A Pledge

Earlier tonight my mom handed me a sectional from the newspaper. It had a photo of someone that I knew. One of 5 in his family that has risen to fame. I played basketball and graduated with his older sister, my brother played ball and graduated with him. It was neat to see, and I am very happy for the success that family has found!

I realized something after reading this article. Hours later, but still I feel God is speaking. Excellence is not something that fits into your day planner nice and neat. It is something intentional. It is something you work for. I admit I have become comfortable being mediocre/ or average. Blending in! That was my main goal in High School. I just wanted to blend in. If I did, no one would expect something I didn't feel I could deliver. Unfortunately, it became a life habit. I fight this everyday. But, God didn't place me in a life surrounded with successful people, and expect me to learn to be average. He placed me in this life to learn, and be excellent myself. To help others find their excellence. I think we all have examples of people we know, or relate to that are really good at something. You know what I have learned. Find something you enjoy - and work at it! Sounds so cliche. But it is so true! If you work at something you already enjoy, it will become something you excel in and will give you the tools you need to be successful in life. So, I pledge this. From now on, I pledge to make time for excellence in my life. To give God the glory for my success because it is all for his purpose anyway. Will you join me in making a pledge?

Letterboxing

While in Yakima this last weekend I was introduced to letter boxing. My cousin Bryce and his family have been doing this form of "Scavenger hunting" for a couple of years now and he introduced us to it. It looks like a fun thing to do with kids or on your own. It is fairly cheap cost wise and could keep us entertained for hours*. I found one site that is pretty good if anyone is curious to look at it. It's www.letterboxing.org and there are links to other blogs as well. So, today I set out to get our notebook, Family Stamp and ink at the local art supply store and I think we are ready for Letterbox # 1. Once we find it, we will be able to stamp in and find another. These boxes are hidden from sight and some even require a compass to find! Luckily, there are tons that are easy to find, but once a seasoned letterboxer, one can start looking for more challenging ones. I checked it out. There is one at Lord's Hill in Monroe that has never been found! If you have ever been to Lord's Hill you will know how possible that is!

* depending on the day, time, and temperaments. Pack snacks! :)

Heaven Bound

Although past biopsies showed no cancer, Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on July 9, 2008 with 2-6 months to live. We (my mom,brother,and I) did everything we could to find a therapy, cure, or sustain my Dad's life longer than the prognosis. Dad was heaven bound August 8, 2008 a little after 3am. We don't always understand God's plan and that is okay. I do not blame God, but am looking for how God is working in our lives and I do see God's mercy at work. Dad's health took a turn for the worst a couple of days prior to his departure, But I find joy in the fact my Dad found true faith 7 days prior to death. He did not go into a coma like many do, and departed from this life while sleeping peacefully. He got to see all of us prior to going to sleep that night and we were able to tell him how much he was loved. I know that the number 8 represents "New Beginnings" and Dad has a new beginning as a child of God, in Heaven. He blessed us with countless memories and stories to share with our kids and the pictures to go along with them.