Back from the Border

Every five years, Aaron and I try to do something fun and different to celebrate our anniversary. We decided to take advantage of off-season rates and hit Mexico this year. I'll post more later, but here's some pics for those who can't stand it any longer!

Hotel view
Beach

Aaron jumping into...oh, I'll tell you about it later.

Chichen-Itza!

Writing about Writing

How many years have I said, "Gee, I'd like to write more. I'd like to truly become a writer." I'd read books like this, sigh, and then put them on my shelf with all my other writing books. I've always wanted to take a dive into the world of words and creativity.

I try to give myself some grace, realizing that somehow in the next season of my life the dust will settle and...oh, who am I kidding? The dust has settled, and there aren't enough Swiffers in the world to clean it away. This is the only life I have, the only time that will really work. If I want to do something, I NEED TO DO IT.

After a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I went back to my car and couldn't help but notice the girl in the car next to mine. She was balancing a spiral notebook on her steering wheel, writing. She paused and looked ahead, lips pursed in thought. I suppose she could've been writing her grocery list, or working on a college paper or something, but I doubt it. I like to think she was so inspired by something in B & N that she had to write it down, had to seize it before the moment disappeared.

That's what I need to do. Grab these moments that come my way, whether it's 15 minutes or an hour. Take my day, make it work, and start writing instead of dreaming.

Where My Brain is Right Now:

Aunt Beth, thank you for capturing my Hope so beautifully!

Thoughts for the Blog

Jonathan loves singing to himself and one of his favorites right now comes from a Cedarmont Kids' DVD we have:

"Gimme That Old Time 'Eligion! It's good 'nuff for me!!!" (Old Time Religion) It does a Mama's heart good to hear her baby sing.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Went to a concert this past weekend in the Cities with a friend. We heard Phil Stacey, Matthew West, and Michael W. Smith, who really does look good for 60. Just kidding...sort of.

My college buddies, Dan and Angie Leverance, had two extra tickets. It was great to see them and to watch Dan direct a 1,000 voice choir. (Seriously) Now that he's tight with Michael W. Smith, he may develop a difficult personality. No, I doubt that.

One of my favorite moments of the night was Michael doing "Agnus Dei." After all these years, it still sounds so fresh and relevant. Amazing moment of worship.

I also enjoyed sitting next to Angie's mother, who I think felt the music was a bit loud. (What do you think, Angie? :)

The concert was also in honor of Billy Graham, who started a Christian Radio Station at Northwestern sixty years ago - KTIS. His two daughters, Gigi and Ruth spoke for a bit and shared how their Dad is doing.

One story that cracked me up was about their parents and how their mother would always say she was "fine" when anyone asked about her health. Billy, on the other hand, would recite a list of all his aches and pains if asked the same question.

Finally, at one point, apparently Ruth looked at Billy and said, "Why don't you be quiet and die like a Christian?" HA! Ruth was definitely the SPUNK of that union. They said Billy really misses her and to actually pray that God would bring him home -- he longs for heaven so much.