Primal: The quest for the lost soul of Christianity

I love reading. I love learning. I love learning by reading. I love Mark Batterson's new book titled Primal. There are few books that I remember reading that have had the power to impact me to such depths. To sit and read, but wanting to jump and do. To read a page, and realize 15 minutes later you are still on that page, because it has caused you to think and explore what those ideas look like in 3D life. This book sent me on a journey. One that I hope I stay on for the rest of my life. It helped me to explore what it means in my life, to love God truly with all my heart soul mind and strength. It renewed my passion for fighting for what is right, for getting close enought to alow my heart to break for the things that break God's heart, for loving with all that I have in me, for discovering all that there is to discover, and to give everything I have, to everything I do. Sorry, I know that is one long sentance & probably not "legal") This book has changed my mindset, and even more it has changed my heart-set. I challenge you to put this book at the top of your reading list for 2010. Read it. Do it. Go back to that Primal place. It's worth it.

As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah. Go order yours today at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/results.php

my dad....my hero

There is this unexplainable bond between a dad and his daughters....

at least there is with my dad and this particular daughter.

My dad has always been one of the strongest men I know.

He was my first knight in shining armor.

He held the hose and sprayed cold water on my foot when i dropped a brick on it. He asked me if I could wiggle my toes. I could, so he told me it's probably not broken and if I lay on the sofa a little bit, it will feel better soon.

He had the heaviest baseball bat I ever used. He used to hit balls out to my sisters in the evenings, and my goal was to one day be able to hit as far as he did. When I hit my first home run way out into center field, he was the first one I thought of.

He tried to tell me what x-rays are like the first time we thought I broke my ankle. (yes there were several times x-rays were needed.)

He grabbed me from the table and sat me in the sink of cold water, when hot gravy got spilled on me.

He took me to the ER when a dizzy spell and a conk on the head made me forget what I had done the last 2 days.

He taught me to parallel park, and apparently he taught me well. I passed my drivers test.

He went with me when I bought my car.

He has been there through sprains & strains & knee surgeries & heart issues. He taught me to explore, to figure things out, and to think for myself.

Yesterday my dad went for a stress test. They discovered that sometime in the recent past, my dad had a heart attack, and the left ventricle is only functioning at 17%.

So he is scheduled for a heart catherization, and more tests and doctor visits.

I wish I could rescue him like he has rescued me so many times.

I wish I could tell him to wiggle his toes and lie down a little and it will be OK.

But it doesn't work that way.

So, I'm putting my hero in the the capable hands of The Hero.

and it's all gonna be OK

Book Reviews

More Than a Match by Michael & Amy Smalley

The 5 keys to compatibility for life.

Although this book seems to be geared more for a single person, or couples about to embark into a marriage, it holds a lot of useful information for me as a married person as well.

Although everything changes when you get married, don’t expect your partner to be changed. Marriage doesn’t alleviate prior relationship glitches. Marriage is not a fairy tale. These are just a few things I picked up from this book.

Michael & Amy use their many years as counselors, as well as instances from their own lives to bring out key points of compatibility in relationships. They show ways to work through conflicts that arise, and keep on the path to that fantastic marriage that you have always dreamed of having. What I love the most is that they underscore that all the compatibility issues can be overcome by a strong commitment to God and to each other. And their marriage is a testament to that fact.

99 Ways To Increase Your Income by Frank Martin

They say the big things come in small packages. The same is true for this little book. Only 102 pages & 7 chapters long, but it is filled and overflowing with a wealth of ideas.

Want to make a little spending money? Maybe you would like to rake in a substantial extra income, or need a little guidance on how to make your money grow. Frank Martin gives plenty of ways for all of those options. The great thing is they are simple ideas that don’t take a genius to figure out how to follow. I’ve tried a few of them, and they work!

Take a little time to pick it up and read it, and then follow through. With the help of this little book, you can earn some extra cash, and make your money work for you!

If you would like to add these books to your library, head on over to http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/

These books were provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah

Have Your way - Britt Nicole

Feels like I’ve been here forever Why cant You just intervene Do you see the tears keep falling And I’m falling apart at the seams But You never said the road would be easy But You said that You would never leave. And You never promised that this life wasn’t hard But You said that You’d take care of me. So I’ll stop searching for the answers I’ll stop praying for an escape And I’ll trust You God, with where I am And believe that You will have Your way Just have Your way Just have Your way When my friends & my family have left me And I feel so ashamed and so cold Remind me You take broken things And turn them into beautiful So I’ll stop searching for the answers I’ll stop praying for an escape And I’ll trust You God, with where I am And believe that You will have Your way Just have Your way Just have Your way Even if my dreams have died And even if I don’t survive I’ll still worship you with all my life So I’ll stop searching for the answers I’ll stop praying for an escape And I’ll trust You God, with where I am And believe that You will have Your way Just have Your way Just have Your way I know you will I wont forget You love me Have Your way. The song has struck a chord in my heart the past couple weeks. It amazes me how song lyrics can be so powerful. But then I guess words in general can do that. They can encourage, upbuild, bring comfort, or they can cause a death blow in one fell swoop. I need to make sure I choose my words carefully every time I open my mouth.

Anniversary Trip...Pungoteague, Va

Pretty Byrd Cottage - this was our house. Cross the little bridge to our little island home.

Sunset at the bay

and again :)

The one morning I happened to wake up around sunrise. From laying in bed, you could pretty much see out ever window in the house, and when I saw the sun coming up, framed by the woodwork on the porch, I just had to drag myself out to snap a picture. Believe me, I went back to bed and slept blissfully :)

Out & about in the paddleboat the two cute chairs on the other island in our little lake

Feeding the fish some crackers

The clearest pic I managed to get of the "big fish" Out at the Harbor

Enjoying a book on the back porch Sunday afternoon

One Year

Once in a while

In the middle of an ordinary life, Love,

Gives us a Fairy Tale

Grammar Guilt

It was all started 10 years ago. I hated it. It was a little game my teacher made up, He called it Grammar Court. We all had to keep track of when classmates used grammar incorrectly, and report it in grammar court. I think pretty much everybody hated it. Maybe it was because we didn't like to be held accountable by our peers, or maybe it was the whole "I don't know if you can but you may" responses we heard oh so frequently. Regardless of the reasons, it served its purpose. While I will readily admit I am far from "Grammar Queen" It now at times will irk me when people use grammar incorrectly. (i.e. I seen him do it, or I done it yesterday) As you read my blog I'm most certain you will be able to find gramatical errors, but I'm mainly talking about the verbal gramatical errors. :) Along with grammar class, came spelling & vocab. Now as much as I hated grammar with all the rules that never change except for the 2 exceptions...I did love spelling. Perhaps because it came easy to me. It also irks me when people cant spell - especially on blogs that i read. It can at times be a deciding factor of whether I return to that blog again. Now granted I am not Miss Spelling Bee winner, but when it is common, everyday words, either learn how to spell or use the spell check button - that's what it is there for. I've said all this to say that for the last three or so days I've had a bad case of Grammar Guilt and I'm not sure how to alleviate it. It all comes from when I was texting a friend of mine, and I use don't instead of doesn't. The reason was the word was shorter. I feel as though I went over to the dark side. And don't even get me started on the text way of shortening and misspelling words... Any way you can think of to help alleviate my guilt?

The Beauty of Death

No, I'm not being morbid. Recently I've been struck so vividly by the beauty that comes from the dying process. Autumn is my favorite season. It has been, for as long as I can remember. The vibrant colors of fall, for some reason give me a boost of energy. The crunch beneath your feet, the brisk cool air, the amazing colors - it presents a smorgasbord for the senses. As the trees prepare for winter, it slowly shuts off the supply of "food" to the leaves. As the leaves try to change colors during the "dying" process, they remind me to never make excuses for not living life. The create beauty till that final breaking off point. They live - quite vibrantly, in fact - the whole time they are dying. So often I find myself holding back because it might not work out, it will take too long, or it might be too hard. Then I sit back and realize that time will pass anyway, and the "fall" might be worth the experience. I don't want to be the kind of green leaf that lets go early, because it will die eventually anyway. I don't want to be the brown leaf that that refuses to let go of my dreams, or plans just because they are mine. I want to be one of those maple leaves. preferably the orangish-yellowish ones. So beautiful and inspiring through out the dying process. That even though all odds are stacked against it, it continues to live vibrantly, affecting those around it, going full force until it's over. ________________________________ In short, I want guidance. I want to dream, and plan, and DO full-heartedly, until it is clear that God has another path for me. Then, I want to let go, give it up, and transfer my vision to the new pathway. I want to hold my dreams tight enough to give it my all, but loose enough that when God says "I have a better idea" I can let it go in eagerness of what is to come.

The Battles of War...

Iwo Jima, Japan 1945 - They fought for 36 days over an island made of 8 square miles of volcanic rock. It was a foothold, a large step in their strategy. 6800 died, over 19,000 were wounded. Their plan was to attack & win. The fought an enemy that they could not see, as the Japanese fought from trenches and underground passages. They were sitting targets, but they pressed on. Six men climbed Mt. Suribachi together, carrying a flag that weighed over 100 lbs. Their Sargent went with them. The order was to hoist the flag so every Marine on the island could see it. It was a symbol of victory for this battle, and hope for the future. New York City, 2001 - The end of the world as we knew it. Three New York City firefighters, raising a flag in the midst of desolation and despair. The colors of the flag stand brilliant against the gray backdrop of rubble. Again, it was a symbol of hope for the future of not only the city, but of the United States. It sent a message to all - We are still proud, we are not broken, we will press on, we will not give up.

These two pictures are universally known. When you see them, you know when they happened, you know the circumstances surrounding the events, but you don't always know the people in the picture. The flag raisers at Iwo Jima were Sargent Michael Strank, Harlon Block, Franklin Sousley, Ira Hayes, Rene Gagnon, & John Bradley. The firefighters at Ground Zero were George Johnson, Dan McWilliams, & Billy Eisengrein.I can tell you these names, but unless you are related to them, you most likely will not remember them.

However, there is another picture that is well known. And although it alters slightly, different angles, and different artists, it is still a symbol that has stood through much trial, as a symbol of freedom. That is a picture of Christ on the cross. My King crucified that I might live. We know His name, and He is known all over the world

At this very time, we are at war. I'm not talking about the United States anymore. I'm talking about myself, and the Christians around me. If we are not fighting the daily battles, we are losing. Japan's strategy at Iwo Jima, was to kill 10 US soldiers before being killed. Their plan was not to win, but to be a detriment to the US forces. They planned to fail. If you are not planning to win, you are planning to fail. Their is no middle ground.

The Sargent and his men carried the 100 lb flag to the top of the mountain to plant it so all could see, who's control the island was under. Christ as our Sargent is helping us climb the mountains in our lives. Am I winning the battle against self, that is hesitant to show to the world who's control my life is under? Am I willing, like the flag at ground zero, to stand out against a backdrop of sin & spiritual death & destruction? To put Christ out there, through me, that others can see the victory He is helping me to gain, and the hope He gives to others?

At Iwo Jima, those men, represented the United States, at Ground Zero, the firefighters represented our strength and resolve. As Christians, we are ambassadors (authorized messenger or representative) of Christ. Am I showing a clear picture of who Christ is?

Ephesians 6:12-20a

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador.

A house of worth

There is an abandoned old house that I have driven by pretty much every day for the last 10 months. I used to say to Curt - "lets find out who own's that house and make them an offer." It's one of those old houses with the falling down trellis, crooked window shades, overgrown bushes, ...in other words a house with lots of potential. For the past several months, the local fire departments have been using it for training. The windows have been broken out. The crooked shades, are now jagged edged from being torn. The trellis is now disconnected from from the porch roof, and hanging precariously over the driveway. As we drove by the other day, Curt said to me - "Still want to put in an offer?" I laughed and replied with an emphatic "no I think it's beyond saving". I got to thinking as we drove, how good it is that God doesn't have the same attitude as me. He still has interest in me, even if I'm not in the greatest condition. Sin works to destroy us, yet he still sees the value in us. I'm hoping the house stays for a while, it will be a good reminder as I drive by every day.

First's in Life

You know you have many first in life. Some you remember, some only others remember. Some you remember with fond memories, while others you would like to forget.

• There is your first tooth
• first steps
• first birthday
• first pet
• first job
• first vacation
• first day of school
• first car
• first surgery
• first kiss
• first child

Today I can add another first to my list. My first trip to petsmart. I believe this is a first that I will remember for pretty much the rest of my life. The first tip that this was going to be an interesting experience, was the sight of random strangers and their dogs talking to each other in the parking lot. Strangers that form a kind of bond I've only seen before once. And that was when a Duck & Ducklings chose to cross Main Street in downtown Ephrata. The second thing about Petsmart, is that you can take your pet along into the store with you. Yes, it is a store to buy things for your pet, but is your pet really going to help you pick it out? Inside the store, it was no different than outside. Aisle's were full of Dogs with their people on their leashes...wait, wrong way. Aisle's were full of People with their dogs on their leashes. Everyone exclaimed over each others dog. It was like second grade show & tell, only it was for adults. Extreme amazement at the difference in size between a Chihuahua and a Labradoodle like it was the first day that a labradoodle was bigger than a chihuahua in the history of dogs. And then came the all too answered question of the shopping trip. "So what kind of dog do you have?" After several times I was tempted to tell a half truth and tell them we have a miniature lab, but...we would politely reply in such a sweet tone, "we have a Black Lab/Jack Russel mix." Next came the all too familiar look of shock & surprise on the face of the all to friendly questioner. Followed by the familier response - "That's got to be an interesting mix", and our reply of "Actually he just looks like a miniature lab." Next in line of questioning came how old is he, how long have you had him, house dog I assume?, how is training going? and finally, the favorite part of the conversation - "Well, it was nice meeting you!" ... Oh Yes, we have officially met, I'll be sure to wave when I see you on the road. So, we made it out of petsmart without being accosted by to many friendly pet owners. While I do admit, I am beginning to like our dog to the point of loving it, it is by far not considered to be an official part of the family, and we do not consider spending $200 dollars on him at petsmart to be a necessary part of our existence. Below you can find a picture of our beloved PET "Jack"

*Note to the Reader: At the time of publishing, the writer was in a slightly sarcastic and exaggerated mood. The writer will not be held liable for any exageration of the facts in the post.

State of Mind

My mind is flying into various corners today... I think it must be trying to hide from all it knows it has to get done... We have been thoroughly enjoying our little dog. His official name has been deemed "Jack". I feel it is a very strong name, and one that has so many predecessors. Jack Black Captian Jack Sparrow Jack Ingram Jack Daniels Jack the Ripper -although he's not a killer, he does tend to terrorize my family room at times... Jack be nimble Jack be quick Jack London - on that note perhaps his name should have been "Buck" Jack Nicholson Apple Jacks Cracker Jacks ..... but i like to call him "Sir Jackson Jimmy Jabbers". When I do call him that he normally just sits and looks at me with that cute little head tilt thing that dogs do. He's getting pretty good about going into his pen at night and being silent. But he still hasnt grasped the concept of doing his business outsided. It's more like go outside, run, romp, play, bark at stones for 20 minutes then go inside and promptly go to the bathroom. Oh well, this too shall pass. If not, I'd like to introduce you to "Jack the no longer house dog".

He really is adorable...

soft black hair with white on his toes and chest

cute little voice (although we haven't heard too much yet)

playful & cuddly

adorable floppy ears

he likes to take naps next to my creative memories box

and he has this annoying penchant for early mornings.

he loves kisses - much to my dismay

7 1/2 weeks old & he's feeling a little lonely

1/2 black lab, 1/2 jack russel - he looks like a miniature lab

he likes to see himself in the mirror & pee on my kitchen floor

and he has no name yet

we could use some help in that department

we are kinda thinking of naming him "Jack"

but we are open to other possibilities

if you want to help us out, just leave a comment!

God cried today..

at least thats what I think. This evening about 15 minutes from where I am, there is a family whose world has been torn apart. Earlier this week, a man from our church was killed in a tree cutting accident. He left behind his wife, and 5 adopted children. The veiwing is tonight, the funeral is tomorrow morning. When I woke up this morning, the rain was pounding against the window and making trails down the glass. The image I got was one of God crying. Crying for the children who dont understand why daddy never came home from work. Crying for his wife who tries to grasp it all, and hold tight to her children. Crying, because His children are crying. Crying because His children's hearts are breaking. As I watched in awe at God's tears running down my bedroom window, I cried too. For my sister in Christ, who is expiriencing pain in the loss of her husband, and for her children, who at one point in their lives lost a father, and are now losing another - one who loved them so much. God cried today...I'm pretty sure of that.

oh the joys...

the joys of being a housekeeper that is. Well, housekeeper, homemaker, keeper at home - to me they pretty much mean keeping a house looking like a home instead of a war zone. Right now, as I sit on my sofa in front of my AC, my house looks a bit like a war zone, or a disaster area, or if you are an avid "zits" fan, Jeremy's bedroom. As I look around, I see two laundry loads of wash on the floor waiting to be folded. Why, you ask is it on the floor? Well, that is the easiest place to fold it, as my kitchen table quadruples as a table, a sewing space, a mini greenhouse ( it hold my few houseplants) and a desk. The sewing space holds obviously the sewing machine, a 1/2 sewn dress, and various "needing repair" items. The green house part holds 3 houseplants that I have managed to keep alive ever since I got married nearly 9 months ago. The desk part, holds bills that I need to sit down & pay tonight, and the kitchen table part - well, it's actually cleaned off - at the moment. So, there are two loads of wash on the floor, Creative Memories table is in much need of attention, several pairs of shoes that have accumulated at the bottom of the stairs, a beach chair and umbrella that are waiting for my car to get out of the shop, a cookbook left discarded on the sofa for a later "look see", and all surfaces are in much need of dusting. I hearken back to the days when my mom used to tell me I'd make my life much easier if I would just put things away when I'm done with them - Mom, I now agree wholeheartedly! But, the real reason I am sitting in front of my AC is because I went outside to watter the plants in my porch flower pots (those flowers have been sitting on death row for the last several weeks, and I feel deep with in there is no more hope for a stay of execution) As I was watering them, I was observing the flowerbed that God waters for me. I noticed the weeds were getting quite greedy and only allowing the flowers mere peeking room, so I took action. When I was younger, I'm not sure how young, I made a pact with myself - never to become one of those women who (has a flowerbed or garden in the front yard) finds it practical to hike her posterior portion towards heaven. Imagine my predicament. It just rained today, hard. I have a bum knee, which puts squatting out of the picture. Not about to get myself all wet by kneeling, I did the unthinkable. I bent over, and wondered as the cars whizzed by, how many young impressionable girls vowed to never become me. So, the point of this story is, that I became quite hot, and quite lightheaded as i up and downed out there, that I now find it necessary to drink a glass of cold water, and inform the world that I have allot of work to do tonight, and I should start the disaster relief right about ....now.

This thing they call marriage

Funny how something can change you so quickly. I haven't even been married a year, and i'm changing into one of those people. You know the kind of people that they always say your gonna turn into. Oh yes, those things called adults. More specifically those things called sensible adults. Like my mom. The kind of people who tell you to eat breakfast - even more a healthy breakfast The kind of people who tell you not to eat raw cookie dough The kind of people that tell you to make sure you drink enough water & get enough sleep. It's kinda scary! I used to never eat breakfast- especially eggs. They caused my stomache to flip flop if I ate them in the morning. This morning, I ate and egg burrito, just a matter of minutes after I crawled out of bed. And it was oh so good! I've been married almost 9 months, and already I find myself steering away from the oh so sugar laden cereals for more healthy alternatives like plain cheerios, and quaker oat squares. I make cookies & warn my husband not to eat the cookie dough cause there is uncooked eggs in it. It has become habit for me to drink a glass of water when I get up in the morning, and a glass of water before bed (plus the constant water bottle on my desk at work) Come 10pm I'm normally about ready to crash...2am bedtimes are a thing of the past. I just ate a waffle - my mom used to put the 10x sugar on for us so we couldn't overdo it. I put some on, and thought it looked like too much so I shook a bit off... I think I'm turning into one of those things...those Adult people

steamrolled

Life is so interesting... take the word steam rolled when you steam iron something, you steam out all the wrinkles, but when someone says they feel like they got steamrolled, it has nothing to do with the wrinkles of life being smoothed out. so tell me, what is the solution to a person picking themselves up after being steamrolled? i'm up for suggestions.

A little too much...

A little too much, Today was a little to much for me A few falls too many and one win too few A little to long today was a little too long for me but someone is calling - calling my name calling come, come, come and rest all who are weary come come come and rest all who are heavy rest rest rest sometimes i try sometimes i try just a little to hard fighting the current and loosing the fight and sometimes i feel sometimest i feel like i'm swimming alone But someone is holding, holding me up - calling come, come & rest all who are weary rest come, come & rest all who are heavy rest calling me softly and sweetly calling me like im a child calling tho i'm not worthy calling me even now come come and rest all who are weary rest come come & rest all who are heavy rest - rest ___________________________________ I happen to intensly love this song. It is the most played song in my iTunes - separated from the 2nd played by over 100 times. It has such feeling & emotion all through it - kinda how those days are. But, it is awesome to know that we are never alone. God is never going to leave us - even when we feel alone, when we feel we are drowning in it all God is there, holding us up, helping us keep on. I really do serve an amazing God.

One Hand

A flash of lightening, a clap of thunder, hands scraped raw from scratching an unforgiving rock wall. Trying to catch the smallest crevice that will supply her with new hope. Hearing someone calling from above, she looks up. A hand is reaching down to her, offering help. The hand makes motions of urgent insistence as she listens to the faceless voice telling her to take hold. warily she pushes herself against the rock wall she has been fighting against. Only be letting go can she reach for the proffered hand. She eyes the unknown hand, unsure of whether it is worth the risk. The rain pouring from the sky has made each movement treacherous. Bracing herself, she removes one hand from the crevice it so desperately sought just moments before, and grabs a hold of the hand. The wind howls like an angry wildcat. She feels her feet loosing their footing. In an act of desperation, she pulls her other hand from its crevice and grabs the wrist belonging to the hand. She holds on to the single arm as her feet lose their place. Suspended over the dark abyss, she's at the mercy of the hand. Time suspends, the wind howls, the rain pours, the lightening flashes, and the thunder claps as she clings to that solitary hand. Caught in all of despair, she wills her lifeline to not let go. Why do people find it so hard to offer both hands? Is there someone who needs you to offer a little more? Are they clinging to the hope that you have shared with them, just wishing you would offer them just a bit more to help them up over the rim of the abyss they are falling into.

Memorial Day Weekend

tents....creek....toads.....fishing.....food over campfires......family......guitar music We left thursday morning around 9:30. drove the 4 hours to petticote junction. set up our tent, and had a great weekend. end or story- with alot in between. I remember thinking thursday evening as i lay on our double high airmattress under a fuzzy blanket & a sleeping bag how "welcoming" it sounded. bullfrogs croaking, the water in the creek (more like a river) that ran by our campsite, the distant sound of cars driving on the road across the creek. it sounded peaceful, comforting. about 4 hours later, i awoke. gone was the welcoming sounds, the peaceful comforted feelings were replaced with damp coldness, and the growing need to make use of the facilities....which were all the way accross campground. Instead, I rolled over soaking up as much body heat from Curt as i could, and burrowing deeper in the covers. lets just say it took a long time for morning to arrive, and i was honestly never more grateful to see the sun filtering through my tent.

Friends

It's been a long week, but it went by fast.... I know, it doesn't really make all that much sense, but I know what I mean. Its been pretty busy, which means we've packed that much in, that it seems a long way since last weekend, but I have so much to do, that I haven't gotten done this week, therefore it feels like it flew by. Last night was lovely. I didnt get out from work as early as I was hoping, but I managed to get home, before Curt, and tidy up the house a little bit, (You know how much tidying up just a little after a hurricane would do? Well thats pretty much all it did. My house is a wreck right now...so please no surprise visits!) before heading to Ephrata to meet Galen & Janessa at Applebees. It was super awesome. The food, -yummy smothered chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli- and definately the company all contributed to a wonderful evening. Then there was that pretty sunset. Did you notice it? So beautiful after all the rain this week :) So, tonight, I'm gonna get alot done. The wash, the cleaning, pricing yardsale stuff & packing it up to go tomorrow bright (or dark) and early. Untill next time. m

The Other Michelle

We met four years ago in New Creations Chorus

we had the connection of a shared name,

four years later, we share much more than that.

The wedding of one of my best friends

Michelle Mummau

&

Glendon Strite

The lovely bride, & her bridesmaids

hiding out in the nursery before

the ceremony.

Lynnae Lisa Michelle & Jen

Brotherly Love :)

Justin, Michelle & Jeremy

The Groomsmen

Jusin, Dallas, Glendon & Jeremy

Ron & Bev Mummau Family

Lisa

Michelle

Jen

Lynnae

Gabriella

Jeremy's liking Lynnae's bouquet

The Whole Bridal Party

To Glendon & Michelle - Congratulations! Wish you guys the best!

We're Related - Barack Obama said so...

I just got done chewing my Dad out. Ancestry has always facinated me. I've wished so often as I read through great great (however many it is) grandparents diary's that I could have just an hour to sit down with them and drink in all I can about what their lives were like. And now I just found out I could have. I received an email from Barack Obama on facebook through the "We're Related" application. Apparently we are fourth cousins once removed... And apparently, I could have had one of those sit down chats with my great grandmother. She apparently died when I was thirteen. Her married name was Pearl Marie Smith. It makes we want to delve into research about her life. Was she in the witness protection program? Is that why her last name was smith? Because none of my grandparents grew up as smith's. And how lucky am I? Everyone I know has 4 great grandparents, mine are: Jake & Esther Newswanger, Aaron & Mary Weaver, David & Elizabeth Weaver, Christian & Rebecca Sauder - now I also have Charles & Pearl Smith! - Cant wait to learn about them! & meet all my 4.5 cousins in person, maybe have slumber parties with my 5th cousins at the White House! __________ In other news, since April 1rst came around, so far I've talked to only a handful of people who actually failed to mention April Fools, or tell me a joke. I can only pray that none of my kids have to share a birthday with me! It can be a real pain! __________ Things I love about today: ~ It's not snowing - a majority of my birthdays include snow ~Early this morning my husband was talking in his semi-conscious state, till I absolutely laughed him wide awake at 2am ~It looks like it could rain - I love rain (except for what it does to my arthritis) ~No matter how old I get, I still love birthdays - I just try to ignore that fact that the age I am makes me sound old, & simply enjoy the day ~ My husband is taking me out for supper tonight ~I keep getting birthday texts, emails & comments - which means I have friends who love me, or love the fact that I am getting older ~I have yummy leftovers in my lunch ~I awoke in a relatively healthy state this morning ~The work week is halfway over

It’s Friday night, the night my husband runs ambulance from 6 to 11. The night that I do things with girlfriends, catch up on house work, or have have me nights. When plans with one of my girlfriends fell thru, I started a list of things I wanted to do tonight.

• Work on a dress I’m sewing for my sister
• Clean the house top to bottom
• Catch up on all the laundry
• Do baking
• Clean the kitchen spic and span
• Organizing paperwork/bills/receipts
• Catch up with some work on our budget

But none of that happened…. Instead, this list is more like it.

• Get a call from my husband at 5:10. he says he’s gonna run a brush fire call, and I might have to bring his uniform up to the ambulance station, cause it will be cutting it close for him to be on at 6
• Hear on the scanner that it is no longer a brush fire, but a building (shed)
• Hear ambulance on location ask for the second ambulance to respond class three for an injured firefighter
• get a certain feeling, that the injured firefighter is my husband. Two seconds later, hear my phone ring, its my husband, he confirms he is that firefighter
• stop all cooking/ supper prep, get ready to head to the ER with my in-laws
• get to the ER, find my husband, who is in significant right knee pain
• sit and wait for them to do xrays
• hear the news that nothing is broken, but possibly torn or badly sprained
• we go to the doctor Monday for further instructions
• get dropped off at the the hall, help my husband in the passenger seat, and I drive us home in HIS truck (it’s a big scary truck)
• try to situate my uncomfortable immobilized husband on the sofa

Basically the story as best I can tell, the shed is burning as are some pine trees next to it. He looks up, and the electrical wires running above his head are also burning. He twists to turn and get out from under them, his knee goes out, and he goes down. Next thing he knows, a cop and three firefighters are hauling him away from the fire, to the ambulance, where they convince him to go in and get it checked out.
now he’s sleeping here beside me, and I’m grateful for all the bad things that didn’t happen at that scene, that could have me sitting next to him in the hospital instead.