17,500 MPH??!!

Did you see the shuttle take off today? Being a newly retired person who has not yet tired of being able to lazily drink my morning coffee and read the paper while listening to Regis and Kelly, I caught it in real time.

I couldn't help but hold my breath and say a prayer for safety as the engines began to roar and the fuel ignited in preparation for launch. Then, I sat mesmerized as I watched the launch and thought about where it was headed and the people who were on board. This from a woman old enough to have also been mesmerized when Alan Shepherd simply went straight up and came back down decades ago. (Every school child watched on a TV in the classroom. That was really high tech for the age!)

As the shuttle headed for orbit, the announcer gave updates on the height and speed achieved. I heard him say that a speed of 17,500 mph would be reached in order to send the ship into orbit. I can't even imagine 1,000 mph, much less 17,000+. (I almost said I couldn't image 100 mph, but then I remembered some of my youthful escapades in one tank of an Oldsmobile on some south Texas highways.)

I was struck by this level of speed. Here I am trying to slow down my life and these folks are being subjected to high speed in order to go into orbit. You know, I think high speed is what causes most people to go into orbit.

Have you noticed that when we remain calm and steady we don't have as much tension or friction with others? I haven't "gone into orbit" since I retired. Wow! No wonder my husband is so pleased to have me at home. I'm a nicer person.

Crazy, random thoughts brought on by a historical moment in the ventures of space exploration.

I'm glad I don't have to get to that high level of speed to reach the heavens and speak to and know my Father. "Be still and know that I am God." Thank you, Lord, for giving me the best reason in the world to be still!!

What Have I Done Today?

This week we have had our 3 year old granddaughter with us for a vacation. I'm not sure exactly whose vacation it has been. A little bit of the 3 year old's and a little bit of her mother's and a little bit of mine and Skip's. We have all enjoyed a different week - a vacation of sorts from our routines.

In the midst of this, I have been reading blogs and have found an interesting thread of commonality among the ones I have read. It seems that many of us, especially with the occurence of terrorism in London this week, are finding ourselves wondering what we need to do or can do to make a difference in this world of ours.

It has caused me to think about "What have I done today?" Exactly what have I done on any given day to be Jesus to others and give hope to those who thought there was no evidence to support any hope. How have I lived my life so that anyone watching me would see Jesus? What have I said, even in passing, that would tell others where they can find hope and peace in the midst of turmoil? How have I used my time? Have I been reading something daily that will help me know the heart of Christ better? Have I been so self-absorbed that I failed to see a simple need that I could have met for someone else? These are basic questions, but I believe that we have to start with the basics in order to grow.

In the days and weeks to come I will be asking myself these questions and more every day in an attempt to improve how I live my life as a child of God and a sister of Jesus Christ.

Answered Prayers!

Our son-in-law has a new job! Praise God. He starts his new employment on July 11th. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for this with us. It is such a joy to see God working. We thought on several occasions that a job was in the works, and it didn't happen. Now we know that it was because this was the job Easy was to have.

Our week with Paris Grace has begun. What fun we are having! She is just a typical three year old in her freedom, as well as her demands. Those of you who have forgotten what it is like to have a 3 year old around don't know what you are missing. I'm sure I will have adventures to share within the week.