Trip Notes

Dan and I had a nice trip to Champaign with another couple from our church. We enjoyed the visit in the car and the conference was good. One of the things I took away from it was not just wanting to be a "good church member". You know, I show up on Sunday, I give money, I do some work, etc. I want to be a good disciple. Someone who is trying to capture and live the heart and vision of Christ. I also don't want to look at church with a consumer mindset. I think too many times today we have the attitude that if something isn't givig us what we want - we can find someplace that will. I think Christ was definitely a giver - not a taker. I don't want to be a taker. Don't get me wrong, I think we need to receive things from the church and from our fellow Christians, but there is something very different in receiving and in taking. Mainly, I think, selfishness. I also walked away wanting to expand my worldview more. I think I have started down this road, but this would be a road that never ends.

JAH

Heading Out

Dan and I are heading out of town for a night. I think the change of scenery will be nice. Then, in less than two weeks - it is California, here were come. I am really looking forward to this trip. It seems like I have been off of work quite a bit in the last couple of months - but none of the "vacations" have been much of that. Two weeks off when my mom had her heartache and then passed away. Then a week off at Christmas, most of which was spent cleaning out her house. I am ready for one of those vacation-type vacations. You know, where you actually get to spend time relaxing and just "hanging out". True, we will be attending a conference in California, but I'm hoping it will be pretty low-key and positive. Listening to a few ocean waves and taking a walk along the beach with my husband and best friend type stuff.

I can't remember if I had it on my "New Years List" or not, but I would really like to find a new job this year. The thing of it is, I don't want to just take a job to get out of the job I have. I have a feeling I would just be feeling the same way. I want to really start praying about it and thinking about it so that if something comes up, it will actually seem right - not just different. Anyway, just making a note to myself.

I have started reading the book of Acts. I came to the conclusion that if this is the book that describes the birth of the church and how it all began, it would be a good book to take another look at, and probably another and another. I think it is very telling about this thing called Christianity that something written 2000 years ago can still seem so awe-inspiring and overwhelming. I sometimes wonder if the authors of the Bible had any idea of the impact their words would still be having today. I mean, I can't imagine that a letter I had written would be the basis for so man y people's life choices. It's crazy - which is what makes it so much about faith. It's what makes me believe that when something is right, it proves itself to be true and relevant throughout time.

Here's to a faith where being radical is good.
JAH

Random Thoughts

Today my daughter stopped by work and I happened to ask her if there was anything she might want from my mom's house before it got sent to an auction house or some sort of sale. She named off a few pieces of furniture and said that she would like to have them if no one else in the family wanted them because she didn't want a stranger to buy them and have them. I had not really thought about the "stuff" at mom's in awhile, but suddenly realized that it would kind of bother me knowing that someone was using the chair we read stories in or using her and dad's bedroom set or sitting at our kitchen table. I momentarily tried convincing myself that some other family might be able to enjoy them like we did, but it didn't seem to last very long before I got really sad and told Dan that I really didn't want anyone else using their stuff. Now, realizing that we can't have a house full of stuff, I'm not really sure what to do about it. So, I guess that will be something to think about.

Someone I work with is getting a divorce. It all came on very suddenly for her and I feel quite bad about the whole thing. It is very interesting to me, however, how freely some people will give advice. When she asks my opinion, I'm almost afraid to say anything. I don't know her very well on a personal level and don't know her husband at all. My only great words of wisdom were not to rush in to anything and to keep in mind that they would both probably be saying a lot of exaggerated things that they don't really mean. (My mom always told me that no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors, so I decided it wasn't a real good idea to give advice to someone when I was only hearing one side of a story that probably has several.) So, I guess I will try to listen and be encouraging but not make any drastic suggestions like I'm hearing so many people make.

Today I haven't felt the best and have basically been laying on the couch since arriving home from work. That wasn't really my plan for today, but Dan tells me we don't always get to make the plan. So, I guess I will go with it and have this be my big accomplishment for the day.

On a muscial note, I bought I CD last night by Norah Jones. I have only listened to it once and am not exactly sure how to describe, but I think I like it pretty well.

On that random thought, I will say goodbye...

JAH

Freedom, Peace & Hope

Today I received the bags I ordered from Better Way Imports. I have to say, they are pretty cool. It was pretty humbling to take them out of the box and realize the journey that someone had been on that brought it into existence. This was the tag on the bag:

This Freeset Bag tells a story of one women's journey to freedom. She used to stand with 6000 other prostitutes in a small but well known area of North Calcutta. She didn't choose her profession; it chose her. Poverty does that. It robs people of their dignity and children of their innocence. She still lives in the same area, but instead of selling her body she makes Freeset Bags. Now she has choices, the choice to work decent hours for decent pay, to re-establish her dignity in her community and to learn to read and write. Now her daughter won't have to stand in the street selling her body like her mum used to. Freedom has been passed on to the next generation. By purchasing this Freeset Bag, you have become part of the story of freedom. Thank you!

It really kind of choked me up. It is hard to imagine that sewing bags for people could change your life this much. I only hope that these women can now go to bed with a peace in their heart and a hope for the future now that they are free from this life of basic slavery. Slavery to their circumstance and to those who will use it to their own advantage.

I also ordered the documentary about their organization. I'll let you know how it is...

I wish for all of you the freedom, peace and hope that Christ can bring. I hope that all of us who claim His Name will be his agent for those in need.

JAH

A Better Way

I was reading an article - actually the cover story article - in Christianity Today about the problem of women being forced into prostitution in countries around the world. They estimate that over 6000 young women and girls are on the streets in Calcutta alone each day. The article estimated the daily revenue generated from these women was $4.1 million - most of which does not go into their pocket. Many of them are sold by their parents when they are basically children, some as young as 3, because they cannot feed them. Others are actually encouraged by their parents to sell themselves and then give the money to the family to help put a meal on the table. Somehow sitting in our nice warm home in Yoder makes this story quite distant, yet it has come to my attention through many people in my life, that these types of problems should be our concern as Christians. Dan and I have a beautiful daughter. I cannot even fathom her being forced into these types of actions or feeling as though it is her only means of survival. Many different agencies have begun to take action, not only to get these women help in the - be it most important - spiritual and emotional sense, but also to teach them other means of supporting themselves. One such group that caught my eye is called Freeset. They have taught women to make handbags with natural products that are readily available to them. They are now earning a wage of $52 a month plus benefits. I realize that seems more than meager to us in the US, but it is more than they could make anywhere else in that area. I actually purchased something off of their website at www.betterwayimports.com. I think the bags were actually pretty cool and unique looking and thought it would at one little thing I could do. How many times do we buy these types of things for ourselves or as gifts. Why not buy one that would have a story of hope and redemption and one that is helping to give a young woman the chance to know someone out there cares. I hope to be more conscious of these issues this year and more willing to research things a little more and shop a little wiser. So...if anyone out there is looking for a bag or a really unique gift bag - check it out and help out.

Day 6

It is now the 6th day of a new year and I'm beginning to think maybe this year, I have a few things I would like to accomplish. As I have said before, I'm not overly goal-specific oriented, but more attitude oriented. However, maybe one should rethink themselves from time to time and make adjustments where necessary. That being said, here are a few things I am actually putting in writing so that I will have something to go back and look at next year to see if this was a good idea after all. In no particular order of importance - here goes nothing: 1. I want to spend more time just hanging out with Dan and the kids. Maybe just go to a park or drive to Huntington or to Anderson for no particular reason. 2. I would like to take a class of some sort. It doesn't have to be a college class, but just a class for some self-enhancement. I would consider a photography class or even some sort of unique cooking class. 3. I would like to have people over to our home more. I actually do enjoy cooking a meal for people - it some how makes me feel creative. Sometimes I feel like our house is too small or that no one really wants to come over, but maybe I need to push through those thoughts and see what happens. 4. Although this is probably somewhat typical, I would like to bring a little more organization into our home, thus making item number 2 a bit more feasible. 5. I would like to exercise. Not necessarily to get into a smaller size - although if that happens... - but to feel better. To feel like I have some energy and so that someday, I can run around after grandkids if that happens to be a part of this life. 6. I want to go to an art museum. 7. I hope Dan and I can go to a "cool" concert somewhere this year. 8. I want to spend a bit more time reading and less time with the TV on. 9. I want to remember this list. 10. I want to get a grill and know how to use it. 11. I want to appreciate my husband and chilren more and make a conscious effort to let them know that. 12. I want to send people notes/cards more often. 13. I want to feel like I'm making a difference. Okay - I think that is more than enough for a list.

So there it is. I hope that along with wanting a more Christ-like attitude, I can do something about it.

Until next time -
JAH

A New Year

We are back home after a visit in Illinois. It was an interesting week with many ups and downs. Most of the week was spent going through the "stuff" at my mom's house. It seems strange to me that I actually spent so many years living in that house. Somehow it was hard to remember that being home. My old room is now the storage room and is filled with our stuff and my brother's stuff because we have too much stuff and not enough room. It doesn't seem like anyone's home so much anymore - just a place to sort through years of someone's life, sorting it into logical places where we can all decide if there is anything worth selling, keeping or just throwing it away. It all seemed quite clinical at times and it was just plain hard. I was so thankful that Dan was there and did so much work and gave me time to look at the little things I would find. It helped to see what was there one last time.

It's funny how you come across things and wonder why someone saved it. I wondered why something was important and just smiled at some things. I learned that although my mom never showed a lot of outward emotion - I think she was pretty sentimental at heart. She always teased my dad that he spent more on the big heart box than on the Valentine candy. But...in the back of her closet, were the heart boxes. I couldn't bear to throw them away anymore than she could. In her kitchen cupboards were many thank you notes she had received from her grandchildren. And yes, I can picture my mom on those quiet nights alone in the big house, getting them out and reading through them. Those were her little treasures.

Looking back over mom's life, there weren't any huge accomplishments by the standards of today's society. However, I would say she died with few regrets. There were things about her that drove me crazy - but I can only imagine how many things about me drive others crazy. I miss her letters. I hated seeing her spot in church empty. But, hopefully I can learn to be a litte more tolerant, see the good in people, enjoy the simple things in life and like her, realize that when you leave this earth - nothing goes with you but people will definitely remember what you left behind. Thanks mom - you did good.

It is hard to believe that another year has ended. Here it is 2007 - it seems like just yesterday that so much was being made over the computer crash that was sure to come at the end of 1999. I am not an overly goal-oriented person - not one to make lists or resolutions, so I don't have any great, specific declarations to make for this year. However, I hope overall to be the following: more like Christ; more loving to my husband whom I adore and to my children who are treasures; a better friend; more positive; more active in the world around me.

So, with that, the year begins...

Where Did Life Go?

The last time I did this, life seemed much different. We are now getting ready to spend our first Christmas without my mom. It all kind of seems a bit unreal to me still. But, I guess I will need to come to grips with the fact that the life that had eggnog, kids running all over the living room, my mom looking very small underneath the pile of presents that we brought to her, Saturday morning coffee in the kitchen with the bugs flying overhead has ended. But, as I think about the task of looking through all of her stuff while I am back that week, I am reminded that although one life has ended - it does go on for the rest of us. I just hope that somehow during the stress of the holidays we can all appreciate how quickly it goes and how so much of the enjoyable parts are missed because of silly things that we let annoy us way beyond their limits of importance.

So as I write this, I hope to remind myself that life is a gift - the one I have and the ones that share theirs with me. Heaven has to be real. Family matters. Keep some perspective. Keep your eyes open for the good things and don't dwell on the bad. Life is a gift.

JAH

Friday

Well, Friday has finally arrived so it is a night out with Dan. I wish I could think of something exciting for us to do, but I feel like I'm about as exciting as going to the dentist. I need to get my mind firing on all of the cylinders again, but I don't push myself enough. Now I feel like I'm getting kind of a headcold, which is annoying. I'm also afraid to put on the dress I got to wear to a wedding tomorrow because it's not going to look like I think that it should. I suppose those types of thoughts are somewhat vain and right now I feel very unsure of myself.

Yesterday we ventured down to AU again and had a nice supper with Isaac, Graham, Caleb and Jared. I think they are planning to go downtown Indy this evening and talk with the homeless people that might be out and about. They thought they might try to have supper with them. I would imagine the conversations could be pretty interesting.

Now I believe I will clean the living room, hit the shower and see what happens the rest of tonight.

Peace and hope to all -
JAH

It's A Monday

Today was definitely a Monday kind of day. When I woke up I felt like I hadn't slept yet and then when I got to work, there was already work waiting for me. Then someone called in sick, etc., etc... Oh well, I guess in the big picture of life, these little inconveniences probably aren't such a big deal. At least I kept trying to tell myself that as the day went on.

I don't know if it is still the empty nest syndrome or what, but every now and then, bursting in to tears would seem like an easy thing to do and I have no idea why. I hate that. Maybe it is just my age more than the nest. I do think I definitely need to get back into the treadmill routine and out of the fattening foods routine. I think that does impact one's mood and overall energy level. Dan and I both got on the ole t-mill yesterday, so hopefully we can keep at each other to keep it up.

Tomorrow we are going to AU to hear Shane Claiborne speak and I am looking forward to that. I haven't finished his book Irresistable Revolution quite yet, but I'm more than half way through it. It is very convicting and challenging. Sometimes I think I rationalize my attitude/actions (or lack thereof) way too much. I don't think Jesus wants us to be observers - he wants us to be participants. It isn't that I'm not involved in church, but sometimes I feel like I have lost some of my ability to relate to those people who do not choose to be followers of Christ. Or...maybe the problem is, that I have become too much like them and thus feel no need to relate?? I'm not sure.

Well, it is almost 4 pm and the treadmill is still at a standstill.

Keep the hope alive-
JAH

How does this go???

It took me awhile, but I finally got to the screen where a person can write on this crazy thing. Of course, now that I'm here, I'm not really sure what to write. I read through my old posts and things seem so much different now.


Carrie and Isaac are both off to school. Carrie in her last year of college - Isaac in his first. Even as I write that, I can hardly believe that it is true. Seeing them take off in to the world out there is a very strange - although exciting - feeling. Even as I write, Isaac is off to Washington DC for a conference of some sort. The horizon is expanding.

I thought I would take some time and start writing thoughts down again, but as usual, my mind is kind of a jumble. It seems there is so much to think about and process through, but I just kind of feel small like my dog most of the time. Or sometimes, as I have told Dan, I feel like I'm running through jello like in those crazy dreams where you keep running but never seem to get anywhere. Of course, I'm not sure where I'm trying to go, so what is a person to do.

I have been reading more. I finished one book and have started on another. Both of which were different in their settings, but but quite challenging. They have me feeling distant from much of what I think life should probably be like for those of us who are followers of Christ. (I am beginning to think the word "Christian" has been misued to the point that it has no meaning.) Dan and I talk about that a lot. What is our part? Do we make it too hard to figure out? Do we just think about it too much? How does this go???

Anyway, maybe as I make an attempt at writing some of these things down, the pieces of life's puzzle will get put together in the right way and the picture will end up looking pretty good. There are some things I feel like I do know: Following Christ is always the best way even though it sometimes gets confusing; I have been blessed with a wonderful husband whom I love and get to go through this life with; our kids are the greatest despite those times we wish we would have done things differently; the church is still responsible to the world - not the other way around. These things I do know.

Be radical in the hope -
JAH

Not So Radical

Today I am not feeling like my hope is any too radical. True, I do have hope in this life and in the life to come, but it is definitely not a radical feeling. I guess one has to make choices and decisions and cannot go merely on feelings, but I think my emotional state is somewhat unstable at present and I'm not all together certain as to why. I am not saying I am in a bad emotional state - just emotional. I have never been one to cry easily - but lately, I think I could cry pretty easily. Things that make me happy make me want to cry. Things that make me sad - things that make me feel old..er. I don't really know how to describe it, but I guess I will just accept that one goes through times like these and maybe even that this kind of a time is a good thing.

Maybe it is Neil Young's fault. We've been watching his new DVD and it is somewhat nostalgic in nature - reflective. One thing I do realize is that I have a very blessed life. I have a great husband, great daughter, great son. I would not change that part of my life in anyway. I just want to gather them together and make definite mental images in my mind of all of our moments that we get to share. I want to be aware of my surroundings and take a snapshot as I know they may not ever be exactly like this again. It is not that I want time to stand still, because that is not a good thing, but I want to really start to take it all in and hold those little, cool things in my heart. Like sharing nachos with Dan and talking about what's going on. Like listening to each of the kids talk and realizing that they have become their own individual with ideas and plans.

I need to be more thankful for my life. I need to get more radical again in my hope for what God has in store for us...

JAH

Untitled

That is kind of how I feel today - untitled. I think I have felt too many emotions these past few weeks and I'm not sure where I am. I know there are things I need to do and things I want to do. I feel like there is a way I should be and a way that I am. Getting from point A to point B is sometimes the hard part. I read my husband's blog a little while ago and it reminded me that the journey may be just as important as any current destination. We all need to enjoy our moments as they are given. I believe I have even written something like this before, but somehow I forget.

Lord, help me enjoy the moments in the journey. Help me to remember I don't have to accomplish everything at once. Thank you for the wonderful family you have given me to share the trip.

Fire up in me some radical hope...

JAH

The Ladder

Sometimes I wonder if I am climbing up a ladder or going down a ladder. On the one hand, I still feel like I am climbing a ladder of sorts. You know, I am still learning new things - like using this laptop - that there are still new adventures and experiences to be had. Within one week, our son turned 18, he graduated from high school, and our daughter turned 21. Sometimes that makes me feel like I'm going down the ladder. The next generation is taking their place. I am probably going to need to admit that I am at middle age.

Maybe instead of going down a ladder, I should think of it as switching to a different ladder. I guess in some ways our experiences and adventures are going to change. Our roles are going to change. But as I have often said to others and I must now say to myself, change is not a bad word. Change can be a good thing. A new thing. I cannot wait to see where life takes our kids. They are really great kids. They think and have great ideas. They don't always follow the crowd. They have opinions and they share them with us and with others. In some ways, they are both wise beyond their years and have taught us many things. I want to take it all in as they make their way in this crazy world. I hope they can experience many great things and that they will both find great people to share them with.

I will admit, there are many mixed emotions as you see your children becoming less dependent on you, but a great deal of satisfaction can come as you see them make choices, but still ask for advice every now and then.

So, I guess that is it. I am not going down a ladder, but I am still on a journey. I guess ladders have an ending, but roads can go on for a long time. I like this road and have been so blessed with a great husband and great kids to share it with.

Thank you Lord for this life. Help me to enjoy each day and not worry about the curves and hills in the road. I don't want to be complacent about this life. Remind me of all the joy that has been and will be in my life because of You and Your Love for us. Keep me in Your Radical Hope.

JAH

Gettin' on the Roller Coaster

I have a feeling that the next few weeks are going to be somewhat of a roller coaster ride of crazy emotions. Maybe this always happens when a milestone is reached in one's life. For my husband and me, the empty nest is just around the corner. Last night we went to an English Banquet - who knew there were English Banquets - where the seniors were honored and were each asked to read something that they had writtten. Strangely enough, it was really quite a good experience. Our son's best friend, Graham, read an incredibly witty, funny and insightful short story he had written. I realized how fortunate we were that our son has had such a good friend, along with Aaron and others along the way.

Shortly thereafter, our son got up and read a poem he had written, which, although I am unashamedly biased, was great. It of course brought tears to my eyes as I realized how blessed we are to have a great son who is also witty, funny and insightful. Not to mention we also have a great, beautiful and creative daughter who will always challenge and inspire us to know where we stand and to listen before we speak. All of this thought during a poem.

I also realized how blessed I am to have a wonderful husband (23 years on 5/14) sitting behind me and knowing that he was also probably thinking some of the same thoughts that I was. It is at those moments that I want to be very aware of all that is surrounding me so that I can recall this memory in time at some later time in my life when I'm wondering if we're all doing okay.

I know the next few weeks will bring much joy, reflection, sadness, anticipation, stress and relief. It should all be very interesting. It is really pretty cool how God has orchestrated life to prepare us for the departure of our kids. It is a gradual thing, even though at the moment it doesn't seem like it. I only hope and pray that we have given them some direction along the way so they can start out on their own paths finding their way in this world. I am very anxious to see where they go and am excited for them at the possibilities that await them.

Thank you God for sharing Dan, Carrie and Isaac with me.

Keep the hope radical -
JAH

Back Again

I thought I was actually going to be doing a little better at this, but was surprised when I saw my last post was two weeks ago. Time is such a crazy thing.

Went to a conference recently and have been trying to figure some stuff out. Dan and I talk about stuff and that is good as it helps me to think about things, but I still am not sure on the whole idea of living this life the way Christ would really be living it. Is it possible? Have we decided it really isn't necessary? I am a firm believer that works do not earn our way to heaven, but if our lives have truly been transformed by Christ, then shouldn't it somehow look different than the lives of those who have not been transformed. There sure are a lot of action words in Bible for action to not matter.

Maybe...it isn't even so much just what we do but how we think about what we do. I have noticed that people really complain a lot. My life is supposed to be different, so I have tried to notice if I've been complaining a lot - which I probably do. Maybe if my attitude about things were different my actions would follow suit. I dont' know. I tried to have a more positive attitude today, which is always interesting because then you just have a negative attitude about everyone else's negativity. Thus the dilemma. Maybe I can somehow work through this. I'll keep talking to Dan and others who will listen and maybe even keep trying to work it out through writing it out. Anyway...until next time.

Have a radical hope -
JAH

The Times They Are A Changin'

This weekend we took Isaac to Anderson University and he has officially signed up for classes. There are a lot of things a person feels when they do this with a child. In a way I feel like part of our lives are finishing up. The sun is setting. But as Dan and I sat there listening to all the talks and info, etc., I realized that we are in a good place. Our kids, although not quite perfect, have been such an incredible blessing to our lives. I don't ever remember having the types of conversations with my parents that we have gotten to have with Carrie and Isaac. I know there are plenty of people out there in the world, for whatever reason, that have never had nor ever will have the chance to make cool memories with their kids. Thanks God, Dan and I are in a good place and I am so happy that you put us here.

Dan is not preaching tomorrow as Scott, our chairman of the board and good friend, is going to share a message for the first time. I hope everything goes okay for him. He and his family are pretty awesome.

Time to call it a day.

Christ's peace & Radical Hope -
JAH

Life Is Good - God Is Good

Dan went to the doctor and everything is going to be okay. Life is good - God is Good. Of course, as I was thinking this, God is good always - even in the times where it doesn't seem like everything is going to be okay, but that is one of those things it is hard for me to grasp. So for today, I don't think I will try and understand that - I will just be happy that Dan is going to be okay.

The electricty was connected yesterday at the pavilion that was built at our church. It was good to see a little progress again. Things usually don't move along as quickly as it would appear that they could, but maybe patience is something that doesn't come easy, but is good when it comes.

This evening we will be heading to Anderson so Isaac can sign up for classes, take his placement exams and just basically hang out and get a feel for the place. I hope he comes away from there thinking that things will be okay.

Today is a work day for me in the pizza making world. There are already three big orders there waiting, which would be okay if that was the bulk of it for today, but most of the time that doesn't happen. I hope I am never as uptight about food as some people can be. I will probably regret writing this, but I have been fortunate enough to not have anyone call and complain about their food in quite some time. I hate those phone calls because people seem to lose all perspective when it comes to their food. Maybe it is just because something else in their life is going bad and they can't do anything about that so they will demand restitution in regard to their pizza and its toppings and crust. That is what I should tell myself next time someone acts as though their life really is ruined because of pizza.

Time to go. I hope everyone else has a good day today.

Love Jesus and Do What You Want-
JAH

What's It All About

What is life all about? Right now I feel like I have more questions than answers. I wonder why a little boy whose parents are on the mission field trying to do some good in the world had a freak accident and was killed. I wonder why a little one year old girl at our church has cystic fibrosis and now has a somewhat life-threatening infection. I wonder why my husband has an infection that won't go away and I think right now I'm a little scared about that. Then I wonder why so many people seem to be so concerned about other things that just really don't seem to matter much.

I think I am probably one of the worst bloggers that has attempted blogging. I guess I need to take more time and sit down and write things out. Maybe this would be a good way to have some good conversations with God and let Him know that I'm down here wondering about some things. I don't really think I'm questioning Him so much as far as He is God and all, but sometimes I just don't get the plan. Maybe I'm not supposed to. Maybe the plan is more of a work in progress that changes and grows and dies and exists in ways that I can't comprehend. Maybe that's why we aren't supposed to worry about our tomorrows but just live each moment as it is given to us. I just don't want to waste moments. I look at our kids and wonder how they got to be adults. They are great adults in spite of me, but I don't want to miss the moments. I think of Dan and I celebrating 23 years of marriage and don't want to miss our moments. Being in love with someone is truly a gift. Having kids who are healthy and bright and full of potential is a gift. I guess those are things I should also wonder about. Why do I have those gifts? Why does God bless us in the ways that He does?

I guess life is a mystery and maybe that shouldn't be a scarey thing but a good thing. Why would I want to know the whole "plan". That would probably make me miss the moments as they happen.

It is tea time and hot chocolate time at our house. This is one of my favorite moments. (I keep on using that word - I hope it means what I think it means. )

Love Jesus and Do What You Want -
JAH

Lazy Saturday

Today feels like one of those lazy days where I could wrap up in a blanket and read, watch TV or sleep. But, somehow the guilt of being lazy always hangs over a person's head.

Our children have left for Florida for a Campus Life Spring Break Trip, which is good, but I'll be glad when it is done and they are back in Indiana. It is amazing how you can want your children to experience all the good things the world has to offer, yet have such an out-of-control feeling as they walk out the door. It will be okay though. Learning to let go is a part of life and moving on to that next stage can be an adventure, I'm sure. It should be an interesting year...and I hope to treat it like a new adventure. That should be what life is like - looking at everything in its full potential. I hope I can begin to be more like that.

Went back to work and not too much had changed. It was amazing how it kind of wore me out though. I hadn't been in the upright, vertical position for that long of a stretch for a week, and it was pretty tiring - or else I'm just really out of shape - probably a little of both.

Tonight we are going out for supper with our church council. It will be nice to go out with some people, that is one thing I kind of miss from back home. Friendship can seem like such a hard thing. It is much easier to have acquaintences than friends, but friends are definitely better.

I think it is time to make some more coffee. Maybe that will put me in adventure mode!!

Christ's peace & and Radical Hope -
JAH