Sister Miles and Smiles

I am most blessed! Mary Helen Noland is my friend, my traveling companion, and my connection to Fred and Mary Alice Smith.....

Our September trip ended with lunch on a lake in East Texas...we hated to see the time end. Lord willing, there will be many more excursions, conversations, and adventures.

Little did we know when we were adversarially sharing a room all through growing up years we would share someday with joy. God is good.

Summer of the Sun

Ooops, didn't mean for the pic to be so prominent, but -----

This summer I got tan....didn't mean to, but walking and swimming are more easily done outside and I thoroughly enjoyed the brightness of the days.

It became an interesting experience. People asked me about my activities....often wondering if I was frittering my summer away by "tanning." Then, they asled if I intended to get tan rather than maintain my year round paleness. I don't know how you can get accidentally tan, but....

Of course, spiritual principles occurred to me. Tanning is not something that just happens...it takes attention and timing. It also takes regular activity. Tans don't stay (as I am in the "fading" phase) - they must be worked on continuously. Isn't spiritual growth the same way? We can't do Bible reading once a week in church and expect the Son to shine and His reflection to be seen day after day. I found myself grabbing a few minutes here and there (even stopping at a McDonald's outside table while traveling) to soak up 10 minutes of Vitamin D. Wouldn't it be great if we stopped during our busy days to read a few verses of scripture, or just visit with God?

Would people start to comment on our spiritual glow if we purposed to bask in his Sonshine? What if we designed activities that took us into His world and into His light?

I loved the summer of the tan and it will probably not be repeated for many summer seasons, but I enjoy much more the reminder that a purposeful, intentional plan to Son year 'round gives no wrinkles and feeds my soul.

Official Tabulation

100K!

I promised a good friend a bottle of champagne when her income hit 100K....I figured the Cruiser wouldn't mind if I just stopped and said thank you for traveling these miles in safety and good humor.

6:00 on 10-1-10 the odometer read 100,001 when I pulled off Interstate 20 in Pelahatchie,MS. YAY and thanks to God for this wonderful little car!

Sister Miles

When Mary Helen and I shared the same room at 8525 Given Road, Indian Hill, Ohio we fought constantly. The five years of difference (she is definitely the younger one) rubbed us raw. "I can't wait 'til you leave for college and this room is all mine!" I heard that often during my senior year. Now, I am in my senior years and we happily share miles of travel together - thanks to the generosity of her dear husband who gave her up for a week.

As you can see, our first stop was Nashville. All roads used to lead to Rome, but now they lead to middle Tennessee and Jack Horch.

How I love this little boy. Being a Gram to all my grandkids is probably one of God's richest blessings in my life. "He puts the lonely in families" says the Psalmist. When I hit lonely moments I think about these wonderful 6 grandchildren (soon to be 7) and praise God for His mighty gifts.

Mary Helen is the perfect traveling companion ---- we love the same food, have bladders the same size, and love to fall asleep with the TV tuned to HGTV. What more could I ask?

We talk about whatever is on our mind and what is in our heart.....doesn't get much better. It is so nice to be known by someone so deeply.

Blogger, Where Art Thou?

I am "on the road" and fully expected to faithfully write each night. But, no ---- didn't happen. Therefore, I am at the end of the trip and trying to sit down to organize some thoughts to share.

Lest you think it was an uneventful journey, worry not because it has been fruitful, filled with good food,, and special time with sister Mary Helen. More on that later.

Reminds me of God's faithfulness. Even when we don't hear His voice, He is thinking about us and constantly caring for us. It is terrific when we have one of those "I've just seen Jesus" moments, but more of life fits into the "trust Me --- I am here even when you don't hear" category.