Places and people during train trip

Why take the train?  Why fly over all of the beautiful places in this country?    If you have time, a train trip is perfect way to savor the beauty of our our country during a cross country trip. Another gift of train travel... the people that you will meet...~  Amtrak's The Empire Builder route takes travelers through Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Washington, and finally Oregon... here are some of the places and places ...

National Park Volunteers... share the narrative of the area...

North Dakota Scenes

More North Dakota

Amtrak's Empire Builder Route ~Chicago~Minneapolis~Spokane~Portland

My first night on the train..Monday... After Amtrak's  last stop in Minneapolis..I was settling in to sleep.... pillow under my head, seat reclined, foot rest up... then came a strong thunderstorm. Strong winds, thunder, lighting, all familiar parts of the storm, but in a train...I thought, "What have I gotten myself into..." quieting my heart... praying... what else could I do...

Traveling by Train

Last weekend, I was having second thoughts about taking this train trip.  I was anxious... traveling by myself...After weeks of planning, I almost cancelled the trip.  Quietly, I expressed my concern to Jerry. I was so nervous... My ticket was purchased weeks ago... packing for a week... deciding what books to take.. making my list......I thought this is silly... scared to fly...now, scared to take a train....  I don't want fear to control me. ... so I ask some friends to pray for me... I am praying... I'm going.

   Waiting for the Amtrak train...the adventure began Monday, August 26 @ 3:17a.m... Cincinnati

One view traveling through Indianapolis

Indiana Wind farms in the distance...

Corienne is returning home to Bellingham, WA.  She had visited her daughter in Berea. 

Live worthy of your calling

 What is a worthy calling? In every day life, we see examples of individuals walking worthy... policemen, teachers, janitors, cashiers, doctors, lawyers, farmers, nurses,...

In our society, we can be consumed by what we "do". Maybe we should be consumed with a passion to serve others... Earlier this year, I visited with Maureen in her home.  She had invited friends to hear about her recent mission to Ethiopia.  Her sister, Ruth, had created a DVD presentation about their recent trip. 

While I may never travel to Ethiopia, I joined many of Maureen's friends and family praying for her.

She has launched a blog.http://mjsphilippians413.blogspot.com/

Find out more about Cure International and their important work.

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received, Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."   Ephesians 4: 1 - 3 (NIV)

Discover Annestes Farms!

Sometimes you are extended a invitation that you will not appreciate until you are in the midst of the event.  Today was one of those days.  Becky extended an invitation to attend the Woodford Humane Society 11th Annual Freedom Fest.   This fundraiser supports the Woodford Humane Society as it helps homeless pets.  This event was held at Annestes Farms.  Today's Freedom Fest Celebration began with a Guest Speaker and Breakfast.  Jon Carloftis was today's guest speaker.  

Breakfast  under the tent

Breakfast by Selma's Catering

Jon Carloftis, Kentucky Native and acclaimed garden designer, gives a breakfast presentation.

Can you spot his yellow Labrador retriever in the audience?

Each of the paddocks in the barn has been decorated by local designers.

The barn

How did they design the stalls?  Just a few of the stalls... Look...

After book signing... and looking at the stalls... it is time to leave Annestes Farms

Time to go home...

Wednesday Evening Book Club

This month, our book club had a light summer read...Look Again by Lisa Scottoline.  No matter the book, our group's discussion is always interesting.  Sometimes, we even discuss the book.

On the way to the book club...

Admiring the container organic garden.

Cupa Tea

What is the most popular beverage beside water?  According to some research, tea is the most popular drink.  Is that surprising?  It was to me. Today, my friend Bobbie and  I  were enjoying lunch at Cuppa Tea. http://www.cuppateacafe.com/

It was a wonderful visit ... we were crying... laughing. praying... and sharing about what God is doing our lives.

 "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul."

Proverbs 27:9 The Message 

 

Who do you look like?

Who do you look like?

“Are you Jara’s Mom?” Wow, I was not expecting that question! “Yes,” … She quickly shared; I am a friend of your daughter’s from Asbury. For a few minutes, we had brief conversation  at the checkout counter at Half Price Books. She introduces me to her children. (If I had my camera, I would have taken their picture)
Walking back to the car, I was thinking…. What a small world. Then the thought, does Jara really look like me? I have long resisted comments that Jara looks like me. In her face, I see her individuality, perfect white teeth, clear skin, long eyelashes… I could go on ...she is her own person..I don"t see how she looks like me….My daughter is beautiful.

I am intrigued by family resemblances. What part of my DNA determines the unique structure of my hair? What strand of the DNA determines so much of our physical appearance? You can Google DNA and find a plethora of information on how DNA determines all of our traits. I wonder, how did my cousin Jennifer get green eyes and miss me? If we are obsessed with physical traits, then do we forget the most important traits that are not visible?  Do Christian have certain character traits? 

What is most important to me? Love

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. I John 4: 7 - 8 (NIV)

Janica and me...

from the 2010 Clark Reunion

Janica is a beautiful...and intelligent...

Sunday in Church

On most Sundays, I will be sitting in church next to my husband.  Today was no exception, worshiping God, singing hymns, and praying.  Sometimes I close my eyes, so I will not be distracted by movements in the sanctuary.   I  focus on being still and listening to  the scripture and the preached word.  On most days, the best part of the Sunday... when people who respond to the message.  Another wonderful part of Sunday... Sunday School class with the 3 and 4  year old children.


Instead of taking a Sunday afternoon nap, I went to a friend's home to watch the World Cup Finals. The game between Spain and The Netherlands was exciting.  

Ice tea, chilled water, crunchy and smooth snacks...

A Wedding...

Driving on I 64 West, my foot is  pressing down on the gas pedal... I am speeding to make the 1:00 wedding... 75 mph...80 mph....

I pull into the parking lot @ 1:00..
Late arrivals... we are upstairs...
Just in time....
The processional... the music...
prayers, communion, songs,  tears are slipping down my check....

I love weddings....

A Gift from the Desert

Are you researching unique and affordable vacation destinations? One suggestion, visit Lexington, Kentucky. Put at the top of your list, International Museum of the Horse Park at the Kentucky Horse Park.   A Gift from the Desert, The Art, History and Cultures of the Arabian Horse will be on display until October 15, 2010.
 http://www.kyhorsepark.com/gift/index.htm
 This fall the World Equestrian Games 2010 will be held in our city.   Today, a few members of Lexington Newcomers toured the exhibit.

Fresh starts, staying the course,and finishing well

Each morning, we have the opportunity to have a fresh start.  As my pastor says, "We can look back, but we cannot go back."  We can learn from the past, but we cannot live there... take advantage of each new day.

Fresh starts... Wanda is a dear friend who lives in Tennessee.  Recently retired, Wanda has started a new business designing, making, and selling jewelry.  In addition, to making jewelry, she also designs hats and is a talented seamstress.   She has a vision...

In Omaha, Daphne and her best friend, Ann Marie are starting a new business.  They will be making yogurt... I had a sample... I have mentioned the business in a previous post...  The yogurt ...smooth...creamy... and made locally in Omaha.  Young women with a vision, I wish them well. No matter the age, fresh starts are always available. 

Welcome new beginnings, stay the course in your life, and finish well.

Families

Growing up in Indiana, I was surrounded with relatives from both sides of my family.  I could not imagine, ever moving away from Central Indiana.  I am a fifth  generation Hoosier.   Then in 1985, we moved to Michigan. Since then, we have been on the move.  With each move, I have worked to maintain close relationships with my family.  Now, with new  advances in technology, we keep in touch in different ways.   While family is vital, developing friendships is equally important.  

Tonight, we had friends over for a cookout.  Is is ever to hot to cookout?  I don't know. But with temperatures in the 90's, I was not cooking outside.    Although it was hot, thankfully, Jerry was able to grill.  After a full weekend, we might have simply relaxed  Not us, we were looking forward to having dinner with our friends.  Felicia, Kathryn, and Leo joined us for dinner.  ...Originally from South Carolina, then  West Virginia, they now live in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Years ago when we first moved... I was  lonely.  Hundred of miles away from family, I longed for close relationships.  God is faithful. With every move, He has generously provided for our every need.  Providing friends was one need...now we have friends who are like family.

God sets the lonely in families

Psalm 68.6

Wish you were here...

Family Reunions require an amazing amount of work for the host family. At the end of the day, I hope Kevin, Janice, Janica, Victor, and Tucker look back at every part of the day as a "labor of love".  At 6:30 a.m. the men met in the lobby to go to the park.  Kevin, Robert, Barry and Jerry were cooking  from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  At the park, Dennis, Michael, and Leroy stepped in to help finish the cooking.  There was enough food to feed a small church.... hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, fish and ribs. Then the side dishes ..baked beans, slaw, potato salad, pasta salad, pound cake, strawberry cake, cookies ... Then came the games... water balloons, potato sack races, tug of war, kick ball, painting stations...all the details that made for a near perfect day... fun...later at the hotel... some gathered in the lobby. I wish you were here... Jara and Jonathan.   

Aunt Sarah

Aunt Sarah is surrounded by love, her daughters, son in laws, grandson, granddaughters, and great grandson.

Family Reunion

Tired, but joyful...We are celebrating Aunt Sarah's 80th birthday at this year's Clark Family  Reunion. All of Aunt Sarah's children, grandchildren, and great grand son are here in Ohio this weekend. In addition to her immediate family, her nieces and nephews  are here to join in the celebration.    The evening has been a sweet testimony of a gracious lady whose faith, character , and strong work ethic continues to touch her family and community.    Family members are here from Mississippi, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Germany...  A night full of laughter, music, pictures, and memories.

another burn

the continuing saga of the curling iron... I burned my forehead this morning.  YIKES... I am so sick of this curling iron... where I have burned myself... my right check, my left check, my neck, my iron, now my forehead...