Something to check out

If you haven't heard about it before, I would like to introduce you. Meet Link. This is a really cool organization working for freedom in North Korea. This is especially dear to my heart. During my time in China I heard word of mouth testimony about the horrible things going on in North Korea. I also stepped foot in North Korea. I need to find that picture.... I also helped to care for many children who were abandoned near the North Korean border with China. They were fortunate to end up in such a loving, God centered orphanage.

Anyway, check out what Link has to say and how you can help. In their Link store they have some great t-shirts that are very affordable. My first purchase, however, will be the DVD "Crossing". I missed the two screenings in Atlanta, but maybe I will hold one of my own. 

  "Taken from a number of true stories of North Korean refugees, Crossing is the first film to accurately depict the trials and hardships faced every day by the North Korean people."

I can't wait to watch it and I can't wait to share it. Now you know. Be informed!

Sketchy...

We live in a pretty quiet, older neighborhood. I love it here. We have a 94 year old neighbor on one side of us and a 80 something couple on the other side. I love them. I also love knowing most of the people on our street, even the business owners. We have a great new renter across the street and a really nice mix of people. 

One of our newer neighbors is sketchy. When they first moved in we thought that they were dealing drugs. Maybe they were. Maybe they are. One thing after another makes us suspicious of them. I am not judgmental, but I do keep an eye out on our neighborhood. We called the owner of the house today and he is close to evicting our new neighbors since they haven't paid rent for two months. He also said that if we know anyone who is willing to rent the house, he will kick them out asap. Anyone want to be our neighbor? It's a cute 3 bedroom, 1 office, 1 bathroom house with all wood floors and a fenced in back yard. If you want info, let me know!

In the words of Fred Rogers,

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor.

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?

Won't you be my neighbor?

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.

I have always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So, let's make the most of this beautiful day.

Since we are together, we might as well say

Won't you please, won't you please?

Please won't you be my neighbor?"

Yes that was straight from memory. Sorry if the words aren't exactly correct.

101st post!

I have been meaning to write for sometime now, but what do you write in your 101st post? Lots of things have been going through my mind. I guess that I will just touch on a few of them.

We spent a few days in Savannah during spring break visiting with friends. It is always relaxing down there. We fished, Dave fished with our buddy Joel, I relaxed and we ate well! We tend to have to get away to catch up on sleep and truly relax! 

We had two huge trees cut down at our house! It opened up so much space. I spent some time reworking a flower bed after having them cut down. I also managed to get a couple of tomato plants in the ground, along with some banana peppers and some serrano peppers. My squash seeds just sprouted and my cucumbers plants are growing. I love spring time!

I guess my biggest news is that we have a new nephew! Walter Eugene was born almost two weeks ago. Dave's sister surprised us all by having him six weeks early. He is healthy and strong. Hopefully he will get to go home soon! We spent yesterday meeting him and visiting with Dave's sister and Mom. We had a great time! Here he is!

And Dave with him.

Whew! Five more weeks of school and then the summer comes. I can't wait. The students are tired of school and so is everyone else! Come on summertime! I know that the weeks will fly by and I love spring so much. I plan to spend sometime in the garden this week. We need to get our squash and cucumbers in the ground, along with a second planting of beans. I also want to try to get some tomatoes and peppers in at my parents place. I hope we have some nice days to do all of the work in!

Today I have been catching up on house work. Six loads of laundry! What? I guess I had been putting that off. I mean, it was sheets and towels too. I have also spent most of the day cooking. I like to cook my oatmeal for the week and try to get one meal ahead for dinner if I can. It has worn me out today though. I have been pretty worn out lately actually. Work is draining. Keeping up with life, friends, the house.... it's draining. But I can't complain. God has been good.

I came across the words to a Hymn in a book that I have been reading. They spoke volumes to me. I hope that they speak to you too. Happy 101st post!

"He Giveth More Grace"

He giveth more grace when the burden grows greater;

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.

To added affliction He addeth His mercy;

To multiplied trial, His multiplied peace.

His love has no limit;

His grace has no measure;

His power has no boundary known unto men.

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth and giveth and giveth again!

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

                            Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)