Wings

There are days that I wish I had wings and could fly. I would rise above the challenges of earth and escape into the clouds to hide among them. I repeat the words of the Psalmist and echo his longing. For some reason escape seems to be the path to rest.

Looking into the sky above Galveston Island, I watch the pelicans pass from east to west over the houses and beach.  The waves roll endlessly onto the sand and people bake in the hot sun.  The breeze ruffles the towels as the umbrellas wave in unison.

Maybe it isn't escape that was sought.  The obstacles that loom large on land become different in flight. Funny how that vantage point can calm and bring the rest prayed for.

Making Plans

Kamri was accepted to the College of her choice.  Her plans have been set in motion and the next few years are mapped out. I don't think there is anything more exciting than looking forward to new adventures at the threshold into adulthood.

Then it begins.  The excitement wanes a little when the responsibilities loom taller than the Eiffel Tower.  If the exhaustion of having to motivate yourself to class doesn't get you then the call to the financial aid office can.  Roommates, activities, and the multitude of choices test character.

WHO AM I?  WHY AM I HERE?

Those questions will begin to be answered that beginning semester.  But, in each phase of life, they will crop up again to be reworked and redirected. As I face the last semester of my life span, I keep asking the same questions and He keeps encouraging me to find those answers within His will for my life.

"My times are in His Hands", as the Psalmist said.

Teapots Don't Just Happen.

Misty and Angela always tackled birthdays (especially for Kamri) with much faith and imagination.  This particular year the teapot was the object of their endeavor.  If I remember correctly, it was a challenge!

As I review different periods in my life, I remember a lot of teapots I tried to create.  I found that many times I prayed the correct prayer but relied on incorrect information to bring it about.  Hindsight is a wonderful teacher.  I wish I had owned a GPS back in those days to help me see the correct route.

I have decided to change my pattern as our Pastor has been preaching on doing the same things and expecting to get a different outcome. So, I am taking my coffee outside in the morning to retrain myself to not only  recognize God's voice, but to listen to what He has to say.

I want to build a teapot in this coming year that will bring a smile to the faces of those I come in contact with.  But, more so, I want to hear that I am achieving His purpose for this part of the plan for my life.

Jeremiah 29:11

Important conversations...

There are some conversations that are very important in our lives.  At David's 60th birthday party, Kamri was involved in one of these exchanges.  As I get older, I find myself going over dialogue I have had with those who are no longer here.  I think I love this picture because it reminds me of those encounters with those now absent.

I listened to a song by Dallas Holm today.  The lyrics were along the line that He knew me then and He knows me now.  I am glad that I have a God who is consistent, even when I am not.  His knowledge of my life begins with my beginning.  His presence has always been with me.  

Listening to the song, I had an important conversation with God.  I will listen as well as speak.  That is a conversation, right?  There are two involved.  I am excited about the direction these visits will take and the insight I will find into my life and future.

Jeremiah 29:11.  Life isn't over until it is over.

It is just the Beginning!...

I remember the year I graduated from high school and made preparations to enter college!  Those years were some of the most profitable, enjoyable, and memorable years of my entire life.  I made friends of a lifetime.  I spent 9 years at Southern Bible College working and getting a degree.  (I worked and went to school for 5 of those years!)

My prayer for Kamri is that her college years will lead her to the future she wants.  We ask God to give her clarity in her classes and help her find that special talent that will lead to the career choice that is not a job but a pleasure.

Proverbs 3:5-6 was a favorite Scripture of our Dean, Elizabeth Williams.  If I trust, He will guide!

Remembering Hoover

As I get older, I tend to reflect more and more.  Not long ago this goat gained my attention.  He was small, but in charge.  The Watusi Cattle on The Ranch scared everything else away.  Hoover removed the Watusi.  Now, that is power.

However, I learned that some hunter mistook him for a hog and thus, Goodbye Hoover.  He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I was really impressed with the tenacity of this short, but mighty, goat.  He was a beautiful animal physically, and awesome in his personality.

I have no information on what happened to his remains, but I know that if he went to Heaven, he is in charge of something.

Just like I remember...

The Steak and Shake was THE drive in when I was in high school.  On Wed. nights following church, we would go to the SAS and get a coke while watching the cars circle the drive.  The servers would bring our tray and place it on the car door.  The hamburgers, chili, fries and milk shakes were the reason everyone headed to that particular place.

They built one just off I45 close to Webster and League City.  We ate there today.  The taste was the same, but the burgers were about two thirds the size of what I remember.  The fries were the same.  It was eleven o'clock and I was the first to ask for coffee.  So, about 20 minutes later she brought my coffee.

Anyway, it was nice to remember.  As childhood fades more and more, I try to visit those memories and relish the blessings God has brought into my life.  Take a moment and reflect on those good old days of the past.

My grandchildren have shared those memories even though the drive ins were many miles apart.