Days gone by. . .

Alissa, Rachel, and I at some bar downtown GR.

Rachel, Alissa, Me, and Carissa at Tim & Alissa's reception.

I found an old memory card today that had a bunch of old pictures on it. Included were Alissa's shower and wedding. Thought I'd share a couple favorites. These are from almost three years ago. I don't think we look one day older. :)

The sun is yellow. . .

I had almost forgotten what the sun looked like, but the past few days have been bright, beautiful and sunny! It's been very refreshing for the spirit and gave me hope for the spring season ahead.

As a family we celebrated my Dad's birthday on Saturday night. It was a good time complete with several urinal stories. Ben and Brad both have a tendency to exaggerate which makes the stories even funnier. Don't ask me how that subject came up, but Ben has had some rather interesting experiences. It was quite funny. Tonight I went to Randy and Michele's church to witness Nolan's baptism. Nolan did well; Isaac and Connor made everyone smile with their antics in front of church.

It's back to work tomorrow. Now I look forward to Friday and an IKEA trip with Kim and Julie. Hopefully the weather cooperates. . .

Lunar Eclipse

The pictures don't really do it justice, but for those of you who were unaware there was a lunar eclipse tonight. Pretty fascinating. I must admit I find these things more interesting as I get older or maybe I just have learned to appreciate them more. Hopefully some of you were able to witness this event for yourselves.

I guess I don't have it too bad. . .

This winter has been the longest, dreariest winter I can remember. Now maybe I just forget once spring arrives every year (I am getting older), but I've heard many people say that they've had it with the bitter cold and constant snow. Then I realize I really don't have it too bad:

• God has blessed me with a warm home to shelter me from the wind and the cold. If I get chilly I just turn up the heat.
• My mailman has reason to complain, but six days a week he faithfully delivers my mail right to my front door and then trudges through the snow to the next house.
• I walk through the parking ramp at work and look out at the new cancer center going up. There the construction crews work outside in the elements, as the wind whips and the snow falls.
• I drive to work and don't have to think about driving again until 12 1/2 hours later. The paramedics, firemen, and police officers travel the roads to help those in need no matter what the weather.

Just some random thoughts that helped me keep perspective. Maybe they'll help you too as we still have almost 2 months of winter. . . :)

Happy V-Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to my dear friends and family! Hope you all have a wonderful day with the ones you love. XOXOXO A special greeting to Amy who celebrates her 32nd birthday today. Happy Birthday, Amos, may God bless you with many more. . .

Honestly

Don't you just love how kids say it like it is? They don't beat around the bush or worry about how what they say may be taken by the other person. They just say what they want to say, when they want to say it.

This morning during the children's message at church our pastor asked the kids what looked different when they walked into church today. One little tike piped up, "There's less people here!" The whole congregation chuckled at that because it was, in fact, a true statement. It was basically a blizzard this morning with temps just above zero and near white-out conditions. So several people decided (apparently) to stay warm and safe in their homes. The difference the pastor was looking for though, was the addition of 20 flags in front of church as today was the beginning of Mission Emphasis week. I guess that kid has learned at a young age that church is the people and not the decorations/building/music, etc. A good reminder for all of us. . .

Oldies but goodies. . .

Have you noticed how some old hymns are making a "comeback" in new contemporary ways? I love how these old, Spirit-inspired songs are being performed by bands like Third Day, Selah, Avalon, and Chris Rice. Sunday at church we sang a hymn that was new to me. It is called "Before the Throne of God Above". The words and tune are beautiful. Lucky for you I cannot sing it for you in this post. :) It goes like this,

"Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea; a great High Priest whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart; I know that while in heaven He stands, no tongue can bid me thence depart, no tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within. Upward I look and see him there, who made an end to all my sin. Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free; for God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me, to look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there! The Risen Lamb, my perfect spotless Righteousness; the Great Unchangeable I Am, the King of Glory and of grace! One with Himself, I cannot die, my soul is purchased with His blood; my life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ my Savior and my God, with Christ my Savior and my God."

By the way, on a whim I searched iTunes for this song and found several recorded versions. My favorite is by Shane & Shane. Check it out. . .

Won't you be my neighbor?

Last spring my mom and I were doing some work in my yard when this kind of scraggly older gentleman who was walking down the street stopped to run his mouth about how my house is a piece of crap, etc. I can't remember exactly what he said, but I do remember feeling somewhat hurt. You just don't stop and trash someone else's home. I happen to love my house and feel that God led me to this neighborhood for a reason.

Anyway, today it happened again. I was out shoveling the driveway at about 6:30 tonight. I had been putting it off all day because I'm just sick and tired of shoveling. So it's dark out and there's no one else around and I seen a man walking down the street. He got closer and I said "hello". He stopped and I recognized him instantly.

Initially he was friendly, saying, "It looks like you've done this before."

"Yes I have, but it's getting a little old. I'm ready for spring," I replied.

Then he starts in again.

"This house isn't worth half of what you paid for it. . . blah blah blah."

I immediately felt myself getting defensive and said,

"Sir, you stopped by here before and made some unkind comments. I would appreciate it if you would just keep on walking. Bye."

Maybe that wasn't the best thing to say because he replied, "I will, when I'm d--- good and ready."

Uh oh. This could be interesting. At least I had a snow shovel as a weapon. :) Thankfully he kept on walking. Maybe I should have handled this differently, but I can't figure out how some people can be so rude. Any suggestions on what I should have said?