Went out for my first bike ride to deliver bulletins to my churches. Ride was better than I thought it would be. I was afraid of the redneck pickup trucks but all I got was respect from everyone on the road. I even rode back along the major 4 lane highway with little or no shoulders and that went extremely well.
First thing I noticed is there are some wonderful views of the mountains from back in the hills. Also, there are some major hills back there. I had a flat on one of my bikes so I took one not meant for this type of terrain. My quads are telling me that they got a workout.
I stopped at each church altar and prayed for each of the congregations. I pray that things work well for us.
Now as for the furniture.... It is supposed to be delivered today. Today is Saturday. I'm waiting.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Moving is a contact sport
At least I feel that what. My body has cuts, scrapes and bruises all over it. Moving the boxes down the stairs let me know where every corner was. Having a door fall on the back of my leg (Movers fault) hurt like you would not believe.
Being so tired from the day, my knee gave out as I started going down the stairs and I fell backwards. Nothing hurt, just awkward.
I sit in a clean house waiting for one last person so I can start the trip to my new home. This house has been my home, now it is time to be someone elses. I blessed the house and the new occupants.
Being so tired from the day, my knee gave out as I started going down the stairs and I fell backwards. Nothing hurt, just awkward.
I sit in a clean house waiting for one last person so I can start the trip to my new home. This house has been my home, now it is time to be someone elses. I blessed the house and the new occupants.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Saying Goodbye
Today is one of those days I really hate. I am saying goodbye to a friend. She and I have been through much these past three years and I am moving not knowing if I will ever see her again. I wish her well. May God bless her and her ministry.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Packing and the little things
Packing and getting the little things done. Moving is not fun, but.. I am looking forward to starting this new chapter in my life. What is different. I trust. I trust that I am not in charge. I trust that I am listening to what God would have me do.
Moving to a new town is going to be fun.
I pray that I make a difference in the world.
I pray that things work out for what I face.
Moving to a new town is going to be fun.
I pray that I make a difference in the world.
I pray that things work out for what I face.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Life snuck up on me this morning.
How things change in a minute.
I was sitting there quietly when an email arrived from someone I went to high school with.via this really annoying reunion site.
I almost deleted the email but since I could not sleep I let the link take me to the post.
It announced that my best friend from my childhood had died of a heart attack. It also said his mother was in ill health.
My heart sank.
Someone I had grown up with and lost touch with had died.
I still know his birthday and his phone number. I know his 3 brothers and 1 sister’s names. I feel awful that I could not get in touch with him all these years but I did try a few times.
I went out for my bike ride and started reminiscing the things we did together.
Going to a movie for my 10th birthday. Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The sleep overs at his house and at my house. The tornado that damaged his house when I was in the 4th grade. I remember going into the forest and seeing all the downed trees.
His family was Catholic and I attended CCD with him on more than one occasion. I was heartbroken when I received a tract from my church saying that all Catholics were going to hell. I just could not believe someone so good and pure as him was going to go to hell.
I moved away and came back 5 years later and we never resumed the relationship. I was now the product of an over-crowded school system with apathetic teachers and had fallen behind him in academic life. He was one of the brains in the school and I was just average.
I found his obituary in his local paper and find he leaves a wife and 3 children behind and was attending a Baptist church. I need to reach out to his family and let them know I will miss him. He showed me friendship and his family showed me hospitality. Somethings we all need to show to others.
I was sitting there quietly when an email arrived from someone I went to high school with.via this really annoying reunion site.
I almost deleted the email but since I could not sleep I let the link take me to the post.
It announced that my best friend from my childhood had died of a heart attack. It also said his mother was in ill health.
My heart sank.
Someone I had grown up with and lost touch with had died.
I still know his birthday and his phone number. I know his 3 brothers and 1 sister’s names. I feel awful that I could not get in touch with him all these years but I did try a few times.
I went out for my bike ride and started reminiscing the things we did together.
Going to a movie for my 10th birthday. Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The sleep overs at his house and at my house. The tornado that damaged his house when I was in the 4th grade. I remember going into the forest and seeing all the downed trees.
His family was Catholic and I attended CCD with him on more than one occasion. I was heartbroken when I received a tract from my church saying that all Catholics were going to hell. I just could not believe someone so good and pure as him was going to go to hell.
I moved away and came back 5 years later and we never resumed the relationship. I was now the product of an over-crowded school system with apathetic teachers and had fallen behind him in academic life. He was one of the brains in the school and I was just average.
I found his obituary in his local paper and find he leaves a wife and 3 children behind and was attending a Baptist church. I need to reach out to his family and let them know I will miss him. He showed me friendship and his family showed me hospitality. Somethings we all need to show to others.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
225th Annual Conference
Vote, preach, talk, wonder, great new people, sing, stand, get hot from the lack of adequate AC, have a great time!!!
Blogging from the Conference
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
What were they thinking?
I was out the other day and I saw this:
Someone had bottomed out this SUV on the bike trail. The tow truck was there to get it off but how in the world did it get there in the first place?
Move and I'll bite you
Out for a ride this morning and the animals were out. Traffic on the roads was bad so any crossing meant I had to watch out for the cars speeding.Getting to Vienna, I saw a black cat with a collar out for a stroll on the bike trail. He was not even phased by the bikes going past him.
A few hundred yards later I see a mangy looking fox. He scampered off.
Out before Reston where the bridge washed out last year and they are repairing it now, I ran into one of the workers showing me his latest catch in the stream. One really mad snapping turtle. I stopped and got a picture of this one.
On my way back I saw a rabbit, squirrel all trying to become road kill.
Just wish my knee didn't hurt so much.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Thoughts on starting to fight for life.
Its not time.
I look at you and you only want to be held.
You are a little wobbly in the legs.
You have lost a little weight,
But you continue to give.
You give unconditionally.
You keep coming up to me,
Wanting to be held, wanting to be near me.
I searched within myself to say
I want to fight this.
I want you to stay around a little while.
Am I being selfish?
Yes. I feel this fight is within you.
I see that you have life within you.
I want to have you around.
I want to hold you and have you next to me in the middle of the night.
Only by your choice.
But I say that its not time.
I look at you and you only want to be held.
You are a little wobbly in the legs.
You have lost a little weight,
But you continue to give.
You give unconditionally.
You keep coming up to me,
Wanting to be held, wanting to be near me.
I searched within myself to say
I want to fight this.
I want you to stay around a little while.
Am I being selfish?
Yes. I feel this fight is within you.
I see that you have life within you.
I want to have you around.
I want to hold you and have you next to me in the middle of the night.
Only by your choice.
But I say that its not time.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Watching
Alex is doing OK.
I have been watching him after his diagnosis.
He is very pesky toward Charlotte.
I want to bring him back and see if we can have the lump removed.
I wonder how he feels.
Goose was very friendly to me this morning and Charlotte actually is friendly,
Just if she did not give me so many upchucks.
I'll keep watching.
Nothing more to do.
I have been watching him after his diagnosis.
He is very pesky toward Charlotte.
I want to bring him back and see if we can have the lump removed.
I wonder how he feels.
Goose was very friendly to me this morning and Charlotte actually is friendly,
Just if she did not give me so many upchucks.
I'll keep watching.
Nothing more to do.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Another Ode
Ode to a Birdfeeder
We purchased you to be entertainment for the 4 footed felines.
Instead you give us a show.
Chickadees, red finches, gold finches, cardinals, Blue jays, Titmice, tufted titmice, sparrows, black birds,Carolina wrens, downies, red headed wood peckers, hawks, falcons all come for some sort of feeding.
Things that sing, things that chirp, things that hammer on the wood railing.
All kind of noises you draw in.
There are birds we can not identify, squirrels hanging on, raccoons getting into the birdfood.
Possums out for a quick snack.
Cats waiting on dinner from one of the visitors to you.
How entertaining you are, to me.
The cats lost interest years ago.
We purchased you to be entertainment for the 4 footed felines.
Instead you give us a show.
Chickadees, red finches, gold finches, cardinals, Blue jays, Titmice, tufted titmice, sparrows, black birds,Carolina wrens, downies, red headed wood peckers, hawks, falcons all come for some sort of feeding.
Things that sing, things that chirp, things that hammer on the wood railing.
All kind of noises you draw in.
There are birds we can not identify, squirrels hanging on, raccoons getting into the birdfood.
Possums out for a quick snack.
Cats waiting on dinner from one of the visitors to you.
How entertaining you are, to me.
The cats lost interest years ago.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Ode to Alex
For Alex.
You greet me at the top of the stairs.
Your eyes are bright and ears are erect, perky.
You come to be and I enfold you in my arms.
You come close to me and the purrs begin.
I crawl into bed and you lay next to me,
Head under my chin, your body so close to mine.
Is this what you want?
The warmth and attention?
I can give this to you as long as you want.
Your unconditional love and affection is important.
Your desire to be with me warms my heart.
How much longer?
Will you be with me?
Will you be perky?
Will you tell me when it is time?
You greet me at the top of the stairs.
Your eyes are bright and ears are erect, perky.
You come to be and I enfold you in my arms.
You come close to me and the purrs begin.
I crawl into bed and you lay next to me,
Head under my chin, your body so close to mine.
Is this what you want?
The warmth and attention?
I can give this to you as long as you want.
Your unconditional love and affection is important.
Your desire to be with me warms my heart.
How much longer?
Will you be with me?
Will you be perky?
Will you tell me when it is time?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
A bike ride for a Thursday
I decided to go for a bike ride after writing a sermon. I needed time to think about what I wrote. Rain was threatening but I said that I needed to get outside.
I suited up and questioned whether I needed tights or not and chose not too.
I got everything ready and then put on my helmet. I could not figure out why it was so hard to get it right and why it felt so bad. Then I asked myself “where are my glasses?” Under my helmet.
I headed out and seemed to hit really light traffic. As I passed Wilson Boulevard, I passed another bicyclist. Further on, closer to Falls Church, I slowed down because of the curves and the other rider caught up with me. As we waited at a light to cross the rode, I looked up and saw a bald eagle being chased by two crows. Something I’ve never seen in Falls Church. We talked for a whole as we rode I lost him when I charged a green light I knew had a short cycle. The other rider didn’t make it and had to wait. I kept on going and after I crossed through Vienna, I encountered 5 deer and seemed to chase them down the trail for about 100 yards. I slowed down so they could make a break for it.
Once I entered Reston the rain started. I questioned whether to turn around and make it a 33 miler or press on toward Herndon, my planned route. I pressed on and there were very few people out. I had rain dripping off my glasses and kept second guessing myself. I did make it to Herndon and then took my street route turn around and headed back, as fast as I dared to ride.
Once I was past Reston, the rain stopped. I had no problems as I stopped in Vienna at a store looking for a specialty item that I need to make scones. They did not carry it… I was bummed. I remember the thoughts I had about daffodils and dandelions. I think God likes dandelions more than daffodils. Why? There are so many of them and they last longer. I would make a change if God gave me the option.
I remembered that I forgot my epipen as I saw all the flowers and trees in bloom. Dumb move….
I made it back and called da wif. She asked me how my knee was. I then straightened my leg and made funny sounds as I realized I was in pain. She noticed I was then breathing hard. I went and took more painkillers and cleaned up.
A little rain and a good bike ride. 40 miles in about 2 hours. I still don’t like my knee.
I didn’t think about my sermon the whole time.
I suited up and questioned whether I needed tights or not and chose not too.
I got everything ready and then put on my helmet. I could not figure out why it was so hard to get it right and why it felt so bad. Then I asked myself “where are my glasses?” Under my helmet.
I headed out and seemed to hit really light traffic. As I passed Wilson Boulevard, I passed another bicyclist. Further on, closer to Falls Church, I slowed down because of the curves and the other rider caught up with me. As we waited at a light to cross the rode, I looked up and saw a bald eagle being chased by two crows. Something I’ve never seen in Falls Church. We talked for a whole as we rode I lost him when I charged a green light I knew had a short cycle. The other rider didn’t make it and had to wait. I kept on going and after I crossed through Vienna, I encountered 5 deer and seemed to chase them down the trail for about 100 yards. I slowed down so they could make a break for it.
Once I entered Reston the rain started. I questioned whether to turn around and make it a 33 miler or press on toward Herndon, my planned route. I pressed on and there were very few people out. I had rain dripping off my glasses and kept second guessing myself. I did make it to Herndon and then took my street route turn around and headed back, as fast as I dared to ride.
Once I was past Reston, the rain stopped. I had no problems as I stopped in Vienna at a store looking for a specialty item that I need to make scones. They did not carry it… I was bummed. I remember the thoughts I had about daffodils and dandelions. I think God likes dandelions more than daffodils. Why? There are so many of them and they last longer. I would make a change if God gave me the option.
I remembered that I forgot my epipen as I saw all the flowers and trees in bloom. Dumb move….
I made it back and called da wif. She asked me how my knee was. I then straightened my leg and made funny sounds as I realized I was in pain. She noticed I was then breathing hard. I went and took more painkillers and cleaned up.
A little rain and a good bike ride. 40 miles in about 2 hours. I still don’t like my knee.
I didn’t think about my sermon the whole time.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
%&!%&)!% Socks
I was talking about my sock dilemma the other day and they said this is the way Seinfield got his start. Talking about his sock on late shows. Since I really have never watched late shows since I had to be at work most of the time before the sun rose, I had no idea what was on. I then went to think I missed Friends, Seinfeld, Survivor and any other show on Thursday nights forever but at least I can sing....
Back to the socks....
I was wondering what had happened to the missing socks and was looking in the trashcan located in the laundry room. I looked at all the lint and wondering if they were my lost socks. I looked behind the drier and there was one sock there. I was so excited. I can't figure out how it got there and why it was dirty either so it got washed.
When I finished all the laundry, I found I was missing a single sock from another pair that I really like. I started wondering if the sock fairy was playing games with me.... I managed to find it in other clothes....
Back to the socks....
I was wondering what had happened to the missing socks and was looking in the trashcan located in the laundry room. I looked at all the lint and wondering if they were my lost socks. I looked behind the drier and there was one sock there. I was so excited. I can't figure out how it got there and why it was dirty either so it got washed.
When I finished all the laundry, I found I was missing a single sock from another pair that I really like. I started wondering if the sock fairy was playing games with me.... I managed to find it in other clothes....
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Twitches
How do I explain that night twitches that da wif has as she dozes off at night?
Twitches
It starts with a finger
or maybe an elbow.
I lay there wondering
what is next?
Will it be gentle?
Quick?
A whole arm?
A foot?
A leg?
Will I be hit?
Does my knee have
to suffer?
Do I twitch too?
Twitches
It starts with a finger
or maybe an elbow.
I lay there wondering
what is next?
Will it be gentle?
Quick?
A whole arm?
A foot?
A leg?
Will I be hit?
Does my knee have
to suffer?
Do I twitch too?
Poem for Goose
Written for our deaf cat Goose
Your world
Silent.
You sense
Movement.
A touch from me
Brings purrs.
You sing
But do you hear?
We sneak up on you,
You change your tune.
What do you want?
You respond to the
Female big one.
You dance.
You circle.
You give head butts.
You return.
To your safe haven.
The pillow.
The place you spend
Most of your day.
We move your haven
You go with it.
Are you safe?
Are you happy and content
As a deaf cat?
Your world
Silent.
You sense
Movement.
A touch from me
Brings purrs.
You sing
But do you hear?
We sneak up on you,
You change your tune.
What do you want?
You respond to the
Female big one.
You dance.
You circle.
You give head butts.
You return.
To your safe haven.
The pillow.
The place you spend
Most of your day.
We move your haven
You go with it.
Are you safe?
Are you happy and content
As a deaf cat?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Ode to a clock
What else can I say to it?
You seem to be stuck.
0:54
You were reset and ran
for a while.
Did your oscillator
quit?
Did one of your dividers
add?
What caused you to
stop?
Your owner is not willing
to give up on you yet.
Your life giving power
will soon be removed.
Your brightness
will be no more.
Your disposal
seems certain.
All because of
being stuck.
You seem to be stuck.
0:54
You were reset and ran
for a while.
Did your oscillator
quit?
Did one of your dividers
add?
What caused you to
stop?
Your owner is not willing
to give up on you yet.
Your life giving power
will soon be removed.
Your brightness
will be no more.
Your disposal
seems certain.
All because of
being stuck.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Thoughts from a few days ago
Thoughts for Wednesday
Starting the day off reading Psalm 31 inspired me. Jesus cried out his last words having complete trust in God, his father. I remembered hearing this before but now that I am reflecting on it, why wasn’t it more important to me to note that Jesus prayed up until the end. His last words were in prayer. His last words are in utmost trust, even in the darkest, most painful time in his life. He trusted.
I felt the need to spend more time in prayer today and I went upstairs to my room but I did not shut the door because the cats were asleep on the bed. I lit the candle and sat down and began my process of emptying myself so I can quiet inside. After a period I heard a cat jump off the bed. I went back to being quiet when I heard a cat scratching himself off to my left. I looked left and there was Goose staring at me in the doorway. I ignored him. He then walked in and brushed the side of the wall, brushed the front of my legs, jumped up on the bed, walked around and took a position looking out the window. I continued to ignore him. After some period, he jumped down off the bed and walked under my legs ensuring he brushed my legs with his tail. I ignored him. I guess I should keep the door shut no matter what.
I did feel well enough to go out for a ride. My nose had been bothering me for a few days and it kept me from sleeping well. I went out and on my return, I was in Reston when I was getting ready to cross a road where I knew I had the right of way when I noticed a SUV approaching. It appears mom was too preoccupied talking on her cellphone, adjusting something down to her right with a child in a car seat in the rear. She never looked up and saw me. I would have been a bump as she drove over me. In Vienna, I approached an intersection that I did not have any right of way on and stopped to wait for traffic to clear. A mini-van stopped and flashed it’s lights to let me cross. Tale of two stories. One of thankfulness and one of thankfulness. Thanks to God for telling me to watch that person and thanks to that person for being kind to me.
I sit in an empty house that I have seen hundreds of persons at. Dorothy’s spirit is here. You can feel it. The love she had for hospitality is still here.
Starting the day off reading Psalm 31 inspired me. Jesus cried out his last words having complete trust in God, his father. I remembered hearing this before but now that I am reflecting on it, why wasn’t it more important to me to note that Jesus prayed up until the end. His last words were in prayer. His last words are in utmost trust, even in the darkest, most painful time in his life. He trusted.
I felt the need to spend more time in prayer today and I went upstairs to my room but I did not shut the door because the cats were asleep on the bed. I lit the candle and sat down and began my process of emptying myself so I can quiet inside. After a period I heard a cat jump off the bed. I went back to being quiet when I heard a cat scratching himself off to my left. I looked left and there was Goose staring at me in the doorway. I ignored him. He then walked in and brushed the side of the wall, brushed the front of my legs, jumped up on the bed, walked around and took a position looking out the window. I continued to ignore him. After some period, he jumped down off the bed and walked under my legs ensuring he brushed my legs with his tail. I ignored him. I guess I should keep the door shut no matter what.
I did feel well enough to go out for a ride. My nose had been bothering me for a few days and it kept me from sleeping well. I went out and on my return, I was in Reston when I was getting ready to cross a road where I knew I had the right of way when I noticed a SUV approaching. It appears mom was too preoccupied talking on her cellphone, adjusting something down to her right with a child in a car seat in the rear. She never looked up and saw me. I would have been a bump as she drove over me. In Vienna, I approached an intersection that I did not have any right of way on and stopped to wait for traffic to clear. A mini-van stopped and flashed it’s lights to let me cross. Tale of two stories. One of thankfulness and one of thankfulness. Thanks to God for telling me to watch that person and thanks to that person for being kind to me.
I sit in an empty house that I have seen hundreds of persons at. Dorothy’s spirit is here. You can feel it. The love she had for hospitality is still here.
More middle of the night writing
I awake feeling refreshed.
I lay there waiting for the alarm
that never comes.
I turn on the TV
Weather for the day?
Why are these people
on TV?
Where is my weather?
The clock
stuck.
Time stands still.
I never liked that clock anyway.
3:52.
I can sleep
some more.
I hope.
I lay there waiting for the alarm
that never comes.
I turn on the TV
Weather for the day?
Why are these people
on TV?
Where is my weather?
The clock
stuck.
Time stands still.
I never liked that clock anyway.
3:52.
I can sleep
some more.
I hope.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Happy Easter
I think my socks are doing the Jesus thing, rising from the dead. I lost another two. I now have another 2 unmatching pairs of socks. So how can I call them pairs? The wash machine is now leaking. I really wonder if the two are related.
Easter services. I gave the quick Sunrise service sermon. It was just too chilly out there this morning. Participated in the other two even playing trumpet at the 11am.
Went home for Chinese takeout and a serious nap. I snored myself awake around 2:20.
I have even finished the paper today!
Life is good.
Easter services. I gave the quick Sunrise service sermon. It was just too chilly out there this morning. Participated in the other two even playing trumpet at the 11am.
Went home for Chinese takeout and a serious nap. I snored myself awake around 2:20.
I have even finished the paper today!
Life is good.
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