APRIL TRAVELS

I am currently in Erie for a birthday visit. I just rocked Mr. H to sleep for his afternoon nap. There is something about the uncomplicated love of your grandchildren. As long as you love them, play with them, and hold them--they love you with utterly no restraint in return.

To my friends in Ruston, I will be commuting between Erie and Austin from now on----I just cannot get enough of these grands!

A GOOD CAUSE

Our running group will be participating in a local 5K next weekend. We normally only run in 1 -5K per year--The Mudbug Run in Shreveport---(this is probably all about going out to eat together in Shreveport.) The local University is sponsoring this 5K in support of the area of Ruston that is the most impoversihed part of our town. The students are raising community awareness and funding projects to improve the area. We are all looking forward to running through the area and celebrating our run with the residents. Here is the blurb from the web site:

Louisiana Tech University’s School of Architecture is partnering with the community to improve the impoverished neighborhood of South of California Avenue (SOCA). Our goal is to improve the physical,social, living, and working conditions for the residents, by envisioning and building projects that will serve as agents of positive change in the community. We would like to strengthen and nurture the connection between the community and the resources of the city.We are continuing our mission of opening the eyes of the Ruston community by hosting the 2nd Annual SOCA Sprint 5K. Last year’s event was a huge success and we hope to reach even more of the community this year. Last year’s run included:65 Runners and Walkers Over 30 Volunteers20 Sponsors from the Ruston area We hope that you will join us on the journey to improve this part of Ruston. It can’t be done without your support! If you're interested, download the entry forms below.

Go Here for an application to walk or run with us. WE would LOVE to see you there!

STOCK MARKET 103

Sometime in the LONG ago posts, I gave a brief explanation of my day trading in the stock market. Well that continues until this day. I have learned some valuable lessons along the way and have had to crawl out of a hole a time or two, but I am still at it. I don't trade EVERY day as I did at one time. I have become a "Picky Trader" watching for volatile days and avoiding those that have more of a side-ways move. Today and yesterday are good examples of what I am doing.

One of the newest things I am trading is "Index Funds". Basically these funds follow the rise and fall of certain indexes. There are several of these indexes, but I follow the S & P because it is a broad spectrum of stocks. You decide what level you think the index will rise to or exceed in a short period of time. Today I began watching the S&P early. It kept making a dip down and once it was down about 12.5 it would pop back up some. So I bought into the fund at what I thought was a sustainable level at the dip down by 12.5. Once the fund made another reversal and came back up to a level that I determined, I sold the call. This all happened while I was at Bible Study. I emailed my buy point before leaving and BC texted me about my sell point while there. I probably would not have even seen the text since I had my sound off--except I got my I phone out to research a Scripture. Perhaps God was taking care of me!

Confusing? I must say I have called in the trade backwards on one occasion and often say it backwards when talking with BC about it. I know what I am doing---I just say it backwards. Perhaps I am a Dyslexic Stock Trader!

DEAL THE CARDS!

The "Conville's have proven to be quite the card players. One year and one day ago, we were hold a pair---quite the pair I might add! We were the proud holders of "Two of a Kind"----an exceptional pair--quite the "Winning Hand"!
"HIT ME!" We called for another card! LO AND BEHOLD! We now had 3 of a kind! Quite the envy of all you other card players out there. A HIGH and rare Trio---we were sure winners!

Now it seems you have chosen to "Hit Us" again! Will it be 4 of a kind---a set---or will we be on our way to a "Full House"?

Whatever card we are dealt---we are JACK POT WINNERS !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET HENRY JAMES!

PERSERVERING!

When preparing to teach Bible Study tomorrow night, I came up with the following example pertaining to running marathons---

Marathon running is all about enduring. First you must endure the training--long weeks of building up your mileage-no crowds cheering--sometimes horrible weather--irate motorist-injuries-blisters-you must endure it all before you even begin the race. Starting the race is very similar to starting a marriage---butterflies in your stomach--heart pounding-all smiles-READY TO GO! The first 3-5 miles are finding your rhythm-studying the terrain-setting your pace. At mile 10, you know you are well on your way and finally into double digits--still feeling good---but---At around mile 13, you realize--"Hey, I'm half-way---this is great--I'm doing great and THEN the thought hits you---I have this much more to go. Around mile 15-16---the work has started--you are aiming for that 20 mile mark. The miles from 18 or so on seem as if they MUST be marked wrong. I have to have run more than a mile! You finally hit 20 and the real race begins. It becomes-put one foot in front of the other--it is mostly a mental challenge now. There are parts of your body that are numb--you have aches-pains-blisters-chaffing--it becomes agony! You talk to yourself-you try to distract yourself-you just keep putting your feet down. The last 2-3 Miles find you vowing if you have to crawl--you will finish. And then GLORY you spot the finish line---there is a new bounce in your step--you have finished and hopefully you have finished well.

The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth.He will not grow tired or weary,and his understanding no one can fathom.He gives strength to the wearyand increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the Lordwill renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

INADEQUATE AND YET---------

Talk about mind-numbing intimidation--------BC and I were asked to be on a parenting panel to answer questions from young parents in our church this AM. As with most things----this seemed like a really good idea two months ago when we were asked to participate. Who could refuse our sweet Children's Minister--such a heart for God and his "little ones".

This week I found out the other 3 couples that were going to be on the panel----OH BOY! When I told Camille the story, she laughed and said we would add a touch of reality. I thought perhaps we were the examples of what not to do! Anyway--we went----we participated----we answered honestly from a life of "trying".

This afternoon, while reflecting upon the morning, I realized that God honors our earnest and sincere attempts on His behalf --even in parenting. There are no sure answers when it comes to raising children and I remember admitting to my own at times that I had erred. The one saving grace in the midst of my poor efforts----I love my children and I am sure they all know that.

My advice to young parents---as throughout the Bible---give your children your Blessing, pray for them continually and persevere!

DO YOU TAKE SUGAR WITH YOUR TEA???

I am not much of a "Rally" goer, but my curiosity got the best of me and I went to the Ruston version of the National Tea Party Tax Day Rally yesterday. It was interesting to say the least. It seems there are quite a few of us who are not happy with the way things are going in our Federal Government. What really amazed me was the hodge podge mixture in the crowd. Who knew? It might be a little concerning to our politicians to see the ground swell from ALL walks of life who are dissatisfied with what is going on in Washington. I will refrain from my "Soap Box" today---

The program consisted of Prayer, The Pledge of Allegiance, Our National Anthem, God Bless America and three speeches from totally diverse orators. A preacher, a YOUNG adult-having just finished his master's degree, and a grandfather/lawyer. The common theme----they aren't listening and Push them out! I enjoyed my evening and will spend some time reflecting upon where we are, how we got here, and what's to be done about it.

A nice size crowd with flags flying and signs waving
The Protesters

You will note the above protesters are all college aged. I remember the day when I was their age and I thought John F. Kennedy's Camelot was the answer. With maturity and "The Real World", I think I have a much better perspective on our nation and what is really going on. I SO WANTED to say----"Come back when you are supporting yourself and have been in the "Real Work World" for about 10 years and tell me what you think!" The wonderful thing about our country--they have the right to protest---as do we!

IDIOMS

My little ESL student that I tutor has a REALLY TOUGH TIME with idioms. It is almost impossible to explain to her---after all --IT MAKES NO SENSE! As I was talking with a friend this AM, I made the statement "He is working like a dog." Certainly an idiom-----BUT WHAT THE HECK???? ALL the dogs that I know live The Life Of Riley (another idiom). I suppose there may be a few working dogs out there----but for the most part the others just

TAKE AND TAKE AND TAKE

If you stop and think about it---it reminds you a lot of our tax system here in America-----

LOUISIANA AZALEAS

The azaleas are at their best this year. Could it have anything to do with the fact that I have threatened to take a lot of them out? It probably is due to all of the rain we have had and now the early warm temperatures. Below is an small sample of what my yard looks like right now.

A Native Azalea-they acutally grow wild in the woods

OLD DOG--NEW TRICKS--YADA YADA YADA

I am not a good "memory learner". I have always been more of a puzzle solver. We all have different styles of learning---and mine has never been memorization.

I am really feeling the call to learn more "Memory Verses". I have tried this before and failed miserably. I can paraphrase lots of Scripture, but quoting word for word is another thing. I have been thinking and decided God may not be pleased with my lack of effort. So I have once again, started the process. I decided the way to go--is start small and with a verse that really speaks to me. So far, I have committed three verses verbatim to memory. Short verses-but powerful verses. I am trying to work on one per week.

Here are the first three--challenge me if you see me--it will serve to help the process:

"For from Him
and through Him
and to Him
are ALL things. Romans 11;36

"The Lord searches every heart and understands the motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found." Colossi ans 28:9

"Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

HE IS HERE

As I ran this morning and watched the dark of the night slowly turn to the warmth of the day, I was reminded of God and his faithful presence in our lives. I watched the beautiful rays of the sun rising in the east and thought of Him. His creation which surrounds us all serves to acknowledge that He indeed is God and there is no little detail that He is not concerned with. During this year's study of God's attributes, I have been reminded of "Who He Is" and "That He Changeth Not"

"If you seek Him, you WILL find Him." Col 28:9

NEWEST TREASURE

I am into recycling--you know trying to preserve the resources of our Earth for my grandchildren! I separate everything that can be locally recycled and carry it around to the local depositories. It's a good thing!

As I posted before, the local landfill----where I was given the title of Queen recently-----has discontinued burning the yard refuse and is now chipping it for reuse. GREAT! I am a regular customer carrying all of the limbs, etc there that I have gleamed. Yesterday's trip was a REAL WINNER as I also came away with a treasure. #1 Son & I are known for our delight in finding a treasure in someones throw away pile.

We had pulled up to discard in the area reserved for metal products and BC spotted this PERFECTLY GOOD wagon. I somehow had missed it and he probably regretted pointing it out when I went over and emptied it and claimed it. The proud owner of two wagons already--one has been relegated to a plant holder only. This means when the grands come we have one wagon to ride down the hill and have to take turns. That has now been taken care of---we are a two rolling wagon family. WE CAN RACE DOWN THE HILL NOW!

I never think of riding down the hill with the boys that I don't think of #1 Grand yelling at me as we raced down the hill----"PICK UP YOUR FEET MOMMA LULU---YOU'RE SLOWING US DOWN!" Well--#1---Momma didn't raise NO FOOL--I race down the hill like I ski down the hill----IN CONTROL AND CAREFULLY!

"HALLELUJAH-----HE IS RISEN!"

GOOD FRIDAY THOUGHTS

"From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, Lama sabachthani' which meaans, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split."

"When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happen they were terrified, and exclaimed, 'Surely he was the Son of God!'"

Selected passages from Matthew 27

Today I am reflecting on the passion of the Cross and the sacrifice of a King. No matter what the world and those in it may hand you---no matter the devastation in life----HE DOES NOT FORSAKE ME! HE IS FAITHFUL!

SNOW BUNNIES!

The runners decided upon a "Skiing Trip" this year instead of a hiking trip. We just returned from Copper Mtn, CO where a good time was had by MOST. It seems that altitude issues sidelined one of the husbands invited along.

I started to give you ALL the details of the trip and decided that would send you into a coma. Suffice it to say that we had all level skiers---but EVERYONE enjoyed their trip. I am pretty sure we all have new bruises and bumps, but no permanent life threatening injuries. I actually felt "In Control" MOST of the time and had a sharp improvement of my skills with the help of Sonja and Susan.

One of the best things about traveling is enjoying local cuisine including bison and trout. YUMMY! We cooked a BIG breakfast every morning to get us going and then ate on the slopes for lunch. Supper every night was a rotating trial of the local eateries. Almost as much fun as skiing!

BC commented on the ease of traveling with the group--even with 14 people along. I told him we had all had LOTS of practice and for the most part everyone is pretty laid back about their expectations. We are already talking about our next trip and just where we would like to go. NOW THAT IS A GOOD SIGN!