Prom Time

Dani's Adult Day Care program had their prom a while back and the theme was Grease. Since we dressed her to the hilt for the Sweetheart Dance, in a fancy pink dress and black patent leather shoes, we decided to drop prom tradition and send her 50's style. Olivia Newton John would have been proud to see Dani with her T-shirt tied at the waist, pink bandana, and rolled up blue jeans. She was a tad proud of herself as she posed for this picture.

Some of the young men dressed in their finest suits, while the gals wore dresses. Everyone had a great time dancing and enjoying refreshments. No doubt Dani hovered like a humming bird around the refreshment table.

If She were a Savant

When an individual with Autism excels developmentally in areas that far exceeds the average, they are called a savant. Our daughter Dani isn't considered a savant but if she were it would be in the area of geography. Her ability to maneuver around the Kansas City metropolitan area is astounding. She not only knows how to get to the airport 45 miles away, but can navigate to it from all different directions. She can also identify where her grandma is buried, even though it's an area we rarely travel. She doesn't often sign "grandma" because she knows my mother is in heaven, but when she does mention her best friend it's on the highway near the cemetery. Truly amazing.

Like many Autistics Dani has a few quirks that are unique and challenging. For instance she hates fringe. Several years ago I mistakingly bought living room rugs with decorative loose ends all to watch her avoid them like the plague. Seems I inadvertently purchased her very nightmare. Now, whenever she enters the living room she takes an alternate route or awkwardly hops over the fringe.

Unlike some Autistics Dani is not overly concerned with the order of things. Her desire for organization seems focused mainly on humans. She can detect an adult who is not in control of the situation at the drop of a hat. The only therapists she's ever fussed with were the ones who were new and unsure of themselves. I kind of admire her ability to assess adults this way. I prefer more grounded folks myself.

Given the fact Dani is not a neat freak, I was shocked the other evening when I walked into her room and saw her play things lined up neat and a precise. Tidy as a store, her play food, bracelets, and other sundries were parked on her bookshelves in exact little spots. I couldn't help but say,"Good job girl!"

She even found the perfect place for her Daniel Boon hat

...atop her stuffed rabbit.

I don't know if this was a late case of spring fever or what, but it was a pleasant surprise just the same.

Advanced Communication

When your child cannot speak or communicate fluently, as with our daughter Dani who is deaf and Autistic, you learn to capitalize on the few clues she offers. Like most parents we watch for subtle cues that signal how she feels and uses them to learn her likes and dislikes.

As an example, when Dani walks with one knee locked like a pirate, we know she's in a really good mood. In fact, we call her Peg (as in peg leg) when she walks this way and it never fails to give us a kick. Other hints that indicate she's happy include her cooing like a dove, wanting to be hugged, and a peaceful look on her face like this one at her Day Hab program.

Seeing her perched in this chair proudly wearing her lei warmed my heart the instant I saw it because it revealed she was happy and content. As much as she hates having her picture taken, she's clearly calm as a cucumber in this photo, which is quite a feat considering the fact here at home she cries at the first sight of the camera. To us this picture is a modern day miracle.

Deciphering subtle forms of human communication is a skill common to nearly everyone. A heavy sigh or the tapping of one's foot means they're bored or growing impatient and a wandering eye amidst a conversation most likely means you've worn out your welcome. These and a host of other indicators are but a few delicate forms of communication we each give and receive on a daily basis.

Parents of children with communicative disorders, however, are a unique breed. Drafted into the most challenging and advanced course on communication the day our special children were born, we are forever hunting for better ways to understand and interpret our child. Communication boards, sign language, blinking, pointing, and grunting are but a few things we accept as valid forms of communication. It may make no sense to anyone else on earth, but if it conveys a message to us that's all the counts.

That's why many years ago I adopted the philosophy that says if a doctor, teacher, therapist, or caregiver of Dani refuses to listen or work closely with me or my husband, we drop em like a hot potato. After all, who can read Dani better than her father and me? How many folks have taken the crash course in Dani 101 and passed? No amount of education can override what we have learned these 21 years and anyone who thinks it does couldn't possible have her best interest at heart. Fortunately, we've encountered very few professionals who disregard our input, but the few times it's happened left an indelible mark I'll never forget.

With this in mind I encourage you to trust your instincts and stick by your guns. No one knows your child like you and anyone who thinks they do couldn't be more wrong. When it comes to reading your child you are an expert. You hold an advanced education few others have and your specialty is your child. Listen to your gut, do what you feel best, and years down the line you won't regret it.

Reality

Reality is for People with No Imagination, the sign read as I entered my chiropractor's restroom. Snickering at the correlating picture of a Dalmatian dressed in a George Washington suit, the cleaver quip sent me thinking that perhaps this is why reality can be so painful. It's the pin that pops a fanciful dream, sending it plummeting to the ground.

Take my 26.5 oz bottle of lotion for example. I no sooner brought it home from the store today when, while putting it on the top shelf in the linen close, I lost my grip and dropped it on its poor little pump head. Thankfully the lotion didn't squirt all over creation, but a tiny and ever-so real dream died as I attempted to piece the pump together. It was broken beyond repair. Now I have to drain the new lotion into my old bottle, which is another flavor, as the perfectionist inside me screams, "But that lotion doesn't match the label!"

A deeper reality has Jimmy and I feeling like pin cushions as life's course shifts from going where we'd hope it to be at this time of life on to a more sober state of affairs. With my father's health slowly deteriorating, the painful sting of his mortality has prompted a deep course of grieving. Perhaps you can relate and find yourself staring in disbelief at something broken in your own life. Whatever your pain, the good news is it's not hidden from God. He knows our discomfort and understands the toll life's reality inflicts on our souls. That's why He calls us to set our minds on things above, because heaven's a reality guaranteed to exceed our wildest imagination. No one can puncture that dream. Jesus made sure of that.

I don't know about anyone else but I'm looking forward to heaven. How about you?

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.

On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

No longer will there be any curse.

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city,

and his servants will serve him."

Revelation 22:1-3

Works Better Broken

The fan over our computer has been on the fritz. No matter what setting we put it on, it turns at a snail's pace. As the weather in Kansas City flirts with the 100 degree mark, the tiny twirl of the air is nothing short of frustrating.

Yesterday Jimmy began taking it apart to get an idea of what kind of switch it needed when suddenly, out of the blue and with its innards hanging out, the fan began to run good as new. I happen to be sitting there at the time and it felt simply scrumptious. "Isn't that weird. I take it apart and it begins to run" Jimmy said standing amazed.

Sometimes life is like our fan, we work better when broken and at the end of our rope. It isn't easy and certainly not fun, but these are often times we see Christ most clearly. That's what happened when the disciples found themselves amidst a tempest. Following Him into a boat one day, without warning a furious storm came upon the lake. They'd been in the boat with Jesus for a time, but only saw Him in a new light when the storm hit. With the boat taking on water and fear flooding their souls, they did the only thing the could do, they called on Christ. That's when they witnessed a miracle and received more faith.

Do you need to see Christ in a new light? Perhaps life's boat is taking on water and panic is flooding your soul. If so, do what the disciples did. Allow the storm to turn your eyes from the crisis on to Jesus. All we will ever need is at His feet and He is always at our side. Nothing is too difficult for Him or catches Him off guard. He is the peace that passes all understanding. Let's praise Him for who He is and all He's done for us.

"Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Matthew 8:24-27

Swinging Bean

I walked into the kitchen when something caught my eye. "Dear, why is the swing swinging?" I asked staring at the empty but active equipment. "Bean was in it" Jimmy replied, chopping a green pepper without missing a beat.

Cocoa Bean in the swing? Oh, surely not. He had to be mistaken. After all, why would a dog hop onto a swing? Not only is it unstable and unpredictable, but surely the loud whack of it hitting the deck railing on the upswing would scare him half to death.

Well...the thought no sooner passed through my brain when lo and behold motion on the deck caught my eye again. This time I witnessed the event first hand. Bean took a flying leap, landed in the swing, and perched himself on the cushions pretty as you please. Swinging high and low, he was proud as a peach and had obviously done this fine act many times.

I ran for the camera, set it on the sports setting, and snapped away before he could jumped off. He must have sensed I was near by the way he peered into the sliding glass door. Perhaps he suspected dear old ma was attached to the camera suspended in mid-air.

Swinin' Beanie Weanie

A Time to Celebrate

What fun it was to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary. Last night we went to a dinner theater and saw John Davidson, the handsome guy from Hollywood Squares, in Becky's New Car.

First, we dropped Dani off at her teacher/babysitter's home. Lorretta and her husband were so ready for her and had the entire evening planned with dinner, swimming, a visit with the animals (three dogs, two doves, a couple of geckos, and a chinchilla), and last but not least listen to Loretta's husband play the guitar. I knew their evening had gone well when I called after the play to let them know we were on our way and heard the background filled with the sound of Dani strumming a guitar with all her might. They'd taught her to sign Jesus Loves Me, so she'd strum a few rough cords, stop, sign the words, and resume playing. When we arrived she was wound up like an eight-day clock trying her hardest to recreate what she'd heard Loretta's husband play. Their service to her was mesmerizing.

Once at the dinner theater, we were escorted to our small but nice table that sat six. If the room were a globe we'd have been on the equator, smack dab in the middle of the room. The view was great, not too close and not too far away. Just right.

Of course no one has control over who they sit next to, unless their group fills a table. You'd think the seating order would be up to theater management, but it's really up to God and who He carefully places at your side. Interestingly enough the other two couples at our table were celebrating their wedding anniversaries as well. One couple was celebrating seven years, while the other rather young looking pair shocked us with forty years under their belt. Over salad we shared polite conversation. Things like where we live, how many children we had, dogs stories, and our professions. As God would have it, when we shared about Dani and her Autism, the couple celebrating their 40th anniversary expressed deep concern for their 2 year old grandson who is exhibiting questionable signs of Autism.

I couldn't get over the fact that out of the hundreds of people in the audience, God planted us on the equator next to these heavy-hearted grandparents. Apparently their son has not come to see the warning signs in his son, leaving these grandparents at a loss how to broach the topic. As we listened to their story it was clear that in the grand scheme of things there was little we could do to help, but we shared our experience, listened to theirs, and offered a little hope and encouragement. Yet another pair of perfectly good strangers to pray for.

The evening was a wonderful change of pace. Jimmy and I hadn't been on a date since my mother passed away in 2006, so to be foot loose and fancy free for an evening was a slice of heaven. The food was delishy, the company was outstanding, and maybe...just maybe we helped another family facing the challenges that lie ahead of them.

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another;

be sympathetic, love as brothers,

be compassionate and humble."

1 Peter 3:8

How?

How does a grown man rip a 12 1/2 inch slit in his blue jeans by the simple act of getting into the driver's seat of his car after church? I was with him and can attest to the fact Jimmy wasn't doing back flips in the lawn, rescuing a child about to be hit by a car, or any other jean-splitting activity. He was easing himself up into the SUV as he's done a thousand times before.

I heard the rrrrrrrrrrrrip but didn't know what had torn till he pointed to his crotch revealing the damage. "Aren't those the $80 jeans you got for $20?" I asked in disbelief. "Yep and I'm glad they chose to tear now and not in church or out on a photo shoot" he replied still assessing the damage.

Driving out of the parking lot, we inspected the foot-long tear as if he'd narrowly escaped a crocodile attack. Then, after scrutinizing it from nearly every angle, we began to speculate the timing of this untimely event. "How would you have gotten out of church with that long tear if it had happened in there? How embarrassing would that be? Oh...wait a minute...I know... your Bible would be have been big enough to cover it. You could have walked out holding it low in both hand. Yeah, that would have saved you." I said thinking out loud.

Giggling as we contemplated every angle of this odd and potentially embarrassing incident, we eventually meandered home, changed our clothes, and headed to the grocery story for Sunday dinner supplies. Thankfully all our apparel remained quiet and intact.

This is what you might get when you buy

well-worn jeans.

A Bit of Heaven

Seems the human connection simply cannot be broken. Eric Whitacre's virtual choir proves the point. With each choir member sequestered in his/her home singing solo to the same music, they combine to make a heavenly sound.

Only human beings connect through cards and notes, watch one another on television, hook up on facebook, and chat, text, and twitter non-stop. Animals don't attempt these endeavors. After all, if a dog barks it's less for others and more for himself. We on the other hand possess an inborn passion to connect with other human beings on some level be it ever so small. It's part of the unbreakable bond created when God made us in His image. We are like Him and one another all at the same time. When you mix our strong desire to unite with various talents and advanced technology you get something very special, the sound of heaven here on earth.

"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Genesis 1:26-27

"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Revelation 5:13

A Little Gem

A good book is hard to find and I don't know about you, but if it doesn't grab me on the first sentence, my desire to finish is seriously threatened. That, however, was not the case with Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This true story of two polar opposite men forging an unlikely but precious friendship was so touching I didn't want it to end. Not only was it a fast read, but nearly impossible to put down, especially toward the end. I giggled my socks off at certain points and cried uncontrollably in others. Not far into the book it became apparent I had to watch when and where I read it, since my emotions would whisk me off to who knows where every single time. I quickly learned it was best read alone and in private. When I finally finished reading this little gem I handed it off to Jimmy and said, "That's the best book I've ever read. Enjoy!" He smiled, not so surprised after seeing me, the book and a box of Kleenex having become a tidy trio.

Same Kind of Different as Me has all the fine qualities I love in a book. It is touched a spot in me few books ever reach and gave me food for thought sure to bring about change for the good. One of the greatest truths I gleaned is how much God loves every person, no matter how poor or underprivileged, and perhaps uses these unsuspecting individuals to do His most grand work.

If you are looking for a good read consider this humble book. Just be sure you purchase a box of tissues too. You'll need it.

Picture Perfect Mother's Day

Friday afternoon, when Dani came home from her Adult Day Hab program, she promptly took her backpack to her room and commenced fishing around in it as if on a hunt for a special prize. I didn't think much about it as I began to settle in for a nice relaxing weekend.

After a quick and successful rummage through her things, she appeared at my side proud as a peach presenting me with my now early Mother's Day gift. Holding it in my hands, I couldn't believe my eyes. No wonder she was proud as a peacock. It was a framed picture of herself smiling from ear to beautiful ear. Seems they'd been hard at work all week helping her and the other special needs folks make that special something for that special someone on that special day...Mother's Day!

It's ironic Dani hates to have her picture taken and yet her gift to me was a priceless photo of herself. I was touched as I gazed at her delightful face, both next to me and in the frame. Truth be known it's been a tough road these past 21 years with Autism, but I am proud to be her and her brother Drew's mother. Motherhood is a privilege, an honor, and investment into the future. Nothing could ever replace or duplicate the bond a mother has with her children. Moments like these prove the point.

I hope this Mother's Day brings you joy and may the Lord bless you and your family abundantly!

5K (cholesterol) Run Complete!

According to Life123 a marathon is one long road race totaling 26.2 miles. The marathon originated when an ancient Greek soldier, Pheidippides, ran from Marathon to Athens to relay the message that the Persian army had been defeated. As legend has it, once the words “We have won” came out of his mouth, he dropped dead on the spot. This fable prompted the first Olympic marathon, which totaled 24.8 miles, the distance Pheidippides ran.

In 1908 the marathon distance was changed to 26.2 miles when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria wanted the royal family to see the beginning of the race. The course was changed to begin at Windsor Castle and end at a racetrack, thus changing the distance to the now standard 26.2 miles.

Beyond the marathon there is the ultra-marathon, which can be 30, 50, or 100 miles, the half marathon (about 13 miles), and last but not least the 5K, a race for folks like me who want to get in shape without dropping dead like Pheidippides.

I ran my first 5K about 10 years ago in a run for Autism, then proceeded to let running slide as life got busy with our little Dani who suffers from the disability. A few months ago, after turning 50 and hearing my cholesterol was too high, I kicked back into gear and began training again. I had four weeks to get into shape for this race and believe it or not…I did it!

Today’s run was for a family who has three terminally ill children and it was heart-warming to stand amidst hundreds of people at the starting line to pray, sing the National Anthem, and then run as one body in unison for one cause. There were men, women, kids, parents pushing strollers, and dogs all along the way. One little pooch was zig zagging in front of me making me giggle as I seriously tried to run. He seems to want to run along side me, which would have been fine if he’d have ran in a straight line. (You might recall Cocoa Bean got kicked off my running schedule for the same wavering offence.) Another doggy had to make a pit stop along the way bless his heart. His owner patiently waited as his fury friend made a deposit in the grass. As we ran by I said to the man, “I’m glad that isn’t you doing your business roadside.” We all chuckled and continued on our journey. I usually run alone so it was fun to have folks to wave and talk to along the way.

At one point I took a quick glance at my stopwatch and was happy to see the end had to be near. A few paces further and I saw the bright colored balloon arch over the road where we had begun the race and felt a jolt of energy pulse through my body. It was downhill the rest of the way and Coldplay was playing strong in my ears. I turned my music up a notch and commenced running past the runners I’d followed from the beginning. Once past the “finish line” I heard the announcer on a bullhorn say, “5K runners you’re not done. Keep going up the hill, turn right, run around the chair and come back. Then you’ll be done!”

Now, I gotta tell you I’d given it all I had by that point and the thought of conquering another hill was beyond discouraging, but I had no choice. I had to finish the race and the only way I could do that was to change my mindset and move forward, even if it involved another hill.

I equate running hills to eating elephants, one bite at a time. As I approach an incline, instead of dreading it I envision each step as a bite into the hill. Before I know it I’m up and on my way, happy to have eaten another elephant.

After finding the chair that I’d rather have sat in than run around, I trotted back down the hill and crossed the finish line, AGAIN. Folks were cheering and Jimmy was taking pictures of his ole bride. My attention, however, was drawn elsewhere. Out of the entire crowd all I could see was my little Dani patiently leaning against a tree waiting for her mama to arrive. Just the site of her was so precious it brought a smile to my face. Beaming from ear to ear, I took a beeline straight to her and planted a big kiss on her forehead. Bless her heart for all she knows I ran to someone’s house, grabbed a cookie, visited for ½ an hour and ran back. She has no idea the hard work it takes to run these bones down the road, but she and her daddy waited in the cold rain to cheered me on and for that I am most grateful.

I'm the one in black (#220)

My coworker, Shauna, and her husband

are to my right.

By our stance I'd say we were listening

the National Anthem.

We're off!

Crossing the finish line the first time.

By now it was raining.

Crossing the finish line the second time super pooped.

Now I need another goal. What might be my next 5K (cholesterol) run? I have something in mind and I'll give you a hint. It involves some very big elephants.

God's Glory in Creation

Jimmy was lying out in the field the other day. Glancing out the window I would have thought he'd dropped from a heart attack or stroke, but a slight squint of the eye revealed a camera in his hand. Now, that made sense and put my heart to rest.

Hard at work doing his favorite thing, he was busy capturing the beauty of nature up close and personal. A little click here and a quick snap there and soon he appeared with the most astounding proof that God is as intricate as He is powerful, for even a dandelion is nothing short of amazing.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare

before the eyes of Him to whom

we must give account."

Hebrews 4:13

Glory to you Lord for the beauty you bestow all around us each and every day. We praise you for your faithful love and abundant provision. You are the only true and living God. May we glorify your holy Name in all we do.

Take Flight

It was early morning and I was plugging along on the last 1/2 mile of my early morning run. The sidewalk's incline was slight but ever so tiring and all I could think about was the oasis that lie ahead, the refreshing bottle of water sitting on my door step. Like a sloshy stop watch, it's the last thing I touch before heading off and the first thing I pick up when I arrive back home. Just over the hill and one left turn, then I'd be home and done for the day.

I was tired on the last hill and a little slow as well, but steady nonetheless. I was going to finish no question about it. The sun was shining horizontal rays across my path and the birds were busy with their daily activities. One little Robin was so caught up in her early morning routine she hopped from the grass onto the sidewalk and began running in front of me. I don't think she saw me at first but once she landed on the pavement my presence began to haunt her. She ran like the wind in a wavy pattern and I couldn't take my eyes off her delicate little bird legs. How does she run so fast on those tiny little sticks?

She was about seven feet ahead of me and the thought crossed my mind she might "pass the baton" at any second. We kept pace with one another for a time, but the longer we ran together the more uncomfortable she became. I sensed her tension and couldn't help wonder why she didn't just up and fly away. Sure she was way smaller than me and I far stronger, but she had one thing I didn't have. Something that could whisk her off to safety in nothing flat...wings to fly far far way.

Little Miss Robin eventually gathered her wits and took flight. She was gone in a flash leaving me to pound the pavement that last 1/2 mile home. Our little jog together may have scared her a bit, but it got me thinking a lot. Sometimes I'm like my little fowl friend. I get to doing my own thing when suddenly the enemy is on my tail scaring me half to death. I pick up the pace but am no match for his skill and expertise. So I run and run and run, forgetting I have something he doesn't have...wings to fly away.

Paul describes eight different kinds of wings we can use to fly from the enemy when he's hot on our trail. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." Philippians 4:8 He goes on to tell us, in verse 9, that when we set these wings in motion the peace of God will be with us. A far cry from running in terror.

God's word is full of great truth designed for our daily living. While the enemy wants to intimate and distract, the Lord is ready to protect, guide, and direct our every step. What great strength we gain in having a positive attitude and mind set on the things of God. Focusing on the truth of God's word effectively leaves our enemy in the dust, much like miss birdie left me on the hill.

If you feel chased by the enemy take flight. Meditate on all that is true, lovely, good, and praiseworthy. Then relax with the peace of God in your heart. If anyone asks where you get your peace, tell them from a birdie...Little Miss Robin.

What's Your Default?

I came to a conclusion this week. Our little dog Cocoa Bean's default is set on bad. Granted he's been a pistol since the day he was born, but this week sealed the deal.

I woke Thursday morning, let the dogs out, took a quick bath, and sat down to put on my make-up. But before propping myself in front of the mirror, I felt compelled to take a quick peek out the bedroom window to see what the dogs were doing. To my utter shock and dismay I saw Cocoa IN the garden Jimmy had just planted. The one with a wire fence around it.

Hollering Bean! into the inky dawn, I hustled to the kitchen to get him inside before more damage could be done. My shout woke Jimmy who got up just in time to witness the whole thing. I finished putting on my make-up on and headed out the door, sure the subject was closed.

Not long after arriving at work an email titled "Bean Almost Met His Maker" popped onto my computer screen. Seems Jimmy let him out again for a quick pit-stop and Cocoa took a bee-line straight for the garden and dug up a couple of pepper plants in less than 60 seconds flat. I couldn't believe what I was reading and that's when it hit me...Beanie Weinie's default is set on bad.

You and I have a default setting too and how we respond to trials and temptations determines what our setting is on. When Martha and Mary lost their brother Lazarus in John 11 for example, the first person they called was Jesus. They loved Him with all their hearts and knew He loved them in return. Even in their darkest hour they waited patiently for their Savior, the only one who could relieve their distress.

Have you ever stopped to think what your default setting is on? If not, think about about how you respond when times get tough? Do you become angry? Do you withdrawal? Go shopping? Place blame? Whatever your default is, if it isn't Christ seek to reset your system. I reset my heart each day through prayer and time in God's word, which keeps me balanced and focused on what is good and right. It's the only way to endure through trials and turn from temptations that can be so difficult to resist...like Mr. Beanie and the garden.

5K (Cholesterol) Update

It's final. I've committed to running my first 5K on May 1st and now I'm seriously training. I've consulted friends who know how to run (not just to the store) and begun implementing their advise into my life. Did you know the elderly need 50 grams of protein per day? Now, I'm not quite elderly just yet but I am facing that direction, so between running and gingerly aging I've started drinking protein drinks and focusing on food high in protein and it seems to be helping. I no longer crave sugar or carbs and seem to have enough energy to do my 3 miles. Furthermore, it might be my imagination, but weight lifting seems a little easier too. Who'd-a-thunk?

The good news is my run today went much better than two days ago. Granted Tuesday was a 80 humid degrees, I fought Cocoa Bean for a quarter of a mile and had to take him back home all to start over again, and today was beautiful dog-less 60 degrees, but it still felt like I'd made some progress. For instance on Tuesday I'd run and run and run and run all to look down and see it had only been a minute and a half! Jogging for 5 minutes was like running for an eternity as time seemed to stand still. Today, however, I ran 3 miles with 3 minutes walks in between each mile. I picked a route that had few hills and lots of shade, setting myself up for success rather than failure. As a result the dread I had before the run turned to joy seeing that little bit of improvement in just one week.

I'm finding another joy amidst the decision to run these 5Ks, others are joining me and as a result offering more help to some very good charities and causes. All of these 5Ks represent people in need and it's an honor to get in shape to make changes for the better.

Are you up to the challenge? If so check out:

Couch-to-5K Running Plan

Susan G Komen for the Cure (Breast Cancer Run)

"Kolesterol"

Well the cat's slowing but surely scratching its way out of the bag as I work on committing (as in still in the process because I can't believe I'm doing this) to run a 5K in May. For most people the "K" in 5K refers to distance. In my case it refers more to the "k" sound in cholesterol. While it's true I could lose a few pounds and yes I need to exercise more as a general rule, the real motive for getting off my keaster is this dog-on cholesterol.

Now, I've been exercising nearly all my life. I played basketball in high school (bad but played nonetheless) and when aerobics hit the scene in the 80's I hopped on the band wagon leg-warmers and all. Somewhere in my 40's though exercise began to creep down my list of priorities. Now I'm paying the price with a pesty cholesterol level...so I gotta get moving.

For me passion is driven by motive and cause, so I figured if I could run for a reason I'd kill two birds with one stone. The May 5K benefits a local family with three terminally ill children, a run in September is for breast cancer (which took my mother's life), and last but not least the Autism run will touch my heart most of all.

With all that said, if you're ever driving down the road and see a runner plugging along, think of me and pray for my 5K cholesterol. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I just had a cardioscan today which showed all my heart's arteries were clear as a bell. This tells me the two "mild inclines" I ran yesterday weren't as close to killing me as I thought they were.

Grand Simplicity

God has graciously granted one of my biggest wishes by giving Dani a fabulous teacher at her Day Hab who is also a wonderful Christian. Loretta is a spunky Italian who lives life fully each and every moment. Her deep brown eyes grab my attention every time she speaks and I can't help but smile watching her hands fly around with that good ole Italian gusto. She loves the Lord and loves our little Dani, which is why she invited us to her church last night to see her sing in a cantata.

We told Dani she'd see her teacher sing at another church and she was cautiously excited, not knowing exactly what to expect. We arrived and were immediately welcomed by those about to perform. Loretta's husband saw Dani and rushed to our side to say hello. He took us to Loretta who then escorted us to our seat and introduced us to the pastor. The church was much smaller than we are accustomed to, but as we settled in the small sanctuary waiting for the performance to begin, I began to feel something very special as tears began to overtake me. It was all I could do to keep my composure as I watched and waited. Beyond a shadow of a doubt the Holy Spirit was in our midst!

The singers dressed in black and white took the stage, as the younger helped the older and more fragile up the few carpet covered stairs. Some sat in chairs due to medical conditions, one lady gripped a cane, and they all held black binders which held their music. I caught myself praying for the elderly man with the black suspenders on the left side of the stage. Prior to the start he had shared that during rehearsal his blood sugar dropped so low he fell off his seat, scaring everyone half to death. He assured us he'd eaten well and that we could expect an emergency-free cantata.

The lights dimmed, the music started, and the Lord began to move. I couldn't get over how simple everything was, both the performance and the presentation, yet the Holy Spirit was stirring in my heart like a gargantuan wooden spoon in a big black kettle. I'd heard better singers before, I'd seen some of the most gifted actors in the past, and I'd sat before fancier scenery. But all that apparently doesn't matter when God is present because this humble group standing before me, medical conditions and all, was bringing me to my knees.

The event's purity was so gripping and refreshing I had tears in my eyes even today. It was truly grand simplicity at its very best and I walked away sensing the Lord had a good lesson for me to learn. Life can be so complicated but God is simple. Simple love. Simple grace. Simple forgiveness.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast

heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.

They took palm branches and went out to meet him,

shouting, “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

"Blessed is the King of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it,

as it is written,

“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;

see, your king is coming,

seated on a donkey’s colt.”

John 12:12-15

Welcome Spring!

Today is the first day of spring! The sure sign warm weather, green grass, budding flowers, and days filled with golden sunshine are just around the corner and I can hardly wait. The weather certainly has a mind of its own, however. After all, the calendar states clear as a bell it’s spring, yet the forecast calls for rain mixed with snow. I could be upset but it wouldn’t be worth it. Spring is official and that’s all that counts.

The change from winter to spring is a fascinating thing. Warm months make their way back into our lives by a subtle inconspicuous tilt of the earth. Making its way above the equator, this mild adjustment of the sun sets this happy season in motion; something only a holy Creator could master with precision time and time again. Perhaps this is why spring is the sign of hope. It’s God’s handiwork and signal to man of true and lasting hope.

Spring also marks the celebration of another grand event, Easter, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Just as the sun’s move north of the earth’s equator brings nature new life, so too does the remembrance of what Christ has done for us. With the same power used to create the world and all that is in it, He rolled away the stone to conquered sin and death. How awesome is God’s great power and love and what hope this brings to my heart. I hope it refreshes your soul too.

Maybe your day is a bit chilly and mixed with “rain and snow” too. If so, keep in mind where your true hope lies. Our King Jesus is slowly but surely making His way toward us. Each new day marches us one step closer to Him and soon He'll come to take us home. What a wonderful day that will be. I do declare that’s a change of season I look forward to!

Happy Spring!

Sunday March 21st. When all was said and done, according to our deck railing, we received a total of 9" of spring snow.

Closer than a Brother

When Cocoa Bean came into our lives we hadn't planned on having two dogs, but he grew on us like a little weed. Cute as a bug's ear, we just had to keep him after his mama birthed him and his eight brothers and sisters in our home. Once the decision was made to keep him I couldn't help but wonder what role God had for him in our family. The other night I got a glimpse.

Each evening when we put Dani to bed we say our prayers and always include her brother who lives out of town. She misses Drew but understands she can only see him every so often. The other night, after the amen, I look down to see Cocoa Bean standing on the foot of the bed waiting for something. It seemed a bit odd he wouldn't lay down, but I figured he was simply waiting to follow me out. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Turns out he had no intentions of leaving with me at all. He was in fact waiting for me to skedattle in order to take my place. Snuggling up close to Dani, he looked at me as if to say, "I thought you'd never leave." After a quick flash of the camera he got his wish and I left the two alone.

Beanie Weenie sleeps with Dani every night. Like a guard standing post he's with her as she drifts off to sleep and protects her through the dark midnight hours. Even though she rarely pets and by all accounts ignores him, he doesn't care. Somehow knowing she's different and in need of extra special attention, he's adopted her and accepted the job as her companion and friend. Now I see one of the gifts God has given us in our little Bean. A little brother who cares for our Dani with unconditional love.

It's good to know God loves us with an everlasting love as well. When life gets lonely and darkness threatens to swallow us whole, He is there to comfort and provide. He continues to love us even when we are unlovable and is faithful to remain by our side when we forget or choose to ignore Him. He is faithful to the end. Let us thank Him for abounding love.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4