Food, Miles, Dessert -- How about chocolate, too?

What a weekend!

Family who travelled for hours and many miles.
Friends who worked for days to prepare and serve a great meal.

A Saturday night that will not be forgotten by our family.

Meaningful words.
Emotions that were touched.
Happy tummies.
Happy tastebuds.

Sometimes, you just have to wonder . . . just how good, amazing, stupendous Heaven is going to be, 'cause there are moments (like this weekend) when life on this earth is pretty good!

Thank you Lord for our children, their friends, our extended family.
We are truly blessed.

And can't wait for a wedding in January!

And, if that's not good enough to have the news shared on Friday that a new baby will be born in Atlanta to two amazing people. Yay!

Watch it soar!

It's getting closer -- a 17th birthday for Daniel, and a special celebration for that. (Please come!)

a 50th birthday for someone else in this family (you know who!)

a son returning from a far-far away continent (counting the days)

and, if that's not enough, a wedding in January.

'Tempus Fuguit' -- (Latin) Time Flies, and it do!

Does not seem that long ago when __________.
Bet you can fill in the blank with --
any number of options.

I would predict that those guys who got to live in and near Jesus sensed a purpose and drive and energy in that Man's life.
He knew (duh!) that each day r e a l l y counted.

Info today about one of Daniel's camp guys who died in the flooding.
Info yesterday about our new pastor's daughter who was born early in an
'emergency' c-section,
Info today from Jonathan about one of the Goins' sons . . .
Info Friday about our principal's granddaughter who died (four months old) who was born premature back in May, but who had seemed to be well over the initial concern; he was a twin, and his grandmother (our principal is a twin also).

Life is indeed a gift.

Each day.

Even the indiviuals who seem to be 'messing things up' for us are all a part of a bigger purpose.

I'll try to get this quotation right; it's from memory, and longer ago than you can imagine.

"When we understand that interruptions are of His planning, then we realize that they are opportunities to serve rather than plagues to keep us sfrom functioning." -- Karen Burton Maines
This is a kinda close, but not perfect version, so please don't quote. (smile)

Sometimes it's easy to focus on tomorrow.

May the Lord grant us the depth of reality to really focus on this day, 'cause indeed, it is all we have.

Much Love,
Dad

Zippity Do Dah!

So yesterday, our Fearsome Family of Four (Jonathan and Bethany were far, far away), had an adventure.

We did six Zip Lines near the New River Gorge, had all the gear on. The longest one boasted speeds of 45 - 50 mph, 200 feet off the ground.
Was not really sure if I was 'man enough' to do this, even though I scheduled this to happen.
We had a blast.

I could not 'do' my roller coaster routine -- close eyes, pray, it will be over eventually.
We were clearly instructed to keep eyes open (duh! the view is part of the reason you're paying for it, chicken!)
We had to keep the guide in view at the end for him to signal if we needed to 'brake' or come in on our own.

So, with eyes open, the strategy was -- keep my eyes on the goal. Do not look down. Do not look anywhere else. Look straight ahead. You will be at the end before you know it. Enjoy the ride.

And you know what?
The ride was amazing!

Nothing to be afraid of.

Once the tour guide asked us if we trusted him -- not in some serious mood, but that the equipment was 'done' and we did not need to fear.
Okay, so why be afraid?

I think the Lord helped me re-learn a neat lesson yesterday.

And yes indeedy, why do this if you don't pay the fee for the photos at the end to enjoy seeing what you did?

Life is an adventure!

So next year, should the non-swimmer initiate a white water rafting trip for the family?

Make a memory today -- no matter how simple, extravagant, or cheap.
Even if it involves a phone call or text if they're far away.

Life is too short to be routine too much of the time.

This was my first zip experience.
Absolutely loved it.

How Could I Be So Dumb?

or perhaps let's title this -- How Can I Be So Forgetful?

No, I'm not talking about an anniversary, birthday, Bastille Day.

But a computer PhotoShop shortcut. Since 2005, I've been doing the digital stuff. Okay, so I guess that's six years. And in that time, I've probably been in PhotoShop at least a gazillion times, and the shortcuts don't change. The little elves may sneak in the refrigerator to make ice cubes, but they don't sneak in the computer to change shortcuts.

In order to put an image on the page of the album layout, it's "control A," "control C," and then "Control V." And ta da, the digital image is now on the layout page ready for me to do whatever I want to. . .
until yesterday morning.

I had decided to get up a little earlier and get to work. I was working away. And then, it hit me. I couldn't remember the three shortcuts. I had two, the "C" an the "V," but that's not enough.

So, I tried another letter or two that made sense. No success. I tried another sequence or two. No success. I googled PS shortcuts and found a list. No success -- at least for a while. Finally! I found what I needed.
And from that time on, work proceeded, and I finished Phase Two of the Album Design in relative peace.

But I felt to dumb, so forgetful. How on earth could the brain not recall what it has used repeatedly over and over and over again? Even within the previous 24 horus, even within the previous five minutes?

SIGH! Okay, you probably see where I'm headed.
When the circumstances of life can get a bit unknown, uncertain, unpredictable, it can be really easy to 'forget' what we know to be true.

For instance, no matter how low the stock market may go (it's just money), is my trust really in the God of the universe who is orchestrating the details of life (yours and mine and everyone else, too) to accomplish His will? It had better be. Cause if I put my trust in a n y t h i n g else, I am headed for reasons to worry, get frustrated, and feel insecure.

And when Microsoft Word politely replies -- "Not Responding" to when I want to look up the verse to add to end this, I have to smile once again at the reality of the moment and the reality of eternity.

I love you!


" I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints . . . " Ephesians 1:18

Where Are The Kids When You Need 'Em?

So, this morning I was making your Mother very proud of me.
I was in the basement/water heater room, breaking down a l l the boxes that I had saved -- because I would need them.

Well, I haven't needed them.
Recycling comes today, so it's time to get rid of big white boxes from Italy, special white USPS boxes (one flat rate), Christmas gift boxes.

And, over and over again, is the packaging stuff!
Not the awful styrofoam peanut stuff -- thankfully no!
But the 'air bag' stuff -- the big air bag packaging stuff (about the size of a decent bag of potato chips), and then the smaller 'air bag' stuff, about the size of a can of soda.

Well, we had at least 139 of the soda can size. And I had to pop them all by myself!

If you had been here, we could have brought them upstairs, had a contest, no scissors or sharp objects allowed, just -- jump, sit, poke, and pop. And depending on your age, we probably would have gotten out the video camera.
And you would have had great fun, and been adorable in the process.

Ah, I smile on those days.

I love these days, too.

I love you!

You are great children.

The next time you see one of those 'air bag' things, pop it -- make it loud -- and think of me.

26 Years -- Anyone Counting? or how about "Happy 'Anna's Nursery!'"

So, your beautiful mother and your extremely affluent father, had a very nice dinner last night to celebrate their 26th Wedding Anniversary. Of course, you don't remember July 20, 1985, cause you weren't born yet. You came later. As we waited for our courses to be served, (this was a very nice restaurant -- I had to remind myself to keep my elbows off the table), we played a game.

First, we each wrote down ways to describe the other person.

Since we did not have anyone recording this with their cell phone, I'll share with you what we said.

Wayne said of Bev -- charming, adaptable, flirty, multi-tasker, content, cheeky (meaning that she has a beautiful smile), visionary, and firm (meaning that she has a firm foundation, i.e., her faith).

Bev wrote of moi -- creative, romantic, good listener, nurturer, funny, growing, changing, handome (ah, isn't that sweet? She especially noted the beautiful smile and the twinkle in my eye.) Okay, if I'm writing this I can make sure the good stuff gets included, right?

Then, we did the same for each of you --

Jonathan -- (Bev) industrious, romantic, devoted, tender-hearted, saver (of money to get important things for important people), planner, high-engergy. (Wayne's list) adventuresome, risk taker, determined, passionate, ready (to get married)

Bethany -- (Mom) compassionate, puts others first, highly organized, dedicated, dependable, stylish, tender-hearted; (Dad's list) An Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (willing to be behind the scenes to make sure things are done well), Style on a Dime (is that the name for that tv show, where one looks amazing on a budget?), willing to put down roots (as she continues to grow in her GA home), ready (for whatever is next, in other words, not relishing the past, but ready to move on). Yep, I ramble.

David -- (Mom) dedicated, respectful, creative, funny, determined; (Dad) literate/athletic/artistically = talented, hermit-like (the man needs 'his space' at times), loyal, brave

Daniel -- (Mom) tender-hearted, talented, hard worker, open and available, risk-taker, adventurous, servant; (Dad) mature (beyond his years), patient, flexible (whether it's weeks in Eurpoe, South America, or PA), and fluent -- in foreign languages and 'love languages.'

We had fun doing this. Yep, we could still be married without you, but the Adventure has been much more sweet because of each of you.

We love you more than words and blogs can say.
I hope you deeply know that.

It's All About Geography!

Again? Yep, that was the main point of the last blog entry, and here we go again!
Although, this time, we're focusing on on watching the July 4 Fireworks!

It is one thing to be situated at our home on the hill, and hear 'em in neighbor's back yards, or down at the baseball field at the end of nine innings. It is indeed something else to view fireworks from the top of a mountain, and not just any mountain, but Lookout Mountain. (Hmmm, wonder where that name came from?)

Thanks to Bethany's friends who know friends, we got to be part of a "by invitation only" private "screening" of the Fourth of July Fireworks as viewed from Rock City.

Okay, so we have 'the' perfect view to watch 'em as they go up and off from the nearby country club. And indeed, that was cool! But even cooler than that was viewing what took place down below, from the city, from the zoo, from an amusement park, from people's back yards -- all going off at once, and from different places. Seeing lots of people celebrate at the same time, from that vantage point was truly a memorable Fourth of July.

It's easy to get "stuck" in the place where we are, even if it's a really good place, with really great people. But when you're up and above most everyone else, life is just different. You see things in such a different perspective. It's really cool.

It's good to get away. It's good to view things from the top of the mountain. It's good to know people who know people who can get you in that special place at a special time.

Truly, a Fourth of July to remember with joy!
Celebrating independence, mercy, grace, and peace.

Geography -- Okay, this really is exciting!

When I think about geography, I get excited.
No, don't think about a textbook, or a map, or a voice on the GPS saying "recalculating."

When I think about "where" my children are, I get excited.

I guess it's alright to use names on this blog.
Somebody tell me if I should be referring to child #2, rather than.
Hmmm, well, in doubt, I'll use initials.
Maybe that's better.. . . well, except for Child #3 and #4.(What's the deal with that, were we trying to save money on the monogramming?)

Okay,
JP, mapquest would not tell me how many miles it is from here to there! But to think that fiancee O has arrived, and the two of you are "finally" together after a very long time. That's exciting. Thank you Lord for safe travels, luggage that has arrived, and friends there waiting to love on and host these two.

BP, okay, that's only 320 miles, and in a few days we will driving that short distance to see my beautiful, hard-working, educated daughter, and her new car! Fireworks over the water! It's going to be great.

DP, 173 miles to Ashland, KY, where D. designs signs featuring Pirates, "Holy Cows," and other things, where this weekend, his artwork gets featured at a big outdoor festival as the Fun Signs has a booth to drum up new bu$iness. Not to mention D's amazing rock climbing ability! I need to go back for more.

and
DP, and it's 285 miles to a camp that is nestled in the beauty of the Keystone State, where each of you has been blessed by sticky buns, camp fires, and hearing the Lord speak to you. And now D. is there being available to be used by his Creator, too.

Ah, geography . . .
as the first thing you type into mapquest is Bluefield, WV -- your home.
I bought a sign the other day for my classroom that reads --
"Home is where your story begins."
One of my main points in my classroom is the definition of history, at least according to me -- History is a collection of stories.
And so, your story has its roots in a brick house on the corner of a busy street.

Okay, point is -- God is so great. His "ability" to love you wherever you are is really neat! And, by the way, I am so very proud of each of you.

Love,
Dad

Sundays are wonderful!

Sundays are wonderful!

Well, except the very beginning of this one. I'm up, showered, eating breakfast, and look at the clock and think, "why is it 6:15?" The super-smart alarm clock that sets beside my bed automatically adjusts to a daylight savings time, resets if unplugged, well, I guess it decided to live in someone else's time zone for a bit. Came back upstairs, and sure enough, it was an hour off!

Sundays are great because we meet to pray at 9:00 before the official church day starts. Today was the Going Away lunch/program for the Goodsons. They have been a part of the church family for 27 years! Wow. They will be missed. The Lord really blessed the afternoon meal and program. Your Dad was the emcee.

The morning service was powerful -- looking at David, that powerful man in high places, who deliberately compromised and sinned over and over, but God did not let him go. Though David truly deserved God's wrath, judgement, death, God lavished His forgiveness, grace, and mercy, and David's life continued to be a "work of art" in the hands of God.

The other six days of the week, it's easy to hear lots of other messages about what makes life meaningful. On Sundays, it's so good to be reminded corprately of what is really important.

So, in heaven will it always feel like it's a Sunday?

Do not call 9 1 1

Well after an uneventful ride to Ashland, KY (although the GPS did not do a great job for the last two minutes in the residential area), a tour of Rick's apartment, meeting Rick, having lunch at Ruby Tuesday's (good grief, those two eat super healthy! The more broccoli the better? 'Cause they are 'good carbs'), a leisurely slow meal and sitting around with good conversation, then a tour of Fun Sign Company Warehouse (aka a rented section of storage building), meeting Marshall, it was time . . .

We drove to the MU campus, checked in at the MU Fitness Center, signed legal waivers (which we did not read -- I guess they said something like, "you won't sue us if you get hurt, will you?"), rented climbing shoes (since when do I wear a size 9 in shoes?), get straps attached -- red for the right leg, green for the other leg, next the waist. This does not look comfortable!

"Okay, David, you're the pro. You go first." He does. He makes it look easy. Even though he says he's out of practice, he easily and quickly made it up the first mountain area.

So, now it's my turn. Second thoughts? Nah! Fortunately, this was not a busy day at the Rock Wall. The two employees were there to "blay" (sp?) us.
And just in case we did not know, David was a "blayer" too. Although, since he's not a current student (in summer school), his "blay-ability" was not recognized today.

Okay, my turn . . . Grab. Grip. Step. Lather. Rinse. Repeat -- and all with the knowledge that you really can't hurt yourself, since someone is down there holding your rope.

So, at times, it's easy. Other times, it's not. I guess it really depends on how tall you are and your wingspan (so to speak.) The first wall challenge has a ledge near the top. "No problem, it's like climbing out of the pool and sitting on the edge," they inform me. I did not think that this was the time to confess to the three guys down below, "easy for you to say. I never learned how to swim." So, I slowly came down. Smiled, looked at my smiling son and said, "what's next?"

Ah, the power of encouraging words! If I had tried to do this alone (um, what would be the point of that? Who would have believed it?), I really don't think I would have made it up very high. There really was such a source of strength and encouragement in hearing what I should do next, and how close I was, and that I couldn't give up now!

After he did the second wall, I was ready to tackle it. Okay, this one was quite a bit more challenging. So, why don't they make each of the grips rounded so that you can really hold on? Why don't they make more areas for your feet to rest? Why are my arms burning so much? There was "one brief shinging moment that was known as (not Camelot, but) I think it's quitting time for this ol' man. But thanks to the encouragement of his son, and the reminder that I really can't hurt myself, I pressed on. Near the top, it really got harder to keep going. Had to stop twice. The forearms really ached. Later in the day when I was paying for dinner, it was noticeably 'different' to separate the bills to give to the cashier. Wow, hands ache, too. Right now, I can sense just a bit of tenseness here and there. I think Aleve is calling me.

Okay, I made it -- TO THE TOP. David has a picture to prove it. Yay! The 53 year-old-man who has never done this before made it. What a neat feeling of accomplishment. Really it is. I climbed the mountain!

What a great ending to a great father/son day with my Maniac.

Thank you Lord that the paramedics did not have to be called to scrape the first-timer off the green floor of the Fitness Center.

So, I guess the next question is, when am I going back for Round Two? You know, the Racket Ball Court looked fun . . .

Thank you David for such a fun day!

Let's start with shoes and spiders.

Adam and Eve did not wear shoes. There were no shoes in the Garden of Eden. Hence, wearing shoes now is a sad thing for fallen man to have to do on a regular basis.
 Rainbows (flipflops) are a good thing! 
Going barefoot is a good thing.
Summertime is a good thing.

Tomorrow, I am headed to the MU campus to face the Rock Wall , and I am super-excited about spending the day with my Marshall Maniac, aka David.  Okay, but what to wear? Certainly not the flip-flops. Do I really have to wear the not-so-comfortable New Balance shoes (that are really old)? Nah, according to the Rock Wall expert, aka David, I can rent climbing shoes there. Yay! For two bucks, I can put my "five fingers" in something made to attack the terrain. (And David will get his belated birthday present -- his new pair of five fingers -- to try out as he instructs his 'Ol Man as to how to get off the ground.

So, why am I so excited about climbing this wall? Well, think about it. "So, Mr. Pelts, what did you do on your summer vacation?"  How cool it will be to say, "I went rock climbing with my son!"  Now I don't have to immediately tell them that it was inside, in a very safe environment, that my teacher, aka my son, did not let me venture too far up the wall for my own good.

But, it will be an adventure, and part of the joy of life is "the adventure."

My recent adventures include, but are not limited to --
learning and accepting that I will teach two Civics classes next year,
hearing my wonderful daughter describe for me the Vehicle (that starts with the letter "V") that she plans to purchase,
reading letters from my youngest who is away for five weeks, living among the bugs and munchkins as he works at camp,
hearing  wedding details from my oldest, and thinking -- is it really possible that one of "our" children is getting married?
driving to Huntington tomorrow (with a gps) to spend the day with my Maniac, who will try not to laugh at me too much as I defy gravity,
listening and looking at the most beautiful woman in the world, aka as "your Mom," as she loves and understands and affirms me . . .
and in the midst of it all, the glue that holds it all together . . . experiencing God in a newer, fresher way than I ever have in my life.

During the time when we were expecting Isaac, and when we were adjusting/thinking/ responding to the surprise of it all, I often said out loud, to myself, "Life is an adventure."  And with the Lord, it really is.

Okay, this is my first blog entry. I think I've written way too much. But as people who know me know, I tend to be wordy.

Okay, and what about spiders?  Bev recently discovered that my crocks (those ugly shoes that I wore at least four times) in the basement have happy spiders living in them. I'm glad somebody is getting some use out of 'em. If I were a spider, I think living in a crock would be a pretty good thing.