Sound+-+Summer+07+026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So they did. It was fun. What a great day to be with Mom.<br /><br />The End.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Heidi's Wedding</span></strong><br /><br />Weekend before last, I flew up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cinci</span> to enjoy the joyous occasion of my buddy Heidi's nuptials. Heidi married a wonderful man, Nathan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Easley</span>. They make a terrific couple. The wedding was beautiful in its simplicity and sacredness. It made my heart go, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ahhhhhhh</span>". I also was able to spend a little bit of time with Julia, who braved the trip from Illinois. It was lovely to see her as well. Here are just a few shots of the blessed event.<br /><br />Nathan with the girls.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlJzT_tg0I/AAAAAAAAAY0/w4pYuf0gUNw/s1600-h/Summer+2008+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217782789175083842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlJzT_tg0I/AAAAAAAAAY0/w4pYuf0gUNw/s320/Summer+2008+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Heidi.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlJ77IwMeI/AAAAAAAAAY8/47CEDHlI1PM/s1600-h/Summer+2008+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217782937120944610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlJ77IwMeI/AAAAAAAAAY8/47CEDHlI1PM/s320/Summer+2008+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hope. (The group, not the emotion.)<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlKPaeKZvI/AAAAAAAAAZE/UwiJNM5p9SU/s1600-h/Summer+2008+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217783271949756146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlKPaeKZvI/AAAAAAAAAZE/UwiJNM5p9SU/s320/Summer+2008+012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The musicians...amazingly talented, all. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlKjZKYQII/AAAAAAAAAZM/HUhGfxv-vS4/s1600-h/Summer+2008+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217783615195725954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlKjZKYQII/AAAAAAAAAZM/HUhGfxv-vS4/s320/Summer+2008+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The cake (by Marianne), both beautiful and exceedingly tasty.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlK9FdjFXI/AAAAAAAAAZU/dwG7q6t-QkA/s1600-h/Summer+2008+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217784056584017266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlK9FdjFXI/AAAAAAAAAZU/dwG7q6t-QkA/s320/Summer+2008+026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A really beautiful day. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of it!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Cake Decorating Lessons</span></strong><br /><br />Speaking of cakes... On Thursday, my mom invited some young ladies over to our house who were wanting to learn how to decorate cakes. It basically turned into a "Fun With Icing" party, but a good time was had by all nonetheless. I even decorated a little cake myself with results that weren't too terrible.<br /><br />Our "class".<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlMAIlypHI/AAAAAAAAAZc/UnIV7g9Wtvs/s1600-h/Summer+2008+028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217785208475133042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlMAIlypHI/AAAAAAAAAZc/UnIV7g9Wtvs/s320/Summer+2008+028.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My cake and I. I will be taking orders shortly.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlMLsWv0cI/AAAAAAAAAZk/UzwmTfxfd5w/s1600-h/Summer+2008+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217785407054270914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlMLsWv0cI/AAAAAAAAAZk/UzwmTfxfd5w/s320/Summer+2008+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Finally...Our Backyard Zoo</span></strong><br /><br />Some people have to go to zoos to see critters, but here in South Florida, one never knows what one will see in the back yard. Friday morning I saw this.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlNQ7cVUNI/AAAAAAAAAZs/cXfFuoG8xL8/s1600-h/Summer+2008+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217786596515205330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlNQ7cVUNI/AAAAAAAAAZs/cXfFuoG8xL8/s320/Summer+2008+032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />An armadillo just making himself at home. He actually made it all the way up to the back porch.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlNeh_pfJI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/jID0LybLbT0/s1600-h/Summer+2008+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217786830202174610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SGlNeh_pfJI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/jID0LybLbT0/s320/Summer+2008+034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Fortunately, he opted not to come in.<br /><br />Well, that's about it. At least that's all I have pictures of. For those of you who have successfully made it through this entire post, I salute you! *salute* You are either extremely kind or extremely bored. (There may be a few other options in there as well.) Blessings to you all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-84154186724310775692008-06-06T15:10:00.019-04:002008-06-06T17:23:40.707-04:00Subber is a Cubbid' Id...For those of you who are completely flummoxed at the title...I've been having to talk while holding my breath today since I am now ensconced in Diaper Change Central for the summer (my mom runs a home day care). Sometimes those diapers can be gruesome. *gag*<br /><br />But...I'm home! Yay! I drove down the beginning of this week, eating copious amounts of sunflower seeds along the way to stay awake. Hopefully they won't have any adverse effects. (However, I do find myself adjusting toward the sun from time to time.)<br /><br />The end of the year was full of activities, so I think I'll just bombard you with some photos and spare you the brilliant discourse.<br /><br />May found me at...a bridal shower for my buddy, Heidi. You go girl!! She's getting married in two weeks, and I am excessively happy for her.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208852036153019714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmPVEZ4jUI/AAAAAAAAAUo/5Tm7Z9ZnT5A/s320/FA07-SP08+004.JPG" border="0" /><br />A last photo shoot with my Discipleship Group. Most of them are growing up and leaving the nest. :(<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmQIC98TJI/AAAAAAAAAUw/_CeofM661XE/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208852911940717714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmQIC98TJI/AAAAAAAAAUw/_CeofM661XE/s320/FA07-SP08+012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A "Dean Staff" photo shoot. I actually could use your help praying about this one. I have to replace some of my RA's due to the reality of graduation. Three of these in the picture are moving on. *sob* I have been so blessed with my office staff. They are top notch young ladies. One is going to nursing school, one is getting married, and one is going to the mission field. I'm so proud of all of them!! Anyway, I need God's wisdom about replacements. (Pray...hard. Yes, you...lurker.)<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmQ8AHlB3I/AAAAAAAAAU4/EfDq8_tBZ8E/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208853804529026930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmQ8AHlB3I/AAAAAAAAAU4/EfDq8_tBZ8E/s320/FA07-SP08+026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Moving on...Memorial Day! What an incredible day I had with my favorite brother. He is so good for my heart. What a blessing to be with someone who speaks the same language and who loves you...period. Ahhhhhhh.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmRz5FVmsI/AAAAAAAAAVA/yhr9F9_Zaic/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208854764713253570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmRz5FVmsI/AAAAAAAAAVA/yhr9F9_Zaic/s320/FA07-SP08+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We decided to have a picnic. I was so self-impressed (you may all feign surprise) that I had remembered everything. However, when we arrived, I realized that the box of matches that I brought did not have a flint strip on the side. We tried striking the matches on the grill, the picnic table, our heads, but all to no avail. We then devised a "Brilliant Plan" that involved the cigarette lighter in my car and a slow and tedious walk from the car to the grill bearing the slowly burning bag of charcoal. Anyway, it worked!! We ate the steaks to prove it.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmTZAKqgpI/AAAAAAAAAVY/x-Vct29Q2rY/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208856501781430930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmTZAKqgpI/AAAAAAAAAVY/x-Vct29Q2rY/s320/FA07-SP08+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We also had happy watermelon.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmTExpxD6I/AAAAAAAAAVI/RJV4In_tL2A/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208856154287968162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmTExpxD6I/AAAAAAAAAVI/RJV4In_tL2A/s320/FA07-SP08+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmTQEiKQjI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/YKE5bw3Vsbg/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208856348334899762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmTQEiKQjI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/YKE5bw3Vsbg/s320/FA07-SP08+016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A great day!<br /><br />I also had time for a day at the zoo with my buddy and his special family.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmT9uWgXJI/AAAAAAAAAVg/w4HAsAruEz4/s1600-h/Summer+2008+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208857132654419090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmT9uWgXJI/AAAAAAAAAVg/w4HAsAruEz4/s320/Summer+2008+016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmT9uWgXJI/AAAAAAAAAVg/w4HAsAruEz4/s1600-h/Summer+2008+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208858020488565634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmUxZyqU4I/AAAAAAAAAVo/nm5c8kd7iSY/s320/Summer+2008+023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmU64sMfAI/AAAAAAAAAVw/SkhOlCsVoOg/s1600-h/Summer+2008+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208858183401765890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmU64sMfAI/AAAAAAAAAVw/SkhOlCsVoOg/s320/Summer+2008+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And then, my buddy had a birthday, so his family got together to worship and pay homage to the beloved Child.<br /><br />There was a cool cake made by Mommy.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmVXV691zI/AAAAAAAAAV4/hbFKEt0jaCk/s1600-h/Summer+2008+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208858672284686130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmVXV691zI/AAAAAAAAAV4/hbFKEt0jaCk/s320/Summer+2008+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Although, the birthday boy had a bit of difficulty with the taste...<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxjasLF_Ge6k8uQt2l829XJ1GyPFdZjFwc94vh6-cIrTUqMdPhFpo2bWXUtA1HffsOukqSPxj-ISq3EdXXVsw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />But he seemed to manage quite nicely...<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmbU9zkqUI/AAAAAAAAAWA/OSP-uzpWxDw/s1600-h/Summer+2008+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmbU9zkqUI/AAAAAAAAAWA/OSP-uzpWxDw/s320/Summer+2008+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208865228521253186" /></a><br />...and enjoy all his happy presents.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmbxj9_5_I/AAAAAAAAAWI/JHhYSgaj800/s1600-h/Summer+2008+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SEmbxj9_5_I/AAAAAAAAAWI/JHhYSgaj800/s320/Summer+2008+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208865719801866226" /></a><br />All in all, it was a good month...May. Lots of good things. Lots of friends. Lots of love. Indeed, who could ask for more?<br /><br />I had planned to leave you with some thoughts from my devotions this morning, but I've already had to retype part of this once for some reason (the computer gods hate me), so I think I'll leave that for another time.<br /><br />Until next time, a blessed summer to you all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-91842538943032348452008-05-11T00:32:00.005-04:002008-05-11T00:57:20.740-04:00Mom's Day<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SCZ4L7mHDCI/AAAAAAAAAUc/bB9_fam32vA/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198974966217247778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SCZ4L7mHDCI/AAAAAAAAAUc/bB9_fam32vA/s200/FA07-SP08+063.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Mother's Day, Mom! This post is for you...especially - thus the fact that the whole thing is addressed to you personally. Does it feel weird to have a blog written directly to you? I guess it's kind of like an open letter. (Feel free to read on, those of you not my mom - which will be most of you...since I only seem to have one of them...mothers, I mean.) Anyway, since I actually remembered to send you a card and filled it with amazingly personal, sweet, and sincere sentiments, I shall only say a few things here. I was thinking earlier tonight about some of the traits I admire in you. One especially stood out. I love the way that you make every single person you come in contact with feel like he or she is the very best thing that happened to you all day. You know just how to make everyone feel special, needed, and loved. Your well timed words and simple gestures have snatched me often from an emotional downward spiral. Showing love is as natural to you as taking a breath. Thank you for giving me a home oozing with love, saturated with grace, and brimming over with joy. You made loving Jesus look as wonderful as it is. <br /><br />I love you, Mom!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-68280665020164385672008-05-03T22:31:00.008-04:002008-05-03T23:13:42.246-04:00National Day of Prayer, etc.For the last few years, GBS has been privileged to be involved with the National Day of Prayer here in the Queen City. We lug all our gear downtown, and the choir and orchestra set up on the front steps of the court house. It's pretty cool. This year I was asked to pray one of the prayers in the program (The Prayer for Those Who Educate). Anyway, it was a good experience. I always enjoy partnering with various churches in the community. Although I know that there are extremely valid reasons for the existence of different denominations, etc., I think that it is a beautiful thing when different churches can come together around a common vision. Anyway, I thought I would just post a few pics of the event to give you an idea. <br /><br />The gang's all here! <br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0hqkVqCNI/AAAAAAAAAT0/pzpfjvGXGfc/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196346560248154322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0hqkVqCNI/AAAAAAAAAT0/pzpfjvGXGfc/s320/007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0iXkVqCPI/AAAAAAAAAUE/x89kbJgiLLA/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196347333342267634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0iXkVqCPI/AAAAAAAAAUE/x89kbJgiLLA/s320/014.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Praying the prayer while being distracted by the dreadful echo from the buildings across the street. <br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0iAEVqCOI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Sg9Z4NGDkko/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196346929615341794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0iAEVqCOI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Sg9Z4NGDkko/s320/021.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Dr. Ted Kalsbeek, former pastor of Covenant First Presbyterian. What a stately man of God! <br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0ip0VqCQI/AAAAAAAAAUM/qfxbuqSOWAg/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196347646874880258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0ip0VqCQI/AAAAAAAAAUM/qfxbuqSOWAg/s320/026.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Pastor Russell Smith, current pastor of Covenant Presbyterian and fellow Lewis fan. One can find kindred spirits in unexpected places! (Sorry the spirit of Anne came over me for a moment!) <br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0jHkVqCRI/AAAAAAAAAUU/Jw3SCebPXKM/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196348157975988498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SB0jHkVqCRI/AAAAAAAAAUU/Jw3SCebPXKM/s320/028.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Anyway, it was a really nice day. The only fly in the ointment was an occasional great gust of wind that took stands and music along with it. However, there was no great harm done. :) <br /><br />Now to the "etc." part of the title. Just thought I'd throw in a short clip of my buddy walking. He just turned 11 months old this week. He's been walking for over a month now, but it just makes me laugh to watch him. Hopefully it will brighten your day as well.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxzGY_vjFFP4852USSVFkg7BbkUDLKwtjm22YXWY8WGecZsSGOcvHbKWGicG-Bz61orLPMTpq7MaqKE_WmbQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />So that's that. Just a bit of info from this past week. (Happy, Mom?)<br /><br />One more thought for the day from Isaiah 35 (portions of vv. 5-10, emphasis mine), and if this doesn't encourage you, I'm not sure what will!<br /><br /><blockquote><p>Then the eyes of the blind will be opened <br />And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. <br />Then the lame will leap like a deer, <br />And the tongue of the mute will shout for joy... <br />The scorched land will become a pool <br />And the thirsty ground springs of water; <br />...A highway will be there, a roadway, <br />And it will be called the Highway of Holiness <br />The unclean will not travel on it, <br />But it will be for him who walks that way, <br />And fools will not wander on it. <br />...But the <strong>redeemed</strong> will walk there, <br />And the <strong>ransomed</strong> of the LORD will return <br />And come with joyful shouting to Zion, <br />With everlasting joy upon their heads <br />They will find gladness and joy, <br />And sorrow and sighing will flee away. </p></blockquote><br /><br />I was blessed this morning as I read this that, even in Isaiah's day, the concept of redemption was present. There had to be a sacrifice. They looked forward to the perfect Lamb as they continued offering theirs on the altar in the temple. Praise God that the price of redemption has been paid! It is freely offered to all of us, though we will never deserve it. We can walk on the Highway of Holiness, not because of what we bring to the table, but because we have had grace showered upon us. We join the saints of all the ages - the community of the redeemed. We have been ransomed, bought back, redeemed! No wonder they experience everlasting joy. No wonder they come to Zion with joyful shouting. I'm feeling pretty joyful myself right now!!<br /><br />Blessings!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-2223578929374417652008-04-27T20:18:00.014-04:002008-04-27T21:22:51.455-04:00Spring FeverFrom my absence, one might infer that I have been on an extended vacation; sitting ocean-front with a cold drink in my well manicured hand. One would be wrong. (My cuticles are a mess.) I will simply say that the last three weeks or so have been some of the busiest I remember in some time (for a variety of reasons). In a phrase...it's spring, and spring fever is alive and well. It clouds the mind and the judgement. It makes simple rules and tasks, done with relative ease up to this point, seem impossible or, at best, unreasonable. I am surrounded by a sea of blank stares as I reiterate the precepts set forth in our Handbook (most hallowed tome of wisdom). It is as if the words are new and strange; as if they are written in some long forgotten language; ancient runes impossible to comprehend. "What? That's a rule? I'm sorry. I didn't know..." *sigh* It's spring, and summer is almost here.<br /><br />The last few weeks have also been filled with a quick succession of a variety of activities. If I elaborated on each one, this post would be of such a length that it might become discouraging. Therefore, I shall simply hit the highlights.<br /><br />The beginning of April found me on tour with the Symphonic Wind and String Ensemble. I'm not sure when I have been more blessed to be with a group of young people. These individuals took tour seriously. When it was time to pray, they prayed, and God heard them. Our services, as well as our devotional times on the bus, were blessed with a powerful sense of God's presence. Our tour was characterized by a oneness of purpose and heart. It was incredible. But we also had a tremendous amount of fun as well. What a great combination! Below are a few random shots from the tour. I have many more, but they would take a long time to post!<br /><br />Staying with some good friends in Roanoke, VA.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUdKEVqCHI/AAAAAAAAATE/4Sru2Dftb34/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194089804042209394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUdKEVqCHI/AAAAAAAAATE/4Sru2Dftb34/s320/FA07-SP08+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />One of those really funny moments.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUdbUVqCII/AAAAAAAAATM/jR5I2hdbF1M/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194090100394952834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUdbUVqCII/AAAAAAAAATM/jR5I2hdbF1M/s320/FA07-SP08+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Even the child didn't escape unscathed.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUdskVqCJI/AAAAAAAAATU/tlbRFlvFQFU/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194090396747696274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUdskVqCJI/AAAAAAAAATU/tlbRFlvFQFU/s320/FA07-SP08+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It didn't seem to take away his taste for ice cream, however.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUeAkVqCKI/AAAAAAAAATc/fXcatFb6CG8/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194090740345079970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUeAkVqCKI/AAAAAAAAATc/fXcatFb6CG8/s320/FA07-SP08+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />He even got to run the sound a bit. He was fascinated!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUeXkVqCLI/AAAAAAAAATk/E7TbHFbeWh4/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194091135482071218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUeXkVqCLI/AAAAAAAAATk/E7TbHFbeWh4/s320/FA07-SP08+041.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I also happened to be on the best crew. I appreciated their serious approach to the whole "recruiting" thing.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUeo0VqCMI/AAAAAAAAATs/p0UznyfiEDk/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194091431834814658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/SBUeo0VqCMI/AAAAAAAAATs/p0UznyfiEDk/s320/FA07-SP08+034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Anyway, a good time was had by all.<br /><br />Last week ushered in IHC - a whirlwind of activity in Dayton. I really enjoyed myself this year, and, as always, it was good to have even those "drive by" conversations. I really loved reconnecting even briefly with many special friends.<br /><br />On the heels of IHC comes VIP Day. This signals lots of work (white glove room checks, etc.) as we put our best foot forward for visitors. It really went well this year. I appreciated the mix of good information, good clean fun, and a stirring challenge to trust God fully with our lives. I think any young person that attended VIP Day is better for it - whether they end up at GBS or not. One especially big highlight was a bloopers video played at the banquet. It was a knock-off from the video showcasing the different divisions and programs GBS offers. I believe that it showed that, along with our quest for excellence, we can also laugh at ourselves (an important attribute). If you know any of the GBS faculty, you might enjoy it. Just search for "GBS" and "bloopers" on You Tube or God Tube.<br /><br />This week we had our Spring picnic, Academy music program and all night lock-in (probably too much within a 48 hour time period). However, all went well. There were no major injuries. (One wouldn't expect to have major injuries at an academy program, but you can't be too careful. Tripping over a bass drum can cause head trauma.) I also judged science fair projects for the first time in my life. I have discovered that I'm a bit of a hard grader. Who knew?<br /><br />In closing (she said in a pastoral sort of way) let me share with you something I came across in my devotions this week.<br /><br />Isaiah 28:23-29<br /><blockquote>Give ear and hear my voice,<br />Listen and hear my words.<br />Does the farmer plow continually to plant seed?<br />Does he continually turn and harrow the ground?<br />Does he not level its surface<br />And sow dill and scatter cummin<br />And plant wheat in rows,<br />Barley in its place and rye within its area?<br />For his God instructs and teaches him properly.<br />For dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge,<br />Nor is the cartwheel driven over cummin;<br />But dill is beaten out with a rod, and cummin with a club.<br />Grain for bread is crushed,<br />Indeed, he does not continue to thresh it forever.<br />Because the wheel of his cart and his horses eventually damage it,<br />He does not thresh it longer.<br />This also comes from the LORD of hosts,<br />Who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great. </blockquote><br /><br />At first blush, this may seem like just a little aside on farming. However, I was struck by something a bit deeper. I am humbled and grateful that the God who knows exactly how to harvest grain, dill, and cummin in a way that will produce the best crop without damage knows me. He knows just how much threshing I require before I am damaged by the cart wheel. He knows that, left inside the husk, I would be of no use to anyone. But when the rough exterior is smoothed away by a creative variety of methods, I can bring flavor and nourishment to those around me. I love that! Truly "His counsel [is] wonderful and His wisdom great"!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-24189116930995117362008-04-07T18:06:00.008-04:002008-04-07T18:50:13.552-04:00Tagged, shmaggedWell, Jo, you've done it. You have reduced me to another one of these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">taggy</span>, what don't we know about you things. I actually have quite a bit to blog about band tour and lots of other stuff, but I think I'll do this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">taggy</span> thing first. It seems fairly painless. (By the way, I hope no one cares, but I'm not going to tag anyone else. I hope that doesn't make me a complete and utter party <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pooper</span>. I don't mind being a complete party <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pooper</span>...just not an utter party <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pooper</span>. That seems indecent.) Seriously, dear Jo, no hard feelings. I'm just having a good time ranting. :-)<br /><br /><strong>What I was doing 10 years ago:</strong><br />Washing my hair. Actually, I was working nights on a telemetry floor at a hospital near my parents home in Florida. I was also a team leader in our church's youth group. I was completely oblivious to the turn my life would take in a few short years - joining the Catholic church. Seriously, who knew that I would be a DEAN OF WOMEN? Perish the thought.<br /><br /><strong>Five things on my to do list today:</strong><br />1. Spend time with Jesus. (check)<br />2. Exercise. (check)<br />3. Get loose ends tied up from the weekend in the office. (check)<br />4. Go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Walmart</span> for goodies for my dorm meeting tonight and food for my D-group meeting on Wednesday.<br />5. Have a dorm meeting tonight. (oh, goody)<br />6. Meet the man of my dreams in the aisle at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Walmart</span>. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hmmmm</span>, not sure about that one. The last man I saw at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Walmart</span> kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">creeped</span> me out.)<br /><br /><strong>Snacks that I enjoy:</strong><br />Way too many to name them all. Sometimes I'm afraid that it's anything edible not nailed down. OK, I'll be serious:<br /><br />Boston Baked Beans<br />Tortilla chips and spinach dip.<br />Veggies and Ranch Dip<br />Goldfish crackers<br />Graham crackers and milk<br />Crackers with Laughing Cow spreadable Swiss cheese.<br />Microwave popcorn (kettle corn flavor)<br />(are you starting to see my problem?)<br /><br /><strong>Things I would do if I were a billionaire:</strong><br />1. Invest enough so that I could live off the interest.<br />2. Give my parents enough so they wouldn't have to work if they didn't want to.<br />3. Help my brother pay off his new album.<br />4. Invest in our Bible colleges heavily.<br />5. Invest in mission organizations. I think that it is criminal that they must struggle as they do.<br /><br /><strong>Three of my bad habits:</strong><br />My goodness, I'm not sure if I can come up with that many. ;-)<br /><br />1. Snacking (see above)<br />2. I can be pretty one track and can occasionally make people feel that I'm not interested in them. (I'm working hard on this one.)<br />3. I need to be more self-disciplined in several areas. (I'm also working hard here!!)<br /><br /><strong>Five places I have lived:</strong><br />1. Cincinnati, OH - as a tiny child.<br />2. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hobe</span> Sound, FL<br />3. Indiana, PA<br />4. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Hobe</span> Sound, FL again.<br />5. Cincinnati, OH again - as a bigger child.<br />(Isn't that a nice symmetrical list? I love symmetry!)<br /><br /><strong>Five jobs I have had:</strong><br />1. House cleaner for a nice and very patient neighbor.<br />2. Switchboard operator for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">HSBC</span>.<br />3. Student assistant to 2 nursing professors at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">IUP</span>. (lots of library work, etc.)<br />4. Telemetry staff nurse and relief night charge nurse.<br />5. Resident Director for Women (my fancy title now).<br /><br /><strong>Five people I want to know more about:</strong><br />I shall <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">forgo</span> the last one. I would love to know all about all of my dear readers - especially since I found out about a few more of you on tour. :-) HI!! If any of you would like to randomly take this quiz on your own, I will enjoy it immensely on your blogs.<br /><br />Another blog soon to come... (This one with pictures. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ooooooooooo</span>.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-39684443422510414572008-03-23T20:53:00.006-04:002008-03-24T12:40:44.527-04:00Loose EndsIt's the evening of Easter, a beautiful celebration of Christ's ultimate victory. I've spent this Easter weekend on duty here on the Hilltop. Fortunately, most of the denizens of my dorm chose to spend their weekend elsewhere, so it was actually a nice weekend to be on call. My buddy Cindy came over Friday and stayed until Saturday which was a special treat. So, all in all a glorious time was had by all. <br /><br />It seems like I have a lot to say since it has been a while, but now that I actually sit down to blog I'm not sure I'll remember everything. (Please quit weeping and gnashing your teeth. I'll do my best.) Week before last we had our combination Winter and Jr./Sr. banquet - dubbed "College Banquet" on the calendar. I thought that was an original title. It was actually a really nice evening. I enjoyed it immensely. The food was good, and the fellowship was second to none. And the students looked really nice too. Sometimes I think it's good to have an excuse to dress up! I put a new picture of my little buddy, looking quite dapper in a tiny tux, on the top of my blog, but I know that you are dying for another peek at him in all his glory. I will oblige you. Here he is with his mom.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R-cDW6lszaI/AAAAAAAAASk/6eWFkRe9a7Y/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R-cDW6lszaI/AAAAAAAAASk/6eWFkRe9a7Y/s320/FA07-SP08+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181113588532432290" /></a><br />I also had an opportunity to get a photo with my staff. As you can see from the pic, you have to be a bit crazy to work for me.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R-cDvKlszbI/AAAAAAAAASs/JbY61wP0FyI/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R-cDvKlszbI/AAAAAAAAASs/JbY61wP0FyI/s320/FA07-SP08+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181114005144260018" /></a><br />And this post would not be complete without a nod to a few of my exercise buddies in one of our Turbo Jam poses.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R-cEIKlszcI/AAAAAAAAAS0/ZTMScawEF6w/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R-cEIKlszcI/AAAAAAAAAS0/ZTMScawEF6w/s320/FA07-SP08+033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181114434640989634" /></a><br />Anyway, it was a lot of fun.<br /><br />This past week, my girls surprised me with a late Christmas present/party. Their excuse for the timing was that they were celebrating "You're in Control Day" which, if I remember correctly is March 30. (One of my girls couldn't figure out why people would celebrate urine control day when the idea was pitched to her. I guess it helps if you can see the title written down.) Anyway, they made crowns for Dixie (my Assistant Dean) and me. With things like "I'm in control" written on them. They also had great food, sang a song in my honor, and gave me an mp3 player. I was deeply moved, to say the least. It was a very special evening. Moments like that really help to make the job worthwhile!<br /><br />This past week was also an important anniversary for me. Any of you who have been on this journey with me for a while know that when I started my blog I had just had open heart surgery. Last week marked the 1 year anniversary of the big event. I have successfully stayed out of the hospital for one year! That may not seem like a big deal to some, but I haven't been able to say that since Sept. 2003. Needless to say, it's a pretty big deal to me, and I feel LOTS of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for helping things to even out a bit. Thanks also to all of my faithful friends who walked the journey with me and stood by me through some rather dark times. I pray that you will be rewarded in great measure for your kindness! <br /><br />One more note. I've been in the book of Mark in my devotions of late, and I have been smacked in the face with how many times Jesus told people that it was their faith that saved them, healed them, etc. I've been asking myself how many times I limit God in my life because of my faithlessness. There was the women that held the hem of Jesus cloak and received healing. I've wondered how many times I brush up against the cloak of Jesus and never take hold in faith. I know that there is a difference between presumption and bold faith, and I pray that I can know the difference. I was challenged by Jesus admonition to the man whose son was demon possessed. The man said, "...if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!" Jesus said, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes." And I love the man's response, "I do believe; help my unbelief." How refreshingly honest. I want this to be my prayer. I want to believe, and I pray that God will help my unbelief!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-89458313606601566562008-03-03T22:10:00.002-05:002008-03-03T22:48:47.153-05:00Mush.It is 10:11pm. I sit in the Chair of Power. I've been in here most of the day except for a brief foray to the grocery store for provisions. (One must eat, I am told.) Oh yes, and there was that quick morning trip to the library and Starbucks; after which I promptly dumped my tall decaf nonfat latte on the floor outside my office. Sigh. I'm weary. My brain feels like the aforementioned "mush". I shouldn't feel like this. We just had a week and a half of break. I should be energized, ready to lick the world. But I'm not. Maybe I should go to bed. Hmmmm. Nah, it's more fun to write dark, pitiful things for the consumption of those who find themselves at my blogging mercy. *evil laughter*<br /><br />Actually, I am not (despite the evidence to the contrary) depressed. It has really been a great day. The break was just that - a break. Although I stayed here since my highschoolers didn't really get a break, the pace was slower, and the relaxation was real. As always, my green chair blessed my life on a daily basis. :) I left the blog world for a while as well. I find this helpful from time to time. I can become overwhelmed with the need to constantly check up on everyone, so sometimes it's good for me to take a sabbatical - if only for a short while. Anyway, I started trying to catch up tonight, and my Google reader said that I have 140 or so new posts to read. Aaaaaaaaauuuuuugh! Needless to say, I barely scratched the surface this evening. (Some of the blogs on my reader have very prolific authors!)<br /><br />Anyway, there's no special news. It may take me a while to come up with something as exciting as my last post. One can only blog on sex so often without being thought of as some sort of social deviant. (I am not a social deviant.) I must say that the dialogue that post (and my talk here) raised has certainly been interesting and eye-opening. Anyway, enough on that.<br /><br />I continue to read Jeremiah and be consistently amazed at how stubborn we humans can be. But I also continue to be amazed at the grace of our Father who warns and pleads and warns and pleads over and over again; a God who does not delight in punishment; a God who promises deliverance even in the midst of destruction; a God whose ultimate plan is redemptive - even when it means the need to discipline; a God who always keeps His word. I am humbled and grateful that this God lets me call Him, "Abba".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-34370179203039259852008-02-08T20:41:00.000-05:002008-02-08T22:30:34.559-05:00Yes, Well...God bless you, gentle friends and lurkers. God bless any of you who endure chronic disappointment and loss every time you check my quiet blog. Behold, I live, yea I thrive! That's the problem. Thriving seems to bring with it few hours to spend on the information superhighway, or if an opportunity arises it is only long enough for a brief lurk on the sites of others. Anyway, enough with the excuses! Enough, I say! Sorry, it seems to be a night for exclamatory sentences. Yipe!<br /><br />I sit here this fine Friday evening in my <em>Chair of Power</em> in the Dean of Women's office. The lounge has quieted since most of the student body rushed off campus to enjoy the hours of freedom that the weekend affords. Close to 11pm it will once again ring with the sounds of their merry voices. Then we shall make our way to the gym for some late night volleyball and basketball as is the Friday night custom. *oh, goody* Somehow, late night volleyball just doesn't do for me what it once did. I would much rather be in my jammies. *I love my jammies* However, due to our dress code, jammies and the gym don't mix. So, I shall have to wait until after the evening frolic is over. I am loathe to recall that it sometimes lasts until 1am. *loathe, loathe* Anyway, all loathing aside, it is a good evening in the office and has provided me this wonderful opportunity to reconnect with you, my faithful and forebearing friends.<br /><br />The big news of the week was my privilege to speak at our annual Student Development Day. My "sermon" was on sexual purity. I have been so incredibly burdened lately at the skewed view our society and even our churches have regarding sex. Society thrives on the twisted, marred image of sex that it accepts as reality. Every day we are pounded with these lies by the culture around us. As a result, the church reacts by categorizing sex as "dirty". If they mention sex at all it is with negative connotations. If there is any dialogue with their youth, it is simply, "Don't have sex until you're married!" They often neglect to mention the fact that God thought the whole thing up, that He created it to feel good, that His rules about timing bring incredible blessing, that sexual desire is God given but must be saved for the proper time, that sex God's way is the absolute best. It is as if the church believes that Satan created sex, and God somehow redeemed it enough for children to be born - certainly not enough for it to be enjoyed. Now, <strong>I realize that I'm making HORRID generalizations</strong>. I know there are ministries out there that are doing a fabulous job, that good books have been written, and that some parents are instilling incredible values into their kids. But I also see lots of kids here on the Hilltop that simply don't have a clue. They know they shouldn't have sex, but a simple "shouldn't" doesn't carry much weight when your hormones are raging and you are completely, blissfully "in love". I've seen too many young people with major regrets and too many lives sidetracked to believe that we are doing an adequate job of educating our youth. As you may well imagine, I was pretty blunt (as is my wont). We went everywhere from male/female differences to STD's to the "stupidest forms of birth control" to the beauty of doing it God's way. It was incredible to sense the blessing and help of God as I delivered my heart, and I don't know when I've received more positive feedback. Maybe it seems weird that a single female is lecturing on sex, but one does what one must when it is needed. :) And when God gives a task, He is incredibly adept at preparing us for it.<br /><br />Anyway, life is good. The evening is quickly waning, and volleyball fun awaits. *whee* My prayer for all who read this blog is that we may truly learn to listen to our heavenly Father. I've been reading Jeremiah lately, and I have been struck as over and over the Almighty God foretells the destruction of His people because they "did not listen". Over and over He tried to wake them, offered them opportunities to repent but they "did not listen". I have been asking God to help me to listen with a willing heart; a heart that is ready to obey the moment it hears. May that be true for all of us!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-27329766989925859762008-01-16T23:19:00.000-05:002008-01-17T00:21:56.100-05:00Stuff.Well, it's late, and here I sit recovering from my first dorm meeting of the New Year. You know, one full of little "motherly reminders" (do wear this, don't wear that, stop putting your trash in the hall, don't be smooching the boys off campus - or on campus for that matter, etc.). But the really cool thing is that I could also tell my girls how incredibly proud I am of them, how I wouldn't trade this job for anything in the world, how I wouldn't trade them for any other girls, how I love them so much that it hurts sometimes, and that I could absolutely mean every word of it. I know that I've ratcheted on in the past about how wonderful it is to love what you do, how great God is to put us in jobs that will fulfill us, and on and on and on. But every once in a while, it hits me again, and I just have to repeat myself. (Thanks for your longsuffering.)<br /><br />School is back in full swing. We are now in our opening revival, and God is blessing us with solid truth that is easily applied right where our students are living. What a blessing! I count myself utterly blessed every time we make it through a revival and I don't feel like I need to do damage control with my girls because of what was preached. Fortunately, that doesn't happen often, but when it does...oh my. Anyway, I won't get stuck there. I'm sure we all have our own horror stories we could tell. :)<br /><br />I shall now do a wild change of subject. There, it's done. I was reading Luke 12 the other day, and for the first time in my life I saw the beautiful flow of the chapter. It's a familiar chapter, the concepts of which I have heard all my life. I could quote the verses to you, but somehow I never put them all together. I'm speaking particularly of verses 13-34. I'll give them to you in a nutshell. (My quotes are from the NASB. You can read them for yourself later.) It starts off with the story of the rich man who says to himself "I will tear down my barns and build larger." You know the story. Later God says to him, "You fool! This very night your soul is required of you..." Vs. 21 says, "So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Then in v. 22 Jesus says, "<strong>For this reason </strong>I say to you, do not worry about your life..." And He goes on to talk about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and how we shouldn't worry about eating and drinking and other important stuff. Vv. 30-31, "...but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you." In vv. 33-34 he tells them to sell their possessions and give them to charity, "...make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. <strong>For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also</strong>."<br /><br />The rich man missed it because his heart was with his treasure, and his treasure was all here. In light of that cautionary tale, Jesus tells us not to get hung up with the things of this world. I know that a lot of our stuff is important, but I pray that I will never forget that it's just that..."stuff". I know that I don't make a huge salary (yes, I have noticed that from time to time), and compared to some people I may not have that much. But I also know that compared to the vast majority of the world I live like a queen. And I ask myself, where is my treasure? Where is my heart? Do I have too much stuff? How tightly do I grasp the things I own right now? How would I react if they were all taken away? I don't know that I have it all figured out yet, but I do know that I want my treasure to be in the right place. I don't want to wake up one day and realize that I'm living for "stuff", things that can be taken as quickly as they were given. Things that, in the end, really don't mean that much.<br /><br />Well, that's what I've been thinking in my little thinker lately. Oh, by the way, I thought that maybe someone out there needed a smile. So, I decided to post this little clip to remind you of the days when simply eating cereal was an adventure.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxW-ouf81UKFUd9doY_YFjkFdDn0my5m3wIkEV7S3_vuVlcu9QUEr0rxITbZZjWjp1wQjS7kvX5vIaCWhgmFQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Watch out for that last bite. It's a doozy!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-67749665667130147882007-12-26T18:49:00.000-05:002007-12-26T19:43:07.074-05:00Yes, Mother. ;-)"Sonja," she said. "You should write another blog," she said. So, here I sit. Even at thirty ____ years of age, one should still listen to one's mother. (To all of you mother's out there, you're welcome. Feel free to point your children to this site. You know, if it's on the internet, it has to be true.)<br /><br />Well, they came, and they left. The Christmas festivities, that is. Can't say as much for those Christmas cookies, candies, pieces of fudge, handfulls of snack mix, cheeseball and crackers, etc. Those seem to still be around. They've simply shifted forms. Oh well, let the disciplined life resume. I must say, it is lovely from time to time to just stop worrying about what one puts in one's mouth. But, like everything else in life, it has its consequences. And I've also found out that I really wouldn't want to live that way. Seems that God knew what He was doing when He called us to bring our physical appetites into subjection. Hmmmm. Go figure.<br /><br />Our family really did have a very nice Christmas. We kicked off the festivities on Friday evening with our annual Soup and Carols night. I believe there were nine different kinds of soup. (I sampled at least 4 or 5. Small bowls, of course.) After feasting, we all gathered in the living room to sing our favorite Christmas songs. It's always a really special time with friends.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LrzlGWqeI/AAAAAAAAARQ/xnQ-aKhv7nU/s1600-h/Sonja"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148436595402516962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LrzlGWqeI/AAAAAAAAARQ/xnQ-aKhv7nU/s200/Sonja%27s+Holiday+2007+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3Ls6lGWqfI/AAAAAAAAARY/HgyeERjQHBQ/s1600-h/Sonja"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148437815173229042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3Ls6lGWqfI/AAAAAAAAARY/HgyeERjQHBQ/s200/Sonja%27s+Holiday+2007+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3Lt5lGWqhI/AAAAAAAAARk/fsV_-e5lfac/s1600-h/Sonja"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148438897504987666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3Lt5lGWqhI/AAAAAAAAARk/fsV_-e5lfac/s200/Sonja%27s+Holiday+2007+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LuX1GWqjI/AAAAAAAAARw/cPwn9h8mVCQ/s1600-h/Sonja"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148439417196030514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LuX1GWqjI/AAAAAAAAARw/cPwn9h8mVCQ/s200/Sonja%27s+Holiday+2007+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LuwFGWqkI/AAAAAAAAAR4/AWqBFoJH-QY/s1600-h/Sonja"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148439833807858242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LuwFGWqkI/AAAAAAAAAR4/AWqBFoJH-QY/s200/Sonja%27s+Holiday+2007+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></p><p> </p><p>Like I said, a good time was had by all.<br /><br />Our own Christmas seemed especially nice this year. So many happy things: being together, the joy of giving, the blessing of receiving, the awareness of the Greatest Gift, taking nothing for granted. Aaaaahhhhh.<br /><br />Brent received a cello. Long story, and not quite as random as it may seem. Anyway, he believes that he will have it mastered shortly.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LwnFGWqlI/AAAAAAAAASA/oecukj2GyFw/s1600-h/Sonja"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148441878212291154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LwnFGWqlI/AAAAAAAAASA/oecukj2GyFw/s320/Sonja%27s+Holiday+2007+037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I'm not so sure.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LxFlGWqmI/AAAAAAAAASI/upO_wqT_HLA/s1600-h/Sonja"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148442402198301282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R3LxFlGWqmI/AAAAAAAAASI/upO_wqT_HLA/s320/Sonja%27s+Holiday+2007+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, I pray that your holidays were special times marked by the presence of our Savior. I would like to go on here, but I feel quite sure that it has all been said already a thousand times by people much more qualified. I will simply say this. As I read Luke 1 this morning, the thing that struck me forcibly was the fact that several key people were READY for God to use them. I saw no kicking and screaming, no running about to tie up loose ends, no sweeping things under the rug. I saw people that were living lives that pleased God every day, so that when God needed them they were ready. Simple as that. I pray that I will live a life marked not by holiday experiences - in which I remember God at all the high points and celebrations - but by daily service, pleasing Him in the mundane. One day He may need me for something (though often I find He has used me quietly, almost without my knowledge), and I want to be ready.</p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-82406390577948426512007-11-29T11:21:00.000-05:002007-11-30T19:34:51.472-05:00After the Feasting.Well, the eating and the talking and the eating and the laughing and the eating and the game playing and the eating and the dish washing and the eating...are finally completed. I bask in the warm glow of the memories and the few extra pounds tenaciously clinging to my thighs. I was so blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with my dad's family in Alabama. We had close to 40 people there on the main feast day, but of course the celebration spread over 3 days. You can't get everything said in just one day. :) I was reminded of the blessing of a family steeped in love and dedication to our Heavenly Father. Sure we have our faults. Who doesn't?! But knowing each other as well as we do, we choose to drive or fly hundreds of miles to celebrate connections and laugh at each other's idiosyncrasies. So, before I get more sentimental, I'll give you a pictorial journey through my Thanksgiving.<br /><br />The table was laid.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R07qzQsvOpI/AAAAAAAAANk/v2KQdJqdA4A/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138302391253154450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R07qzQsvOpI/AAAAAAAAANk/v2KQdJqdA4A/s320/FA07-SP08+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The stockings hung on the ladder with care.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R07s_wsvOqI/AAAAAAAAANs/1t8-pyKfWcs/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138304805024774818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R07s_wsvOqI/AAAAAAAAANs/1t8-pyKfWcs/s320/FA07-SP08+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And the fun began. It seems like at least a few guys are looking at a map at one point or another. I'm sure Phil is giving Brent good advice. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R07tfwsvOrI/AAAAAAAAAN0/201bozb9234/s1600-h/FA07-SP08+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138305354780588722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R07tfwsvOrI/AAAAAAAAAN0/201bozb9234/s320/FA07-SP08+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A classic pose of some uncles (James & Philip).<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CZvn3U6TI/AAAAAAAAAOA/UiN-WbnkLSY/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138776218263677234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CZvn3U6TI/AAAAAAAAAOA/qr-cvYN5snc/s320/FA07-SP08+016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My sweet mother and dear Aunt Carole.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CaMH3U6UI/AAAAAAAAAOI/pkb27r3QzY4/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138776707889948994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CaMH3U6UI/AAAAAAAAAOI/yh6ZVVLhFHE/s320/FA07-SP08+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The newly married among us (Phil & Dana).<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Caon3U6VI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/oIfJB98D7jY/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138777197516220754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Caon3U6VI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/JldyU8mbaZc/s320/FA07-SP08+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The soon to be married (Josh & Faith).<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CbEn3U6WI/AAAAAAAAAOY/zNs3RrkqiPo/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138777678552557922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CbEn3U6WI/AAAAAAAAAOY/0qo1zK09m5A/s320/FA07-SP08+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A classic shot where the background shots are even better than the foreground.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CbsX3U6XI/AAAAAAAAAOg/ridbq7JQ8nc/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138778361452358002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CbsX3U6XI/AAAAAAAAAOg/TUY_r5_KfTc/s320/FA07-SP08+030.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And a few other random shots of the hilarity on the night we opened presents.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CcQX3U6YI/AAAAAAAAAOo/kw22xju0C3o/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138778979927648642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CcQX3U6YI/AAAAAAAAAOo/xH1U19PcIB8/s200/FA07-SP08+033.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Ccy33U6ZI/AAAAAAAAAOw/EVBLBWtdeWk/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138779572633135506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Ccy33U6ZI/AAAAAAAAAOw/rVaQ6nBEMns/s200/FA07-SP08+034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CdCn3U6aI/AAAAAAAAAO4/s-oZgYXd4kY/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138779843216075170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CdCn3U6aI/AAAAAAAAAO4/HwLVfcjT8QY/s200/FA07-SP08+035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Cddn3U6bI/AAAAAAAAAPA/U3nLSiSMGMM/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138780307072543154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Cddn3U6bI/AAAAAAAAAPA/UgOIxbdrXhE/s200/FA07-SP08+031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Cd0H3U6cI/AAAAAAAAAPI/6okLizDG1ec/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138780693619599810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Cd0H3U6cI/AAAAAAAAAPI/-H-Te1CXbnw/s200/FA07-SP08+048.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And then, finally, we got a few cousins and spouses together for a group picture. Due to poor planning, not everyone was still there. Oh, well. We do the best we can. Oddly enough, we seem to be standing on an incline. In actuality, the house was on a level surface.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CgSn3U6dI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/tUdWYlAv2r0/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138783416628865490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CgSn3U6dI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/PVwVVsBErO4/s320/FA07-SP08+054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Central to our celebration is my precious grandmother. I want to be like her when I grow up!!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CgqH3U6eI/AAAAAAAAAPY/SkP-KH5bqAs/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138783820355791330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CgqH3U6eI/AAAAAAAAAPY/lHw6JdCY18M/s320/FA07-SP08+053.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Saturday was the big ol' catfish fry. In case you don't know... Greensboro, AL is the catfish capitol of...hmmm...something. Anyway, they raise catfish there, and it is amazing. Some friends with big fryers came to do the honors.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1ChB33U6fI/AAAAAAAAAPg/ye_rmPiSvp8/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138784228377684466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1ChB33U6fI/AAAAAAAAAPg/KvtGFQp3Rdw/s320/FA07-SP08+060.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Like manna from heaven.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CkqX3U6gI/AAAAAAAAAPo/tQUIQR1sUNc/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138788222697269762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1CkqX3U6gI/AAAAAAAAAPo/cD0g8RNEBSY/s320/FA07-SP08+065.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Well, there are many more pictures I could inflict upon you. Like the guys watching the sky for the return of our Lord. (Actually, David was flying his remote control helicopter. Really cool!)<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Cl5H3U6hI/AAAAAAAAAPw/e8TviZrIouI/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138789575611968018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Cl5H3U6hI/AAAAAAAAAPw/M7vmC1auySI/s320/FA07-SP08+024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Or my dear brother wowing the young ones.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Cmrn3U6iI/AAAAAAAAAP4/sGRZfXIhNkY/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138790443195361826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Cmrn3U6iI/AAAAAAAAAP4/lsAJOU2xSvg/s320/FA07-SP08+061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Or pics of my wonderful parents.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Col33U6jI/AAAAAAAAAQA/K1C3Do4j3aM/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138792543434369586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Col33U6jI/AAAAAAAAAQA/g25P6TnhpgM/s320/FA07-SP08+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Co2X3U6kI/AAAAAAAAAQI/aqH2DdxeQzE/s1600-R/FA07-SP08+063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138792826902211138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_g-nFLb8o1Po/R1Co2X3U6kI/AAAAAAAAAQI/3vwY9cSxGW0/s320/FA07-SP08+063.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I could do that. But I think I'll stop now.<br /><br />Let the basking continue!</p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464033323001691793.post-86822597695509834442007-11-15T12:01:00.000-05:002007-11-15T12:52:40.340-05:00In the Quiet.I sit here in my "chair of power" in the Dean of Women's office, and for one brief, shining moment everything is still. No talking, laughing, running in the halls (grrr). It is quiet all around me. This is a bit unusual for a Thursday morning, but all is calm and (oddly enough) all is fairly bright as well. (Hmmmm, where have I heard that before?) Needless to say, I'm enjoying it immensely. I think the thing that makes this moment so special is its rarity. Something that is uncommon often becomes precious to us, and these minutes are no exception. My life has been full lately - full of kids in crisis (sickness, family problems, major spiritual issues) but also full of joy as I am reminded over and over again just why I'm here; why I have a job where my phone can ring at any hour because someone "needs" me.<br /><br />I am also reminded that in the fullness of our lives, we can always have a "quiet place" where our ears are tuned to hear the still small voice of our Father. A song comes to mind that has become a favorite of mine in the last few years.<br /><br /><div align="center">Mid all the traffic of the ways,</div><div align="center">Turmoils without, within,</div><div align="center">Make in my heart a quiet place,</div><div align="center">And come and dwell therein.</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center">A little shrine of quietness,</div><div align="center">All sacred to Thyself,</div><div align="center">Where Thou shalt all my soul possess,</div><div align="center">And I may find myself.</div><br /><div align="center">A little shelter from life's stress,</div><div align="center">Where I may lay me prone,</div><div align="center">And bare my soul in loneliness,</div><div align="center">And know as I am known.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">A little place of mystic grace,</div><div align="center">Of self and sin swept bare,</div><div align="center">Where I may look upon Thy face,</div><div align="center">And talk with Thee in prayer.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">- John Oxenham, 1917</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Well, in the process of writing this post, the quiet has been shattered. My little charge who was sleeping next door has awakened, and the room is now filled with his baby gibberish (another wonderful sound). People have come and gone from my window, but the stillness of soul, the quiet place, remains.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">May all of us take time this day to "<strong>be still </strong>(even for a moment) and know that [He] is God".</div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com13