Wealth can turn in a SNAP. Even if it takes 30 years

Paula, Paula, Paula....
 I feel for you. 
Things seemed to be going well and life was good. Oh sure, you hit a snag a year or so ago when it came out that you have diabetes.  As many have before you have, you got your bearings and began to embark on some recipe changes that would be better for your condition.  But your empire continues to grow with product lines, sponsors, and TV shows and appearances. You even got some new endorsements to teach others about diabetic lifestyles. 

But, wealth can turn in a SNAP.  Even if it takes 30 years.

And now your empire is crumbling, crashing, crushing.    Sponsorships, endorsements, and book deals are all jumping your ship.   Your TV show has not been renewed after next month.  Even your new lifestyle teaching endorsement has disassociated with you.  

I do not know what your financial status is or what your holdings are, but I do know that when one has much one generally begins to live a larger lifestyle - an affluent lifestyle.  A lifestyle where you do not have to worry about your daily needs.  A lifestyle where you spend money as you please on what you desire, without much thought.  Along with this lifestyle may come a certain attitude - one of invincibility, and of confidence. 

Oh, Paula..... I know this is not the end of the world, but it may be a change for you.  Perhaps your empire will be restored to you and perhaps not. 

1 Timothy 6:17-18
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Life is so uncertain. We don't know what will happen that might alter our course- a car accident, a health crisis, a tornado, a job promotion.......   I don't want to put my hope in something that is not secure, in something that is changeable.  I wan to put my hope in the One who never changes.  I hope Paula has her hope there too. 

Trilofos

 

 

 

This is where I wish I were right now. In this beautiful countryside gazing upon Mount Olympus. This is taken from in a small Greek village of Trilofos.  The name literally means "three hills."   

 

My father grew up in this village until the age of 18 when he immigrated to the USA.  He returned to the area some 50 years later until he passed from this life. Dust to dust.... back to his roots. He is not buried here in Trilofos, but is nearby in another small town.  

 

It has been two years since I have been here and I wish I could go back.  Something calls to me.  Is it my heritage, my roots?  Is it my sense of family and loss?  This past year alone I have lost three family members to death .  Or does the beauty and history of the land cry out to me to visit once again.  If I had unlimited funds and uncomitted time, I would be there. 

 

Sometimes Things Are Easier Than We Make Them To Be

Pyonghwa (Peace)

Lily              Julie              Chae-Young              Junho              Euna 

Lynn         Lucas         Jason        Younghyun    Clara    Arrina 


These former students of mine have been in my thoughts of late.   I had the privilege to teach these young Korean citizens during part of the year or so that they spent in the United States while their parents were visiting professors at the local University.  Some were fluent in English and some knew no English at all, but most could speak at least a few words when I first met them.  Each of these English language learners have returned back to their native land of South Korea, but they will forever have a special place in my heart.
  
When I see the news of North Korea's leader making threats of war and posturing his military, it makes me think of my young students who live so close.  Although I feel the North Korean leader is babbling rhetoric and idle threats, I also feel the world is in a precarious place and evil abounds. 

My students are not my only connection to Korea.  While I have never been there, my daughter lived there and taught there for five years.  It is a beautiful country.  She has visited the demilitarized zone which is the area surrounding the North and South Korean border.   It is heavily guarded by both armies.     So I pray that peace will prevail in the coming days and months; that wisdom will guide all those who are making decisions; and that God will give grace to my students keeping them safe and protecting them from all harm. Amen. 
   

While at the Demilitarized Zone 

 

Overlooking Seoul

 

Goodbye Winter! (at least officially)

Most of our winter was mild this year, but in the last 30 days the tide has changed.  The temperatures are decidedly cold and we have had some major snowstorms. But today, March 20, it is the spring vernal equinox.  There is about equal amounts of daylight and nighttime. So...it is goodbye to winter and hello to spring!  And even though there is snow forecasted for tonight and tomorrow, I will only think about the flowers that will soon be blooming.

Thank you Winter 2012-2013 for your pretty scenes and your forced pause upon our busyness of life.  Thank you for the the precipitation that brought us out of drought status. 

(Photography by Kasey Laughlin)

 

 

 

O Happy Day!

 



 

On one of the routes I take when walking, I pass this cheery sight.  What a way to make a positive statement in a neighborhood.  It's like saying to each who pass by, "Have a nice day !" 

No More Hello Kitty

 

Xavier "Kitty"

 

1996 - 2012

 



 

 

That's all I can say for now.  I am sure I will write about him at another time.  His absence is felt.