Sunday, December 23, 2007

Merry Christmas!

Somehow at the Christmas season, it is easier to cut to the chase, to be reminded of what is truly important. So, I want to express my thanks and praise to God for my family and the friends by whom my life has been so blessed. You see, I am "wired" to see God best as He is reflected in the lives of others.

You are as varied as creation itself and by God's grace, you each play a unique role in my life... blessing me, challenging me, encouraging me, humbling me, spurring me on. The roles do change as time goes by, but you are each so much a part of who God is still making me to be. Thank you - I am so thankful for you.

I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His unending love for me and patience with me, as He, above all, is still pursuing me. May you experience His love and grace in a deep and personal way as you celebrate this Christmas.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

December

Does anyone else have trouble fitting it all in with the right attitude in December?

My first struggle is that the passing of time in life now is so different than when I was still teaching. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that I was on a "school calendar" from age 6 to age 43, with only one year off anywhere along the way, and even that was sort of around a school year. There were always events and benchmarks so I knew what came next. Now, time just passes, so Christmas sneaks up on me each year.

Next, there are way too many fun and neat things all pressed into the same small time span - the kinds of things that only come around at Christmas and are wonderful eye and ear "candy." How can I possibly take them all in? And, I never want to miss anything!

My goal this year is to slow down enough to totally engage in the season and all its fullness - I know when I do that I will see God's miracle on our behalf in a new light, with new hope. That's not likely to be easy, but I think it is critical. Otherwise, I will miss too many wonderful and meaningful moments that I will wish later that I could remember clearly.

So, here goes - the commitment to sleep enough, exercise enough (esPECially when things get the busiest), eat sensibly, and remember that only the Word of God and people last forever... It's my goal to be focused on those things. Then, the right things will fit in, and the attitude will come along, too.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Monday, November 5, 2007

Colts Mania!

Such sadness! Such angst! Such yelling and screaming like I have never heard! Just a normal Sunday afternoon at the Meharry household. The funny part is watching my Mom and my sis during the course of a game like yesterday's when the Colts met the Pats. I did watch the game, and I was interested in the outcome, but I apparently don't have as much invested emotionally as they do!

But, we cheered and clapped and reminisced about some of the other BIG games we have all watched together from the comfort of the family room. It's becoming more and more of a family tradition, and one we all look forward to - having a relaxing (well, when we are winning...) and fun activity to focus on together.

Next week, we will all watch again, I am sure. If we aren't together, the cell phone calls during commercial breaks will allow us that same kind of fun interaction. Here's to family fun, oh, and yes, Go, Colts! :-)

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Normal

I looked back, and it has been two weeks since I have written anything. I guess that's because there isn't really anything out of the ordinary that has happened. Not sure anyone is really interested in reading about "normal."

But the as I thought about it, I am sure that is what life is for most of us anyway, right? So, this morning, I would like to celebrate a normal week - some great times interacting w/ family and friends, walking, working, podcast listening, Snood playing, watching the fall colors become more and more beautiful each day.

When all is said and done, it was a good week, and I am thankful. May your normal week be a good one, too.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Art at Alchemy

http://events.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=375604.5942
This evening I was reminded of how limited my perspective can be. I went downtown for the opening evening of an art exhibition. It was a great experience. Mark has wonderful diversity in media and subject matter. The piece shown on the link above includes an image of a tall ship - the intricate detail is incredible. But most of Mark's art would not be considered representational. Instead, his outlook is larger and broader than mine -- Mark sees the world in ways I do not. Perhaps I need to look at the world from other perspectives more often.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Retreat pics

Last weekend, I was refreshed and encouraged at a women's retreat. Pics are available at http://picasaweb.google.com/lmeharry - including some re-creations of national monuments out of non-standard materials and the ever popular play-dough pictionary.

It was a beautiful weekend to be away and set aside time to reconnect with God and with friends. Special thanks to Kristy for all her energies and efforts towards making it a great event.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Vacation pics

In case you are interested, pics from the past week are at...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lmeharry/NiagaraHersheyLancasterGettysburg

Lots of them have the quality of your average family vacation pics, so feel free to fast-forward. They are a taste of the week.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Niagara Trip, Day 7

This morning, some friends drove in to meet us for breakfast in Gettysburg. What a fun fringe benefit of being "out east." :-) Before they took off, they escorted us through town (giving historical commentary as we went) to the Boyd's Bears store. Mom had a great time touring the store and selecting a memento of her visit - Ginger G Autumntyme, for those of you who might be collectors.

We then went south to Frederick, MD, and began the trek west... I-70 to I-68 through MD and WV, I-79 north through PA to rejoin I-70. It's an incredibly beautiful drive through the mountains - heights up to 2900' with a number of ups and downs. We stopped this evening in London, OH, after a 40-minute traffic delay for an accident. We are thankful it was the only real delay we experienced all week.

It has been a great week, enjoying the sights and enjoying each other's company. Tomorrow we head to Indianapolis - after all, we have to be home in time for the Colts' game!!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Niagara Trip, Day 6

Today was spent wandering around Lancaster County, PA - finding small pumpkins and gourds, black raspberry jelly, looking at quilts and other crafts, visiting a pretzel factory [Mom has her "official pretzel twister"sticker], a stop at Kaufman's Market, dinner at Miller's, and then Psalms of David at the Living Waters Theater. It was a full but relaxing day. We are officially headed towards Indiana - spending the night in Gettysburg to catch a few things here tomorrow morning before really heading home.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Niagara Trip, Day 5

How can these gals not make you smile? :-) Today, we traveled to Hershey, PA, and did the Chocolate World tour and trolley ride. Pretty amazing place, particularly the Milton Hershey School (http://www.mhs-pa.org/) and the impact it has had on so many students over the last 98 years.
We also have gathered a few mementos of the trip... stones from along the roadside, that will end up around Mom's gardens in Bburg. It is pretty amazing, the differences in colors and textures along the way. We do have an assortment from NY and PA - didn't really have a place to pick them up in CA.
Tonight, we are in Lancaster, PA. More fun tomorrow!!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Niagara Trip, Day 4

Today we took a brief tour of the American side of the Falls, but didn't stop for any length of time. We decided to drive south through New York and part of Pennsylvania on U.S. 219. It was a very rural and pleasant drive. Lunch was at the Apple Dumplin' Restaurant in Springville, New York - a great little local place that is worth the stop if you are ever in the area. :-)

We are spending the night in New Columbia, PA. Tomorrow, on to Hershey. I know, I know, it's a tough week! :-)

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Niagara Trip, Day 3

This morning, we wandered around as our own tour guides, utilizing the Niagara Parks PeopleMover system. Our guide last night had given us a great tip on where to park and catch the bus.

There's really no way to describe the Maid of the Mist ride. It just won't make sense until you have done it. Pics we took are on a waterproof camera so haven't been developed yet. Not sure any of them will come out, but they were fun to take.

The boat takes you past the American and Bridal Falls... and the mist rises some and you think, "Ok, that's why they gave us a little blue raincoat." Then the boat cruises towards the Horseshoe/Canadian Falls. From the shore, the mist can be seen as it rises near the front of the Falls basin. As the boat enters that area, it is exactly like running into a rain storm. :-) There is another section deeper in the horseshoe that is even more intense - the spray totally envelopes the boat. It's such a crazy thing - makes you laugh and giggle because you feel like a kid and yet stand in awe of the power and might of our creative God.

From there, we PeopleMoved to the other end of Niagara Park to the Butterfly Conservatory - another look at the creative majesty of God - this time in the little details. Mom's shirt was a floral print, and they seemed to love it. She had three light on her for extended periods of time.

We ended the day with a drive up to Niagara on the Lake, which is in the valley north of the Falls area. Lovely resort-type area with great views of the water. A thunderstorm blew in as we headed back south. Winds kicked up to about 100km... 60 mph... but it wasn't too long of a storm. Rain started as we made one last stop for the evening. SO, our day began and ended much the same - lots of water in our faces! I loved it!

Niagara Trip, Day 2

Day 1 was spent at Jared's game and driving to Mansfield, OH. Spent an excellent night in a Hampton Inn (thanks to Marcus' Buckingham's recommendation).

Day 2, breakfast in Mansfield, lunch in Erie, PA. Dinner from 2-4-1- Pizza in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.


We took a tour and saw the Whirlpool Basin, the Brock Monument overlooking the Niagara Valley and the Skylon Tower night view of the Falls. Stopped at the Floral Clock as well. It was a gorgeous day. Having a blast!!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Sack Man!!!

Look at that face! Can you imagine him ever brutalizing ANYone? :-) Well, yesterday, he got his first ever SACK of an opposing quarterback. I think he got a taste for something he may truly enjoy.

Look out QBs everywhere!! Way to go, Red!

Monday, September 3, 2007

Piney Run

Piney Run Park is about 20 minutes from Baldwins' home. They have rental kayaks - the kind you can sit on top of and are really stable, so you don't have to worry about dumping yourself. I also like them because the one-man kayaks are "self determining." In other words, it is my own fault if I end up going in circles or running into things - I am the only one paddling and steering.
You always end up a little wet as water drips off the paddle as you go from side to side. That is half of the fun! It was also cool to sneak up on the ducks or the turtles sunning on logs and to see the water lilies which are so beautiful. What better way to spend an afternoon -- sitting on top of the water, catching some sun and just enjoying the peaceful surroundings. A truly refreshing Labor Day!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Time Away

I flew into BWI last night for a visit w/ friends in the Baltimore area. It's a great place to unwind and be refreshed. Looking forward to a long weekend - weather is to be beautiful, I understand. We might be headed to the MD State Fair on Friday. It will be fun to do comparisons w/ IN. Can't wait to see what delicacies they like to deep fry and put on a stick!

Used to be, Labor Day was the traditional "end" of summer. Now, with school starting so early in a lot of places, I am not sure that is the case. I do have to say, since I have left teaching, I miss the long vacation, but I don't miss the end-of-summer pressure. Now, it feels like summer to me as soon as I can wear shorts (sometimes March!) and ends whenever I need to stop wearing shorts (October??). Even then, I like to try to wear sandals until the snow comes. :-) That's fun!

May your Labor Day weekend be renewing!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Jake


Sunday evening, we heard Jake Brothers' first album.
It was an incredible evening with some fabulous music.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Cheesecake on a stick

Tonight, I took 2 1/2 hours to stroll around the State Fair. Some things never change. Got to see the clown band (some of those folks have played with them since I was in HS) in the tractor parade and passed up the new IN map (have the roads changed that much?) in the Exhibition Hall. I had $1 worth of South Bend dark chocolate malted milk balls (that would be 4 of them) and assorted other goodies I eat once a year at the fair.

It's always fun to watch little kids pet piglets and calves and chicks and see Belgians so huge that it is unbelievable. I don't get opportunity to see ducks hatching very often, either. (Stayed up all night once to do that. Wait, that's a story for another day!)

I think I like to go because... it's just one of those traditions that is fun to keep. It reminds me that I "get" Indiana. After all, it's not a bad place to call home!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Summit 2007

I just finished 2 1/2 days of listening to some of the most brilliant, gifted, and disciplined folks on the planet give principles for life and work and ministry that have helped them be most effective within their spheres of influence. I will not attempt to summarize what I heard - glimpses can be found at www.willowcreek.com/leaders

My heart and mind are overflowing with images and thoughts and feelings that will need to be sorted and implemented as appropriate. I am thankful for the opportunity to be exposed to such an intense infusion of energy and inspiration for life.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Summer

One thing that is different about this chapter in my life is my perspective on summer. I will admit - what I miss most about teaching is the 10 weeks off in the summer. [And, I always used to tell folks - yes, one day I will grow up and get a real job :-)]

I mean no slam on teachers - with the hours they work during the school year, if they didn't have the summer off, many wouldn't make it through the next year. I just have had to figure out a different pace for life.

Summer used to be my recovery time. I would get back into good habits of sleep and exercise and eating better and practicing horn lots and doing home projects. I also would enjoy spending lots of social time and catching up with people and... Now those things need to fit into regular life, or I won't get to them at all. Some days I think I am close to figuring out how it all needs to fit, and other days I am miles away from it.

As I reflect on things today, I am thankful for those who come alongside and continue to help me make the ongoing adjustments - those who regularly encourage me to make room for the things that fill me up in the midst of the things that are necessary. And special thanks for those who have helped the necessary and discipline things be filler-uppers!

Friday, July 27, 2007

97 years young!


Alice Louise Deplanty Meharry was born on July 27, 1910. And, though her body may not always keep up now, her spirit is as agile as ever. That's enough for a WOW if I ever heard one!

My Grandma has always been a picture to me of the gentleness of Christ... always caring about others... always quick to listen and slow to speak... always seeing life from a joyful perspective.

I am thankful for all I have learned from the grace with which she has lived her life and with which she is growing old. Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Bike riding

Last night, I went bike riding with my Mom. :-) You have to know a little more to appreciate that. Mom will be 74 next month. I think the last time she rode a bike was when she was a kid. But she recently found one of those big retiree-type three-wheelers... and now she acts like a kid on it! I understand the 10-yr old from across the street sometimes comes over to see if Mom can ride with her, too.

Part of the fun is seeing my Mom engage in life again, as she adjusts to this chapter of life after losing Dad, her partner of 52 years. But God is gracious, and is filling some of the gaps with new things, or the revival of old things. I am thankful.

I doubt that she'll try rollerblading... but you never know! :-)

Friday, July 20, 2007

Chocolate Warning

Ok, lest you worry about me, I am not going off chocolate again. :-) BUT, this evening, I had opportunity for dessert at Longhorn, just because it was in the area near the movie theater.

So here's the warning - the Chocolate Stampede is enough for 2-3 people, and the Ultimate Brownie Sundae would be sufficient for two also. Of course, the waiter didn't happen to mention either of those facts as Brenda and I ordered one of each so we could taste both. Yes, there is Stampede in a box with me now.

Consider yourself warned!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Paradigms

During my grad studies, I rented a room from Katherine. I remember sitting down to watch the evening news with her and realizing that we did not look at many things with the same perspective.

Again this evening I was reminded that we don't all see life in the same Light. I am learning in a new way that when we don't have seats on the same bus, we might have totally different ideas about where things are headed and which things are truly important. It was a good encouragement to be more aware and less assuming as I get to know new folks.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Today's lesson

Today, I drew a conclusion that was totally incorrect and spent most of the day being stressed about it. Spent a lot of time worrying about something that, when it was all said and done, never took place. One more opportunity to learn that I have a habit of jumping too fast without hearing all the facts.

When they are correct, some people call that intuition. I am wrong more than I would like to admit, though... one more reminder to be quick to listen... Only redeeming point of today was that at least I was a little slow to speak it out loud. Just told myself the wrong thing all afternoon. Thankful for a gentle lesson today.

To blog or not to blog...

This evening, I was encouraged to step out and see what might happen if I started to blog. The next post is my thought for the evening.

So, at least for today, the answer is to blog. :-)