Wednesday, October 31, 2012

You Are Like a Pumpkin


This is a thought from my visiting teachers this month.  Pass it along:


 You are like a pumpkin.
God lifts you up, takes you in
And washes all the dirt off you.
He opens you up, Reaches deep into your heart
And scoops out all the yucky stuff . . .
Including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.
Then He carves you a new SMILING face
And puts HIS LIGHT inside you
To SHINE for all the world to see.

Monday, October 29, 2012

In Motion

My usual routine, when I get in the car, is not in the driver's manual.  I gloss over a few important "take off" steps until after the car is moving.  I'm frequently in a hurry so  I steer with one hand, and fasten the seat belt with the other, while the car is rolling down the street.   (I wouldn't know if my neighbors are friendly or not, and I don't wave, because I am preoccupied.)

Then I reach for my purse and feel around to check for my cell, gum, or list with one hand, while keeping an eye on the road and steering with the other.  I know.  It's not safe.

The other day, I had almost finished my little "in motion" routine, when I needed my sunglasses.  I turned onto Ray road, which is where I usually settle down and focus on the drive.  But the sun was blinding.  Again, I found myself fishing along the bottom of my purse for my shades with one hand.  I was relieved to find them and quickly placed them on my nose.

Within seconds, I knew something was wrong.  I thought they were smudged as I cocked my head from side to side, up, down, and around, trying to see more clearly  But for the most part they shielded me from the sun.  That was important.  I arrived at the bank and pulled in a parking space.   I lifted the glasses off my nose  to tuck them n my purse.  Looking at them in my hand will forever bring a smile to my face.  There they were - one lens in and one lens out! 

I thought of the people I passed, who must have wondered about me.  (The woman with the one eyed sunglasses, rotating her head all around with complete seriousness.)  It did teach me a lesson, though.  Just because everything is in your purse doesn't mean you should wait until you get in the car to organize every needful thing.  I will do better.

And I'll be more compassionate.


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Fall Break




A couple of months ago, we started talking up a trip to Nebraska.   It was a pleasant surprise when each of our children and their families fell in line, one by one to meet there.  In Kearney.  At Julianne and Brenden's.  We see them every 3 or 4 months, so we were due (we're always due!) Plus, it was still 100 degrees here, and high 60's there; a no brainer!  Each one brought jackets and cameras and kids . . . and air mattresses.  We loved every minute of being together and Julianne and Brenden completely gave up their routine to make it a wonderful memory.

Filled with Peter's birthday party,


 "take 2" cupcakes ("take 1" 's were darker!))


                       photo.JPG 



 

lots of princesses,


photo.JPG
 relaxing,
 playing and sharing,

 

and more playing.

 

But the best part was being together!







THANK YOU, Julianne and Brenden!  
For the love we felt in your beautiful home.  And the beauty there that makes us grateful for God's creations!
We love you!