Day 21  Some things get better with age.  Like classic trucks.  When I was a child I thought like a child, I acted like a child.  Now that I'm a man, well,  I still think like a child.  When I act like a child, though, I end up with very sore muscles.  So my body ages faster than my mind.  But it's not time to be put out to pasture.  This truck is waiting to be restored.  And when it is finished it will be a work of art.  I may never be a work of art but I am a piece of work.  Look out vintage years, here I come. 

The sky was dark, the moon had just sneaked over the horizon and wasn't casting it's light over the landscape yet.  And there, standing, at the edge of woods looking in, stood a small figure.  He was broad at the shoulders and thin at the waist, and looked as if he hadn't had a good meal for days.  His fur was starting to matt together and his stance was a bit shaky.  "I have to go in there?" he asked himself.  Slowly, one step then another very hesitantly he began his journey.  What secrets did this dark place hold?  Would he be able to overcome his fears?  Would he find his strengths?  All these questions flooded his mind as he slowly made his way further into the darkness.  The darkness, yes the darkness, began to swallow him until he had vanished in it's grip.  The trees stood tall and menacing but never moved or made a sound.  It was as if they were expecting a visitor tonight.  He could barely make out the eyes that were watching him.  What were they waiting for?  Terror overcame him. 
     Ok, I'm sorry this post is a bit longer than usual.  I just wanted to stress a point.  We are controlled by our fears.  It's a sad truth, but it is truth.  The more we fear something, the more it controls us, and fear paralyzes.  The good news is that we can overcome fear.  Maybe by staring in it's face and calling it what it is or maybe by small steps a little at a time.  But, most importantly, always with the help of Jesus. 


One of the simple pleasures in life is finding an easy way to make the family happy.  My family loves s'mores.  And I love to make them, and not in the microwave.  Roasting the marshmallows is all the fun.  If I can't roast them out side I use the fireplace.  What ever I have to do to keep them happy.  Oh, and this one is mine.  Yep, it's all about the family.

Day 18.  Several years ago I started a small collection of Nativity Sets.  I don't just pick any set I see.  It really has to peak my interest.  It really started when my mother-in-law got one for me.  It is from Mexico and made out of clay.  So I started looking at nativities from different cultures and made from different materials.  I don't have a lot, but they are all different.  These are just some of the wise men from them.  I have nativities made from olive wood, clay, ceramic, alabaster, and pewter.  I haven't found one made from onyx yet, I think that would be really cool. 

Day 17  Because of the water restrictions and the lack of rain, our flowers and lawn are barely surviving.  But, somehow, this little guy is hanging on.  I love to find life and beauty in unlikely places.  Even in the most devastating situations, life finds a way to keep going.  And, not just go on but to do it beautifully.  

Day 16.  Today we were given the opportunity to go pick some peaches at a friends house.  So, we went.   I wasn't sure what we would do with fresh peaches.  They don't have a long shelf life.  So on the way Stacy and I talked and decided to make jelly.  Which is good for me.  Several years ago I wanted to be healthier so I bought a very expensive juicer.  It has only been used a few times.  Not my best investment.  But, tonight, we juiced, and juiced, and juiced some more.  Still not enough to justify the price, but it sure eases the pain.  Now if I could just find some plums.  Mmmmm.

Who needs a shuttle?  Just take the space elevator.  Sometimes a change of perspective can help and sometimes it can mess you up.  This pic is actually side ways.  But I like it better this way.  And it shows that we do actually have clouds.  What if you could climb these cables up to the point where you could see above the clouds and out into space.  Ok, I know it's not possible, but what if you could.  Would you?  I think I would.