Not much new really

After looking at it and realizing it's just been too long, i know it's time to change up the blog. But to what? There's just not been much going on worth reporting. Jack has had several doctor appts., but nothing much to report. It was either the annual check up, or a new doctor to meet because an old one is gone. He did get on a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. But that story is long and frustrating. Not worth repeating. He is sleeping better. And so am i. Fortunately all the doctors that have seen him say he is in great health. So that is good to report!

We have been talking about taking a little vacation, in state. Perhaps the southern Oregon coast. We have one weekend planned and booked so far. Going to Bandon so we can see Shilah and family. But we just keep getting distracted by daily life and don't get around to planning anything beyond that.

We do every once in a while realize how incredibly blessed we are. Some examples:

-- the wedding of a couple that met years ago, finally reconnected a while back and got married in May.
-- the little girls of friends that are just so darn cute! And we get to see them often.
-- friends that we share a house with that we get along with so well.
-- family, in good times and in rough times.
-- all the young couples that God has allowed us to be a part of their lives.

There are others, but you get the idea. Oh, and spring finally got here. Another blessing! No pics though, because as spring in Oregon usually does, it is raining today. Go figure!

Hope you all are enjoying the blessings God has brought your way. Today is as good a day as any to stop and think of them for a minute or two. And to those of you reading this, all 6 or 7 of you, thanks for being some of those blessings!

March 13th, really?

Off the back deck

It says on the calendar that it is March 13. And when i took this picture it was 9:36 a.m. That's off the back deck and that white stuff is snow. Again. And it's the middle of March. What the heck???!!!

This was Feb. 29th. Again, the backyard. Again, SNOW. This is Oregon. It's just not suppose to be snowing this late in the year. What is going on?

OK, last one. This is the front of the house. Now, is has started to rain, so this will all be gone soon. And i'll stop ranting about the lousy weather. It is just weather. And yes, it is pretty. As long as i don't have to be anywhere when it's here.

Hope your day has started off with some beauty, even if it is a little crazy. And happy March to you all! Remember, it is technically still winter, but spring will technically be here in a week!

Prayer

I just read a great post from the Desiring God blog. I get it every day in my email inbox. Really good stuff there. One of the entries from today was about prayer. And i quote . . .
"Pray. Tell the Father all your heart. Thank him for the Scriptures. Cast your Hebrew syntax anxieties on him. Marvel to him that he knows every star and tends his flock like a shepherd. Marvel that he really did choose you in Christ before the foundations of the world. Marvel that he was there the Friday Jerusalem fell dark. Marvel that he saw the empty tomb happen. Marvel that his triune glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea."

This picture is from our trip to the Grand Tetons. I took a lot of pictures while we were there, but how could i not! For Heaven's sake look at them! It was so beautiful. This is what i have as my wallpaper, or whatever they call it. I see this on my computer every day, every time i look at it before opening up something else. So i thanked God for this beautiful place. And that i got to see it. And that i got some pictures to remind me of the beauty. And how much He loves us. 

Summi

That post title is suppose to say Summit. I get to going so quickly from one thing to the next my typing is atrocious!
Yes, it is the week before the Summit. That's the Prayer Summit. It's the biggest part of my little job. I love the Summit. It is a chance for pastors and ministry leaders to gather at the coast and let down a bit. There's no congregation around, no one wanting counseling, or help. No one ripping into them for the latest decision made that someone didn't like. Just a time to worship in song and prayer and reading and talking to God. It's a lot of work, but soooo worth it. Pastors are just some of the most appreciative people!
My typing should get better next week!

Jack

Jack

See that guy in the picture. That is my husband. He's reading Scripture at "our" girl's wedding a couple years ago. When it comes to writing about him i am bias. No doubt about it, and with plenty of reason.

He helps keep me sane.
He doesn't worry about much, if anything.
He is funny.
He can laugh at himself.
He can carry a conversation.
He loves others easily.
He is so kind.
He is brave and strong.
He loves the Lord God Almighty with all his heart, and all his mind, and all his strength.

It's not his birthday, or our anniversary. It's just Wednesday. It's been a busy, tough couple of days. But you would never know it by talking to Jack. I am a most fortunate woman. I love you honey!

Definitely a case of thinking out loud

A lot of people died in the past couple of days. I know this statistically speaking. I didn't personally know any of them. I knew of two of them by their reputations only. Very good reputations. They each made huge, positive contributions to this world in which we live. And this world needs all the positive influence it can get.

One was known by millions nationally. The other by a few hundred locally. They lived good, long lives and did a lot in those life times. And the world has lost a little brightness today.

Joe Paterno coached football at Penn State for, well, forever. No other coach in college athletics has the longevity he had. He contributed to that school, and to that community, and to the lives of the men that played for him. In the end he was abandoned by the administration at that school. He was fired in November. Not because of anything he did. More because many, including himself, thought he hadn't done enough. And when the focus should have been on the guilty party, instead it was turned on to Coach Paterno. Hopefully all that will be forgotten in the coming days as many will be asked to comment on his legend.

Mario Pastega owned the Pepsi distributorship here in Corvallis for 50 years. In that time he became the philanthropist of Corvallis. His main passions were health care and education. He probably gave away more money then i'll ever make! And he was humble about it. He sold the company a few years ago. Even into his 90's he was in the office every day. One of the many endeavors he helped fund was the Mario Pastega house. It is near the hospital, and is a place for people who come from out of town to be near family members in the hospital. He stopped in every day. He chatted with different ones there, never telling them who he was, just giving them someone to talk to. Corvallis is a better place because of Mr. Pastega, and is a little sadder place today because of his passing.

Both men lived long lives, 85 and 95 respectively. Both were married for many, many years to their first wife. The world is a better place because of the impact they had on it. And today just a little sadness here because they are gone.

Thanks for the indulgence. Like i said, definitely just thinking out loud today.

January is half over almost

Happy New Year. And Martin Luther King day too. At this rate i'll be writing another Christmas post before long. OK, gotta get on to a better attitude about time passing by! Gads.

Not much excitement here. Just realize i need something new. So, here it is! Perhaps something better to report soon. What? Beats me. I'll come up with something.