long roads

Recently, I've been having to do a project for which I procrastinated for about 2 months. It got so bad, that having it due on Wednesday I did it on Tuesday. I just didn't want to do it. But, it needed to be completed. I called some prayer people and got them churning. They pulled on up to the throne of grace and pour my burdens there. As I finished my task, I realized that I've been blessed with a great many people who would go to bat for me.

People are always asking me if I've found my place here in Maryland. I'm not sure. I answer them that I feel it sometimes. Sometimes I feel that I've gotten to a zone in which I can be myself. Sometimes I've hit a stride that takes me further. Sometimes I find a nitch that pulls me along. Sometimes I feel as if I've hit a rock. And in those times I need those go to bat people.

And I'm finding them -- oddly enough, you are one of them. Knowing certain people read my blog when I get to posting keeps me going. It keeps me accountable to deal with what I'm feeling. And yes, Facebook is another place I find my batty people. heehee - that made me laugh. You know, getting to read these notes about people's worlds, their observations, their quirks keeps me from going crazy. And they like to read mine! Being a non-mold fitter, I don't exactly fit everyone's plans for what I should be. But, somehow those who have know me a long time get that quirky, non-fitted essence of me. And when I post odd things or put up pictures of my toes in orange and lemon slice sandals - they get it.

Today, I read about a friend's father who died yesterday. I get it. When my dad died almost 15 years ago, it was hard to understand that others knew what I was feeling. Oh, but I get it. The pain is brutal. The tears are endless. The emotions are numbing. I get it. The loss seems as if it outnumbers what was had. The emptiness expands until there is no way anything could ever replace it. The why's ring out in that cavernous void of the heart. I get it.

I finished that blasted project and was complimented on it. They were impressed with the work I had done. I knew I could do the thing, I just didn't want to. I think I just didn't want to feel as if I was really having to do this job on my own. I need my people. I need people here and elsewhere. We all need it. To be heard, to be known, to be remembered.

Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."

Help needed

Ok, I need help. Would you please answer these questions for me? Most of you are not at my current church, so your ideas will be fresh for us here. Even if you're here in MD feel free to share!

1. What do you hope your kid gets out of being at church?
2. What kind of program/ activity would you like to see in place to reach that?
3. Other than Sunday School, what are somethings you'd be willing to let your 5th grade and under kid participate in ... whatever the age? With or without parents present.

Even if you don't have kids, lend me your ideas. Ask your kids if you've got some!

It's all in the name of research!! Seriously!

Cherry Blossoms

I think I'm starting to get this Spring thing .... trees are starting to just explode with color. One day the tree is bare and the very next AM -- Bam! Stocked full with flowers! It's amazing. I'll admit, while waiting for the green is the hardest, the flowers are quite delightful!

Last Friday I headed to DC - which I love! - to see the cherry blossoms. In 1912 the Japanese gave the US over 3,000 cherry trees as a gift. Why thank you very much, kind sirs. And now, they bloom like crazy and send the town into hysterics. And I can understand why. My co-workers and took off a day and headed into town. We hiked all around town -- from Teaism - a favorite spot, to the Mall, to the Basin, to Jefferson, to FDR, to Lincoln, and then booked it uptown for lunch at the Breadline. Quite a nice lunch, if I do say so myself. I found the place and we tried it. Enjoyed a fried cod sandwich with coleslaw and spicy mayo on the bun. Yum! We then trekked back to the Metro by way of the Renwick Museum (another new find) and the White House. We plopped on the Metro seats and about fell asleep on the way home.

It was beautiful -- check it out yourself!

Me and the blossoms - at the start of our long trek around the basin!

One of the many trees drapping over the side of the basin.

The Jefferson Memorial

If you look closely, you'll see the White House on the left and of course, the Washington Monument. This was taken from the Jefferson.

The Basin -- breathtaking!

Back on the Saddle

Ok, so I've been out of pocket ... really I've been in Florida, seeing the new flowers, going to the dermatologist, pulling out my back and trying to keep my head above the work waters.

Tomorrow, I'm off to DC to see the Cherry Blossoms -- all of you please be jealous. If you can't wait, check out my pics from last year on Facebook. If you aren't on facebook, ahem KS! Get on the ball!

Will post on Monday. Promise.