Friday, September 23, 2005
ESCAPE!
Unusual title isn't it? I guess I am escaping though, at least for the next 9-10 days! Escaping a monster of a hurricane bearing down on Texas, escaping the 100 degree record high heat we're still having (in September!) and escaping from work. This afternoon, we head out for Yellowstone. My suitcase is packed-mainly with sweaters, pants and long-sleeved shirts. Up there, Fall is in full swing and there is even the chance we'll get snow! The elk are in rut and Dave should get some fantastic photographs! I am ready for a change in the seasons. (New paragraph but it won't let me...grrr) I have loved Fall for as long as I can remember. I think it started way back when I was a little girl and we lived in the country in Cedar Hill. For some reason, that's my earliest memory of "the leaves." There is something about their colors, their texture, the smell of them burning in a pile, the smell and crunching of them when you walk through them, the way they gracefully fall to earth, the sound they make when the wind blows through them. Something so simple that can open up the mind to so many memories.(New paragraph) What's not to enjoy about Autumn? Colorful mums displayed for sale, the thought of putting on a sweater and a comfortable pair of jeans, carmel apples, pumpkins and bales of straw, canning preserves for the winter or to give as gifts for Christmas, taking the family to go apple picking (Nebraska City, Nebraska is a great place!) The kids start thinking about what they want to be for Halloween and change their mind at least a dozen times before the day arrives! (New paragraph) When we were kids our Halloween costumes came in a square box with a flimsy mask. It was held in place by a skinny strip of elastic. If you were too poor you were the inevitable hobo, gypsy or "movie star" in one of your mom's nice dresses. Back then, you'd grab your pillowcase and a couple of friends, kiss your mom goodbye and be gone for hours, unafraid of crazy people that snatched unsuspecting little kids. We were more afraid of the werewolves or vampires our minds had conjured up. (New paragraph) So...we're headed out west where the aspen trees are turning heads with their gorgeous, shimmering, golden leaves. Hopefully, when we get back to Texas, the temps will begin to have dropped and Fall will begin here as well. I've already got my decorations out, all that I still need are PUMPKINS! Big, fat, round, oblong pumpkins! I still buy 3 of them. One for Laura & Charlie as well as one for myself to carve. Every year a new "Pumpkin Masters" carving book is released and we go through it and decide which one will be our latest masterpiece. We've been using these patterns since we lived in Nebraska and Laura was an infant-18 years now! (New Paragraph) I will be gone for a while but when I return, I'll have some spectacular photos to share. Auf Wiedersehn!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Charles Stanly, Part 2
I didn't realize that there was going to be a second part to Charles Stanley's on-line daily devotional. I think it's pretty interesting, that he speaks of inevitably suffering through trials, just like I did a couple of days ago. Once again, I'm including his thoughts on the subject of trials.
In Touch Early Light Devotional
Thursday September 22, 2005
Walking Through a Valley PSALM 63:1-8
Journeys through the valley are both inevitable and painful. They are also meant to be profitable. For example, trials can be times of discovery about God. When feelings of helplessness overtake us, He provides His strength to sustain us. When despair tries to close in, He invites us to experience His peace and promised rest. (Matthew 11:28) In the midst of the clamoring pain, He offers Himself as our comforter and protector. Other discoveries we make in severe crises have to do with ourselves. Terrible times test our faith and reveal our true character. When a crisis first hits, most of us will respond with alarm. Then, if our relationship with the Lord is weak, fear will increase. As the pressure continues, some of us will panic, some will seek ungodly counsel, and others will blame people or God for the problem. Instead of standing firm and looking to the Lord, we also try to find a way out on our own. These are signs of spiritual immaturity. By contrast, those whose faith is strong will move from alarm to trust over time. We will seek out the Lord through prayer and the Word, remembering His help to us in the past. (Psalm 77:11-14) In this way, our endurance and confidence in Him will build. (Psalm 119:49-50) We will also believe His promises and trust Him to keep them, despite any evidence to the contrary. The spiritually mature wait on God with patience and hope. (Psalm 37:7-9)
What do you do when the pressures of life seem greater than you can bear?
In Touch Early Light Devotional
Thursday September 22, 2005
Walking Through a Valley PSALM 63:1-8
Journeys through the valley are both inevitable and painful. They are also meant to be profitable. For example, trials can be times of discovery about God. When feelings of helplessness overtake us, He provides His strength to sustain us. When despair tries to close in, He invites us to experience His peace and promised rest. (Matthew 11:28) In the midst of the clamoring pain, He offers Himself as our comforter and protector. Other discoveries we make in severe crises have to do with ourselves. Terrible times test our faith and reveal our true character. When a crisis first hits, most of us will respond with alarm. Then, if our relationship with the Lord is weak, fear will increase. As the pressure continues, some of us will panic, some will seek ungodly counsel, and others will blame people or God for the problem. Instead of standing firm and looking to the Lord, we also try to find a way out on our own. These are signs of spiritual immaturity. By contrast, those whose faith is strong will move from alarm to trust over time. We will seek out the Lord through prayer and the Word, remembering His help to us in the past. (Psalm 77:11-14) In this way, our endurance and confidence in Him will build. (Psalm 119:49-50) We will also believe His promises and trust Him to keep them, despite any evidence to the contrary. The spiritually mature wait on God with patience and hope. (Psalm 37:7-9)
What do you do when the pressures of life seem greater than you can bear?
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Hurricane Rita
Holy Smokes, here we go again! It's looking more & more like Texas is going to get hit by this hurricane. Dave & I are scheduled to leave for Yellowstone Friday afternoon and Rita is rolling ashore late Friday/early Saturday. I'm praying that Denton doesn't get nailed by any tornadoes and high winds because Laura & Charlie will be here. Between Jessica & Steven and Randy & Lynette, I know that they'll be safe if it gets bad. Of course, Lynette's family is up from Galveston so that could be interesting. I am thinking positive though.
God's Confirmation
I don't know why I am surprised when things like this happen. Yesterday's journal entry about trials and sufferings was a lot of me just "thinking out loud" kind of stuff. Lo and behold, I go to check my e-mails this morning and my daily devotional that I have sent to me from Charles Stanley's Ministry was such a confirmation. I decided to include it in today's entry.
In Touch Early Light Devotional
Wednesday September 21, 2005
The Believer's Valley Experiences
PSALM 23
Valley experiences are ones where the heartache is so deep or the hardship so difficult that we find it almost impossible to stand. Like a six-foot wave crashing on the shore, events threaten to overwhelm us. Realistically, some of these situations will be of our own making. When we choose to disobey God, we can wander into a painful place, made worse by the knowledge that our fellowship with Him has grown cold. (1 John 1:6) At other times, the actions of others cause us to suffer-perhaps through unexpected job termination, marital infidelity, or betrayal by a friend. Then there are occasions when our heavenly Father Himself leads us into the valley. Although He could take us around the time of hardship and suffering, He chooses not to. He has a purpose in mind which would not be fulfilled if we took the easy way. Whatever the source, valley experiences are inevitable. Psalm 23 uses four words to describe this time: shadows, death, fear, and evil. These terms evoke images of oppressive circumstances, grievous affliction, deep discomfort, and great adversity. There is no way to hurry through the ordeal, which is marked by emotional or physical distress. Both the trial's depth and length are determined by the Lord's will, but He walks with us and protects us through it. God promises that He will use every valley-even those of our own making-to benefit us. (Romans 8:28) Our part is to walk steadily, with eyes firmly fixed on Him, spirits attuned to His presence, and minds trusting in His promises.
I am reminded of a hymn we used to sing a long time ago, Blessed Assurance.
Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain:
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Refrain:
In Touch Early Light Devotional
Wednesday September 21, 2005
The Believer's Valley Experiences
PSALM 23
Valley experiences are ones where the heartache is so deep or the hardship so difficult that we find it almost impossible to stand. Like a six-foot wave crashing on the shore, events threaten to overwhelm us. Realistically, some of these situations will be of our own making. When we choose to disobey God, we can wander into a painful place, made worse by the knowledge that our fellowship with Him has grown cold. (1 John 1:6) At other times, the actions of others cause us to suffer-perhaps through unexpected job termination, marital infidelity, or betrayal by a friend. Then there are occasions when our heavenly Father Himself leads us into the valley. Although He could take us around the time of hardship and suffering, He chooses not to. He has a purpose in mind which would not be fulfilled if we took the easy way. Whatever the source, valley experiences are inevitable. Psalm 23 uses four words to describe this time: shadows, death, fear, and evil. These terms evoke images of oppressive circumstances, grievous affliction, deep discomfort, and great adversity. There is no way to hurry through the ordeal, which is marked by emotional or physical distress. Both the trial's depth and length are determined by the Lord's will, but He walks with us and protects us through it. God promises that He will use every valley-even those of our own making-to benefit us. (Romans 8:28) Our part is to walk steadily, with eyes firmly fixed on Him, spirits attuned to His presence, and minds trusting in His promises.
I am reminded of a hymn we used to sing a long time ago, Blessed Assurance.
Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain:
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Refrain:
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Yipee!
I found out that my platelet count was 208,000 this week! That's really, really good since my medication was lowered two weeks ago. That made my day! What that means is that my blood is clotting in the average range (150,000-400,000) and I won't bleed to death so easily if I'm somehow injured. That's a good thing! I'm encouraged and I hope that maybe by the end of this year I can be completely off the medication. I've begun feeling more & more of the side effects, the longer I've been on it. So the sooner I'm off the better, for me & my liver!
I have to say that I have had a lot more down days related to this chronic illness than I have had up ones. Most people would be surprised to hear that because I'm known as the eternal optomist. However, in my own private moments, when it's just me & God, you'd be surprised! There have been times I have despaired that this condition will ever be fixed and that my life will never be as it was before. Of course, now I wonder...if I am ever at a point where ITP is no longer an issue, do I want my life to be what it was before? Hmmmm... I have to think that after enduring all of this that I want to be different. I mean, if I have to walk through this valley, I want it to have it have been for something!
I like to think that life is nothing but school-just lifelong. One of the many reasons that we are here on planet Earth is to learn, our whole life long. Not just historical facts and figures but life lessons that we can pass along to others that God brings into our lives. How devastating it would be to think that there is no purpose in suffering! Some might argue that we as Believers in Christ, are not supposed to suffer. I would have to disagree with that. Yes, in the beginning, when God created all that exists, it was perfect and mankind need never have suffered. Can you imagine? No tears, no pain, no heartache? However, that world no longer exists. God in His infinite, uncomprehensable love for us, gave us the choice to love Him. This choice also extended to other areas of our lives. Ideally, we choose to love, follow & listen to Him because of His great love for us and that, in His wisdom, He knows what is best for us. However, no one can deny that each & every one of us struggles with selfishness. Selfishness is sin. It's choosing what we want, over what God wants for us. It's in essence saying, "I know better than anyone, what is best for me!" It's as old as Adam and if he hadn't made that first terrible choice, someone else would have. That's what happens when there is freedom to choose-we can choose wisely or we can choose poorly.
Do we sometimes bring on our own pain? Absolutely! If I make poor decisions and don't think through the consequences, I will be in a world of hurt!
Do we have sorrow because of the actions of others? Youbetcha! Just ask anyone who has found out that there spouse has cheated on them and wants to leave them for another!
Do bad things happen to good people not caused by ourselves or others?
Without a doubt! No one needs to look any farther than Hurricane Katrina and the devastation that it has caused!
Some will argue that if God is so loving towards us, why does He allow bad things to happen? You know, quite honesty I don't have all the answers. I don't understand why parents lose a child to death. I don't understand why marriages fail and families are left in tatters. I don't understand when people lose their financial security because of the decisions of others. I don't understand when people lose their homes and posessions. I don't understand when the doctor gives you news that turns your whole world upside-down.
Some would say,
"Wow, that's encouraging!"
Actually, I am encouraged. Jesus Himself tells us in John16:33,
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Troubles in this life are inevitable. We can deny it, we can pretend that it won't happen to us but then what do we do when the bottom drops out? Does it shake our faith? Do we re-examine what we thought we knew about God? Have we dared to presume to understand the mind of God?
I thought I had this faith thing all figured out. If God said something, then it was so! If I believed hard enough, if I said the right thing, if I hung in there long enough, God, my magic genie, would grant me my wishes. Isn't that how it's supposed to work? I'm beginning to understand that there is more to our Christian walk than having all of our wants met. I think God cares too much about the big picture than what we can see, which is usually no further than the end of our own noses. My humanness tells me that physically, I am desperate to be healed. However, God sees me in my entirety. Maybe what I need more than physical healing is spiritual healing or emotional healing. Maybe the way to accomplish what my soul and spirit are desperate for is to endure and persevere through trials. In a crazy mixed-up sort of way, I find comfort in knowing that. My God is a "big picture kind of God". He's not into a quick fix that doesn't last. He'd rather walk us through the fire teaching us more and more about Himself, holding us tenderly than to hold us at arms length and blink our hurts away.
I have to say that I have had a lot more down days related to this chronic illness than I have had up ones. Most people would be surprised to hear that because I'm known as the eternal optomist. However, in my own private moments, when it's just me & God, you'd be surprised! There have been times I have despaired that this condition will ever be fixed and that my life will never be as it was before. Of course, now I wonder...if I am ever at a point where ITP is no longer an issue, do I want my life to be what it was before? Hmmmm... I have to think that after enduring all of this that I want to be different. I mean, if I have to walk through this valley, I want it to have it have been for something!
I like to think that life is nothing but school-just lifelong. One of the many reasons that we are here on planet Earth is to learn, our whole life long. Not just historical facts and figures but life lessons that we can pass along to others that God brings into our lives. How devastating it would be to think that there is no purpose in suffering! Some might argue that we as Believers in Christ, are not supposed to suffer. I would have to disagree with that. Yes, in the beginning, when God created all that exists, it was perfect and mankind need never have suffered. Can you imagine? No tears, no pain, no heartache? However, that world no longer exists. God in His infinite, uncomprehensable love for us, gave us the choice to love Him. This choice also extended to other areas of our lives. Ideally, we choose to love, follow & listen to Him because of His great love for us and that, in His wisdom, He knows what is best for us. However, no one can deny that each & every one of us struggles with selfishness. Selfishness is sin. It's choosing what we want, over what God wants for us. It's in essence saying, "I know better than anyone, what is best for me!" It's as old as Adam and if he hadn't made that first terrible choice, someone else would have. That's what happens when there is freedom to choose-we can choose wisely or we can choose poorly.
Do we sometimes bring on our own pain? Absolutely! If I make poor decisions and don't think through the consequences, I will be in a world of hurt!
Do we have sorrow because of the actions of others? Youbetcha! Just ask anyone who has found out that there spouse has cheated on them and wants to leave them for another!
Do bad things happen to good people not caused by ourselves or others?
Without a doubt! No one needs to look any farther than Hurricane Katrina and the devastation that it has caused!
Some will argue that if God is so loving towards us, why does He allow bad things to happen? You know, quite honesty I don't have all the answers. I don't understand why parents lose a child to death. I don't understand why marriages fail and families are left in tatters. I don't understand when people lose their financial security because of the decisions of others. I don't understand when people lose their homes and posessions. I don't understand when the doctor gives you news that turns your whole world upside-down.
Some would say,
"Wow, that's encouraging!"
Actually, I am encouraged. Jesus Himself tells us in John16:33,
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Troubles in this life are inevitable. We can deny it, we can pretend that it won't happen to us but then what do we do when the bottom drops out? Does it shake our faith? Do we re-examine what we thought we knew about God? Have we dared to presume to understand the mind of God?
I thought I had this faith thing all figured out. If God said something, then it was so! If I believed hard enough, if I said the right thing, if I hung in there long enough, God, my magic genie, would grant me my wishes. Isn't that how it's supposed to work? I'm beginning to understand that there is more to our Christian walk than having all of our wants met. I think God cares too much about the big picture than what we can see, which is usually no further than the end of our own noses. My humanness tells me that physically, I am desperate to be healed. However, God sees me in my entirety. Maybe what I need more than physical healing is spiritual healing or emotional healing. Maybe the way to accomplish what my soul and spirit are desperate for is to endure and persevere through trials. In a crazy mixed-up sort of way, I find comfort in knowing that. My God is a "big picture kind of God". He's not into a quick fix that doesn't last. He'd rather walk us through the fire teaching us more and more about Himself, holding us tenderly than to hold us at arms length and blink our hurts away.
Monday, September 19, 2005
A good night's sleep can put you in a whole new frame of mind. I actually was able to breathe last night, thanks to some different nose spray.I didn't get up until 6:30 this morning.
Yesterday, (my birthday) was a good day. We went to church in the morning and the worship was great, as usual! After church, we came home and then Dave took me to a movie. We saw, "Just Like Heaven". I thoroughly enjoyed this little romantic comedy and give it the thumbs up! After we got home, I put the lasagna in the oven and took a 1 hour nap! Now, that felt good! After dinner I got some birthday calls from my 2 best friends in Missouri, Lois and Brenda. What a treat-life is good!
I'm attempting to scan photos for my sister-in-law so she can begin working on our big Montana trip at her next big overnight cropping. I haven't done an overnighter in ages and I remember getting SO much work done on Jessica's album. I really need to do one of those again.
Today is going to be a full day. I have an appointment at the Texas Cancer Center for my bi-weekly blood draw. Hopefully there will be lots and lots of little platelets running around in my blood.I've been on just 400mg of the Danazol drug for 2 weeks now so it'll be interesting to see if my body is getting into it's normal rhythm yet. I have my annual "girly" appointment later and then have to get the Saturn in at 1PM for an oil change, tire rotation etc before our trip. I don't think I can cram grocery shopping into all of that and will probably do that tomorrow when I have "Little Miss Jacey-Beth" for our weekly "Gigi & Me" day.
Lots to do......
Yesterday, (my birthday) was a good day. We went to church in the morning and the worship was great, as usual! After church, we came home and then Dave took me to a movie. We saw, "Just Like Heaven". I thoroughly enjoyed this little romantic comedy and give it the thumbs up! After we got home, I put the lasagna in the oven and took a 1 hour nap! Now, that felt good! After dinner I got some birthday calls from my 2 best friends in Missouri, Lois and Brenda. What a treat-life is good!
I'm attempting to scan photos for my sister-in-law so she can begin working on our big Montana trip at her next big overnight cropping. I haven't done an overnighter in ages and I remember getting SO much work done on Jessica's album. I really need to do one of those again.
Today is going to be a full day. I have an appointment at the Texas Cancer Center for my bi-weekly blood draw. Hopefully there will be lots and lots of little platelets running around in my blood.I've been on just 400mg of the Danazol drug for 2 weeks now so it'll be interesting to see if my body is getting into it's normal rhythm yet. I have my annual "girly" appointment later and then have to get the Saturn in at 1PM for an oil change, tire rotation etc before our trip. I don't think I can cram grocery shopping into all of that and will probably do that tomorrow when I have "Little Miss Jacey-Beth" for our weekly "Gigi & Me" day.
Lots to do......
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Stuffed Up!
Well, it's another early morning after a long night of not sleeping well. It's kind of pointless to just lie there, being unable to breathe so I figured I might as well haul my carcass out of bed, put on a pot of coffee, spend some time in the Word and journal. I'm going to buy some more nasal spray this morning before running to church so that I can breathe. This stuff I'm using acts like it's expired! I hate not being able to breathe through my nose!
Last night was fun! Our BFITS (best friends in Texas-Randy & Lynette) their 22 year old daughter Kristen, threw a surprise birthday party for Lynette. Her birthday is September 15th. Little did I realize that that included me because my birthday is today, September 18th! 45 Years Young! Our Life Group "family" showed up and we had a wonderful time playing games after pizza, cake and presents. Dave & I have always lived away from family since we have been married; because of his job with the railroad so it's nice to have "family" down here.
Today, I'm going to start packing for our Yellowstone trip. It's hard to think that we could get snow while we're up there while our air conditioner down here in Texas is still running! I figure I can go ahead and pack since I won't be wearing pants and sweaters this coming week! The high today is supposed to reach 100 degrees. With it just being the 2 of us and not camping, we are going to take our Saturn instead of cranking out the conversion van. The gas prices are a lot less shocking that way! Since Dave loves photography, we're hoping to catch some great elk pictures what with this being rutting season and all. Last year when we went to Colorado for our week getaway we got snow, elk and beautiful, golden aspen trees.
I certainly realize how blessed we are that we've been able to take these trips. Once the kids were old enough to be "left alone" we started carving time out for ourselves. It would've been great to do it when they were little (I think we REALLY needed it back then) but living away from our family in Missouri never made that a reality! It's usually been a long weekend in the past, once Dave would finish his Haz-Mat training for the RR. I'd fly out to Colorado Springs where we'd hook up and spend some quality time together, remembering why we fell in love with each other in the first place!
Last year we did both-a weekend in San Antonio at a B&B after Haz-Mattraining and a week to Colorado in September that I mentioned earlier. This year we had planned a weeks trip to Yellowstone in September. When Haz-Mat was offered up in Vancouver this August, Dave jumped on it. He told me that this opportunity might not ever come up again and would I consider joining him? You certainly don't have to ask me twice! So, we were fortunate enough to be able to do that too! We had a great time hiking up in Garibaldi Provincial park.
This summer while hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier NP up in Montana, the most intriguing thought came to my mind as I looked around and attempted to comprehend the tremendous beauty I was soaking in. It says in God's Word that He has created all things for HIS pleasure, which includes us by the way. When I am looking at His marvelous creation and can hardly find the words to describe the majesty that I'm seeing, I can know that He looks upon the same beauty and it makes Him smile with pleasure. Now my mind can not begin to fathom the depths of God but at that moment, I share in a minute, miniscule degree, the heart of my Heavenly Father. Sometimes, God can seem so far away, "out there" in the cosmos and then you feel that connection and know He is as close as your own beating heart. Only God Himself can speak to our spirits by showing Himself in the world we live in. From a craggy mountain top, a gorgeous sunset setting in an endless sky or the warmth of a small child's hand pressed against my own, God makes Himself known and declares His great love for me. I'd know that a whole lot easier and more often if I would just take the time to "be still and know that He is God".
Last night was fun! Our BFITS (best friends in Texas-Randy & Lynette) their 22 year old daughter Kristen, threw a surprise birthday party for Lynette. Her birthday is September 15th. Little did I realize that that included me because my birthday is today, September 18th! 45 Years Young! Our Life Group "family" showed up and we had a wonderful time playing games after pizza, cake and presents. Dave & I have always lived away from family since we have been married; because of his job with the railroad so it's nice to have "family" down here.
Today, I'm going to start packing for our Yellowstone trip. It's hard to think that we could get snow while we're up there while our air conditioner down here in Texas is still running! I figure I can go ahead and pack since I won't be wearing pants and sweaters this coming week! The high today is supposed to reach 100 degrees. With it just being the 2 of us and not camping, we are going to take our Saturn instead of cranking out the conversion van. The gas prices are a lot less shocking that way! Since Dave loves photography, we're hoping to catch some great elk pictures what with this being rutting season and all. Last year when we went to Colorado for our week getaway we got snow, elk and beautiful, golden aspen trees.
I certainly realize how blessed we are that we've been able to take these trips. Once the kids were old enough to be "left alone" we started carving time out for ourselves. It would've been great to do it when they were little (I think we REALLY needed it back then) but living away from our family in Missouri never made that a reality! It's usually been a long weekend in the past, once Dave would finish his Haz-Mat training for the RR. I'd fly out to Colorado Springs where we'd hook up and spend some quality time together, remembering why we fell in love with each other in the first place!
Last year we did both-a weekend in San Antonio at a B&B after Haz-Mattraining and a week to Colorado in September that I mentioned earlier. This year we had planned a weeks trip to Yellowstone in September. When Haz-Mat was offered up in Vancouver this August, Dave jumped on it. He told me that this opportunity might not ever come up again and would I consider joining him? You certainly don't have to ask me twice! So, we were fortunate enough to be able to do that too! We had a great time hiking up in Garibaldi Provincial park.
This summer while hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier NP up in Montana, the most intriguing thought came to my mind as I looked around and attempted to comprehend the tremendous beauty I was soaking in. It says in God's Word that He has created all things for HIS pleasure, which includes us by the way. When I am looking at His marvelous creation and can hardly find the words to describe the majesty that I'm seeing, I can know that He looks upon the same beauty and it makes Him smile with pleasure. Now my mind can not begin to fathom the depths of God but at that moment, I share in a minute, miniscule degree, the heart of my Heavenly Father. Sometimes, God can seem so far away, "out there" in the cosmos and then you feel that connection and know He is as close as your own beating heart. Only God Himself can speak to our spirits by showing Himself in the world we live in. From a craggy mountain top, a gorgeous sunset setting in an endless sky or the warmth of a small child's hand pressed against my own, God makes Himself known and declares His great love for me. I'd know that a whole lot easier and more often if I would just take the time to "be still and know that He is God".
Saturday, September 17, 2005
New Kid In Town
Last night Dave and I met the man who they (directors at BNSF RR)hired to take Dave's old position as a Manager.Greg had done his interviews over the phone with Dave and the other 2 directors and will be starting next week. He and his wife Anne, were in town to find a house and start the relocation process to DFW from Seattle.I found it interesting that there are a lot of similarities between the 4 of us in regards to hiking, outdoors, scrapbooking, etc. I can relate moving with small children since Dave and I have definitely done that over these many years with the good old Burlington Northern Santa Fe. Although we just met last night, I think it'll be a good fit and Dave will have someone who is upbeat, positive and a hard worker on his team. I'm glad because in Dave's new position as Director, he's learning a new job and all of its responsibilities so it's good if things go smoothly for him.Dinner at Saltgrass Steak House, compliments of the RR, was really delicious and it was nice and relaxed.I think I'm coming down with something since I've been feeling less than great the last 2 days. I'm hoping it's a sinus thing that's giving me all of the drainage and the sore throat but I'm taking no chances and have started taking my Airborne and Zinc lozenges.I slept terribly last night so I've been up since before 5 AM and this is a Saturday! Later, after Dave gets up we're headed down to the REI store to get a couple of things before our trip to Yellowstone next week. I need a holster for my bear spray to make it easier to get to. By the time I would get it out of the pocket in my Daypack, I'd already be bear scat somewhere down the trail! Ever since reading about Timothy Treadwell and his girlfriend and their deaths up in Alaska, (not to mention that they was partially eaten when they found them-YUCK), I've been more realistic about bear encounters. All it takes is one time and that could be the end. I'll never hike without bear spray ever again because it's foolish to think it could never happen to you.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Rambling On & On!
This has been a really busy time lately and so I haven't done much writing. Once Dave & I return from our trip to Yellowstone things should begin to finally settle into a routine. I have added another chapter to the the Genealogy Book I'm writing about our family. This chapter deals with the late 1600's into the early 1700's. I need to go back and tweak it, edit it, etc. This project been a challenge because I could write out all the facts and it would be just plain boring.I've decided to include what is going on historically to provide insight and interest. It has to be condensed otherwise, you might as well be a reading a textbook.What to include, what to omit? I'm currently integrating the Scottish history which is pretty time-consuming. Interesting, but time-consuming none the less.It will be more fun for me when I can write about family members that I have known. My mother alone will easily fill an entire chapter. For a long time I've asked her to write down her memories and experiences on growing up in Germany during WW2. If she doesn't, I guess it'll be up to me to write them down so they aren't lost forever!
I am going to start scrapbooking (once we return from our trip) as well. I have this summer's big Montana vacation, our Vancouver getaway and now Yellowstone to crank out. I've decided that what I need (actually that means "want") is my own room. I could have all of my scrapbooking supplies laid out so I could work and then close the door when I needed to go do something else. It's a pain to have to clean everything off the kitchen table just so we can eat! In this room I could keep all of my Genealogy research and photos, etc. as well. It's nice to dream.
My attempt at posting a picture didn't exactly work. Steven, help! Am I really this computer-challenged? Apparently so!
Connie
I am going to start scrapbooking (once we return from our trip) as well. I have this summer's big Montana vacation, our Vancouver getaway and now Yellowstone to crank out. I've decided that what I need (actually that means "want") is my own room. I could have all of my scrapbooking supplies laid out so I could work and then close the door when I needed to go do something else. It's a pain to have to clean everything off the kitchen table just so we can eat! In this room I could keep all of my Genealogy research and photos, etc. as well. It's nice to dream.
My attempt at posting a picture didn't exactly work. Steven, help! Am I really this computer-challenged? Apparently so!
Connie
PS
I think I figured out how to add a picture! Maybe I'm not as stupid as I think!
The post was done first but it showed that it was 2 hours later than when I posted it. I was goofing around and think I might have the time set right now because the picture which I posted next, showed the actual time.
The post was done first but it showed that it was 2 hours later than when I posted it. I was goofing around and think I might have the time set right now because the picture which I posted next, showed the actual time.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Is Anyone Out There?
Well, I'm trying to be all hi-tech by having this blogspot. I'm sure I am just kidding myself because I doubt anyone will find what I have to write all that interesting or relevant. But here goes nothing!
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