Nov 1st

WOW! Is it really the beginning of November???

Must be. The clocks are changed and there are piles of sorted Halloween candy on my table.

While the kids spent the weekend w/ Dad, I attended one my classes this term... Rhythm-based communication. AMAZING!!! I had the honor of participating in a drum circle for the very first time! Can't wait to do it, again! and to get the boys involved.

I finished and delivered a Dodger's b'day cake today. Turned out great! and was my first vegan one, as well. It was yummy!!

Time to work on math homework and prepare for the coming week.

The crud

"You are sick, but you are not sick enough for meds. You might be later this week. Come back in then" said the nurse practitioner on Monday. It's Wednesday night. My ears are worse, cough is now "textured" and there is the occasional rattle when I breathe. Oh, and best of all... the fever.

I was commiserating with a friend on FB. We both have been "sweating it out."

Today I had an unusual nap experience. I woke up drenched with sweat. I rolled over and went back to sleep. This pattern continued until I had no more dry spots on the bed. Cracking myself up, actually.

Now the sheets are clean, dry, and ready to be put back on the bed. I wonder if I'll have the same experience during the night? hm.

A throwback to my days growing up, "Time to doctor up and get to bed."

A Day to Celebrate

I got a phone call around 8:30am October 7, 2002.

The nurse said "Dr. Robinson wants you to come in for a stress test. Can you be here by 10am?"

Having had an ultrasound the week prior, I assumed they found something they wanted to check out. I wasn't due until the 17th, so I didn't think much of it. I did not call Dennis at work. I just went to their office.

I had experienced Braxton-Hicks contractions for several months and didn't think this was any different. They strapped me in and hooked me to the monitor. I was told to push the button on the device in my hand whenever I felt a contraction. I pushed it rather often.

The Dr came in and explained that they called me in because of a concern about the amount of amniotic fluid. The results were read wrong and there was no problem. She then said, "I cannot send you home in good faith. You are in labor."

OH my.

I was a few days shy of the hospital's safe-to-deliver date in regards to the lung development. So they moved me to a "holding area" and monitored my contractions until they could officially admit me.

Priceless phone call was made at this point...

"Hey Dennis! How are you? What are you doing around 2pm today?"

"Um, I'll be at work, why?"

"Any chance you could swing by the house and pick up a few things then meet me at the hospital? Looks like we're having a baby today."

silence.

stuttered sounds in an attempt to find the words

"uh, sure."

After being moved to the holding area, I called my best friend, Lisa, who was the Occupational Therapy supervisor at that hospital.

"Hi Lisa! What are you doing during lunch? Will you have time to swing by the OB floor and visit me?"

"WHAT? WHAT? WHAT?"

more stuttered sounds trying to find the words

Just after 8pm that night, Benjamin Lucas Dirren arrived!!

For several reasons he was delivered C-section. One of which was him being breach. He made a unique and surprising arrival...as being pulled out my his feet, he peed as soon as it hit the cold air. =)

At age 7, I can attest that experience was a foreshadow of his life. He does not pee anytime it hits the cold air, but he certainly is unique and surprises us.

thank you, God, for this amazing being and the opportunity to be his mom!

bio/psycho/spiritual integration

that is the title of the course I am taking this weekend.

wow! WOW!

I believe everything is connected.

I believe every experience affects us on each level, to some degree.

I believe I shall finish my lunch break and get back to class.

Ben 1 sink 0

The sink in my bathroom had a clog. Ben leaned under the sink the other day to "listen" to the water and try to figure it all out. He said, "Mom, let me know when we have time to fix this. It's just dripping here" (pointing to the P trap).

Tonight I handed him a plastic bin, towels, and a long screwdriver.

We set the towel and tub under the pipes. I loosened the nuts and he

removed the P trap. "eWW! this is stinky!" he complained.

I had him release the stopper assembly and take out the stopper.

He refused to use the screwdriver and push the clog out.

But once it was out, he put everything back together.

woo hoo!

He knows he can clean a clog (prep it for mom to push out) but does not want to be a plumber. He informed me he wants to be a police officer.

When I told him he'd be dealing with a lot of other yucky stuff he said, "it won't be this bad."

I'll let his Dad explain that one later.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Fall term 2009 started today! woo hoo!

count down to June 2011 has officially began! (as a full time student, that is)

I will be stretching my mind, creativity, and body.

Math, communication classes, drawing, and yoga.

Yep, yoga. No, it's not for credit.

The transition from the end of ICYM to being a full time student is complete.

I am looking forward to this "routine" for the next few years.

It's official! I am the parent of a teenager!!

Today, Sept 25th is Wil's 13th birthday!!

Although he has been acting like a teenager for several years, it is now for real.

He just went to bed (yes, midnight on a school night) after having gone to The Killers concert w/ his Dad. Tomorrow night I will host a co-ed party (the girls will go home after the movie and guys spend the night).

Our culture does not have many rites of passages.

The best we can do is love them though it.

He's a great kid! I am having so much fun being his mom!

He seems to be having a great year, so far, too. The other day he says to me, "I don't know about you, but my social life is rockin'!"

more blogging AFTER the party

End of summer term

paper is done & in!

talked w/ a few good friends

had a lovely dinner w/ more good friends

and to top it off, Wil and I had the chance to see Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol!

One way to view the past few days

				F
	L			R	E	F	L	E	C	T
	A			I
	M			E
S	E	R	E	N	D	I	P	I	T	Y
A	N			D			E
I	T		I	S			A		C
N		H					C		A
T	O	E	S			H	E	A	L
		A							L
	P	R	A	Y	E	R

A creative reflection of my life the past few days…

ACROSS:

To review and respond, mirroring back

Making fortunate discoveries by accident

Before a noun beginning with a vowel

___ is what it ___ (two clues)

These still looked good after the foot got burned

What the burn is doing rather well

What gets me by

DOWN:

Priceless; what I cannot live without

Crying out in sorrow and grief

How some of my #1 down have been this week

Goal and state of mind

Instrument of connection, joy, and serendipity

What one MUST do before all else

Where am I?

Driving in an unfamiliar area, walking downtown, riding the MAX or METRO...all situations where I have stopped and asked (either out loud or to myself) "Where am I?"

I've been teaching, facilitating a group, or giving a message, and gone off on a tangent, or stopped to field a question, then looked at my notes (mental or written) and asked, "Where am I?"

Recently my home has been going through a major reorganization. On more than one occasion I have gone upstairs to put something away, stopped to do some laundry, which led to putting it away, then finding a note that needs attention. Without fail, my attention is drawn in another direction with the ringing of the phone or being beckoned by the boys. Eventually I stop and ask, "Where am I?"

Regardless of the setting, I realize the value in stopping and asking that simple question. To be reoriented is a good thing. It gets you back on track. It allows for you to become face to face with the "map" and ask for guidance.

This summer has been one of sailing through the neutral zone, "no man's land" as one has said. I've asked "Where am I?" on many occasions, only to be tossed about in a different direction. What I thought were buoys, lighthouses, significant sailing partners joining me ON the journey, I have realized were markers and rather temporary.

This has gotten me down.

I've been known to get seasick. On the ferry between Maine and Nova Scotia and on Dennis' dad's 47' sailboat in the ocean near San Diego. There was not much I could have done on the ferry to make the nausea subside, but there was on the sailboat. I found that the seasickness came when I was just sitting there, not participating in helping the boat on it's journey. If I had a job and was part of the team, I felt fine.

This summer has been more of a solo-trip, with frequent newbie deckhands with the names Wil and Ben. We are sailing towards the land of September. This is where school starts for them, and then me. Not an unfamiliar journey through summer; however, this is the first time in my life that I can recall being truly out there in the open waters like never before.

Familiar ports were closed. As one who loves adventure you might think I'd sail on happily. Yes and no. I am thrilled about where I am going in regards to the scholarship and going to school full time. What I struggle with is the feeling of being rejected from ports that have been integral parts of my life, where I once belonged.

This is the neutral zone.

Set sail from one side and not yet received on the other.

How you navigate the neutral zone determines your arrival on the other side. ya ya ya

I teach it, I preach it, and now I'm living it like never before.

I know I will get through this. I also know it will be a significant mark on my spiritual journey. For I know this to be true... while some call this "No man's land" I call it "no man's land - just 'God and me' land."

So where am I? I am bobbing about the rest of the summer's journey. And will be for some time.

Am I lost? not so much, just not in familiar territory.

And trying to keep my foot dry. (it is healing well, I understand as Paige said, "it's a healthy pink and scarring really well)

Rites of Passage

Wil is 12. 1 month away from 13.

This evening I have the honor of watching a classic movie with him. One of the best movies of all time..."Wayne's World".

Priceless mother and son moments =)

"Excuse me, I'd like to get by now"

memories and souveniers

The Reynolds Family is certainly a fun and well-connected group.

We just returned from the 2009 Family Reunion. The majority of

us get together a few times each year, holidays and such. The whole

gang tries to gather every three years or so, whether we want to or not -

hahaha

This year we celebrated mom's 80th birthday and welcomed friends,

old and new. Lots of superb memories and thanks to my cousin, Steve,

I have the souvenier of burn on my foot.

Oh well.

He scarred me at age 5 on my left ankle... what's another scar at 41?

Until another gathering at Alpine Chalets on the beautiful Oregon coast...

the Reynolds' clan will gather when and where possible, in whatever grouping

is available.

Compassion, conviction, compulsion

which is it?

July 31, 2009

nothing spectaluar about today so far...

just the awareness of it's placement in the calendar and my life.

2009 is more than 1/2 way over. huh? I can certainly say it has been full of opportunities, rich experiences, and vision and hope for the future.

I turned in one paper today and have 2 due next week.

My house re-oranization experience is more than 1/2 way done.

Our Reynolds family reunion starts this week.

The fall course schedule is now available.

more opportunities and vision and hope for the future!

My calendar for the rest of the year has 2 catagories of entries, so far...

birthdays and the start and end of the term.

There are activities and such waiting to be scheduled, but no rush.

I like that.

The Great Slide Puzzle

Remember those thinker toys called slide puzzles?

There are usuallly 16 spaces for 15 tiles.

or some other matrix with one less tile than spaces.

I have often referred to life as a slide puzzle.

This week I am living it!

Since my job has ended and I only have 6 credits

of school this term, I have time (and no excuses)

to organize!

Yes, the garage, the main living area, and eventually

each of the bedrooms and the laundry room.

It's not as easy as put this here and that there.

NooOOOOoooo.

This stuff is gone through and sorted.

That stuff is moved over here so I can move the shelves over there, THEN, it can be put on them.

For those who have been in my home, the pew is now in the garage and the wooden shelving moved one turn to the left and is on that wall. I was given an old entertainment center and will be receiving a work bench tomorrow. I am creating my "Christy Space". If I were male, it might be referred to as a 'man cave'.

Nonetheless, it's quite a chore! And each time a box or bin is touched, it is gone through.

My goal...to have a place for everything (that is kept) and everything in it's place.

I cannot promise it will stay that way. In fact, I can guarentee it won't.

But at least this huge sliding of the puzzle pieces will be significant and make a big difference.

(YAY! Freecycle! and Good Will)

It is what it is.

A common phrase used in many areas of life these days.

According to the Urban Dictionary, it's along the lines of "whatever, screw it, forget about it".

It's use in my world is somewhat "self-leveling". The situation may not be what we want, it may not be what we'd hoped or worked for, it may not even make sense, but "it is what it is".

(You know... you don't get what you want, you get what you get.)

So what is "it"?

"It" is the reality of the situation.

"It" is the realization of the limits or boundaries of something.

"It" is the acknowledgment of one's concluded thoughts after serious contemplation.

"It" is something we cannot control, and we have the power to not let it control us.

"It" exists and our responsibility is to figure out what to do with "it".

What are your thoughts?

Would you respond, "They are what they are?"

Sparkler moment

July 4th, 1979

Camp Highroads, Middleburg, Virginia

It was my first week of summer camp. I did NOT want to be there. Mom and Dad made me go.

The final night of camp was the 4th of July. We stood in a circle, each of us holding a sparkler (the old fashioned metal ones that lasted a long time). Someone started singing and lit the sparkers on either side of them. The song was "Pass It On".

I was not familiar with the song and had not had experienced anything like that.

Next thing I knew I was bawling. I do not recall any lyrics past "It only takes a spark" until "I'll shout it from the mountain tops, PRAISE GOD!"

It was at that moment that my relationship with God became significant.

What makes one rich?

is it the amount of money in a bank account?

is it the price paid for a car, house, jewelry, and such?

is it the number of friends?

I consider myself VERY weathly, but certianly not my any of the standards above.

I am rich beyond belief based upon the depth of my friendships and the ability

and choice to recognize life's moments, big and small, as priceless.

I had one such phone call this evening. It was two-part actually. The first call deep with dialog, engaging conversation, and multiple interruptions from off-spring. (which prompted the need to continue the call later).

The second call was 20 mintues later. In that 20 minutes, a significant life event happened, for which we had been praying about for a few weeks, and today in particular. That call was one filled with listening and encouraging. Tears and prayers. Affirmation and appreciation.

PRICELESS!!!

Less than 2 weeks

In 13 days my 9 year role as youth pastor for InnerFire Cooperative Youth Ministry ends.

It was not my choice, and it has been a very raw and difficult experience.

Yet, I am ok with it.

The phrase, "God doesn't close a door without opening a window" has been shared so many times in the past few weeks I can hear it being said before their mouth opens. And that's ok. It's true.

As these beautiful, tall, double doors are being shut, colorful stained glass transoms are opening.

I trust that the disbanding of the youth program as we have known it will be a significant point of growth for all involved. I admire those plugging forward, standing up for their ministry, and creating a new structure. And if I have done my job right all these years, they will flourish and give God the glory.

In this crazy day and age of The Great Recession, I am not thrilled about losing my job. HOWEVER, I give a nod to Jeremiah 29:11-13. I have received the Ford Family ReStart scholarship and will be going to school full time. I will miss the weekly dive in the trenches of youth ministry, yet, will be able to share my 23 yrs of experience with new folk.

It is exciting to spend my final week with 20 youth and 12 adults in Seattle serving our AWESOME GOD! And on that note, I need to get back to the nitty gritty schedule.

Prayers, please. God is good, All the time.

ACTIVATE!

I heart Stellar Kart.

Their lyrics inspire, challenge, and bring comfort.

Their tunes are SO fun to dance, jump, and rock out to!

Today I had the honor of leading a short worship experience at Annual Conference.

It began with the video of Stellar Kart singing "Activate".

We sang "Every Move I Make"

Proverbs 27:17 was shared between the youth (Iron sharpens iron)

and the adults (so as one person sharpens another).

We watched a wonderful You Tube version of the Star Fish Story

then shared with our neighbors how we feel God is calling US to make a difference.

The responsive reading were lyrics from the song "Activate".

First part read by those 35 and under.

Second part read by those over 35 (there were many more of those voices)

Third part was read by all.

The Bishop gave words of encouragement and challenge to connect with the youth and young adults who came that day for Rejuvenate. After a prayer to commission them into immediate short-term mission, they departed for several different service projects around Salem.

Thanks to the Rejuvenate planning team, this went off really well!

woo hoo!!!

What difference would it make in your life if your day started with an encouraging and rocking video, some scripture, inspirational You Tube video and 500 + people sharing?

hm...

"This is the purpose of my life

This is the reason I'm alive.

don't have time to wait,

activate, activate!"

check out the rest of the lyrics on your own.

what difference are YOU being called to make?

WD-40 and duct tape friends

as the saying goes, "If it moves, and it shouldn't, use duct tape. If it is supposed to move, and it doesn't, use WD-40". We all need friends in our lives who are like those very practical items.

When life feels like a blender on puree, or as if it is falling apart, we need those friends who can act as duct tape and help us hold things together. Their words adhear a sense of calm, hope, and the importance of letting Go and letting God handle the things we need to set down.

When we are stuck in a thought pattern, obsessing or worrying about something over which we have no control, or paralyzed by fear, we need WD-40 friends. Their words seep into our "stuckness", freeing us to let Go and let God's grace move us.

I give thanks for having both! I have them in the many "circles" (or friend's wheel).

In fact tonight, I got to speak to one on the phone, and see several in person.

Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpens iron, so as one person sharpens another".

I think if duct tape and WD-40 were around 2000+ years ago, they would be included in a passage such as this, as well.

I GOT IT!!!

I got the Ford Family ReStart Scholarship!!!!

That means I know what I am doing for the next 2 years! I will be able to go to school full time and finish my bachelor's degree (yep, just my bachelor's).

My major is Organizational Communication - concentration in leadership, training, and development. I will receive a certification in Training and Development as well. I am hoping they will also offer a Change Management Certification before I graduate.

Basically, I will end up with that all-important piece of paper that validates everything I've been doing all these years! It will translate better from the sacred to the secular world.

My passion and strengths lie in connecting people with their gifts, strengths, and passion; team building; change and transition management. Of course, I love working with teens and connecing people with Jesus Christ. We will see how that comes into play in the future.

Thanks for the prayers and support!

And thanks to my 'Christy's School Team!"

my editors, math tutors, business mentors, and care team!

you rock!!

I am blessed many times over!

Oh My Oh May

I have anticipated elements of this week between 3 weeks and 1 year.

I received news about being a semi-finalist for the Ford Family ReStart scholarship 3 weeks ago.

Spring term started 2 months ago.

The marching sabercats in the 80's band reunion date was set 4 months ago.

The art show at Ben's school was scheduled 1 year ago.

So, Tuesday, I drive to Eugene for the scholarship interview.

I attend class that night and Wednesday.

Lots of details for the art show will be attended to both days, as well.

Thursday I work (yes, my real job) and see the fruit of this year's art literacy program 

shared with the whole school and parents.

(SADLY, THIS IS THE ONLY ART INSTRUCTION THEY GET)

Friday I fly to Phoenix to reuinte with a bunch of other 40-somethings who connected during marching band in the 80's.

Yes, I am pacing myself.

Yes, I am delegating when and where possible

Yes, I am going to bed now.

heavy heart - secondary and terciary compassion fatigue

My friend's day care worker suffered the worse nightmare... a baby died of pneumonia - believed cause - while in her care

Another friend is a nanny for a family with twin 8 yr old girls and a 4 yr old son. One of the twins died to day from a 2 1/2 week illness - exact illness unknown at this time

A friend of mine is stuck in a rut and struggling with seeing the resources right in front of him to climb out

Another friend is coveting prayers for a co-worker and friend as her husband is in the hospital for chest pains

Had a run in with a bully this week (bully = someone so hurt and afraid they hurt and intimidate others)

Too many friends struggling with financial challenges

too many people living in fear, with out a sense of hope, and feeling alone

God, creator, savior... I can do nothing for these people but lift them up to you and trust in your ways. It will all make sense someday.

Until then, my heart will continue to break and be open to your love and guidance

What are the odds?

621 applicants 

96 called for interviews

45 awards to be given.

This is for the Ford ReStart scholarship. If I get it, I will be able to attend school full time in the fall. 

My interview is at 10:30am on the 26th of May.

Prayers greatly appreciated!

The waiting game

I have applied for a significant scholarship. If awarded, I go to school full time in the fall. If not, I go part time and find a full time job. The wait comes in that the interviews for the scholarships are occuring the week of May 26th (3 weeks later than last year). Final announcements are not made until mid- June. 

My job ends June 30th.

If I GET the scholarship, I have some part-time work available to me.

If I DON'T get it, I need to join the 1,000's of others looking for a job.

I struggle with wanting to put myself out there now and not knowing if I will be able to accept what is offered. One friend said, "If you can't do it, there are 12 others behind you who will try."

Prayers, please.

Prayers answered!!

Mark is home as of this afternoon! He is doing remarkable! Some weakness, but no paralaysis. Oh, and he is supposed to play video games as part of his therapy. HAH!

Our youth group had a "wesome" Mystery Retreat this weekend. Prayers for a great retreat were answered with lots of laughter, fun, fellowship, faith building, and friendship.

More prayers going up tonight for the Bennett family as they mourn the loss of their Uncle who died in a rafting accident today.

Prayers for Mark and his family's adjusting to life after brain surgery.

Prayers for word on my scholarship... the pivot point, determining factor for my future.

Prayer request sent... awaiting reply

Tonight our family joined about 75 other people in a prayer and healing service for Mark Barstow. His surgery is tomorrow, Thursday April 16th around 10am. After a few songs from the music team, which Mark used to lead and is now a member, Pastor Dan spoke about healing and grace.

He anointed Mark, then we all gathered around, laying hands on Mark and praying.

wow. WOW!

I would not be surprised if they get in their tomorrow and the mass has shrunk, or disappeared.

All is God's time.

What's inside??

A common question when holding a package, standing in front of a closet, or getting to know one another.

Easter is is full of opportunities to ask "What's inside?".

The pursuit of plastic eggs holding treasure is a popular activity. Candy? trinket? slip of paper with a "good for one trip to the ice cream shop"? The kids know, but they don't know. And they enjoy the mystery.

The story of Mary at the tomb. She THOUGHT she knew what would be in there, then was set off into the great mystery of Christ's resurrection. Again, as Christians, we know, but we don't know, and hopefully, enjoy the mystery.

The covered casserole dish placed amidst the ham, veggies, rolls, and such... what's inside? If you're at my house, or I've had anything to do with the meal planning, it will be New Potatoes and Peas (in white sauce). No mystery.

This year added one more reason to ask "What's inside?"

Saturday morning our dear family friend, and brother-in-Christ, Mark Barstow, had a seizure. The medical staff immediately went on the proverbial hunt for the answer to "what's inside?"
Their tests showed an "undefined mass in the back right portion of his brain."
talk about mystery!

My final ponderable is prayer. I know what's inside each one...
as does God. I love that there is no real mystery, yet, there is.

when's the last time you asked the question, "what's inside?"
what was revealed?

Maundy Thursday 2009

I wonder so much about what Jesus was thinking and feeling that day over 2000 years ago. I wonder what the people in the crowd experienced. I wonder what the soldiers thought.

Whatever it was... I can be 99% certain that none of them thought "in 2009 people will gather and ceremoniusly remember this moment" (except maybe Jesus).

It's a honor to be able to do it.

one rock one word

Tonight was the last night of the annual Holy Week Prayer and Meditation Center. The youth have set this up for the past 4 years for anyone to experience. As the main person in charge, I usually don't experience it until it's time to take it down. That's just what I did tonight.

The table as you enter greets you with candles, flowers, instructions for the center, and a basket of rocks. Each rock has a word written upon it. If you choose, you may reach in for a rock. Read the word and meditate on it as you proceed. Pray about it, ponder it, ask what it is about that word that you need to consider.

I've drawn many rocks over the years. Tonight's said, "TRUST". Going with the instructions, I repeated the word, offered it up, and opened my heart and mind to hear what it is I need to consider about trust.

As I walked the labyrinth I kept listening intently for God's still small voice. My mind wandered on occassion, but I found my way back to the word. Once in the center, I lay prostrate, rock in hand. Previous experiences had me anticipating a solemn, deeply spiritual moment. I found this time quite different...I began to smile and giggle.

I went with it.

Trust is what I need to do - KEEP doing. With the new school term underway, upcoming transition with my job, and having new connections with old friends, I just need to trust. Trust what? God, my heart, my instincts, those who have been placed in my life this season.

Trust.... will do!
it's helped me this far =)

Spiritual boosts. Too available?

The ICYM youth set up the Prayer and Meditation Center at Christ UMC for the 4th year. We offer this special experience during Holy Week for anyone. The main sanctuary/Memorial Hall is transformed. A 35' 13-circuit labyrinth (Chatres) is surrounded by a dozen multi-sensory stations.

Each station offers a the chance to connect with God, reflect, pray, express, and ponder. It is open 9a - 9p Monday and Tuesday, 9a - 6p on Wednesday.

It's been publicized and personal invitations sent.
There will probably be about 75 - 90 people who go through it.

So why don't more people partake? Why do the regulars pop their head in and say "Oh, it's maze time, again."

I can't help but connect this attitude with many Christian's attitudes... "Oh look, it's Jesus, again."

What's your reaction to opportunities to just sit with Jesus?

Princess Isabella's 6th birthday

Start with a birthday invitation and end up with this.
Isabella's mom is a rubber stamp queen and created the invites using the princess stamp, purple swirls and pink hearts.

Cakes and cupcakes available for all occassions.
Dedicated sight coming soon.

Renewal

Being in college, I actually get a Spring Break!

I spent 1/2 of it in Oregon hanging with my boys and the other 1/2 in Arizona (or Arizonia, as Ben calls it) with a bunch of family and friends.

Yes, my idea of a vacation is polar opposite to Kim G's. She went to the beach by herself, I went to AZ to see people. It's all part of me being an ENFX (conflicting PJ's).

This trip was badly needed. After this term at school and the crazy stuff with work, I needed a change of scenery and responsibility. I spent most of my time in the Phoenix-area visiting.I had the priviledge of spending time in Flagstaff (more like home) with friends and my sister, Wendy. woot! we crazy Reynolds-girls =)

I saw friends I've known a few years and friends I've known for 25+. I saw Reynolds and Dirrens. I sat at the proverbial feet of my mentors and basked in their wisdom. I hiked (ok, walked), played pool, Cribbage (yes, I won!), broke bread, and went Jeeping!!!

I slept, read, hung out, and was nurtured.

Bottom line for me, Proverbs 27:17. You know who you are...and some have no idea.

Thank you to all of my hosts and transportation providers.

This trip was good for my mind, body, spirit.

My return to Oregon was a matter of landing, getting my car from a friend, enjoying my Casella's sub on the way to my first class of the spring term. Nothing like hitting the ground running!

I left shortly after attending the Rock and Worship Road show where Mercy Me sang the song, "Word of God, Speak". That includes the line "I'm finding myself, at a loss for words, and the funny thing, it's ok". When I departed, oh I was NOT at a loss for words. I had plenty. But over my 6-day trip, those words fell to the way side and were replaced with the occassional "loss of words" and words such as serendipity, joy, peace, contentment, honor, and blessing.

I am so grateful.

I was thinking about Andrew Wyeth the other day. His paintings have been a source of wonder and amazement. How can you achieve such detail, dimension and clarity with watercolors?? Many of his pieces have photographic qualities.

I get drawn into his work, almost into the scene as if it's real. "Wind from the sea" is one of my favorites. If you spend time with it, you can almost feel the breeze, smell the ocean air and hear the lull of the distant waves.

Much of life passes us by with little attention.
Andrew Wyeth caught ordinary moments, creating extraordinary experiences.
He passed away today at age 91.

1 John 1:1-4 speaks of experiencing Christ's love, grace and mercy with all 5 senses. My goal this weekend is to be intentional about experiencing everyday life in an extraordinary way - using all 5 senses.