Today I took my wife and daughter to the airport for another trip overseas. They will be spending the next 12 days in Athens Greece. It is my wife's fifth trip and my daughter's third. They have some great friends there that they are anxious to see, and always look forward to meeting new people along the way.
We drove to the airport, and I walked them to the security check point. From there they were on their own. After a brief weather delay, they flew to DC. I spoke with my wife late this afternoon and they were on their way across the "pond." I can't wait until they get there and are able to let me know how things are going. My daughter communicates superbly over the computer, so I am sure I will hear from them soon.
There are some journeys that you would love to be a part of but can't. But I am so proud of my wife and daughter, I feel like I am a part of their journey even though I am not there. And, when they get back home, I will get to hear some incredible stories and get caught up on all the friends over there.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Upside Down Thinking
A friend emailed me the other day about a new ministry that he and his wife witnessed God creating in their community. They call it Upside Down Ministry. After hearing and seeing for myself this Upside Down ministry idea, I received another video link from another friend on Facebook. It is amazing how things come together sometimes. Check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avwQ4_eLasY.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A Life Saved Along the Way
Recently, I watched the movie Juno, There was a compelling scene where the main character made her way to the abortion clinic. She was confronted by a friend from school who was protesting in front of the clinic. Her last words to our main character before she entered the waiting room of the clinic was a reminder that the baby she carried already had fingernails, a thought that had not yet crossed the mind of this 16 year old mother. While she filled out the necessary paperwork, she could not help but notice the number of people in the waiting room and how each one of them used their fingernails for a particular purpose. Without hesitating, the young lady rushes out of the clinic and passed the friend and protestor outside the building. I can not entirely recommend the movie, but I will say that some very powerful statements about life and motherhood are made throughout.
What are fingernails anyway? Well, if you were a dinosaur, it would be your talon. If you were a horse it would be your hoof. But since you are a human, it is simply a protective and useful collection of keratin at the end of your digits. It is an amazingly tough compilation of cells. There are three layers, with the middle layer being the source of strength for the other two. It is the top and bottom layer that provides flexibility. Fingernails are abused, used and chewed. Some are long, some short and some are the “press on” kind. However, like all of the human body fingernails are just further evidence that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. And, can be a subtle reminder that life exists. Click here to view the "fingernail clip" from the movie.
What are fingernails anyway? Well, if you were a dinosaur, it would be your talon. If you were a horse it would be your hoof. But since you are a human, it is simply a protective and useful collection of keratin at the end of your digits. It is an amazingly tough compilation of cells. There are three layers, with the middle layer being the source of strength for the other two. It is the top and bottom layer that provides flexibility. Fingernails are abused, used and chewed. Some are long, some short and some are the “press on” kind. However, like all of the human body fingernails are just further evidence that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. And, can be a subtle reminder that life exists. Click here to view the "fingernail clip" from the movie.
A Long and Distinguished Journey
A friend sent me this video. It's not so much about what she did or what she did not win. Nor is about who she lost to. It's about a life of sacrifice for 2500 children. Click here to watch.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
The Road Much Less Traveled
My wife and I had the privilege of visiting a center in downtown Nashville that exists to meet the needs of children and youth who live in the area. Chris was gracious enough to take us on a tour and tell us the behind the scene stories. As we talked several children and adults played in the gym just outside our door. There was an occasional knock at the door, and at one point Chris took the time to carry on a conversation with one of the students who spoke to him from the other side.
We learned a great deal about the children who visited that center every day during the summer. Most of them come there to eat and have a safe place to learn and play. They hear about Jesus and His love for them, and then see that loved displayed by the staff that serve them. With minimal parental involvement many of these children are starved for affection, and drape themselves to the arms and legs of those who are there to love them.
Through this center the children are privileged to do things that they normally would never get to do. Things like riding in an airplane, seeing a play, or learning how to take pictures and develop them on sight.
I asked Chris what percentage of children were they able to help. His reply was expected but none the less unfortunate. "We are only scratching the surface." With the help of many volunteers and a small but significant budget they are able to impact the lives of children, and for that we should all be grateful.
As you and I travel this journey of life, it is always a good idea to consider the plight of others. Sometimes I get to feeling so sorry for myself that I forget about others who have far less than I will ever have. None of us have to travel too far to find those who could benefit from our time and resources. Take the time to pause on the journey long enough to see what might be available for you, and how you might be involved. If you live in the Nashville area check out the website of Youth Encouragement Services.
We learned a great deal about the children who visited that center every day during the summer. Most of them come there to eat and have a safe place to learn and play. They hear about Jesus and His love for them, and then see that loved displayed by the staff that serve them. With minimal parental involvement many of these children are starved for affection, and drape themselves to the arms and legs of those who are there to love them.
Through this center the children are privileged to do things that they normally would never get to do. Things like riding in an airplane, seeing a play, or learning how to take pictures and develop them on sight.
I asked Chris what percentage of children were they able to help. His reply was expected but none the less unfortunate. "We are only scratching the surface." With the help of many volunteers and a small but significant budget they are able to impact the lives of children, and for that we should all be grateful.
As you and I travel this journey of life, it is always a good idea to consider the plight of others. Sometimes I get to feeling so sorry for myself that I forget about others who have far less than I will ever have. None of us have to travel too far to find those who could benefit from our time and resources. Take the time to pause on the journey long enough to see what might be available for you, and how you might be involved. If you live in the Nashville area check out the website of Youth Encouragement Services.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Poison Ivy and Good Friends
About thirty-three years ago, me and some of my buddies camped out in the woods. Little did I know that I made my bed for the evening in a very large patch of poison ivy. Needless to say, the next week or so of my life was miserable. I remember laying on the couch with cold compresses covering the large whelps and blisters.
For the last thirty-three years every time I get into more poison ivy I can't help but think about that time. This week was no exception. The staff and I spent some time this week cleaning up around our campus. Although my intentions were to not get into any poison ivy, it simply was not to be. Fortunately, this time I did not wait until it got out of hand, but went to the doctor the next day. The itching is not as bad, and the patches on my arms don't look as bad as they have in the past. Most importantly, it has not progressed to my eyes and fingers like before.
The moral of this story is simple. Every time you work in or around poison ivy you will break out and need medical attention. Of course that is only true for those of us who are highly allergic to the stuff. But as is so often the truth there is a silver lining in every rain cloud. It causes me to remember the best club house ever and some pretty cool friends. Just another part of the journey that makes me smile.
For the last thirty-three years every time I get into more poison ivy I can't help but think about that time. This week was no exception. The staff and I spent some time this week cleaning up around our campus. Although my intentions were to not get into any poison ivy, it simply was not to be. Fortunately, this time I did not wait until it got out of hand, but went to the doctor the next day. The itching is not as bad, and the patches on my arms don't look as bad as they have in the past. Most importantly, it has not progressed to my eyes and fingers like before.
The moral of this story is simple. Every time you work in or around poison ivy you will break out and need medical attention. Of course that is only true for those of us who are highly allergic to the stuff. But as is so often the truth there is a silver lining in every rain cloud. It causes me to remember the best club house ever and some pretty cool friends. Just another part of the journey that makes me smile.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Grateful
The young man you see walking beside me on my blog home page is my grandson. Last week he had a pretty serious bike wreck. He spent two nights in the hospital, but is now resting at home. As we journey through life there are some experiences that cause us to reevaluate things. An accident like this is one of those events. This young man is full of life, and is an excellent baseball player. He loves being at his Maw Maw's house, and watching videos. He is a true ladies man. However, after the events of this past week we are just grateful for who he is. All those other things are important, but none more than the fact that God spared his life, and brought him safely back home.
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