Gymnastics

Well, my chances of earning an Olympic gold medal are over. I’ve practiced a lot, but for some reason talent scouts haven’t found me. Most likely, the fact that I live out in the middle of nowhere is the reason, so I guess I need to pack up the pups and move to the big city. The name San Quentin has always fascinated me, so perhaps we’ll go there.

As you can see, one of my athletic talents is gymnastics. I played basketball, softball and tennis as a kid, and I love to swim, but now my life evolves around gymnastics.

They say “no pain, no gain”. Well, I must have gained a lot for I seem to have inherited a great deal of pain lately. During a recent competition, I thought I heard my fans sighing with disappointment, but soon discovered it was a small yelp from one of my pups. With a furry creature under foot, I did a double twist and landed in front of the refrigerator. They’re so willing to be spotters as I practice. What a team!

So how am I progressing? I’ve become an expert at floor routines! Let’s see, I’ve been able to hit the mark in my hallway, garage, living room, and from the steps. But this most recent event was in my kitchen. While making a salad, I was returning some vegetables to the refrigerator. The floor in front of it became the target and I hit the bullseye. They say that eating vegetables is good for you, but the next time I’m hungry, I’m heading for a restaurant; preferably one with curb service!

Faith

I don’t know how people get through times of sorrow, mourning, or pain without believing that Christ has gone to prepare a place for them in heaven. God’s grace is a gift; it can not be earned, and we need only to believe.

While some claim to have had a life changing experience, I can honestly say that I have not. Mountain top experiences, yes, and valleys as well, but no matter where I am in my walk, I have always known that He is with me. Hebrews 11:1 describes it best by saying, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.

I know that one day I will see my loved ones, that I will bow before the throne of God, and that only love will prevail. I created the following video as a way to express my love for God and to offer encouragement to all who may view it. God bless you.

If you are unable to view this video, here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwUz63CwrlQ

A True Athlete

Watching Olympic athletes compete against other countries stimulates the competitiveness in each of us. To think of the years and years of discipline it takes to earn a place on the American team is simply mind boggling. Centering every day of one’s life on becoming the best possible… Wow! And as they go along with their mind focused on only one thing, they are coached to become even better, and encouraged every step of the way.

What a model for Christians to follow! God has built “a mansion with many rooms”. We only need to make the decision to believe. In Philippians 3:13, Paul says, “I am focusing all my energies on this one thing…” 3:14 “I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” So how is this to be accomplished? Like the Olympians, center every day of our life on becoming all that God wants us to be by keeping our mind focused on only one thing and encouraging each other every step of the way. In so doing, we may one day hear heaven burst with angelic applause.

LIG

I’ve always been a person who doesn’t like to write. I love creating music and penning the words, but writing in a journal has never appealed to me at all. God has certainly shaken me from that thought. I actually do like writing this blog as it serves as a means to express random thoughts. O.K. perhaps they’re scattered, but random sounds better, so I’ll describe it that way.

When I’m feeling weary or need a lift, I’ve actually discovered that checking out my blog stats helps. I wish that the ClustrMap had been included since the beginning, but it does show places of origin for the past month. But unlike yourself, I also have access to view the number of hits my site is getting. I’m thrilled to report that this is my 38th post since June 29th and I have had 703 hits.

I’d like to thank all my readers for encouraging me to write. (That sounds like I’m practicing for an Oscar, Emmy, or Golden Globe award doesn’t it!) But truthfully, from my heart, thank you.

LIG (Life Is Good) As God blesses your life, remember to thank Him.

Letters from the Heart

This morning, I felt extremely tired, so didn’t really want to head to work. In fact, it would have taken very little to convince me to crawl back into bed. But being the dedicated employee that I am….. and not being able to understand “puppy language” (in case they were giving me permission to stay home), I started getting ready for school.

Suddenly, my house was very quiet, so I knew Teddy was up to something. Once again, he was investigating my bookshelf. He must really like to read as I find him there frequently. But this time was different; over he trotted, carrying a pink piece of note paper in his mouth. I don’t know how long the paper had been in one of my books, nor do I remember when it had been written. But I do know one thing, it had been penned by my mom.

For those of you who don’t know, next month will be the five year anniversary of my mom’s death. We were very close and I still miss her very much. This is the message that I read. “Happy Birthday to my daughter whom I love with all my heart. May all your dreams come true! You are always in my thoughts and prayers and have been since before you were born. Remember to reach out and make things happen, and if God closes a door, he always opens another. I will talk to you soon. Love from your Mother.”

On my way to school, I certainly needed windshield wipers for my eyes, but feeling loved, I headed up the road.

While we hurriedly send email to our friends and family, perhaps it’s time to sit down and write to those special people who have made such a difference in our life. God bless you.

Photogenic

Some people are just naturally photogenic while others are just, well, let’s say they’re just natural. The backdrop for this picture looks rather real, don’t you think; at one time the boots were in order. It may have been a few months ago, but they were in order once, I think. As for the subjects… it’s obvious that Teddy is shy when it comes to having his picture taken. As always, there’s Baxter, not wanting to miss the action! Here he’s trying to be a silhouette with a smile.

Whether we’re feeling happy, hopeful, or out of sorts, remember that God loves us always. He sees our heart, our hurts and our happiness, but how are we perceived by others? Perhaps lightning is really heaven taking a picture of our outer being. How do you want to be photographed?

Days of Elijah

Have you ever wondered what it will be like when Jesus returns? I just finished creating the following video and posted it on YouTube. It is sung by Robin Mark.

If you’re not able to view it from my blog, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG-8-qbPhGA

Absent

For those of you who have been checking my blog, and noticed I haven’t published anything new… I’ve been under the weather the past few days. I’m beginning to feel a little better, so will try to post something tomorrow. (This one doesn’t count.) Until then…

Blue Ribbon Humor

In our family’s photo album, there’s a picture of my younger brother when he was about ten years of age. We had spent the day decorating his bicycle so he could be in the “Old Home Day” parade. Red, white, and blue crepe paper covered every inch of his bike. The spokes were a challenge, but the end result was beautiful. The parade judges were equally impressed, and he received a blue ribbon.

Recently, I’ve been reminded of that day, only my current situation is not making me proud. My four-legged lads are at it again. For a moment, I think that white crepe paper is decorating my house, but quickly realize there’s nothing crepe about it! As if propelled by a motor, the taller pup can make the toilet paper roll spin like a helicopter blade. Then, as if a checkered flag has signaled the start of a race, they’re off and running. Screeching around corners and winding around chair legs, no obstacle is too great. They race full speed ahead and I’m the finish line. I don’t want to be the finish line. In fact, I don’t even want to be part of the race. So proudly, they stand there, tails wagging, waiting for their prize.

Then, I receive the honor of picking it up. Now I can’t do this s-l-o-w-l-y, because Baxter, my Dachshund, loves to rip up paper and floss his teeth (so to say). And, from experience, I know he can gobble it quickly. Thus, I have to shift into overdrive, gathering the paper while simultaneously pushing him away. It’s definitely a two handed process. I think I’ve collected a bushel so far.

If you’re wondering… I can attest to the fact that Scott bathroom tissue lasts a long time, stretches, and does not break. If we were nominated for a spot on TV, I’m sure we would catch the attention of thousands of viewers. Until then, I have some major decisions to make. 1) Would it be better to keep the paper on the window sill? (Hey, a lot of people don’t refill, they just set it anywhere. You know who you are.)  2) Should I keep the bathroom door closed? (Nope, I might end up waiting in line too long for someone to come out, and by then it might be too late).  3) Should I rent speed bumps to slow them down before they reach me? (Doubtful, I’d probably trip and fall face first… as if that could happen… more than three times).

So there’s my dilema. My solution? Laptops were invented for a reason. Guess where I am right now…paws down, I win.

Congratulations

When my brother-in-law served in Vietnam, he received a Bronze Star. Sadly, it had been stolen when their home was broken into years ago. Going through many channels, my sister was able to procure another one. So, to Craig’s surprise, the Bronze Star is now in his possession once again. Thank you Craig, for serving our country so valiantly. We love you!