Questions

In "Velvet Elvis" there is a chapter on questions It's a great chapter because some of the questions he brings up I've had
The following devotional was in my email this morning and it reminded me again It's ok to have and ask questions





When students ask questions, it generally means they are hungry for answers, and that is a very good thing. It also means they might be thinking for themselves which will inevitably make for a much deeper ownership of the values and truths they are learning. Most teachers will tell you it is actually the troublemakers who will go on to make a significant impact on their culture.


Oswald Chambers has said that we don’t truly own our faith unless we have struggled over it in some form. Belief is not pure acceptance. God desires interaction and He revels in our working through the process of believing Him. He wrestled with Jacob and even let him win.


So don’t be afraid to question. Even doubt is a legitimate step in the process of faith. God welcomes the serious questioner. It means we care enough to persist in finding the answers we need. The person who is threatened by questions has much too small of an understanding of God.

Rays of light in the dark

I don't do very well with grey rainy days and this has been one of them
Yesterday I led a small group where we talked about being thankful "attitude of gratitude" So here are my rays of light in this dark day

1 vanilla latte from Starbucks

2 talking to my sister

3 Seeing a newborn baby and her dad hold her and love her

4 Chocolate pudding with whipped cream

5 An email from a friend

6 "Velvet Elvis" This book has made me look at how I view the Bible in a way I
never thought about

Newsweek magazine on "Spirituality in America"

I bought the Newsweek magazine this week with the title "Spirituality in America"
It has some interesting studies,statistics,and articles in it I like the quote from Tony Campolo "You can know all about God but the question is do you know God? You can have solid theology and be orthodox to the core, but have you experienced God in your own life?"
My favorite story was "A Shepherd Protects His Own Backyard" When you first look at the article without reading it you might think the guy is a total nutcase. It shows him and his wife and son standing in a pond on their property in West Virginia.When you read the article you'll think differently

"This guardian of the earth has his priorites straight."My identity is not as an environmentalist," he says, "It's as a Christian.Because I am a Christian, I should be involved with social justice,the poor, the needy. Environmentalism is one thing in my circle, but it's not my center." And if you're rolling your eyes at the idea of $20,000 - a - year librarian going up against the polictically connected coal operators and the wealthy energy lobbyists, don't forget that he's got a hightly placed friend of his own. "

If you get a chance read the magazine It opens your eyes to some things :)

Chipolte's and Arhaus,Runner's World,etc

I think the people at Chipolte's are going to know us by name soon ..We ate there last night and again at lunch I love their burrito bowls but I tried their tacos with chicken and loved them so that's what I'll be eating for awhile :)
Next to Chipolte's is a furniture store called Arhaus We love to go in there and sit on all of their couches and chairs but today our mission was to find a new kitchen table Ours is the pits ... it's too small, the chairs are uncomfortable and the table has permanent scratches We found the perfect table and on sale :) It's so cool because you can slide out the leaves and it turns into a table that you can seat 10 people if you need to and the chairs are made in Italy and have a lifetime guarantee If you buy something in there ask for Debra She was wonderful and loved Darrell :) Darrell is your typical salesperson buying something he always trys to get the most he can but in a nice way but he drives most salespeople crazy because A. He asks a million questions and B. He always changes his mind a zillion times before he actually buys something but he does it in a humorous way He did the same thing when we went to Runner's World so he could look at shoes He has decided he needs to run to lose weight The guy finally told him that the best thing was for Darrell to come back with a pair of socks, a pair of shorts, and try on shoes and run for them so they could fit him with the best shoe He was horrified that someone would be watching him run :) I'm definitely coming back with him for that ...with a camera :)
So now it's time to relax and continue reading "Velvet Elvis" and play on the computer :) I might have to order one of the books Adam recommends off Amazon.com for 36 cents
I love bargains like that :)

Aron Ralston

Read this article

This guy is an inspiration He could be very self-focused but he has chosen to take his circumstances and share them with others to show hope in a sometimes dark world
I especially like the part of the vision when he saw himself lifting a small boy up on his shoulder with his arm missing it's right hand I think God gives us visions and reasons to go on and this was one of those reasons for him

Miniskirts and crop tops...NOT

A certain mayor in a Budapest district wants female staff to wear miniskirts only if they have "completely perfect legs." He also suggested that women should abstain from wearing crop tops, saying "few women have well-trained bellies worth showing to people." Ouch ...8/26/05 | 5:38 PM

I'm not sure what his definition of "completely perfect legs" is but as sexist as his comments sound i can't totally disagree with him I cringe when I see women who wear crop tops who should not have them on

Kristen's 1st week

Kristen and Tyler at Lee 


Kristen has made it through 1 week at Lee and she loves it I've talked to her and Tyler on the phone and she and I had a nice IM conversation last night until 1am
She's liked her classes esp chorale union She told me "Altos rock" they have the best voice range She takes a class where the professor has her sing and then critiques her.. I don't think she cares for that one as much :) She has a writing class that she liked and a New Testament class ..all students minor in Bible Kristen said she has 4 Buddhists in her New Testament class from Napal India and they have never seen a bible before There are also students who are Islam there
Kristen's biggest adjustment I think has been dorm life and living with someone else in a small room She has always had her own room and bathroom and now she has to share a bathroom with 3 other girls
She told me yesterday she was going to go to a rugby meeting I found that humorous because the one year Kristen did anything remotely athletic was in kindergarten when she did soccer and she was more interested in playing with the other girls hair than kicking the ball She found out it's like football so she is passing :) Darrell said she probably would have broken her nose!
As at every college Christian or not there are kids who are hypocritical and those who are testing the rules That's been a reality check for Kristen....learning who you want to be friends with and who is about "appearances only " Kristen has a good heart and she'll do fine ..and she has Tyler to look out for her :)
I still miss her but I'm glad she is at Lee and moving on to the next step in her life

A Dad's role

After birthing an egg, the mother passes it with her feet gingerly to the father, who keeps it warm against the bitter Antarctic cold for two months while she marches off 70 miles from the breeding ground to feed in the water. When she returns with a full belly, she takes over the new hatchling, protecting and feeding it while dad treks off for food this time. In this manner, they pass off “Junior” numerous times as he grows until he is strong enough to keep warm on his own. Rarely is the young family all together at the same time.

This is a description of the mating and parenting of penguins I always chuckle at this because of the chapter in "Blue Like Jazz" but when you read it what is written above it's actually similar to how we are in our busy lives Whoever is home feeds the kids,drives them to their games,etc Rarely is it the whole family together


The narrator made a point about this role reversal in the animal kingdom where the fathers tenderly looked over their eggs for weeks on end. Dads were also the only ones around when the eggs hatched. Believe me, this movie gave new meaning to the term “Mr. Mom.” Dads and moms were interchangeable in many ways. Whoever was around ended up doing what had to be done for the little ones.

I actually think that this is a good thing that the dads were so involved That's how it should be
When I had Kristen and Zach I worked evenings 3-11 I had to go back to work when they were 6 weeks old and it was up to my husband Darrell to take care of them in the evening He learned real fast how to change a diaper,heat up a bottle,give a bath,etc He was great He loved doing it In fact, with Kristen, he would take her out to eat every Friday How sweet is that picture :) It creates a bond that can't be broken I didn't like being away from them but I'm glad that he had that one on one time with them
I think the writer of this article is right ..

I do believe God has given us animals to mirror human behavior, and help us see ourselves in another light and not take ourselves or our roles so seriously.

Sharing your faith---Sharing your life

"Sharing your faith is sharing your life. Not the surface conversations that dominate our days or the packaged communications of a professional Christian, but the truth and the hope and the love that runs below the surface and makes us who we are. "

This is a quote from a Relevant Magazine article
How many of us are willing to open ourselves up to that vulnerability..letting someone see below the superficial to our heart

Back Home

Kristen's Dorm 


This is a picture of Kristen's Dorm room Darrell is trying to set up her microsoft office and zach is just checking out his fantasy baseball on her roomates computer
We got back home about 3 this afternoon Last night was hard They had a ceremony for all the freshman with "passing of the torch" and then a buffet We checked out Tyler and Dylan's dorms They definitely have bigger rooms or not as much stuff :) There's also definitely a different "odor" in a guy's dorm than a girl's dorm and I'll just leave it at that
I did pretty well until it was the actual "hugs and say good'bye time" but then I was Ok again because I know I'm leaving her in a good place and it's where she needs to be
I had a hard time going upstairs at first when we got home but I'm ok now with that
The next few days will be an adjustment but it's easier than I thought

Memorable moments of our trip

1 Riding in a van with no air conditioning Darrell borrowed a used van and before we even left Springboro it was making a horrible squeal which we found out was the airconditioning which was locking up Luckily it wasn't unbearable

2 The friendliness of everyone we met Whether it was at Lee or the coffee shop they all have a amile The girls basketball team helped move our things from the van to the dorm They were awesome

3 Sticky Fingers Their ribs and potato skins with pulled pork are the best

4 Voices of Lee They sang Amazing Grace and it made the hair stand up on my arms

5 The campus at night with a full moon It's definitely one of the prettiest campuses I've been to

So now it's back to work for Darrell and I tomorrow and back to school for Zach
I can't believe summer is gone ..so now I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving :)

I'm at Lee

I'm in between parent orientation sessions and we found these computers in the coffee shop and I figured out how to get on my blog :)
It's about 95 degrees with 100 percent humidity so this is a nice place to be :)
I'm feeling very much at peace right now with my decision to bring Kristen here
Yesterday we spent the whole day moving her in and rearranging her room making trips to Walmart for extension cords,etc It's amazing how much stuff can fit into a tiny dorm room :) We all ate together last night at "Sticky Fingers" which is an amazing rib place There were 16 of us including roomates and parents of Kristen,Tyler, and Dylan
Students and parents are separated today so I haven't seen Kristen yet She's getting adjusted, registering,getting a mailbox,etc
They have a "freshman dedication" and then a buffet tonight
They had a child psychologist speak this morning about the emotions of parents and students and it made me feel so much better..doesn't mean I won't cry though when the time comes to say good-bye :)
I think I just needed to be here and know in my heart that I'm doing the right thing and that Kristen is in the right place.....and she is :)
I'll post again Sun night or Mon after I get back :)

Time to leave the nest

Kristen and Tyler 

Well,tomorrow is the day Kristen and Tyler go to Lee Kristen is still packing and we should have rented a moving van for her stuff :) As it is, we are taking a minivan that Darrell rented and I guess I will be driving one of the cars as well
Say a prayer for them ....and for me ..this is the hard part of being a mother..letting go

"Messy Moments"

I read this article this morning on the Relevant web site by Misty Jones and it just hit home I can count on one hand the friends I have like this but I thank God and pray for them everyday We all need friends who will be there in our messy moments and we need to be there for them as well



"Some of the most endearing, glorious times in life are birthed from sharing messy moments with those who are closest to you. There is something within the human spirit that aches to merely exist without the effort of looking as if one has it all together. Appearing strong when in reality you are a broken vessel is quite conceivably the most tiring and discouraging feat we could possibly attempt. There is a rare liberation that surfaces when we let our guard down in the midst of those who would never send us out the door to find our way home alone."

An emotional Sunday

Yesterday was Kristen's last Sunday at Southwest before she heads off to Lee this Thursday
We started going to Southwest in Dec 1999 when Kristen was in 7th grade At the time their youth leader was getting married and moving Doug Hill did a great job in filling in until we hired Jeff later that summer
Jeff and Mindy have been a huge part of our lives I've watched the youth program change and grow in the last 5 years and it has been their influence which has helped Kristen grow and mature in her faith
Jeff was not only an influence as a youth leader, he helped develop Kristen's confidence in her voice as she sang on the praise team so to have Jeff lead worship as Adam did the message was the perfect "last Sunday" before she goes off to college
I watched the worship music for both services It was hard at times I got teary but that will be one of my favorite memories
After church we went to the Howards to watch Megan's baptism It was a beautiful moment to watch as Kristen and Pat D. sang together "Perfect Love" with Pat H playing the bongo drum and Shelby and Jacque read scripture and then Jeff baptized Megan It had been pretty cloudy but during her baptism the sun came out ( a God thing :)
Kristen and I went to Target together to try and finish up getting what she needed for college We had fun going aisle to aisle trying to find "bargains" and things we had coupons for Kristen of course had to try to throw in some things that she "wanted" but didn't really "need" :)
Kristen and Tyler went to eat their "last supper" together with Jeff and Mindy and the other graduates They went to Bucca Di Beppos Read Jeff's blog ..it will make you cry
This will be an emotional week but looking back God has truly blessed me with a wonderful Southwest family who has been and will continue to be there for us

10 Things that make me smile

1 Putting my pajamas on after a busy and hard day

2 Zach's dry sense of humor

3 vanilla lattes from starbucks

4 Finding a Brett Favre jersey at 45% off

5 Watching Darrell have conversations with 2 people he's never met about the chocolate cake at City Barbecue

6 Tyler doing his Napolean and Darrell impresssions

7 Kristen's explanation for why she needs another pair of shoes

8 Sat mornings at Starbucks with Tina

9 Talking to my sister on the phone or getting an email from her

10 Reading a new chapter in Mike Box's book he's writing

God is talking to me through the computer

I was up this morning at 4 am I couldn't sleep so I came down to read my blogs I had some interesting comments on my blog yesterday that had nothing to do with Princess Diana :) but definitely made me laugh(Adam- your comment on the ceiling fan was hilarious) and I think I needed that
I found out this morning that my stepfather has advanced prostate cancer that has spread to his spine,arms,legs,and brain They aren't recommending chemo..it's too advanced for that It's mainly comfort measures They are concerned about fractures so he'll be receiving a shot to help build his bones up When they asked how long he had the oncologist said "I'm not God" so I like him already His main concern is keeping him comfortable and he told them he would be with them every step He sounds very compassionate which isn't always the case even with oncologists. So right now it's one day at a time ...
I'm including the devotional that was in my email this morning This was God talking to me ..an answer to my question to him at 4 am (My husband is a believer it's the second part of the message that I needed)



Because of You
by John Fischer



Your mission is to live your life.


In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul the apostle addresses believers who are married to unbelievers, and outlines a general rule that if the unbelieving spouse chooses to stay in the marriage, it would be good for the believer to stay, too. He gives two reasons for this: one, the children will have a godly influence through the believing parent, and two, the unbeliever may be converted “because of you” (1 Corinthians 7:16). (Exceptions to this rule would of course be situations of abuse and endangerment of a spouse or child.)


Just what does he mean by “because of you,” I wonder? Does it mean you are on a personal crusade to save your spouse? Does it mean that you will preach the gospel to your spouse at every possible opportunity? Does it mean you will turn your house into a religious institution that coerces your spouse to either put up with Christianity or leave? No, it doesn’t mean any of these things.


It means simply what it says: “…because of you…” because of who you are, because of how you live, because of the way your faith affects everything you do, because of the way you carry on your life, because of the reality of Christ in your life. That’s it. No more; but certainly, no less. Paul is suggesting that living your life with a sense of purpose that comes from your faith in God is enough to convert someone.


It occurs to me that this could be applied to all believers in relation to life in the world among people with whom we work and associate who are not believers. General rule: don’t leave the world. (Where would you go, anyway?) Stay in the world – in relationships with unbelievers – for the chance that someone may be converted “because of you.”


We are not on a crusade; we are on a mission to live our lives according to God’s purposes. When we do that, we make possible an environment of change where a person who does not have a meaningful relationship with God might become curious about someone who does. “Because of you” is a statement of subtle influence, not coercion, and in the context of Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 7, it is a steady influence over time, as would be implied by a marriage. There’s nothing complex or even premeditated about a “because of you” influence. This is a believer going about the process of believing; and this is an unbeliever going over their life with a microscope, observing the good, the bad and the ugly. Doesn’t matter if God is there.


Thought for the day: Don’t ever sell short what God can do “because of you.”

Princess Diana

I have loved Princess Diana since I first saw her in her engagement picture with Prince Charles There was just something about her that intrigued me I got up at 5 am the day she got married (we didn't have vcr's then -1981) and watched for hours. I have magazines and books on her life When she died , I remember my stepmom called me to tell me she had been in an accident and I stayed up past midnight until they announced that she had died I felt like someone in my own family had died
Anyway, this morning on the front page of the paper was a huge article on her because the Dayton Art Institute is doing an exhibit on her life and legacy including her wedding gown, her tiaras, home movies, photos and paintings,and the musical score and handwritten lyrics of Candle in the Wind which Elton John sang at her funeral The exhibit comes Feb 18,2006 I will be there :)

One week left ...alot of good-byes

In one week we will be packing up a rented minivan and driving 6 hrs to Lee University I can't believe how fast this summer has gone This is our last Thursday off altogether as a family (Darrell is only off on Thursdays and Sundays) Theres' alot to do in the next week to get ready..alot of good-byes
Even though I will miss Kristen , I'm excited for her too I think this will be such a good growing experience for her I'm excited to see how she will develop emotionally and spiritually in the next 4 yrs The one thing I don't have to worry about with her is if she'll make friends..that's a given with Kristen She was at music camp at Lee for 1 week and found her roomate there as well as several other girls who will be going to Lee She is definitely blessed with a social personality
Keep us all in prayer this week..it will be a busy one and a hard one emotionally with all the good-byes but it's definitely in God's plans ...that I do know and I feel a peace about that :)

Coldplay the concert

I went to see Coldplay last night at Riverbend with Darrell,Kristen,Zach,and Tyler
It was a celebration ..celebration that Zach passed his driver's test that morning..YIKES! ...and celebration that Kristen and Tyler are getting ready to take the next step of their lives..college
They had an opening band ..I think their name was Dark Forest or something like that
They were really bad It was 45 min of ear torture When they said they were playing their last song and people were clapping you know it's not a good thing
Coldplay came on about 9:10 and played until 11:00 ..no breaks If you ever get the chance to see them live it's an experience It's probably one of the best concerts I've been to..

1 It was sold out and the crowd was amazing Mainly 18 to 35 I saw basically no one younger than high school

2 Chris Martin has unbelievable energy and talent He never stopped He danced all over the stage came out into the audience ( about 3 ft from Kristen and Tyler :) played guitar played piano He was the best

3 The lighting and graphic arts They had a video screen behind them that had visual special effects on it

4 The songs They played most of the songs on X&Y and all of the favorites from A Rush of Blood to the Head and Parachutes The best song in my opinion because of the special effects and just the way they played was "Clocks"

Definitely the highlight of my summer :)

God won't forget you

I read this in one of my morning devotionals and it's just a reminder that even when we sometimes forget about God, he never forgets about us

"Years ago, I heard about an elderly gentleman who was suffering from the first stages of dementia. He lamented the fact that he often forgot about God. "Don't you worry," said a good friend, "He will never forget about you."

"Even to your old age, I am He," God said to the prophet,"and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear;even I will carry, and will deliver you Isaiah 46:4

Why husbands don't answer their wives

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I thought this was funny when I read it and it explains why I get no answer when I ask Darrell or Zach a question :)



According to researchers at a university in northern England, men have a more difficult time processing a woman's voice in the brain compared to hearing other men's voices. The research claims that men decipher female voices using the auditory part of the brain, the same part that is used to processes music. However, we advise men not to use this piece of information as an excuse ...

Marion's Piazza --1965 prices on Monday Aug 8

I grew up in Kettering where the original Marion's Piazza is on Shroyer We used to go there many times after football games Their pizza is awesome ! My best friend from high school even had her wedding rehearsal dinner there 3 yrs ago she liked it so much They make their own sausage and that's what I think makes it so good When my kids were in sports and cheerleading we always had their sports banquets there
Tomorrow they are celebrating their 40th anniversary and they are selling pizzas at 1965 prices! A large deluxe pizza is only 2.50 ! The bad part is you can only buy 1 per person but if you take your family they can each get in line and buy 1 Get there early the last time they did something like this they were lined up out the door There's one near the Dayton Mall, one on 48 in Centerville, and 1 at Town and Country mall in Kettering as well as some up north If you get the Sunday paper there is a whole page ad that gives you all the prices of everything

One more night :)

This is our last night with no kids :) It's been a good reflective week I'm glad I had this week before Kristen leaves I will miss her terribly like I did this week but I know I'll do Ok... after a few days of tears :)
I haven't heard from Kristen ..only Zach my homebody He was upset because his new shoes got torn and he just needed a comforting voice I think We were in the movie theater and luckily he called before I turned my phone off and before the previews started Is anyone else sick of seeing the cast of Two and a half men (Charlie Sheen,etc do "what not to do in a movie" ?
We went to see "Must Love Dogs" with Diane Lane and John Cusack It was a cute movie I'd wait for it to come to Danberry or video though
I went to Borders this afternoon because I wanted the new Rob Bell book, "Velvet Elvis Repainting the Christian Faith" The website said they had it but when I looked for it I couldn't find it The manager was very nice to help me look for it because on her computer it said they had 5 copies and they just received it this week We looked everywhere even the entertainment section under Elvis :) but no luck so she ordered it for me
We're going out to eat and for coffee with some friends tonight.. LaRosa's I think .. I love their pizza and I'm sure Starbucks :)
Coldplay at Riverbend Tuesday night ! Yeah ! :)

Spiritual Growth ..a lifelong journey

"Spiritual growth is not a sprint but a lifelong journey."
I have found that the more I study scriptures, the more I read, the more questions I have God reveals small pieces of himself to us daily Somedays I'm so self-absorbed it goes past me Other days what I read speaks to my heart..i feel a connection ..I learn and I grow There are definitely peaks and valleys to that growth The more effort I put in getting closer to God, the more solid is the foundation of my faith but it's always a work in progress ..
I've been writing on this blog for approx. 10 months now By expressing my feelings and experiences and sharing those thoughts with others , I hope that it has helped others grow in their spiritual walk and opened their eyes to things they might not have thought about or had experience with
I know that many of the things I read on other blogs have opened my eyes ,made me think,and touched my heart

A Long Week

It's been a long week and it's only Thursday I feel drained physically and emotionally Yesterday when I got off work I went upstairs and laid down and slept for 2 hrs I never do that I still felt tired I feel asleep at 9,vaguely remember Darrell telling me to go to bed at 12:30 and slept until 4:30 but it wasn't a restful sleep I woke up many times I still feel tired and I've got a day of work ahead of me
It's just too quiet here I'm ready for my kids to come back I have got alot of reading done and I haven't had to fight Zach on who gets the computer :)
I think we're going to Homearama tonight That's always interesting to see what makes a house worth a million dollars That's a totally foreign world to me It's almost sick actually A house is a house I just need it to be big enough where we aren't getting on each other's nerves not where you stay isolated for days
I've spent alot of my alone time in prayer ..I have alot on my heart right now..I know God is listening but he isn't answering me...yet

"Provocative Faith" a book review

What is provocative faith?

This is what Matthew Paul Turner talks about in his new book coming out September 1
Through his insights and examples, Matthew Paul Turner defines what we need to do to have provocative faith " A life of faith should be centered, stimulating, controversial,challenging,powerful, miraculous,vulnerable,frustrating,and fearful--in a word provocative"

The book takes you through his faith journey and how he discovers what it takes to have provocative faith. As a young christian he dealt with legalism in the church and fought to break free from the cage which kept him from having freedom in his own faith.

He uses life examples from his own life as well as those of others who have had their faith tested and challenged He is very honest about his own struggles with sin and his relationship with Christ during this time and he is able to do this with a sense of humor

Many times as christians we are seeking immediate answers and immediate comfort as though"God is our personal ATM machine"

Throughout the chapters he describes the areas that make up provocative faith-trust,humility,joy,knowing Jesus,love,community,dreams,and individuality.
"A person with provocative faith trusts in the middle of his situation."

Matthew calls us all to examine our own faith, "leave the boat and take a chance",and "to challenge those around you to grow and to become more real"

This book is definitely at the top of my list for recommended reading I give it 5 out of 5 stars :)

Expectations

"Expect nothing and you will not be disappointed"
This is a saying someone has printed on a magnet
If you think about it ,it's true but a sad way to live your life and honestly I don't think it's possible
Sometimes expectations are what can get us in to trouble
I know I have certain expectations with my marriage,my job,my kids,my friends but I have found out the hard way many times that what my expectations are don't match their expectations
The key is communicating those expectations before permanent damage is done to those relationships
I listened to a sermon this morning given at a local church that dealt very well with this subject
I honestly believe God knew I needed to hear this
My life is getting ready to change in the next few weeks with Kristen going off to college ...this week is giving me a taste of that "empty nest syndrome"
It's hard.. Last night was tough for me but God is faithful and He is good and He won't let me down and He will get me through this time and I will grow.. I don't think that is an unrealistic "expectation" and I know He won't disappoint me

Top 10 amusement parks

I love to go to amusement parks I think because it brings back good memories I thought this list was interesting I've been to 3 of the 10 Cedar Point,Busch Gardens, and Magic Kingdom and 2 of the 3 (Busch Gardens and Magic Kingdom) I went to on my honeymoon :) My favorite is definitely Busch Gardens If you ever go to Tampa,Florida it's definitely worth going to I remember that Darrell wanted to go to a Tampa Bay football game or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was terrible that year(1985) so Busch Gardens won :) If you want something closer Cedar Point is nice It sits on the lake and it's nice and cool in the park plus they have the coolest roller coasters ...way better than King's Island Magic Kingdom is always magical just because it's the Disney experience I might have to look at making one of these a future vacation place to visit :)




Our editors pick the nation's top 10:
Astroland Amusement Park - Brooklyn, N.Y.
Busch Gardens - Tampa Bay, Fla.
Cedar Point Amusement Park - Sandusky, Ohio
Disneyland - Anaheim, Calif.
Kennywood Park - West Mifflin, Pa.
Camp Snoopy at Mall of America - Bloomington, Minn.
Magic Kingdom - Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Paramount's Carowinds - Charlotte, N.C.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk - Santa Cruz, Calif.
Six Flags Astroworld - Houston, Texas

A Sunday Night Walk

I try to walk everyday Unfortunately for the past few weeks I've had to deal with a "shin splint" in my left leg and have had to cut back,use a compression brace, and motrin but I still walked Today I was able to walk my 3 miles with no motrin,no brace and no pain :) I spend 6/8 hrs when I work on my feet so that made it harder to heal My goal is to get to 5 miles :) I'm trying to get ready for the 5K walks I do in September (Carol Wolf walk for women for cancer,heart walk, and the JDRF walk (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
Tonight was a perfect night for walking Just the right temperature,stars in the sky and no one outside to distract me :) I like to listen to David Crowder on my ipod but tonight I also listened to a song by Art Garfunkel called "All I Know" I've included the words...they had alot of meaning for me tonight..

I bruise you, you bruise me
We both bruise too easily, too easily to let it show
I love you and that's all I know .

All my plans have fallin' through,
All my plans depend on you, depend on you to help them grow,
I love you and that's all I know.

When the singer's gone let the song go on...

But the ending always comes at last,
Endings always come too fast,
They come too fast but they past too slow,
I love you and that's all I know .

When the singer's gone let the song go on,
It's a fine line between the darkness and the dawn.
They say in the darkest night there's a light beyond

But the ending always comes at last,
Endings always come too fast,
They come too fast
But they past too slow,
I love you, and that's all I know.
That's all I know, that's all I know.