Oh Deer

At about 6:00 this morning, this little deer was making her way through our back yard. I tried to get the camera as quickly as I could. She was already into the neighbor’s yard when I got back.

I wish I could have taken the time to use the zoom lens, but this is the best I could do.

From now on…I am going to take the camera with me when I go out there in the mornings. Running in and out of the house is not only time consuming…it makes noise and often scares away whatever I went to get the camera for.

We had a marvelous weekend. Friday night Amber and Madison were here to take care of the boys for us. Kris and I had dinner and zipped around the area in Amber’s Miata for a few hours while Amber took the kids to the pool and out for ice cream. It was a blessing to be given a bit of relaxed adult time after a busy week. By the time we got back, the boys were all in bed and things were wonderfully quiet.

Saturday was beautiful. Kris took the camera and did a little photo shoot with my brother-in-law and sister’s family. Bobby is finishing up a recording and has asked Kris and I to help him out with his CD cover. We should be able to finalize that this week. I even have a cut on the CD. I’ve had one other song recorded by someone else, but I never was able to hear it and only received one royalty check. The publisher I used was a bit selfish with the rest of it and I was too shy, scared, whatever…to pursue getting what is due me. I consider that his wrong, but my own fault for not fighting for what was mine. The song on Bobby’s album was the one I wrote about Becky, for Becky and sang to her on her 40th birthday.

While he was gone, I worked on some little projects around here and then we all went out. We had smoothies for dinner but I remember going somewhere else too…I just can’t remember what we did. 🙂

Sunday we had church. It was just sooooo good. Pastor spoke on hurdles to happiness and narrowed it down to our pursuit in so many areas. Most of us who call ourselves Christians know that our intimacy and relationship with God will bring us joy and fill voids, heal wounds and release burdens, but we don’t run to Him. We wait for him to come to us. And though He’s available, He’s not going to interrupt what we have prioritized before Him to get to us. Jesus healed the people who took on the hurdles to get to him. Pastor Davis talked about the fact that many people had raised their hands at the beginning of the service saying casually that they have a need. He challenged them that they won’t get it by staying where they are…they have to pursue God. It was obvious that the alter call was about to begin but Pastor had not yet given the invitation when one by one people began to rush to the alters. It was a growing flood that gathered, as men and women seemed compelled to make God their source and their hope. There was a Word given at the end of worship and I don’t remember it all word for word, but I remember these words being burned into my soul as they were spoken, “I have made every sacrifice needed.” It is done. We don’t sacrifice by going to the alter…the sacrifice was made long ago…the sacrifice cleared the way for us to get there. Now we must pursue Him out of love, obedience, reverence, trust and pure adoration of His greatness. His Excellent Greatness as Psalm 150 says.

Sunday afternoon we took Owen and Ivan to play mini-golf and ride go-carts. Aron stayed at our neighbors house with young Amanda and Sammy who showed him a great time. We came home to meatballs in the crockpot and I cooked some ravioli to go with it. It was a great start to Summer Vacation.

Owen woke up bright and early yesterday…but I didn’t. I had a little trouble staying on top of things because of it too. Today was much better. I was well rested and up by 5:15 and had things moving along in good order before the boys got up. I was reminded of the difference in “get to” and “have to” as I woke up and looked excitedly at the clock this morning. I “get” a few moments to myself is much more motivating than I “have” to get up and get breakfast ready so Owen can get to school on time.

This is going to be a good summer.