A DAY OFF!!!!

It was a wonderful day off! Last night we went to the tractor pull with Trever, Tabbi, Tre, and Tru. Because it was a late night, the boys slept here and I took the day off. They got to sleep in a little while and then I took them to kid care. Saw Tabbi then went to the city for a little shopping. It was raining on the was there and while I was at Target, but by the time I got home in the afternoon it was GORGEOUS...sunny, breezy, low humidity, and 74 degrees. I went for a long walk. Jon was able to stay home when he got off work and mowed. I baked cookies, grilled chicken for supper with corn on the cob (compliments of Trever and Tabbi)!

I must have been REALLY ready for a day off...it was AWESOME!!

Thought for the day

We're doing some more research including asking a couple of organizations some specific questions by email. The book I've finished has cemented a determination on our part to be involved in some kind of international outreach. BUT I maintain that no matter how great the need around the world, we MUST find a way to make a difference where we are. I think it's sometimes easier to write a check to send around the world than it is to reach out to someone who lives where you do and can find you when they want to. However true that may be, it is IMPERATIVE that we help where we live somehow. The Gospel has always traveled best in the shoes of a neighbor...when someone that lives where we live and faces what we face shares Christ and demonstrates the reality of His love to us, we have a sense that God actually "gets" us and loves us.

More Walking

OK, I seem to be confused. We plan to see the new Night at the Museum movie this weekend. I must be a little whacked out. More season finales...got in my walk tonight...YAY!! My foot seems to be holding up well, and I hope to stay really regular with the walking. I want to get my cholesterol and blood pressure down...they were higher than last year even after 6 weeks of being really strict. I don't need to let this get away from me. Now that my foot is tolerating longer walks, I hope to make some real progress.

Thought for the day

I need more sleep...this getting up earlier doesn't work so well unless I go to bed earlier, too, and that doesn't seem to be happening. Another area where I need to set some goals and priorities that contribute to life without becoming legalistic. Or maybe I just need to go to bed earlier. See you later! Love you all!!

The Perfect Walk

I worked a little late today then stopped at the store. So it was a little after 6:00 when I went out for a walk. What a PERFECT time for a walk. The air was crisp and just a little cool...perfect for a sweatshirt. The sidewalks had many places covered deep in leaves. Got to hear the crunching leaves under foot, dogs barking, and some unusual sounds for a Wednesday night. It was the first post season game for Harlan here tonight so I could hear the sound of the band warming up, and the activity at the football field. Walked back up College Blvd which is probably my favorite street in town and is a feast for the eyes with plenty of trees still full of gold and red leaves even with sidewalks covered in them as well. Perfect sounds, perfect air, perfect sights, it even smelled good. I'm really glad I got to go...with the time change next week and longer days at work I probably won't get another chance like that this fall. It was a treat all the way around.
Never miss an opportunity to partake of that kind of beauty and pleasure...then store it up and don't let yourself forget it on those "other kinds" of days.

Thought for the day

God gives us so many great gifts even as we just listen, see, smell, and feel the everyday marvels of His creation. DON'T MISS His grace...He won't force you to notice, but the privilege and opportunity surround us at almost every turn. TAKE THE MOMENT to notice Him, worship Him, thank Him. Seriously it takes ONE MOMENT---DON'T MISS IT!!!!

Fall is Coming

I got to go for a walk this evening. Fall is my favorite time of year and though it's a little early for fall here, I'm beginning to see the signs. Just a few leaves here and there are beginning to turn; there is a crispness in the air these last few days. It will warm up again, but I'm glad to see fall coming. One of my favorite things is to hear the crunch of leaves under my feet when I walk--that will come soon. I understand walking with a walkman or ipod, and I've done that before, but more and more I just enjoy hearing the sounds outside--the birds singing, the squirrels chattering, the dogs barking. Tonight I think I heard the local marching band practicing in the distance. Peace and quiet just ministers to my heart--I'm probably just getting old!!

Thought for the day
Through Christ, God brings us into fellowship with Himself to be partners in what He is doing. Some of what He purposes to do is described in Isaiah 61---bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to grant them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness, instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. As result they (we) will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. More about trees another time.