Status Update on Goals for "All Things Great in 2008"

Having been awaked by the bird commune early this Saturday morning, I opted to get a head start on the day and leisurely organize some places that periodically need attention. I made several startling finds during my rummaging. For some reason, an abundance of writing utensils managed to make it upstairs when I usually need them downstairs. I also discovered a cd I was on the hunt for to add to the mp3 player. I ended up deciding that the white socks would now have their own drawer so as not to crush the colored ones when I go rooting around in the wee hours of the work week. Several bottles of lotions with a teeny amount in the bottom I continue to try to get out met their demise in the designated garbage bag. Approximately 6 business cards scattered about, which was great because I just gave out my last one a week ago. And perhaps the most delightful find was my list of Goals for 2008. Now, some of these goals are quite personal so I won't be sharing them with you in detail but as I read down the items I realized that I had already accomplished many of them. "Wow!" I thought to myself. "I can't believe I've been doing all these." For example, here are a few I've done (and I'm sure many of you were with me when I did more than a few).
1. Vacation in AZ (check...completed February. Hope to return in November.)
2. Go to TobyMac Concert (Double check!...quite the event in March.)
3. Visit the art museum in Indy (check...completed January in celebration for my bday.)
4. Build shelves downstairs (postponed due to the arrive of Jonelly's furniture).
5. Take more photos (double check...courtesy of the camera from Christmas.)
6. Do more 1:1 and small groups with people (check...definitely continued to catch up with people I enjoy or want to get to know so I can enjoy.)
7. Teach Lance to drive (in process...to be completed by July 1st. He recently conquested highway travel. yeah!)
8. Say "no" more often (check...definitely turned down things to slow down more.)
9. Garden (double check...recently planted flowers, trimmed plants, and edging of yard is in process.)
10. Take self to doctor as needed (check...as much as I don't like to do it, i have been going.)
11. Read for leisure (check...two books completed and a couple more in process.)
12. Hiking (double check...ongoing fun times.)
13. Laugh more (double check...not that I didn't do this last year....but you can always improve.)
14. ......and the rest are personal/spiritual goals that are all in process but not completed as yet.

So I know many of you have goals for the Great 08 too. I hope you are also doing well on yours. If yours match any of mine, we can get together and work on them together :) Keep on Keeping On!

Farewell Kiddos!

Well...it's sad (but somewhat relieving) thought that WNKoF has come to a close. Some of my memorable kiddo moments can be reread in previous blog postings. On our final night, the kiddos surely did not dissapoint with a lack of quoteables. We had a picnic indoors and the kiddos brought their favorite stuffed animals to talk about. As we went around the circle, some kiddos thought it humorous to make up silly names on the spot such as "jello" since were were eating some later. Another little tot went up to talk about his bear that he brought. He promptly described it's features and noted it was a bear. When asked about the bear's names, he looked at it cooly before quipping, "Uhhh...Bear," with a "like duh" lint to his voice. Another moment was when the teacher said to hold their animal tight and declare, "I love you." One loveable kiddos said, "Mine says 'I love you too'." I'm really looking forward to a few weeks off and catching up with them again for VBS. If you're wondering where to serve, may I recommend VBS smalls where all the fascinating, little people can be found.
=) Happy growing in Christ kiddos!

Running with the Turkeys

Hiking at Turkey Run on Memorial day was a great experience. We enjoyed only slight sprinkles and most tourists weren't on the longer trails. Managing to hike over 4 hours, it was a worthy excursion. Can't wait to go again!!


Saw some critters at the nature center.


Large tree uprooted


Skipping rocks on the river. Boehm was definitely the best.


Birds had made their nests up on the sides of the bridge


Covered bridge...remember no running allowed on the bridge!


Beautiful deep blue male indigo bunting in the forest


Canoers on the river


floral in the forest


The day hikers, not to be confused with thru-hikers, as Jeremiah reminded us. He actually made sure we all had hiking names. He, of course, was Shepherd. Lance was Sweet Action courtesy of his attire that day. Jen was LJ taken from her Lafayette Jeff pull-over. I was A&W, referencing my initials. Boehm was Shutter as he can be found toting his trusty camera. Eric was Sage Meerkat formerly appointed from his time at Ridgecrest, NC.


So at one point, we were all in the icebox and we heard a low moaning sound. Eric called us back to look into a crevice where he indicated a fox was. Telling me to see the ears, I continued to peer in but to no avail. I flashed a camera shot in there and here's what I recorded. Looks like rocks to me so I think Eric's new trail name should aptly be FoxTrot in honor of his Fox hunting.


Low lying purple flowers clustered all across parts of the forest








Lance found a tulip bloom on the ground

Lance also discovered a toad. When we were over at the bridge, another toad was discovered. I told someone to take a look and two of the park rangers informed us it was a poisonious barrel toad. I replied that I thought most poisonious frogs and toads had bright colors. They were disappointed I did not fall for their prank and said I'd be surprised how few people know that little bit of info. Apparently my award from 8th grade deeming me the class "Nature Nut" still applies.

Best News of the Week...

Another Bourne is on the way! Jonelly just read it FOR REAL. Double YEAHHHH!
"We thought it was over. But NO! Universal Pictures quietly let it be known that Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass are planning a fourth Bourne movie. Hope it's not too late to let poor Jason live happily ever after."
What a wonderful end to a long week....I'll definitely be in theaters to watch this upcoming film.

Two Thumbs Up...Way Up!

FYI...this is your movie moment from yours truly...While away at the B & B wedding, we took advantage of the opportunity to view the latest installment of C.S. Lewis' series at an old theatre in small town USA. Prince Caspian definitely did not disappoint! Packed with action and following the storyline closely, it was a great experience and I would recommend it to you all in a hearbeat.
On a more serious note...there is a convicting moment in the film where Susan turns to Peter, as he's working feverishly to accomplish a task, and says, "Who are you doing this for?" Wow! What a great reminder to remember that it's not what we're doing but WHO we are doing it for. If we lose the focus, our efforts are in vain.
May you all enjoy the cinematic event sometimes soon!

Praise!

I know some of you have been praying for quite some time that my mom's condo would sell. Several months ago, she finally had a buyer that agreed to buy only if she could sell her home. Unfortunately, she has not been able to sell so my mom has continued to wait. Few people have gone through for showings...but then...a lady went through and said it was between my mom's condo and another newer one in the neighborhood. After listing out the benefits and more waiting, my mom finally heard back today that the lady is taking her place and paying more than the original buyer would have. Praises, praises, praises. Such good timing too since school has just finished and she will have plenty of time to get things settled. Thank you all for praying...God has been very gracious and faithful to provide!
How has He blessed you this week?

Chiastic Prayer

“O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands,

let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you.

We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,

but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

Nehemiah 1:5-11