text:
A personal inspection
I hope you have enjoyed this brief introduction to this landmark property. Redhall presents a rare opportunity to secure a landholding of considerable stature, historical significance and intrinsic architectural importance.
While these photos provide an appealing overview, the grandeur of the home and gardens is best experienced in person. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions, or simply click the following link. Thank you in advance for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.


text:
Il Coccio IUN E4947
Via Caduti del mare 14, 08100 Nuoro (NU)
Bed&Breakfast with 3 rooms. Special Offers from 30€ to 60€ per night.
Il Coccio IUN E4947, Nuoro : Description
Il Coccio B & B is in a panoramic and peaceful location, near to the countryside but only 800 meters from the bus station and 1 mile from the center and from the hospital.
It's suitable for short and long stays of tourists and workers looking for a quiet place.
Finding parking is easy.
The apartment has comfortable and quiet rooms. Each room has a private bathroom: in one room is en suite; for the other two, the bathrooms are in the aisle. All rooms have dvd player, safe and mosquito net.
The garden is available to those who want to relax outdoors.
There are smoking areas.
Our guests can train in our gym and they have at their disposal a microwave oven, a fridge and a kettle with a wide choice of teas and tisanes. They can consult brochures and information materials to plan and organize their excursions. They can also connect to the wifi 24 hours a day. The luggage storage service is free too.
Vegans and vegetarians will find tasty and healthy breakfasts suited to their palates. Who suffers from food allergies doesn't need to worry: inform us when booking.
The breakfast menu includes also sausages, cheese and eggs locally produced.
Pets are welcome!
Il Coccio IUN E4947, Nuoro : Rooms
|Twin Room
Comfortable and quiet double room with twin beds (joinable in one double bed). Private bathroom outside the room. Private veranda for smokers. Safe, TV, dvd player, air conditioner, desk, wardrobe, mosquito net.
- 2 Twin bed
- 1 Crib
- Balcony
- Bathroom Amenities
- Hairdryer
- Heating
- Ironing Facilities
- Private Bathroom
- Safety Deposit Box
- Shower
- Wireless Internet
|Double Room
Comfortable and quiet double bedroom. TV, dvd player, mosquito net, wardrobe and safe. Bathroom ensuite. Private veranda for smokers.
- 1 Double bed
- 1 Extra bed
- Balcony
- Bathroom Amenities
- Hairdryer
- Heating
- Private Bathroom
- Shower
- Wireless Internet
|Single room
Pretty single room vintage style. Single bed (with the possibility of two more beds), TV, double-window, desk, closet, mosquito net, dvd player, safe.
Private bathroom just outside the room.
- 1 Sofa bed
- 2 Single bed
- Bathroom Amenities
- Hairdryer
- Heating
- Private Bathroom
- Shower
- Wireless Internet
Il Coccio IUN E4947, Nuoro : Facilities
- Fitness Centre
- Free Wi-Fi Internet Access Included
- Heating
- Internet Services
- Pets Allowed
- Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN
- Luggage Storage
- Garden
Il Coccio IUN E4947, Nuoro : Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
To see our Privacy Policy, please refer to: Privacy Policy
Payment Policy
12% of the total amount will be required by bank transfer or credit card at the time of booking. The balance amount will be settled on property.
Cancellation Policy
No penalty charge will apply for cancellations made 14 days before check-in. A cancellation charge equal to the requested deposit will apply for cancellations made between 13 and 1 day before check-in. Cancellations made on the day of arrival, no-shows and early departure will be charged in full.
Terms and Conditions
To see our Terms & Conditions please refer to: Terms & Conditions
Il Coccio IUN E4947, Nuoro: Location & directions
Consult the web page: http://www.ilcoccionuoro.it/en/contacts

subset: commoncrawl


text:
As Road Supervisor
for Toole County, Mont.,
Lloyd Omdahl understands
the importance of power
and versatility in his equipment.
With nearly 2,000
square miles of land—
about the size of Delaware—
and just over 5,200
residents, it's a county that
needs to make the most of
its equipment purchases.
Jul 31, 2014 - 5 years ago
The demo is part of the
largest hospital restructuring
project in the city's
history, and is one of the
largest demo projects currently
Jul 31, 2014 - 5 years ago
Truck driving is a skilled
occupation that should not
be lumped in with burger
flippers and other low
wage/low skill jobs in order
for the industry's jobs
strategy to work.
Jul 31, 2014 - 5 years ago
For stump grinding
professionals who prefer
the simplicity of towable
stump grinders but
are tired of constant belt
adjustments and maintenance,
Bandit Industries
presents the Model 2600
and Model 2700 towable
stump grinders.
Jul 31, 2014 - 5 years ago
Tigercat has released exciting new crane and grapple options to enhance the Tigercat 1075B forwarder.
Jul 3, 2014 - 5 years ago
The new Kenworth
T680 natural gas truck
will be available with the
Eaton UltraShift PLUS automated
transmission as
an option. The announcement
came in conjunction
with the recent Alternative
Clean Transportation
(ACT) Expo in Long,
Beach, Calif.
Jul 3, 2014 - 5 years ago
In honour of OSHA's
National Fall Prevention
Stand-Down, June 2 – 6,
Terex AWP is providing
the following safety tips for
operating aerial lift equipment.
Jul 3, 2014 - 5 years ago
Klondike, the well-known Canadian brand of oils and lubricants, is applying its experience from a successful past in the industrial oils, lubricants, and chemicals industry by expanding nationally and adding new product lines to its already robust offerings. Additionally, Klondike has gone through an extensive rebranding process that features a new hexagonal logo and colour palette of blue, gold, and orange.
Jul 3, 2014 - 5 years ago
Hyundai Construction
Equipment Americas,
Inc., a leading earth moving
and material handling
equipment manufacturer,
is pleased to announce
the addition of three new
wheeled excavator models,
the R140W-9A, R180W-
9A and the R210W-9A,
to their 9A series product
line. These machines will
provide operators with enhanced
features and benefits
compared to prior models
including a certified Tier
4 Interim engine upgrade,
improved hydraulics, increased
operator comfort
and added durability. The
R140/180/210W-9A models
are mid-size excavators
providing plenty of power
and mobility to get the job
done and are ideal for excavating
projects, road and
utility work and demolition.
Jul 3, 2014 - 5 years ago


text:
LEADERS Insolution Skin Clinic Mask
The Leaders Insolution Aloe Soothing Skin Renewal Mask is packed with aloe vera to help calm and moisturise the skin. This product is ideal for skin affected by sun exposure or laser treatment.
Aloe Soothing
- Contains aloe and cactus extracts that aid in soothing and rejuvenating the skin
- Effectively calms sudden skin trouble or sensitive condition
Collagen Lifting
- Boosts vitality in tired skin
- Promotes collagen production
- Improves elasticity and moisture to achieve firmer and younger skin
Tea Tree Relaxing
- Efficiently soothes and relieves trouble & oily skin
- Instantly calms skin redness & irritation
- Filbert and ollive sprouts protect and revitalize skin effectively
- Provides anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory effects
Vita Bright
- Brightens overall skin tone and promotes a clearer more radiant look
- Strengthened vitamin C derivative provides nutrition and vitality to tired skin
- Lightens and evens skin tone giving it a moist, healthy and glowing look
Wrinkle Tox
- Bring back skin vitality and even out fine line
- improves elasticity and firmness to mature skin that has also lost its resilience
How To
- Cleanse and dry face, then refine with toner
- Apply mask 15-20 minutes. Do not leave until the mask has dried up as this will dehydrate your skin.
- Remove and tap your face for a while. Leave it around 10-15 minutes for the essence be fully absorbed
General Ingredient
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Betaine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Gentian Lutea Root Extract, Hydroxyethylacrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Ledum Palustre Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine, Fragrance.


text:
Saturday, December 2nd 1939
Letter addressed to Mr Rudolf Holst, Permanent Finnish Delegate, to Mr Avenol, Secretary-General of the League of Nations:
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, with which Finland, since the signature of the treaty of peace at Tartu in 1920, has a maintained neighbourly relations, and signed a pact of non-aggression which should have expired in 1945, unexpectedly attacked on the morning of November 30th, not only frontier positions, but also open Finnish towns, spreading death and destruction among the evil population, more particularly by attacks from the air.
Finland has never engaged in any under-taking directed against her powerful neighbour. She has continuously made very effort to live at peace with her.
Nevertheless, alleging so-called frontier incidents and adducing the alleged refusal of Finland to acquiesce in strengthening the security of Leningrad, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics first denounced the above mentioned pact of non-aggression and then refused the Finnish Government's proposal to have recourse to the mediation of a neutral Power.
In consequence, acting on the instructions of my Government, I have the honour to bring the foregoing facts to your knowledge, and to request you, in virtue of Articles 11 and 15 of the Covenant, forthwith to summon a meeting of the Council and Assembly, and ask them to take the necessary measures to put an end to the aggression.
I will forward in due course a complete statement of the reasons and circumstances which led my Government to request the intervention of the League of Nations on the dispute which has brought two of its members into conflict with one another.
Monday, December 4th 1939
Reply of M Molotov to League of Nations:
In the name of the Soviet Government, I have the honour to reply that the convocation of the Council of M Holst's initiative is considered as unwarranted by my Government. The Soviet Government is not at war with Finland and does not threaten it, so that the reference to Article XI of the Covenant of the League is incorrect.
The Soviet Union has a pact with the People's Democratic Republic of Finland which regulates all questions which negotiations with the former Finnish Government failed to achieve.
The People's Democratic Government appealed to the Soviet Union for military assistance to liquidate the war danger created by the Former Finnish Government. Mr Holst's application lacks a legal basis for calling the Council , since Mr Holst and his superiors do not represent the Finnish people.
The Soviet Union will not take part if the Council is convoked for December 9th…..
Tuesday, December 5th
Lord Halifax in a speech in the House of Lords:
….The toll or evil flowing from the German example and practice of aggression has grown and we have witnessed what has been universally condemned as an inexcusable act of aggression by one of the largest upon one of the smallest, but most highly civilised nations of Europe – their open towns bombarded, their women and children mutilated and done to death – on the pretext that a nation of under 4,000,000 had hostile designs against 180,000,000. The British people…..have profoundly admired the magnificent resistance of the Finns.
The Russian attack on Finland seems to me to be a direct consequence of German policy. By the agreement which he thought would give him a free hand to attack Poland was not his property to barter – the liberties of the Baltic peoples. The sequence of events has shown how wide is the damage once the floodgates are opened.
I think that events have shown that the judgement and instinct of the British Government in refusing agreement with the Soviet Government on the terms of formulae covering cases of indirect aggression on the Baltic States were right, for it is now claimed that these formulae might well have been the cloak of ulterior designs, and I have little doubt that the people of this country would prefer to face difficulties and embarrassments rather than feel that we had compromised the honour of this country and the Commonwealth on such issues……
Friday, December 8th
Statement issued by Finnish Government on the Russian blockade:
After the aggression against Finland the Soviet Union declared that a state of war did not exist. She has therefore no right now to take blockade measures, which involve not only Finland but other nations.
A blockade in time of peace is permissible only against countries which have violated retain stipulations of the League of Nations – as indeed Russia has done by invading Finland. To be legal, moreover, a blockade must be effective, as was stipulated by the Declaration of Paris of 1856, signed by all civilised countries, including Russia.
As far as is known Russia has no ship at the moment in the Gulf of Bothnia; and no ship can enter, since the Aaland Sea has been closed by mines. Hence, if the blockade concerns of Gulf of Bothnia is obviously without legal as well as without practical significance.
It is unlikely also that Russia will be able to blockade the Gulf of Finland effectively considering the length of its coast and the inadequacy of the Russian Fleet to carry out such an operations. Finland, thanks to her coastal defences, aviation, service vessels and mines can take effective measures to prevent Russia from carrying out the blockade.


text:
New to Blogging
Posted by Matt at 1:05 PM
I am very new to blogging, but I hope to use it as a way to express my thoughts. Share my joys with you all and connect on another level. Blogs will be used for honesty and fun. I am four months away from my wedding date and I hope to blog up to that wonderful day. I guess we will just see where blogging will fit into my life.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
State Tea Towels
by Vestiges
Made in the USA
Underrepresented Entrepreneur
Full Details
Material: 100% cotton pique
All illustrations are created by the students at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Towels have been preshrunk prior to printing to reduce shrinkage and maintain clear, bright colors
All inks are water-based and environmentally friendly
Cotton imported from India; Designed in Minnesota and silk screened in the USA
Dimensions: 18" x 30"
Weight: 0.31 lb
Made in the USA
Underrepresented Entrepreneur
5 avg. (150 reviews)
Your Review
Cute towels, great gift!
These state towels are so cute! A great gift for a friend that has: moved to another state and misses their former state; wants to move to another state; wants to come home to a certain state! And don't forget yourself for all the states in which you've lived!!
Unique gift
I bought these towels as gifts since they were so unique and the recipients really liked them.
Awesome Gift
The tea towel was a gift for my sisters she loved the size of the the tea towel and it's a conversation piece in the kitchen.
This was a gift for a friend who just moved back to Texas. She loves it!
Nice Hostess Gift
A great hostess gift when you are visiting someone in another state. These towels are huge, can be used as a decorative banner as well.
of 30
The state kitchen towel collection is the one that started it all for Vestiges. Each towel features one state represented by bright colors, unique state facts, and fun trivia to highlight each state's notable characteristics and contributions to our great country. The designs are bold, bright, and modern, ensuring they will look great in any kitchen.
The collectible towels that Mary Lazarus and Lucy Pellizzer have created are more than ordinary kitchen towels. The inspiration for Vestiges came while Lucy was teaching Mary Italian. They realized they shared a passion for heritage, travel, and an appreciation for collectibles. They wanted to bring back an old 1930's American tradition of collecting souvenir textiles of places and landmarks that had been visited. Students at the Minnesota College of Art and Design are creating updated designs and landmarks for all 50 states as well some regional and limited edition towels.
Vestiges towels are made of 100% preshrunk cotton and use water based inks. Not only are these colorful towels perfect for the kitchen or bar but are frameable, making them an affordable and unique piece of art for any decor.
Vestiges towels are made of 100% preshrunk cotton and use water based inks. Not only are these colorful towels perfect for the kitchen or bar but are frameable, making them an affordable and unique piece of art for any decor.
...read more Their Story


text:
Get a Quote Today
About Us
Hot Water Systems
Solar Hot Water Systems
Reconditioned Appliances
Second Hand Parts
New Appliances
Electrical system & appliance repairs in Coffs Harbour
Bananacoast Electrical is a family-owned and operated business that serves the entire Coffs Harbour region. We are proud of the way we support our local community—employing local staff, investing in the next generation through apprenticeships and offering reasonable rates on electrical appliances and repair services.
The business was founded in 1977, giving us more than 40 years of experience in the electrical appliance industry. We not only understand the needs of our Coffs Harbour clients, but we have an inside-out knowledge of how electrical appliances and hot water systems operate.
Our new and second-hand appliances allow domestic and commercial clients to invest in reliable, high-quality and durable electrical appliances that will last them for many years. We have the lowest rates on new and second-hand appliances, whether you are searching for a toaster, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or hot water system.
Services Offered
At Bananacoast Electrical, we provide fridge, washing machine and hot water system repairs. We can also handle work on solar hot water systems, while we sell second-hand and brand new appliances at reasonable prices.
We offer three or six-month warranties on all reconditioned appliances, depending on their price. Our new appliances come with full manufacturer warranties, while we can perform a pick-up, delivery and installation service at homes, apartments and local businesses.
Licensed & Accredited Business
Bananacoast Electrical is a fully licensed and accredited service agent for the top brands of electrical appliances. We have qualified, licensed and trained staff members who work on every job, along with the best apprentices in the local area.
We possess the following licenses:
Refrigerant Trading Authorisation No. AU13531
Level 2 Electrician No. 1559763
Bananacoast Electrical can repair a long list of electrical appliances including, washing machines, dishwashers and hot water systems. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about our services.
My relatively new appliance won't turn on. What could be the problem?
Before searching for issues with the appliance, ensure the power cord is correctly plugged into the power outlet. Check to see if an electrical surge or outage tripped any power buttons or breakers. If the problem persists, we can help get your appliance back to working order.
My appliance is under warranty. Can you perform repairs?
Yes, we are a licensed and certified repair agent for appliances from all the top brands.
I am not getting any hot water in my taps or shower, even though the water heater appears to be working. What could be the problem?
A common reason for a water heater not pushing hot water into your taps or shower is because of some blockage in your piping system. Debris or some other issue could be causing an obstruction that is preventing the water from being pushed into your taps. Don't worry, we can fix it!
Can you recommend whether I should have my appliance repaired or replaced?
Bananacoast Electrical not only services and repairs appliances, but we also sell second-hand and new appliances. When we come to your location to repair your appliance or hot water system, we can assess its condition and inform you about the work needed to get it back to full functionality. If the price of those repairs is comparable to a new or second-hand replacement, we may recommend you go down that route instead.


text:
Their upcoming visit has put me in a nostalgic mood for my high school teaching days. Here's one of my memorable moments from my first or second year as a teacher. I was in the original habit and was being overly animated in an Algebra II class one day. My arms were flying around trying, I guess, to make an exciting algebra point or trying to get or keep their interest. On the teacher's desk in front of me was one of those classic plaster of paris statues of the Blessed Mother. In one particularly excited gesture my wide swaying sleeve hit that statue and sent it flying the length of the room (luckily right down an aisle) smashing the whole way, sending shards of blue and white everywhere.
Of course this brought total silence to everyone--as 35 pairs of 16-year-old eyes turned to me--too stunned to even blink. Luckily I was still young and, as I said, very excited about being in a classroom. Once the statue came to a stop I just burst out laughing, which of course allowed them to join me! Want to bet that's the only thing some of them remember from their algebra II class!
I'm sure I will continue to be flooded with memories throughout this weekend. How nice!
|Our weekend snow is gone but it was really beautiful while it was here.


text:
Bedford nordic skiers: Let it snow
The Bedford High School nordic ski team hosted its home race at Waterville Valley last Thursday instead of at Earl Legacy Park in Bedford, where in previous winters a majority of the Southern New Hampshire high school races have been held.
All races that were planned for Legacy this winter have had to be moved to other locations further north.
"Gunstock and Waterville Valley really stepped up and helped out by allowing us to hold races at their resorts. Each race sees a couple hundred skiers and both ski areas have been incredible in welcoming the high school racers," said Bedford varsity coach Jenn Rowe.
It's not just the races that have
"The lack of snow this winter has significantly limited our practice time on skis," said Anders Vikstrom, head coach of the nordic varsity ski team. "Twelve skiers graduated last year. This year we have two senior and eight junior veteran skiers, and a large group of secon- year and novice skiers. Our novice skiers need practice time on their skis. The northern teams have been able to be on snow since November, which unfortunately puts us at a disadvantage."
Vikstrom said they were grateful to McIntyre Ski Resort in Manchester for opening up some Monday evenings when man-made snow was available for practices.
In spite of the snow limitations, Coach Vikstrom says the team has performed well in races.
"Our team captains, senior Noel Desmarais and junior Maddie Beaton, have kept the team spirit positive. This group is high energy and committed. I'm really proud of how all of the skiers have adapted to this unusual season," he said. "We've had to be creative in our work outs to optimize cardio and build the muscle strength required to be a competitive nordic racer."
The Bedford Nordic Ski Team will be wrapping up its season in the next two weeks. The Division I State Championships will be held March 4 at Gunstock in Gilford, followed by the Meet of Champions March 12 at Proctor Ski Area in Andover.


text: We've proven that Federal Trade Services can be entrusted to protect your trust & confidence in your requirements and projects. A list of our Industries are listed to ensure a better understanding of what we have to offer. We are interested and look forward to establishing a prosperous business relationship with your company.


text:
- This event has passed.
Tax Free Weekend
August 10, 2018 - August 11, 2018
Shop with us and SAVE BIG during Tax-Free Weekend!
Friday, August 10 – Saturday, August 11
No tax will be applied to clothing and shoe items priced under 100$. Our Last Call Summer Sale is still going strong and we have clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories marked down to 75% off!


text:
In the outdoor world Silva is well known for its quality navigation products, so it came as a surprise to me that the Swedish company launched its first head lamp in 1933 – the same time as their first compass. Its clear passion for all that is outdoors shows in the Trail Speed Elite.
One feature that stood out is that this unit is incredibly light weight: 62g in all. The quoted 660 lumens are provided by two LEDs mounted in a small, neat aluminium body. Output isn't record breaking, but when I'm night riding I like to light up the trail with both a bar mounted light and a helmet mounted unit for reading and following the trail ahead, therefore found it provided plenty of output for my needs.
A large button on the side can be operated with gloves on. It switches between three modes (high, medium and low), as well as on and off. The external rechargeable battery sits in a smart pocket with a velcro-style strap. I managed to strap the battery to the back of one helmet but not the other, so check it fits your lid. The head unit and battery are connected by a coiled lead, which tidies everything up nicely, but was a little tight if the battery was in a backpack.
Silva only provide one stick-on helmet mount. It has a slot on either side for you to attach with a strap, although no strap is provided. I did find a strap that worked well and held the light nice and tight.
Overall: It's a well-made tiny, multi-purpose light. To increase the number of helmets it would fit, providing a strap would have been great.
Review Info
|Trail Speed Elite 2
|Silva, silva.se
|by Richard for
Comments (0)
These look lovely. But it is frustrating that magazines (even the usually very even handed singletrack) only report on the lights that big manufacturers send them to play with that cost a ton.
I bought a £10, "1000 lumen" (it's probably more like 700) torch off ebay and a £24 bar light with three CREE LED's which kicks out about 2000 lumens. This £35 set up kicks all my friends' one year old lights into the middle of next week, including hope R4's etc etc.
The field is moving so quickly, it doesn't even matter if they have a short lifespan. At cheap chinese prices you can replace your set up every season without batting an eyelid, and keep up with the new tech – which you'd be loathe to do if you paid out £300.
On behalf of Silva (a client):
The Trail Speed Elite is sold with a both headband including mount, and separate mount for use on helmets or handlebars.
The headband mount features a wide 'footplate' which stops the lamp bobbing if used when running.
An extension is also included allowing the battery to be placed in a rucksack or if handlebar mounted, on the top tube using the wrap around battery cover.
Trail Speed Elite is designed as a multi-sport light for advanced running, riding and skiing.
For more info, go to: http://silva.se/products/sport/trail-speed-elite
Thanks for the review STW
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
Yoon ShiYoon is on the track for another drama in 2018 after "Grand Prince". He will be the main lead of this upcoming summer drama. The actor is recognized as one of the top Hallyu stars and starred in popular dramas such as "King of Baking, Kim Takgu" (2010), "Flower Boys Next Door" (2013) and "Hit the Top" (2017).
The main female lead is Lee YooYoung, the actress did not do much drama but did various movies. She also won awards such as the Best Actress award at the 14th Milan International Film Festival (2014) for "Late Spring" and the Best New Actress award at the 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards (2015) for "The Treacherous".
Here is more about this drama, a comedy, and melodrama related to law.
Your Honor (2018)
Title: Your Honor/Dear Judge/chinaehaneun pansanimkke/친애하는 판사님께
Director: Boo SungCheol
Writer: Cheon SungIl
Network: SBS
Runtime: July 25th 2018
# of Episodes: –
Language: Korean
The story of twin brothers that live very different lives.
Yoon ShiYoon as Han KangHo and Han SuHo
Han SuHo is a judge that makes no mistake in judegment.
Han KangHo takes the seat of his brother after he disappeared.
Lee YooYoung as Song JiHyun
A student of the Judicial Research and Training Institute. The woman cares more about human dignity than the one of law. She was hurt by the disappearance of her older sister. Moreover, she gets to work as an officer in SuHo's judge chambers.
Hello Venus's Kwon NaRa as JooEun
She is an announcer and is Han SuHo's lover. The woman gets to link destiny with Han KangHo.
Interesting Facts
Here are the official posters.
Read More : First Pictures Of Yoon ShiYoon Released For The Drama "Dear Judge"


text:
Awarded 20 trophies, 100 gold and over 500 silver and bronze medals.
Aromas of ripe plum, dark cherries and fruitcake. On the palate, the flavours range from plums and rich forest berries to the secondary complexity of anise, cedar and a gentle sweet oak lift.
We take great care to ensure that our pricing is accurate and current. We reserve the right to alter and update our pricing and delivery charges at any time. Prices on this website and at our cellar door may differ. Prices shown on the website apply to goods purchased online only. For full Terms & Conditions click here.


text:
This map includes the great challenge of fighting Entity_303 in an epic boss battle powered by advanced command block technology! Both the boss and the player have unique sets of powers and no addon has been used to enable these features. The map has been in the works for over three months and the end result is definitely pretty cool.
Creator: Vladu11, Twitter Account (and thanks to MCPEMike who came up with the idea of the command block creation!)
Updated: 23 August, 2017 (read changelog)
You are the protector of the Overworld (Entity_505) and your greatest enemy is Entity_303 (replaces blaze). He is an evil villain whose main goal is to destroy the Overworld but so far his attempts have been unsuccessful. It's up to you to once and for all defeat Entity_303 and at last exterminate him from this world.
How to play?
There are three different buttons in the lobby at spawn. Use the necessary buttons to obtain the gear and then press the start button to ignite the fight. It might take several seconds before it starts, but just wait patiently and you will be good.
The fight takes place in hell and here you will finally come face to face with Entity_303 and his slave minions. Your objective is to destroy them!
Entity_303's Abilities:
- Shoots fireballs
- Summons minions (wither skeletons)
- Summons lightning
- Drops anvils on you
- Poisonous attack
Also the player will gain some special powers: speed and jump boost, health regeneration.
Here is a list of of the retextured items:
- Corrupted Sword (Iron Sword)
- Photon Sniper (Bow)
- Photon (Arrow)
- Elixir Flask (Golden Apple)
- Entity_505 Custome (Diamond Armor)
- Added Entity 303's voice (heard at the beginning of a round)
- Two new options inthe lobby: Behind the scenes and Entity 303's words
- Battle is now harder and it takes longer to finish
- Boss health has been increased to 250 full hearts from 100
- Improved the multiplayer compatibility
- Anvils disappear when a round is finished


text:
Editors and Public Service Broadcasting performing at Tempodrom in Berlin [01.04.2018]
Public Service Broadcasting
more pictures on flickr
more pictures on flickr
Hi there!
Your concert photos are really awesome. What kind of pocket camera are you using? (is it a Canon maybe?)
And does it always make this kind of great pictures? I am still looking for a pocket kind of camera that works well with bad lighting and lots of movement…yours seems to be fine for that (as Mr.Smith is moving a lot all the time… like a cricket on speed;o)


text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50866236238577171632018-09-16T21:39:15.419-07:00Redeeming the FutureBonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-91070889862123586332013-05-10T09:45:00.000-07:002013-05-10T09:50:45.623-07:00When Holidays Are Holey Days

How do you define holidays?

Merriam-Webster defines it this way ...

hol-i-days noun \ˈhä-lə-ˌdāz\
 1 : holy days
 2 : days on which one is exempt from work
 3 : days marked by a general suspension of work in commemoration of an event

For those who grieve, holidays can seem like holey-days.

holey-days adjective \ˈhō-lēˌdāz \
 : days having holes

Holidays often feel like holey days ~ days that remind us that there is, and always will be, a hole in our hearts and homes. A hole in the form of an empty chair, a missing member of the family, a feeling that life will never be "normal" again. A hole formed when a parent is no longer living, or a child is taken way too soon by a terminal illness or accident. Perhaps a hole created by a prodigal who has chosen to just walk away.

Regardless the reason for the hole, literature on death and grief tell us it is actually healing to acknowledge it. Jesus said ~ Blessed are those who mourn [who feel the pain and express it], for they shall be comforted.

These holey days can be a precious time to remember ~ to share stories, laughter and tears about the loved one who is no longer present with you. Holey days are a wonderful time to transform the relationship from one of presence to one of memory. For it has been said ~ memories are where the proof of life are stored.

I am very familiar with the emotions of holey days. I know the horror of brain death, and the conflicting emotions of signing papers to donate my sixteen year old son's organs to save the lives of strangers. I know the sorrow of having an estranged parent who chose to not be in my life for almost 10 years. I know there will always be times I wish I could call my mom.

I know how God has used all things to glorify Himself and draw others to His kingdom. I have seen how His hand move to bring value to my loss. And I know that I will one day see my loved ones and forever live with them in eternity.

But all the knowledge in the world does not change the fact that these special days, these holidays, often feel like holey days to my grieving heart. It is a time to give ourselves grace; to offer grace to those who grieve.

So I give myself permission to acknowledge the pain as I feel that weight of grief bearing down on me. I purposefully bring to mind the precious memories of each loved one, even though these memories may bring tears to my eyes and an aching in my heart. For this I know, memories are the proof that they will always be a part of us.

To speak the name of the dead is to make them live again.

Egyptian Proverb

<o:p></o:p>

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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-91254187627315314752013-05-01T08:20:00.000-07:002013-05-01T16:44:25.488-07:00Missing Grace

My heart is so heavy this morning from the culminating events yesterday in the courtroom of Judge Sarkisian. <o:p></o:p>

I understand the pain of losing a child. I really do. I am so sorry for the family of sweet Ella Joy.<o:p></o:p>

But what truly makes my heart ache is the opportunity which was lost time and time again in that Fresno Superior Courtroom, and in the court of public opinion. What could have been demonstrated by those who stood in judgment? What could have been expressed by those who took sides through their posts on social media sites? What could have given the world a truer glimpse of His grace?<o:p></o:p>

Yes, I grieve for what might have been ~ that the world would know the power of grace to forgive even the heinous of deeds. It really isn't about what the D.A. believed happened that dreadful day four years ago. What truly matters with eternity in view is for the faith community to show the world a truly amazing grace; a grace that sees the person as full of worth and precious, regardless of any wrongdoing. A grace that can redeem the future in spite of the past.

Oh how the Holy Spirit must grieve this lost occasion to demonstrate that while we were yet in our sin, Christ took the penalty for us all ~ and we.all.walked.away.free.of.sin. Penalty paid. End of story.

There is no loophole in the gospel story. Either the cross of Christ covers a multitude of sin, any sin, our sin ~ or we are all at risk of one day falling short of His grace.

Painting, The Offering, by Michael D. O'Brien

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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-31834515708376370732012-08-18T10:45:00.000-07:002012-08-18T10:45:00.319-07:00Balance the Load

We are packing to leave on vacation. Seriously, preparing for the trip is enough to make you re-think the whole idea! How much stuff does one need to survive a week in a cabin?

The trunk is loaded with our luggage, fishing gear, reading material, games, and ice chest. The back seat is filled with bags of food to last the week. And if that's not enough, the roof rack holds the mountain bikes, with folding chairs, umbrellas, and fishing poles strapped between the bikes. We have carefully considered how to balance the load to negotiate the curves and climb into the Sierra Nevada mountains to our annual week at Hume Lake.

Equally, my heart is considering how to balance the load for this precious time away with family. We have taken this annual trip to Hume every summer since our children were small. Hume holds many memories for us ~ the funny ones, the sweet ones, and the tender ones ~ all of them deeply treasured in my heart.

This week I too seek to balance the load ~ to clutch the precious memories of the past, and all the while, leave room in my heart to embrace the new memories of the present.
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-64714974938726883432012-02-26T10:16:00.000-08:002012-02-26T10:16:13.315-08:00Forever In My Heart
Every year I think it will be different. I really do. But here I am again with that restlessness in my heart that longs for reunion. The feelings are nothing new ~ they have been my companion along life's journey for almost 20 years. Perhaps it is because February is the month of love. Most likely it is because this short month is characterized by separation and loss for me. I am well aware that if you choose to love, you choose to grief.

And I chose to love, so my heart still grieves the losses marked in these short days of February. I look forward with hope to the blessed reunion with my son, my mother and my father, all of whom entered their eternal rest during the month of love.

I find great comfort in the words of Scripture. The passages which are truly a healing salve to my hurting heart are those that embrace the pain of separation and the reality of loss as part of our journey. As this month draws to a close, I drink deeply from the following words of comfort.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

You have kept count of my tossings;

put my tears in your bottle;

are they not in your book?

Psalm 56:8

Remember my affliction and my wanderings,

the wormwood and the gall!

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:19-23

Come, let us return to the Lord;

for he has torn us, that he may heal us;

he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.

Hosea 6:1

Perhaps the words of St. Paul speak best for me today. It is true these precious losses are part of who I am. Although I grieve the fact that my precious family members are no longer here in person, I know that it is indeed a short time before we will see them again, face to face.

Since we were torn away from you

for a short time ~ in person not in heart ~

we endeavor all the more eagerly and

with great desire to see you face to face.

I Thessalonians 2:17

Until then, they remain forever in my heart.

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Bonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-86204554556259068662012-02-05T08:58:00.000-08:002012-02-05T09:33:16.450-08:00Clinging to Hope
Bye Scott. I love you. See you at the game.

Bye Mom. Love you too.

I woke this morning with these words echoing in my head. Little did I know on that rushed morning in February 1996 that these words would be our last conversation. Just a little over four hours later, Scott was airlifted to the regional trauma center, and sixteen short years became the length of his days.

Today begins a hallowed time for our family. Although sixteen years have passed, we remember every detail of these dark days with great clarity ~ as if it were yesterday.

Today I feel my grief in every cell of my body.

Today I long to hear Scott say just.one.more.time ~ Love you too.

Today I am reminded that no matter how dark and difficult the journey, the God of all Comfort has been my faithful companion. It is He who draws near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. It is He who replaces ashes with garlands and clothes me with a garment of praise. It is He who has placed eternity in my heart so I have a hope.

Today I cling to hope ~ hope that made it possible for me to take my first steps along this journey of grief. Hope that is rooted in the confidence that God will use my deep pain to glorify Himself and draw others to His Kingdom. Hope that promises to redeem the future.

Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well,
but the certainty that something makes sense
regardless of how it turns out.
~ Vaclav Havel

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Bonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-24769342966737822232011-11-03T12:00:00.000-07:002011-11-03T12:00:13.354-07:00A Heart of Thanksgiving

As the calendar rolled around to the first of November, I noticed that many posts on various social media sites are focused on 30 Days of Thanksgiving. Friends plan to post about something they are thankful for each day of November. I thought about joining in, for indeed this November I have a heart full of thankfulness. But I know a) I really do not have the time for daily postings, and b) I admittedly do not have the discipline (or brain cells) to remember to post something each day of the month.

Since I have taken a five-month hiatus from my blog (for reasons that will become evident in this post), I decided to share all in one place some of the things for which I am most thankful this November ~ to express the gratefulness in my heart and to update many of you on the events of the past five months.

A Heart of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for ~

Tony, my dear husband, who survived a near-fatal heart attack on May 21st.

God, who was pleased to give us more time together.

The life-saving team of paramedics from Kingsburg Fire Department who responded to my desperate 9-1-1 call at 10 pm that evening.

The surgeons who placed three stents in Tony's blocked arteries to save his life.

The faithfulness of God to supply all our needs during this time of healing and growth.

The wisdom and generosity of our New Path Center Board of Directors for their guidance and grace during the months of recuperation.

Family and friends who prayed for us, visited us, cooked for us, and carried this burden with us. We continue to feel the love!

Our new heart-healthy eating habits ~ our diet is nearly all plant-based and we feel terrific. We have lost a combined 50+ pounds since May!

The joy of living in the same town as our daughter, Amy, and son-in-law, Jeff, and our three precious grandchildren. Some of the best medicine around. Such a blessing! (They loved Grandpa's hospital bed.)

The turn of the seasons ~ fall has always been my favorite time of year. I love living in this agricultural area, and like the orchards around us, we shed the remnants of a busy year and prepare to enter a season of rest.

Birthdays! November brings two birthdays to our home. We celebrate my birthday in a couple of weeks (I will be 59 for the first time. Really.) And we remember the sweet sixteen years we had with Scott on what would be his 32nd birthday.

The blessed hope of a glorious reunion with loved ones who have gone before ~ what a comfort to know that the best is yet to come.

My heart rejoices this November as we truly could have experienced such a different outcome last May. This coming Thanksgiving, almost six months to the day of Tony's heart attack, we will gather around the table with family to rejoice and acknowledge that the things for which we are most grateful in life are, indeed, not things!
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Bonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-78672182365742493132011-04-23T08:47:00.000-07:002011-04-23T08:47:36.486-07:00The Last Thing We Talked AboutI vividly remember the last day of my mother's life. As a family, we sat vigil around her hospital bed. Although she experienced few moments of consciousness ~ when we were aware she was really with us ~ we shared precious words of love and gratitude for her life well-lived. We knew it was her last day and these would be the last things we talked about with her, as her body finally could no longer support life. It was a precious time ~ a holy time ~ to be present as she left her broken earthly tent and enter her eternal rest.

I also remember the final twenty-four hours of my son's life. Scott wanted to hang out and talk about something he had on his mind. We never in our wildest dreams would have thought that it would be the last thing we talked about.

Scott sat in the oversized chair in the living room, his long legs swung over one armrest, and his hands cradled behind his head. He asked a most profound question ~ So, where was Jesus between Good Friday and Easter? I know his body was in the tomb ~ but where was HE?

We spent time looking at Scripture. We talked about the Apostles' Creed and the hope that is in us. We talked about Holy Saturday, those hours between His Death and Resurrection. We talked about the Harrowing of Hades when many believe Christ descended to break down the gates of Hell.

Little did we know that it would be the last thing we talked about ~ for the next day, Scott himself would enter his own eternal rest.

Today is Holy Saturday ~ it is the day between the grief of Good Friday and the hope of Easter. And I find myself reflecting upon that final conversation with Scott. Did Scott somehow sense his own mortality? Did the Spirit place these thoughts on his heart, knowing that in God's sovereign plan, Scott's life would soon hang in the balance?

Whatever the reason for that conversation that night, the last thing we talked about now brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. For it was during these hours, when Christ's body lie in a cold, stone tomb, that Scott's future, my future, indeed, the future of the world, was truly redeemed.

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him ... For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
~ I Thessalonians 4:13-18

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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-24483304747791391372011-04-22T09:58:00.000-07:002011-04-22T09:58:04.159-07:00Mary Did You KnowGood Friday always finds me pondering the sorrow of Mary as she stands near the cross and watches her son in anguish. The weight of grief she carried as the life of her first born slips away. It is perhaps not so strange that during the holiest of weeks I hear the words of that modern Christmas song echoing in my head ~ Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

As a mother who has laid her son in the arms of God, I lament with Mary. I grieve for this mother who bore a son only to have his life cut short. I weep with this mother who longed to wrap her arms around him one.more.time and tell him how much he is loved.

And yet, I find my own grief overcome with joy because, unlike Mary, unlike those who stood near the cross that day when the sky darkened over Golgotha, I know with assurance what Sunday brings.

In the midst of my longing to fill the void left by the death of my own son, Scott, I find comfort in the words Jesus speaks to his mother from the cross. In his own anguish, he sees her tears and looks down from the cross ~ to meet her in the form of her need, to fill the deep void now created in this mother's heart. The account of the events of Good Friday found in John 19 tells us ~

When Jesus saw his mother
and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby,
he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"
Then he said to the disciple,
"Behold, your mother!"
And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
As I bend beneath the grief of Good Friday, the hope of Easter lifts me. I embrace the power of the resurrection that brings a glorious reunion with those who have gone before. I hold firm to the promise Jesus taught his disciples about his Kingdom, ushered in by his very death.

You have sorrow now, but I will see you again,
and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy from you.
In that day you will ask nothing of me.
~ John 16:22, 23
May I stand today in awe of the One who sees my sorrow, wipes away my tears, and saves our sons and daughters. May I bow as the Centurion beneath the cross and say ~

Truly this is the Son of God who redeems the future by his sacrificial death, even the death on a cross.

Photo: The Pietà (1498-1499) is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo, housed in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-26622662120645634872011-03-16T13:11:00.000-07:002011-03-16T13:18:41.484-07:00Redeem : Repair : Restore : Renew
re·deem<o:p></o:p>

verb \ri-'dēm\<o:p></o:p>

1 a : to buy back <o:p></o:p>

 b : to get or win back <o:p></o:p>

2: to free from what distresses or harms: as <o:p></o:p>

a : to free from captivity by payment of ransom <o:p></o:p>

b : to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental <o:p></o:p>

c : to release from blame or debt : clear <o:p></o:p>

d : to free from the consequences of sin <o:p></o:p>

3: to change for the better: reform <o:p></o:p>

4: repair, restore <o:p></o:p>

5 a : to free from a lien by payment of an amount secured thereby <o:p></o:p>

 b (1) : to remove the obligation of by payment (2) : to exchange for something of value <o:p></o:p>

 c : to make good : fulfill <o:p></o:p>

6 a : to atone for : expiate <o:p></o:p>

 b (1) : to offset the bad effect of (2) : to make worthwhile : retrieve

Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

What comes to mind when you hear the word, redeem?

One childhood memory immediately comes to my mind. Back in the day, I would redeem my soda bottle for a nickel at the store. I returned the bottle to be reused, recycled, and refilled again.

Another image is my mother used to redeem S and H Green Stamps. She redeemed her booklets filled with stamps for free merchandise from their catalog.

Many thoughts come to mind from my faith tradition ~ from the verses in scripture and words of hymns that tell of being redeemed ~ a price paid to free me from the wages of sin and death.

When I started this blog almost three years ago, I knew I would call it, Redeeming the Future. As I looked at the events of my life, I did not want the lean years to devour the rich years. I realized that, like me, there were others who may one day find themselves on a similar journey ~ on a difficult path filled with obstacles that obscured their hope of ever experiencing peace.

What truly comes to mind when I hear the word redeem are two powerful words that are signposts along my journey ~

HOPE ~ a strong belief that there is a pathway through difficult times that can bring us to a healing place; a place where we can once again know the joy of experiencing peace

TRANSFORMATION ~ the decision to not be destroyed, but to be transformed by those things that seem to be quite literally more than I can bear
I am not just another Pollyanna ~ an excessively or blindly optimistic person. The message of Redeeming the Future is not a pie-in-the-sky kind of gospel. Redeeming the future does not take away the reality of the pain, loss, and disappointments of the past or the present. But that simple six-letter word ~ redeem ~ provides a new lens through which I can look back at the difficult times with hope, knowing that I can be transformed; I can become stronger in the broken places.

I love the following quote by author Maria Robinson ~

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,<o:p></o:p>

but anyone can start today and make a new ending.<o:p></o:p>

And that, my friend, is all about Redeeming the Future.

So, what comes to mind when YOU hear the word, redeem?
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-1881953731747979842011-03-08T16:48:00.000-08:002011-03-08T16:50:30.837-08:00A Reversal of Values

Mardi Gras ~ Fat Tuesday ~ a day characterized by excessive eating and drinking, and lewd behavior before the sacrificial season of Lent. What a stark contrast this day is to Ash Wednesday.

Perhaps it is only coincidental that today ~ Fat Tuesday ~ I have been reminded of another contrast. One of my FB friends posted a link this morning to a podcast where Tim Keller shares some reflections of living in God's Kingdom.

In the podcast, Keller takes us to the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Luke. It is there that Jesus holds up the values of the world in contrast to those embraced by those who choose to live in His Kingdom. The essence of Keller's thoughts are summed up by this quote from author Michael Wilcock.

In the life of God's people will be seen first of all a remarkable reversal of values (6:20-26). They will prize what the world calls pitiable, and suspect what the world thinks is desirable. Values which are taken for granted by other men are questioned by them, and are considered in the searching light of spiritual truth, hidden reality, and a future life.

~ The Message of Luke, pp 85-86

It is this very reversal of values that brings to light the blessedness Jesus speaks of in this passage. As Keller says, a blessedness that is impervious to weeping; that is increased in times of weakness. It is a spiritual truth that remains in stark contrast to what the world holds as truth. A hidden reality that allows those in His Kingdom to feel His blessing in the midst of weakness and sacrifice, grief and exclusion; without which, the future would have little hope of being redeemed.

I highly recommend that you brew a cup of tea or pour another cup of coffee and settle in to listen to Keller's words on The Community of Jesus.
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-63852355907684664502011-03-07T11:40:00.000-08:002011-03-07T11:42:54.911-08:00The Lens of Lent
I was raised in a faith tradition which did not observe the season of Lent, a Christian tradition celebrated in the forty days leading up to Easter.

I find myself lamenting that many aspects of this tradition had been part of my upbringing ~ to make time in life's hectic pace to dwell on the passion of Christ and all that He established; to rejoice in the blessed hope of His resurrection.

To be honest, I often allow the circumstances of life to rob me of the peace and joy that was established through the death and resurrection of Christ. These temporary struggles seem to lay claim to much of my concentration. With the Lenten season beginning on Ash Wednesday this week, I savor this place of mindfulness. I look forward to entering this season; to rest in the reality that the redemption so freely given on the cross, continues to redeem the future.

I want to focus my thoughts, my desires, and even the events of each day upon the promise of Colossians 1:20, 21 ~

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

and through him to reconcile to himself all things,

whether on earth or in heaven,

making peace by the blood of his cross.

I find that a verse in The Lorica of Saint Patrick truly expresses this place of rest for me during this season as I recognize the fullness of His being, the depth of His love, and the truth of His promise to redeem all things to Himself.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye of every one who sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
May the passion of Christ and the reality of the resurrection illuminate for each of us the hope of redeeming the future.

Art work entitled, Toward Calvary by Michael O'Brien
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Bonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-35180107357875715662011-02-28T19:41:00.000-08:002011-03-08T21:53:00.778-08:00It Is Never Too Late

It is never too late ... to redeem the future. This is one of my personal tenets. I love when I have the chance to witness a redeeming moment. Let me share my recent experience ~

This photograph of my sister and I from the mid-1950s pretty much illustrates my childhood. I grew up in a home filled with love and joy. Life was good growing up in southern California!

Part of the story of my childhood includes how our family came to be. I honestly can't remember a time when I didn't know that my sister, Kathy, was adopted. It simply is part of our loving story ~ that God gave my parents a precious daughter when it appeared they would never have a child.

And I never tired of hearing our mother tell the story. How our father's cousin, Stewart Hiatt, was a doctor in California's central valley. How "Uncle Stewart" ~ as we called him ~ telephoned my parents in the spring of 1950 to see if they wanted to adopt the baby of one of his patients. How much joy they felt as they brought Kathy home from a Modesto hospital at the age of three days old.

Then ~ wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles ~ almost two years after adopting Kathy, my parents discovered they were expecting me! Bill and Adele Goodrell, who thought they would never have children, were soon to have two daughters to call their own. And, as they say, the rest is history!

Then last fall Kathy came for a weekend visit to our home. I showed her the family trees I created on Ancestry.com. If you have worked on this website or watched NBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, you know that Ancestry is a vast database of genealogical information. When the information you enter into your family tree matches something or someone in that database, a small, green, spinning leaf appears next to that name on your tree to tell you that there is information in the database about this individual.

As Kathy and I talked together there in my home office, she expressed her longing to find her birth mother. I decided to start another tree ~ one that contained what little bit of information we knew about her birth family from the certificate from the hospital, past conversations with Mom and non-identifying information which Kathy had received from the state. Then we sat there talking and waiting and watching the computer screen for a spinning leaf to pop up. Quite a while passed before we accepted the fact that there was not a match for her birth mother's name. For the next three months, each time I logged into my account on Ancestry, there was nothing new to help me find Kathy's birth family. That is until about three weeks ago.

After months of trying various spellings of the only names we knew, and researching leads that led nowhere, I decided to try a different search; to compare the names I knew with names that were part of other public trees stored on the website. Within a couple of minutes, I noticed a match. One particular tree contained a name that was on Kathy's unamended* birth certificate, although a subsequent marriage had changed the surname.

A public tree on Ancestry is exactly that ~ public, for any and all to see. Additionally, through the website, it is possible to message anonymously the creator of the public tree with questions regarding individuals or dates which are listed. I was quite nervous as I typed a well-thought-out question into the message box of someone I had never met. I even changed my User name to something less obvious and more obscure so if I was about to disturb a hornet's nest, I could not be easily identified. I thought to myself, What's the worst that could happen?

Over the next 48 hours, the owner of this tree and I exchanged messages; each message I sent asking more questions that might provide proof that I had found the woman who gave birth to my sister sixty years ago. It was late on Sunday night when I received a message giving me the confirmation that I needed. I had indeed found Kathy's birth family. I stayed up till almost 3 a.m., just connecting the dots between all the facts that I now knew.

The following morning I shared all my findings with my husband to check the accuracy of my information before calling my sister with the news. I was blessed to make the initial telephone call to the birth sister who was four years old when Kathy was born. What an experience to know that, although her birth mother is no longer living, Kathy's birth family now includes five siblings.

The past three weeks have been an adventure as I dig through boxes of our family photos and compare pictures of Kathy with pictures of her birth mother and siblings. The resemblance is truly remarkable! There is so much to share from my perspective of watching this precious, long overdue reunion. I find great joy in the reality that the very process of redeeming the future is taking place before my very eyes.

Note: Since my wonderful experience with Kathy, I have had the opportunity to help two of our friends, also adoptees, begin the work of redeeming the future.

*Amended Birth Certificate: A term used to refer to the new birth certificate that is issued for an adopted child after an adoption becomes final, which shows the new name of the adopted child and the adoptive parents as the parents of the child, as though they are the biological parents. This new birth certificate is placed in the public records in place of the child's original birth certificate. The original birth certificate is then stored in a separate secure location that is not accessible to the public, and may be viewed only by court order. (From http://glossary.adoption.com)

***UPDATE: Kathy's sister, Connie, flew out from Texas this past week to meet all of the family. We had a wonderful time welcoming her into the clan, and looking at pictures she brought along. It was absolutely amazing to see the family resemblance even into the third generation!

The photo shows three generations of

Redfern~Goodrell~Briggs~Robinson families,

including the Hardwick~Doolittle~Warner families!

Top row: Tony, niece Kelly and her son, Tyler

Middle row: the sisters ~ Kathy, Connie and Bonnie

Front row: our daughter, Amy, and her daughter, Kaitlyn;

Niece Kara, and her daughters, Cameron and Brooklyn

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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-30124950455416527492011-02-13T09:29:00.000-08:002011-02-13T09:29:20.911-08:00Valentine's Day 2011

While we were dating in college, Tony made me a beautiful wooden clock. Beside the fact that it was handmade ~ for me, by him ~ what melted my heart was the poem he decoupaged on the face of the clock.

It was then I knew I had found a safe place to love and be loved. The words of that poem are just as meaningful on this Valentine's Day as they were some 40 years ago ~

A friend is one to whom
you can pour out the contents of your heart ~
chaff and grain alike.
Knowing that the gentlest of hands
will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping,
and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.
So today, I celebrate love ~

~ A love that embraces and forgives.
~ A love that sacrifices for the highest good of the one loved.
~ A love that knows the past and chooses to stay around to redeem the future.
Happy Valentine's Day to all who know this transforming love!
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Bonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-10375223859726889162011-02-05T11:59:00.000-08:002011-02-05T14:30:49.094-08:00Grief's Grip ~ God's Grace

Today I feel the grip of grief. No matter what I do, I cannot seem to escape its clutch upon my heart. And yet, my soul is not anxious to find a place far from this shadow of death. For it is truly in this dark place, in this wilderness of my soul, that I find God to be so near.

I am no stranger to grief's hold. I have known it now for fifteen years. And over this past decade and a half, I have come to realize that I must eventually surrender to my grief.

In one sense, I find myself asking this today ~ Has it really been 15 years? And then I hear my heart ask ~ Has it really been ONLY 15 years?

I recall so vividly that phone call, fifteen years ago this very hour. I remember the thirty hours of waiting with hope only to be forced to reconcile my heart to the horrific reality of brain death.

Yet, as I reflect on my journey of grief, I can truly say that I am grateful for God's unlimited provision of comfort, grace and peace. He has remained faithful to His Word ~

He keeps count of my tossings and put my tears in His bottle.

Psalm 56:8

He draws near to my broken heart and saves my crushed spirit.

Psalm 34:18

I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth,a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:1-3

How blessed I am when I mourn, for I will know God's comfort.

Matthew 5:4

I can rejoice that He does not waste my sorrow. That through the things He has taught me along this path of sorrow, I can say of Scott, as the author of Hebrews said of Abel ~

Though he be dead, he still speaks.

Hebrews 11:4b

And if I can trust Him with this great loss, I can have confidence in His promise of reunion ~

But I do not want you to be uninformed, Bonnie,

about those who are asleep,

that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

For since you believe that Jesus died and rose again,

even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him

those who have fallen asleep.

For this I declare to you by a word from the Lord,

that you who are alive,

who are left until the coming of the Lord,

will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven

with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel,

and with the sound of the trumpet of God.

And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Then you who are alive, who are left,

will be caught up together with them ~ with Scott ~

in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,

and so we will always be with the Lord.

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

I Thess. 4:13-18

Photo: Christ in Agony by Michael O'Brien

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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-8694592629486848402011-01-21T14:36:00.000-08:002011-01-21T14:36:39.474-08:00Faith for Foggy DaysThe winter of 2010 is one for the record books ~ bringing a white Christmas to many places that normally only dream of snow; it's blustery cold continuing to dump snow and ice for weeks. Many schools have been forced to call extra Snow Days and cancel classes.

Where I live, winter brings the Tule Fog (pronounced too-lee). Tule Fog is a thick ground fog that settles in California's Great Central Valley, named after the tule grass wetlands (tulares) of the Central Valley. When the fog "hits the deck" (as they say in weather talk) the schools call s Foggy Day Schedule, delaying the start of the school day until the fog lifts enough for the buses to safely make their rounds to pick up their precious cargo. There are winters when we do not see the sun for weeks!

I remember when our children were school age, we could almost predict if a Foggy Day Schedule would be called as we could not see the house directly across the street. Yes, Tule Fog is that bad. I have driven at night in Tule Fog and needed my window down just to see at least three yellow dotted lines ahead of me, to keep my car in my lane and on the road!

Today it is very foggy outside once again. As I watched the list of Foggy Day Schedules grow on the morning news, I thought about times in my life when my path seems foggy. Times when I can not see very far ahead because the stuff of life blocks my view. Times when I am not certain I am still on the road.

These are the times when my faith grows. Those days or weeks when I cannot see the purpose, I do not feel the joy, I am unsure if I am where I should be, and life just seems like a fog. At times like this, the words in of Hebrews 11:6, become, in essence, my yellow dotted lines ~

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The foggy days of life are when my faith is stretched to not trust in what is seen or felt, but on what is hoped for and what is known to be true. I have walked enough foggy roads in life to know that my faith in God is not a product of His willingness to clear out the fog or to create the life which I desire. No, my faith is rooted in my belief that His will cannot take me where His grace cannot keep me. It is a faith that knows, even in the Foggy Day Schedules of life, He will illuminate for me a path through the fog, to fulfill His purposes.
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-36042594957373244372011-01-17T13:44:00.000-08:002011-01-17T13:49:28.049-08:00Acceptable SinsI find it interesting when I hear individuals in the faith community discuss sin. It is usually not every sin that is discussed. Just certain ones. Case in point ...

We have a dear friend who recently married. He lives quite far from here so we were not able to attend the wedding. I mention that because if we had been present at the wedding, we most likely would have noticed the baby bump under the bride's wedding attire. Last week, we received a message from him, confessing his sin of having sex with his fiance before marriage, and announcing that he would soon be a father. He noted that he withheld this information from us because he was ashamed to share it with us, that we may think less of him.

Did he sin? Definitely ~ and I can give you chapter and verse ~ Galatians 5:19. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, ...

Is he forgiven? Absolutely ~ by God and by us. And our love for him is not diminished by his sin. Quite honestly, in our eyes, our friend is not defined by his sin of immorality but by his heart of contrition.

Here is what I find interesting. There is a comma at the end of the verse I quoted above. The comma says that the list keeps going into verses 20 and 21. Here is the complete list of sins noted in Galatians 5:19-21 ~ works of the flesh, as Paul calls them.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.
In Christ, there is no hierarchy of sin. Whether it is babies conceived out of wedlock, angry words spoken at a spouse, an unwillingness to forgive that leads to divisions and estrangement, a heart of jealousy, or materialism (ie, idolatry). These are all works of the flesh. Missing the mark. Unholy behaviors. Sin.

Paul adds to that list in 2 Cor. 12:20 ~ quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

Why are we so biased toward one sin and not the others? Is it any less sinful to talk about the young couple who obviously had to get married than it is to conceive a child out of wedlock?

In the eyes of a holy God, there are no acceptable sins. Even our biases increase the strife and division among us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7 ~

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your own eye ... first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Living in a redemptive community means we are not deceived into thinking that there are acceptable sins. Redeeming the future begins with the humbling and hard work of logging ~ getting my own heart and life in line with what God desires.
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-75449300250209796072010-12-31T12:10:00.000-08:002010-12-31T12:10:00.336-08:00We are All in the Same BoatI began this New Year's Eve morning by reading a wonderful note from my cousin. Looking ahead to the coming year, Janey shared a few lines from the inspirational writing of Sue Monk Kidd. As I looked up the quote and read the entire piece by Kidd, I found her words convicting and compelling as I contemplate the coming new year.

On a bitter night in January, I sit on a train that rumbles away from the airport in Atlanta ... I'm supposed to be flying home to South Carolina, but minutes before my departure, the entire airport closed because of an impending ice storm ...

It's a long ride ... Soon there are only three of us. A middle-aged woman sits across from me. I look at her for the first time and notice that she's crying. As she wipes tears with the back of her hand, her gaze lingers on my face ... She's asking for my attention.

... I feel sad for her, but what can I do? She's carrying her own troubles and I can't fix them ... I look away from her, retreating into the murmur of the train. Quietly, uncomfortably unavailable.

... The second night she comes powerfully into my dreams. She sits across from me, this time in a rowboat. Her tears gush over the tiny precipice of her eyelids like waterfalls. The boat is filling up with this sad water, and I realize that if I don't do something, we're going to sink. Both of us ...

The dream cracks my heart, and I wake with solemn wonder, reunited with an old truth:

People with profound human needs and suffering do not, as I have half-imagined and half-wished, travel in a boat separate than mine. In ways I have scarcely appreciated, we are all in the same boat, and I can't be unavailable to their suffering without jeopardizing my own soul. We will sink together or we will float together.
Excerpted from Firstlight: The Early Inspirational Writings of Sue Monk Kidd, Guideposts Books, 2006

Similarly, Jesus spoke of the opportunity to share in the sufferings of others in Luke 10:30-34 ~

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he say him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
I am moved by the words Martin Luther King, Jr., in response to Jesus' Parable of the Good Samaritan ~

The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But ... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"
Convicting. There have been times when I did not stop when those around me were asking for my attention; times when I may have stopped and merely watched as they strained at the oars. There have been times when I could have, no should haveclimbed in the boat to bail water or simple sit still to balance the boat against the storms of life. I admit, it is so much easier to rejoice with those who rejoice than to weep with those who weep. But that is the essence of living in community.

Compelling. My prayer and hope for the new year is that I would be willing to be fully present in the lives of those around me; to recognize that we are all in the same boat, and I can't be unavailable to their suffering without jeopardizing my own soul. We will sink together or we will float together.

May these thoughts be more than New Year's Eve sentiment, but truly motivate me to redeem the future that lies ahead in the coming year.
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-25798298179214445122010-11-26T11:40:00.000-08:002010-11-26T11:40:06.738-08:00At the Crossroads

The Prophet Jeremiah wrote ~

Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is,

and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls.

What simple steps to discover rest for my soul. And yet, Jeremiah ends the passage with these sad words ~

But they said, "We will not walk in it."

How often I find myself at the crossroads. I hear the words of those who have traveled these paths before me, directing my steps toward the good way. Yet, something inside of me chooses to not walk in it.

I have found as I travel through life, the choices I make now ~ in the present ~ is how I redeem the future.

In the words of Jeremiah, my prayer for myself and for you, my friend, is that even as Thanksgiving ushers in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we will give ourselves the gift taking time in the present to redeem the future. As we stand at the crossroads, may we humbly ask for insight from those who have gone this way before, choose the good way, and walk in it.

And may we find rest for our souls.
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Bonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-8506078179237563692010-11-23T09:30:00.000-08:002010-11-23T09:30:08.065-08:00Happy Birthday, ScottDear Scott,

Today is your birthday. I remember the day you came into this world on November 23, 1979. I could never have imagined then that the day would come when I no longer had the joy of your presence in my life.

You would be thirty-one years old today, Scott. I wonder how you would look as a man. What would you be doing with your life? Who would have won your heart and be your wife? How many children would you have? Oh, how much I long to have you still be present in my life.

I remember a few weeks before you died, you came home from babysitting Ciera and Matthew Fry. You sat down on the couch, put your hands behind your head, and with such an air of confidence, declared, I can't wait to be a Dad!

You loved to spend time with children ~ to play with them, share your faith with them, and teach them things you knew how to do. I remember another night about that same time when you babysat so Dayn and Kati could go out. Garon could not get to sleep that night. You told me you just sat next to him on his bed, rubbed his curly-haired head, and sang Alleluia, because that is what helped you go to sleep when you were his age. You would have been a great Dad, Scott!

You have been gone from us for almost fifteen long years. So many years to wait to see you again, and yet, so much time to cherish the memories of your short sixteen years of life. Memories are where the proof of life is stored. I treasure my storehouse of Scott-memories. I thank God that you left so much proof of your relationship with Jesus Christ that we wait with an assurance and a hope that there will be a blessed reunion, we will see you again.

Your are loved and missed by not only Dad, Amy and I. You are missed by Jeff. The song he wrote ~ The Brother I've Yet to Meet ~ shares his desire to have known you and have you be a part of his life now. Kaitlyn, Kyle and Jack miss you ~ we share our memories of you with them, and they love to hear and tell Scott stories.

Kaitlyn asked me yesterday, How old is Uncle Scott going to be tomorrow? I loved that she asked me in the present tense because although you are not physically part of our lives, you are forever part of our lives as we have transformed our relationship with you from one of presence to one of memory. Kaitlyn knows with confidence that although your life on earth has ended, you are more alive today than ever in His presence.

Perhaps the words of the song by Mercy Me captures the content of my heart today ~ If home is where my heart is, than I'm out of place ... I've never been more homesick than now.

Happy Birthday, Scott.

Love,

Mom
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-47041475580316329702010-11-20T11:03:00.000-08:002010-11-20T11:04:23.945-08:00Birthday BloomsLast November, for Scott's thirtieth birthday, we added a new plant to Scott's Memorial Garden in our backyard. When we went to the local nursery to make our selection, one of the things we wanted to be certain of was the hardiness of the plant. Would it withstand the drop in temperatures as fall and winter settle into our valley? We chose a Camellia Sasanqua with semi-double white flowers and ever-so-slight pink edges. It made a lovely addition in the corner of the garden.

It is November again. Scott's birthday is just a few days away. And fall has finally arrived over night with a wonderful gift of rain. I walked out into the garden this morning to see how the various plants had survived the downpour.

There in the corner of the garden was Scott's birthday bush ~ covered with blooms, and many buds waiting to open! Little did I realize that this hardy plant was going to bloom each November (as I am really just a poser when it comes to gardening).

What a wonderful surprise to know that every year on Scott's birthday we will have a display of flowers to say how very much Scott is loved and missed by us all. What a beautiful image as the chill of winter settles in that we have a blessed hope of a glorious reunion.
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Bonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-9895167201350438152010-11-19T10:31:00.000-08:002010-11-19T10:31:19.957-08:00A Victim of God's DesignI have a friend who lives in Democratic Republic of Congo. Luc is a fine young man who was my translator when I taught at his seminary in Kinshasa a few years ago. He has tried on numerous occasions to acquire a visa to come visit my family in America. But Luc's application has been repeatedly denied. In the face of this rejection, I love his perspective . . .

I am a prisoner in my own country ~
a victim of God's design.

But oh, what a lovely victimizer,

who has never allowed me
to walk the streets naked

or go to bed without at least a pinch of a loaf.

 With Thanksgiving only days away, many in my country will take time to express their gratitude for the many good things that fill their lives.

And, if they are like my own family, they will sit down to a Thanksgiving feast, with culinary delights prepared to perfection; to consume a couple of day's worth of calories in one sitting. Incredibly, they will save room for the array of desserts to be enjoyed later in the evening.

But this Thanksgiving, Luc's words seem to echo in my head. I am convicted of my own indifference at times toward those less fortunate. I am challenged to check my assumptions ~ what things in my life I take for granted as rights, when they are, in reality, privileges.

Luc's words bring an renewed awareness this season of how often I forget that I too, am a victim of God's design ~ that He is the one who provides this life filled with so very many comforts and conveniences. He made me who I am and allowed me to be born in this nation of plenty. This Thanksgiving, I want a heart focused on His design. I want to be fully aware that I am nothing without Him.

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Bonniehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-89753970949666447042010-11-17T15:20:00.000-08:002010-11-18T10:24:27.759-08:00November

Yellow, brown, and red

The colors change

A chill in the air

Fall is

When I most miss you

From When I Most Miss You by Nicol Smith

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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-37714005707518086422010-10-21T10:09:00.000-07:002010-10-21T10:54:47.933-07:00When All is Said and Done

It's been almost fifteen years since I first heard the song by that title. Darin Peterson, one of Scott's teachers at Immanuel High School, recorded the song by Geoff Moore on a collection of songs he compiled to comfort us in our loss. The song speaks to what really matters in life; what will be remembered ~ when all is said and done.

About five years ago I participated in a two-year program on leadership being offered at my church. The final assignment was to write a Personal Mandate ~ a capstone for our twenty-four months of training. In writing my Personal Mandate, I had to ask some serious questions. How will I choose to live? Why will I live the life I am living? What will be my legacy ~ how will I be remembered?

Quite honestly, I moaned and complained about this project. It totally stretched me to break down my life into a statement of purpose, articulate my core beliefs and create the strategies to achieve a desired legacy. I remember that for me, the best way to accomplish the task, was to start at the end and work backwards. So I began with the question in that Geoff Moore song ~ what will be said about my time here on earth, when all is said and done?

I have to admit, in the end, I loved writing my Personal Mandate. I find it to be a solid rock on which I balance in my life, and determine how to invest my time and energies in those things that conform to my God-given purpose for living.

That brings me to this week. Through the wonders of technology, I was able to be present for the funeral of Todd MacDonnell, a former pastor from our church. Although his memorial service was held in the small community of Pierz, Minnesota, I was able to participate in the service from our local church sanctuary via a Skype connection.

Todd was just 48 years old. Eleven short weeks ago he went to the eye doctor for a sudden change in his vision. As glasses did not help, and other symptoms surfaced, Todd was sent to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. There he was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. No known cause. No known treatment. No known cure. Todd's health declined dramatically, and he went to be with the Lord in less than 3 months.

At his memorial service, speaker after speaker stood to read some of the thousands of notes and letters which were sent to Todd during his brief battle with CJD. Again and again, each writer spoke of how Todd had been instrumental in helping them become who they are today. Each commented on the consistent and faithful way Todd lived out his faith ~ never wavering, even with his impending death.

As I listened to the tributes ~ Todd's legacy ~ I remembered the words of that song once again ~

When the music fades into the past,
When the days of life are through,
What will be remembered of where I've come?
When all is said and done?

Will they say I loved my family?
That I was a faithful friend?
That I lived to tell of God's own son?
When all is said and done.

Of how I long to see the hour,
When I would hear that trumpet sound.
So I could rise and see my Savior's face,
And see him smile,
And say 'Well done.'

You can forget my name
And the songs I've sung,
Every rhyme and every tune.
But remember the truth of Jesus' love,
When all is said and done

When all is said and done.
And so this morning, I am thanking my friend, Todd MacDonnell, that in life and in death, he continues to urge us on to greater things, for eternity's sake. With my Personal Mandate in front of me, I am once again focusing on the importance of leaving a godly legacy ~ when all is said and done.

It is never too late to redeem the future and leave a legacy that will continue to speak, when you have nothing left to say.

NOTE: For information on how to write a Personal Mandate, please leave a comment with your contact information, and I will share the process with you.
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-48027408025941065402010-10-17T12:26:00.000-07:002010-10-17T12:30:11.121-07:00Irresistible Invitation

I am often amazed at how much news coverage there is when a state dinner takes place at the White House. The limos. The tuxedos and gowns. The pomp and circumstance.

Everyone seems to want the details ~ from the design of the place settings to the details of the menu; who's in and who's out.

Now we even have White House party crashers who somehow get in under the radar to see for themselves what is going on, even though they never received an invitation!

Truthfully, I really do not find the thought of attending a state dinner very exciting ~ not that I would ever expect to be invited. Seriously ... How many pieces of silverware does one person need to enjoy a meal? How much does a dress need to cost to be acceptable? Everything about the event seems to revolve around outward appearances.

I am reminded of an invitation of a different sort. One where there are no expectations. No need to put on airs ~ just come as you are. In fact, the invitation states for those who accept, to put away all pretense, forget about outward appearance, and become real.

Incredible!

Irresistible!

Nourishment for your body and soul, absolutely free!

This invitation truly embodies the spirit of this blog. For I am firmly convinced that it is possible to redeem the future, transform those things that seek to destroy me, and find a healing place for my heart and soul. This invitation offers me a place to come just as I am ~ with all my baggage, sorrows, disappointments and fears.

This invitation beckons me to that healing place of transformation described in Psalm 85, where ~

"Mercy and Truth have met each other:
Justice and Peace have kissed."

The invitations have been sent. The question remains ~ am I willing to accept this Irresistible Invitation? To look at my life through the lens of TRUTH and receive His MERCY? To accept His JUSTICE which ushers in PEACE? He invites me to come to this healing place, to attend His banquet, to allow Him to bring restoration and transformation.

It really is an irresistible invitation!

 Footnote: The original copy of this invitation is in Old Testament writings, believed to be written sometime around the Babylonian captivity, near 580 BC. The invitation is no less irresistible today.

Come, all you who are thirsty,come to the waters;
and you who have no money,come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;hear me, that your soul may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.
See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander of the peoples.
Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations that do not know you will hasten to you,
because of the LORD your God,the Holy One of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendor."
Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:1-11

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Bonniehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5086623623857717163.post-12188543571089502302010-10-05T10:00:00.000-07:002010-10-05T10:00:01.593-07:00Apple HillEarly in our marriage, we made our home near Sacramento. It was a great place to live. The cities surrounding the capital still have a rural feel to them. It is such a beautiful area ~ did you know that Sacramento claims more trees per capita than any other city?

Remembering our years spent in northern California always brings a smile to my face. Our children were born in a small local hospital. We made friendships that remain part of our lives today. We learned many lessons about faith and life that strengthened our marriage. And, every October we went to Apple Hill.

Apple Hill is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills in the small El Dorado County community of Camino. The original sixteen apple orchards that made up Apple Hill have grown through the years to include 55 ranches, wineries, a micro-brewery, spa and vineyards. The various orchards offer many ways for visitors to experience the fruit of their labor ~ fresh-pressed cider, apple donuts made-to-order, apple pies, apple milk shakes, caramel apples, and the list goes on! You can even grab a bucket and pick your own apples!

It has been almost 30 years since we moved from northern California to make our home here in the central valley. Many years have passed since we loaded up our two small children to spend a day in the orchards.

Last year we took a road trip back to Apple Hill with our daughter Amy and our grandchildren. Amy was only three years old the last time she was there! How fun to see it for the first time again through the eyes of Kaitlyn, Kyle and Jack, and taste anew the delicious treats!

Well, it is October again.

We are finalizing our plans to travel north again to reconnect with friends and spend a weekend at Apple Hill with the whole family! The trees will put on a grand display of fall foliage and the scent of apples will permeate the air. Aside from the vibrant colors and edible delights that are part of Apple Hill, for me, it is a privilege to retrace my steps, to remember how things used to be, and to focus on God's faithfulness over the years of my life.

You see, there were times in those early years of our marriage when we went to Apple Hill because it was free ~ money was very scarce. Those who walked with us then know the many ways God provided for our every need ~ money slipped anonymously into an envelope, bags of groceries delivered on our porch, and even the time the doorbell rang and we found a Christmas tree leaning against the door jam. We may have had little in those days but we were truly blessed.

Apple Hill is a place where we were a family of four. Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined that someday Scott would not be part of this life. But even in losing a child, God has graciously cleared a path and caused our feet to not stumble. The sights and smells of Apple Hill remind me of who I am ~ the mother of Amy and Scott.

The orchards of Apple Hill are a reminder for me of the different seasons of life. Some seasons bring forth fruit; some seem cold and harsh. Some provide a time of refreshing; thankfully, some usher in the promise of renewal. So I look forward to once again immersing myself in Apple Hill. To see and feel God's faithfulness. To remember and renew my hope in Him.
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Bonniehttp://email@example.com