Hello Moon!!

Today was a glorious day. Despite the fact that I am NOT a cat lover, I felt very much like a cat. I got my belly full on Pumpkin and Praline Pancakes and really wanted to find a sun-filled window to stretch out in front of. The weather and my company were delightful. This evening provided an even better bonus... a beautiful, full, and amazing moon. It was an unexpected surprise as I went to pick-up the boys from choir rehearsal. Tonight's moon allowed perfect vision in an otherwise dark world. The shadows were not scary or awkward places but instead allowed for clarity of thought and the use of senses usually abandoned in the night. Tonight's moon made me think about our darkest hours... those moments that bring pain, confusion, and fear. We need only to look to the ONE who created the moon to ease our burdens. HE is no surprise! He will light the way! HE is awe inspiring and for that and the darkness I am grateful!
GOOD NIGHT MOON!!!!

SOUPER Genes??

Tonight we had our family Thanksgiving get together... it is a SOUPER event. You see, we all bring crock pots full of soup and desserts and share with one another. The food is great. LAUGHTER is loud and it is wonderful. The soups are very different... even when we make the "same" recipe. Soup is like that.. it allows the flavor to marry and gets better with age. I can't help but think about my own genetic make-up. Although I share similar DNA history with these people, we are all unique. SO.. I have to reflect on my own makeup. What traits have I been given from those before me that are worthy of passing on? From my Papa Drye.... a love and respect for nature and all God's creatures, realizing that sometimes, they may very well be your best friends. From Mama Drye... the ability to take pride in what you have and the creativity to turn nothing into something quite magical. From my Papa McDonald... a thirst for God's word and direction in my life and a love of Eggnog and hoop cheese. From my Mama McDonald... the ability to cut through the bull and see things as they are.. sorry I never did acquire her love of coffee. From my Dad... a great sense of humor and the ability to make others feel at ease. From my Mom... a desire to be the best I can possibly be and that crazy Drye Drive that will not allow me to quit! So.. I must admit... the soup that is me is not too bad. I doubt Campbell's will ever purchase the copyright recipe.... but for today.. it is good enough and with that I am satisfied!

Blessings to you dear ones. May the coming week find you SOUPER!!!

VICTORY in Jesus...

Yesterday brought the close of our football season. We had beautiful weather and I was, quite honestly, very nervous and excited at the same time. If I am truthful.. I really wanted to throw up as my 3rd and 4th grade team played. The first quarter was quite acceptable. We were down by six to a team that had beaten us twice before... NOT BAD.. not bad.. NOT BAD. However... in the second half.. an unacceptable thing happened. The official felt the need to yell that "(our) coaches were just a sorry bunch" IN FRONT OF CHILDREN. REALLY?? YOU did not need to say this. This inevitably causes a nasty (yet civilized) confrontation allowing one of our coaches to be ejected from the game... BUT OUR KIDS KEPT PLAYING!!
These young boys who came out in September fearful, overwhelmed, and really contemplating quitting after Week 1 have learned perseverance. BUT THYE DID NOT QUIT... they stuck through it and faced their fear. Despite injuries, adverse weather, and often times complete and total frustration, our boys played and learned and grew from their mistakes. I feel these 8 and 9 year olds are wonderful role models of how my Christian walk SHOULD BE... I should keep my eyes on the prize and work through difficulties with the belief that ultimately.. I WILL HAVE A VICTORY.. and it will be in JESUS!! God bless my boys and help my influence on them to have been a good thing and as Christ-like as possible from this lowly sinner. AMEN!!

Old Friends.. and TAP shoes

Tonight when I went to dance... my friend JANE was there. Jane is a retired home economics teacher and had to take time off from dance to care for her mother who has unfortunately passed away. YOU SEE.. Jane realized she would have a void in her life and wisely returned to a place she enjoyed! When I entered the studio... I let out a little girl like scream of excitement.. I had forgotten how much I enjoy Jane. Jane is an older lady... who has not bought into that notion. Jane never takes herself too seriously and always makes you feel special Jane makes our performances because.. although she may not get all the steps... she is the epitome of a performer... the audience can not take their eyes off Jane.. and we don't mind! SHE is so worth it. So YES.. today was a spectacular day... I got to wear my tap shoes and Jane did too. BLESSINGS ARE MINE and I am so undeserving! Thank you God for those people in our lives that help us live more fully! May you and I both be more Jane like in the remaining days we have been given.

Holding ON??

I have been an observer of people for quite a while now. Unfortunately, I have not found a way to be paid for such great thoughts... yet I have had a lot of fun with a variety of people doing so. Today's observation is this... in most relationship type photos you see one person as the one holding on and the other being held. I wonder... is it always the same person? Does God lead us to the one that needs to be held or that will hold us? Do we ever reverse roles? I wonder about myself. Where do I fall on the holding on continuum? What causes us to hold on? Do we fear losing the person or are we like toddlers that want one more squeeze before leaving for the day? So my challenge from all this mindless tomfoolery is this... BE WORTHY of the one who holds on to me and have the courage to hold on when needed. May God grant me the discernment to distinguish between the two.

Family Ties

Tonight we had a mini-reunion with my dad's siblings and their offspring. IT WAS A BLAST. I know these people from the perspective of a kid. They are cousins and aunts and uncles.....you get the picture. TONIGHT...I got the chance to visit with them as adults.... and I must add they are pretty darn spectacular. They are wives and mothers and are unique and special and talented. The best thing.. the really best thing was that our little "private" room was filled with laughter. The kind of laughter that is genuine and from the soul. Our kids had fun and became quick friends and actually allowed the adults to visit a bit. I think our grandparents are pleased. I think they found joy in our reunion. AND FOR THAT and the blessing of biological family and families of the heart.. I am grateful.

Thankfulness Challenge?

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer

Many friends are talking about the concept of thankfulness and taking the challenge to list daily one thing they are thankful for. In no disrespect... should this really be a CHALLENGE? For me, I have been given far more than I deserve. Conversely..I have often NOT been given exactly what I deserve. I should have a major knot jerked in my more than ample hind end....seriously.. I should be in a constant state of gratitude for all my blessings. I have lived an overall satisfying life. I realize that the bumps I have endured have been lessons learned and created the person I am. I have been blessed with FAITH that God will provide and LOVES me unconditionally.. scars, errors, and fouls. This.... is enough. Which leads me back to my initial point... I AM THANKFUL and should be! God's unending love and abiding mercy to you... and prayers that we all realize these things without ceasing!