Distraction from the Remarkable

I believe they are everywhere--remarkable signs of God's sovereignty, if we only have eyes to see them.

What if everywhere around us is an unfolding story that we cannot see, because we are too distracted by the movies, the television, the gossip and little stressers of the day? What if we are, in fact, on a grand adventure, but we cannot see the immortal view because we are too easily entrapped by more boring things?

Every day, we awaken to a far greater drama than we can imagine. We live with the reality that God died for us. We exist with a knowledge that He is currently preparing a home for us to live in with Him. Unlike so many others, we have the opportunity to delve into a personal friendship with our Maker. What could possibly be more splendid? What could possibly induce us to forget it?

authorship of Beauty from the Heart

Frozen Strawberries

We pick strawberries every summer, eat them until we're sick of them, and then freeze the rest. During winter nights, we pull out a bag and sprinkle some sugar on top for a special snack. Last night we did just this while watching family movies. There was a lovely fire in the fireplace. It's something we all like and worth documenting I thought!

Smoothies are also enjoyed around here. The latest recipe, incredibly simple yet delish, cranberry juice and strawberries.

Watch it here. 

Oldies but Goodies

Ever have one of those moments where you come across something from your past that brought you much enjoyment and good memories? Maybe family pictures or jokes, a beloved toy or book. 

I ran into one such item this past week: Steve Green's Hide 'em in Your Heart music videos. And by videos, I mean video cassettes with matching cassette tapes. I think there's still an argument as far as the durability of cassettes vs. CDs, but that's a bunny trail. I never realized the songs were pure scripture! Huzzah and hoorah to my parents for having us watch those tapes; they're good stuff. As I scrolled itunes listening to the songs, they came right back. There I sat singing scripture songs along with the high-pitched voices of seven year olds. I want to find those videos, and the tapes. The younger two need to watch them and I want to re-watch them. 

We also have the entire New & Old Testament sets of animated Bible stories from Nest Entertainment. Those were wonderful as well. I can still remember lying on my stomach next to my brother in front of the TV coloring in the books that corresponded with the videos.

It's nice to realize that you haven't outgrown the enjoyment of certain things. 

Post of Little Consequence

but music with a message of importance-

I like.

It's the last week. The days are passing and outside of the multitude of boxes and empty drawers and closets, life remains seemingly the same. Each day is different, yet they all seem in reflection mushed together in similiarity.

ooh. thought not mentioned before. parts of this post as well as a poem were printed in the homeschool diploma program's magazine I belong to/receive. It brought a smile to see something I wrote chosen... brightened my day.

Cherish

The week we closed on the new house, we spent Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the house as family. Dad's workers were painting. Amid attempting to keep David's desire to help actually profitable, choosing, checking and creating paint colors, and multiple here or there distractions, I knew school had to get done. I made my way around the house, finding a spot that remained quiet for an increment of time until I relocated somewhere else. It was a good time. It was an odd feeling spending all day at the new house to come home, park in the driveway, open the garage door and walking into this house to watch some TV or finish school, send some emails, talk about the new house and go to bed.

This week's had a different face.
The whole family has been at the new house but me for this first half. I've spent the days at this house on my own with only the quiet as company. Occasionally blasting music, making a batch of cornbread muffins, delighting in my surroundings. Thinking about family birthday parties, the time I had my birthday in August just because I liked the idea. the running circles through the halls, the playing dress up for all the neighbors to see in the summer in the backyard. lighting Hanukah candles in our homemade menorahs on the fireplace while we had a Christmas tree up. ha. wow. God's grace. being baptized in the pool in the freezing cold September or was it early October even? Filming the boat scene of Princess Bride in a raft in the pool, the night my uncle was saved in the backroom, attempting to play hymns for Bible study in the backroom led by Dad- holy months. the Christmas joy. Remembering the faces of the people who we have had to priviledge to laugh with, pray with, do math with, eat with here. Seasons of life that have past and yet are treasured went through my brain over and over... vignettes. sepia. uncaptured memories... in between pouring over American Narrative History and Chemistry of course.

I dont know what scholarly conclusion to draw from it all. I just know my life has been spent here. The amount of love and time... I hope the love continues and God's work remains within these walls. So much is represented by them for me, for us.

Hmm... maybe sometime soon I'll post about something in life at the moment other than the house, like my birthday. Still have a post from the camping trip in draft... :-P

_
Highly Recommended Movie:Freedom Writers

Handcuffs Smoothies Movies & Baseball

• The littlest munchkin handcuffed his ankles together (or maybe his older brother/Irish twin did it for him), and it took us nearly an hour to get the things off. Needle nose pliers, a papersclip, a bobbypin, keys, and a butterknife were all attempted. He laid there reading Curious George and watching some show, completely undisturbed. I was upstairs, completely unaware, until I came down seeking some sort of nourishment. When I saw him I immediately thought of the story of my uncle who got his head stuck in the bars of his crib, got to meet a fireman, and even get his picture in the paper.
  

• I cant find the camera USB cord & that's not good since I need it.
  

• We rented Pursuit of Happyness last night. I'm pondering whether to go into what I thought about it...

• As we were sitting down to watch the movie, everyone voiced that we think Dave's gonna be a construction engineer. We didnt know what the difference between that and an industrial engineer was. Dad said, "he was born for it."

• Throwing frozen strawberries in the blender, using the chop button a few times followed by the puree button makes a yummy substance. Steve's allergic to strawberries. I mixed him a concoction upon his request of 1 banana + a lot of peanut butter + some water, the whole time thinking "how nasty." It came out a soupy, mushed up banana-y muted brown color. I never tried it though I am usually very keen on trying new foods. He gobbled it down and said it was delicious!

• The K-man cant wait till school's over (that's not a news flash around here). He's already been to work with Dad several times. Steve's gone too. We've got a plethora (one of my favorite words!) of caulking tube airplanes and spaceships.
  

• I did some very, very interesting scholarship/college research yesterday. It spurred me on to work hard for sure. I've set some high goals. I dont even know what I want to study. God has a plan. My plan currently is to do my best, seeing as a chunk of His plan hasnt been revealed yet. I need to do the best work I can so that I am equipped for Him to use me in the way that He desires.
  

• Found out that we might get to visit with Aunt Betty depending on what we're doing for the 4th of July :-)

& I'm off to get ready for my softball pictures this early afternoon. The other two players and Coach are at the field now. There were pictures at 9am, game at 10; pictures at 1pm, game at 2:15 at a different field; pictures at 1:30, practice right after til 4pm at a different field.

Lights Camera Interview...Roll Film

Name three of your top favorite movies.

I wouldnt even know where to begin really.
Movies would just keep popping into my brain one after another. I tried to think of a good way to tie the word popping in with movie theater popcorn...not coming to me. Back to the show...

If I tried hard enough, got creative enough, and made sure our video camera's battery was charged enough, this would be a cool contest to enter. It'd be awesome. [alot like you Mike.]

Recently Feeling

two songs I heard today "struck a note" with me. I cut the lyrics abit, making them more precise for how I saw them. That's probably technically not a good thing to do considering a song is someone's masterpiece...

It's a long wait at the gate;

Up and down again, but this time it's different.
It took some waiting to straighten out the bend,
At times it was difficult.
Got a new life, It takes some getting used to but...

I’m always in this place where the things I seem to take are the things I wish would fade.
I always purpose in my heart to do things the right way then I realize I’m still clay, and this piece that’s being shaped will be a beauty you create.

I am nothing without your love.
I’m unworthy but your death has been enough
I’m completed by your touch, but I feel like I’ve been given so much and I thank you!

No sign of any rain. My skies are clear today.
I keep bracing for that hit, But there's not sign of it.
No obstacles in sight.
My skies are clear tonight; My skies are full of light.
I keep thinking I might see that cloud arrive,
Oh, but there's no sign of it...No sign of it.

I wouldn’t even face all the troubles of the day if it wasn’t for your grace.
Sometimes I even wait to see if I’m awake...seems so good I can’t relate.
Tour every word I crave, and I’m grateful for every breath I take.

When I’m feeling all my shame; You won’t let it stay.
I sail away into your love. I’m taking every day to give my life away.
It’s the only way I know.

And as I look around, it's all new ground.
The leaves on the trees touch down;
it's been a long road, a heavy load.
I just simply had to go, had to get here hard as it's been.

Debate Airing on ABC.com

Actor Kirk Cameron and best-selling author Ray Comfort will square off with two atheists in New York on Saturday, May 5. They will broadcast the entire debate on ABC.com on Wednesday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m. EST. ABC's website is already the 7th most visited news site, with 19 million visitors every month. The debate will be moderated by Martin Bashir, and on May 9 a shortened version of the debate will be aired on Nightline also on Wednesday 9th.

Comfort -- who claims he can prove the existence of God, scientifically, without mentioning faith or the Bible -- stated, "...I'm ecstatic. I can prove the existence of God in that amount of time [13 minutes].

"We are very grateful to ABC for taking this courageous step," Comfort continued. "As far as we know, nothing like this has ever been done before.

Is there actually evidence for God? That's the most important question any of us will ever consider."

Cameron added, "...Most people think that belief in God is simply a matter of blind faith, and that His existence can't be proven. We will not only prove that God exists, but as an ex-atheist I'll show that the issue keeping so many people from believing in God -- Darwinian evolution -- is completely unscientific. It's a fairy-tale for grownups."

The debate came about after ABC ran a story in January about hundreds of atheists videotaping themselves blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

"But," Comfort continued, "there is something more sinister here than a few people not believing in God. Why would so many be so bitter against Christianity in particular? Why aren't they making videos that blaspheme Buddha or Mohammed or Ghandi? We made our own video clip and posted it on www.Hollywoodblasphemy.com to expose why.

As of May 2 there is still an opportunity for people to join in the debate, by submitting questions that will be passed on to the panelists. ABC will limit the live audience to 100 people, evenly divided between atheists and believers.

A Language Lesson Thanks to Walt Disney

sty·mie also sty·my

• (stm) tr.v.sty·mied(-md), sty·mie·ing also sty·my·ing(-m-ng), sty·mies (-mz) To thwart; stump: a problem in thermodynamics that stymied half the class.
  
• n.1. An obstacle or obstruction. 2. Sports A situation in golf in which an opponent's ball obstructs the line of play of one's own ball on the putting green.
  

I'm vaguely remembering a kid on The Little Rascals named 'Stymie.' If my memory's serving me correctly, and that kid's name really was "an obstacle or obstruction," that's just too funny. Words are just plain fun.

I had an urge to look this one up. Never had before:

Supercalifagilisticexpialitrocious [ˌsu.pəˌkæ.lɪˌfræ.dʒəl.ɪs.tɪkˌɛk.spi.æ.lɪˈdəʊ.ʃəs]) (super-cala-frag-a-listic-ex-pee-al-a-dough-shus)

• Roots of the word have been defined, as Richard Lederer writes in his book Crazy English as follows: super- "above," cali- "beauty," fragilistic- "delicate," expiali- "to atone," and docious- "educable," with the sum of these parts signifying roughly "Atoning for educatability through delicate beauty."

PS: Please forgive the awkward square doodles in the definition of stymie. Dunno where they came from or how to boot them back there!

Radio Message Listening

A few mixmatch notes from-

I turned my radio on this morning and listened to Jack Hayford for a half an hour. I was doing other things in my room [folding clothes, making the bed etc.], but instead of music, I chose to listen to the words of his sermon because pictures of W. Wilburforce reciting Psalms while walking to Parliament and a chapter of Humility: True Greatness which says to use one's travel time each day for meditation flooded my head. Hayford spoke on bearing our own burdens and those of others. Love was emphasized.

Just as I was ready to turn my attention from listening, C.J. Mahaney's name was said. My attention was renewed, and I decided, making the choice to put off my schoolwork for another half an hour, to listen in and take some notes. The announcer for the station referred to Sovereign Grace as a "movement of churches." I dont know why that struck me or why I remembered. I usually think family rather than movement.

In [incredibly] short- great message on modesty.

In Review

Easter has come. and gone.
I wouldnt describe our entire day as having a peaceful aura to it, but I would say that it held very good memories. Dad and I served on the welcome ministry for the first time. Dad told Mr R. that "we had the best Sunday out of the year to do it." Doing the guest packets was interesting...I'll get better at it. I was "proud" of the way we passed the offering. Good communication. haha.

Mr P.'s message couldnt have been better for our family who came . There couldnt have been any more exact words to speak to him. My prayer was that he was listening.

It didnt really feel much like Easter here as far as the weather. A good amount of girls shuffled into church with their Easter dresses on looking lovely but consequently froze. It was in the 30-40 degree range outside. COLD. My dad told one family they're girls looked"like an Easter basket" coming out of their van. I had 15 minutes to get dressed having spent a chunk of time trying to revamp a jean skirt so that it was wearable. When will I learn to do such things the day before?! I ended up going the dress pants route. Guys have it easy...just wear a suit or dress shirt, look spiffy, and always be warm.

We spent eh, two hours aprx at Gram's house, just hanging around basically. That part was peaceful now that I think of it. Just some fruit and candy and veggies oh & pierogies to munch. We each got a choco bunny and an Easter egg with our name on it. Mine was lime ;-) Next stop was home. Some of Dad's family came over at 5pm. Grandparents, one uncle, four cousins. Gram marveled at the fact that we had dyed eggs and in response noted how she had noticed Mr P.'s mention of eggs and choco bunnies [which she gifted us with later]. Dinner was outstanding & much awaited. Pierogies, hot sausage, potato au gratin [I know that's not spelled correctly], fresh steamed broccoli, stuffed cabbage, pasta-ish potato salad...I think I'm missing something.

I wanted to include a picture of the night before Easter with the choco crosses Dad and I bought at a local candy shop, but Blogger's being buggy. Dave always makes the goofiest faces. It'll be a wonder if we ever end up with a real smiling picture of him.

This month's calendar is quite filled it seems though I cant put my finger on distinct reasons why
-My paper which I will be working on as soon as this post is ca put

-skipping FUSE and a pirate party this weekend for a trip north to see my cuz in her HS musical
-KB leaving, other friends graduating and discovering what good they can bring to the world
-softball and baseball gearing up.the boys are already set. I have a "meeting" at the field tonight
-two weddings coming soon [whoohoo for both couples!]
-trying desperately to finish what I set out to do in all areas of my life...only by the power of Christ in me.

The highlight of last week other than EC was a trip to an house of rather overpriced merchandise [boutique mall] to see Amazing Grace with a buddy. PHENOMENAL has been the word I've been using. I'd like to do a review of it right here and now, but alas the clock ticks. I also watched Little Women, the 1933 version with K. Hepburn. In my mind I did an interesting comparison between that version and the version with Winona Ryder. Love's Unending Legacy was on Hallmark channel on Saturday night, and as a family we watched...painfully aware of what an horrible script that had been concocted. I found out today that Micheal Landon Jr didnt produce it, and that pretty much explained the dramatic differences between the first two movies in the series and these most recent ones. I'll watch all the forthcoming ones, just because it's a series. I wanna see how badly he can botch a storyline...or if he can make a steep comeback. I missed watching Easter Parade [a classic favorite] for seeing Napoleon Dynamite for the first time all the way through on Sunday night.

PS: I wrote a post last week, using our eBay purchased, recently refurbished yet technologically ancient laptop & as my mouse hovered the publish button, the inevitable. Connection was lost & all applications lost.

Watch a Good Movie Buy a Good Book & Be Green

On the entertainment front, I recently watched Flicka. The fam is at this moment in the living room watching the newest Rocky; I watched it earlier this week. Flicka's got a great soundtrack. The landscapes are lovely. As far as the storyline, it was lacking. There were several emotionally well-executed scenes. I dont think I'll ever easily forget a D.B./H.Q quote from when we went Christmas caroling: "We need to go see a good movie." "Flicka!" "We need to go see a good movie..." The newest Rocky's not my favorite. It doesnt have a high level of action or anticipation. It is in keeping with the rest of the series, and closes the story off quite well with Adrian's death, the complete reconciliation of father/son, and the restuarant which Rocky has opened.

[Random Google Searching Pays]

Tomorrow is the homeschool book fair. So I can't decide what to wear--my taupe or navy skirt with my taupe or navy shirt?! Or should I go for the jean jumper and tshirt? Yes, that was a homeschool "dress code" joke. Dont beat me up for it. I have no problems with wearing skirts or being simple. I just take a somewhat humerous stand point at times on the whole scene. We didnt go last year; we didnt think we needed to with planning on cyber schooling. Next year will be 11th grade and as well as Abeka has served us, I'm sick of it. We're looking into a somewhat-local Christian/classical education study center for next year. I have several ideas as far as morphing what I need to study and what I want to study and how I want to go about it. I am sure Mum has a plan for shopping with the boys too. It'll be a fun day. Definitely.

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day.
Since I'm not legal & will dare say that even if I was I wouldnt be celebrating thoroughly like a true Irish woman, I'll be decking myself out in one of my favorite colors, taking pictures that will make those who arent in them green with envy [just kidding!] and eating yummy [hopefully] green food with good friends.

Exploring Christianity this week was neat. K.B. and D.C. led a seperate group I was included in of the under 18 folks. K.B. was seated in Mr. P's authoratative chair and conversation was abuzz. Such GREAT questions were asked. I'd never been in Mr Pierson's office before and I enjoyed it thoroughly...the photos of his family, the mustache/nose glasses on the top shelf that I had heard the story behind the previous week, the picture of the city. The shelves of books are the most remembered part. I recognized title after title and just wanted to sit there reading each and every one.

Back to the Music

Death Cab for Cutie folks. This song started it all. I havent listened to much of them, but from what I've heard I think the style is great. They're earned a place in the entertainment list.

In other music news: I spent two hours last night painting cardboard tubes for the game Anna and I are doing for the festival Sunday and then cleaning and organizing the main room of the basement. You cant walk in the closet [you couldnt do that before I cleaned the main room though] and the laundry room is pretty messy. But all the coats by the door look neat and the bookeshelves look prim. Oh I was talking about music--that whole two hours was spent jamming to 70's tunes. Groovy. ;-) James Taylor, Marvin Gaye, Cat Stevens. Your basic Remember the Titan's soundtrack. Love it.

Tonight: get ready; get set...spread the gospel! The kick-off's at 7pm. Excited. So very excited.

Classical Surf Tunes

I can see that title now as a genre-- right next to 'pop' and 'rhythm and blues.' Just playing =D
--ah! a joke! just playing...like just messing around...ok. enough of my 'lame' humor for one post.

The discovery of this band came out of a Google search which was part of an ongoing pursuit along with a friend to understand music genres & my own personal, [everchanging] music style.

[The Baronics]
Bach. surf style. niiice.

Another Musical Discovery

Aaron Shust: Anything Worth Saying
My Savior My God

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at his right hand
Stands one who is my savior

My savior loves, my savior lives
My savior's always there for me
My God he was, My God he is
My God he's always gonna be

I take him at his word and deed
Christ died to save me this I read
And in my heart I find a need
For him to be my savior

Yes, living, dying; let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring
That he who lives to be my king
Once died to be my savior

That he would leave his place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my savior

music: it expresses the inexpressible

It's amazing.
AOL AIM Radio is playing. Christian/Gospel: Christian. A song I've never heard starts to play. Not unusual. It's an artist that I've heard of, but have not had an interest in before. I catch a few lyrics. Then head to google to look up the rest. Tonight that song was Brave by Nicole Nordeman. When I googles, the rest of these songs came up. I had to put them too. I've never heard the music to the others; I would like to. As I read these words they just hit on several people or situations or personal thoughts that I've had lately. The purpose in posting: personal future reference.


Brave
The gate is wide
The road is paved in moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
You're safe and sound and
Until now it's where I've been

'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything
But it's been love, Your love, that cuts the strings

So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave

I am small
And I speak when I'm spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
I say Your name
Just Your name and I'm ready to jump
Even ready to fall...

Why did I take this vow of compromise?
Why did I try to keep it all inside?

I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if you believe in me
That changes everything
So long, I'm gone

What If
What if you're right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you're right?
What if it's true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you?re wrong?


Real To Me
Every time I try to find you
Every road comes back around
Just another hoop to jump through
Another mile of covered ground

I am weary of the answers
More theory and cliche
They raise the letter of the law like a banner
'Til you're small and far away

All the questions in my head
Are from my heart instead

Every scribe and every scholar
No winners in this debate
Everybody seems to stand up taller
When you're easy to explain

I don't need to know what I don't know
Just got to let it go

Be real to me now
That's all I'm asking
Be real somehow
More than anything
More than anything

So lay down the sword
And put away the doctrine
Love a little more, love a little more
'Cause everybody's broken

Crimson
One choice
One tree
One fall for humanity
One lie
One liar
One bite is all death required
One great regret
One squandered chance, and yet
One hope
One day
One name above all other names
One bridge between then and now
One way to discover how
One price
One tree
One drop of crimson covers me

Hold On

So hold on
Love will find you
Hold on
He's right behind you now
Just turn around
And love will find you

To hang between two thieves in the darkness
Love must believe you are worth it


Live
Did you come that we might just survive?
Did you come so we could just get by?
Did you walk among us
So we might merely limp along beside?

I was bound, I have been set free
But I have settled for apathy
Did you come to make me new
And know I'd crawl right back into the skin you found me in?

It's where I am, not where I've been

You make me want to live
You make me want to live
You came to shake us
And to wake us up to something more
Than we'd always settled for
And you make me want to live

We've all been up on the mountain top
A golden glow that?s bound to soon wear off
Then it's back to the mundane telling tales of glory days
When we were hopeful that this change was here to stay

So why would a young man
Live in a waste land
When the castle of his dreams is standing by?
Why would a princess
Put on an old dress
To dance with her beloved and a chance to catch his eye?

i wish i had an easy button right about now...

if you've never seen the office depot commercial that I guess that title line wouldnt make much sense =P if Mr R stopped by then he could just do it for me!

Check out the cube animation bout halfway down the page:
Prrrreety nifty

New Year "New Start"

Yup.
2007.
New Year.
Stayed up until 2am last night. Slept in until 11am. Everyone else was sleeping by 1am. We banged a few pots and watched the neighbor across the street fill the street with smoke from these humungo fireworks in his backyard. Kevin set off one that he had saved from July. Banging pots & mainly seeing Steve bang pots was a nice memory.
My enthusiasm torwards the new year has decreased compared to past years I think. I'm trying to maintain some level of it though, and that making that memory helped =)

My first thought when I woke up this morning was "It's just another day."
Not the most positive, energetic thought, but there it was. I know its the beginning of a new year. Beginnings and endings are milestones in life when ya think about it. In that respect I would say its worth acknowledging.


Television last night was horrible. We thought that there would at least be some good old movies on. Nope. nothin. just trashy singers and all the regular junk that's on late at night. Kevin and I played Monopoly.

My only resolution is to read my Bible. I read my Bible now as it is, so I guess the resolution part comes with my attitude and willingness and desire to do it. My nature is to make it into just another step on my To Do list & as of yesterday I realized I dont want it to be that. The plan that came to me yesterday at lunch is what I think I'm going to do: read a Psalm and/or Proverb every day and then decide on a few books in the NT to read.

I was looking through a list of verses that I compiled this summer and these stood out to me as I looked at them tonight:

Proverbs 31:8-9
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Ecc. 7: 23-9
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Ecc. 12:13-14
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

As I was looking through the list I also had Revelation 22:13-14 written down. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
The words 'begining and end' continue the thought aprx 52 lines above =D

Final words: I have no clue what the activities of the day shall be [nothing new there]. I'm thinking of all of our friends and family. I hope they're all well & safe & happy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007
[gotta get used to writing that date]
TO ALL FROM ALL OF US