This morning we are staying in as Virginia is being hammered with heavy snow. As I write, 17 million Americans are experiencing this storm across the nation. Our governor has issued a state of emergency. That's all the tv stations are talking about. The boys already went out to play and shovel in the yard. Steven's still out there playing in it! Holly threw some bird seed on the back porch railing. The red cardinals stand out in stark contrast to the weather. Amy's ministry team was supposed to go to a juvenile detention center but that was closed. Roger's recording project with the choir has been postponed to Sunday but no one knows how the roads will be whent he storm ends. In the last storm, the only one to plow our road was a farmer with his tractor and a small blade.
May the Lord keep you all safe from all the storms you encounter.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A collection of musings
Experts say that January 25 is the day in the calendar year when most people are depressed. Perhaps it's due to the lack of sunshine or snow 0n the ground. Or it may be from all the bills that are coming to your mailbox in the aftermath of the Christmas shopping. I know it has been a difficult month for us. Our cars had to go into the shop recently. In order for both vehicles to pass inspection, they needed repairs that cost about $200 each.
This morning when I walked Samuel down to the bus, the sun was just peaking over the hill but as we descended toward the street the sun was obscured by that same hill. But I know that very soon the sun will reemerge. In fact, it hadn't left. I was the one who moved. So, when you wake up gloomy and depressed, know that the sun is about to rise.
Recently the Shriners mailed us free tickets to see the circus in Roanoke. The boys had never been to a circus. In fact, Steven was afraid that he would have to touch a lion. We assured him that he wouldn't have to be near the animals. We even checked out books and videos from the library abou the circus so he could understnad what will happen there. So, I hope to have some photos of "the big top" in the next blog session.
School for Roger and Amy is in full swing and we have lots of projects, field experiences and exams to complete. Holly plans to go to school in March. She will pursue a CNA certification.
Last night the president gave his state of the union address. As a result of his first year in office, our deficit has climbed so quickly that it is estimated that every family owes $100,000. I'm not sure who the bailout is helping. Have you seen any of this money? Jobless rates climbed from 6 to 10% (That figure is probably higher because it only represents only those who are on unemployment compensation, not those who 'gave up looking' or who were self-employed.) Terrorist activities continue and those who are captured are receiving the same rights as American citizens while detained. His plan is for government to control more sectors of our economy, including our health care instead of empowering the States to assume more control over these issues. Frankly, I feel that the States are more in touch with the people than is the federal government.
After saying all of this, please understand that America's democratic system is still much better than other systems in the world. Simply travel outside of America and you will gain a greater appreciation for the red, white, and blue.
Outside our kitchen window, the birds flock to the yard to enjoy their morning breakfast of bird seed. The cardinal, blue jay, nuthatch, finch, and chickadee are regular visitors. A few weeks ago we saw some robins. Does this mean spring is on the way? Not according to our latest weather forecast. We're expecting a minimum of six inches of snow this weekend! Sadly, this means our church choir has to postpone a recording session with Lari Goss (Dove award winning producer and orchestrator). But we need not be discouraged because the sun is shining outside today.
One more musing: In preparation for the recording contract our choir has been working diligently twice a week to perform the music flawlessly. We have been doing our best to memorize the words. One particular song spoke to my heart yesterday.
"Suspended above the world that He made, and below His home in the sky;
God in flesh came down to man and man raised Him up to die.
And there on the tree the destiny of ev'ry fallen man,
Was held by nails driven through his sinless feet and hands.
* Somewhere between heaven and earth
stood a symbol of grace,Not based on our worth;
It was there he endured what we deserved
For a cross held the hope of the world,
Somewhere between heaven and earth
Somewhere between time and space, somewhere between judgment and grace'
He became the sin that He'd never known; And for that moment He was left alone
(repeat last paragraph)
Let this be your mediation for today. Christ did it all to purchase our salvation from sin and a relationship with the God who loves us. God bless you all
This morning when I walked Samuel down to the bus, the sun was just peaking over the hill but as we descended toward the street the sun was obscured by that same hill. But I know that very soon the sun will reemerge. In fact, it hadn't left. I was the one who moved. So, when you wake up gloomy and depressed, know that the sun is about to rise.
Recently the Shriners mailed us free tickets to see the circus in Roanoke. The boys had never been to a circus. In fact, Steven was afraid that he would have to touch a lion. We assured him that he wouldn't have to be near the animals. We even checked out books and videos from the library abou the circus so he could understnad what will happen there. So, I hope to have some photos of "the big top" in the next blog session.
School for Roger and Amy is in full swing and we have lots of projects, field experiences and exams to complete. Holly plans to go to school in March. She will pursue a CNA certification.
Last night the president gave his state of the union address. As a result of his first year in office, our deficit has climbed so quickly that it is estimated that every family owes $100,000. I'm not sure who the bailout is helping. Have you seen any of this money? Jobless rates climbed from 6 to 10% (That figure is probably higher because it only represents only those who are on unemployment compensation, not those who 'gave up looking' or who were self-employed.) Terrorist activities continue and those who are captured are receiving the same rights as American citizens while detained. His plan is for government to control more sectors of our economy, including our health care instead of empowering the States to assume more control over these issues. Frankly, I feel that the States are more in touch with the people than is the federal government.
After saying all of this, please understand that America's democratic system is still much better than other systems in the world. Simply travel outside of America and you will gain a greater appreciation for the red, white, and blue.
Outside our kitchen window, the birds flock to the yard to enjoy their morning breakfast of bird seed. The cardinal, blue jay, nuthatch, finch, and chickadee are regular visitors. A few weeks ago we saw some robins. Does this mean spring is on the way? Not according to our latest weather forecast. We're expecting a minimum of six inches of snow this weekend! Sadly, this means our church choir has to postpone a recording session with Lari Goss (Dove award winning producer and orchestrator). But we need not be discouraged because the sun is shining outside today.
One more musing: In preparation for the recording contract our choir has been working diligently twice a week to perform the music flawlessly. We have been doing our best to memorize the words. One particular song spoke to my heart yesterday.
"Suspended above the world that He made, and below His home in the sky;
God in flesh came down to man and man raised Him up to die.
And there on the tree the destiny of ev'ry fallen man,
Was held by nails driven through his sinless feet and hands.
* Somewhere between heaven and earth
stood a symbol of grace,Not based on our worth;
It was there he endured what we deserved
For a cross held the hope of the world,
Somewhere between heaven and earth
Somewhere between time and space, somewhere between judgment and grace'
He became the sin that He'd never known; And for that moment He was left alone
(repeat last paragraph)
Let this be your mediation for today. Christ did it all to purchase our salvation from sin and a relationship with the God who loves us. God bless you all
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