The Game Of Life

My site meter says that at or around six people read this blog regularly. I can pinpoint who they are:  Kate & crew, Jen’s friend Matt, my parents, Annie & Ben. I know Joel used to read every morning, but he’s been kinda busy lately.
I have a couple regulars who I have no idea-- Caledonia, Sparta, Dearborn Heights?
I also have a couple of internet writing friends, that run the serious, humourous, and adventurous gambit—we exchange the reading and commenting favor in spurts.
I like my little group(ies), but because of some erratic, unexplained sitemeter behavior, I might have to go undergrand for a bit. I'll keep you posted. I think you just have to e-mail me for an invitation to read. How ‘bout that?

 

Life has been hitting me in the gut lately. Good and bad. I don’t write this to be dramatic, but I’ve always tried to be real on here. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug. If I can’t say what I feel, what is the point, really?

Today I have good news and bad news. The good news is I’ve been extremely blessed. The bad news is life is short, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I've never been given the “biggies” because I’m a spiritual wimp. I’m not sure I could handle a biggie. I’m not complaining, just stating the facts. I like no biggies. 

Except for my mid-life/night depression, I’m happy. 

We’ve been enjoying some post holiday week-ends. Uncle Paul stopped by for a couple of catch-up hours. We got to play with the iPhone.

We have heat and indoor plumbing. 

I had the priviledge of watching the DEF (see sidebar) summer business  explode. (B, maybe you and your dad will get to quit your day job, together.) 

Jordan came for an overnight to hang with us—what a guy! It’s always fun to hear Melissa/YA stories from a different perspective. More playing with an iPhone.  At Jordan’s prompting, I’m writing a letter to ABC to help convince them to feature the YA’s on a future Extreme Home Makeover. Wouldn’t that be something? (YA & ABC are "in talks" already.)

I’ve been writing and sending work out! 

Ben and Annie came for a very relaxing Saturday. It was fun to just be the four of ourselves and concentrate on each other – AND try to beat Ben at online Monopoly. 

Jennifer Grace Photography (see sidebar)and I threw together her first bridal show, and booked four summer weddings for a total of seven. Then I turned into--one of the SH clan; church at Crossroads and dinner at Trina’s & Jason’s hostel. Good times.

 

The flu took me down for a good week, week and ½. Not fun, but lots of time to just think, read, and pray. Kate brought me a goodie bag which helped Mark's diet and my morale.  Thanks again, friend.

I’m attending Lakeshore Community Church and enjoying it! I want to be in and surrounded by a community that will rally, should I ever get a "biggie." Plus, I need to obey.

The Africa trio is still a go. Different country. Same heart. Thank you for praying and giving.

 
Tomorrow I will fetch Melissa from Mary’s mom. God bless you, Sally, on your 16-hour trip.

 
So that brings us to today. The day after Jennifer was in a scary, snowy, expressway accident, which I was able to witness via cell phone. The day after I collapsed in a frantic heap of helplessness.  The day after she has no bumps, bruises and only a fender to replace. The day after I couldn’t stop offering up my grateful prayers and praise. The day after I felt a twinge of revival and repentance activate in my ambivalent soul. The day after I read this  February 7 entry in Streams In The Desert.

Never look ahead to the changes and challenges of this life in fear. Instead, as they arise look at them with the full assurance that God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. Hasn't He kept you safe up to now? So hold His loving hand tightly, and he will lead you safely through all things. And when you cannot stand, He will carry you in His arms.
Do not look ahead to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you His unwavering strength that you may bear it. Be at peace, then, and set aside all anxious thoughts and worries.
The Lord is my Shepherd. Not was, not may be, nor will be. The Lord is my Shepherd Monday-Friday and on the week-end. Jan-Dec. every year, whether I'm at home or in China. In the storm and on a sunny day. During peace and in war. In times of abundance or in poverty. Even in times when I don't feel like he is. He is.
Surely I am with you always. Matthew 28:20

The day after Jesus took the wheel.