The Timing is a Little Eerie

It always sets me back a bit when things in life are a little to perfectly fit to one another. A while ago our conference was sent letters by the bishop to collect a special offering for the continued Katrina efforts either last Sunday or this Sunday.

Last week our congregation had a LOT going on. We did a blessing of teachers, students, administrators and staff as most prepared for the beginning of school this past week. Our service ended with the breaking of ground for our new Family Life Center. So, the service didn't really lend itself to having a special offering.

This week we see the potential of Hurricane Gustav to cause significant damage in that same part of our country. As folks seek to find a safe place to go until the storm eventually passes, as once again some face the horror of losing everything they have again, and as folks are still traveling down to that part of our country seeking to help rebuild the devastation, we will gather. We will gather to pray for those who are once again being effected by these acts of nature and we with gather together to offer from our blessings so that others might know the help and love that God offers.

Hard to Believe It's Been 45 Years

Forty five years ago today, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. Today is another day to be a milestone in history.

Enjoy this video from the past as we think about the future.

First Day Went Well

My 7-year-old started second grade today. I was nervous for him because he was switching schools and this was the first time he'd be away from one of his best friends since they were 18 months old. The little one and I walked with my oldest to the art room where he and the other kids would wait for their teachers. I asked if he wanted me to wait and he said no.

All day I wondered how he was doing. When I picked him up, I prepared for the worse. The "I hate this place why'd we have to move." But he said he had a good time. There were kids he knew from his summer program as well as those he knew from church. He likes his teacher and he said, "I actually made a new friend today too." I hope his enthusiasm continues...and he continues to like the school and his new friends.

Where Did the Summer Go?

I can't believe the summer is over already. The locusts are singing, the air is getting chillier and the school bells will ring tomorrow. This year is different for us than most...our oldest will be starting at a new school. He's not excited at all for the change and I think I'm nervous more for him than he is himself. We're hoping to stop by the school today to see his classroom. Maybe that will give both of us a little bit of security as this new chapter opens in our lives. I hope he continues to make new friends as easily as he's done in the past. This will definitely be a big change.

No Wheaties for Phelps

I just saw on the news that Michael Phelps won't be gracing the front of a Wheaties box. He has signed a deal with ellogg's and will be featured on their Corn Flakes and Frosted Flakes boxes. The folks at Kellogg's say that Phelps is GR-R-R-E-I-G-H-T anyway. Congrats Michael!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Today is the second birthday of our little one. It's hard to believe that it's been two years since he came into this world. I went to the hospital he was born in to do visits today and it was a little surreal to think 2 years ago I was a patient in that place.

Happy birthday to my little one. You've grown so quickly these past two years...I look forward to the years ahead. Just don't grow up too fast...mommy's having a hard time with you getting older.

This Just Bothers Me

OK, normally I don't blog about politics, but when I received an email tonight it bothered me so much I just had to write about it... hoping to release some of the anger I feel right now.  It appears that there is a move to redefine abortion to include birth control, which would eliminate many state laws protecting women's rights.

It apparently comes down to pretty much an insurance issue, so that if birth control is redefined as abortion - the means of birth control won't be covered.  It seems so wrong in so many different ways that this is even an option for some people to think about.  

It takes away a woman's right to decide when to get pregnant... it takes away the peace of mind offered to someone who at this time does not want children.  

What about persons for whom birth control is needed?  Those who need the medication for health reasons?  This is not to mention the whole psyche of the decision to label contraception as abortion... preventing a pregnancy is not the same as terminating one.  

If you would like to get more information, go here.

Time Goes Fast

It's hard to believe that it's been almost 2 years since our youngest was born.  It seems like just yesterday we were preparing our oldest to be a good big brother and I was waddling around waiting for the birth.  It was a Friday, the weather was warm and our family was gathered around.  

Today we're having a little party with grandma and grandpa...a trial run for our bigger party tomorrow and his party with his "school" friends on Monday.  I baked an Elmo cake for the occasion today and will make another one tomorrow...it looks kinda like the one above.  We'll do cupcakes for Monday.  I hope he has a great time.