Thoughts Along the Journey

I wish I could adequately describe the range of emotions I am feeling this week, watching the CBS Early Show series on Greensburg, KS. I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster. I'm excited when I see a familiar face. I'm heartbroken when they show large, overhead shots of the town, since there isn't much there now. I'm overwhelmed with joy when I see the generosity of people who have donated toys, library books, playground equipment, basketballs, t-shirts, musical instruments, time, and money to the people of that town and community. I am filled with such pride when I hear the stories of how people are continuing to rebuild--people who never said, "the country owes us," but are so thankful for any help they receive. People who would have rebuilt without any assistance, as they helped their friends and neighbors recover. But the same people who are amazed at all the ways people all over the nation--and yes, even from other countries--have reached ...

For so many people across the U.S. and around the world, the events of last May 4 have faded into the fog of the past. For myself, and anyone else familiar with what has happened since then, the story is still unfolding. And it is very much a part of TODAY. It's current news. On the night of May 4, 2007, the town of Greensburg, KS, took a direct hit from a EF-5 tornado. 95% of the town was completely destroyed. The other 5% may have survived, but there was still damage. Though a small town by many standards (pop. 1,500), it is still mind-boggling to think of an entire town being destroyed. The town wasn't the only place to be hit, either. There were other areas in the community (farms, homes, etc.) that were hit by that tornado or others that went through the area on May 4th and 5th. Thankfully, few lives were lost. Sadly, hundreds of people were left without ANYTHING. Their homes, cars, businesses, belongings, and the businesses that provided the basic necessities for the comm...

"I'm going to be a big brother in September!!!" Yes, it's true! My sister-in-law and my niece are both due in September. I'm going to be an aunt again AND a great aunt again. How exciting!

I was going to work on a new post about the pope's visit. But my hubby wrote such a wonderful one, I'll just let you check it out on his blog, One Pilgrim .

I have a story to tell you today, so bear with me. I'm afraid this could turn into a lengthy post. But stick with me. I need your input! There once was a little girl who loved music. She loved to try picking out church hymns on the piano. She loved to sing "Jesus Loves Me". When she got a battery-operated little "organ" for a present, she spent hours trying to figure out songs. (An older sister even taught her to play "Jesus Loves Me" on the little organ.) Whenever there was a school or church Christmas program, she learned every word of every song, and sang with all the gusto she could muster. She began taking piano lessons at the tender age of 6, and it brought an abundance of joy into her life, knowing what all those wonderful marks on the pages meant. As the little girl grew older, she continued to play. She learned other instruments as well (clarinet, alto saxophone, and, eventually, tenor saxophone). She would sit at the piano at home, and sing t...

I had not planned for this to be the topic of my newest post. However, I checked my e-mail just prior to signing into Blogger, and decided that this was more important for tonight. For the past several months, I have been privileged to be part of a group of people praying for a small baby named Angel. Even before her birth, we were praying for a healing. The doctors discovered some abnormalities while she was in her mommy's womb. The very fact that she survived her birth was a miracle. She has had her ups and downs since then, going through medical procedures, medications, etc. to try to spare her young life. Today, Angel was welcomed into the arms of Jesus. I cannot imagine the grief her family is experiencing tonight. There is joy, of course, knowing that little Angel will no longer suffer, and that she is at peace in the presence of the Lord. Yet there will always be that longing for the day when they will be reunited with her... My prayers continue with you, Amanda. I have neve...

I haven't posted a picture of my great nephew in awhile. Can you believe how much he has grown?? (There's another new pic on my other blog .)