tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80288233787694298572024-03-13T14:00:06.272-04:00Stained GlassA sharing of pieces of my life... Experiences, adventures, and things God has taught me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880043598369296336noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-18797389270992885082012-07-22T09:03:00.001-04:002012-07-22T09:05:32.214-04:00Back to ThanksSo when I started looking for things to be thankful for a couple of months ago I figured it would help me focus on the good things in life and that finding them would not be that difficult. However, as time progressed I found myself just pulling random things out of my day and not thinking about it as much, then as life has brought some frustrating circumstances surrounding some decisions I needed to make I found it hard to look for the good things. I found my focus going to the difficult thing and let it color everything else.<br /><br />Then God reminded me "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18" I found it interesting that is follows the verse: "Pray without ceasing", in a way I feel like I am being reminded that I am to give thanks even when I can't see God working. <br /><br />Thankfulness isn't about just the things I want, it is about acknowledging gratefulness to God. Sometimes I have to take it on faith that God is working, other times I need to remember that He works ALL things together for good: the frustrating things, the happy things, the good, and the bad. Most of all I need to remember that He is Good and that He is God and I am not.<br /><br />So I am working on getting back to giving thanks, I am thankful: <br />God is working in my life<br />He loves me<br />God is patient with me<br />Even when I don't understand I can trust Him<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880043598369296336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-87520286037803624802012-06-29T10:54:00.003-04:002012-06-29T10:55:40.843-04:00Every Branch that Beareth Fruit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Sunday the scripture reading at church was from John 15, one of my favorite passages. I've read it many times but I especially liked the point that was made: The good branches still get pruned.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>that it may bring forth more fruit.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even in purging His desire is that we may bring forth more fruit. It was good to be reminded that God is at work in my life and that His grace extends to me everyday and to remember that His purpose is good. </span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-52220798625310341192012-05-12T00:59:00.003-04:002012-05-12T00:59:55.965-04:00Thankful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am so thankful for all of the rich blessings I have found over the past while as I have been looking for the joys in the everyday. I have found that even on the toughest days there is always something to smile about. To add to my post from last time:<div>
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Sitting in the sun just enjoying the scenery, I have enjoyed watching as little faith looks at all the pretty flowers and as she zigzags around the yard watching the bees and butterflies as they flit from one bud to the next. She is so wrapped up in the simple beauty she doesn't notice she is being watched.</div>
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Spending time doing things with friends. It is amazing how many things become much more fun when you are doing them with friends.</div>
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Baking - I love baking and have had lots of opportunity to fill that in the last two weeks... I think I am good for a while. </div>
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Cooking - Basically ditto to what I said about baking and friends, cooking is awesome especially when you do it with friends. </div>
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I have also been super blessed to be reminded of how happy it is to be able to talk to God everyday and know that I am not alone in the 'little' and 'big' things of life.</div>
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The unexpected - I don't always like being unsure, but I am enjoying learning new things as I continue to discover more of who God is in the moments I am unsure of what I should do next. </div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-53894357860531490832012-04-25T09:45:00.001-04:002012-05-01T22:15:17.337-04:00Joy - Happiness Independent of Life's Circumstances<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A friend challenged me to look for small things through out the day that made me smile as a combatant for the days when no matter how good life is overall I allow a few negative things to be my focus. So I decided to share those with you. Over the next several weeks/months I will be adding to this post until I reach the designated number and have hopefully grinned my way through the summer :D<br />
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Happy Guitar Music ~ Picnics in the back yard ~ Text ~ Waking up to Sunshine</div>
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Vanilla Carmel Tea ~ Reading a good Book ~ Coffee ~ A Quick Run<br />
Laying in the grass ~ Reading in the sunshine ~ Friendship ~ Bubbles ~Balloons<br />
Paper crafts ~ Spring cleaning, yes I said cleaning ;)</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-39670381385915432812012-04-23T23:51:00.002-04:002012-04-23T23:51:41.065-04:0021 Years Ago<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Twenty-one years ago this month, my last name changed when I was adopted into the Sanborn family. Adoption has meant many things to me but mostly it means I belong.<br />
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Adoption is a beautiful picture of what God has done for each of us. He takes those who don't belong, both the ones who think they are ok and the ones that feel lost and alone, and makes them His own. He gives us all the privileges and rights of a natural child, they are ours whether we use them or not. He is patient as we accept this new position and learn all that it means: we are His and we belong.<br />
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I can with confidence say: I'm a Sanborn...</div>
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I can with confidence say: I'm God's child...</div>
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I am loved and accepted</div>
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Given grace when I make mistakes</div>
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Taught how to take steps and walk</div>
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I can laugh because regardless of what tomorrow holds I am loved</div>
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I can face the world with confidence because I have a strong foundation</div>
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Being Christian encompasses a lot of things, the part I treasure most is: I have a family that knows no bounds and can be found everywhere. Being adopted means many things, for me it means I belong and I am loved. </div>
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My parents have given me many things: Love, food, clothing, an education, a home, a family, but most importantly they have introduced me to my Savior and helped bring me into an even bigger family, God's family. My Dad may not always be there to hold me when I cry or to help rescue me if the car breaks down; Mom may not be able to make my favorite food to cheer me up after a hard day or sit and listen while I muddle through a problem, but I know that no matter how far away I am they are talking to my heavenly father about me and are entrusting me to His care. I am so glad I'm a Sanborn and I am so glad I'm a Christian.</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-84970035313454195232012-03-14T10:48:00.000-04:002012-03-14T10:49:08.477-04:001 Cor. 13:4-7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In Sunday School we were challenged to replace the word Love with our own names as we read 1Cor. 13:4-7</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-ESV-28653"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>I am</em></strong> patient and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28653F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> kind; </span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-4"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>I</em></strong> do not envy or boast; </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-4"><strong><em>am</em></strong> not arrogant</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-ESV-28654"><span style="font-size: small;"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>or rude. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-5"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>I</em></strong> do not insist on <strong><em>my</em></strong> own way;</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-5" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <strong><em>am</em></strong> not irritable or resentful;</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-ESV-28655"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>I do</em></strong> not rejoice at wrongdoing, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-6">but <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28655L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> rejoice with the truth.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656"><strong><em>I</em></strong> bear all things, </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7">believe all things, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-7">hope all things, </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7">endure all things.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-7"><span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-ESV-28662" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.</span></span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-5787529232100370582012-01-17T23:09:00.000-05:002012-01-17T23:59:19.157-05:00Week One - Snapshots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So my first week back here in CO has officially been fantastic! Here are a few 'snap-shots' - Moments I didn't get a picture of, but are priceless nonetheless.<br />
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"<b><i>Remember whose you are</i></b>" - If I had a picture of this it would be of my dad giving me a big hug after a final prayer for safety and blessing. Cause at the end of that hug he always says the same thing: "remember whose you are"... His and God's. No matter where I go God goes with me and Dad is only a phone call away. It is also great incentive to be the best I can be, because I want to make them proud of me.<br />
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"<b><i>The Wave</i></b>" - Every family has quirky things that they do, that others watching might not get but means a whole-ton-of-a-lot (as a friend of mine would say) to those who understand. In my family one of those things is 'the wave'. At the last moment before you enter the shuttle to your gate, the official beginning of your adventure, you are supposed to turn and wave to the family waiting for that last see-you-later. So of course this time was no different, especially since my-Sarah had given me strict instructions not to forget.<br />
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"<b>Arrival</b>" - After a long trip nothing is happier than being greeted by people happy to see you :) Especially if there are kiddos in that group; which there were.<br />
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"<b style="font-style: italic;">Papa Murphy's Pizza</b>" - Well, it's fantastic pizza!<br />
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"<i style="font-weight: bold;">Puzzle time</i>" - Hanging out with some friends, just enjoying the evening as we worked on a puzzle. I love it when you don't have to keep a conversation going, or accomplishing something to enjoy yourself with people. Some of the best friends are the ones that just being with them equals a good time.<br />
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"<i style="font-weight: bold;">Hockey goal!</i>" - I love playing street hockey! It's a great way to get rid of extra energy from the week as well as a lot of fun. I usually play defense, but I ran up for offense during one of the plays and made a goal, yes I am proud of that! :)<br />
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"<i style="font-weight: bold;">Surprise visit</i>" - One of my friends from VA happened to be driving through and was staying with another friend in the area so I got to see both of them and hang out for a few hours.<br />
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There are lots of other great times, but those are a few of my favorites. God has blessed and life is good.<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-19613055661920172342012-01-06T10:20:00.001-05:002012-01-07T23:14:22.481-05:00Final Goodbyes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's funny how many thoughts and ideas run through one's mind on the verge of leaving home for the 'last time'.<br />
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It isn't as if I have never left before, or been gone for extended periods of time, because I have. But this time saying goodbye seems so final; there is just something about knowing that whenever I come back I will be visiting, there will be no 'my room' to come to and 'my house' will now mean somewhere else.<br />
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I have experienced many adventures so far and been some wonderful places but at then end of each adventure no matter how long or how far it has taken me, I always love to come home. Thankfully <b><i>home</i></b> isn't just a place or a room, it's family... and family is the one 'place I belong' that can stretch for miles to reach wherever I am.<br />
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I have mixed emotions about closing a chapter in my life, but I am excited about beginning another. I know God is going to do many things during this next journey and I am ready to start!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-84194206512497363472012-01-01T13:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T01:51:48.653-05:00Reflections and Resolutions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This time last year... This year I am going to... Every year around this time people are talking about new year resolutions and thinking over last year's resolutions (or trying not to remember that they never did them).<br />
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Well, I have joined the crowds! As I look back I grin at the mental check list of things I finished and goals I met, and I frown at the ones I didn't finish as I try to think of great reasons (not excuses) why I didn't get to them... <br />
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Generally I don't make resolutions because my enthusiasm for them tends to die after about 2 weeks, but I decided to give it a try last year and I am glad I did. Although I didn't do anything 'monumental' the goals I made did help keep me a little focused and reminded me to keep going on some projects I probably would have happily forgotten about.<br />
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So due to my past success... I decided to try out a couple of new goals this year. I have been trying to decide what they will be... because I hate failing I want them to not be too hard but because I love a challenge I don't want them to be things I would just do every day. (If you have made resolutions or goals I am sure you have faced a similar difficulty so I shall leave explaining my process there) I finally came up with a few things I would like to accomplish and have dutifully written them down where I can see them frequently and hopefully will do even better this year.<br />
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I would like to share one that is an 'intangible' with you, but first wanted to explain that it is linked to a lesson God has been teaching me this year which I also wanted to share. So if it seems a little muddled I apologize in advance.<br />
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To be honest, this last year has had several rather stressful times for me. It has had some major decisions that were difficult to make because they would effect my future and the circumstances around them were mostly out of my control. I allowed this to be my focus and life became overwhelming at times and this effected my ability to focus on those around me. <br />
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This year has also held some incredible adventures and lots of happy times. I was able to spend some time traveling and seeing friends and some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Some of my favorites were Pike's Peak, touring DC and visiting one of my best friends, getting to help with a friend's wedding in Texas, and making many new friends during several months in Colorado. <br />
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However, as I talked to God about this past year I noticed that while I had both ups and downs I was letting the downs shadow the good times. In further talking to God and some due to conversations I had with a friend I began to realize how often I focus on the struggles and how much I allow past circumstances to keep me from being as free as I might to enjoy life.<br />
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Each event wether good or bad is shaping who I will be tomorrow and how I will respond to future circumstances. More importantly, what I choose to do in response to these events will either improve my character or weaken it.<br />
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Bad moments and struggles are ok to have, they are part of life, but dwelling on them can sometimes cause more damage than the original event. I have been challenged to not only come honestly to God with the hard times but to come more frequently to Him in the good times; to share the joys of life with Him and others so I can more deeply appreciate and savor them.<br />
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So, what I really want to 'resolve to do' this next year is not tangible, but rather a refocusing of my mind and heart.<br />
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I desire to focus on the good, choosing to look at the lessons learned from the hard times and on who God revealed himself to be during them rather than focusing on the disappointment or pain. I want to be able to be honest about difficult times or frustrations experienced without allowing self pity to invade my heart; to spend more time savoring the joy of friendship and laughter shared as the days go by and learn to trust that God is working through everything so I can savor the 'smiles' I get from Him every day.<br />
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I can look back, and say it has been a good year! ...Because it was :)<br />
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<b><i>Oh give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! -Ps. 107:1</i></b><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-79222147202422269512011-12-16T00:31:00.000-05:002011-12-16T00:31:58.313-05:00Veterans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Back in November I was in a D.C. airport waiting for my flight back to CO when an announcement was made that a group of WWII veterans would be landing shortly and would we please help welcome them. It was an awesome opportunity and I am so glad I was able to be there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pyCgFw1p0-KxyLoIFmGd-C_90O2oIzl9VuVYwYQnOIINSa-TyMm0PYBGTIEOicEBx7oe01NHrRPrlWQUgthfIsLageTu0C0xj0AwY-hG4md8H0hqKkZ-m-3RFZ1VeAycPdTXjUKaczTa/s1600/Photo10180932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pyCgFw1p0-KxyLoIFmGd-C_90O2oIzl9VuVYwYQnOIINSa-TyMm0PYBGTIEOicEBx7oe01NHrRPrlWQUgthfIsLageTu0C0xj0AwY-hG4md8H0hqKkZ-m-3RFZ1VeAycPdTXjUKaczTa/s320/Photo10180932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_UHUBxJqgqDjkuWWRMPXMqUqgsUsAr4-ZI1JTEL1x42zt_mhvkebAHcV13ph2JwmWOh3MNk8OJYoPVvL3g3EgkAmFGiwEb4ZtElfUG1fdwakv6jtpgwHrua6aPbec0W9SamJ0T4nYobB/s1600/Photo10180928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_UHUBxJqgqDjkuWWRMPXMqUqgsUsAr4-ZI1JTEL1x42zt_mhvkebAHcV13ph2JwmWOh3MNk8OJYoPVvL3g3EgkAmFGiwEb4ZtElfUG1fdwakv6jtpgwHrua6aPbec0W9SamJ0T4nYobB/s320/Photo10180928.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcLbScCzoDLK3C1Nvua0Zlz0fBJXOiFFsum9htxcdgTao117OargSVSwJp_etMtxPmRa1XhjVtmWQXkbgvwK9kRV-lZ03Bzpd5oNZvdCVc1hSKfUoOmLOkvUfoBgAlrR882ONH8teo-YS/s1600/Photo10180934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcLbScCzoDLK3C1Nvua0Zlz0fBJXOiFFsum9htxcdgTao117OargSVSwJp_etMtxPmRa1XhjVtmWQXkbgvwK9kRV-lZ03Bzpd5oNZvdCVc1hSKfUoOmLOkvUfoBgAlrR882ONH8teo-YS/s320/Photo10180934.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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In researching the reason for them being there I discovered "Honor Flights". Basically it is an organization trying to bring WWII veterans to D.C. to see their memorial free of charge. </div>
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To read more about why they were there go to: <a href="http://www.honorflight.org/">http://www.honorflight.org/</a></div>
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Here is a link to an article on the Honor flight I got to 'see' go to : <a href="http://www.nationalmall.org/news/group-world-war-ii-veterans-take-honor-flight-milwaukee-dc">http://www.nationalmall.org/news/group-world-war-ii-veterans-take-honor-flight-milwaukee-dc</a></div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-73367907521090956872011-11-17T00:22:00.000-05:002012-02-05T23:11:24.957-05:00Jefferson Memorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6JcXigHzGuLYe-p-3OjDrxkLwy0WGxuLcFCt3dXLGszRaVqAqHEXf6N1v6HaXbw1M4CnGYFtbtdN9LJtcX7iwRKeMXgpQw2bEZH8FifbmOgt1pkj6y_aVl-NU5aE6YslVnpjWqy6_e1l/s1600/IMG_7281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6JcXigHzGuLYe-p-3OjDrxkLwy0WGxuLcFCt3dXLGszRaVqAqHEXf6N1v6HaXbw1M4CnGYFtbtdN9LJtcX7iwRKeMXgpQw2bEZH8FifbmOgt1pkj6y_aVl-NU5aE6YslVnpjWqy6_e1l/s320/IMG_7281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaF6P2V5bb-CvQdQOKh7zyaX4UmAIwUuQX07-bqgwlS6ZHr9owfG-1J3YZSRhrmltkmSsof99KfNjur99_xQ0y56mCsuVzXegRpI5DZoFfEtJC9D7mfWYzsiLqCaDdP8-7BCXUIXIeXhi-/s1600/IMG_7287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaF6P2V5bb-CvQdQOKh7zyaX4UmAIwUuQX07-bqgwlS6ZHr9owfG-1J3YZSRhrmltkmSsof99KfNjur99_xQ0y56mCsuVzXegRpI5DZoFfEtJC9D7mfWYzsiLqCaDdP8-7BCXUIXIeXhi-/s320/IMG_7287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowim7gxkoxCUsw4ZaF_hiaChei3hpn1REbASJTJq0ON-iElFddt3eL03zSBKftB_XdKYGbEdhkyNZs9qh3tLBlv_5PWTNX9RfOouyHBlbqXMHEccD3MKXyvd_URygwm5T4NSDpkkeY5Qy/s1600/IMG_7283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowim7gxkoxCUsw4ZaF_hiaChei3hpn1REbASJTJq0ON-iElFddt3eL03zSBKftB_XdKYGbEdhkyNZs9qh3tLBlv_5PWTNX9RfOouyHBlbqXMHEccD3MKXyvd_URygwm5T4NSDpkkeY5Qy/s320/IMG_7283.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-37636008025795512542011-11-02T00:13:00.000-04:002011-11-02T00:15:06.965-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love November! The fall weather, smells of the holidays coming, family and friends; and this year, since I am in Colorado, I even got to enjoy the changing colors of the trees. I say "got to" because now it is snowing, and this Florida girl is super excited about that!
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<br />
It also snowed last week, and I got to:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x1rDOKObYRg2cy-0IA1M8uGf6ujFXPrL83tQQm7pYfqa6KfY0QByPVHtSZmPsBXnwVIppBt7Zi9U485rtbilywd8hwK1Th6rkHnXhx3ZHoGeUDS2EdFMSwtpwVaPdGiXK1QwOp6SMIMS/s1600/100_3879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x1rDOKObYRg2cy-0IA1M8uGf6ujFXPrL83tQQm7pYfqa6KfY0QByPVHtSZmPsBXnwVIppBt7Zi9U485rtbilywd8hwK1Th6rkHnXhx3ZHoGeUDS2EdFMSwtpwVaPdGiXK1QwOp6SMIMS/s400/100_3879.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Build a super cool Snow-fort</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRyuluRnFtcKt9gQfGRlyUS4wkgCqjtRWerRu1h0AWjyuySAe5m0SJUdi_LtiBsuhr-A4HmKIam0lwnHCefc5tecp0TTiJjSlXBBiP2N8RxYV-9xLO2zxEOCIubU6M5D2dvpD8EX6jmst/s1600/100_3882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRyuluRnFtcKt9gQfGRlyUS4wkgCqjtRWerRu1h0AWjyuySAe5m0SJUdi_LtiBsuhr-A4HmKIam0lwnHCefc5tecp0TTiJjSlXBBiP2N8RxYV-9xLO2zxEOCIubU6M5D2dvpD8EX6jmst/s400/100_3882.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a snowman with MaryBeth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyU5xqXNttkChkF-zERT5BXQm7HRRvWkUGa4vK2Yt3PIOUafchFlFdZnYdKklVYQiDvlMd8BlmUW8IQQxB7iP10usFKXP1Azfs7gGUgPlTiOqe0WIKa_4Gu_pPOfiz7JOg6WoSoU1OBQQg/s1600/100_3884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyU5xqXNttkChkF-zERT5BXQm7HRRvWkUGa4vK2Yt3PIOUafchFlFdZnYdKklVYQiDvlMd8BlmUW8IQQxB7iP10usFKXP1Azfs7gGUgPlTiOqe0WIKa_4Gu_pPOfiz7JOg6WoSoU1OBQQg/s320/100_3884.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q4Pm0_cv4tcVuXunqXZZPLB8B0RV2of8JyGxMXBIOHT22G3yKL6y6qUn4dLsHOG7p5slMx78-wPs-A3tbqJspGmusbQI3ym3Td7HUlwjcGzMV0xEGpqOD9xpJr85Uyifea5krFSyovQr/s1600/100_3893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q4Pm0_cv4tcVuXunqXZZPLB8B0RV2of8JyGxMXBIOHT22G3yKL6y6qUn4dLsHOG7p5slMx78-wPs-A3tbqJspGmusbQI3ym3Td7HUlwjcGzMV0xEGpqOD9xpJr85Uyifea5krFSyovQr/s320/100_3893.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and went sledding with the kiddos...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutc7JDl42UEt5d0WY20Z7afskasBnyOR5mO9Ed9KmCdqu3Zd0aqOXbAI32UKUyKAJRrx0ZOa1YIf1ImHlW455Y0UL89PDs4FYSMs0h599egy1axnNwUlfpEXJiWc2nhEM0tImIGT7HXk8/s1600/100_3895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutc7JDl42UEt5d0WY20Z7afskasBnyOR5mO9Ed9KmCdqu3Zd0aqOXbAI32UKUyKAJRrx0ZOa1YIf1ImHlW455Y0UL89PDs4FYSMs0h599egy1axnNwUlfpEXJiWc2nhEM0tImIGT7HXk8/s320/100_3895.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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I also managed to actually hit someone with a snowball, but I didn't get a picture of that... Yes, this has been a fantastic week! Aaaaaand it is snowing again, and the ground is all covered! Happiness!<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-69619820519014569932011-10-24T00:04:00.002-04:002011-10-24T00:08:37.731-04:00Washington D.C.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xQJ-xEpSNs/Tps7O1-wCJI/AAAAAAAAF4A/fw2OlG8eQl0/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xQJ-xEpSNs/Tps7O1-wCJI/AAAAAAAAF4A/fw2OlG8eQl0/s320/IMG_7320.JPG" width="320" /></a>This last week I had the awesome privilege of visiting some great friends and seeing Washington D.C. the weather was beautiful, and the city stunning! </div>
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As we walked around I was amazed at the detail in each monument and how much symbolism and thought went into every thing. More to come on all of that later, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite shots/places. </div>
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This is the WWII memorial, with the Washington monument in the back ground. Have I mentioned that D.C. is stunning? <br />
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<br />
The <i>tomb of the unknown soldier. </i>The whole visit to Arlington was sobering, it gave me a small picture of just how many people I have to thank for the life I live. Even though I don't know their name and they would never know mine, I could stand there and look at their tombstones because they had lived. All to often we take for granted the people we pass on the street, as I stood there I began to wonder how many of those people actually changed our lives, people I would never know by name.<br />
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<br />
The Library of Congress was probably my favorite place. It is stunning from floor to ceiling. I could have spent the entire day here, but there was to much to pack in. I did however get a library card, and got to see Jefferson's original contributions. Definitely an experience I hope to repeat someday. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-42228175815732109192011-09-17T18:28:00.000-04:002011-10-24T00:13:30.316-04:00Saturdays...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm trying out several types of writing for a class I am taking... so I decided to use a few here. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This morning I woke up
to giggles and loud whispers: "shhh!", "Moooommm I
can't find my shirt." I am staying with some friends and they have
three kiddos. The youngest can't quite talk yet and her cheerful, "dah dah
dat" joined in the happy murmurs of a great Saturday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After stretching I
grabbed some clothes and headed toward the bathroom, only to be stopped in the
doorway of my room by little Faith, the 1yr old. She had a book in her hand and
a smile on her face, how could I resist? So I sat on the floor and she promptly
plopped into my lap. "Dat! heh, dah, ahh" She said, along with
other gibberish, that had I been able to interpret would have probably told me
a wonderful story. After about four pages she toddled off to find another
adventure and I quickly go ready for the day, grabbed my keys, and with a
cheery, "see you later!" headed off on my own adventure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There was a touch of
mist in the air, but the sun was still shining, so I pulled back the sun roof
cover, plugged in my iPod and settled in for a nice drive to meet up with some
friends for brunch. Then, silence... hmm, that wasn't supposed to happen. I was
supposed to be hearing Michael singing "Save the Last Dance", or
"I Just haven't met You Yet", instead just the buzz of my adapter
greeted my ears. My iPod was completely dead, and all I would have to accompany
me was the very special voice coming from my Garmin. My one
consolation was that it should be a short ride and I would be sipping a latte
and chatting with my friends soon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of course it didn't work
out quite that way, but several "re-calculating" and "turn left,
then turn left again", also known as a U-turn, later I finally pulled up
into the parking lot of Panera. I hurried inside to greet my friends and
apologize for being late then filled them in on the details of my
rather special morning, which made the whole thing a great funny story rather
than bad day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: clear; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Laughing with friends
while enjoying a caramel latte and a delicious strawberry-cream
scone, and catching up on life, topped my morning off, like a cherry on top of
an ice cream Sunday. It made me realize that it is the little things that
make life happy and special: sleeping in, giggling kiddos, sunshine, funny
stories and great friends. The kind of things Saturdays are made of.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-27635936651007916682011-09-02T18:43:00.000-04:002011-09-02T18:47:53.070-04:00Laying aside that which is behind...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Brothers, I do
not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what
lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." -the apostle Paul<br />
<br />
I was talking to a friend this week and they pointed out that this verse says "forgetting what lies behind", it doesn't just say the hard things or the bad things. This made me think of several things:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
An athlete that focuses on a loss will not progress, but neither will one who can only think about or boast of a victory. They must lay aside both and concentrate on the coming race/game. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
We must learn from failures to correct our weaknesses but if we dwell on them we are likely to be defeated in our mind well before stepping back on the playing field.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
If you are looking at what is behind you, you are likely to run into something. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
In life if we focus on where we have been we will end up standing still or moving very slowly.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
If soldiers stoped fighting after winning a battle they would loose the war. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Lastly, the turtle won the race by facing the finish line. ;)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Basically, this verse was a great reminder that I have a goal and I need to keep pushing toward it. </div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-57680952152170861632011-08-06T23:46:00.000-04:002011-08-06T23:46:21.782-04:00Change your Want-To<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The other night I was listening to Beth Moore. She said several things that really hit home with me. I would like to share them, but don't want to have to try to directly quote her, so understand that several of the thoughts in this post will not be originally from me.<br />
<br />
We usually do what we <b>want</b> to do, it it just a human thing to do. If we want to be able to change we need to change our want-to. We can give God obedience because we know it is the right thing to do, but when we want to do as God asks us it becomes part of who we are, thus easier.<br />
<br />
I am not sure I am expressing it correctly, but when she was talking I thought of a conversation I had with a friend a few months ago: I told him that God says He will give us the desires of our heart, but that the more we love God the more His desires become our own. At the time I said I thought that was semi sneaky of God, but in taking a closer look at it I see a beautiful expression of God's love for us. He changes our "want-to" as we know Him better and delight in Him.<br />
<br />
When we want to do a task it becomes a joy and not just a duty. There will be times when we obey because it is the right thing to do and that does please God, but I was challenged through Beth's talk to ask God to change my "want-to". Especially in the areas I struggle with, in the things that are hard.<br />
<br />
I want to please God, and I want my heart's desires to reflect my love for Him. I want to "want-to" obey and please Him and to live life for Him because it is part of who I am, not just because it is good and right.<br />
<br />
So my challenge to myself and to you is to ask God to change your want-to the next time you are struggling with something. Let His desires become your desires. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-2181322333486774152011-08-04T03:06:00.001-04:002011-08-07T20:16:40.499-04:00All scripture is profitable for... reproof...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div>Recently I have been going through the process of deciding what the next step in life will be for me. I am sure you have been there before at some point, so you know it is a time of asking questions; trying to sort ideas, dreams, desires, goals and expectations. Life seemed to be heading one direction and I started making plans and allowed myself to get excited at the possibilities only to have God tell me no when I asked for clearer answers. </div><div><br />
</div><div>To say I was disappointed would be significantly understating my emotions. I didn't understand what God was doing or why He seemed to allow me to walk down a path only to tell me to turn off it as soon as I started running. However, since there was nothing I could do about it I put it behind me and kept walking, looking for the next thing... or so I thought.</div><div><br />
</div>A couple of sundays ago I was sitting in church, partially listening and partially allowing my mind to wonder over plans and questions, when the Pastor asked if we had ever had God's plans differ from ours, or had God ever choose a path we would not have taken. As you can guess I thought to myself: "Oh yes! I know exactly what he's talking about."<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Then he spoke of several examples in scripture of God asking people to do seemingly silly things, such as asking a tax collector to give up his comfortable life style to come follow Him. (I found it ironic that several of his examples had to do with life decisions) After giving examples of people's responses to God's direction in their life he asked if we accepted God's answers graciously. Were we willing to follow God's leading despite the cost, or direction, especially when it is not something we would have chosen.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Through these comments and the verses he pointed out God grabbed my attention completely, telling me I had not been gracious about His answers for me. Yes, I was 'doing the next thing' but my heart wasn't in it, and I was allowing myself to harbor a bad attitude while adopting a false sense of choosing the right thing. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Verses such as: these people draw near to me with their lips but their hearts are far from me, and Love the Lord your God with all your <b>heart</b>... popped into my mind, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">followed by the verse: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><u>that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.</u></i></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>God wanted more than just outward compliance, He wanted me to trust Him with my heart. Though people might be fooled He wasn't... He wants me to be complete, thoroughly equipped for whatever He has next, but I need to let go first. To be honest about my emotions, not pretend to be happy about it all, but to acknowledge I was having a hard time with it, and to trust Him in the mist of my own confusion. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I can't say I'm completely there. I know if I could see from God's perspective I would be happy about His decisions because they are ultimately for my own good... I am just glad He is patient with me till my heart gets there, and continues to work in my life in spite of my attitude. I am so glad we have a God that cares enough to reprove us when we need it, and one who cares enough to understand when we are confused. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-28973692775479439432011-07-25T03:35:00.001-04:002011-07-25T03:57:06.083-04:00One of those days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For the past few years my family and I have attended "cow appreciation day" at Chick-fil-a. Basically, on this day anyone who goes to Chick-fil-a dressed like a cow receives a free meal; so of course we participate!<br />
<br />
We usually go with my cousin and her family but this year I was kid-sitting/providing adult supervision for a family of 11 while their parents were out of town for their anniversary. So, my family and I decided I would bring the kids and meet them at the mall (the oldest works at the chick-fil-a there) that was brilliant idea number one...<br />
<br />
The day dawned slightly overcast with a promise of rain... (feel free to insert your own sound effects, like an ominous piece of music, or a drum roll. )<br />
<br />
After a quick breakfast we started attaching paper spots, and "painting" spots on faces with lots of cries of "I can't find a black shirt to wear", "have you seen my shoes", "where did the tape go?" we somehow managed to get spots on everyone and were finally ready to go.<br />
<br />
Only then did I realize it wasn't just raining, it was pouring; pouring, and there was no umbrella to be found. Oh well a little water never hurt anyone, right? I'd just run to the van and pull it up nice and close to the porch. Well, I got the running to the van part down, only to find it wouldn't start, the battery was dead; not even making a noise dead. What to do now?? First, call my mom and let her know what was going on so she and the girls didn't wonder where we were, then figure out if she can come take some of the kiddos in our van, because who wants to disappoint everyone, besides after all the work on the costumes we were going to go!<br />
<br />
Right before mom arrives we discover another problem: the oldest boy had taken the only gate key to work with him, therefore we couldn't let the van in and we couldn't drive the truck out. Brilliant idea number three hit me about then and I had the boys find a wrench... Yup, I took the gate apart, guess all those times helping Dad payed off.<br />
<br />
The only problem was I now had to get everyone loaded, drive the truck out and then put the gate back together before we could leave, shouldn't be to hard... Cept the truck's gear shift didn't read right so you had to count down the clicks and hope you got the correct one aaaand the pedals were nice and sensitive, I'm sure I looked pretty comical as I figured this all out. Thankfully we managed just fine and made it to the mall with no other major hiccups in our plans.<br />
<br />
If you ever feel like you need a little extra attention, let me tell you, taking 10 kids into a mall dressed like cows is the way to go! Especially if they are wet albeit cute cows. They thought it was great and we all really enjoyed getting a meal of our choice with the tokens we received for all our hard work.<br />
<br />
As we sat munching on our delicious food, I heard a loud <b>crash</b>. The sound of one of the boys glass jars, full of change, hitting the floor and shattering...<br />
<br />
It seemed as if everyone wanted to contribute to making the day as memorable as possible, because not ten minutes after the glass and change was picked up a rather unpleasant aroma filled my senses; I will save you the icky details and just say the baby's diaper had exploded... and in the confusion of leaving the house we had forgotten the diaper bag. Thankfully there was a mother with a baby about the right age next to us and she let us have one of theirs, and the bathroom had a nice supply of free baby wipes.<br />
<br />
The final craziness of the day was the dogs eating sandwiches we brought home and one my girls getting sick just before they got picked up to go home. (they had decided to stay and hang out for the evening) All in all it was an epically special day.<br />
<br />
The day wasn't all craziness though, the kids and I had a blast and now we have great stories to tell! My family got to hang out with us for a while, and I got a few great pictures. Making the costumes was a great way to create lasting memories that will always bring a smile to my face.<br />
<br />
It was just... one of those days</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-15122247092075076432011-06-23T21:54:00.001-04:002011-06-23T21:55:12.691-04:00Steadfast Love/Loving Kindess<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"></span></div><div class="line-group" id="p19025004.01-1" style="margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year I got a new bible from a friend, an ESV and as I have read through the psalms I have been surprised at how much different wording can make some phrases stand out, and because of this have enjoyed rediscovering some great verses. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One such phrase is "steadfast love", I have always read it as lovingkindness, which made sense but "steadfast love" grabbed my attention. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19025004-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Psalm 25</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19025004-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">v</span>4 </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Make me to know your ways, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">O </span></span><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lord</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">; </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">teach me your paths.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19025005-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">v</span>5 </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lead me in your truth and teach me, </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for you are the God of my salvation; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">for you I wait all the day long. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19025006-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">v</span>6 </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Remember your mercy, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">O </span></span><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lord</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and your <i>steadfast love/loving kindness</i>, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">for they have been from of old.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Psalm 36</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">v<b>5 </b>Your <i>steadfast love/loving kindness</i>, O Lord, extends to the heavens,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> your faithfulness to the clouds.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">v<b>6</b> How precious is your <i>steadfast love/loving kindness</i>, O God! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">v<b>10</b> Oh, continue your <i>steadfast love/loving kindness</i> to those who know you, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and your righteousness to the upright of heart!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Psalm 63</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">v<b>3 </b>Because your <i>steadfast love/loving kindness</i> is better than life,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> my lips will praise you. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">v<b>4</b> So I will bless you as long as I live; </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in your name I will lift up my hands.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Psalm 103</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">v<b>2</b> Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bless his holy name!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">v<b>3</b> who forgives all your iniquity, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">who heals all your diseases, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">v<b>4</b> who redeems your life from the pit, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">who crowns you </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>steadfast love/</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>loving kindness </i>and mercy,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">v<b>5</b> who satisfies you with good </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have loved looking through these verses and been made happy at the reminder of God's love and kindness for us... I am so grateful for these verses and other similar ones that: remind me of the depth and width of God's love and mercy, filling me with joy and satisfaction; and cause me to sit back in awe of the beauty of who God is... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-18838707722745670482011-06-22T23:11:00.000-04:002011-06-22T23:11:29.604-04:00Sunset<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPKIiCYJoe467aMPHvZXv70jnxsPwtxfSSbokqOz_PfuoF6DgU6B33PDOSGlilagpCx6sA15B4KtQGD9m6huqcQP_zPuH7FQplyGqDyhyphenhyphenmjDFqA7GqbJtpVN4oQMejDRp5sGLOEg8xBhV/s1600/105_9565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPKIiCYJoe467aMPHvZXv70jnxsPwtxfSSbokqOz_PfuoF6DgU6B33PDOSGlilagpCx6sA15B4KtQGD9m6huqcQP_zPuH7FQplyGqDyhyphenhyphenmjDFqA7GqbJtpVN4oQMejDRp5sGLOEg8xBhV/s400/105_9565.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEbmflB44cImK1QA5bSOd8lUAlWNExnumLqmNDxnmgjnv2GmmZdNYF3BhQUpQNeHwl9PInjR6V9YGNVCkfw78S3i3A8yH5KHBzdgYgYVNSwISAfeF2sflnuC278W8IkUQQbi64xyW_bdA/s1600/105_9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEbmflB44cImK1QA5bSOd8lUAlWNExnumLqmNDxnmgjnv2GmmZdNYF3BhQUpQNeHwl9PInjR6V9YGNVCkfw78S3i3A8yH5KHBzdgYgYVNSwISAfeF2sflnuC278W8IkUQQbi64xyW_bdA/s400/105_9570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-13885891321966068172011-06-21T02:10:00.002-04:002011-06-21T02:10:00.996-04:00People<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Throughout history, many great men were noted for great deeds and big dreams. However, not one of them truly stood solo, behind each great man/woman is an arsenal of ‘ordinary’ people who inspired their vision and pushed them to keep going. They had someone, or many some ones to keep them going…. These may never be noted or acclaimed but their sacrifice, forever imbedded in history, continues to shape tomorrow.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whom are you influencing? You never know where they are going to end up in life... and even if none ever enters the small circle of "famous" they will influence those their life touches, making your influence spread farther than you can imagine. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-43813353390716036132011-06-20T00:16:00.005-04:002011-06-20T00:20:21.778-04:00Daddy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Father - </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">–noun</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">male</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">parent.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">father-in-law,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">stepfather,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">or</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">adoptive</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">father.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span id="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">any</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">male</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ancestor,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">especially</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the</span><span id="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">founder</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">race,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">family</span><span id="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">or</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">line</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span id="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't think it is possible to define all that a dad is/all that he does in the life of his child... So I am just going to say that I thank God for giving me a dad who:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spends time every day on his face before God</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Followed God's leading and adopted 5 children</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is big enough to apologize when he is wrong</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Was a fantastic playmate, taking time for tickle fights or sock wars when I was younger </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taught me to ride a bike</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Took me frog hunting during the rainy season</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never seemed to be to tired to give me a piggy-back ride</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Works hard to provide for his family</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Loves me even when I'm not what I should be</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Will listen when I talk</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taught me how to drive a car</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Laughs at my silly jokes</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spent hours helping me with Math</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gives the best hugs ever!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is there when I need to be prayed for</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and lots more... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of all the things my dad said growing up, a few will stay with me forever, and make me smile when I hear them: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"whether you eat or drink, or what ever you do, do all to the glory of God"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"if it's not yours don't touch it"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"whatever a man sows that he will also reap"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"I love you"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"sometimes I don't agree with God; but I always know which of us is right"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are just a few parts of the man I am privileged to call: </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Daddy</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-452453364786940852011-06-19T23:43:00.002-04:002011-06-19T23:49:41.611-04:00The Pile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">THE PILE... It has lived in my room for the past year... ok, well, three-plus years. Every trip and adventure causes it to grow, and every spring cleaning shrinks it some. Well, I finally decided to evict it, and in the process found all sorts of treasures:<br />
<br />
<b>Great Quotes</b> - <i>Giving a speech is like throwing up, it is awful beforehand but then you feel better. - Rachel, </i><i></i><br />
<i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;">Behold… Me.. – Sarah</div></div></i><br />
<i><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Lots of notes, and letters</b> - Reminders of the lesson I was learning/God was trying to teach me as well as life experiences and special moments that I sometimes forget.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Notes and cards</b> - Reminding me that I am loved and there are people praying for me. As well as giving me some great laughs at our randomness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Photos</b> - Pictures truly are worth 1000 words; each brought back lots of memories, and made me miss my peoples. Yes, I am sappy that way :) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Little gifts and mementos</b> - basically these brought lots of smiles and grins to my face, just because... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Random items of unknown origin</b> - These are the items I wondered what possessed me to pick up, much less keep... Or items that have a special significance that I am sure would make everyone else wonder </span>what possessed me to pick up, much less keep... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">like my special soap (ahem... Hannah) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">All these things, and more made the task of cleaning out </span><b>the Pile</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> a lot less daunting, in fact it made it a lot of fun!! It is super nice to be able to see my corner again, after getting rid of all the unnecessary papers and junk... Now I am looking forward to scrap-booking all of my rediscovered treasures... It's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><i><i><i></i></i></i></i></span><br />
<i><i><i><i></i></i></i></i><br />
<i><i><i><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> amazing how much happy memories can brighten one's day.</span></div></div></i></i></i></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i></i></span></div><i></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Memories are made in moments but last a life time... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-49448958907948625032011-05-31T14:28:00.001-04:002011-05-31T14:30:33.208-04:00Home comming and Adoption<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I love coming home from trips! There is something nice about being in my "own" space, and it is wonderful to hear "I missed you!" and to catch up on all that has been going on while I was away. This time was even more special because I got home just in time to attend the adoption of four great kiddos, by some family friends. <br />
<br />
When I got to the courthouse I was greeted by "my kiddos" with a big group hug, and lots of <em>I-missed-you-s </em>. I have decided there is nothing quite as nice in the whole world as the love of a child freely given and exuberanty expressed! It made my day :) <br />
<br />
As the hearing began I couldn't help but grin at the kids: Daniel sat on his daddy's lap contentedly sucking his thumb, the other two little guys were asking why this or that and squirming as little boys do; Maria, the oldest of this group, kept trying to look everywhere at once, not wanting to miss anything. These kids are obviously already part of this family, and are content.<br />
<br />
After listening to the guardian and social worker's recomendation for adoption the judge asked the parents if they understood that they were not taking responsibility just until the children were eighteen, but were adding them to their family permanantly, making a life long commitment. Each of them agreed and the judge signed the papers, making this family "official". (I should add, they also have more children in this family)<br />
<br />
We topped the day off with an adoption party, complete with lots of great friends, games of tag, ultimate frisbee, a water slide for the kids, and cotton candy. Over all it was a fantastic way to start my time back home.<br />
<br />
This reminded me of two things: first, of my own adoption and the commitment that my parents have given to me and my sibilings. I was only four at my adoption, so I don't remember the official event, but I live everyday with the blessings that came from my parents choosing us. We came with many problems and lots of fears; they chose to take us on, problems and all, and make us their own; their commitment didn't end when we turned eighteen, it is an on-going choice that will effect every day of our lives, and the lives of countless others. <br />
<br />
The second thing the adoption reminded me of, as many of you have already guessed, is our <em>sprirtual </em>adoption into God's family. This adoption, such a beautiful gift of love, is for much more than just this life; it is for all of eternity. We come with all of our problems and are made <em>joint heirs with Christ</em>, with the full privilages of a child of the King of Kings... <br />
<br />
If only we would live as these children now live: confidant in our parent's love, subject to their authority while secure in their provision and care... If we would only rest in our father's arms as little Daniel did and come to Him readily with all of our questions, content, safe, confidant and secure as we readily lavish our love on Him. What a life would then be ours. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028823378769429857.post-15620549907831895762011-05-24T23:24:00.000-04:002011-05-24T23:24:00.106-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It is official, I love making pretty food that also taste amazing! </div><div style="text-align: center;">These are some pictures of some of the yummy food I got to help make for a Mother-daughter tea while I was in Colorado. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJo_17VjRT3J86Dg-3hViRAsDMO-odMbExBh7wQ1QF1xqhnK904AUYi5-ZleUaQYF3vqqSS8iTMi9OIncO2xomy26R-egBelttojDiuPkqFlLDqVJf6pWpS6KXcDAW-PbHuzNe5JBgg5L/s1600/103_8773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJo_17VjRT3J86Dg-3hViRAsDMO-odMbExBh7wQ1QF1xqhnK904AUYi5-ZleUaQYF3vqqSS8iTMi9OIncO2xomy26R-egBelttojDiuPkqFlLDqVJf6pWpS6KXcDAW-PbHuzNe5JBgg5L/s200/103_8773.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ7-KIdPQ_FOiP8ffoTtCmWSNmlEZBL0RowjP1LgC5AUaU6sqVJUQhJGZpEbXOGSnppyOXIucR2UdqQkMtrIPIxkO7E9_OSRmMRsLpUa6NsGBFk_TD9QNgtDgAXcSCoCk9tgZCOtCVw80/s1600/103_8778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ7-KIdPQ_FOiP8ffoTtCmWSNmlEZBL0RowjP1LgC5AUaU6sqVJUQhJGZpEbXOGSnppyOXIucR2UdqQkMtrIPIxkO7E9_OSRmMRsLpUa6NsGBFk_TD9QNgtDgAXcSCoCk9tgZCOtCVw80/s200/103_8778.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqqjYJxcJhO3FQWzb_0asWVJOtWnSJYiy-koSj2cCrlxLoKKSjtPo6mBlDRwIPX392L3Zft2bFScYM2IeEJSAhFPB7tGQX2L0hKC0eXbh3AzevXms6wglqfjbzFI7FTgADefPOZMGLmfr/s1600/103_8777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqqjYJxcJhO3FQWzb_0asWVJOtWnSJYiy-koSj2cCrlxLoKKSjtPo6mBlDRwIPX392L3Zft2bFScYM2IeEJSAhFPB7tGQX2L0hKC0eXbh3AzevXms6wglqfjbzFI7FTgADefPOZMGLmfr/s200/103_8777.JPG" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ7-KIdPQ_FOiP8ffoTtCmWSNmlEZBL0RowjP1LgC5AUaU6sqVJUQhJGZpEbXOGSnppyOXIucR2UdqQkMtrIPIxkO7E9_OSRmMRsLpUa6NsGBFk_TD9QNgtDgAXcSCoCk9tgZCOtCVw80/s1600/103_8778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYXgNd8cbaBUXeWIXtHtKNsQ8c7Dr3rkZ83YTGk63xrQOJdk3FbBFv4TK6TXdCmn8fDR7Ez7Li77te9_x2AY2zWwqSu7v3tYDsbnZBGEAZ-bMAtFV7yyMx77UVnbMbGKT-0H00XINoDy6/s1600/103_8776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYXgNd8cbaBUXeWIXtHtKNsQ8c7Dr3rkZ83YTGk63xrQOJdk3FbBFv4TK6TXdCmn8fDR7Ez7Li77te9_x2AY2zWwqSu7v3tYDsbnZBGEAZ-bMAtFV7yyMx77UVnbMbGKT-0H00XINoDy6/s320/103_8776.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVN912p19Tip2JwpMOzmv8PEz3wTvY9obIzMa-Um5R3Rkh0pMbWV4uhcbSukPD6erPfv9Vsb-ctW65yn8RcDZDEhzR9CPvvewUPJIEj2NK-ERIFLtxpaiYAx6fAO6Ne_TROb56mp8yZGV/s1600/103_8816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVN912p19Tip2JwpMOzmv8PEz3wTvY9obIzMa-Um5R3Rkh0pMbWV4uhcbSukPD6erPfv9Vsb-ctW65yn8RcDZDEhzR9CPvvewUPJIEj2NK-ERIFLtxpaiYAx6fAO6Ne_TROb56mp8yZGV/s320/103_8816.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2