I learned today that former White House spokesman, Tony Snow died. Like most Americans our news media seem almost like arch enemies or close friends, even though most of us have never met them. Tony Snow seemed like someone that I would enjoy spending some time with. Last year he gave a speech at Catholic University, and pretty much sums up for me why it would have been good just to have a day to sit down and discuss life with Tony. Please follow this link and read his speech. It shouldn't take too long to read, and will be worth a pause on your journey to do so.

"My Feelings Exactly"

I heard a cute story about a small boy, who was either in kindergarten or the first grade when this happened. He had been studying George Washington at school, and really learned to like old George. One day at the dinner table the little boy said to his mother, "Mom, George Washington is dead." After a long pause, he then said with a great deal of emotion, "I MISS HIM SO MUCH!"

Have you ever felt that way about someone. Well, I have. Right now my wife and daughter are overseas, and will be there for several more days. Although, I am so excited for them, I have to confess I MISS THEM SO MUCH!

Celebrating Twenty Years

Yesterday my daughter celebrated her 2oth birthday. Her comment just before bedtime last night was, "It didn't seem much like a birthday, but I have had a pretty good one." She started a new job, and had dinner out with her dad. We came home to a small birthday cake with one candle on top representing her 20 years. We discussed earlier in the week how birthdays seem to take on less significance the older we get. And yet, that still beats the alternative.

As we sat together at a local eating establishment, I could not help but think what others might be thinking about us. Do I look old enough to be eating dinner out with my daughter, or was I some middle aged man who was out with a young woman that looked young enough to be my daughter? Well, I am not sure what others thought, and know for sure that most of those around us could care less. However, I do know what I was thinking.

Here in front of me sat a young lady, who showed signs of maturity and style that impressed the socks off her dad. She spoke of her new job and all that she had learned in just one day. She spoke about the people at the office, and her desk that came with all the electronic gadgets needed to do her job well. And all I could think about was how short this journey seemed. Twenty years have passed and yet she is still our little girl.

The Journey I Didn't Take

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.

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.

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.

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.