Some days there is blog fodder all around, some days not so much. Today was a banner day in blogdom!

First, I had coffee with a friend and she complimented my husband as someone who is trustworthy, who has wisdom and is respected. (I hope I'm not putting words in your mouth friend!) Anyway, her words were something to that effect. Kirk is well respected by his colleagues, friends and children. That makes me proud. I love the coffee hour (ok, 2 hours) with this friend -- our discussions are usually insightful, meaningful, challenging, and deep....and I love it.

Then later in the afternoon while I was talking with our daughter Cara she mentioned a conversation she recently had with friends - her friends each commented that they would not marry someone like their fathers. Cara, on the other hand, said she would marry someone like her father. That spoke volumes to me and I couldn't wait to tell my husband about the two compliments he received today.

Cara & Kirk

Finally, tonight I watched Idol Gives Back. So many hurting, sick and hungry people -- especially children. I just want to bring all those orphan kids into my home. Besides all the entertainment and attention drawn to the needs in the world, I was shocked at the end when the choir and current Idols sang "Shout to the Lord". What???? A secular show singing a praise song? And singing to the Lord! Bringing attention to God?! Cool. Amazing. Awesome. I was an Idol fan before...but after this show....with the giving emphasis and the closing number...they've got my attention for another year. Is America becoming more spiritually aware? More concerned for others instead of just the "me, me, me" --- more, more, more mentality? I hope so.

Shout to the Lord is one of my favorite praise songs - here's the words - and you can click on it in my music list to listen to it.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing

Power and Majesty, praise to the King;

Mountains bow down and the seas will roar

At the sound of Your name.

I sing for joy at the work of your hands,

Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand

Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You;

All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love.

My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength;

Let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship You.

Chorus

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing

Power and Majesty, praise to the King;

Mountains bow down and the seas will roar

At the sound of Your name.I sing for joy at the work of your hands,

Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand

Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing

Power and Majesty, praise to the King;

Mountains bow down and the seas will roar

At the sound of Your name.

I sing for joy at the work of your hands,

Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand

Nothing compares to the promise I have...

Nothing compares to the promise I have...

Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

Shalom,

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

The next (decorating) frontier...

Our church building. It is my current decorating canvas - and to date my biggest challenge...but I love it! Today was choosing bathroom wall tiles/patterns and countertops for bathrooms/kitchen. Still no definite decisions...but I'm closing in!

From the entrance looking down through the lobby. The people are standing in the auditorium.

Standing at the auditorium doors looking through lobby to main entrance. I need to go back this weekend....I hear there is sheetrock up now!

The vocalist is Josh Daniels. He plays base guitar, mandolin and guitar in Kirk's band at church. Crosswinds church (where we go) is doing a series called: "U2, Finding meaning behind the music". Josh sang this last Sunday, February 10th. If you close your eyes and listen, you'll might think he is Bono.
We are so proud of Josh...and just have to share these few moments with you.
If for some reason, you can't get the video to play, you can find it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MhGjbbhVWI

p.s. it starts with the last 5 seconds of a drama...wait for the video!

A frost cross...The son of a patient at St. Mary's hospital was sitting in the waiting room struggling with the decision whether or not to discontinue life support on his mother, he started to pray. As he looked up from his prayer, he glanced out the window and this was what he saw.

A nurse at the hospital had her camera at work and was able to get pics of it. It was just the way the frost had made a pattern on the rooftop of this house. Needless to say, the patient's son was very moved and extremely comforted!

picture from the Post-Bulletin website.

Hoarfrost n: ice crystals forming a white deposit especially on objects outside. I learned today that this is called a hoarfrost, or "hoarry frost" from my very smart husband.
An amazingly peaceful place in our yard This morning we worshipped at home. For some, that might be a regular occurence, but for us it never happens. We are so loyal about attending church services when we are in town that we only miss when we are sick. Today is different. When I woke to the beautiful sight of the hoarfrost on the trees....I recognized God's creativity. After we listened to the podcast "Abound" presented by Rob Bell from Mars Hill Church, I went for a walk around our yard and took some pictures of God's art, and spent some time with the God of our Universe. As soon as I finish this blog, I'll be cranking up some Aaron Shust, Chris Tomlin and Paul Baloche praise music. This morning has been good. I feel refreshed. I won't do this often, or make a habit of missing church ...after all we need the accountability and fellowship of other believers.
But today...it was good to be with God...at home.

Tonight Kirk and I did a "first" for us....we rang the Salvation Army bell at Sam's Club for two hours tonight. We really enjoyed it and we both agree we would do it again. Lots of people gave $$ which is cool. Salvation Army says that a bucket with volunteers makes $50 more per hour than one that does not have volunteers. I am sure we made at least that tonight. If you live in Rochester you can sign up to ring the bell at the Salvation Army website. It is SO easy.

Wednesday night we are volunteering with Salvation Army again...this time it will be to help 8 & 9 year olds shop for their families at ShopKo with vouchers. We will board a bus at SA and go to ShopKo, then afterwards go back to SA and help the kiddies wrap their gifts and have refreshments. Should be an exciting night.

Today Cara and Danae did a college visit....at Bethel. Danae went and got the tour, talked to the counselor, got a free lunch, and then Cara & Danae hung out for a bit with some of Cara's friends there. Danae commented to Cara on the way to St. Paul that she would love to go to Bethel so she could have friends as nice as Cara's (or something like that). I think that says a lot about the quality of most students on that campus....and for the quality friends Cara has. I must say that Nate and Danae have some pretty neat friends themselves.

I should be heading to bed now....morning comes so stinkn' early these days.
Shalom.