Turning Leaves

I'm growing excited for all of the changes quickly approaching. I saw a few leaves fall yesterday. The purplish sky and cooling winds are moving. I can't wait for my first season of autumn in DC and the beauty of the changing colors. I've heard them described by others, but always along with the words "you just have to see it for yourself" when adjectives fail to convey the beauty they are trying to express.

Fall is traditionally associated with many things. Of the seasons, it is the farthest from spring. A transition from oppressive heat to frigid cold. A pleasant lull between the extremes.

I choose not to see it as a season of death. Yes, the leaves are dying and that's what gives them their beautiful hues. Sure, there's even a day dedicated to the dead in late October.

Instead, I choose to see autumn as gentle reminder of promises kept and seasons to come.

I've noticed many things changing around me lately. I know that what will follow will be harsh and cold. But, I know all of these things are necessary. We will have to lose our green in order to see the reds and oranges and yellows--even browns-- beneath. They've been there all along--hidden by more prosperous times.

Now, with the chilly winds on their way, I am anxious to see where the coming season will take me. I know it is part of a greater plan and that it is all for my good. It would be nice to know more, have a detailed description all laid out for me, but, I guess I'm just going to have to see it for myself.

Gonna Party Like it's ya...

I think it's always good to give exposure to up and coming artists.




Here's a picture of me with my niece. Surprisingly, though only six years old, she is almost as tall as I am in this picture. Clearly, the girl is going to be huge! ;) I have this special "birthday card" on my fridge. It just about covers the whole thing and brightens all of my kitchen and heart. I couldn't fit the entire picture on the scanner.

So, I'll show you my favorite part:

September 12th

It's been four years since September 11, 2001. It's hard to believe how quickly time has passed. But, it's also hard to comprehend how far away our pre 9/11 lives are from us now. I don't like getting nostalgic about things that happened less than five years ago. It makes me feel old, and it makes me feel sorry for the kids who will never know a day of "people-watching" in the airport that does not include a head-to-toe scan for explosives and evil intent.

I'm thankful for the freedoms I enjoy as an American. I am grateful to the people who have sacrificed for me. This picture was taken last year when both of my brothers were stationed in Iraq at the same time. They just happened to meet up for a couple of days. They share a bond that I will never have, even though we share the same parents. I can't imagine the things they've seen or comprehend the import of the decisions they were and are forced to make daily. But, I am thankful for willingness to make those tough decisions in our best interest.

Between the two of them, they've done five tours in Iraq. That's a lot of sand and heat and who knows what else. The oldest is back in the States now for a short break and then will be heading back again for (hopefully) his last time. I spoke with him on the phone last night and he told me about how he's been spending his "free" time from all that craziness.

He was in Fort Worth-- sorting clothes and food and other needed items for distribution to hurricane survivors.

I'm proud of my brothers. I'm proud of our men of service.

Beautiful Day!

Once again, I am reminded that God is faithful. As the stories of compassion and sacrifice begin to roll in, I'm more and more often finding myself welling up with the good kind of tears. The joyful ones. What an unexplainable and miraculous feeling it is to have such joy when circumstances are dark.

The fires of last week had me sooty and saddened. I knew what I was seeing was the very worst of our fallen natures. The clouds had come between us and the sun and I could't feel it-- even though I knew it was still there. What a short memory I have sometimes.

I cried out for goodness-- for salt and light and redemption-- an end to the blame. I wanted to be and do something useful. I knew I had to stop and listen in order to hear the whisper for all the shouting.

Then it happened.

These lights-- beautiful people who shine with the reflection of Christ's love-- warming and comforting, even invigorating, began to shine.

Reaching out, giving sacrificially, loving without expectation-- before long, the clouds had burned away completely. So glorious that when I close my eyes I can still see them, and I can't contain this ridiculous grin.

Thank you all for the brightness you've brought. You are beautiful!

Caution: Unpopular Opinion Ahead

Watching the events of the past few days unfold, photo after apocalyptic photo, has placed a sadness and a heaviness in my heart for not only the people of these cities, but for our nation as a whole.

Riots, looting, fires, lawlessness --chaos.

What has happened to us?

Did these things happen after the Tsunami and we just didn't see it? I know the people of London were extremely calm after the recent terrorist attacks. Granted, their homes were not destroyed in London, but hundreds of thousands of people lost everything in Asia and I recall few photos or stories similar to those I'm seeing now along the gulf coast.

"We have individuals who are getting raped, we have individuals who are getting beaten," one report states. "Tourists are walking in that direction and they are getting preyed upon."

So why have things suddenly come apart in New Orleans? I can't help but want to believe that it is because the people weren't held together very strongly to begin with.

I know this is not a popular thing to say at all. Perhaps I'm acting out of embarassment. I just don't want to believe that America is so fragile and ill prepared for something that scientists have said is coming for years. For goodness sakes, the place was below sea level!

The images I'm seeing are about as close to hell as any I've imagined could exist here on earth. It's as though many of these people have been eagerly awaiting this time. Mayhem. I've always wondered why you always see fires at looted shops. I don't know the answer to that, but I suspect it is symbolic of the explosive release of inner destruction. The fear of being caught is removed and the true nature of the "person" is revealed.

Unfortnately, at times the innocent are made to suffer at the hands of the wicked.
Be certain that God has not forgotten these people.

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36.

Harassed and helpless. Lines of people are waiting right now to get on buses that will take them to a place that is not their home, that will be filled with others who have lost everything. I hurt for them. The fear and sadness must feel like a second flood.

I pray they do not lose hope.

"For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.

For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to the children of men."

-- Lamentations 3:31-33


I also pray that we will soon see 'the America I want to believe in' coming to the aid of the people affected by Hurricane Katrina. I know I must also do my part before I can expect anything from others. I am an American. I am thankful to be so.



Am I the only person who feels disappointed by our reaction to this tragedy?