~A dose of good laughter is always the best!~

Many of what you will see here are all posted on facebook, but since a lot of them have some privacy settings added to them I decided to post them on here as well so those who cannot access them there, can here.

Fireworks, friends, boating and a good dose of laughter about sums up my Labor Day weekend. Here are some pictures:

This is the KY side of the river. We were standing on the Cincinnati side but this pic just gives you an idea of the "mob" of people that were there.

After staking out our spot for over 3 hours,

we were able to meet several new people.

Its a good thing my roomie was with us or else our spot would have been stolen. She protected it pretty well.

 I think we are about ready for a little fun! We decided to go out with our good friend Ken on his boat and do a little water tubing in Brookville, IN.

In order for the rest of the group to go tubing, the boat had to be launched about 4 miles away. The boys here (Jesse Moke, Isaac Owens and Ken) decided that it was their job to launch while us girls waited on the beach. (How typical...)

Almost, almost...man! Jesse definately had some trouble getting onto the tube. After several attempts with me laughing on the boat, there was sucess.

Meg hesitated a bit doing this but found that afterwards this was very fun. (Can't you tell by the look on her face?) All that was heard was , Kelly: "Meg are you okay",  Meg: " Are we done yet? Just tell me we are done."   

We decided to play not "sand volleyball" but "MUD volleyball. =) As you can see, this is what it turned into.

This was a wonderful trip I must say. There is nothing better than a day filled with lots of laughter!

Or the reassurance from God, through his rainbow that He enjoys seeing His children laugh and have fun!

I have not blogged in over a year now, but I have continued to think about this "tree" in my last post. Here is just a few simple thoughts that have played over and over in my mind and have taught me several lessons.

What do you see when you look at this tree? It's ugly right? Looks like it has lost everything off of its' branches. Shouldn't it be cut down and removed from life? Many of us probably would think that. I mean, what good is an ugly barren tree?
Lately I have compared myself to this picture. What good am I?? What use can I be to God? I am empty, and feel rather ugly.

Life has its' seasons. To those that think this tree looks hopeless need to be reminded of something. I needed the reminder. What I see, sometimes, tends to be completly different than what God sees. When I see a lonly, ugly tree, God sees a tree that in time, in another season will be beautiful and blooming!

To everything there is a season. I have learned that the greater the challenge that I go through, the greater the future is for me. It is best to quit focusing on what is happening around me, and start focusing on where I am going.

In His timing is best....Just a thought - Every setback is just a setup for a greater comeback.

Learning to trust Him!

Fall Season. It becomes Cold, leaves scatter to the ground. The tree becomes bare.

Life. It becomes empty. Everyone who had significance leaves. Life becomes the barren tree.

Question. Where are it's roots?

I have been reading a book recently that has brought many new ideas and challenges that I would like to step up to and face/ embrace. The question that the book deals with is, " What are we doing with our lives, beyond Sunday?" How are we investing time in others' lives to show them God's love? To help them grow, and mature? MY question is, am I living what I speak? I think this poem, taken out of this book really speaks clearly.


Beyond Sunday" by Woodie J. Stevens
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear;
Find counsel is confusing, but example is always clear.
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see a good sermon put in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you will let me see it done;
I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stands behind.
Just to see if he can help hhim , then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many; med believe what they behold.
One deed of kindness noted is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker sharms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day."


Ask yourself, what are you living?

Questions. We all ask them. We all hope or expect someone to give us the answer. That would be easy right? I remember one of the professors at GBS saying to us, if we always were given the answers to our questions, we would never be given the "cause to learn". It is when we search for our answers that we learn and remember things longer.

I have asked millions of questions recently. But the questions still remain unanswered. Most of them will probably never be answered. But, I am sure one day I will look back and see that it is during these times that I have grown, that I have learned to trust. Trusting the One who knows every answer to every question that I have ever had.

Questions.. seeking...to find answers. Learning..how to trust.

I no longer want to blog. I think I've had a transfusion and it's out of my blood.