June 30, 2004
Bush or Kerry or Nader or other?
Who will you vote for in the 2004 Presidential election? What are the issues driving your decision? I am curious because I cannot seem to find the truth. The news, the newspaper, the magazines, the commercials, the speeches...they all seem to have a hidden agenda that seems far from the actual truth. The messages are not consistent...only going with the hot topic of the hour. My experience in Jordan taught me well...we only see and read what certain people decide we will see and read. We do not see the warmth, kindness, smiles and love of the Middle Eastern people. Yet, I know it is all there. I experienced it. How do you decide what the truth really is in our government? Have you seen how many people are running for president?
Mimi and Cal
Dave and I stayed with Mimi and Cal during our recent trip to Jordan. Words cannot describe the kindness and love that this couple expresses in their every day life. It is inspiring. Cal, a doctor with a passion for mission work and international relations, is unbelievable. Mimi is famous for several books (my favorites are "Once A Month Cooking" and "Holy Habits"), but has a heart of pure gold full of goodness. Every woman should have just a few minutes with Mimi...it will change your life. She has encouraged me in my walk of faith like no other and she walks her own talk. They are quite a team. This picture was taken at our house in Denver...we are glad they are back in Colorado after 5 years in Jordan.
Ginger
This is Ginger...she belongs to the Woods (my sister-in-laws family). Have you ever seen a dog literally sit on her butt before? It totally cracks me up. I gotta admit, she is pretty darn cute. I wonder if Dave will ever let me get a dog...
June 27, 2004
What is Ripboarding?
Ripboarding is whitewater at face level. It is a blast. It is like boogie boarding down a river...and then you can "surf", as shown in these pictures. You can try it yourself...and bring your friends by going to the Ripboard website and contacting our good friend, Shane Bolling (great guy!!). I hope to see you out there sometime soon!!!
June 20, 2004
Surrender
Why is giving something over to God so difficult sometimes? Am I really a control freak? On some level, yes...but for those things that are meaningful, I am usually good about letting God take care of things. He has blessed me so much...beyond my wildest imagination...why should I doubt Him when it comes to this? My prayer is that I will be able to let go of those things I cannot control or change...that I will surrender to God my doubts and concerns...and trust in Him completely.
Weekends
Sometimes having no plans on a weekend is great. Dave and I spent time with family and friends, went to two street fairs (Highlands and Larimer Square), worked on the houses (what else is new?), and just enjoyed the weekend...and each other. Fun!!
June 12, 2004
Baby Showers and Girlfriends
I don't know if there is anything worse than a baby shower. Okay, there might be bamboo shoots under fingernails or 12 inch needles in the eye...but not much else. These baby showers are usually filled with ridiculous baby games (and those that know me know that I truly LOVE games!!) and gossip. But after attending a shower this afternoon, I realized something about baby showers and it will forever change my attitude about baby showers...I love my girlfriends.
I am so blessed to have amazing, intelligent, beautiful women in my life. Why should I so strongly dislike spending time at baby showers? It's a built-in treasure to have baby showers. A bunch of women scheduling a gathering to celebrate each other...and especially one special new mom. It's an opportunity to give and see the joy it will bring a mother and a new little one. It's an opportunity to develop relationship with other women...isn't relationship what this life is really all about?
I am actually hosting a baby shower in a couple weeks. Thankfully, the new mom is not a baby game fan. However, I am really hoping it will be a shower where women seek, find and embrace friendship. Another opportunity...
Triathlon
Today was my first triathlon since 2001...it was really fun. I was very glad Kate and Bill were there. It was awesome to have Kate yelling for me as I would come into and out of transitions. And since I was running so slow (can anyone out there teach me how to run faster?), she actually ran with me into the finish. Thanks so much.
Bill was a superstar...first in his age group!! STUD MUFFIN!! Way to go! I won the fat ladies division (ok, Athena division). So all in all, we took home some skoof!!!
June 09, 2004
Telling Questions
What do you think...
Jif or Skippy?
Coca-Cola or Pepsi?
Starbucks or Stellas?
M&Ms or Starburst?
Chicken or steak?
Did you know that answers to these questions actually tell a lot about you?
Planes
Perhaps the highlight of the day at the Air Force Academy was seeing the Thunderbirds. All I can say is WOW!! They are amazing with their planes flying 18 INCHES apart.
Our President
I went to the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony (thanks Tim!!) and saw George W. Bush Jr. give a commencement speech. Wait...was that a commencement speech? I think not...it was a campaign speech. I am not a person that passionately dislikes Bush, but after hearing him speak I had to ask, "If he didn't have people writing his speeches, what would he really want to say to these graduates?" Do you think they really wanted to know about all that he has done in Iraq and all that he is going to do if he continues to be president? The graduates want to know what George Bush has in store for them. What will he ask this young military to do in the next 4 years (if he is elected, that is). Anyway, I know George Bush had to do his job and all ears were listening...but where is the heart, President Bush? What would you really want to say?
Here is Major Tim Lawrence...satellite extraordinaire and an inspirational Channel swimmer (he even let me wear his good luck Air Force cap during my swim).
