There’s a time in life That needs no rhyme or reason About a decade made Of one long month of May Then life will twist and turn No matter what the season You’ll get some sun And lots of rain along the way
We spent the day at the Morris Arboretum where there are a huge number of species of flowers and trees spread over 167 acres. In addition to the plants, there are sculptures, fish ponds, fountains and some very unusual organic structures.
The last time we were there, the rose garden was in bloom and it was totally spectacular. But we were a little too early this year. We hardly missed the roses since there were so many other sights to see. I was especially impressed with a "hut" made completely of willow branches woven together. It was an amazing, seemingly impossible piece of work that might have come from the set of some primaeval fantasy movie. The high bridge leading to a super scale birds nest (man made) was pretty impressive, too.
By the way, the arboretum was owned by John and Lydia Morris before they transferred it to the University of Pennsylvania. I thought the were married, but it turns out they were brother and sister.
So, the day was spent experiencing an amazing array of sights we'd never seen before.
I sometimes follow the blogs of people I don't know very well and some I don't know at all. These are usually friends/aquaintances of people I do know. My repeat visits are determined, of course, by how interesting I find them to be. One such blog is that of Kelly Bowron. I hadn't checked out Kelly and the Global Nomads for quite some time, for reasons I won't go into here. But recently I thought I would check in and see if she was still blogging. And I must say I was surprised to learn how much had taken place in her life, since my last visit. There is a new addition to the family, Griffin, a bouncing baby boy. They have been back home to see their families in the south east, my neck of the woods, and are now back in Qatar, where her husband works. Kelly is the mother of four boys. She bakes, she knits beautiful things, and home schools their three boys-- among many other things. Her pictures are funny, interesting and some are even informative. The Bowrons seem like the ideal American family---living in Doha, Qatar. Kelly gives us an idea of what life is like in that part of the world.
Another interesting blog is that of my husband's nephew, Greg Ireland and wife Chris. They are a great Christian family with two small children. Esther is a beautiful 3 year old and Jadon, their adorable baby boy was born last December. Chris already has them in Bible study. Greg was a pilot with Alaska Airlines who felt the Lord was leading him into the ministry. So, after much prayer and careful deliberation, he is now a student in Seminary. His decision was not an easy one. But he finally decided to follow what he believes to be God's plan for his life.
And I must not forget John Teihlet down in Tennessee (Ahyesindeed). He is quite a character and seems to always have something adventurous going on. His pictures and video postings should receive some kind of creative/ innovation award. Only problem, he doesn't blog regularly, to which I can relate. In fact, he said not long ago he realized the "pulselessness" of his blog and was considering deleting the whole thing. But upon some sensible reflection, he reconsidered. Just hope he never gets such a wild- hare idea again!
If you check out these blogs, you'll get an insight into how the average American family is coping with raising kids in today's society. If these three families are any indication of how the young are being raised, not to worry, everything is going to be OK.
I am so happy to hear that Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue" is already # 1 at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. And it isn't even available yet. Now that's impressive! I don't believe the MSM has/will acknowledge it, but, of course, that is no surprise. The support for Palin is growing by the day. And if this level of support and urgency for her to run for president is like this now, what will it be in 2012?!
Her face book page is continually filled with ardent/passionate supporters - many of whom have just discovered what she's all about. And many of whom have already ordered multiple copies of her book. Someone suggested that those people purchasing multiple copies might consider sending one to the troops. Great idea, and we must not forget that her son, Track, has served in Iraq.
The increasing admiration for Sarah is nothing short of amazing. And it isn't difficult to understand why the liberals are doing their best to ignore and dismiss her as a joke. The joke just might turn out to be on them. I think the liberals are beginning to realize they may have a tigress on their hands in 2012. Realistically, it is too early to predict, but considering her increasingly passionate support and the public embarrassment of an incompetent and dysfunctional Democratic party, she just may have a shot at the White House in 2012....if she wants it.
My song, "Thunder Rolls" expresses the sentiments of her growing multitude of fans and supporters. Sarah took the time to express her personal appreciation to me in a beautiful Christmas card, bearing Trig's picture. That's just the kind of person she is. And I hope, "Going Rogue" goes viral.
This youth oriented project launched along the banks of the Mississippi River near the LSU Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge and has traveled to St. Louis and the Quad Cities. The final stop is Minneapolis/Saint Paul on August 16th. According to the update I received from the BGEA, thousands of young people from all over the country have shown up....11,000 at the opening event in Baton Rouge. Entertainment included major Christian bands such as Mary Mary and Flyleaf. Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf lead singer) told the crowds of youth about her terrible past filled with drugs and suicidal thoughts and how Jesus saved her.
It is encouraging that so many young people are interested enough to show up, take part and give their time and energy to spiritual things. There is so much secularism and social/peer pressure every where competing for the minds and souls of our young people. And a project like Rock the River Tour that will change the lives of many of these young people forever is something to be lauded. It seems that many young people are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the fruits of un-Godly living. Far too many of the young can relate to the life style of Lacey Mosley. When they are made aware of anew way of life in Jesus Christ, they are responding.
