Go. Be. Do.

I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers,  because I hear of your love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.  I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing  every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.  For I have great joy and encouragement from your love,  because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. Philemon 1:4-7 Last Tuesday, I had my 15th radiation treatment, marking the halfway point.  The day was celebrated with a massage, which was a gift from my wonderful husband for Valentine's Day, followed by visits from two friends, both of whom stopped by with hugs and gifts to celebrate my halfway mark.  I am blessed to have such an amazing support network!  I am greatly encouraged by all the encouragement I have received from wonderful friends and family in my life. I am relieved to have more treatments behind me t...

A friend once told me that you have to get out of a prime city in order to get a real feel for the area in which you are visiting.  When we drove through Vegas on our roadtrip a couple of years ago, I saw the beauty of the desert unlike ever before.  If you have never seen Vegas from a plane at night, you're missing out on a beautiful city of lights.  And, if you never leave your hotel while there, you'll miss out on some wonderful sights within and without the city itself.  This trip was short, but full of adventure and beauty.  (I will not even begin to speak about the food...let's just say I am thankful for stairs, long corridors, and the fitness center in our hotel!) Then, there's always the beauty of humor... :)

"USA Today has come out with a new survey - apparently, three out of every four people make up 75% of the population." ~David Letterman Never before has a report about a "survey" brought out so much emotion in me that I feel the need to mention it, let alone blog about it.  However, earlier this month, I read an article published by The Week , " The science behind anti-redhead prejudice ", written by Greg Stevens, The Kernel , February 4, 2014 .   Like with any magazine or publication, there are times when I agree or disagree with their topics, their information, or their views.  I have read this publication often and found most times to not be moved one way or the other by their reports.   Not so this time. When this article first appeared on my facebook homepage, it intrigued me because I am a natural "ginger".  (Did this term come about because of "Ginger" on Gilligan's Island?  Just wondering.)  Anyway, I read it. ...

“While I was busy hating Vegas, and hiding from Vegas, a funny thing happened. I grew to love Vegas.” - J. R. Moehringer Okay, so maybe "love" is not exactly how I feel about Vegas, but there is more to Vegas than what you have heard or perhaps even experienced.  This city has a draw to it.  People flock from all over to come here to the entertainment capital of the world.  It is a city full of all sorts of attractions...you will find here that which you seek.  Do not stay away just because of the stories you may hear.  Experience Vegas for yourself and then form an opinion. Okay, so this one is more about fun than beauty...love me some Pawn Stars!

A business trip took us out to Las Vegas in mid January.  My sister and brother-in-law came flew out and joined us during down time from the convention.  We had an wonderful time doing amazing things together.  Some first time awesomeness took place, too, like flying over and into the Grand Canyon in a helicopter !  It was so exciting to finally get to mark off this bucket list item.  It was an amazing trip from beginning to end. A shuttle bus picked us up at our hotel and took us to an airport in Boulder City.  There we boarded a 10 passenger plane for our flight over to the Grand Canyon.  The flight was simply beautiful as the sun rose over the mountains while we were in the sky.  The sights of the trip included, but were not limited to, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon's edge. The next mode of transportation was the best of the day: the helicopter!  It was so awesome to finally get to be in a helicopter...and, ...

"Look at where Jesus went to pick people. He didn't go to the colleges; he got guys off the fishing docks." ~Jeff Foxworthy My final post from our trip to Key West...I have enjoyed remembering our vacation moments these past few days.  If you have been around this blog for very long at all, it is apparent that we enjoy fishing as a family. We aren't that competitive until there are fishing poles involved.  Then, it's game on.   When we arrive at a coastline destination, as long as the weather cooperates, we have our sights on fishing at least once.  Key West has been good fishing for us before as I shared about it here ...and it was good fishing for us again this year. :) weather totally cooperated with our plans Alex getting in on the action. Tim's not a fan of flopping fish. We all had a good laugh at this catch of the day. :) My bonnethead shark...it was awesome! Yellow tails are my favorite...so pretty.

For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.  We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.  2 Corinthians 4:6-9 When in Key West in January, I had the opportunity to try something new.  I had two individual lessons on throwing clay with Grace from Pottery by Grace . Her studio where the lessons took place is Rubies & Clay on Whitehead Street in Key West.  Talented at what she does, it was so fun to learn from her.  In two hours my first day I had three pieces turn out okay.  I had a chance to throw more than that, but two went South due to beginner's error. :)  She was a great instructor...personable, easy to...

“Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.” ~Victor Hugo Winter returned this week. *sigh* So, somewhat reluctantly, I interrupt the Key West programming, to bring you an update on the week's crazy winter weather.  Icemaggedon began on Tuesday as a day of rain, followed by another morning of rain/freezing rain.  Eventually, sleet and snow fell atop the 1/2-3/4 inch of ice.  It was mentally fatiguing as Sunday was sunny and 73°.  Even more so than in Indiana, if you do not like Georgia weather, just wait five minutes and we'll be in an entire different season. Moments of beauty in the storm...

Having been to Key West once before,  but not spending the night there, we knew little about where the best spot to view the sunset would be until we Googled it.  Mallory Square is the place to be for sunset on Key West, we found out.  We set out our first night to find this infamous spot, after sunset due to dinner going past 5 pm, in order to be prepared for the next clear night.  It was a busy, populated area next to the water's edge.  Shops, a restaurant, and street performers are vying for this same space people are trying to claim at sunset each evening. On the next clear night, we set out in plenty of time to reach Mallory Square in time for some sunset captures.  What I was not prepared for was the elbow to elbow crowd which had gathered there already. We squeezed in to a spot (barely).  Hundreds...I am not kidding...hundreds had made their way to the southwestern edge of Key West to take in the view. I have never shared a sunset in such ...