Today, Jim and I celebrate 30 years! When I went to my office this morning, there were one dozen of the loveliest roses waiting for me. Wow! I am soooooo blessed!

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!

Thanks Mae! I am up and running on the photos.

Now, how do you put your blog friends on your blog?

That's what friends are for!

I'll be on your side forever more......

Keep smiling!

Bits and pieces.....

Yes, I did go to WW this past Tuesday.
No, to losing weight -- right on dead center. Cant't figure it.
Yes, I have been exercising and have even lost a cumulation of 1/2 inch.
No, I am not discouraged, cuz I am going with a friend and have so many well wishers.
Yes, I am joining a pilates class 2 days a week.
Yes, God is good......

I did do a lot of sitting this week: sitting in front of my computer to fill out paperwork on our at risk school kids, sitting for 2 days at training for a program that actually looks good, sitting in the van as I did more driving than usual to get to all these places I needed to be. But, sitting is good if I can add my favorite music or book on tape. Ahhh! the options we have with our technology.

And now for a request: I would really, really like to add pictures to my blog. I downloaded the software to my computer at work that is supposed to help me, but am stuck. HELP!!!

I hate to admit it, but I am not sure what to type in the blank that asks for a URL address.

A notice from the post office for a certified letter was left for me at my Abilene address. Since I am only there on weekends, I had to leave it to my mom to pick it up on Monday.

Who could be sending it? There was no information about the identity of the sender. Naturally, I was curious --- NO, I panicked!!!! With some of the situations that had been going on in my life, I feared bad news. My brain created multiple scenarios -- all within less than 30 seconds. Of course, I shared these with Mom who sympathized with me.

This morning, she went to the post office and picked up the offending letter. She emailed me: "I want to calm your fears. It is not what you thought it might be. It is from the IRS." (end of message.)

Oh, well, thanks, Mom. That really puts my mind at ease. The IRS? What could they want?

As I waited for Mom to elaborate, my mind created one scenario that made my heart stop.

She wrote back. "It seems you owe them $1.77."

When I woke up this morning, I had so many things to be grateful for. Now, I have one more: I only owe the IRS $1.77.

The halls at school were filled a few moments ago with a rather excited bustling as students greeted their buddies, rushed to their lockers and then on to class.

My office is quiet. With the exception of one student who asked me to help her with her combination lock, there have been no requests for my services. Yes, they will come and there will be times when the emotions that fill this room will seem overwhelming, and I pray God will be with me during those moments, breathing life into my words, my countenance, my touch.

At this moment, I pray that the Life he breathes through the Silence will walk with me throughout the day.

Successes, failures, adventures, events, memories, gains, losses....These make up the fabric of our lives. And when we share with others, we invite them to become part of our community or participate in our personal communion with God and Life.

When I wrote about WW and received so many responses, I felt valued and inspired to press forward. Your testimonies to your experience encouraged me.

This week, I brought a friend with me to WW. She is our elementary counselor, about my age, and is usually never more than a phone call or an IM away. She may be doing better with the points this week than I am. No doubt, our camaraderie will help get both of us through the week.

So far, we have walked, visited the frozen food section of United to check out all the low point dinners and treats, and called each other for support.

I fully expect to lose 2 lbs this week! : )

In one of his recent posts called "Brush with Fame," Val Durrington mentioned a family of courage who, while in the process of adopting an African-American child, endured an uphill battle. They were featured on Oprah and the tide turned in their favor.

Yes, the Jenkins are truly to be commended. Their love ushered them into an arena that pitted them against conventional wisdom. And it was that love that gave them the courage to meet that challenge.

It reminded me of another family, a missionary couple who, back in the fifties, adopted an African-American child while in France. After being on the field for several years, they wanted to return to their native Texas, but decided the risks to their daughter and family were too great. They made the decision to move to Canada where God used them once again as missionaries and didn't return home until their daughter was almost old enough to be on her own.

I always admired the depth of love they had for their daughter and how they were willing to commit to her, even though, in their case, it meant not being able to come back home.

The teachers are all back at school today. Kids will come back next week.

A funny thing happened to me on the way to visiting my advisor about my doctorate: I planted a garden. I think I needed to do that. The other will come later and I look forward to it, but this in not the time.

God continues to be good to me. I am hoping to be in full blogging mode within the next day or two.


And, oh yes! My friend and I leave within the hour for WW.