Travel Lite

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears.- Glenn Clark

Tonight, after our evening service, we will load ourselves into the motorhome and hit the road for the 2007 W.A.Y. Choir tour. Rehearsals begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning in Sacramento. This year we will have concerts in northern California and Oregon. I'm not sure how often I will have computer access, but will post if I can get online. If not, I should be back by July 2 and will then post. I really like the above quote and wanted to leave it with you for your thought consideration. Please keep the W.A.Y. Choir in your prayers. We want many people to be touched through the ministry of music.

Am I A Genius?

Genius is eternal patience.- -- Michelangelo

I think I have reached genius status if this is true! LOL On this night, our 45th night living in hotel, I am in wonder of the patience I possess. Truly, this is a most exasperating time of my life, but we are surviving. This translates into 90 nights on my husband's priority points. He has definitely reached platinum status. Bryn and Blake have decided they really like living in hotel. Bryn thinks she is Eloise at The Plaza, and Blake thinks he is Zack at the Tipton. They now have that "boss of the hotel" air about them. (Smile) The past few days have been very busy and I haven't had the opportunity to post every day. I saw this quote today and knew I had to post it. I confess, I am not genius because 45 days really isn't eternal - - - it just kinda sorta seems like it.

Little Miss Hawaiian Tropic

During this past year of kindergarten, Bryn made many friends. One of her friends, Shalynn, is the current California Little Miss Hawaiian Tropic. The last day of school they were allowed to wear Hawaiian dress instead of their uniforms. The pic is of Bryn and Shalynn. I thought you might enjoy this photo. Shalynn will be going to the national competition in September. It will be interesting to see where they will be in 15 years. Bryn loves singing, and Shalynn loves beauty pageants. Maybe you will see Shalynn on a magazine cover and hear Bryn on Christian radio. :)

Happy DAD's Day!

It is easy to be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. - unknown

My Dad walked me down the aisle at my wedding nearly 28 years ago and before giving me away, I sang a song to him titled "Daddy's Girl." Truly I was blessed to have a wonderful Dad, and even more blessed to have a wonderful dad for my children. My Daddy was always there for me regardless of the situation. If I was sad, he would hold me. If I was scared, he chased the boogieman away, and if there was a big, scary bug, he would smash it. He woke me up with tickles and a whisker scratch, then made the best breakfast in the world. He beamed with pride at any accomplishment I achieved. He was proud to be my Daddy. During my childhood, our every need was met but we did not live a life of abundance. Well, I did receive an abundance of love - just not the material "stuff." One day when I was about eight years old, my Daddy called me into the garage. He gave me a brand, new doll. I was shocked, amazed, and thoroughly thrilled. It wasn't Christmas, my birthday, or some special occasion. The doll became a cherished treasure that I still possess. As I recalled this memory today, I immediately thought about our heavenly father. He continues to bless without any special reason and regardless of whether we are deserving or not. God is so amazing and I am thankful that I had a Daddy that did his best to be Christ-like. Of course, my children are now being loved and guided by a daddy that follows after God's heart. I miss my Daddy so much and wish he could have met my little girl. Maybe through the windows of heaven he sees her.

Today, Bryn could not contain her excitement to honor her Daddy. Her and her brothers picked out a shirt and tie for their dad. She loves to give presents and was giddy with enthusiasm. It was a wonderful day and I am so thrilled to married to Bryce, Blake, and Bryn's Daddy.

P.S. Our church always gives some small gift to every dad that attends service on Father's Day. This year, each dad received a litre bottle of DAD'S OLD FASHIONED ROOT BEER and 1/4 pound of specialty jerky. They all seemed thrilled with their gifts. :)

Just Rambling

Today was a very busy day with temperatures reaching the triple digits, but I found time to take Bryn and Blake to the hotel pool. It was in the early evening and we had the pool all to ourselves. They wanted me to take pictures of them jumping in the pool and then, they wanted me to judge their jumps as if they were Olympians. Their older brother had gone to play baseball and their dad was working out of town. I must admit, it was a pleasure to just sit and enjoy watching the silly antics of my two young ones. There are so many things weighing on my mind but, for those few moments, I didn't think about any pressing issues. The contractor came yesterday and has scheduled a return visit tomorrow. Hopefully, we will have a new estimate by Monday or Tuesday. When we receive that, we will submit it to our insurance and see if they will be agreeable. (Keep praying!) My mind has been bothered because we are to leave June 24 to begin tour with the WAY - Western All-State Youth - Choir. This year they will travel northern California and into Oregon. I'm sure we will have people working in our house by that time and I don't know who we will get to oversee the job while we are away. When we return from WAY tour, we will have only three weeks before we leave to set up for family camp. My husband is in charge of setting up a tent the size of a football field that is used for family camp. It takes a week to set up and then people arrive for a week of Camp Meeting for the whole family. Afterwards, the tent must come down until the next year. I realize I am rambling, so I will shut up after one more thing. A couple weeks ago I had promised to make a post and was delayed due to a rough day with my heart. I now know what happened. I had been to the doctor a few days prior and had moderate edema in my legs. My physician gave me a diuretic but did not give me any potassium. My potassium level dropped dangerously low. Fortunately I had done a complete blood panel and when the physician received the report they called me and instructed me to go directly to the pharmacy and pick up a prescription of potassium and start it immediately. Thank goodness this was caught soon because I know I could have just as easily went into cardiac arrest. I guess I am rambling because I really haven't given any thought to anything important today - that's okay once in awhile and I am glad I just relaxed my mind this day.

House Update

Time for a house update. Believe it or not, the repair work has not even started. After the drying process, it took several days for the adjuster to come. This adjuster was only submitting measurements and extent of damage. When the official adjuster received this work, he began calculating pricing. A week ago Friday, we finally received the official estimate of damage. When it is all said and done, our insurance will have put out nearly $50,000 (which includes ServiceMaster, hotel, and other misc. charges above the actual repairs). After receiving the official estimate, it was our duty to bring a contractor in and see if they can complete the repairs within the estimated amount of money. The contractor was supposed to arrive last Wednesday and couldn't make it do to a case of the flu. The appointment was rescheduled for today. Say a prayer that work will begin soon and that all goes smoothly. We are ready to go back home. :)

Sweet Innocence

The innocence of children and their creativity always amazes me. These precious pics are of some children in our church. They began their infant life at just a few weeks old with a foster mom and the boy is now her adopted son. The little girl is currently being shared between this incredible foster mom and the biological mom. If you could see this foster mom, you would believe these children were her biological children. (The boy and girl are no relation.) If kids do not have toys, they will create something into a toy. Did you ever think of using a Rubbermaid tub for a swimming pool? Or a dump truck for a waterfall? Even though the girl is smaller, she held her own soaking her big "brother." Her glee is obvious as she claps her hands. To see these two in real life, is so sweet because this boy absolutely adores his little "sister." I have told their foster mom that I admire her for being a foster parent. It takes a very special and unselfish person to fulfill the role of foster parent. There are so many precious children who do not have loving homes. These two were fortunate to be placed in a loving environment. Do me a favor - say a prayer for these children and their foster mom. We want the best for them.

Are You Going Anywhere?

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.- Beverly Sills

While reflecting on this quote, I began to think how people will travel long distances to vacation. Upon their return, they flash their pictures and express they are anxious to "go again." Funny thing is, where we live is a vacation for someone else. Vacations are actually the desire to get away from the present day to day grind. I don't think Beverly Sills quote had anything to do with vacation, but rather with reaching goals. Regardless, if the place is worth going, you have to take the trip. The road I am travelling is headed toward heaven. I haven't found any shortcuts and I don't like detours. Of one thing I am certain, it is a place worth going.

Angels Watching Over?

This story from the associated press was so incredible, I had to post it. This should make you believe in guardian angels.

WHEELCHAIR USER TAKEN ON WILD 50-MPH RIDE

PAW PAW, Mich. - A man was taken on a wild ride when his wheelchair became lodged in the grille of a semitrailer and was accidentally pushed down a highway for four miles at about 50 mph, authorities said. The 21-year-old man, whose name was not released, was unharmed but was taken to a hospital as a precaution. He had been secured to his wheelchair by a seat belt. “The man spilled his soda pop, but he wasn’t upset,” said Sgt. Kathy Morton of the Michigan State Police. About 4 p.m. Wednesday, a caller told police dispatchers, “You are not going to believe this: There is a semi truck pushing a guy in a wheelchair on Red Arrow Highway,” state police said in a release. Prank call? Authorities initially wondered whether the report was a prank call until others called with similar reports. Officers stopped the truck — wheelchair still attached — at a trucking company. The driver didn’t believe officers until he stepped from his cab and saw for himself. “When he saw us, he was like, ’What’s going on?”’ Morton said. An investigation revealed the man in the wheelchair had pulled in front of the truck at a gas station and it somehow became lodged by its handles to the front grille.

Happiness Will Find You

Just past the five month mark, my counter has registered over 10,000 hits to my blog. Thank you friends and fellow bloggers for dropping by, sharing your thoughts, comments, and friendship. Without you, blogging wouldn't be nearly as much fun. Here's a quote to enjoy today.

Happiness is like a cat. If you try to coax it or call it, it will avoid you. It will never come. But if you pay no attention to it and go about your business, you'll find it rubbing up against your legs and jumping into your lap.- William Bennett

True Nobility Stands Tall

You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims.- Harriet Woods

Following in the vein of my post on Friday, I found this quote to ring true for progressive discussions and life in general. It made me think of the recent Miss Universe Pageant held in Mexico City. I have read how these pageants have guards to prevent any sabotage of the contestants costumes, food, etc. On camera, you will only see beautiful smiles, but behind the scenes there are some who are willing to stand on top of a competitor to gain a better position. When Miss USA made her evening gown entrance, she slipped and fell. The crowd clapped wildly and when Miss USA was later announced, the audience resonated with boo's and chanted "Mexico." (By the way, Miss America was 4th runner-up and Miss Japan was the winner. The pic is of Miss America and Oprah Winfrey.) U.S. athletes have sparked a similar response. In 2005, when the U.S. played Mexico during a World Cup soccer qualifier, the crowd booed the U.S. national anthem and a smattering of fans chanted "Osama! Osama!" during the game. What a rude audience! It is their perogative to hate America, but they should at least be respectful and give courtesy to humankind. What is it about people who are willing to degrade themselves with such disgusting behavior to try and get ahead? A real winner doesn't want to "cheat" to win because they hurt their personal goals. Here is a quote my Dad often said, "True nobility lies not in being superior to some other being, but true nobility lies in being superior to your former self." The above quotes, apply to much more than sports and beauty pageants. I'm sure you know people who are willing to risk anything and "play dirty" to "climb the ladder" of success. Guess that's why some say it's a dog eat dog world. I choose true nobility.

Progressive Discussion

The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.- Joseph Joubert

Isn't that a great quote? This can particularly apply to us - bloggers. We often prompt each other to think about subjects that spur argument. These friendly discussions should give us a progressive perspective rather than a feeling of, "I won that fight." I wish more people could be objective in their arguments. If we truly resist our competitive nature to win an argument, we might find we have learned so much more. This doesn't mean I have to agree with the subject of discussion, but it can teach me the reasoning of the opposition. By learning the thoughts of both sides of a discussion, I have the choice to decide if I may have been wrong in my original position or it strengthens my argument by understanding what points are weak. Whatever side you take, don't jeopardize a friendship. My stance has always been, I will agree to disagree. Feeling victorious in an argument does not make a winner. Go ahead, make me think. :)