Nadj and Kiera

When I was in Lincoln, I got to see my lovely friend Nadja and her darling neice. The time we spent together was far too short, but it was very special. I have known Nadja for most of my life and we have many memories from over the years: swimming, skiing, playing in the woods...good times. She still gets to do those things with some pretty lucky kids. Great to see you Nadj!

In the clouds

In a stupor of sleep deprivation I dozed off as I was flying home this morning. Somewhere into the flight, I opened my eyes, and a scene of fluffy white clouds arrested my full attention. It was marvelous, captivating and breathtaking. These photos do not do it justice.

It made me think of Mark 13:26-27 that says: "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of heaven."

Clouds really are majestic. Recently my friend Jonathan sent me a time-lapse clip of clouds. It was amazing to see their similarity to waves rolling on the surf or flowing down a mountainside like a waterfall. Truly breathtaking.

Just another day savin' lives...

So, my cousin is a big, bad firefighter. He has been working for Lincoln Fire now for about 10 months and is loving it. "I can't believe I get paid to do this!" he kept saying. Isn't that how jobs should be? Chris gave me a tour of his station; I met the guys, explored the engines, laughed at his cheesy ID photo, noted the carefully positioned turnout gear, and marveled at all the components that make this place run. Way to be awesome Chris.

Running on Empty

This past weekend I went out to Nebraska to visit my wonderful friends and family that are out there and to attend Union's graduation weekend. My brother took me to the airport and I noted that we were really low on gas and that in fact, the meter that shows how many miles you have left on the tank had zeroed out.

He said that it zeroed out when there were 30 miles left on the tank and that we would be fine getting to the airport. As we drove there, I wondered if I would make my flight or if we might be stranded by the road somewhere while my flight left without me. We made it to the airport and I told him that he lives a little too close to the edge. "I live on the edge of calculation." He stated and didn't seem a bit concerned.

The two flights to Nebraska were uneventful and soon I was in Omaha where my two cousins: Chris and Tony came and picked me up. As we pulled onto the highway, I

noticed that again I was seeing an empty tank and a glowing gas light on the dash. "Oh! Chris said, we should get gas..." The needle was well below the E and I turned to him and said: "You know E stands for EMPTY, right?" "Aw', Chris grunted, 'I just scooch down lower in my seat and then the needle kinda stays on the white line." "And how does that work for you?" I asked with growing concern that for the second time that day I stood in great danger of being stranded by the roadside.

"We need gas now!!!!!!" Chris yelled as we cut across all lanes of traffic and headed for the closest station. This proved to be far more dangerous than simply exhausting our store of fuel. Surviving Chris' erratic driving skills, we let out a collective sigh as we pulled into the gas station and fueled up.

It got me thinking...how often do I start my journey for the day, running on empty? How often do I act like I can "get by" without spending quality time fueling-up on God's Word or on my knees? Do I sit lower so that where I am at looks a bit better? Do I calculate just what I think I will need for the journey? I need to be far more concerned about how much effort I am contributing towards this soul-tank and what I am depending on to fuel my thoughts and my decisions. God, thanks again for these little life illustrations.

home sweet nest

So I noticed some twigs sticking out above the lamp by our door. I wanted a closer look so that I could see if there were any eggs inside. No eggs yet, but maybe soon? I don't know why the birdie pick our house as a suitable spot for a nest, maybe we seemed peaceful...no, it's probably just that we never have the light on :)

Glass Hotel

Dad had some meetings in D.C. at this amazing new hotel. And this is where he and Mom stayed while he was attending them. It looked like an airport to me with all of the glass and expanse of space. It was something else. We found a fabulous little place to eat near there with delicious black bean burgers. Yay for cell phone pics and an expense paid fancy hotel :)

Mi Tia

I am a giant!!!Ah, much better :)

One of my favorite people ever, always a highlight to see my lovely aunt.

Lily

I am very thankful that I got to see my beautiful little cousin Lilyana, not once, but three brief times in the past month. It was great to finally meet her and hold this precious, much prayed over little miracle. We love you Lily!

The engulfing west...

Kristina is gone! She just left for some place called Loma Linda California that has a habit of swallowing up my friends. How did we not take more pictures before you left??? We miss you!