Good Morning

I was too tired last night to even think about posting. I actually went to bed about 9 and fell asleep about 45 minutes later - before the end of the movie I was watching and didn't wake up until 7:15 this morning. What in the world wore me out that way? A very full day on Saturday. Our town had it's Heritage Day celebration, but I only spent about an hour over there browsing the booths and bought one necklace for an auction I am working on in a couple of months and a little buttermilk pie and two hot dogs. I dropped the first hotdog before I finished it, so I had to get another, right?

I came back home and started sewing on a monster-project for my daughter. It wasn't that the project was so hard, just straight sewing for the most part, but that it had two layers and both were monster fabrics. The top layer is taffeta which will not stay where it is told to stay and the underlayer was tulle with glitter all over it. It behaved much the same way as the taffeta but also caused my thread to break. A LOT.

I felt like I spent the day with 2-year-old twins.

I finally got it done, and my advice to my daughter is to like it. Ha!

When I finally finished and cleaned everything up, I told my husband he was taking me out to eat. We didn't do anything fancy, just Denny's, but it was sufficient and I came home and went to bed.

Today is a difficult day. The son of one of my dearest friends leaves today for his last couple of weeks of training before deployment to Iraq. He has been before and his brother is there now, but my heart aches for my friend. I am very grateful for what each of our military troops does for us every day. I appreciate their service, the sacrifices they make and their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for me - a complete stranger. I am proud of these two young men and the choices they have made to take this on and serve in this manner and never complain about it. But my mother's heart is breaking as he leaves. And though my friend handles these deployments well, I know they are hard on her. And I know it is always hard on the families left at home. So please take a moment and pray for our troops and their families and their leaders and the politicians who decide where and when they will stand for America.

Great Fun at the Great State Fair

The State Fair opened today. As we have done for the past two or three years, my husband and I decided to go on opening day and watch the opening ceremony. When I got to his office, he told me he'd been at a meeting earlier in the day with a city councilman we know from church, and he had invited us to sit with him and his family on the platform for the ceremonies. My first reaction was, "I can't get good pictures from there." Only a scrapbooker would understand that response.

Anyway, we headed over there arriving about 4:30 this afternoon. First stop was the Fletcher's Corn Dog stand, then we wandered through the Grand Building. On our way out, we met a friend of mine. She had to stop me because I didn't even notice her. We visited a moment and we started on again. As we passed a couple sitting on foot massaging chairs, the woman called out to me and asked my name. I told her and she said, "From Baylor Nursing School, right?" Then she looked at my husband and said, "You went to Baylor, too, didn't you?" She told us who she was and we happily visited and caught up a bit (not a lot after 29 years, you understand), and it was great fun to see her.





We continued our trek about the fairgrounds until time for the opening ceremony when we went up on the platform to meet the city councilman and his family. Looking around I saw a couple of "secret service" - looking guys. Then in a few minutes, we were joined by our governor. Now, we were about 15 feet away, but it was a great surprise and fun to be up there instead of out in the crowd where I could get photos. Incidentally, I got a photo of the governor, and I think it's a pretty good shot of him.



We also watched the laser/fireworks show, something we've never done before. It was really good. Best of all, though, as we left along with the crowd of people, my husband suddenly realized his cell phone was not in his "holster". We dashed back to the place we'd sat and I called the phone thinking it would light up and we would see it. It didn't. As we frantically searched, a lady walked up and asked if we'd lost our phone and then she laughed because she said it made her jump when it started vibrating in her hand because I called it. We are so grateful that she found it and returned it to us. She said she was headed to one of the police stands to turn it in.

It was an outstanding trip to the Great State Fair of Texas. Hope your evening was just as much fun.

Okay - back to posting

I haven't been in the mood this week for posting, but I do have a couple of things that come to mind today.

I've been pretty stressed this week because there are three big events in the near future for which I must either help prepare or for which I am solely responsible. I've been dealing with a week-long headache that is a direct result, I'm sure, of the tight, raised shoulders I find every time I think about them. So last night, before I headed to bed, I decided to try a little BenGay ointment on them. I grabbed the tube out of the drawer and slathered some on and thought, `This feels a little weird. What's wrong?' I looked at the tube and realized I'd just rubbed toothpaste into my shoulder. Had to wash that off and try again. OK. Hopefully, that made you laugh. I know it was funny. Not too bright, but funny.

One of my purchases at SDC when I was there last week was very special to me. Several years ago, I'd bought a ship in a bottle for my husband in Galveston. I'd always wished I'd got the Nina and Pinta to go with it. I found them at SDC. I was so pleased. I came home on his birthday, so I gave them to him that night. While he was opening the boxes, I went in to the mantle and got the .... Mayflower? What? Are you KIDDING me? Not quite as funny as far as I'm concerned, and another clear indication that I am operating with a "fuzzy brain" these days. Now I'm on the lookout for a Santa Maria ship in a bottle. Will it never end?

Have a good one.

Fully Alive Reviewed

The film was excellent! It was enjoyable but poignant and true-to-life. I was impressed with the work of the filmmaker understanding the limitations of equipment. The music selections were good and blended into the story without being obvious. At the end, I had tears in my eyes, and I'd already seen the script and knew the story line from talking to my daughter about what they did each day of filming. Still, it was powerful.

We enjoyed the premiere and getting to meet the people involved we had not already met. The "behind the scenes" footage was hilarious as were the bloopers. All-in-all, we had a great time. My daughter hopes to get to work on the next one, and it's in writing - after filming a foot chase in the Texas heat one afternoon for over 3 hours - the next filming will be in the winter!

An added benefit has been the increased communication between my daughter and me. The film took a lot of her focus this summer and the situations surrounding that allowed us to leap into other areas and talk a lot about things that really matter. It's been a blessing.

Fully Alive

Today is the premiere of the film my daughter did makeup on this summer. We are all looking forward to seeing it. She and I both made desserts to share and we are having lunch before the viewing. It will be a special day, no doubt.

I spent all of yesterday trying to catch up on all the things I missed while I was out of town. It was worth it, but I admit to being tired at the end of the day. I was grateful that my daughter fixed supper for me. That was a great boost.

Finally called it a day about 7pm and flopped down to watch Pearl Harbor. I have it on DVD, but I was too lazy to dig it out and just dealt with the commercials. Daughter went to an Arbonne presentation. Hubby was late coming home, but htat's not unusual.

More about the film tomorrow.

Home Again

The drive back home went by quickly and without problems. I made it in 8 1/2 hours including several quick stops. I came in and started laundry immediately (had the first load in the washer before I even finished unloading my car). I went through the mail and put everything away and wrapped my husband's birthday gift which I purchased in Branson and was ready to go to dinner with him to celebrate his big event. I am really glad I opted for the quiet night in the night before since I was truly tired when I got home. All that running around was hard on a homebody!

I had such a great trip and I look forward to going again soon. Maybe for Thanksgiving. In fact, probably for Thanksgiving.

Now it's back to work. I have some fun things going on this weekend - the viewing of the film my daughter did makeup on at the top of the list. Then I have lots to do to get ready for my Croptoberfest scrapbooking event next month and a lot to do to help my daughter get ready for the bridal expo. My husband was totally surprised to learn that neither of us feel we could pull it together in time to do an event this Sunday, too. I said, "Uh - we're waiting on the finalizing of the logo, then we need to get a sign made, flyers, photos printed to add to the portfolio - by Sunday. Are you KIDDING me?" He didn't understand. Whether he understands now or not, he's chosen to stay quiet about it.

And that's my trip report. For this time.

Silver Dollar Day

I had a great time at Silver Dollar City yesterday. My son had to work but he joined me for about an hour and a half and then we had an early supper before he had to get back to work. I loved the park. First impression? Free parking. A wonderful idea. Six Flags could take a lesson.

I wandered around about a third of the park doing some shopping. Found my husband's birthday gift as well as a couple of Christmas gifts. I liked being able to send some of the purchases to the front gate to wait for me. However, one item I bought was small, and I had to go back and pick it up. Sure freaked me out when I realized I didn't know where the shop was. I had to retrace my steps all the way through to find it.

At one point, I was walking along and a "scarecrow" said, "It's about time you got here" and I about jumped out of my skin. He was in costume, of course, but funnier was the reaction of two park employees working just across the walkway. They laughed out loud at me. A little while later, I passed the same two park employees and they immediately started laughing again. I told them they are truly mean people.

Meanwhile, my daughter took and passed her state board written facial exam and is halfway to her esthetician license. Yay!!!! She was really nervous, but I knew she could do it. That was a happy phone call.

Anyway, when my son arrived at the park, he took me to Grandpa's Mansion which so outdoes Casa Magnetica at Six Flags. I was already a little dizzy because of sinus stuff, and that really knocked me off my feet. Almost literally. Great fun! It is beautiful here. The leaves have just started turning their autumn colors and they are going to be magnificent. Only the kiddie ride section was really sunny. The rest of the park was shaded and I did tell my son that the entrance should be at the bottom of the hill instead of the top. It doesn't seem quite fair to have to walk uphill to leave. The tram ride back to the parking lot was cool and breezy and it was a great experience overall.

Last night I took advantage of the time to rest and relax. I thought about going on to a show on my own, but the lure of a quiet evening all to myself won out.

Today it's a long drive back home. I've had a great time, though, so that is good. I will have lots of happy memories to think about as I drive. I'm so glad I had this time here.

Tuesday Tidbits

My son had to work all day yesterday, so I went to a needlework store and shopped a bit. Bought some yarn to make a Christmas present or two. From there I stopped at Starbucks, then went to the Veterans Museum. It was very interesting, and on the wall listing those killed in the Korean Conflict, I found my mother's first husband's name. It was a bittersweet moment, but after much ado (explanation follows), I was able to make a photo of his name. I called her and told her she should be proud that it is there, and she agreed that she is. Walking through the room dedicated to the burials of those killed in war was very difficult for me as it has not been very long since my dad was buried with military honors in a National Cemetery. I am proud of him, too.

I have a new camera and it is making wonderful photos. However, I left the instruction manual at home, so every time I need to figure out something new, it is a matter of pressing every button until I accidentally get it right. That is monumentally frustrating, but worth the effort as I am getting those great shots.

Came home and enjoyed sitting here with the back door to the screened porch open to enjoy the breeze and the beautiful tree just outside with its leaves turning. I am a week or so too early for the full effect, but I am enjoying every pretty tree I see. A hornet found his way through the screens on the porch and came and sat down by me on the sofa. He won't be visiting anyone else, sad to say.

After supper at RibCrib, we headed over to Music City Center to see my favorite group, The Haygoods. They are always so energetic and act like they are having as much fun as we are. I got some great photos using my new camera, though I am still looking forward to reading the manual a little better, but overall, I'm very pleased. They had added a couple of songs, and one was missing that I'd seen in March. They "Blues Brothers" were wilder than ever before. All-in-all, I had a great evening. Tomorrow is Silver Dollar City. It will be my first visit there.

Monday was Busy

I came home last night too tired to prepare a blog to post this morning. It was a busy day.

My son and I met for breakfast and went to my favorite place here to eat where I ordered my favorite meal and saved half of it to be enjoyed a second time this morning. From there, he went in to work and I took off for some shopping.

Let me just give you some background here. When my son first began driving, he never felt like he knew where he was going. The downside of that was he had to call to ask directions everywhere he went. Many times, he simply took my daughter with him because she usually knew how to get there. Yesterday, I had to verify with him every place I started to go that I was headed in the right direction. My, how things have turned around.

When I got tired of shopping (and that doesn't take me long), he told me he was back at home working there, so I went to his house. We unloaded the last of his belongings that I'd brought up with me and I sat and knitted while he worked. After awhile, I decided I wanted a Diet Coke, so I headed down to the convenience store. As I was leaving the parking lot, I got a voice mail from him (no call, just the voice mail - dumb phone) telling me he'd been called in to work, but he had my camera and knitting bag with him, so I could meet him at work. Sure enough, in a moment, we met on the road. I turned around and followed him.

We hung out there for awhile, then the opportunity to see a preview show for a new show starting next year came up, and we jumped on the chance to see it. Branson is in for a treat with this new show. I believe it starts March 16, 2009. More about it later.

As we were driving to Olive Garden for supper, we found ourselves following a friend of his. His initial attempts to get her attention (blowing his horn) failed and we resorted to wildly waving our hands at her and she finally saw us and turned around with a look of shock on her face at the two people acting like fools in the car behind her. Then she realized who it was and called and he invited her to join us for supper. We had a great time and laughed a lot and I got to hear more about the people he spends time with and some of their activities. It was a lot of fun.

From there we raced to The Duttons. We ended up having plenty of time, but you never know. Got good seats and we enjoyed the show. He'd seen it before, but it was my first time. Lots of talent though my loyalties to my favorite group haven't changed. I will see The Haygoods tonight.

To have been through such bad weather on Saturday and Sunday, you wouldn't know it today. It is beautiful with a cloudless sky and cool temperatures. Just perfect.

My daughter has her state board written exam tomorrow. Please pray for her to remain calm and confident as she prepares for it and takes it tomorrow afternoon.

Yesterday Was a Great Day!

I arrived at my son's after an uneventful drive, which is exactly the kind I want to have. They were hit here by the remnants of Hurricane Ike much more severely than our area had been. Even late last night, some of the traffic lights were still out and there is no doubt city workers spent the day clearing debris and trees from roads. Even saw a construction trailer toppled over.

The creeks are really high and my son even had to backtrack to get out of an area he'd driven into less than an hour earlier, but that hour brought over a foot of water on the roadway. I stuck to the major roads though I'd thought about taking the "scenic route" in, but since I didn't know what low-lying areas I might encounter, I'll do that another time.

We went to our favorite mexican restaurant for supper then met a friend of his and her son to see The New Shanghai Circus. It was very good and we enjoyed our evening immensely. I arrived back at my room tired and ready to call it a night. Today promises more fun and adventures.

Today

Today's the day I see my son for the first time in three months. I'm pretty sure that is the longest I've ever gone between visits and I'm looking forward to a few days of rest and relaxation and time with him when he isn't working.

Crazy Days

Ever had one of those "Really wish I hadn't done that moments"? I had one yesterday. My daughter and I had a lot of errands to run and in the midst of them, we realized we'd left something at home and had to come back to get it. Our neighbor's dog had been up the street when we left, but she's skittish and wouldn't come near us, and by the time we got home, she'd worked her way down to our house. While my daughter kept trying to get hold of her, I went inside for the forgotten item, and my cell phone which I'd also realized I didn't have by then. However, I couldn't find it. Tried the old trick of calling it, but since it has escalating rings, it has to be pretty close for me to hear it. I called the neighbor from the house phone and went back out to my car where my daughter tried calling my phone from hers, and this time, someone answered. A very nice gentleman who had found it in a parking lot (either at the courthouse or the grocery store) and had already called my husband to tell him where the phone was. Gee, thanks, Buddy. I'd just as soon he never knew about this whole incident since I laughed at him for finding his in the ice machine at the church on Sunday night after he filled ice containers for something with the choir.

We went back downtown and got the phone, however, and I'm back in touch with the world.

My daughter filed her assumed name today and her makeup artistry business was born. How fun is that?! It was very easy, and the least expensive thing she's had to do so far. The logo is almost ready. She has an agreement for special occasions nearly ready. We have to get some decorations for her first expo, but we've made wonderful progress so far. Today was hectic (especially with the extra trip home and the lost phone), but everything's in good shape. It's coming together better than I'd ever dreamed for her.

God's blessings are everywhere.

Progressing

Amazingly, my daughter got the preliminary artwork on her logo today - much earlier than she'd expected and it's really cute. She asked for a few minor (we hope they're minor) changes, but overall, she was very happy with it. Today we have to hit the office supply store for a few of the basics including deciding on order forms, receipts, etc. There is so much to do in such a short time, but now that she has the logo basics, we can work with the colors she needs to decorate for the bridal expo. I've told her I will do her bookwork for her as long as she does services for me. Other than that, I'm telling her no bartering, Ha!

I have crops this weekend and I'm going to see my son next week. Busy days ahead, but it's exciting to have such great things on the horizon. In addition, we're only a few days from the viewing of the film she worked on this summer. And I'm so pleased to see that she is concentrating on the positives going on and not dwelling on the glitches that have surfaced.

In addition, we are very sure God's Hand is in everything and He is leading her toward the dream job. She will still have to work as an esthetician for awhile before she can concentrate on the makeup artistry, but she's laying good groundwork.

Never Forget

Fun Stuff

My daughter registered to participate in her first bridal expo and is making plans to launch her own makeup artistry business. She's in touch with a makeup manufacturer whose products she will likely use and carry, is working on her logo and preparing to get this off the ground. It is fun and exciting to see everything coming together for her. We have a busy few weeks ahead as we get all of the little details in place and come up with order forms and labels for products and display items, etc. She has a lot of good ideas, but we've got to make it come together quickly.

In addition, she will begin the state board process next week. It is a process, and just scheduling it proved to be a major ordeal. I think she misses the days when real people answered phones and knew what they were doing.

Bottom line - it's fun to watch her new adventure begin. Good things are sure to follow!

The Ripple Effect

As I write this in the late afternoon, I've just heard my daughter laugh out loud. She's in her room on the phone and I hadn't heard that since yesterday morning before someone said something to her that started a ripple effect that surely wasn't expected.

Not only did it make my daughter second guess everything she had said to that person, but now she is uncomfortable around others in the same circle. I'm sure that wasn't even a consideration.

The real problem here? The person who confronted her chose to do so in an internet message rather than on the phone or in person. That was insulting to begin with because she had to read what she felt was an unfair assessment and then could not respond or ask for clarification. It wasn't what was said, but the method that caused the most hurt. Then she began to think if one person could misunderstand her, who else would do the same? All of a sudden, she feels awkward with a score of people who probably never think a thing about anything she says or does other than seeing the humor and friendship she's offering.

If there is truly a problem with one person, that needs to be addressed, no doubt. But to yank the rug out from someone and make her question her relationship with many others is the ripple effect. Everything we say or do, has that effect. How fast or far it reaches, we never know, so we have to use extra care with those around us. Think before speaking, and all that. It's not bad advice, though it has been overused until few pay attention to it.

And if you have to say something to someone that might be hurtful, do it with kindness. Don't be cowardly and send a message over the internet. Have a heart. Be willing to hear the response instead of avoiding it. Even if it makes for a few rough minutes, it shows enough concern for the person being confronted to allow that person a fair chance at understanding the whole picture instead of feeling like someone cold-cocked them and leaving them with unanswered questions turning a small issue into a major one.

When All isn't Well

Isn't it amazing how happiness seems so fleeting but sadness seems to last forever?

Why is that? Because we allow our emotions to consume us. Our society has led us to believe that emotions are the be all and end all of our lives. They are real in that we experience them, but they are not real in that they should not control us. If we don't "feel" love then we get a divorce. If we don't "like" our boss, then we get another job. Everything is temporary.

If you are riding a roller coaster, you may experience fear. Yet you allow your mind to take control of the emotion of fear and replace it with logic and the knowledge that the ride is safe. Otherwise, all roller coaster operators would be unemployed.

But somehow, we don't realize the need to take control of other emotions in our lives. When disappointment strikes, we wallow in it. When sadness comes, we choose to let it control us for a given amount of time. I did this when my dad died. And even when I began to emerge from that, I experienced guilt because my mother would tell me I had no idea how she felt - in other words, it was wrong for me to move past the sadness sooner than she did.

In fact, oftentimes, we do allow others to tell us how to feel. Or we allow them the freedom to "cause" our emotions. Like Job in the Old Testament whose friends and wife tried to tell him to "curse God and die" when bad things happened. Did Job grieve the loss of his wealth, livelihood, sons and daughters? Absolutely. There's nothing wrong with grief, or even with sadness. But at the end of the road, Job knew that God was in control and trusted God to bring him through the devastating times. He never lost sight of Who God is.

So when you are devastated and overwhelmed by the occurrences in your life that threaten to bring you down, remember that God doesn't let things happen to us without His permission, and His help, if we will simply seek it, to get through it. And in Jeremiah 29:11 God promised us "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."

On Being Content

Not long ago, I wrote about being content. But how do you find contentment? The answer is that you stop looking for it.

It is not a trick to be content in whatever situation you are in, it is obedience. The Apostle Paul (a wise man educated by the Lord Himself) said in Philippians 4:11 "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." He did not say, "Seek contentment." He specified that he had to take the bad with the good. If all was well, Paul was content. But even when he was jailed, tortured, abused for the name of Jesus, he remained content.

One of the saddest things I have watched was someone who sought happiness and contentment in things that were always just out of reach. I watched her lose a marriage, earthly possessions, and eventually another marriage. She is always certain the answer lies just on the other side of the fence. She had many difficulties in her early life, and seeking to deal with those through things - buying expensive toys, clothes, furnishings, etc. never gave her contentment. Trying to make people into her mind's image of them didn't bring her contentment. She is 46 years old and still expecting the world to make her happy.

Newsflash: No one else can make you happy - especially if you never allow anyone else to make you unhappy. Does that mean I am always happy? No. But I have to allow myself to be manipulated into losing my own contentment or happiness. I alone am responsible for my own state of mind. When I wallow, I wallow because I choose to. Even at my lowest points, my heart is at peace. My joy is complete because it rests in the Lord. I have to choose every day to take control of my own emotions and not be buffeted by the winds of the world. Am I always successful? No, but for the most part, I don't set myself up to be let down. I don't set the bar so high that people will always fail to meet it. Instead, I try to let them be the individuals that they are and not take it personally if they don't do what I expect on my terms.

In fact, I know I wouldn't want to measure up to someone else's standards for me. Isn't that fair? Do I let down some people sometimes? Yes. Do I want to be forgiven for that? Yes. Do I want to be set up for failure? No.

I had an opportunity to speak with a woman today whose 33-year-old brother died a week ago due to brain cancer. She misses him so much! I understand so well what she is experiencing, and I told her it's going to be okay. No, it will never be the same, and she will always miss him. As each of her children reaches a milestone in his or her life, she will miss sharing that with her brother. But we agreed that through the hurt and the sadness is a deeper joy. The joy of knowing that he is in heaven - no longer in pain, no longer paralyzed, no longer unable to speak. And as we sang, "Better is one day in His courts, Better is one day in His House, Better is one day in His courts Than thousands elsewhere," I knew she was singing it with conviction. That same assurance gave her the strength to sing a solo at her brother's funeral on Tuesday. And she told the congregation this morning that the only thing her brother would care about now is that each one know Jesus as he did.

That is absolute contentment. It doesn't mean emotions don't exist, but it means we rest in the Lord and know He is truly in control and nothing happens but that He allows it.

So be content. Don't look for it. It's already there. Even in the hard times, focus on the good things. They are there, just waiting to be recognized and appreciated.

More Laughter

My husband was mowing today, and his bottle of water fell off the mower and into the yard somewhere. Our dog picked it up and brought it to him. Wasn't that sweet? Except that when my husband started over to get it from him, the dog ran off. He's a mess.

I laughed also because I told my husband after he got back from picking up a belt for the mower and got it on the thing and started back out to mow some more that a church in our little town was having a live auction in about an hour. Let me tell you, my husband loves to go to an auction, and I couldn't believe how fast he mowed today. Of course, his lines are not as straight as usual, but he got it done and in record time. I just heard him start the laundry, so he's showered and headed out the door, I'm sure.

The funniest thing is I predicted to my daughter that I could really light a fire under him today by telling him that. We are both laughing now.

Poor hubby. If only he'd known lo those 29 years ago what his life was going to be like. Wonder if he'd have still jumped in hook, line and sinker. I like to think he would have. But possibly with shorter reins on me. Hahahaha

Laughter IS the best medicine.

My aunt is undergoing chemotherapy and had her first treatment last week. She saw her doctor again on Tuesday and he tells her things are going very well. She is still feeling well and has not lost her hair yet, though they tell her that will happen. Most of all, her spirits are good. Laughter is truly a good healer. Scientifically, laughter releases "feel good" endorphins and those speed up the healing process. Feeling badly? Tune into a rerun of "I Love Lucy" and give yourself a boost. It can't hurt, and I believe it really does help.



Here's to having a day full of laughter and little joys!

Looking toward Growth

I completed the remainder of my August scrapbook pages so once again, I am caught up. Loved the photo of my daughter at her graduation seen here.

Doesn't she look happy? Still as one goes through the exciting times, there are still fears and insecurities to deal with. A friend of mine told me today that her son just started college last week and he is actually unable to sleep at night and has major insecurities, too. He's concerned he isn't normal. He is normal. He is normal and he (as well as the rest of us) just needs to place his fears and misgivings in the hands of our Lord. When we are truly dependent on our Heavenly Father to guide us and help us make good decisions, we are operating in His will. He only chooses to light our path a step or two at a time. But we live in a world that wants more. We want to know about retirement at 45 and career at 16. Our children want to grow up too fast and then have missed out on childhood - the most precious time of life for all of us.

We launch into a new era of our lives and expect things to be the same. Just as my daughter had to deal with people who were completely antagonistic to her for the first time in her life, college students have many adjustments to make. So do people when they begin a new job, or get married, or have a child. There are adjustments to be made when someone we love dies or becomes ill. Everything we do brings us new opportunities, but with those come the adjustments.

Look for the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls. Don't expect everyone to be the same because you won't be the same either. That's growth. That's maturity. That's change. That's LIFE! Have fun and make the most of the opportunities. Learn from the mistakes you will make along the way and above all, look to the Lord to give you strength and wisdom through it all.