20 Best Books

These are the 20 top books that have impacted me the most... not necessarily in any order.

1 Miss Twiggley’s Tree This is my all time favorite children’s book. It is a sweet sing song-e story with a great moral at the end especially geared for a kids like me… a little bit shy.

2 Allure of Hope by Jan Meyers Many years ago it occurred to me that hope is a risk and that just didn’t make sense. Jan Meyers explained why hope is a risk and why it’s a necessary risk to take to live life to the fullest. This book has answered nagging questions and has done more to impact my spiritual growth than most any other book. I go back to it from time to time and let her wisdom seep back into my parched having-a-hard-time-with-hope-soul.

3 Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hannah Hunnard As evidence by the series of devotionals I wrote based from this book it is clearly a favorite and also made a huge impact on my Christian walk. Each time I have read it I have gotten something new out it.

4 Sacred Romance by John Eldredge & Brent Curtis For me this book was like eating a large steak I had to read each chapter twice to get it fully digested. But all this additional chewing was well worth it. It just filled in the blanks, and made me feel beloved by the lover of my soul and that’s a good feeling.

5 Journey of Desire by John Eldredge I had never thought too much about heaven but this book made me realize that eternity is full of worship and that it will be more than singing the same chorus over and over. This made me feel a lot more comfortable about going to heaven… I have also been challenged not to let my deep desires go unnoticed or repressed but to live them out to the glory of God

6 Wild at Heart by John Eldredge If you want to understand men better then this is the book to read. If you know a man that seems a little lost in a world that tries to make men be “nice” and stay in the cubicles at work you might encourage them to read it as well.

7. 10,000 Things to Praise God There have been times when finding something to praise God for has been difficult. There have been times when I just wanted to know what someone else was praising God for. In college, my roommate Brandy and I would read a few pages from this book before going to bed and we would highlight or star the ones we felt a particular “Amen” to. It’s the kind of book you keep on reading over and over.

8 What Happens When Women Pray Great stories, truly meaningful ideas that can be implemented so easily into a prayer group. One of the simplest yet effective ideas I have gotten is when praying in a small group where each person shares, to pray after each person instead of at the end after everyone has shared. Something so simple has made an impact on the prayer groups I have been in because for a few minutes the focus is on just one person and their needs.

9 I Went to the Animal Fair (Heather Harpham Knopp The best way I can describe this book is that it comes full circle in such a beautiful way. It is a painful book but sometimes to deal with our own pain we need to process with someone that has been down that road before. Healing can be grueling but in the end quite glorious. I marvel over her writing style and say to myself at the conclusion of each chapter, “She is a genius for tying all these random ends together.” The author captures the day to day, moment to moment process with poetic prose and imagery that is real and sometimes startling… but that’s life isn’t?

10 Anticipatience. Finally a Singles book that doesn’t read like fingernails on a chalk board. OK not everyone will agree with me on that note. There was some of the usual stuff in there, but there was actually some new ideas in here that I had just never thought of before. And I got all fired up. Just ask my dad…

11 The Complete Works of E.M.Bounds I discovered Bounds at time when I was in a season of prayer and fasting and a little brokenhearted. He just made sense and was in a way a cheerleader for lack of a better word to keep on praying and then pray some more because it does matter. It does make a difference. I often got a picture of this fiery little man standing on a soapbox under a big tent saying with great authority and fervor, “The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men…Men of prayer."

12 The Spirit Controlled Woman by Beverly LaHaye This in depth look into personality temperaments was just eye-opening to me 10 years ago when I first read it. I started to figure out why I do some of the things I do and why I act the way I act and what I can do to harness my weaknesses and make them into strengths. Mostly it helped identify my strengths and weakness so I could put a name to a feeling or reaction.

13 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Yet again one of the books that’s made a huge impact on my life. Though you’d never know from my dating track record… It has helped me understand people, students and significant others (when I happen to have one) much better.

14 Daughter of China by C. Hope Flinchbaugh I am partial to this book because I met the author and she deeply ministered to me. Her novel is a phenomenal look into the terrors and joys of being a Christian in China.

15 Love Walked Among Us By Paul Miller Jesus became so much more real to me as I was reading this book. It was challenging and refreshing. I just kept thinking I wish ______ would read this book that way they could see who Jesus really is.

16 The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall & David Manuel it has been a long time since I read this but American history came alive for me in this book and to think about how God’s hand was constantly on this fledgling nation was just awe-inspiring.

17 Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing I refer to this book quite often when a case of hypochondria over takes me or I hear of a friend or loved one that has some kind of health issue. It is a good place to start in understanding the condition and offering some alternative healthcare suggestions. I used the book extensively when I was battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

18 The Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson by Mary Rowlandson I read this as part of American Literature class in college. I had never heard of the story/book before and I was greatly moved. At 20 it started to sink into my head the importance of memorizing scripture or at the very least memorizing the principles and concepts and getting the truth deeply planted in the heart so that when in some kind of “captivity” you will always have the truth of scripture with you. Mary survived an Indian captivity because the Word was in heart and it gave her strength to rely on the truth she had studied. I made it my business to get to a place where I really knew scripture well because of this book.

19 Loving Soren This was a page turner for me and also a timely much needed look into what happens when we make an idol of the man we love. It was not your typical novel. It is based on the life of Soren Kierkegaard, I am convinced that it was a better read for me because I didn’t know anything about Soren other than that he was a famous writer/philosopher. Not knowing more about him made the book more suspenseful.

20 No Compromise by Melody Green This is the autobiography of Keith Green lyricists of numerous praise and worship songs. This is the book the Holy Spirit led me to and used to teach and prepare me for some trying times.

Riddle

Riddle: What do you get when you put together a wedding, a hospitable friend and a couple plane tickets?

Answer: A couple out for an adventure.

But where?: The home of my old "fathers & mothers", where sunflowers grow tall, wine flows freely and a tomato gets its name from one of the country's major cities.
"Arrivederci, Havertown PA"...

I am going on a vacation in 10 days!

St. Peter's Rocks

Well it could go either way St. Peter's rocks or St. Peter's ROCKS!

In this case, I am really talking about rocks...

Walter and I went hiking on a rocky creek in St. Peter's Village. It was a pleasant day for climbing from rock to rock... my favorite pastime! Kids were splashing around in the water. Others were making there way on the maze of rocks. Some just watched as the rest of us played.

It's such an exhilarating place! Can even be a cure for PMS induced crankiness! (At least for me anyway.) We climbed large boulders. It is a problem solving sort of place because you really have to think about how to get from here to there without getting wet or hurt!

And towards the end we found a rock to sit on and dip our feet in without actually having to touch the slimy bottom. As much as I love creeks I can't tolerate the slimy rocks!

In the Valley

Vrooom went my engine as I climbed the steep hill wondering if I should take it like the Dukes of Hazzard or slower like an Amish buggie. I decided on slow, figuring I would savor better the valley that is revealed when you drive this stretch of road.

Yeah, good thing I opted for slow so I could see the deer coming into the road just over the hill! Valley Forge deer are so trusting and I often wonder what the % is of deer that get hit by cars. Thankfully, my car didn't increase the %.

Mr. Hillman

...He was one of my favorite people, but I am not the only one who felt that way. This was evidenced today by the sheer number of people who came to say good-bye one last time and mourn as well as rejoice with his family.

Mr. Hillman in direct and indirect way impacted my life in tremendous ways. I might have done some pretty dumb things were it not for the Hillmans...

Every Tuesday night for at least 3 years I went to the Hillman's house for Bible Study, fellowship, and chili dip. Though the numbers of people ebbed and flowed over those years, I kept going because I loved the Hillmans. I was always greeted with a hug and kiss on the cheek by Mr. Hillman. He could tell the best stories about stuff that happened during the day. He had charisma and a welcoming spirit. He loved Jesus and everyone that knew him knew he loved Jesus, but it was never obnoxious or overbearing. It was real. It was genuine.

I watched for years as he poured out his heart into so many young people's lives -ice hockey players and young adults from the church. He gave his time and loved us. In loving us, you either were introduced to the love of Jesus or you learned to love Jesus more.

Its hard to think of him not being on earth anymore. Hard to think of him not beside Cathy. Hard to think of his 3 grandchildren not getting to know their Poppy like we all got to know him.
But when I think of him with Jesus and how utterly happy he is in heaven smiling that smile I loved, I can't help but be excited.

Because you know, I been to a lot of funerals for people who were really "good" people... but you don't know for sure where there heart was with Jesus. I know where his heart was -as did everyone else.

I saw so many people today that I haven't seen in years. People I cared deeply for or were deeply touched by. Years fall away as you embrace and cry together. While old friends were united to remember you, I think you, Mr. Hillman are up there running into all the people you haven't seen in years that went before. And someday will meet up again -maybe in even enjoy some chili-dip!

Welcome

Gerbera daisies are such a friendly flower. This old wash tub I have adopted as a home for these welcoming flowers. They usually bloom all summer long. It just so happened that all the flowers died off at the same time so for a couple of weeks I just had lush green leaves. But as you call see they are back to blooming again... welcoming us home each day and greeting our guests with bright hellos.

Find out more on gerbera daisies... http://www.plantfacts.com/Family/Asteraceae/Gerbera.jamesonii.shtml

Sounds, Smells and Tastes of Summer

The Sounds

A new family has moved in with us. Because they are small birds I call them house wrens because to me all small birds are house wrens! I really have no idea what they are but they are cute. I was able to catch a photo of them urging momma to hurry up with breakfasting by their persistent chirping. I did think I might be taking my life in my hands... I got the idea momma was watching me closely and was ready for a fight if need be!

The Smells

My roommate and I were in the yard one evening looking at our mimosa tree. She told me the story of how when she first moved here she was so intrigued one night by the fragrance that she ended up walking right into a mimosa and the sweet smelling blossoms tickled her nose. It's not hard to see why. They do have the sweetest scent and I simply love the leaves of this tree; their just as airy as the flowers. My own funny story with a mimosa tree is this... I was talking to my college boyfriend's dad and suggested that he smell the mimosa flowers I had been rolling around in my hands but he said, "No, I haven't been able to smell in years." I sure felt dumb!

The Tastes

For the past few years dad and I have gone to pick blueberries at a small farm in town. We tie an old coffee can around our wastes and lose ourselves and sometimes each other in rows of blueberry bushes. I do so love the sound of the first few berries plinking into the can. For $5 and about 45 minutes of time we come away with approximately 12 cups of blueberries. My favorite recipe is a blueberry buckle or crumble... basically blueberries baked till bubbly with some butter, flour and sugar crumbled on top. YUMMY

picture from http://www.food-info.net/uk/colour/anthocyanin.htm

Bedlam

Today, I was expecting bedlam. Instead everything went smoothly! Why does that surprise me? After all I prayed a lot about this particular day and the challenges I knew I would face. Moving the office, 10 Chinese Scholars visiting, not to mention my regular duties.

Still I was surprised that I got everything done I needed to at the Post Office and the Chinese Food Restaurant and the van rental place. I even managed to print, fold and stuff 40 letters despite being surrounded by many boxes. And we got things straightened out with EZPass! A major scratch off the list!

I guess I am the worst case scenario girl. I always think the worst and then can't believe it (and yet also relieved) when it doesn't happen.

I had the chance to spend a little time talking to an older lady tonight who reminded me of many answered prayers. Today was proof that God is in the small details and he does answer prayer.

He smooths things out to prevent bedlam - sometimes. Perhaps this is because he knows sometimes we'll appreciate his goodness and love toward us in the smoothness of things rather than us having to smooth out the bedlam.

I am not sure what expect tomorrow bedlam or smooth sailing but goodness and love will be there.

Reminds Me of the Wardrobe... in Narnia

We'll be moving into our new office suite next week Right now, I am surrounded by boxes and volunteers. They are eager to help, but they leave me flustered as I am not a good mover, packer, or delegater. And I don't like to be rushed.

I have seen a lot go into this building as the skilled workers came and went and did there thing.
And now that it is almost finished I have been able to go from one building to another with great ease... now that the wall between the buildings is a doorway.

To get to the new building you have to go through the supply closet and each time I open the door and go through the dark closet full of paper, envelopes, boxes and a refrigerator I am struck by what a strange sense of delight it causes. I get the sense that I am like Lucy or Edmund climbing through the Wardrobe into Narnia. I am walking through confusion and dusty boxes into something new and kind of unchartered.

It won't be this way for long... soon the closet will be demolitioned, but for now I will hold on to that bit of wonder each little trek through the closet to the new building creates.

Steaming Toward the DuPonts

Walter drives steam cars for fun, he took me, his parents and my grandpop on a Steam Car Tour Wednesday. One of the stops was at one of the home of a DuPont... you know Teflon, black powder, "Safety First"...

What a thrill to be there and bring my Pop.

I come from a long line of DuPont employees. My great-grandfather Luigi Fabiani worked at the Repauno dynamite factory for 40some years, my grandpop was a supervisor at Jackson Lab -and prides himself on knowing the names and spelling of everyone who worked there. And my dad was a draftsman for 30some years at DuPont. For my whole life, I have been influenced by the importance of "Safety First," something my dad brought home as a lesson for his family to learn. So what an opportunity to meet one of the ancestors of a man whose chemistry advancements and business sense has financially supported the Fabianis for well over 50 years.

Our gracious hosts provided lunch on the lawn under a tent for the group of 60+ Steam Car Tour participants. Our lovely hosts coupled with the weather made this one of the most delightful days -at times I felt like I stuck in an extra long Eden Moment! Billowy clouds, refreshing breeze, warm sun but not too hot, stunning views and just this sense that I was in a special moment for so many reasons. The only thing that was missing was an organza dress and flower-donned hat, but even that was ok.

Mr. DuPont took Pop and I for a tour of his pipe organ, and he shared personal family stories. We had the opportunity to wander around this first floor, which revealed a couple who are classy and yet very down to earth and family orientated!

It was a wonder full day and I am glad I was able to spend this time with my Pop.

A Fedex to....

So you'll never guess who I sent a Fedex to today?

Hillary Rodham Clinton!

Not that I am a fan... but you know when you live a simple life and you get to send a Fedex to a presidential candidate who has the potential to turn the United States into more a liberal country than it already is well... it is certainly something to blog about.

So you know what, I was thinking about the most the whole time I was in the Fedex shop?
Is my hand writing neat enough???

I don't think it was very neat. Mostly, I am concerned someone at the Senate office say, "What idiot wrote this scribble out?" Ultimately, it is legible enough for the Fedex guy... I guess that's the most important part.


I also saw a very large man walking a very tiny dog. That struck me as funny!

Hope Abounds Even for the Over 30?

In Unprotected I read (on page 120-121) about Amanda who is 38 and now wants children. This is her reality...

"Even if she soon falls in love and marries, ... her chances of conceiving
each month have decreased by 75%, compared to when she was 30.
Of course, it could still happen, if she's lucky. But if she does conceive,
the possibility of miscarriage has tripled, the rate of still birth has doubled,
and the risk of genetic abnormality is six times as great. Her pregnancy is
more likely to be complicated by high blood pressure or diabetes and her
baby is more likely to be premature or low birth weight, conditions associated
with neurological impairment as well as sudden infant death."

If you are over 30 and want kids but are missing a husband, you probably know some of these statistics. If you are over 30 and want a career and still think you have time for kids after your career is established you may not know these statistics... welcome to the over 30 reality.

Ok so where is the abounding hope? God opens the womb and He closes the womb and we should trust His will for our life. Well yeah...

Still when I read about Amanda, I got nervous for myself. I certainly haven't chosen singleness. I mean I wanted to be married with kids by now, that's not been my lot in life so far. I am one headed for "high risk pregnancy." This of course made me think of some of my girlfriends who are in the same boat - some a little older some a littler younger than me.

And yes God is sovereign and we need to trust Him, but sometimes its really hard. And sometimes what God gives us doesn't make us happy.

But I am encouraged, because stirring within me is an urgency to double my efforts to pray and encourage hope. A couple months ago, I purchased 4 copies of The Allure of Hope (my favorite book) to give away. I feel that strongly about that book. I wanted my friends to be challenged and encouraged by it the way I was.

Recipient #1 called me the other day and was surprisingly impressed with the book.
Recipient #2 told me tonight "it is the best book I have ever read. It is drawing me to close to God. Every page has something..."
Recipient #3 is waiting for school to let out
Recipient #4 will be receiving her copy soon.

Recipient #4 has my heart aching for her because she is just so frustrated. She wants a good man and to have children and she is seeking God and praying, but still having to deal with the reality of age and seeing other people get what she wants.

So as I was out walking tonight, God laid it on my heart to fast for her. One of the other struggles of being over 30 is the few extra pounds you never had before. You may not be able to see it but I do. I can say "no" to cookies and cakes, but I don't. But I will, I'll do it for you #4 because I know and understand your pain and frustration. And I don't want to see you facing what "Amanda" is facing... anymore than I do!

So hope is abounding, the Allure of Hope is doing its works among many hearts, I am planning to say "no" to cookies, cakes, sweet breads and pancakes, God is at work in matching me & my girlfriends with men who will love, adore and walk the paths of righteousness with them and He does open the wombs... so apparently hope is abounding even for the over 30

So Cool

Walter and I were brousing Barnes and Noble Sunday, when I spoted a familiar pink book.
Cup of Comfort for Women. I have 3 devotionals in this daily inspirational book. What a marvelous thrill to see you name in print in the middle of Barnes and Noble! Its pretty cool!

Best Chain Letter Ever

One of the best email "fowards" I have seen in a long time.
I got a really good laugh out of this one!

The Chain Letter We've Been Waiting For
by Nora Ephron

Dear Friends,
This chain letter was started in hopes of bringing relief to tired and discouraged women.
Just send a copy of this letter to five of your female friends who are equally tired and discontented.

Then bundleup the man in your life, send him to the woman whose name appears at the top of the following list, and add your name to the bottom of the list. When your turn comes,
you will receive 15,625 men. One of them is bound to be better than the one you already have, if you have one.

At the writing of this letter, a friend of mine had already received 184 men, all of whom were better than the sad example she starte out with. An unmarried woman living with her widowed mother was able to choose between a Chippendale dancer and an Olympic swimmer.

You can be lucky, too, but DO NOT BREAK THE CHAIN! One woman broke the chain and got her own husband back! So let's keep it going, ladies! Just add your name and address to the list below: Laura Bush 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC

Ok so its a little twisted... but you got to admit its funny... though I for one wouldn't trade my Walter in for any of the 15,625 men I could get...

World's Colliding

Tonight was social night for the Bible study girls -destination the Devon Horse Show.
While waiting for everyone to show up we watched the end of Seinfeld.

In this episode, George was freaking out because his "worlds" were colliding. His friend Elaine started hanging out with his girlfriend and George wanted to keep his friends separate from his girlfriend. George said, "World's are colliding! George is getting upset!"

I've never been to the Devon Horse Show. However, I have been to the 4-H fair. It didn't take too long to figure out that there is a pretty big difference. At a 4-H fair you'll find the usually farm animals, as well as plenty of kids and adults in jeans and boots or sneakers. You'll find people from average middle class families - real down to earth types. But at the Devon Horse, I noticed that worlds were colliding before my very eyes! Just like George I kept saying, "World's are colliding!" I can't say I was getting upset but I was overly visually stimulated! I wish had been able to take pictures... but here is a visual snapshot of worlds colliding it might make for an interesting tale... maybe a horse tale.

I'll start out there... with the horse's tale... The horse's tale was dragging on the ground! I never saw a tale so long before! He was the Crystal Gail of horses! The horse's rider wore a shirt with large sequins. They won. But honestly, all the horses were doing the same thing I don't know how they pick a winner.

Throughout the show/competition there was someone playing an organ, which reminded me of Larry Ferrari who none of you will remember or even know about but... it was a fond memory from childhood.

Then, there was green pants guy... He wore kelly green pants, a non-matching striped shirt and one of those scarf things that men who drink port and smoke pipes wear. He walked around like he drinks port and smokes pipes too.

There was yellow dress girl... Her dress was too short and her bosoms were hanging out. She was walking around with a good looking guy who was wearing seersucker shorts. I don't know a single guy who wears seersucker shorts. (Ok maybe I have seen my Grampop wear something in a seersucker.) Clearly though this guy fell into the preppy world of which apparently I am not a part of... was I ever?

Cowgirl... like you would imagine... jeans and dusty boots but not like the type of boots that look like she is trying to prove to the world that she is a cowgirl... but rather some dusty boots and a radiating sense that she just loves horses.

Satin Sheek woman... she was actually the first woman I noticed that indicated to me that worlds would be colliding. She was perfect elegance in olive green satin and black lace and chiffon and a fancy black hat. She probably had heels on though I didn't see for myself. No one with any sense would wear a getup like that with anything but black heels... and there she was hovering around a horse. You know a horse... big strapping beast ...

I must not forget... big old honking diamond ring woman... if I were a fearless thief with a knife... I could retire with that finger. Oh my gosh that's really gross I know. I can't help myself that's what I thought though when I saw it. I also wondered if it was really real...

Oh yeah... 80 year old woman in heels... nuf said.

I could go on about all the women in sundresses and pumps verses the women in shorts or capri's and sensible sneakers (like me ;-) or turquoise & cowgirl hats verses the bobbly pearls and feathery hats...

Men with bow ties or should I say men who would wear bow ties...

There were lots of dogs too. Oh and one lady was pushing her dog around in enclosed stroller just for dogs. So people really do that!

I have also wondered who are the people who buy the capris that I see in catalogs with dragonflies and palm trees embroidered all over them... I found out who they are tonight!

Get this, at the concession stand you could get hummus and pita -now where have you ever seen that? I won't complain it seemed like a good idea... but you can tell that a hotdog and funnel cake isn't going to be sufficient for some of their clientele...

You know I've heard about some of these types of people existing, yet I have only heard about or seen them on TV. I've rarely if ever seen them in my world! And there I was seeing them all collide together Old Money and new money... and no money. Horse lovers and prestige lovers. Sensible sneakers and slip on pumps. General admission and boxed seats! People who just like horses or funnel cake and people who actually know what they are watching!

This was all in just 2 hours. I wonder what it feels like to be the cowgirl surrounded by elegant hat-topped women in heels at every horse show... ?

This is why subcultures are so interesting to me... people gathering together for a common goal or interest whether it be rocks and minerals or Star Trek. In tonight's case its horses... and I was just amazed at the type of people that horses bring together. Or should I say horses bring many worlds into collision... Maybe someone more involved in this subculture could say how they all get along with each other. Maybe its all fine for them. As for me, I was exhausted from this evening of people watching and worlds colliding and I have retreated into the world I know. I think I will stick with going to the 4-H fair... its more my speed... more of my own people there.

But maybe it is a good thing that so many different people can be united or collided together ... because there are certainly a great many things that people of various backgrounds still need to come together on. There are important things and we don't want to end up freaking out like George saying, "World's are colliding! George is getting upset!" But Rather "World's are colliding! Isn't that wonderful!"

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

P.S. I blogged on the CWP...I thought it time to breath some life back into it!

In the clouds? in the pond... in the news!

I don't have my head in the clouds... but it sure does look like I have my head in the azaleas! Some random thoughts from the day...

During my I-need-fresh-air-walk, as usual I stopped to check out the fish in the pond next door. There was a lady feeding the fish crushed up potato chips. It was fun to watch the fish feed in a frenzy, but I couldn't stop thinking about whether it was good for the fish and the goslings that later came on to the scene to eat potato chips. The pond had a rainbowy oil slick from all the potato chip grease. It kind of took the pleasure out it for me and then I started to think about the fact that I eat potato chips... maybe I have an oil slick in me!

Tonight, I read an article on Prince and his plans for the future... on cnn.com.

It said:

The 48-year-old, who said he was getting his inspiration these days from
"prophets from the Bible", added that he did not expect to be back in London
performing for some time after the 2007 visit.
"That's another reason why we're trying to stay so long. I just need to take some time off for study and travel." When asked what he was studying, he replied: "The Bible".

So I couldn't but think this was very interesting. The Word is alive and perhaps his studying will change his life for eternal good. It also occurred to me that maybe his former background singer/dancer Shelia E. has a part to play. She is a Christian perhaps she still is in contact with him. Perhaps she prays for him...

Mill & Bryn Mawr Ave.

Its not the first time I have had revelation and/or startling at the intersection of Mill and Bryn Mawr. There was the time I blanked out and had know idea where I was -now that was very startling!

So today, I waited at the red light as a woman turned the corner coming around what felt like dangerously close to me! I said to myself, "We put so much trust in our fellow drivers not to kill us, maim us, or at the very least damage our car or catch our heart in our throat when just nearly scrape by all the above!"

It hardly seems possible to me that I could have so much trust in so many people who for moments in passing have my life in there hands and yet I have a hard time trusting God!

Why is it that it is so difficult to trust God, yet we trust our fellow drivers as they weave in and out and maneuver these machines in and out of parking spaces with such apparent skill. When really haven't we all learned it by trial and error?

Perhaps... we trust God more than we think we do because we trust fellow drivers. And isn't God in control of each of them? Or perhaps its not that we trust fellow drivers, its that we don't fully comprehend that we aren't the only people on the road! We drive around these people coming in and out of their lives running into anger, frustration and impatience and not enough waving people on who want to turn left.

Maybe its not so much that we put our trust in so many drivers but that so many drivers put their trust in you and me -the driver.

I Guess its that time of year again...

Vote for me signs are everywhere lately. I have know idea who they are. I have only lived here little over a year... What struck me as funny other than the awful green signs with the blue lettering (they are very unreadable) is the fact that none of the signs tell you when election day is. Unlike my hometown this town doesn't send sample ballots... so I am really at a loss.

Strange thing is as I was driving into work today, at a major intersection there were about 6 people on 4 corners -all walks of life- holding "vote for me signs." One guy just held the sign up straight in the air never giving his arms a break.... he could give Moses a run for his money!
Another guy was holding two signs giving them both a shake shake. The whole thing was just weird; I thought I had stumbled into a strike or a political protest. Never have I seen anything like this! Though I could see it happening on Election Day maybe.... which begged the whole question of when the heck is Election Day and I hope it is soon because I have no patience for "elect me" lawn signs for the rest of the summer! Today's not Election Day is it? There wouldn't be elections on a Friday!

What it boils down to is spring elections create little enthusiasm and maybe that was the purpose of the human held elect me lawn signs -making the election a little bit more personal... But I don't need that on my morning commute... anymore than I need a guy standing on a corner with sign reading "Going Out of Business- Everything must go! No offer will be refused!" It amounts to the about the same thing drumming up business...

What Would Jesus Drive?

So I woke up today thinking about left hand turns. This lead me to thinking about Jesus as a automobile driver and wondering whether he would let left hand turners make their turns or not. This led me to thinking about what kind of car Jesus would drive if he was on earth today.


Initially, I decided it would be a Honda Hybrid for personal use -because they are fuel efficient and though I highly doubt Jesus would be a radical environmentalist I do think he would be conscious of being a good steward of the earth he created- and also a white 15 passenger van when taking the guys out.


Walter was thinking more along the lines of a Jeep. In response to my Hybrid notion he said:


"He wouldn't be foolhardy and wasteful, but if you knew how wasteful
hybrids are in the grand scheme of things (such as increased energy
invested towards manufacture and disposal of large and
expensive batteries every 5 to 7 years) they don't look as
appealing as the environmentalist types would like you to
think. More goes into making a car than what the car can recover itself.
Manufacturing is a funny thing. .... maybe a Subaru Outback?"

Yes of course an Outback!The perfect compromise!

I did also suggest that since he was a carpenter maybe some kind of truck maybe a Dodge Ram or something but then again maybe he would drive a Suburban just get a rise out of the Pharisaical environmentalists!


So what of the question of whether Jesus would let the left hand turners turn or not. For that I came to this conclusion, as he is driving down the road he knows who needs to learn patience and who doesn't, he knows who can't afford to be late, he also knows who should be late. Simultaneously, he holds up traffic and lets it go with each persons route in mind. (He does this even when he isn't driving ;-) The fact that he recently let me turn left still has me a little surprised.