Much to Do About Nothing

Sometimes, there are times, when we don't have to act upon an item. I'm experiencing this now with a situation that I cannot change. Instead of stressing, or having anxiety rule my life, I choose to sit back, pray and look to God to do what He will with this situation. It's in these events of my life that I realize, sometimes you just can't do much about things that have been thrown your way. It is what it is; and this is okay with me. It is well with my soul!

It's been hot-- around the high 90's to 100's. Yet, it is interesting to see that plants can still bloom. They, of course need to be draught resistant. I'd like to think that it's an expression of how beauty can exist even when it's smoldering outside, and the asphalt radiates heat that exceeds 125 degrees around 2 p.m.
Rather than wish for cooler temperatures, or a different season, it's good to just enjoy the heat, and even thrive in it, such as the cactus shown above.

Summer is Here!

Summer is here... June gave way to sunshine after a solid two weeks of gloom. I didn't think of it as gloom though, because with this cloudy overhead, everything in our yard became lush and greener.

Summertime is a time to stretch in the sun, spend time outside, and travel a bit more to the beach and the mountains. I'm looking forward to both in between work schedules.

No matter how old I get, I still get excited about having a summer before me to be more casual in dress, and enjoy the treats like ice cream and watermelon!

Memorial Day Weekend 2009

San Diego is always a restful way to get away- and this was no exception. We stayed for the first time, (and plan to go back to) Campland by the Bay. Even with the 500+ RV and tent campsites- it was still a cozy place. There was a lot to do- from just hanging out on the bay, to singing Karokee. Very family-oriented friendly-- the atmosphere was pretty lively. The bonus was being so close to Sea World-- which we rode our bike to get to.

Vintage...

Last weekend, we had a yard sale. It always brings people to our house, and one of these persons turned out to be a former owner of our 1915 built house. It turns out too, that she and her husband actually did the add-on of our master bedroom and family room. It was exciting to see her walk around the house and reminisce of times she and her family shared in it. Maybe this is why we have always chosen to live in vintage houses throughout our lives. It's fascinating to hear stories of what took place in our abode. For example, another former resident shared with us a few years ago that her grandfather who owned the house was a Riverside physician and developed an entire square block of our downtown. Also she shared the house with boarder military wives of World War II soldiers.

We continue to document these events and feel privleged to add our own family's history to our house. Vintage houses definitely add interest and fascination to our every day normal lives.

April Showers...

April showers bring May flowers... right now, it's anything but. Our city hit a high record of 99 degrees today. It's only supposed to last for a couple of days, but you have to admit the warmer weather brings people out more, especially in the mornings and evenings. It's nice to see people walking and pedaling along the street.

Seeing the largest trees in the world last week during a trip to the Humboldt State Park in Northern California makes one realize how beauty can lift our human spirits. God's creation has an impact on how we create our own sphere of influence. When we plug into gardening or other creative endeavor that results in beauty,

Northern California Trip

Just returning from a week in northern California is a reminder that lush greenery still exists in our state. Visiting Van Damme State Park and the Redwoods made me realize how important trees are, since the huge cannopies of these trees created filtered light to make everything in sight tropical and lush. It was unfathomable to imagine that such beauty still exists. Definitely a must see for everyone...

Spring and Easter

Spring has arrived! This weekend, it was evident everywhere as people were spending time outside in their yards. New growth is everywhere, from flowers, greener lawns and plants spurting all over.

Easter is around the corner, evidenced by store ads filled with bunnies and chocolate. We plan on making the trip again up to sunrise service at Mt. Rubidoux. It's the 100th anniversary and already the city has repaved the road and making preparations for the event.

I'm always excited for sunrise services because it is such inspiration to see the sun rise as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Not only that, but to see the many types of people just coming out to worship is such a testimony of the relevancy of gospel. I plan on taking pictures of this and will share at a later blog. Last year's picture is posted here.

Dealing with Change...

Been dealing with lots of change lately... These past few weeks have been jam packed with it, and while it's hard to change, I realize it's also good because the Lord allows it...

There's the constant change in the weather...and just last weekend, we sprung forward to get to Spring one hour earlier that should happen on March 22nd.

Then there's the new administration in Washington keeping on bringing in change. First in policy, people, and even on their position before the election, to a different one now that the votes are in, and the pressure to win a vote is off. Yet, something don't change. For example, I found a card for a friend the other day that I sent her that stated that while many things may change, one thing was a constant... our friendship.

Above all, is the fact that there is ONE who will never change. It's the Lord, and how good it is to know that no matter what... we can be sure that His truth is everlasting and never subject to change.

Needles, CA- Presidents' Day

Our trip to Needles produced a beautiful view of the surrounding desert in it's winter state. It offered beautiful wild flowers and cactus turning different hues of pink to coincide with Valentine's Day.

Saturday started with a 2 mile hike into Grapevine Canyon in Nevada. The short hike provided several fun and challenging rock climbs. It was also fascinating to view the ancient Indian pictographs on the high walls of the massive rocks.
We had a great time driving into Oatman, AZ visiting a historic mining town, complete with roaming burros who didn't hesitate to introduce themselves.
We toured downtown Needles, which still remains as the Sante Fe RR Depot just as it did in the 1880's. Still standing is the original El Garces Hotel/Sante FeTrain Depot which housed the Harvey House, part of Fred Harveys chain of railroad side restaurants. The hotel is currently being renovated.

Are we there yet?

On a recent trip with our three grandkids, they were anxious to get to our park destination, and the oldest - echoed by his sister in imitation asked two or three times, "Are we there, yet?"

Obviously, they were anxious to arrive. It made me think about my own question to God- "Are we there yet?-- Meaning to heaven when I get anxious and tired of being 'strapped in my seat'.

The signs around us point to heaven, in the happenings around the world, just as the Bible predicted in Matthew 24. Just as I pointed out to my grandson the signs depicting a park which consoled him temporarily, I need to also remember to look at God's Word often to console me. As a believer, it's exciting to know that we're almost there!