Saturday, December 23, 2006

Sabbatical

I'm taking some time off. A Sabbatical. In our hurried lives, it seems difficult to take time off, even when needed. So, the planning for time off started back in April and though I feel that I've tipped my toe into the water of it, I'm still not all wet. Will I be able to turn on the machine and redirect the calls to my replacement? Will I be able to retire from the email jungle I find myself wading through early every day? I think I must. I think it is the time. More later.

Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 22, 2006

Is anyone else tired of all the skin exposure? Low cut blouses, midriffs peaking, shoulders bare, lots of leg, skin everywhere. We used to be able to watch television without the advertising of underwear and lingerie prancing across the screen on commercial breaks. No longer relegated to the soap opera shows and late night, now it's everywhere, and well, I'm sick of looking at it. Enough already! Give us a break.

There I said it. It was hard to do without naming names but really, you know who you are. Would a bit of modesty be so difficult to manage? We're so saturated with skin and sexual imagery. Seems nothing is sold without it these days. What if we make it the measure of what we will and won't consider buying and viewing? Could have quite a ripple effect on the economy but really, when is enough enough?

Friday, December 15, 2006

Reviewing

Wow, what a week. That's a lot of w's.

We took a little roller coaster ride with my Mom's health this week when her EKG came back with some signs of an 'incident' meaning a heart attack at some point in time. She's been feeling a little under the weather and went to the doctor to have it checked out thinking a shot in the shoulder to help ease the pain of her bersitus (have no idea on the spelling-and not looking it up right now). So they scheduled a stress test for Thursday morning at 8:30 am and we all waited in anticipation for that trip to the doctor. Good news as all went well and she didn't have any problem getting up to the level they wanted. She still feels mighty tired and will hopefully rest a few days and see in a couple days how's she's doing. Maybe she just needs that shot after all. We're still not sure when she had a mild heart attack though so guess it'll be best to watch the stress, the diet, the weight, the cholesterol and all the other p's & q's on that list.

It does give one a chance to take a moment though and count the blessings of having a good Mom. & Dad. There are many to count. It seems when health issues pop up, it just makes us feel like holding those blessings a bit closer to our hearts. I know I had a bit of a cry myself on Thursday morning and just had to give God the fear that I was feeling. I sent out an email call to several people I know who'd be able to pray in the moment for her as well. We hang onto things pretty tight sometimes. He just wants to carry the load for us, just like He promised.

Word on the text message is that the boys are in route. We'll be doing a little more praying tonight that their path will be clear and a steady ride will bring them home safely. It sounds like they're about ready to be home for a bit.

I'll try to remember to write about the recent trip to the store to buy a new tv. Course since we haven't yet bought one the story isn't finished. Anyway, maybe later.

Enjoy your moments!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Weather and such

What is it they say about Alabama, 'if you don't like the weather, just wait a few days and it'll change':)

Yesterday the temp was 70 degrees on my back porch. It was great, I opened up the windows again. There's just something about shaking the rugs and airing them in this fresh air.

I'm attempting to add ornaments to my tree. So far the cats seem to have a habit of pulling them off for me at night. They pull off the news ones and leave the previous ones they've played with. I guess it's an initation ritual, who knows.

More paint in place on the upstairs landing. BC taped it off and painted some trim for me. I rolled on the rest late yesterday. I'm liking the transformation taking place with these soothing blue shades.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Cold morning ramblings

Twenty three degrees at eight am in Alabama. I'm sure it was colder earlier but I didn't have the heart to look. Sky is clear and blue but don't let that fool ya, it's cold. Yes, I know it's nothing like further north but this is Alabama. It's not supposed to be cold here.

I've managed to get the tree out of the box and assembled, even the lights work. This was Will's job last year and I'm thinking maybe I should have waited another week and let him do it. After seeing my cats investigate it, I'm not sure I'll be able to hang anything on it, at least nothing breakable. Should be interesting.

Pepperdine is sitting on the top of the box like King of the Hill, she remembers this from last year. Give her a cardboard box and she's moderately happy. If you knew her, you'd know what I mean. The little cat, Benjamin, is just looking at it, and imagining a good climb I'm sure. One of them has dragged the kitten doll under the tree. Now what is that all about, I'm sure I don't know. The show must go on for sure.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

More

More play.

Images

The third color, Blue Thistle, is now in place. What an interesting transformation occurs when color is added. I'm always amazed.

A little play with a picture taken recently thru the window in a mirror. Digital photography is such fun.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Precious Memories

This old song was brought to memory today. We find many references to 'Remembering' in scripture.

Enjoy!

Precious Memories
Precious memories, unseen angels
Sent from somewhere to my soul
How they linger, ever near me
And the sacred scenes unfold.

Precious memories, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness of the midnight
Precious, sacred scenes unfold.

Precious father, loving mother
Fly across the lonely years
And old home scenes of my childhood
In fond memory appear.

In the stillness of the midnight
Echoes from the past I hear
Old-time singing, gladness bringing
From that lovely land somewhere.

I remember mother praying
Father, too, on bended knee
Sun is sinking, shadows falling
But their prayers still follow me.

As I travel on life's pathway
Know not what the years may hold
As I ponder, hope grows fonder
Precious memories flood my soul.

http://www.mamarocks.com/precious_memories.htm

Monday, November 27, 2006

Time flies

Time sure seems to fly by during the holidays. We enjoyed a visit from Will and had experienced much anticipation for it. It was over so quickly though. I'm still learning to make the most of those 'moments.'

I spent some time this morning just being 'still', as well as reading my Bible. I'm not sure that I'd read all the way through Ezekiel before till now. Hmm. Make an appointment with God, He's always on time.

We've added another color to the mix during the holidays. Yes, I know, hard to believe that we painted over the Thanksgiving holiday, but we did, a couple of hours, just one hallway, Stratosphere. A beautiful light shade of blue, really soothing. I might have to add some more of this one. I like it:)

Friday, November 24, 2006

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Angel Eyes blue

The new color of my entrance hall. Angel eyes blue.

I'm not sure it's the 'right' color but it's the color on the walls for a while:)

It has been a while since I'd done any painting and as I now recall, after the slow painstaking process of painting trim, I don't like to do trim work. I much rather prefer rolling on a whole wall of color, rooms full of walls, seeing the transforming power of a new color of paint, almost in an instant. Trim work is painfully slow and blue tape application is torture, let's just admit it, torture.

My one negotiation in the planning of this project was that we would buy enough rollers so that I could just toss them at the end of a paint day. Yes, I know, totally wasteful, but hey, I hate cleaning paint rollers even more than doing trim work.

More painting to come, but not today, it's raining, so maybe I'll put some more tape in place:)

Friday, November 10, 2006

Rainbow

I forgot that I'd taken this picture on election day. Providential huh? God is with us.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Be Still and Know

Sometimes I think God is showing off, be sure you're still enough to notice.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Some things take time

I've just been the benefactor of a ten day visit from my Mom. We had such a good time together. Made me realize how busy I've been the past several years and it was good to have some dedicated time to just visit and do things together.

We even had our nails done, all of them, fingers & toes. It was both of our first pedicures, at least that we didn't do ourselves. Hard to believe huh. This neat little shop has opened up in the Alexandria mall, Jennifer's Nails. A real sweet couple just massaged and polished away. Oh, and if you've never sat in one of those pedicure chairs with the massage back, well, get ready, real cool.

Well, like I said, some things take time. We talked,cooked, ate, had some long drives, shopped, watched movies and just had a good visit. Quality and quantity. Sometimes, that's what it takes.

Monday, October 30, 2006

The greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

1 If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing.

3 If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,

5 doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil;

6 doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;

10 but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things.

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.13 But now faith, hope, and love remain-these three. The greatest of these is love.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Friday, October 27, 2006

Heflin, AL

There's this neat little Tasty Dip restaurant in Heflin, Alabama. They make a mean hamburger and the ice cream looks mighty good. A nice stop to make after driving up Mt. Cheaha to see the fall colors.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

I wonder...


I received an email from Travelocity today. Real Deals: Gigantinormous Deals to Sin City. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want my town known as Sin City, maybe it's just me but something Biblical comes to mind with that boast. It wasn't a good thing.

Surprises

Don't you just love a good surprise? My phone rang yesterday about 1pm and my inlaws, Ooma & Pop, were headed our way from a vacation trip to Charleston, SC. They arrived about 8 pm and we enjoyed a quick visit, some late night cherry cobbler, and a big breakfast, before they hit the road again, headed home to Kentucky. It was a real treat.

Today is Will's 20th birthday. Hard to believe, but yep, he's 20. He's probably getting a message about right now to stop by student services and pick up a surprise package. Yep, chocolate/chocolate cake. Don't you just love a good surprise?

We'll gather this weekend in Arkansas for a bit more celebrating and a ride on Mamaw's party boat. I'm told its back on the water again. They had a stranding episode last week or so, never dull. Life is just full of surprises.

Later.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Mt. Cheaha














I managed to make a trip up to Mt. Cheaha State Park last week. It was a beautiful day, the air was a little warmer that day and there were the beginning signs of some fall color playing into the trees along the way. I also realized that this was my first trip up the mountain this year and I may have missed last year as well. Not good.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

San Diego



San Diego, Wow!

Our first trip to sunny San Diego. The weather was great. The people were fantastic!

We joined Keith Lancaster for a Praise & Harmony singing seminar this past weekend at the Church of Christ on El Cajon Blvd. Lots of singing, fun and fellowship. They were well prepared to make the most of their seminar. We enjoyed their enthusiasm and hospitality. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

Our hosts were George & Julie Little. George is the minister at El Cajon and from Australia. Julie's father is a preacher in Sydney, hope I have that right, and goes way back with Marvin Phillilps. We sure had a great time and they showed us around the bay and took us over to Coronada Island. We had some awesome Mexican food on the island, I'll have to track down the name of the place; as well as some yummy noodle soup at a place called Saffron on Sunday afternoon, a quick spot within eye distance of the airport, as we had a 2:45 flight.

I took pictures, of course, but yet to take from my camera. I'll try to do better soon:)

Friday, September 29, 2006

Air Force One


An interesting little detail at the Birmingham airport as Air Force One landed so the President could attend a lunch with Governor Riley. Apparently when the Presidents’ plane is coming in to land, all other air traffic ceases, at least on the ground, and the air is cleared for his landing. I took a picture of the plane sitting.

It didn’t take too long to get things moving back to normal, then there came an announcement that we weren’t to panic but that a suspicious item had been located and the appropriate personnel were being brought in take care of the situation and for everyone in the airport to move in an order fashion to the nearest exit from the building. Well, that’s an interesting announcement. Everyone just kinda looked at each other and then started gathering their stuff heading for the security checking areas we had all just come through, one at a time. Thankfully, another voice came across the intercom telling everyone not to leave the building, that there would not be an evacuation, repeat, do not leave the building. That’s a good thing. Sure would have stopped up the pipeline to have everyone vacate and then, assuming nothing happened, come back in and start the whole process over at once.

I did say a prayer of thanksgiving immediately following the instruction to stay. That would have sure changed the course of my day.

As it was, we arrived in Houston a bit behind schedule and our 45 minute layover time was cut down to about 35, so we sprinted down the corridors and made it to the next flight with a few moments to spare. As always, hurray to stand in line and wait on the tarmac, then the plane slowly made its way to take off time, about an hour later. I’d never really experienced that kind of delay, revealing how very limited my own travel experiences are when it comes to flying. Yes, I’m the one who feels more than a little bit of panic every time I’m trying to get to the airport two hours early so that ‘just in case’ there are any unforeseen problems, there will be time to deal with them and not miss my flight. Always trying to anticipate so that I’m prepared, possibly a vice, clearly producing more anxiety than is technically necessary to function. But it is what it is.

I did encounter a nice lady in the rest room in B’ham who was dealing with a wheel chair and trying to get into the bathroom stall. It felt good to lend her a hand with the chair and the big door and then push her on down the corridor to her terminal. Wish I’d had more time. I’m sure she had some stories to tell. Seems she’d just had some sort of spinal surgery. She already knew that the President’s plane was delaying air traffic and mentioned something about knowing someone at the Pentagon and connected with Homeland Security. Course, these days, everyone knows someone connected to Homeland Security, it seems.

I’m always reminded at airports of just how interesting people are to watch. Some never look you in the eye but a lot do and for just a brief moment I try to share a smile, a brief recognition that I see and acknowledge them and their existence. People are moving so fast, taking time to make eye contact and ever just listen to them is something we neglect to do, and so vital in these day to day lives we lead. So many people coming and going. Plans set in motion. Schedules to make. Deals to make. Bills to pay. I suspect the busy-ness of all this contributes to our commoditizing our time. Billable hours. No time for eye contact and a ‘real’ conversation with a ‘real’ person. Someone who may just be needing to connect with some real person.

A movie is playing on the screen overhead. Xmen Three I think it is. A free movie but you must buy your headset for $5 and then you can use it on other Continental flights that you might be taking in the future, if you remember to bring it the next time. Bruce is sitting here just watching the screen. I guess a movie is entertaining for sure if you can sit and watch it without the benefit of either the sound track. Music makes most good movies so not having that to influence the mood and drama is another interesting hole in the story line. It’ll be interesting to see what he has to say about it when it’s over.

I sent an instant message to my son about Air Force One in B’ham. Maybe he’ll call me later. We’ll see. He sure is busy these days.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Using Talents

Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.-Henry Van Dyke

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Power Washing

I tried my hand at power washing today. It sort of reminds me of rolling on a coat of fresh paint, instant gratification. Of course, I didn't know things were so dirty till I put the power of water to them.

Kind of reminds me of the need for the blood of Jesus. We don't know just how dirty we are till the cleansing power of Christ washes our dirt away. Hmm.

Friday, September 22, 2006

A truce?



This is the closest these two have been together without big one hissing and worse. That's progress, right? Just took 3 weeks:)

Wow! Rain, thunder, lightning, and sunshine, all at once.

No Scores

What if we just went a year without scores? No, I mean it. Just play the game for the sake of playing. No score keeping for a year. I wonder what would happen? You could tell how well you are doing by how much fun you are having. Hmm, I think it's a neat concept, worth consideration. Might change the world. Ya never know till ya try.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

New Reign from Oklahoma Christian University

left to right: Will, Anna, Caleb, Bryson, Rachel, Leslie, Jesse.

Recording Information: New Reign’s brand new CD, Different Now, is out!

Friday, August 18, 2006

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Wet wood

Your wood might be wet if this one doesn't touch your heart.

Enjoy!
Rhonda

Thank God for Children Saying Grace...
Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great... Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my son asked "Cross my heart,"
the man replied. Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told
her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already"

The End.

I loved this story! Please keep it moving. Sometimes we all need some ice cream.
I hope God sends you some Ice Cream today.

Monday, July 31, 2006

Perspective


Perspective, ah, now that's a concept.

Acappella does rugby at Casowasco.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Callaway Gardens


Did someone say Callaway Gardens? Wow, what a neat place. We slipped away there a couple weeks back and wow, we're going back. Check them out at www.callawaygardens.com

Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 11, 2006



Thanks to Kim Lancaster for the picture.

http://www.durantstudios.com/photo.htm

New Reign visit

We surely enjoyed our visit from Will & New Reign on Thursday. The concert at Greenbrier was a real boost & the volleyball game and fellowship was great as well. It was wonderful to get to see/hear Will sing with his friends. He sure knows his way around the sound board.

We managed to get them all bedded down here at the house with five air mattresses and could have done more if needed with some rearranging, and more mattresses:)

Thanks to Patricia Ready for the breakfast casserole and to Bruce for coordinating breakfast.

http://www.oc.edu/performing/newreign/default.aspx

A Quote


Anyone can be a friend when you're winning....Jerry Jones (my friend)

http://www.marriagematters.ws/

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Will's home

We thank the Lord for his safe travel and a few hours of home time. Bruce even baked a coconut cake at Will's request, seems he's been talkin it up to his singing buddies.

Later, clothes to wash:)

Monday, June 26, 2006

Half the battle is knowing what
you like and Who you believe in.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Psalm 77

Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (NKJV)

Psalm 77:10 - And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” (NKJV)


(v.2) Life is so hard right now I can't even sleep and nothing seems to comfort me... but I will remember all the good things the Lord has done and all the wonders of God from the past (v.11).

(v.3) I just can't take it anymore. I don't think I can handle anything else going wrong... but I will remember everything that God has done for me and I will tell others about it (v.12).

(v.4) I can't rest or sleep; I'm so upset and discouraged I can't even find the right words to describe it... but I will remember that You O God are holy and great and there is none like You (v.13).

(v. 5) Things used to be so much better than they are now... but I will remember that You are a God of wonders and strength (v.14).

(v.6) When I think about the happy times of the past it only makes me sad because I am having so many problems right now... but I will remember that the Lord has redeemed me and saved my soul (v.15).

(v.7) God, are you there? Have you forgotten me? Are you going to help me?... but I will remember that even the winds and water obey Your very word and they tremble at the sound of your voice (v.16).

(v.8) Lord, don't You care about me anymore? I'm trusting in the promises of Your Word but it doesn't seem like You are fulfilling them... but I will remember that all of heaven and earth do Your bidding; even the rain and lightning fall at Your command (v.17).

(v.9) God, it seems like You are withholding all Your kindness from me. Are you mad at me? Have I made You angry. It sure seems like it... but I will remember how powerful You are and that Your ways are so great and so holy that it is beyond me to comprehend how You do things (v.18-19).

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Quiet life

1Thess 4:11 “that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (NKJV)

It hardly seems possible that the three week break for my son, Will, has already come and gone. It was a good time, but just too short.

We managed to get away for a few days to Gulf Shores, AL and enjoy the ocean time. Bruce & Will enjoyed a couple of days of golf, we did some shopping, and just enjoyed each others company, a real commodity since he's an Oklahoma Christian college man now. We slipped up to Kentucky for our niece, Maggie's bacc. last Sunday and no I'm not gonna try to spell it out:) We made good use of the grill and Will even mowed the yard a couple of times without complaint. He'll be out on the road soon with New Reign and I'm sure there will be adventures to tell.

Acappella's tour to the northwest will be wrapping up soon, with concerts in Yakima, WA and Grand Junction, CO; as well as an appearance at the Colorado Rockies June 5 game, to sing 'America the Beautiful.' Sweet!

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Jasmine

Today another birthday in the making. The heady scent of jasmine and petunias is rich in the front courtyard. The birds are chirping like mad so the cats must be about. Today will be another hot one, ah, summer in Alabama.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Shopping Observation

I must have missed a meeting or it's just been so long since I bought a purse.

BUT, when you see an offer for four easy payments on a purse, you know you better watch out. What happened? $250 and up for a purse? I don't think so:)

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

kindness

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Mixed Up

The ad says 'Buy More & Save!'

My folks taught me if you 'Buy More' you SPEND!

Something to think about:)

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Picture taken by Kimberly Lancaster of Durant Studios, www.durantstudios.com  Posted by Picasa