I am now able to blog from my new iPhone! Whee!!!

Haha. I love the internet. Especially people who forward emails. Did you ever play "Gossip" or "Telephone" or "Tell a friend" and remember how what was originally said was changed by the time it got to the end.

I recognized a list I'd seen earlier. Mostly because her name is Regina too. But I didn't remember the author being so old. So I did my search engine research and found out that I was correct. She is not 90 years old as the email claimed. She had just turned 50 when she wrote these lessons in 2006. So if the emails were factual, she'd have aged 13 and 1/3 years every year!!

Anyways, I loved this list the first time I saw it. So here it is again. Luckily I had lived a lot of these on my own until I read the list, but some others made me think and change some of my attitudes. And now the list from Regina Brett, originally published in The Plain Dealer of Cleveland,Ohio.

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

by Regina Brett

Sunday May 28, 2006, 10:13 AM

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

To reach this Plain Dealer columnist:

rbrett@plaind.com, 216-999-6328
http://www.reginabrett.com/

Regina Ivie again:

Especially remember this last one. I have to continually remind myself that I am here for a reason, otherwise I wouldn't have been given the chance to receive my gift each day. Of course, most of the time #46 is hard for me.

I also found these lessons while trying to find the original list. Some could have been written by me to add, dang my not trying harder to be creative.

We all have a story to tell based on our life experiences. Tell it. It might help someone.

Take time to encourage a kid.

Take time to listen to a kid.

Give a kid some work to do.

Teach a kid to work.

Don't yell at your children. It hurts.

Listen to your heart and trust what it is saying.

Remember: What the enemy meant for evil, God can use for good. Share your story.

Use your God given gifts and talents and serve people.

A gentle answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1

Never hire an electrician whose nickname is Sparky.

Always give a volunteer something to do. Turning away someone who is willing to contribute for free is a bad business decision, and it may discourage that person from volunteering again.

Reset your desire to zero, then your life would be more simple.

If you chase perfection, you might catch excellence!

And finally, I, Regina, want to leave you with my lesson.

Smile, you never know how far that smile will go that day.

I believe your smile is not yours, but to be given away. When you smile at someone, it cheers them up and they will usually smile at someone else. And it just keeps going for the rest of the day. And I don't mean just to smile at adults, I have always been more comfortable with children, lean down and smile at them. Even babies appreciate your smile. It often tickles me when I smile at a baby and it then proceeds to crank it's neck to try and follow me as it passes me or I pass by.

Craigslist

"Weird Al" Yankovic does "Craigslist" Jim Morrison of the Doors style

Real World
by Matchbox Twenty

I wonder what its like to be the rainmaker
I wonder what its like to know that I made the rain
I'd store it in boxes with little yellow tags on everyone
And you can come and see them when I'm...done...
When I'm done

I wonder what its like to be a super hero
I wonder where I'd go if I could fly around downtown
From some other planet, I get this funky high on yellow sun
Boy I bet my friends will be...stunned...
They're stunned

(chorus)
Straight up, what did you hope to learn about here
If I were someone else, would this all fall apart
Strange, where were you, when we started this gig,
I wish the real world, would just stop hassling me

I wonder what its like to be the head honcho
I wonder what I'd do if they all did just what I said
I'd shout out an order, I think were out of this man get me some
Boy don't make me wanna change my...tone...
My tone

(chorus)
Please don't change, please don't break
The only thing that seems to work at all is you
Please don't change, at all from me to you...
And you to me

Xfire miniprofile

This is a miniprofile from Xfire for a contest they are having. However, it is also useful, because I believe you can see whether I'm online or not. My user name on Xfire is Vroomhilda. Xfire is an nice way for gamers to keep in touch with each other. Just recently they added the ability to use AIM in Xfire, so if I actually had friends, they could IM me while I'm playing WoW. Neat, huh? Anyways...Have a great day!

Protest flags

Since the protest took place at the city offices, there were the normal batch of flags. In the case of Ridgecrest, that means the US and California state flags as well as a P.O.W. flag. The wind was uncooperative, and I never managed to get a shot of both the US and state flags blowing at the same time. The stage was set up right underneat the flags.

There's a statue of an eagle on one of the buildings, and I thought this shot of the P.O.W. flag flying with the eagle might be nice.

The official flags, of course, did not prevent folks from bringing their own.

The US flags weren't the only ones folks brought. On fellow had a very large "Don't Tread on Me" flag.

You have been warned!

This is the sort of thing that happens when you leave a camera lying around that has film in it.

And getting done in black and white? That's your punishment for wearing a red shirt.

Using up film

So, what do you do when you have a few shots left on the roll of film, but want to drop it off to get developed? Me, I tend to take 3D pictures of trees.

Here are some I shot after the Ridgecrest tea party.

This first one is just some random bush by the parking lot. See, I had one shot left and there was a bush...

This was the next to last one. I had two shots left, and there was this tree...

This one I took because the leaves haven't quite yet opened. It's mostly branches with buds on it and I thought it would look good in 3D.

This tree is in the center of the roundabout by the city offices.

I thought the combination of close cars, medium distance trees, and more trees way off in the distance would look nice.

Fall 2008

Make a Smilebox photobook

Playing with Smilebox again.

I miss you...

Missing someone isn't about how long it's been since you've seen them last or the amount of time since you've talked... it's about that very [[moment]] when you're doing something... and you wish, you wish that they were right there with you.

Candy Hearts from Regina

Make a Smilebox greeting

Play ball!

Here's an anaglyph of a nephew playing kickball round about Halloween time.

We Are One: The Obama Inauguration

President Elect Barack H. Obama, Usher, Shakira, and Stevie Wonder...
And playing WoW. Life is good.

I hope that our next president can really bring his promise of change and help our country and the world reach the potential that I know that humankind has in it.

I think that this inauguration is over-the-top, but I will still enjoy it as a piece of history that I was here to enjoy.

Now back to enjoy Bono...

P.S. click the title to link to HBO and see pictures

If a disaster strikes

Yesterday afternoon I heard a strange noise in the trailer house. It scared me as I usually don't hear anything until Roger gets home. Later that night Roger told me we had a bigger earthquake than the normal everyday one. The time matched up so I decided to research our disaster preparedness better.

Below is the simple version of what you need to do if a disaster strikes:

* If you are instructed to take shelter immediately, do so at once.

* Listen to the radio or television for the location of emergency shelters. Note those that are accessible to those with physical disabilities and those that have other disability friendly assistance features such as TTY lines.

* Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.

* Take your disaster supplies kit.

* Lock your home.

* Use travel routes specified by local authorities and don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.

* Confirm upon arrival at an emergency shelter that it can meet your special care needs.

* Inform members of your support network and out-of-town contact of your location and status. *Serena will be my out-of-town contact :) Hugs sis.

But I need to back up and get ready before disaster strikes and do this:


Get Informed

* Utilities

Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves and share this information with your family and caregivers. Keep any tools you will need near gas and water shut off valves. Turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged, you suspect a leak, or if local officials instruct you to do so.

(Note: Gas shut-off procedure - As part of the learning process, do not actually turn off the gas. If the gas is turned off for any reason, only a qualified professional can turn it back on. It might take several weeks for a professional to respond. In the meantime, you will require alternate sources to heat your home, make hot water and cook.)


* Fire Extinguisher

Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguishers (ABC type) and where they are kept.


* Smoke Alarms

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near the bedrooms. Individuals with sensory disabilities should consider installing smoke alarms that have strobe lights and vibrating pads. Follow local codes and manufacturer’s instructions about installation requirements. Also, consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.


* Insurance Coverage

Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage and may not provide full coverage for other hazards. Talk with your insurance agent and make sure you have adequate coverage to protect your family against financial loss.


* First Aid / CPR & AED (Automated External Defibrillation)

Take American Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED classes. Red Cross courses can accommodate people with disabilities. Discuss your needs when registering for the classes.


* Inventory Home Possessions

Make a record of your possessions to help you claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage. Store this information in a safe deposit box or other secure (flood/fire safe) location to ensure the records survive a disaster. Include photographs or video of the interior and exterior of your home as well as cars, boats and recreational vehicles. Also, have photos of durable medical equipment and be sure to make a record of the make and model numbers for each item. Get professional appraisals of jewelry, collectibles, artwork or other items that may be difficult to evaluate. Make copies of receipts and canceled checks showing the cost for valuable items.


* Vital Records and Documents

Vital family records and other important documents such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, wills, deeds, and financial, insurance, and immunizations records should be kept in a safe deposit box or other safe location.


Make a Plan

Because a disaster can disrupt your primary emergency plan, it is also important for you to develop a back-up plan to ensure your safety.

Meet with Your Family / Personal Care Attendants / Building Manager

Review the information you gathered about community hazards and emergency plans.


Choose an "Out-of-State" Contact

Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your contact. Following a disaster, family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know the contact’s phone numbers. After a disaster, it is often easier to make a long distance call than a local call from a disaster area.


Decide Where to Meet

In the event of an emergency, you may become separated from household members. Choose a place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Choose a location outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.


Complete a Communications Plan

Your plan should include contact information for family members, members of your support network, caregivers, work, and school. Your plan should also include information for your out-of-town contact, meeting locations, emergency services, and the National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). This contact information can be recorded and carried in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc, for quick reference.

Teach your children how to call the emergency phone numbers and when it is appropriate to do so. Be sure each family member has a copy of your communication plan and post it near your telephone for use in an emergency.


Escape Routes and Safe Places

In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate on a moment’s notice. Be ready to get out fast. Be sure everyone in your family knows the best escape routes out of your home.

Use a blank sheet of paper to draw the floor plans of your home. Show the location of doors, windows, stairways, large furniture, your disaster supplies kit, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, other visual and auditory alarms, collapsible ladders, first-aid kits, and utility shut-off points. Show important points outside such as garages, patios, stairways, elevators, driveways, and porches.

Indicate at least two escape routes from each room, and mark a place outside of the home where household members and/or your personal care attendant should meet in case of ?re. If you or someone in your household uses a wheelchair, make exits from your home wheelchair accessible.


Plan for Your Pets

Take your pets with you if you evacuate. However, be aware that pets (other than service animals) usually are not permitted in emergency public shelters for health reasons. Prepare a list of family, friends, boarding facilities, veterinarians, and “pet-friendly” hotels that could shelter your pets in an emergency.


Prepare for Different Hazards

Include in your plan how to prepare for each hazard that could impact your local community and how to protect yourself. Determine in advance what your alternative shelter will be and how you will get there.

Other hazards, like a home fire, will require you to leave. Make sure both primary and secondary exits are accessible and that you can locate them by touch or feel (since lights may be out and thick, black smoke may make it very hard to see).


Make a Kit

Every household should assemble a disaster supplies kit and keep it up to date. In the event you need to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you, you probably will not have time to shop or search for the supplies you will need.

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items a family would probably need to stay safe and be more comfortable during and after a disaster. Disaster supplies kit items should be stored in a portable container(s) as close as possible to the exit door. Review the contents of your kit at least once per year or as your family's needs change. Also, consider having emergency supplies in each vehicle and at your place of employment.

The following some examples of items that could be included in your basic disaster supplies kit:

* Three day supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener.

* Three day supply of water ( 1 gallon per person per day )

* Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.

* Flashlight and extra batteries.

* First aid kit and manual.

* Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and toilet paper).

* Matches in waterproof container.

* Whistle.

* Extra clothing and blankets.

* Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.

* Photocopies of identification and credit cards.

* Cash and coins.

* Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries.

* Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.

* Tools, pet supplies, a map of the local area, and other items to meet your unique family needs.

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat during or after a disaster. Think about your clothing and bedding needs. Be sure to include one set of the following for each person:

* Jacket or coat.

* Long pants and long sleeve shirt.

* Sturdy shoes.

* Hat, mittens, and scarf.

* Sleeping bag or warm blanket.

Supplies for your vehicle include:

* Flashlight, extra batteries and maps.

* First aid kit and manual.

* White distress flag.

* Tire repair kit, booster/jumper cables, pump and flares.

* Bottled water and non-perishable foods such as granola bars.

* Seasonal supplies: Winter - blanket, hat, mittens, shovel, sand, tire chains, windshield scraper, florescent distress flag; Summer – sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or greater), shade item (umbrella, wide brimmed hat, etc).


Maintain the Plan


* Review your plan every six months and talk with your family about what to do.

* Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drill on a regular basis.

* Check food supplies for expiration dates and discard, or replace stored water and food ever six months.

* Read the indicator on your fire extinguisher(s) and follow the manufacturer's instructions to recharge. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every 10 years.


Why Prepare

Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.

What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?

You are in the best position to plan for your own safety as you are best able to know your functional abilities and possible needs during and after an emergency or disaster situation. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance with your family and care attendants.

Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

This information was adapted from a FEMA & Red Cross booklet: Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs

I have the .pdf file of this booklet. If you want it, leave a comment and I will email it to you.

Monkeys

"We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special."

Stephen Hawking

Pirates!

I normally come down on the ninja side of the "pirates vs ninjas" issue, but I'm willing to make an exception for this sweetie:

I did this in black and white because her costume contained a lot of red. Similarly, the princess below had an outfit that was mostly pink.

The St. Bernard I did in black and white for consistency with the others, but was pleasantly surprised to discover that it makes his whiskers stand out; they are hard to see in color.

Scowly McScowlsalot

Here are some anaglyphs of one of my nieces. There are a couple of reasons that these are fuzzy and grainy. The 3D lens that I'm using doesn't allow a very large aperture (it only goes to f/11), so my camera has to take long exposures when I'm shooting indoors; I wasn't using a tripod, so I couldn't hold still enough for the pictures to be good. It's grainy because I tried a faster film to see if it helped the exposure situation; this was shot on ISO 800 film.

I don't think she likes me very much. She scowls at me a lot. After a while, she'll be OK until I pick up my camera, then she'll start scowling again.

Her brother isn't nearly so scowly.

Guess the Christmas Song

Example: Bleached Yule = White Christmas

1. Boulder of the Tinkling Metal Spheres

2. Castaneous-colored Seed Vesicated in a Conflagration

3. Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior Incisors

4. Righteous Darkness

5. Arrival Time: 2400 hrs - Weather: Cloudless

6. Loyal Followers Advance

7. Far Off in a Feeder

8. Array the Corridor

9. Bantam Male Percussionist

10. Monarchial Triad

11. Nocturnal Noiselessness

12. Jehovah Deactivate Blithe Chevaliers

13. Red Man En Route to Borough

14. Frozen Precipitation Commence

15. Proceed and Enlighten on the Pinnacle

16. The Quadruped with the Vermilion Proboscis

17. Query Regarding Identity of Descendant

18. Delight for this Planet

19. Give Attention to the Melodious Celestial Beings

20. The Dozen Festive 24 Hour Intervals

Answers will come later, have fun!

A Christmas Sermon Poem

This third week in December
I sallied forth to see
Potomac Mills and Spotsy Mall
in their Christmas revelry.

There were hordes of Christmas shoppers
racing 'round the floors.
The face of haggard sales clerks
could be seen in all the stores.

Some customers were lined ten deep
to honor the tradition
of charging on plastic what they don't have
- a risky proposition.

One scene sticks in my mind as I speak
of a quest for the Toy Story dog.
A footsore clerk shook a "No" with his head
and said, "Try the catalog."

I saw many a pillow-stuffed Santa
with kids upon their knees
listening patiently 'bout X-Men,
Barbies, and Hercules.

Yes, the malls were all a bustle
in the midst of preparations.
They came; they saw; they purchased
in their Christmas time migrations.

But merchants are not the only ones
that seem to have a reason
to schedule, to premeditate,
to get ready for this season.

Also homes prepare
for the coming of the King.
Sweets are baked, lights are strung,
songs are sung by Bing.

Evergreens are purchased,
crooked trunks and bare spots all.
Some are clipped, some are chopped,
some found a bit too tall.

Young ones eyes are glowing
as trees become displays
of a thousand twinkling colored lights
which rival Milky Ways.

Cookie cutters covered with flour,
sugar sprinkles on dough,
manger, angels, trains and candy,
and, we hope, some snow!

Festive, warm, inviting
are our homes this time of year
preparing for the Savior Child
in holiday atmosphere.

But we are not the only ones
who labor in preparation.
God, Himself, determined too
for Christmas celebration.

This blessed Christmas story
has roots that run far back
into the old, old testament
when men the light did lack

and prophets wide who spoke for God
gave promise of a son
who would dispel the darkness
when the kingdom had begun.

The Lord, our God, took great pains
to unfold His Christmas plan.
He set four things in place, you see,
to bring His Son to man.

Each incident has a part, you'll find,
in bringing Christ to us.
The Child who saved us from our sins
by a death so hideous.

The first of God's preparing
was a setting for the King:
a time, a place, a people,
an historic opening.

The spot for Messiah's birthplace
was predicted, as you know -
"Bethlehem," the prophet said
so very long ago.

Seven-hundred twenty five B.C.
was when that prophet spoke.
The chances of him guessing that
were really quite remote.

But "To whom would God send His only Son?
What people? What race? What tribe?"
To the Jews. To Judah. To David.
Was the setting that God prescribed.

"And when should we expect Him?
What time? What year? How late?"
In the fullness of time God sent Him
for God had arranged the date.

God's timing was just perfect:
One empire. One language. And roads -
had been built from Spain to Persia
so the good news could just explode!

The time, the place, the people -
the setting for the coming King.
All these were prepared for Christmas
by the Father who rules everything.

And next God prepared a name.
Quite a few to be exact.
"Emmanuel" was one - it means
God and man would somehow contact.

Five more are also listed
in Isaiah nine verse six.
These five inspire excitement
from Baptists or Catholics.

His name is Wonderful
that takes care of the dullness of life.
We no longer need cheap substitutes
nor to wait for an afterlife.

His name is Counselor
that takes care of life's decisions.
With Jesus we have the wisdom we need
to deal with life's hardest oppositions.

His name is The Mighty God
- that takes care of life's demands.
Through Him we can conquer when life seems tough.
There is nothing He can't withstand.

His name is The Everlasting
- the Father of life's dimension.
Whenever we place our life in Him
time has an eternal extension.

His name is Prince of Peace.
He takes the disturbance of life.
As you put the control of your life with Him,
He deals with the pain and all strife.

Think of the names I've just listed.
Choose one that meets your need.
God prepared that name for your Christmas.
It was all arranged and decreed.

And then God prepared a woman.
He predicted to Adam and Eve
that to a woman a child'd be born
- a Savior the world would receive.

Every Jewish lady wondered
if she was the one through whom
God would send the promised Messiah,
the Redeemer in woman's womb.

"Behold, favored one!" said the angel.
"The Lord is especially with you."
She wondered at this strange greeting
and what he would ask her to do!

"You will be with child and give birth to a Son
and he will be called 'the Lord saves.'
The Spirit of God will father this child
to break Satan's hold o'er his slaves."

You can imagine her feelings!
What questions. What stirrings of heart.
She understood genetics.
Who would be her counterpart?

"The first child born to a virgin
will be the Son of God!
With God all things are possible
though His actions may seem a bit odd."

And so the faithful young woman
accepted Gabriel's word
"I am the servant of God," she said
"and all that you've said I have heard."

Mary shows us not only privilege
but exceptional sacrifice.
She joyfully offered her body, her trust,
and her future (to be precise).

Mary was mother to God's own Son!
There was just one hitch in the plan -
besides an aunt and an uncle who knew
God told no one else in the clan!

The pain of shame was hers to bear.
Her fiancé was possibly lost.
But she submitted to God's tough will
and the Lord redeemed the cost.

So God prepared for Christmas.
He chose the perfect place.
He set the time and named the group
- the setting in time and space.

And God prepared a woman
- a virgin by design -
who qualified more, for her faith
than her Davidic line.

But one more thing God had prepared
upon that Christmas eve.
A book of Paul, Ephesians one
tells one more thing to heed.

"Before the world began
- before all time and space,
God prepared you to receive
this Savior by His grace."

Before there was a Christmas
you were headed for rendezvous
You were not made to fit Christmas
Christmas was made to fit you.

The child in manger grew to man,
The crib looked to the cross.
The God-man died, so we might live
And find in Him no loss.

He came to give abundant life
He asks one thing from us.
To place our total trust in Him
From birth to sarcophagus.

So as you prepare for Christmas
remember God has prepared for you.
He is arranging Christmas
for Mike, for Linda, and Sue.

And God is not done preparing.
His love is so profound
that one day soon He'll come again
and make us all homebound.

So a verse from Paul's Corinthians
I close with on this day.
I pray you'll take it with you
as you go along your way:

"No eye has seen, nor mind can know,
no tongue has ever told
the things our Savior has prepared
for those who love Him bold." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

-- Dennis Rupert
Christmas Day Poem Sermon
December 1995

Nonchalance

Here are a couple of pictures of folks standing around with their hands in their pockets. These are from the May '08 trip to Idaho Falls during a stop in Smithfield.