So Much...

I just heard that a man that I admire greatly lost his son today.

My heart is broken for him and his family.

Greg Laurie was just here over the 4th of July holiday and premiered his movie 'Lost Boy'. It was so very good - simple in it's statements - but profound in it's message. It was so refreshing to see the story of someone who had a turbulant, crisis filled childhood - turn that into a lifetime of service for those that are lost.

My son, went forward that night - and answered the alter call - asking Jesus to be his savior and friend in his life. It was a life changing evening for him and our family. Greg's son was here also with his dad - during his sermons and showings of his movie.

Today - Greg's son Christopher was killed in a car wreck. It is a tragic loss.

Greg and his family have lived to help others come to know Jesus - now we are all praying for his family. I am so sorry for their loss.

Greg's webpage is www.harvest.org

~ Thanksgiving ~

Gordy and I are leaving in the morning to head to Idaho - Washington and Oregon. Of course I can't sleep - many details to hammer out before closing the pickup door and being at the point of no return.

Having a large family - there is never an end to activity and issues that arise. So when it comes to the 2 parents leaving - there is much to consider - and much to be thankful for.

The last time Gordy and I traveled alone - was in 1998...yikes!!! But this will be a good trip - before leaving - it has already had it's ups and downs. But - as ever - God is in control and all will be done according to His will.

Kimmie gets to go camping with her brother. It will be such a blessing for her. I am thankful for the Hanson's and their willingness to 'practice open-ness' for the sake of Kimmie and Cyrus.

Ryan will be with his birth family while we are gone. It will be a blessing for him. I am thankful for their willingness to 'work together' for the greater good for Ryan.

I will get to see a young woman - I haven't seen in about 10 years - she is now married and a mommy and fully exploring her new relationship with Jesus. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet with her and her family while Gordy is busy at his Pro Show.

Jesse and Joe plan on attending church on Sunday with their girlfriends. There are MANY praise items in this statement. First, I am thankful for my sons commitment to go to church - with out us. I am thankful for their girlfriends that want to be with them in the church. I am wholly thankful for our church Fresh Life.

These young people that answered God's prayer a little over a year ago - to uproot their lives, relocate in the wild, wooly west with their families - have been on the recieving end of watching a small congregation blow up into a large active responsive church. I am certain that they are annointed and God's will is being carried out. They are each gifted in different areas - but compliment each others and define - the 'body of the church'...head, hands, feet, etc.

I get to see my grandchildren this weekend - specifically my grandaughters that share a birthday...I am so grateful to see them each on the day they turn 3.

I get to see my wonderful wonderful sons and their wives - a blessing to just gaze upon.

I am going to see Ben in a few days and bring him home. I miss him soooooo much. I have felt like a part of my body has been missing. He has been a trooper being gone from the family - I am going to buy him a cheeseburger.

I get to see Stephanie and her family - I am thankful for relationships that just pick up - where we left off - like no time has past.

I am going to see SINBAD!!!!! 'Nuff said....

I have been thinking about my clients and how things play out when I am gone. I think that a few know that I am going to be gone. I worry about them - desperately some days. Some more than others. They all have so much potential in their lives - that they haven't even realized yet. Some are so resistant to change or so resistant to accepting the help that they desperately need. I am thankful for my job - and the ability to be with all these special people - that most would walk past on any given day.

I am thankful for the condition of my heart right now. I have been in continued prayer for many things - one being my Spirit being renewed. Jesus is my calm - in my somedays stormy life. Without Him - I would wither up and be as a dead person on earth. I am thankful for His presence and relationship.

Now - on to finish packing...

Do you remember in 'Sound of Music' - the song - 'My Favorite Things'. If I wrote lyrics to it - one would be 'Jesse randomly serenading his famiillyy.'

Jesse walks through the house and plays his guitar; morning, noon and night. At first it bugged me when we were trying to watch a program - then the realization of what was MUCH MORE important than anything on the tube - was one of my sons playing music.

Wowowow - I am a slow learner.

Jasmine took this picture of Jesse in our yard. I love it. She is talented and so is he. Classic picture of our home - random acts of individuality.

Today at church - the sermon continues on Sex and The Scriptures. It is so awesome.

One comment that Levi made was when people rush into marriage to quickly and he called it the 'Vegas type of marriage'.

I thought at first that he said the 'Vaguest type of marriage.'.

I guess either Vegas or Vaguest would fit the definition of rushing into marriage ~

without fully understanding the lifetime commitment that marriage is.

~ John Deere & Travels ~

We recently took a trip to Kennewick and Portland. I have to be somewhat covert when I leave - for work purposes. Our trip was wonderful and relaxing. At the zoo - there is a 'farm' area. Funny...Gordy made it a photo opportunity. Looking at home on an old John Deere.

Part of the fun is traveling and talking and seeing new things through the children's eyes.

Doesn't Gordy look relaxed?

Did I forget to mention; Ryan's incessant questions, Kimmie's having to stop to potty, and Gordy's response when I told him - I know I already had a Coke today - but I want another one...NOW...

I want to mention - that today - Gordy got up at 4 a.m. - left Bozeman - was home by 10:30 so we could look at a house at 11. Then went to the office to finish his paperwork to priority mail to Iowa. Then came home and worked on the yard. Then stayed up til 11:30 p.m. 'chaparoning' Joe and Bree Ann. He works hard - every month should have a 'Father's Day'

I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND

I just don't understand how fully capable young men can justify playing video games - while their father is outside doing yard work.

It isn't about 'being fair' or whose turn it is. It's about respect and compassion for each other - extending a helping hand or physical time to an older person - just because....it's the right thing to do.

I remember the days when a young man would feel distressed if he disappointed his father. I remember the days when a young man would feel pride in himself that he chose to help out - instead of meeting his own needs. I remember when 'work first and play second' really meant just that.

I just don't understand - when it all changed.

Barley's *** ETG's *** The Past

My son Aaron is in town this week. I have only seen him like a total of 1.5 hours since he has been here. That is weird for us. He called me today and I answered: 'Hello son that has only seen his Momma for a moment this week' - wow I sound like an old Jewish Grama...laying on the guilt.

Aaron is taking me to supper at Barleys, after I am done testing tonight - but as always with young men raising young families - money is tight...not to worry - I have my timely Barley's birthday certificate to use...I hope it includes a Coke!

I am looking forward to testing tonight - haven't done a Friday night in a while - the climate is different on Friday and Saturday...even though everyone is suppose to be sober - they are all still in 'TGIF' mode...it's funny.

On a side note - I just had a visit from a person from my past here in the office...these past few days I have had to interface with other people from the same past and while it wasn't uncomfortable - it made me sad...then she walks in to see me for a minute...like God is saying: 'See - change can hurt - but once you allow the hurt to heal - all is like new again!!! Now quit picking at your scabs!'

~~ 8 on July 8, 2008 ~~

Happy Happy Happy Birthday Ryan Michael Jordan Olson McDonald

Hope you have a wonderful day fishing today

I love you more than a fish loves a squiggly worm!