Thursday, March 29, 2007

How to move forward?

So today has been a weird day for me. I feel like I'm standing on a precipice and I have to move forward but I don't know how to. I don't know how to go forward because I'm tired, but also, I don't know where I'm going. One of my greatest weaknesses is fear of the unknown. What lies ahead and what steps do I need to take to get there?

There is a relief that comes with trusting that a Supreme Creator (of all things) knows; He knows what each of us is to do with the life we're given. He also knows what lies ahead for each of us, and though I sometimes wish I could glimpse that, even for a moment, I wouldn't actually want to know. However, standing in the midst of fog, without knowing what lies ahead and not wanting to remember what lies behind (in too great a detail) is a lonely place to be. Ahhh, for the next season.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Riding through the woods...

on a sunny day has to be one of my favorite things to do. There are few ways to help one forget thoughts that plague the mind, or relieve the stress induced by daily happenings. We each need to find something that brings us joy without exception and puts a smile on our face even when we're determined to entertain only a wretched mood. We will find that the strain of a hard day simply evaporates, long enough for us to regain some momentum for the tasks ahead. For some it may be curling up with a favorite book in hand, sitting down with a hot cup of tea, rock climbing a steep precipice, playing a brisk volleyball game, or talking with a trusted friend. For me, there are two activities which I, without exception, treasure and anticipate: a long talk with my hubby about everything and nothing and a ride through the woods on my favorite horse (need I mention the scottie body trailing behind?).

Monday, March 26, 2007

So It's Springtime

The trees are all blossoming and my daisies have opened up; reminders to me that spring is here, again. I'm so glad that God created seasons. They are a tangible reminder that life is full of different seasons, and one season may end and another being before we even realize it.

The seasons in my life have been changing rapidly and with the changes have come pain, anticipation, reflection and hope. I'm looking forward to this next season (I hope it's spring, after a long winter).

I am reading "Total Truth", but Nancy Pearcey, ever so slowly. It has been an appropriate book for me at this time, as I seek a new vocation. Here are some quotes which have encouraged me in this search:

"... our vocation or professional work is not a second-class activity, something we do just to put food on the table. It is the high calling for which we were originally created."

"Each of us has a role to play in cultivating the creation and working out God's norms for a just and humane society... It is imperative for us to understand that in carrying out these tasks, we are not doing an inferior or second-tier work for the Kingdom. Instead we are agents of God's common grace, doing His work in the world."

"In our work, we are God's hands, God's eyes, God's feet."

And finally: "No one can live without a sense of purpose and direction, a sense that his or her life has significance as part of a cosmic story... For we are made for God, and every part of our personality is oriented toward relationship with Him."

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Studio Portraits





Here are some recent photos that Krista took of Valiant Puppy.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Amazing Grace,

How sweet the Film.

One of the things I like best about the movie was its portrayal of marriage. (Kris has finally convinced me that marriage has a unique purpose designed by God. :-)

The movie begins with "Wilbur" (as his friends call him) burnt out, tired of trying and hopeless in his endeavors to change the world. During this season of hopelessness, "Wilbur" tries to concentrate on improving his health and getting his mind off of the very thing that drives him - the very thing he was uniquely created to do. When he meets his wife-to-be, his energy is renewed. She helps him to see the value of his efforts and the importance of persevering. Because of her encouragement and personal passion for his vision, his strength is renewed and he is able to accomplish that which was considered impossible. You really need to see the movie, as my description is not sufficient. I think it is a reminder that people should marry for the purpose of complementing one another in their service to God. We should be better and more effective (in our unique service to our Creator) together than apart.

Local News...


I've been so out of touch for the past couple of weeks. LifeCare just had its big fundraising dinner yesterday, so I think my work life will finely ease up for a while.

Here is a recent picture of my "Vicious Val" who has grown up! She is learning obedience exercises, though they've not yet worked their magic and made her obedient. :-) She's a little tiger trapped in a black body. When I get home from work in the evening, she grabs onto my pants leg and waits for me to drag her around the house all evening.

I'm finally reading "Total Truth" and love the two chapters I've read thus far. More on that soon...

I have an After Abortion Counseling project that I've been brainstorming about with Kris. Details later.

Fancy may be pregnant, as of last Thursday! We will find out via ultrasound next Thursday, when she will hopefully be two weeks along! More details on that later, too!

Okay, so the local news is a bit tedious, but you have to admit that it's not as depressing as what's on TV!