The Hallmark List

So here is a little more Hallmark talk and shout out to my mom.

Back in November I was at mom's house and there was a Hallmark movie on in the background.  Out of the blue mom said, Do you want to build a Gingerbread House?  It felt random so I asked her why she asked.  She said "well that's what they do in all the Hallmark Christmas movies."  That conversation sparked the list.  I pulled out a yellow legal pad and started a list of things to do to have a Hallmark Christmas.  I told her the first thing we had to do was either "go back home," or "get stranded in some small town that overdid Christmas." Other things on the list included:

Make Christmas cookies

Build a Gingerbread House

Go ice skating

There needs to be snow

Build a snowman, have a snowball fight or make snow angels

Drink hot cocoa

Plan a major Christmas gala or festival in less than two weeks

(we intentionally left off the Mistletoe - you know with social distancing and all.)

That is about as far as the list got although I had intentions of working on it some more as we know there are many standard components to a Hallmark Christmas Movie.  I thought about it some during December yet kind of forgot.  But mom didn't.  Come Christmas morning mom gave me a wrapped box.  In it was a gingerbread house and a no bake cookie mix. She also gave me a packet of hot chocolate mix.  All of these gifts were to help us complete the "Christmas like a Hallmark Movie" list.  So here is a pictorial commentary on our attempt at the list.

1) Return to hometown or get stranded in some Christmasy small town  - Not exactly as described but we did spend Christmas somewhere other than where we live.  We were at Hilton Head Island and there were Christmas decorations.

2) Mom made the no bake smore cookies while Peter and I were out shopping.

3) Christmas morning mom and I made our gingerbread house. (note - the gingerbread people are making snow angels.)

4) We didn't go ice skating.  However Mom did slip and fall at her house two days before our trip enduring some injuries.  Though it created some discomfort we are so grateful for no major broken bones.

5) We missed the snow by a few hours as there was light snow in Gainesville the day we left for the beach.  Though we had rain the first couple hours of our driving journey, there was no precipitation for the remainder of our beach Christmas trip.

6) It was too cold for sandman building or sand angels but we did make some shadows in the sand.

7) Drink Hot Cocoa - check!

8) So there was no Gala or Festival but we did plan this trip in a mere week.  This was our fifth annual Christmas beach trip. It started  5 years ago as a reschedule for mom's 80th and Peter's 18th birthday trip canceled by a hurricane. That Christmas was so refreshing that mom has continued the tradition making it her Christmas gift to us. Thus far we have gone to a different beach each year and each one holds special memories. Usually we plan it in October but with Covid we held off.  Once Peter and I got through our turn with the virus and mom seemed clear we decided to "just do it" one week before our departure.  The condo wasn't the nicest we have stayed in (by far) but it was the best beach view we have ever had at Christmas.

Although not on the original list, I did think of a couple of things that we could have added that we kind of fulfilled.

9) Christmas Shopping trip with a new Christmas dress. We went to the Harris Teeter and a few island shops. I bought a discounted T-shirt and Peter got a sweatshirt.

10) The outdoor winter event.  Peter and I played miniature golf Christmas Eve

11) The mysterious "Santa like figure." 

12) A wintery walk 

13) And the Best part of a Hallmark Christmas . . . .  Being with the ones we love!

Better than a Hallmark Christmas Movie

In spite of my resolve not to, I have watched a good many Hallmark Christmas Movies in the past couple of months. If one thinks on a realistic level, you know they are ridiculous. They reuse the actors, the sets, and the story line over and over. The movies are predictable and cheesy as best.  Yet none the less there is something about them that draws people in.  The Holderness Family of YouTube fame referred to it as Christmas Prozac. I think it is the predictable happy ending that is so appealing, especially this year among so much turmoil in our world.  Honestly I have so many issues with the whole Hallmark franchise and often declare I am not longer going to buy into it ANYMORE.  Then next thing I know, I am snuggled up with the latest Hallmark version of happily ever after.  There are multiple things I could say about Hallmark but for the sake of this post, I want to point out one common story line.

It is a common notion among Hallmark Christmas movies that a stranger walks into a Christmas themed town and is embraced by the local mayor, Café owner, innkeeper and most recently jilted or widowed town bachelor/bachelorette. They give him/her a place to stay, invite him/her to the kitchen table, let him/her flip the switch at the Christmas tree lighting, give him/her access to the cash register and entrust him/her to babysit the town children. Excuse me, who is REALLY going to do that for a stranger???  Where is the background check? The references? The drug test? The idea for some reason is appealing but who are we kidding.

The book of Matthew records Jesus saying "when I was a stranger and you took me into your home, you did it for me,"  (slight Linda paraphrase) And obviously by the use of the story line in Hallmark ,there is something about that concept that is appealing.  However I don't think it typically happens like Hallmark portrays it. BUT I have seen it played out before me in my life.  This story is about my mom.  This is about my mom caring for a stranger in a way that is messier and less glamorous than Hallmark yet no doubt what I believe Jesus was talking about.

Throughout my life I have watched my mom give of her time, money, and love to people who where not her family. There have been multiple families who she met through Christmas sponsorship or child mentorship that she has invested her life in way beyond a one time food and gift drop or tutoring during school hours.  But one of the most outstanding evidences is the "widows,"  single older women that my mom has cared for and made a part of our family.  In my high school years there was our neighbor Betty C.  She was old and cranky with a hyper, over protective cocker spaniel.  For the last several years of her life, my mom was a key player in seeing that she had what she needed and helping with the closure of her estate. During my 40's , it was her neighbor Ida who mom helped and loved.  Mom helped Ida when her husband passed away. Miss Ida became a regular at our Holiday table.  Mom visited her regularly in the nursing home up until her death and helped her daughter settle her estate following.  Then there is Betty A.  Mom simply met her while delivering Meals on Wheels twenty some  years ago. In these past twenty years Mom has helped her move, carried her to the doctor, visited her daily in the nursing home during various stays, transported her on weekly grocery runs, assisted with paperwork and so on.  Currently Betty is on hospice in the nursing home just around the corner from mom's condo.  If it wasn't for Covid, I am sure mom would be visiting daily at she had been prior to March.  As it is last Sunday found mom and I standing at her bedroom window waving at her.

In all these scenarios, mom has been there at the end helping to wrap up the loose ends. Honestly that is not a job most of us want to do for our family members much less a non family member. Last weekend mom and I were cleaning out Betty's house because her POA (not mom) is going to rent the house after it has sat vacant for a year.  Betty has no family and mom knew the POA though he cares for Ms. Betty would basically go in and put what little she had into the dumpster.  Mom and I went in and found things that would be sentimental to Betty's few friends or useful if donated to a thrift store. Mom boxed up the important papers that testified to Betty's life. As I saw it, mom gave dignity to Betty's life by not just letting it all be swept into a dumpster.  

The first Betty had only a few estranged family members.  Ms. Ida's daughter was far away with no family nearby.  And Ms. Betty A has no family living.  And my mom took them in.  She didn't just invite them in for a Christmas meal or let them flip the switch at the Christmas tree Lighting.  My mom invested in these women's lives for the long haul through the less than glitzy moments.  She loved these strangers and made them family.  I think this is what Jesus was talking about. I am so grateful because the truth is the Plants' family as a whole has been enriched because of these women and  the example mom set before us.  And let me tell you, I think that is way better than a Hallmark Christmas Movie. 

Follow Up

 MORE TO BE THANKFUL FOR:

I learned the lesson that even with 2 weeks uninterrupted at home, I will NEVER get my to-do list all done.

A negative test result Friday morning allowed me to visit school that day.

The very exuberant welcome of a bunch of little three year old's.

The amazing work my co-worker did for 2 weeks plus in my absence.

God's financial provisions in the face of missing two weeks of work.

Released from isolation in time to take packages to the post office and deliver greetings/gifts to friends.

Timing allowed me to help Mom this weekend as she cared for the needs of a friend.

A wacky glitch in a system helped to direct Peter regarding employment decisions.

Mom's health seems to be good as of Monday and plans for Christmas at the beach are currently still GO.

THE DRYER, THE GIRL, AND YOUR RESPONSE:

It has been really funny to me that of all the blogpost thus far the one that has created the most response is my story about fixing my dryer.  Thank you for the cheers I received today. I grew up with a dad who could fix or devise a solution to just about anything.  I would often say that I needed to marry a man who could do the same because I was spoilt in that area.  Well Obviously I didn't.  However one of my roommates while living in Uganda was a girl raised on a farm and she had the same "We can fix it!" spirit that my dad had.  I found it inspiring as well as helpful .  After I returned to the US and when dad began to decrease in his ability to fix things I grieved the loss of my "I can fix it" dad.  In his place God has often sent a skilled husband of a friend, a church member or occasionally a professional to fill the gap.  However I love it when I can channel the spirit of my "Lets fix this!" dad while employing YouTube and some perseverance to do it myself.  Those moments in my mind are akin to when Diana Prince twirls around becoming Wonder Woman and rescues a school bus of children from collision.  It feels pretty epic!  So thanks for sharing in that with me.

PETER

Peter had made attempts to contact Amazon over the past few days with no success.  So I took him to the warehouse last night prepared to work.  Upon arrival he was informed that he had been terminated and he would have to reapply. (He had been through this process before when his hospital stay delayed his start) As he tried to reapply he ran into a glitch with the e-mail address that was not allowing him to log in.  The issue had begun prior to his getting sick.  It is unexplained how a former e-mail address of Peter's instead of his current e-mail became connected to his account midway through his employment.  It is an account he has been unable to access for several years and basically his inability to access it has locked him out of his Amazon work account.  We made attempt to seek help from HR and for privacy reasons basically they couldn't help him because it was not coming from the e-mail connected to the account. It is strange and unexplained but basically has been used to cause Peter to not pursue continuing with Amazon.  To do so would mean having to totally start over with the application process. Due to the distance and long hours I do think it is probably best.  I noticed Peter's demeanor changed from when he was headed to work than when we were headed home knowing he wasn't going to have to push through a 12 hour night shift. He had been silent going out but was more conversational on the way back. He wanted to keep the job for the financial benefit but it evidently was very stressful for him.  None the less, this has Peter back in the place of being unemployed.  We have had discussions last night as well as this evening in which I assisted him as he applied for a couple of jobs.  I am proud of him for trying to make the most of his current situation dealing with life without a car and the fatigue of his medication. I am also proud of him for his willingness to try a variety of jobs.  Your continued prayers for a job that will be a good fit for Peter and provide good social support and influence are much appreciate.

The Dryer and The Girl

This is the dryer.

This is the dryer a girl has had for 10 years.

This is the dryer the girl paid a repair guy  to come fix 7 years ago.

This is the dryer the girl paid $60 to have the repair guy fix a broken timer.

This is the dryer that was spitting out clothes when the girl opened the door for the past several months.

This is the dryer that the girl turned off before opening the door so it wouldn't spit out clothes.

This is the dryer that decided not to work at all this past Friday night.

This it the dryer the girl was prepared to call that same repair guy to come fix.

                                        This is the girl.

This is the girl who decided to look at YouTube to see why the dryer might not be working.

This is the girl who watched an hour of  YouTube videos about why a dryer might not work.

This is the girl who diagnosed the problem to likely be a broken door switch.

This is the girl who watched several YouTube videos on how to replace the switch.

This it the girl who ordered the $7 switch from Amazon.

This is the girl who replaced the door switch in less than 20 minutes.

This is the girl who did a happy dance when the dryer started working again!

Woot Woot!

The Concerns of Today

When I learned I would spend two weeks at home, I envisioned writing lots of blog post.  And although multiple ones are in my head, few were transferred into print.  And now that the isolation is over I still have so many things I want to share but life's responsibilities are calling loudly limiting time.  I have a couple of stories I do hope to share but at the moment I feel a need to write some of my anxiety and fear in hopes that sharing it will lighten the load of it.  I tease my mom because she says she doesn't worry, she just has concerns.  I think it is kind of the same thing. So here are my concerns.

Tradition is that we go to the beach for Christmas.  Due to the state of this year, we delayed making plans until this past Thursday.  We were at the end of Covid for Peter and I, mom was still well and a condo popped up in VBRO that met all the criteria so we took a risk and booked it.  Since then mom has had a headache, Peter seems slow to bounce back, and I am feeling a bit paranoid about the virus.  So we just seek wisdom in knowing if we are to go and the grace to handle it if we are not.  The Christmas beach trip started after we spent one miserable Christmas at home following Larry's death.  We have discovered Christmas at the beach is a refreshing way to counter the sadness of missing Larry and Dad during the holiday. Wrapped up with that is gratitude that mom stayed well for the two weeks that Peter and I were down and prayers that she will continue to stay well.

The other concern is Peter.  I am not sure if I shared that when he returned from Peachford Mental Hospital Nov 19, he seemed to be in the best mental place I'd seen all year.  His 60 hour week of night shift was hard but I was so proud of his attitude and perseverance.  With Covid and perhaps the medication he takes, he has slept a lot of the past two weeks.  His sleep cycle is topsy turvy again with him sleeping through the days and up during the night.  This is good for a night shift but without the night time work I do think it has stirred up depression, though he won't admit to it.  Peter says he is returning to night shift this evening but evidence makes me think maybe he is not so sure.  He admitted yesterday to still just being so tired.

Due to various driving events over the past four years and a recently acquired newer car, Pete's car insurance had reached per month just shy of what I pay for car insurance in one year.  He came to the decision to park the car in Mama Millie's garage for awhile.  He took the high paying night job in hopes of paying off some debt to his grandma and saving up to eventually move out. Evidentially still living  with his mom adds to his feelings of being "a looser." so he communicated.  The Amazon job is temporary and it is 30 minutes away. I had committed to help him with transportation because it was high paying, temporary and the young man needs some encouragement.  Plus the travel time has its benefits as he had been talking with me during the travel.  Peter recognizes that 12 hour shifts and night time work is not helping him as well as he needs something closer he can get to.  I have offered to help him apply for jobs but he does seem to be struggling to do much more than sleep at the moment.  

So you know I am concerned.  Like my preschoolers tell me, I am over here telling God what Peter needs!  As I have emphasized to my threes, what I say I need may be a want and not a need, there is a difference.  I do belief Peter needs Jesus, needs to recognize Jesus as he savior.  But what I WANT for Peter is to feel loved and valued, to have purposeful work and experience some independence.  I want Peter to have a job that is not too far and he can navigate getting to on his own.  I want him to have a job that feels purposeful and  fits a schedule that supports his mental health.  I want him to have a job with reasonable pay and benefits so he can meet his responsibilities.  I want him to work with people who will have a positive impact on him.  As we enter 2021, Peter and I are changing insurance carriers. My hope is that this is going to be beneficial to Peter. What I want is it does not totally disrupt the cart but brings about positive changes for his mental and medical care. 

Okay, just knowing I have shared it helps.  I know that some of you will pray for these things and it lightens my load and helps me stop feeling like I am carrying it alone.  God has been faithful all these years with Peter and I know he will continue to do so.  Sometimes it is just easy to forget.

The Thankful List

Did I ever share the story about how during my early and very challenging days of living in Uganda, Rosemary Jensen told me to Thank God for Everything in following  the teaching of  1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Honestly I thought she was crazy. I even was slightly sarcastic as I started making list.  But as I did it, my attitude  began to change. That was a valuable life lesson.  Thankfulness really does change one's perspective.  I think I even read it is scientifically proven. So in light of Covid 19 visiting my house I have kept a list of things I can truly be grateful for.

Peter and I were diagnosed positive at the same time. Made things less complicated.

The Sun has shined more than not.

Several people generously dropped food by our house.

People have called, txt or emailed to check on us.

Church deacons checked in and offered help

Peter is catching up on sleep from working 60 hour night shift at Amazon the week before.

An awesome co-worker, Emma who is doing a great job in my absence, making Christmas fun for the kids.

Although not decorating a tree this year, I had put up enough festive decorations to make it Christmasy and pleasant.

I had my yard and porch festively decorated for Christmas before the cold weather and virus hit.

I uncharacteristically decorated my bedroom with Christmas items including the new "Christmas tree on a VW Bus" pillow covers  I splurged on. I have been in my room a lot to enjoy them.

For that friend who knows nothing of what is going on and left a really cute Christmas VW Bus dishtowel at my house last Wednesday.

Amazon, Target drive up, and Instacart Pubix delivery.

Drive through and Drive Up Covid testing and the people working them.

Plenty of food in the pantry and freezer.

Mom has remained healthy. (At this point she is 11 days out from her lunch with Peter the day before he took ill.)

Super duper supplements have helped me fight the virus and I have not felt horrible most of thet past week and a half.

I have maintained some energy, thus able to work on lots of projects, even some dreaded, put off one.

The lack of hard labor made my Color Street nails self manicure last a whole 11 days - my new record.

I have been home long enough to make meringue cookies (they take forever!) 

Extra time at home means 2 phone chats a day with mom instead of just our usual one.

I had time to address Christmas cards and make Christmas ornaments.

I made decorations for my outdoor "bird" Christmas tree.

I took the time to read the sporadically written diary from my first year in Uganda, 2000. 

I have saved minimum of $50 because I haven't been in the Dollar tree in over 2 weeks.

I am catching up on sleep.

Yesterday's Covid retest was positive so I get more time at home.

I really like home and I have had a valid reason not to go anywhere.

12 days of Christmas , the Covid 19 version

The following is dedicated to one of my Besties, May, (and her girls) whom I inadvertently exposed to Covid 19 this Christmas .  

On the first day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me, a Covid  test resulting  positivity.

On the second day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the third day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the fourth day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the fifth day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me,  5 FUZZY BLANKETS, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid  test resulting positivity

On the sixth day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me 6 extra hours sleeping, 5 FUZZY BLANKETS, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the seventh day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me 7 baths of detoxing,  6 extra hours sleeping, 5 FUZZY BLANKETS, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the eighth day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me 8 hours of Hallmark, 7 baths of detoxing,  6 extra hours sleeping, 5 FUZZY BLANKETS, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the ninth day of Christmas my  Best Friend gave to me 9 doorstep deliveries, 8 hours of Hallmark, 7 baths of detoxing,  6 extra hours sleeping, 5 FUZZY BLANKETS, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the tenth day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me 10 days of quarantining, 9 doorstep deliveries, 8 hours of Hallmark, 7 baths of detoxing,  6 extra hours sleeping, 5 FUZZY BLANKETS, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the eleventh  day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me 11 missed Christmas events, 10 days of quarantining, 9 doorstep deliveries, 8 hours of Hallmark, 7 baths of detoxing,  6 extra hours sleeping, 5 FUZZY BLANKETS, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

On the twelfth  day of Christmas my Best Friend gave to me 12 Immunity booster Supplements, 11 missed Christmas events, 10 days of quarantining, 9 doorstep deliveries, 8 hours of Hallmark, 7 baths of detoxing,  6 extra hours sleeping, 5 FUZZY BLANKETS, 4 text apologies, 3 shots of Elderberry, 2 Tylenol and a Covid test resulting positivity.

When I realized I may have given my friend Covid for Christmas, the first line of this song kept dancing through my head .This is written with an attempt at lightening the situation.  I am grateful that currently Peter and I are basically experiencing mild symptoms and just a lot of inconvenience.  None the less it does not negate the seriousness of this horrible Virus.  I know people who have lost loved ones or been hospitalized.  I currently sit here praying that my mom who we also inadvertently exposed does not come down with it. We so appreciate the kind acts bestowed on us, the well wishes and prayers on our behalf.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

 I recently found in my bible a paraphrase of Habakkuk 3:17-18 that I wrote in August 2013.

Though my computer wont turn on and there's no "xtra" for replacing it,

Though Peter says he wont go to Riverside Military School and I have taken all he possesses,

Though Larry suffers poor health and my responsibility feels huge,

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

I remember that time, it felt so heavy and yet it all worked out.  I replaced the computer perhaps even twice over now.  Peter did go to RMA for 2 years.  Larry had a great final year in the nursing home and is with Jesus now.  The Lord remained faithful through that time of trials.  And now I can trust that he will continue to do so as I write my new version.

Though Peter and I both tested positive for Covid today,

Though we have unknowingly exposed beloved family and friends,

Though we are missing freedom to roam, income and Christmas festivities,

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

For the past 4 months I have prayed with my little ones during naptime asking God to keep our classmates and their families as well as our school from getting sick with the virus.  I recently shared with a friend that by praying this, I didn't presume that I would never get sick but that by praying it, it gave me confidence to know it came sifted through the loving hands of my father if I did. This has been put to the test. I did have lots of emotions when the Nurse Practitioner confirmed that Peter and I were both positive.  Symptoms had me highly suspicious but hearing it was jarring.  I realized I now had the opportunity to act upon what I said I believed  This is not ideal nor fun but it in no way negates the faithfulness of my God.  So I choose to rejoice in him.

Thanksgiving Morning

This summer would have been my 5th year volunteering at the Annual July 4th Peachtree Road Race (60,000 participant event in Atlanta). I ran it once but really love volunteering at it just as much. But as you can guess this year, thanks to Covid the race didn't happen.  It was postponed until today, Thanksgiving morning.  Then of course thanks to Covid, it became a virtual race.  I was given the opportunity to earn my volunteer shirt by doing some act of service.  Among the many options was  the suggestion to be a personal volunteer for someone running the virtual race.  That sounded way more fun and creative than donating canned goods.  So Pete the Cat (for whom this is his 3rd year as a volunteer) and I set out to encourage my friends Lisa and Mary Katherine as well as anyone else passing by my house.  It wasn't quite the same but provided a little bit of that "feel good community vibe" of the Peachtree as I spent Thanksgiving morning on the porch cheering on and chatting with the people who passed my way.

So much better, but....

 Peter came home Thursday afternoon.  He is in a much better place than he was for the couple of months prior to his hospitalization.  He is more conversational and positive and looks healthier.  Peter had lost a lot of weight in pursuit of a modeling career and was struggling with insomnia.  The doctor's response a month ago had been to increase his medication.  Add to that the stressors of lack of job, lack of finances and things I am sure I am unaware of, Peter had dipped into deep depression.

I don't know exactly what all took place during the past 2 weeks but he did sleep a good bit, was eating regular meals, interacting with people and his medication was decreased and switched to a once a day dosage as opposed to 2 a day. These all seemed to work together to stabilize Peter into what I consider to be more of the "real him."

There is uncertainty about the Amazon job, he is still in the process of following up to see if it is still an option. He seems to be sleeping better at night and eating.  And he is able to talk to me without that aloofness or distain that was the norm the past few months.  He seems to have a spiritual softening that comes when he is mentally more stable.  Don't exaggerate that in your mind, he probably would still say he doesn't believe in God but he was playing Christian music in the car and doesn't have that same animosity towards my god view comments.  

I am grateful for the Peter I picked up Thursday.  I certainly see God answering our prayers with a yes and I am grateful but......   Right, there it is, "BUT." But  your see I struggle not to live with what comes after the but.  BUT he doesn't have a job.  BUT he still may not see a therapist.  BUT he may stop complying with meds and home expectations.  BUT he may obsess with his weight again or get off his sleep regime. BUT, BUT, BUT.

I am studying Luke 1:1-38 this morning and it tells how Zechariah and Mary both question the angel Gabriel after he declares the impossible plans God has for each of them.  Zechariah says "How can I be sure of this?" Mary says "How will this be."  My translations doesn't have the "but" at the beginning, however I hear it.  "But how can I be sure." "But how can this be." I read a book where the author talks about how we live after the "but." " I love your dress but your hair is a mess." "Thank you for washing the dishes but I wish you had swept the floor." The first part becomes void as all we can focus on is what comes after the "but".  I find myself in response to the question, " how is Peter ?" by saying , he is so much better but..... " The truth is I am more focused on what is yet to come, good or bad that I basically stamp VOID  on what has happened before. I find it interesting that both Zechariah and Mary questioned and yet it appears only Zechariah experienced the negative consequence as it appears for unbelief.  Maybe there is more to the story than what we see.  What we do know is that Mary is recorded as saying "I am the Lord's servant, May it be unto me as you have said."  Mary didn't understand how it would play out.  She couldn't see ahead nor did she understand how it would work.  Yet she yielded, saying "okay, I am with you, may it be as you say, I will trust  the Lord in what I cannot see." - the Linda translation.  

What I find also interesting is where "but" does appear in my translation of this passage.  When Zechariah is gripped with fear and Mary is troubled, the scriptures says "but the angel said to him/her .... "   According to this passage God through the angel speaks to Zechariah and Mary in their troubling thoughts.  It would appear that Zechariah chose to live before the "but" in his fear where Mary dwelt on what came after the but, the word of God.  And this requires trust.  I am gripped with fear and troubled over the future for Peter. I can chose to live there or I can chose to live in the truth of God's word. "But God." "But nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

Thank you for your prayers through the past couple of weeks and many days, weeks, months, years before.  I do appreciate your continued prayers as we move forward.  Pray that I will be a wise mom not trying to control, but only advocating as God prompts.  Please pray for a job, wise friends, mental stability, counselor/therapist, spiritual awakening and safety for Peter.  With much gratitude.

Peter's pending return home

Dear friends, thank you for praying and sending notes of encouragement even though information has been limited from this side.  I have had little to share as I have not had  much communication with Peter or the staff at the mental hospital where he is at.  I have carried a mixed bag of emotions.  On one hand it has been a relief to belief Peter is in a safe place and to have the house to myself.  Yet on the other hand not knowing what was happening has had it's anxiety.  

I did talk with Peter last Friday and could tell he was much better.  I talked with a Doctor on Saturday that was also somewhat helpful.  My attempts this week to talk with his case worker or Peter were unsuccessful up until tonight.  Peter called and said they are saying he is going home tomorrow.  He did say by the way things work around there it might be Friday but he did expect to be home by Friday.

Peter says he feels much better and I can hear it in his voice.  I would be lying if I said I don't have tons of questions and concerns about his return.  Peter was to have started a job at Amazon this past Sunday and of course had to cancel his start date.  There is hope it is still available.  One of my big concerns is that he was to work a 5:30 PM to 4 AM shift.  Supported by conversation with my Naturopath I do not think the late night shifts are beneficial to his mental state.  It will also affect what is his new  medication regime.  And his car currently does not have insurance etc.  And I am going to want to "fix" those things and address them and Peter is not going to want to discuss them.  Peter needs therapy and has in the past been unwilling.  I can feel my anxiety level rise as I write this.  And yes I have been listening to Max Lucado's book " Trading my anxiety for his calm" but I don't think its helping. 

So I appreciate continued prayers for Peter and myself as well.  I am grateful for the reprieve from the constant stress over Peter's mental state during the past 2 weeks.  I am hopeful that some good things will come of this for Peter.  I am hopeful that some insurance changes for next year will also be beneficial regarding his access to out patient care options.  One of my great desires is that God will provide someone that can give Peter guidance that he will connect with and trust.  He needs a psychiatrist that he trust and honestly not sure what we are to do moving forward - return to Dr B, stay with the Dr. from his current stay or seek out someone else.  Its hard to know when Peter needs someone  (me) to advocate and intervene on his behalf because he is not fully able and when he needs to be left to let the chips fall.  It all feels so tricky.

I keep going back to the promise I believe God gave me when we started this journey in March - "This is not my battle to fight, it belongs to the Lord."  But sometimes even when you don't fight a battle God calls you to do something, hold your hands up (Moses)  or march around a wall (Joshua and the people at Jericho.)  And even the disciples had to throw out the net before they could catch all those fish.  So though I know in my head God will fight this battle, I can get caught up in worrying about "what am I suppose to do!!!" I know I take responsibility for a lot of things that are not mine to take.  So you can pray for me in that regard.

Again, thank you for being willing to stand beside us in this journey with your love and prayers.

Quiet

 This will be quick and unedited (you are forewarned) as I need to be headed out the door,  Many of you have inquired and I am so grateful for the prayers on Peter's behalf.

I honestly know very little.  Peter was transferred to Peachford Mental facility in Atlanta Friday morning.  He did not reach out to me with throughout the weekend.  Without him giving me his security code I can not get info.  However he did give my name and number such that I was involved in a crisis management plan meeting yesterday via speaker phone with Peter and his case manager at Peachford.  It was interesting.  I hope to follow up with the case manager today to see if I can get any more info .  

I am at peace.  honest its easier with him not here and knowing (or at least choosing to believe) he is in a safe place.  To me he is obviously  not of a good sound and healthy mind and hope they can see that and will work on solutions.  Thank you for continuing to pray for Peter.  It is  our Lord and Jesus that I am putting my hope in for Peter's healing.  And it is a comfort to know others are going to Jesus on Peter's behalf.

Asking for Help

This evening as I was crawling into bed, Peter came to me and said he needed help.  He said he was really depressed, was having suicidal thoughts and needed to go to Laurelwood (the mental hospital he was at before.)  This starts with going to the Emergency Room so that is what we did. They took Peter back pretty quickly and I was not allowed because it was after the visiting hours for the Behavior Health Unit.  I refused to leave until I could talk to someone to tell them some history and meds specifics. I waited about an hour and was finally told I could go home and they would call me.  I did get a call as walking to the car and am grateful for the intake nurse Britney who gracious listened and talked with me on the phone for over 25 minutes.  She was going to talk with the doctor and recommend that Peter be admitted and his medication be reconsidered. Currently she said there were not any beds at Laurelwood so he may have to go to another facility unless something might open up tomorrow.

In the past my prayer request has been that Peter would be able to stay at Laurelwood due to its great convenience.  (It is a mile from our house.)  This time my prayer is that Peter will go where he is going to get the best help. Last week Peter had a video appointment with the Doctor in which she spent 3 minutes with him, said she would see him in three months and did not ask for any input from me.  I thus began really praying for someone to step in and see that Peter's current situation was not okay.  He had not been saying much and had moments in which he seemed ok, but I have felt he was depressed and certainly not in a good place for some time now.  Therefore I am so grateful he has asked for help.  My prayer is that he will be able to get it.  Thank you for joining me in this.

 "If we do what God says, we will be surprised by joy." - Sue Sanders

While in Washington this September, my friend Sue and I talked for hours upon hours.  I often had a small notebook handy to write down her many words of wisdom along with other historic facts Ron was sharing and recipes.  A theme that ran through many of my notes was about obedience to God.  Often this is a topic that makes me bristle.  I am not sure exactly why because I tend to be a rule follower.  Perhaps because I often associate suffering with obedience.  The above statement is one of the first things I wrote in my notebook and throughout conversations with Sue and reflections upon my own life, I realized the truth in it.  

During one of my discussions with Sue, whose involvement with BSF has spanned somewhere around 50 years, I admitted that I was not planning to do BSF this coming year,  I said it with a bit of fear and trembling and a fair amount of embarrassment.  After years of involvement in BSF and serving as a teaching leader in Uganda for 7 years I, I have spent the past 5 years as a class member in a Satellite group that met at my church.  In spite of the convenience of location and comfort of friends in the group, I was a terrible class member.  I was late or I missed class.  I rarely had a completed lesson.  I wasn't faithful to pray for prayer request.  I didn't attend lectures or read my notes.  However with the option to watch the lecture on line and listen to the notes via audio, this past year I was a better participant in those areas.  If the group had larger attendance I found I was more reluctant to share. A cloud of shame followed my participation in BSF and I had concluded it was time to do something else though I wasn't sure exactly what.

Therefore I was a bit hesitant when I told Sue.  Her response was "of course you shouldn't be a class member in BSF.  You should be teaching a bible study." With the fear and cloud lifted, I told Sue how for a couple of years I had felt like I should be leading a bible study for some of the twenty somethings I work with at the day school..  Fear and uncertainty had kept me from doing anything about it.  Sue gave me encouragement and a plan. I returned home knowing what I needed to do but struggling to set it in motion.

After about 2 weeks of hesitation yet feeling the strong conviction I was suppose to do something, I finally blurted out to this young co-worker, "I have been thinking about having a bible study, would you be interested in coming?" Alyssa is this very shy 20 year old whom I don't really know that well and when her face lit up and she said "yes," I was surprised and elated.  It was more than a week later before I got up the nerve to approach my 22 year old classroom co-worker with a similar question.  Her response was that of questions, "when, where, who, and can I bring my puppy." I was not bolstered with a lot of confidence by her response.  Therefore it was quite a surprise when within a couple of days she had invited another girl, who invited two more and they figured out a time and day we could meet.  Next thing I knew, I had 5 girls  planning to start a bible study at my house on Monday nights.

Except for one girl who had to miss the first night, for four weeks these five young ladies have been coming to my house to learn how to do homiletics as we have worked through the book of Philippians, one chapter at  a time.  What started as the plan of a concentrated one hour of real bible study has turned into about an hour and a half  of bible discussion with my often having to gently send them off an hour or so later so I can go to bed.  Ranging from 20 to 27 years old these ladies represent a real variety in ethnic, social and church backgrounds. They are friends forged from working together at school and I love to see the unity in diversity sitting on my front porch.  We started on the porch but the time change and colder weather sent us inside this week.

The best way to describe this experience is to go back to the statement I started this story with.  Oh the surprise of joy this reluctant step of obedience has brought me.  I am surprised by their eagerness to come.  When I asked if they wanted to take a week off before we started doing homiletics on the gospel of John and  they said "no, lets meet next week."  They seem excited though slightly nervous to start doing homiletics on the passage before coming on Mondays.  Thus far we have been walking through it together.  They seem to want to hang out with me, twice their age, and that really surprises me.  Leading them is keeping me committed to doing my homiletics and being prepared.  And I love being able to teach and share truth with them. This little step of obedience, this gathering of young women at my home, has truly surprised me with it's joy,

God sets the lonely in family Ps 68:6

So I am not lonely nor did I grow up lonely.  I grew up feeling very loved and wanted. However I did grow up in a small family with extended relatives physically far away and thus not knowing them very intimately.  My immediate family never extended very far as neither my brother nor I married.  Peter has been a gift in extending our family by his adoption yet he is a bit solitary in his life currently as well.  At this point my immediate family consist of Mom, Peter and me. My estate lawyer says in his business, I am at the advantage to not haves siblings to squabble with.  However when I compare myself to those Holiday commercials or friends with big family gatherings I have always felt a bit "lonely."

Thus, this verse in Psalms 68 has  been one of my favorites for a long time.  It says: "But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God:  may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name. extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him - his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing." Psalm 68: 3-6a

I have seen God set me in families in so many ways such to give me the big extended family I often have longed for.  I could list several different ways but at this time I want to share one specific.  When I graduated from college I went to work at Camp Willow Run not knowing what I would do when summer ended.  I quickly connect with some of the full time staff and in a fun turn of events was invited to stay and work through the winter, temporarily.  That temporary job ended up lasting 7 years to the day of my arrival.  I was a single twenty-something living in a train box car on the lake far from my parent's home.  And there God put me in a family.  I was part of the Camp Willow Run full time staff family.  And within that group I also became parts of individual families, the Harris Family, the Moore Family, the Crawley Family, and the Adam's Family.  Thirty years later these families remain an important part of my life.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to be with part of this extended family at Camp Willow Run and neighboring Camp Willow Springs. The above picture show the two couples who I always say "raised me" in my twenties. On the left is Beth and Keith Moore who was the Camp Director at the time and Kevin and May Adams who was the Assistant Camp Director and still work at CWR.  The picture is missing another lady who highly influenced my life during this time, Marysue Crawley.  Marysue was the Food Service Director I worked along side and suggested to Keith I stay on beyond the summer.  Marysue  died 10 years ago and left a empty spot in our family. 

I have maintained particularly close relationship with the Adam's family over the years. The babies (4 of them) who I helped raise are now married raising their own babies.  I have had the privilege of helping to coordinate the wedding of all three daughters and helping with the rehearsal dinner for the son.  Now I am holding their babies and playing with their little children. This past trip all the whole family was gathered as we married off the last child.  And it wasn't just the last child, it was my goddaughter and namesake with whom I share a middle name.  Pretty big stuff.  

I could go on and on about the details of the wedding and how we went from a raining rehearsal day to a beautiful wedding day.  Instead I will just share a few favorite pictures.  It was a beautiful day.  The setting and décor was gorgeous.  But the best part for me is these people, my family.  It was being with people who have claimed me as one of there own when they didn't have too.  And not just the Adam's family but other families intertwining with theirs that I have been made a part of.   Sometimes it did feel like a Hallmark  Holiday Commercial and I got to be part of it!

Living close to Anna allowed me the fun adventure of traveling to wedding with these two cuties.

We were very excited to see May May!!!

Patrick was my 25th birthday present and I am beyond impressed with this man!

Camp Willow Spring Dining Hall for the reception.

Wedding at neighboring Camp Willow Springs Outdoor Chapel

Kelsey and her boys

Anna with the littlest wedding party member.

Haley Kay and her dad.

The kitchen where I was first adopted into the Camp Willow Run family.

The big family send off breakfast in CWR Dining Hall.

Some of my babies' babies (4 of the 6) that I think are fantastic!!

Loading up the cars, laughter and tears, very "Hallmark - ish"

The List

So tonight I am sending the prayer list I didn't include last time.  There won't be a lot of elaboration due to the call of the dishes and a shower.  But then you know me, its hard for me NOT to elaborate.

1. Peter needs a job.  Preferable one not too far from home.

2. Peter needs a therapist.  We meet with one possibility October 14.  I have also reached out to a local counseling center through the college down the street from our house based on the recommendation of someone I liked but couldn't afford. 

3.  Peter was willing to address one personal issue a couple weeks ago with a therapist or group.  He needs to still be willing by the time we get someone lined up.

4. Peter's birthday is tomorrow and I hope our birthday dinner  tomorrow night will be pleasant.

5. I need to know how to handle things when Peter runs out of money and/or can't pay me the money for his phone bill due in a week and a half.

6. That Peter won't disturb my bible study this coming Monday evening as I have 4 really cute 20 something girls coming to my home.  Preferably he will have a job or sleep through it.

7. For this bible study God has been prompting me to start for 2 years and he amazingly had these girls organize when I was finally was willing to simply suggest it.

8. I have been offered an opportunity at some part time work.  It is something I am excited about doing but requires some classes. I am not a great student.  Because it will be self employment it will also require some financial help.  I think I may need an accountant.  I will share more at another time, like if and when it really happens but for now no it's not a Pyramid scheme nor Color Street Nails.

9. I am headed to NC do direct my Goddaughter's wedding next weekend.  There is talk of a hurricane.  Two years ago I drove through a hurricane to help with her brother's rehearsal dinner.  I would prefer not to do that again. 

10.  For Peter to take his meds and be safe especially while I am away.

Okay that is more than enough.  If led, you can pick and choose one or more.  I am grateful and encouraged.  Thank you.

Peter

 So this one comes from the mama heart.  This is to ask  you to pray.

As told in a blog a couple of weeks past, Peter was in a car wreck that totaled his car.  It was not his fault and the driver's insurance is paying out a more than fair settlement.  Peter was provided two weeks of a rental car as well.  So I have been very hands off except for helping with a couple of paper work items.  Peter received the money yesterday and has bought a car as of today.  He is to go pick it up tomorrow.  He is doing this all on his own with the help of Lyft.  

Sunday night Peter came in from work and told me he didn't work at Texas Roadhouse anymore, that he had quit.  He said they treated him like a servant and it just wasn't his scene anymore. He is looking to go into retail.  He didn't say it but my guess is that is until he goes into modeling.  The numerous hats and sunglasses left in front of the mirrors indicate he is still preparing.

Peter says he plans to pick up the car tomorrow and drive it home then let it sit here until he gets a job and then put insurance on it.  . . . . right my red flag meter starts having a fit. Remember that time he was in a wreck 30 minutes after picking up his new car.  Add that to all the other red flags all ready in motion.  

Peter is unemployed.  And he thinks he is beneath many jobs.  He also struggles with filling out applications etc.

I do not know the status of the law suit with the car accident earlier in the year.  Peter says he doesn't know and I am choosing not to get involved.

Peter and I have some conflicts with our rooming situation. Basically I have a squatter living in my house with bad hygiene and often inconsiderate of my request.  

Peter stopped seeing his therapist several months ago.  I wrote a letter to his psychiatrist today to give her some background before Peter's medication check up via the computer this coming Tuesday. Those appointments are usually a fly by.  I hope she will take time to read the letter and consider my concerns for Peter's well being.

Peter is not having psychotic episodes but I do think there is a fare amount of delusional thinking about who he is and what is owed him. He lives in a virtual world with no to few physical real friends.  He does most things alone or is in his room.

We did meet with the Naturopath this past week.  Peters brain inflammation has shown improvement and it was encouraging.  Peter will continue on the supplements for the time being as long as I can afford it.  If nothing else Ricardo is an encouragement to me and allowed me a safe space to talk about my concerns in front of Peter.  

The big thing for me is knowing what I am to do as an advocate verses what is being an enabler.  When am I showing kindness and when am I trying to control things or do something that is not my place.  In the midst of this very paragraph, Peter called.  His debit card was declined (due to todays car buying activity) and he couldn't leave the restaurant he had walked to until he paid.  I was able so went and helped him.  The win for me was he had an alcoholic drink with dinner and he was chatty.  I think in that case I did the right thing,.  But I am constantly facing that decision - am I showing love and mercy or enabling and preventing God from using the suffering for Peter's good.

I have watch Peter suffer and experience many hardships his whole life.  I don't want to watch more.  And yet as my wise friend recently reminded me, "God uses hard times to bring us to the end of ourselves."  She also said "you don't do a kid a favor if you protect them from their mistakes."

Okay so I will not conclude with a list of prayer request.  I have provided my thoughts and heart.  I will trust God to lead you to pray for Peter and his mom based on these.  

Thanks for listening, caring and praying.

Hot Flashes

In my mid twenties I was in a BSF group led by a woman in her 50's.  It's the first time I can remember hearing a woman talk about hot flashes.  I think she was experiencing one during one of our fellowships.  My thought at the time was that she was being a little over dramatic.  Whats the big deal I thought?  So you get hot.  We all get hot, you know like out in the sun while working in the yard, hanging out at the pool, in a hot kitchen, etc.  I don't have contact wither her, don't even remember her name but to her and any other woman I labeled as wimpy and over dramatic about menopausal hot flashes, my deepest and sincerest apologies. I totally misunderstood.

I thought a hot flash was just being hot.  I did not know it was really about an internal thermostat malfunction.  Being hot is one thing but all of the sudden having the thermostat flung to 98 degrees by the hormone fairy is something else.  But even that doesn't explain it.  Its the fact that just about the time you figure out how to deal with it by stripping off layers of clothing and sitting in front of a fan, another hormone fairy comes along and drops the thermostat to 48.  Now you are barely dressed and hovering in front of a fan when it feels like a Northeastern is blowing in.  You scramble to find a sweater, hat, socks, blanket and a hot cup of tea when fairy number one comes back and kicks the thermostat up to 98 again.  So you are back to removing layers, looking for a fan, a cold slushy drink etc, etc. 

So it's not about "being hot," per say, its about the weariness of being in the middle of the hormone fairies thermostat war.  It's the exhaustion of keeping up with the constant change of body temperature and never knowing when it's going to happen.  It interrupts sleep, work and leisure, screaming for attention. It's not painful but like a mosquito buzzing in your ear, it's just so 'drive you crazy'  annoying.  And someday those young twenty somethings I work with are going to understand that I am not being over dramatic either!

For those who wondered . . . .

Why did Linda fly across the country to Washington State in the midst of a Pandemic?

• because I was invited by people I love to be with and I knew I'd be encouraged by laughter and truth. I was not disappointed.  Things I hadn't counted on but was delighted by included a fascinating, in depth biblical and scientific discussion on Noah's Ark with Ron; the pampering of a pedicure and a hair cut; fabulous food and new recipes; stories of faith that encourage and propel me forward; even more laughter than I anticipated; and the best blueberry lemon Creme Brulee ever!

How was the travel?

• Pretty easy.  I like pandemic travel as the airports are less crowded and there is more room on the airplanes.  I even had a whole row to myself to stretch out and sleep on the long Seattle to Atlanta flight home. And things were very clean.  

How did Mama Millie and Penelope (my cat) fare?

• As I expected they enjoyed each other.  Mama Millie seemed to enjoy Penelope's antics and companionship as well as Penelope loved the great views of birds, butterflies and squirrels from Mama Millie's windows. Penelope only escaped twice providing for great stories considering Mama Millie was able to recover her!

How did Peter do in my absence?

• He took his medicine.  He was faithful to attend work even when a car wreck Thursday night left him car-less.  His car was totaled when a car pulled out in front of him.  He has been dealing with insurance the past couple of days and has a rental car as of tonight.  Its a black pick up which is quite a switch from his white sedan. Makes me grin. I am working hard to not get involved and let him handle this.  As always there are many reasons to be apprehensive.  Peter and cars have been a thorn in my fragile nerves! So as you think of us you can pray for him regarding driving a rental, the settlement with the insurance, his settling debt with his grandma, and his future plans for transportation.  Although it was stressful to receive his call while I was far away, I am so grateful he was not hurt and that the distance forced me to let him handle it without trying to rescue him.  With that, pray for me to let him deal with it without interfering or enabling. 

Am I glad I went?

• Absolutely yes! It was so fun to rest, be refreshed and LAUGH!!   I was challenged spiritually in a way that I hopefully have come home with renewed purpose.  I am so grateful for Ron and Sue, their influence in my life and the joy they bring me by their friendship. 
• And don't fear, I will let you know if I get Covid-19 and question whether I should have gone!

Random Snippets

No I didn't get fall out of my hammock and knock myself unconscious.  In fact not sure I have been in the hammock since I shared my story.  I am not really sure what I have been doing.  Convincing myself I don't have Covid takes up a good bit of my time.  The sinus issues have continued and making sure it isn't THE VIRUS, figuring out what is causing it and how to deal with it keeps me distracted.  I am working with my naturopath and have a serious supplement regime at the moment along with using a nasal wash and trying to clean up my diet.  Symptoms are better at the moment.  I have written many blog post in my mind but they seem to take more energy to write down than to chase around in my head.  I decided today to just throw out a few snippets  of life with no real theme or cohesion.

THREE YEAR OLDS - I have the privilege to teach 3's.  I love their energy, passion and persistence.  Tomorrow begins week 6 with this year's crop of cuties.  There are many stories I could tell already.  Here is one that's just cute.  I was eating a dark purple plum I brought from home during lunch.  One little boy asked what it was.  I said it was a plum.  I think I answered that question a couple of times.  But evidently one child wasn't listening because after I took a bite revealing its pale flesh, he shouted out "Hey Ms. Linda has a chocolate peach."  

MOM - She seems to be doing really well.  She is busy with daily life, her birds and flowers in the backyard, word puzzles, books and most recently her 30 boxes of photo albums.  We have recently been working on a project that moved her 30 boxes of photo albums, school annuals and scrapbooks out of storage.  She has spent a lot of time sifting through these treasures. She is waiting on one more shelving unit to arrive as well as for me to condense some albums before it can be called done.  This week mom is going to babysit her grand-cat Penelope for a few days.   I am so grateful for Mom's restored health.

PETER - Honestly your guess is as good as mine.  Although we share a house, he stays in his room most of the time he is here and works all weekend when I am home.  I have concerns for his mental and emotional well being but other than praying at the moment, am kind of limited in being able to address it.  However I am grateful he seems to be managing his medication, car and job.  As alluded to above, I will be gone for 5 days this week so appreciate prayers for Peter, especially regarding consistency with his taking his medication while I am gone.

THE ALLUDED TO TRIP - As I have mentioned I am going out of town.  This is where some of you might smile while others will gasp in horror.  I am getting on an airplane Wednesday and flying across the country to Washington State to visit friends.  Considering the Pandemic, it may not be the most reasonable thing to do.  However as I have reminded others, in spite of my worrying, timid, cautious tendencies, I have not always made what many would call the most reasonable decisions.  Lets see there was that time I left good people and a enjoyable job to go live on an Ostrich Farm in Texas.  Then I moved to Africa on Christmas Eve with a mere 9 boxes of possessions.  And there is that time where as a single woman I adopted a 4 year old boy. Get the point? Sometimes you have to risk reason.  There is no specific event but a long standing invite and a desire to "retreat" with a friend who refreshes my soul.  So if you aren't horrified by my choice, I do appreciate prayers for my health and safety this coming week.

PETE THE CAT - He spends most of his time at school watching out for the three year olds.  However occasionally he gets board.  When he said Mask On!  (you know like Game On) while showing off his mask, our friend Helen's mind went to the famous line from the movie Karate Kid. Instead of Wax On, Wax Off, she told Pete "Mask On, Mask Off."  You know Pete, that's all the challenge he needed.  Next thing you know he has created his own meme of sorts.

Until Next time, Mask on!!