a room w/ a view ... of a sight to behold!

In just the few hours we spent at the beach w/ friends recently, the view constantly(!) changed...as we experienced wind! rain! sun! warmth. calm. clouds, birds, etc. ... & even an incredible(!) rainbow (reminder of a promise from God). I didn't want to leave & I can't wait to go back! So...

...I booked a room at a nice hotel at the same beach w/ an ocean view & balcony - mid week/offseason! For just me n my man. I'm SO excited. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'm not sure tho' if I'm hoping for good weather ... or a storm ( I LOVE storms!). Perhaps it's bc of the perspective (safety) of the view that I know either scenario would be a special treat for both of us. One would allow us to see to the edge of the earth(!) & the other would offer a unique up/close & personal look as the edge of the earth closes in & envelops us :) Perhaps that just sounds SO romantic to me bc of the safety I feel/know with whom I'll be enjoying the view - a constant amidst CONSTANT change - ...as together we've consistently enjoyed & endured the fair weather & storms of life - for richer & for poorer, in sickness & in health- true to our promise nearly 23 years ago.

Whatever God chooses to paint on the canvas outside our room with a view, it's sure to be a sight to behold(!).... as we hold each other.

^{Hebrews 13:8 8}Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

I've been working on this assignment since high school!

In a high school science class I was challenged to define "life" ....& I haven't stopped trying since! It sounds simple - but it's NOT. Dictionary.com has 25 definitions for the noun & 36 when you include various other forms of the word!

Some, if not many, living things grow, breathe, reproduce, adapt, consume, produce, & metabolize. One might assume that all living things do at least some of those things (tho' how many are needed to "qualify" something as "alive" is debatable) ....unless the wood frog in mid winter is alive! ... tho' for months its heart stops(!) beating, ALL breathing & brain activity cease(!) & it freezes solid - yet, come spring - its heart begins beating again, it begins breathing again & its brain registers new activity. So how does one know when it's dead?!

... And - by some definitions fire is alive...as it grows & consumes...!

If/when you define life, please explain what living is as opposed to dying. That should keep you busy - for at least a lifetime. But -- when you're done, & assuming I'm still alive... please let me know, bc I could really use some help!

P.S.

Reference material that will prove helpful: You should find at least 589 clues in The Bible ... as I just did a quick search at Biblegateway.com which indicates that's how many times the word "life" is used in the NIV -- & you might want to check out what Creation has to offer on the subject as well...

John 11:25-26 ²⁵Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; ²⁶and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

NOT bc of who I am / what I've done

This AM, I was reminded of this song: 'Who am I' by Casting Crowns

Not because of who I am but because of what You've done.
Not because of what I've done but because of who You are....

Strike is a "Character"!

This is a pic from last week/Spring Break - went to Six Flags w/ friends - had this character sketch done (as b-day gift) of Strike (left) & her friend/the b-day girl(!). I like unique gifts...& I think this one "takes the cake" :)

Strike Studying HIStory

Strike studying HIStory w/ her study buddy this morning

me n my man

Are you living? or dying?

Q. Are you living or dying?

A. Perhaps the (your) answer has something to do w/ how you view/study history.

Struck & stuck from yesterday's sermon:

Since the fall of Creation, History has been the study of man's attempt to survive.

My thoughts:

History = the study of survival that eventually/ultimately leads to death.

HIStory = the study of survival that ultimately leads to eternal life (Hope!)


⁴For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ⁵May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,
Romans 15:4-5 (NIV)