More of my favorites

Sandstone Falls Virginia Beach

This gull came by to visit on my balcony every day while I was there. If only I would have remembered crackers. :)

The pond at home. I love this spot!

Three Words that Changed the World

"I love you." The three simple words that changed the world. Okay. So they may not have changed the world, but they definitey changed the course of an entire weekend. They took me by surprise but I somehow knew they were coming. My heart had wanted to express itself for quite some time, but I'm you took the opportunity to express yourself first.



When I am with you...



I feel free. Unencumbered by the cares of this world and the thoughts of others. My soul feels as if it is on fire. My skin tingles when you tenderly caress my arm or pull me close to your side for a quick kiss. It is in those moments that I feel fully alive. I awake early in the morning only to be lulled back to sleep by the slow, rhythmic cadence of your shallow breaths accented by the occasional deep breath and simply smile on your face. I am grateful, amazed, and constantly thankful to have shared another night with you.



When I am with you...



I feel accepted. Never has anyone (other than my family) accepted me with all of my quirks and idiosyncrasies with such grace and quiet assurance. I know that I can be honest, expressive, and open without having to fear how you will respond.



When I am with you...



I feel open. I allow myself to feel: love, desire, openness, honesty, the lack of inhibition, and a sense of freedom that I've never really known and am only beginning to allow to unfold and blossom. I feel completely free to shed a tear when you tell me you love me for the first time, when I hear that special song, and when I finally embrace you after days of being apart. (I somehow manage to hold back my tears until I am out of the driveway and you are safely inside because it is simply easier to leave on a happier than sappier note). I feel no negativity, no fear of unmet expectations, and no worry about tomorrow. I'm caught up in the moment...allowing myself to breath deeply and drink in this gift that I have been given.



And when I am away...



I feel sadness yet a sense of anticipation and expectancy for the soon-coming day when I am allowed to hold you again...close to my side...closer than before...never to be taken for granted again.



What I do know...



Life and love are meant to be shared with those important to us...and I'm thankful to share part of my life with you. I have questions about the future. Baggage that must be checked at the door. Uncertainty and hesitancy creep in. The unknown has never been comfortable for me. I do not know what the future holds (and this causes a sense of fright and uneasiness), but what I do know is that whatever the future holds will be wonderful for I am blessed to have you in my life right now and I will always have you with me.



What the future holds...."Being like you are, Well this is something else, who would comprehend?...A part of your soul ties you to the next world Or maybe to the last, but I'm still not sure. But what I do know, is to us the world is different. As we are to the world but I guess you would know that. Please don't go, I want you to stay. I'm begging you please, please don't leave here. I don't want you to hate for all the hurt that you feel.The world is just illusion trying to change you."

Words from the Wise (2)

Jamie Gates--"To 'do justice' means that as God-followers, we hope to emulate God's thirst for justice as well as His frustration over injustice."



The word "justice" in a Biblical sense represents those actions or that posture that seeks to put things right. Justice will lead to balance, equality, harmony, and ultimately peace. Biblical justice is founded on the idea that God cares just as much for the marginalized and downtrodden as he does the mainstreamed and powerful.

More of my favorite pictures

Floral Beauty

I loved the picture of this little bird. I am literally less than a foot away from her nest (hence the poor focus on the closer images). I believe this is a ground sparrow. She laid five eggs total, and to date there are three chicks in the nest. More to come.

Flowers

I spent most of Thursday and part of Friday monring working on a perinneal bed at my grandfather's hourse. Playing in the dirt is wonderful therapy for me. I love to landscpae and I love beautiful flowers. Enjoy. I'll post more pictues as Papa's plants grow and mature.

Words of the Wise (1)

I love passing along "highlight moments" in life. I love to read, and you will rarely find me at my local coffee shop with a book and highlighter in hand. I love to underscore the words that jump off of the page and become alive with meaning, insight, and depth. Many of these highlighted words have deeply shaped my worldview and the ways in which I approach the joys and concerns I have.

So....words of the wise:

" Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral."

- Paulo Freire, Brazillian educator and advocate for the poor and marginalized.

What challenging words. It's impossible for us to be good global citizens and have no concern for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Louisville (Day 5) a few days late

This has been one of the most amazing conferences I've ever attended in my entire life. Well. Kinda. Let me first of all say that I have never met so many rude women in my entire life. Nor have I ever seen so many women flock to a bar directly after a worship service ended.

Ok. Clarification is needed. As for the rude part...rudeness is just part of life when almost 2,500 people are packed into one building with little room and little "bubble space" left at the end of the day. As for the alcohol comment...I must admit that I cracked up when walking into the conservatory of the Galt House right after evening plenary only to find the entire area packed with Presbyterian women enjoying a sip of wine and good friends just before bedtime. However, some ladies needed a little pick-me-up or shut-me-down, and I noticed several martinis and margaritas. :)

I am exhausted. My feet ache. My feet hurt. They are numb...I've walked tons the last few days.

On a much more serious note: This has been an amazing five days. I've really enjoyed my time in Louisville, and this has been an incredible meeting. I have met women from throughout the US and across the globe, and I am encouraged and humbled by the deep love and concern for children that I've seen exhibited.

I met an elderly woman today who grew up in an orphanage in Texas. She spoke very highly of her former home and teared up when I told her what I do and how much I love my job. I also met one new Kenyan and had a wonderful conversation with her and my "old friend". Both were astonished that at the age of 23 I am not married. They took my business card and bookmark and promised to pray every day that the Lord would send me "a beautiful young wife" who could handle 24 children. LOL.

Anywho...I am exhausted and looking forward to a rest. I head out Thursday for the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Presbyterian Men's Conference.

I'll keep you posted.

Louisville (Days 3 & 4)

I have decided to combine Sunday and Monday's report. All is well.

Yesterday was an absolutely wonderful day. I met women from Utah, California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, Idaho, Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming, Central Asia, and Kenya. I had such a wonderful time talking to each of the women, and many seemed interested to learn about the work of PCHH. I even made one woman cry as I shared some of the stories of our children.

I also found a new word that I absolutely love....anticipatience. Obviously, this is a combination of the words anticipation and patience. After thinking about it off and on yesterday I am fully convinced that this is the way in which we should all live our lives. I'm very content with my life as it is today, but I am always looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. I'm satisfied with my current employment, education, social networks, and involvement with important causes, but I also think about all the good that the future will hold.

So....live a life of anticipatience.

Louisville, Day 2

This morning started off with a beautiful sunrise over downtown Louisville followed almost immediately the stark realization that I was working on a Saturday morning. This is normally of absolutely no concern to me whatsoever, but for some reason this morning, more than ever, I longed to be outside, on the bank of the Ohio River instead of headed to the Kentucky International Convention Center. As I got ready for the day's events and gathered my thoughts those longings were replaced with the irresistible urge to do what I had come here to do.

I absolutely enjoyed today's activities and am looking forward to another fulfilling day tomorrow. Many women were already in the convention center when I arrived, but the door to the great hall weren't opened until the prompt 11 a.m. opening time. An influx of ladies trickled through all day, and I had many warm and encouraging conversations. I also really enjoy the diversity of work and good that is represented by so many different affinity and advocacy organizations. I had lunch with two wonderful ladies, one my age and one baby boomer, both of Faces of Children, and I was encouraged by the conversation of what working with and praying for children has had on both of their lives.

I know at times it seems that all the good we do is but a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things. As I reflect back on my life, it's ups and downs, and the lives of several friends (and those I've come into contact with this weekend) I'm reminded that each kind word, smile, act of kindness, and helping hand, while seemingly insignificant, is part of a much greater ocean of good...formed by single drops and small trickles of kindness. It may seem trite, but I really was impressed with the thought of how good overcomes evil...and by how much evil was being overcome by those present in the Great Hall of the Kentucky International Convention Center today.

I'm thankful for the place where God has me, the work I am allowed to do with abused, neglected, and needy children, and I look forward to the future with great purpose, hope, and anticipation.

Excerpts from "The Hole in our Gospel"

Again, many of you who know me know that I am deeply passionate about social justice and compassion, and many of my posts here will reflect those leanings. In several upcoming blogs I want to share excerpts from Rich Stearns book The Hole in our Gospel. Rich is the president of World Vision (http://www.worldvision.org/).

"I'm told that there are...twelve million orphans due to AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Twelve million orphans, and no one noticed? ...where were the follower of Jesus Christ in the midst of perhaps the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time? Surely the Church should have been caring for these "orphans and widows in their distress" (James 1:27). Shouldn't the pulpits across America have flamed with exhortations to rush to the front lines of compassion? Shouldn't they be flaming today? Shouldn't churches be reaching out to care for children in such desperate need? How could the great tragedy of these orphans get drowned out by the choruses of praise music in hundreds of thousands of churches across our country? Sitting in a hut in Rakai, I remember thinking, How have we missed it so tragically, when even rock stars and Hollywood actors seem to understand?"

This really struck a chord with me when I read it for the first time and then re-read it's words last night. I attend a wonderful church that hosts both a traditional and contemporary worship service. I attend the contemporary worship service, and my soul thrives on the praise and worship we offer our great God through song.

However, I wonder how frequently we as a body are challenged to think outside of our four walls. We are very active as a missions minded and community minded congregation, but what are we doing, individually and collectively, to stand up for the poor and oppressed both in our communities and in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere.

In our opulence and American-dream-seeking lives how often do we really consider the plight of others?

Louisville (Day 1)

I woke up at 3 a.m. this morning filled with the anticipation of a busy and productive day. I've always been like this. Angst isn't the correct word, but it somewhat describes what I feel when I know something good is about to happen. The opening day of hunting season, the day before the first day of school or summer vacation, and the final day of Truth Alive always found me up before the sun anticipating and exciting change and a bright new day.

Sunrise was beautiful this morning, and I enjoyed beginning the day with Lily at my side. A cool, slow breeze, the last hint of morning fog, and the sounds of mocking birds, house and summer sparrows, and indigo buntings filled the valleys around our home. Days like today make me love my mountain home even more.

I enjoy travel. Change thrills my soul, and I enjoy not only the scenery but also the opportunity for growth, personal development, and new experiences.

I am in Louisville, Kentucky for the 2009 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women. This is the first time that our Home has ever attended the gathering. Several board members and other friends have urged our attendance, and I'm excited about the possibilities that are in store for me this meeting. I love my job, and I love being able to represent the Home to so many unique individuals. I'm both encouraged and infuriated as I see the compassion and apathy I witness at such events.

(Please don't be offended by that comment, but I often find myself so involved in my own issues and interests that I miss the benefits of blessings of knowing what is happening in someone else's corner of the globe.)

I arrived in town early, fought downtown traffic patters (another reason I love my country home), and prepared everything for the upcoming conference. Our display, while missing an important member of the team, is set up in the large great room that houses many other displays and vendors. I'm amazed at this opportunity and the fact that this is the biggest meeting of my career so far. I'm enjoying the evening and look forward to tomorrow's meeting. This year's theme is "God will do wonders among you." I know there is a reason why I am here. I know that a door opened for our Home, its staff, and residents, and I am excited to see what wonders God will do with this new opportunity. I may never know the full extent of it's import, but I am excited and enthusiastic.

The Hole in our Gospel

Many of you that know me know that international development, human rights, disaster response, and seeking justice are huge passions of mine. I am currently reading a wonderful book by the current President of World Vision International, Rich Stearns. In his book Rich offers clear and challenging reasons why we as followers of Jesus Christ are obligated to demonstrate his love in tangible ways that don't just include preaching.

From Rich:

"I believe Luke chapter 4 [16-21]tells us what the gospel was all about--Jesus coming to preach the good news to the poor, but also that we, his followers, would then be good news to the poor. I think many of us in America have understood the gospel to be only about preaching. This limited view gives us only half a gospel--a gospel with a hole in it--that it lacks the power to transform the world, as God called us to do. The "whole gospel" proclaims not just forgiveness found in Christ, but also the command to care for and stand up for justice.

...

"We are in a very special time in history. 9/11 was the wake-up call that the world is connected, and we can't turn our backs on the things that are happening in Africa or the Middle East or Asia. We can no longer say we're not aware of AIDS or disasters. And for the first time in history, we have the tools to do something about these problems. This could be the church's finest hour, the moment we say, "This is what the Christ we worship is all about. He's about caring for the poor, lifting up the downtrodden. This is what he stood for, and this is what we stand for.'"

Adapted from:

From the Presidents Pen, p. 6, World Vision News, Spring 2009, Volume 12 Number 2

Patience

I have added one more thing to my "to do list" amid the busyness and craziness that already exists.

On May 9, 2009 I acquired one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever rested my eyes upon. It was love at first sight. She was tiny, sometimes timid, yet playful, boisterous, and rambunctious. Her litter-mates already exhibited the beginnings of a pack mentality and social ranking that was both inherit and clearly respected. Her color and markings were both incredibly unique and beautiful. fell in love with her temperament and character, and that meeting formed the beginning of an anticipated life-long bond of trust and loyalty.

Yet her presence does not decrease the pain of a faithful friend and companion who was lost just one week prior. Her presence, dedication, and loyalty are deeply missed, and each of our lives were enriched by the 15 years Lady spent with us.

Not all of my blogs will be about Lily, but I wanted to take this moment to introduce her to the world and share just a taste of the enjoyment and experience that I am undergoing. Meet Lily. She is a Siberian Husky I acquired from a breeder in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Her color can be described as a dark brown mixed with auburn red and her eyes are crystal blue. To date she is just over 3 months old and is one of the friendliest dogs I have ever known. She loves our walks in the park and woods, loves to meet new people, and loves to watch after and play with children. I am enjoying the journey of owning and loving another dog, and the most important lesson I am learning is....

PATIENCE.

More on this virtue later.....(notice that in this picture she is helping me "landscape")