Perspective

For years our garage door opener has had a mind of its own. Usually it would open just fine, but you could never count on it to close. Sometimes, on your way out, you could sit in the car and coax it down by pushing repeatedly on the remote control. But usually you had to leave the car in the alley, go into the garage and push the button. Later on, a simple push on the button wasn't enough. You had to hold the button down, making sure the door closed and didn't start opening again. (Sometimes it waited until you'd headed back to the idling car before it would begin to open.) I tell you, that Genie must have gotten a lot of good laughs at our expense over the years.

I was so happy when we recently got a new garage door opener. It actually works the way it's supposed to. But you know something, our trials with that old one are totally insignificant; not even a drop in the bucket.

One of Hurricane Katrina's many lessons is one we need to keep studying: CONTENTMENT.

We still have a garage.

Going Solo

The wide-eyed surprise of the first solo slide quickly turns to delight.
A "this-is-fun" grin turns to chuckles and squeals.
He finds his footing and is off in a flash, retracing his steps to the top.
With Grampa close behind.

Running 101

Well, I'm into my 4th week of Running 101.

After 6 years of chronic neck pain, I'm finally feeling well enough to start exercising seriously again. I used to be a runner; a swimmer; a biker. But pain has a way of discouraging activity, and my athletic lifestyle had dwindled to a rung or two above sedentary.

I finally started getting excellent, regular, chiropractic care about 7 months ago, and have been making steady progress. If you've never heard of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique you really should check it out.

Becoming a Writer

---I met, not long ago, a young man who aspired to become a
novelist.  Knowing that I was in the profession, he asked me
to tell him how he should set  to work to realize his ambition.
I did my best to explain. 'The first thing,' I said, 'is to buy quite
a lot of paper, a bottle of ink, and a pen. After that you merely
have to write.'---
-Aldous Huxley, novelist (1894-1963)

A Child's Toy

I only wanted the furry brown toy to be a real puppy. I would pray at bedtime, truly expecting God to perform the miracle in the dark of night. I wanted to awake in the morning, greeted by my very own pup. Of course, he would have to have the same shiny eyelids, satin-lined ears, stubby tail, and harmless, pink tongue.
I knew it could happen. God was real, and He could make my toy into a real, live dog. When He didn't, I was disappointed. But it didn't shake my young faith. I decided He knew what was best for me.

Pioneers

Daniel and Andrea were recently appointed as missionaries with the Pioneers agency. Their field hasn't been decided yet. Africa? Indonesia? We'll have to wait and see. It'll be a couple of years before they go. In the meantime, there is much to be done in preparation. Stay tuned...

Reunited

Moving day came and went while Karina was in the hospital. Jason had to start his new job in a city two hours away, so he and Reiley went ahead with the move while Karina stayed with us, on complete bedrest.
Nine long days later, and with her doctor's ok, we were able to drive her "home" yesterday. It was a long wait, but a sweet reunion. She's still supposed to be taking it easy; an impossible task made possible by her very-caring inlaws.
We are relieved she's reached 33 weeks of pregnancy and every extra day she can carry this baby is an added blessing.

Dog Days

Parched grass crackles underfoot.
Haze hangs heavy in the air
With hum and drone oscillating.
Wildflowers bravely stand,
No breeze to lift their spirits.
High above, the golden disc steams slowly westward.

Buying Time

My world shrank this week to the size of a hospital bed containing my daughter and her unborn son. They call it "pre-term labor", and while it can't be stopped completely, they can slow its progress by the use of a very potent intravenous medication (the side effects of which are too scary to think about). She received antibiotics, and steroid injections to develop the baby's lungs. There were blood tests to check for toxic levels of the medication meant to slow her contractions, and an ultrasound to determine the baby's size and health status. It's been a long three days, and things have calmed down. She's coming home to stay with us, on complete bedrest; buying time for this precious new life.
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds amon the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done..." I Chronicles 16:8-12