The Rooster

My seven year-old son seems to think that suddenly, after all of these years of being my son, living in my house, obeying my rules, he now rules the roost.

I am plucking his feathers.

If You Give Lisa a Cocktail

I foolishly decided to try the Cabbage Soup Diet last weekend. I know, I know... fad diets never work. My thinking was that at least I'd be eating fresh fruit and veggies. That would be a huge step up from how I had been eating. Well, the second day of my diet, my friend, Suzee, invited me over for a cocktail. Hmmm... no kids at the moment... a cocktail with friends... SURE!

Have you ever read the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? You have? Great. Here's my version:

If You Give Lisa a Cocktail

If you give Lisa a cocktail, chances are she's going to want another. So, she'll enjoy the Bloody Mary, thinking it was a wise choice since it was full of the good stuff veggies are made of, and head for home. She will then want a nice cold beer as a chaser.

If she has a nice cold beer as a chaser, she will probably want something salty. So, she will have to make her favorite snack, popcorn, to go with it. Mmmmm....

Once she has satisfied her craving for something salty, she will definitely want something sweet. Knowing there is chocolate fudge cake in the refrigerator, she will mosey on in... with a fork!

So, as you can see, if you give Lisa a cocktail, her diet will be in shambles before you know it! (By the way... Made it to day 5, except for the weak moment described above, and felt so horrible, I quit! No energy, light headed... Enough!)

Cocktails, anyone?

Welcome Home

I could give you a bazillion excuses as to why I have not written for so long, but why bore you with details? I'll just pretend you are saying, "Welcome home," and proceed as if I have never left. Comfortable places are like that, you know... No matter how much time has passed, there are some places, and some people, that are so familiar, that time somehow melts away, and you feel as if you never left. What is your comfortable place? Mine is Pipestone, Minnesota! I got a chance to stop for a few hours. I felt like I had nestled up in a little nest of comfort and happiness. It did my heart good.

My challenge to you today is to think of where your comfortable place is. We all need our own spot... like a friend's kitchen table, sharing a "cuppa joe," or maybe it's in a canoe, paddling down the river. How about your kids' tree house? Go ahead, climb up! Let your memories of a carefree childhood come flooding back. Maybe your comfortable place is with a certain friend. Pick up the phone and give her a call. You'll be glad you did.

Wherever you go, whomever you see, may you be greeted with open doors, open arms, and a warm, "Welcome Home."

Just Call Me, Esther

I... am a tub girl. There is nothing like a hot bath at the end of a stress-filled day. There is nothing like a hot bath when you're chilled to the bone. There is nothing like a hot bath, surrounded by candle light, bath goodies, flowers, chocolates, great music, and wine. My bathtub is my sanctuary... my little corner of the world where I can escape and become Queen Esther. (Don't know who she is? You, my friend, are missing out on one of the greatest stories, ever. Check her out... She has her very own book! Look up the book of Esther in the Bible. You will enjoy the story. I promise.)

So, back to my sanctuary. It's under construction. No... that isn't totally correct. My dear husband tried to fix my faucet... OVER A YEAR AGO. He broke it, which in all honesty wasn't a huge surprise. He is a handy man, but I must admit, if the kids ever need something fixed, and they come to Dad saying, "Hey, Dad can you fix..." "Nnnnnoooooo!!!!!," I cry. (Just picture me in slow motion, running to grab the toy out of their hands.) I have known my husband long enough to know that in the noble effort to fix something, nine out of ten times, it will break.

Once again, back to my sanctuary. I have now gone for TWO LONG WINTERS without my bathtub! How, on Earth, have I coped, you ask? Honestly, I have no idea. Now that I think about it, my sanity has been a bit shaky. I have been on edge a bit more than usual. Blame it on the faucet... the LACK of faucet... the lack of retreating to my sanctuary. I am now going to break the long held rule that all women must adhere to. You know... the "Never ask for anything practical for your birthday, Valentines, Christmas, or any other holiday, rule." I'm sorry ladies, but I am in dire need of a bathtub faucet, and am willing to actually ask for one as a gift. Let me fill you in on just how desperate I am.

Today, my two little ones and I filled the tub. It hadn't been filled in over a year. Yes, we filled it... with a cooking pot and cups!!! Is that enough desperation to justify breaking the practical gift rule? I believe so.

I loved every second of my bubble bath, and am now WARM, relaxed, and feeling like a queen.

You, my friend, can call me, Esther.

The Truth Hurts

Americans are so enamored of equality,

that they would rather be equal in slavery,

than unequal in freedom.

~ Alexis de Tocqueville

African Proverb

Don't look where you fall,

but where you slipped.

~African Proverb

A Little Lost

Saturday morning errands...

Brynn had a birthday party to go to, and of course we were at the store 15 minutes before the party, buying the present. Nothing like last minute! Rushing to the car, I quickly unlocked it with my handy, dandy remote. "Quick, Get in, get in, get in." We had 5 minutes to get there... Sure, we can make it!

"Jack!, Don't do that! You'll scratch the car!" Why do kids always like to draw in the winter salt that has turned all vehicles white this time of year?! Sigh... "Quick! Hop in!"

As I am getting in the car, my mind ponders... "We have gray interior, don't we?" Although, this interior does look familiar." (Our previous vehicle had tan interior.)

Hanging from the rear view mirror is a picture of a woman... TOPLESS.

"I definitely don't have one of those!!!"

"QUICK, KIDS... GET OUT, GET OUT, GET OUT!!"

And there you have it, folks. Our Suburban was three spots down.

Brynn gets out of the stranger's SUV and says, "I was wondering where my car seat was."

As my friend, Thelma, says, "Who needs T.V. when we have you, Lisa?"

What can I say? Life is never dull!

"Whaaaaaat?????"

American Idol has returned to bring us entertainment, yet again. Gotta love it. While snuggling on the couch with my little Jack, he turns to me and says, "Mom, your skin feels like the cheese that's on our sandwiches at school."

"Whaaaaat?????"

"Your skin.... It feels like the cheese that is on our school-lunch sandwiches. You know... the melted, cheese sandwiches."

I'm going to let your imagination roll at this point.

Are you done laughing yet? No?

I'll give you some time to catch your breath.

So, here's the catch... I was wearing my knee-high leather boots, which his bare feet were resting on, hence, the cheese effect.

WHEW!!!

It's All Relative...

So, it was a balmy 8 degrees above zero yesterday, and my teenage daughter had to run some errands. She left with a t-shirt and sweatshirt. No jacket, mittens, or hat, and oddly enough, it looked pretty normal to me. After all, it was above zero. Heat wave! It never ceases to amaze me how a body adjusts to its' surroundings.

Are you finding yourself gasping at the thought of going out in a sweatshirt in 8 degree weather? Well, after surviving -29 degrees, anything above zero feels warm!

It's That Time of Year...

It's that time of year again... Time for the school Christmas concerts and programs. (I refuse to refer to them as Winter Concerts. Christmas is alive and well, and I'm not giving in to the political correctness of shunning my Savior!)

So, as the concert week began, I suddenly paused long enough to realize that I have not one, not two, or even three, but FOUR concerts this year. What's that? Did I hear a gasp? Those of you who have sat through screeching clarinets and violins will sympathize. Before you put me on the ballot for worst mom of the year for even thinking this way, please hear me out.

As I was envisioning four concerts squeezed into a busy work week, something suddenly dawned on me. Kings and Queens would hire musicians and court jesters to entertain them. Hmmm.... Think about it. I have three evenings and one afternoon of musicians, along with some court jesters thrown in, especially in the Kindergarten and first grade musical troupes, whom have spent hours and hours preparing their concerts for the Court.

I am honored,

for I am the

Queen

in this scenario.

Thank you, my dear musicians. Your entertainment blesses my soul, and helps us all to take a moment to sit back, to breathe, and to relish the joyful noise that is played and sung for the Savior's birth.

One more thing...

Long live the Queen!

A Gift From God... In a Parking Lot

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.
~Eddie Cantor

As I was rushing out the door after work, I walked into a wonderful, winter wonderland. Not much snow had accumulated, but the snowflakes were huge, and were drifting ever so slowly down to the ground. I let out sound of glee, and made my way through the dark to my car. As usual, I was in a hurry, and about to hop into the car, when I suddenly decided to stop.

I stood by my car and looked straight up into the dark, winter sky. The snowflakes... There were so many! Big, beautiful, amazing flakes seemed to be set aglow from the lights on the school building. Suddenly, I felt so small, and so blessed. The beauty took my breath away, and made me giggle... all alone... in the parking lot.

The snow was a gift and a reminder from God... "Slow down, child! You're missing all the fun!"

Taking My Own Advice

The stress level has been rising, and hence, I have been falling. So, yesterday I decided to take a piece of my own advice, and remember to dance in the kitchen. It's amazing how groovin' to KC and the Sunshine Band in my kitchen lifted my spirits and put a smile on my face. Once I was done dancing, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett kept me sailing on the sea of contentment. Music... Such a wonderful gift.

Got stress?

Dance, my friend, dance.

Just Laughing at Myself... AGAIN

You know you've had quite a few kids, when your tampon falls out while teaching aerobics.

That's all I'm sayin'.

Okay, so I was really glad I chose the exercise pants with the drawstring just below the knees...

Holds in whatever may fall.

(Isn't it pathetic, the things I will divulge for the sake of a few laughs?)

A Time to Laugh

So, I left my umbrella in the Crystal Ball Room at the Milwaukee Hyatt today, and didn't realize it until my group was leaving the Convention Center. I went off running while they went to the car. The plan was to pick me up at the Hyatt, so I had better hurry. I looked outside, and could not see the Hilton, so I decided to ask directions right away instead of wandering aimlessly. I went up to a policeman, who happened to be standing in the entrance of the Convention Center. "Sir, could you please tell me which one of these buildings is the Hyatt?" He stood there with his arms crossed, and didn't answer. So I got a little closer, and a little louder. "Sir, would you please tell me which one..." "Wait a second... He's not even flinching," I thought to myself.

Yeah... The most realistic mannequin I have ever seen.


Did I mention there were plenty of people witnessing this? If that wasn't bad enough, I laughed all the way down the street... by myself.

Please, Oh, Please...

So this blog... I started this blog all because I wanted to post a comment on my pastor's blog. Well, in order to post a comment, a person had to actually HAVE a blog. There you have it, folks... That is the reason my blog was born. Let me tell you, I have thoroughly enjoyed my blog; it has been a source of inspiration, and a creative outlet. I am very thankful that I was "forced," into creating my own blog.

Now, let me tell you this... I LOVE getting comments! Unfortunately, so far there have only been a few lonely souls who dare to leave comments. Please, oh, please, let me know what you think! If it means that you need to create your own blog, GO FOR IT! Let this be a DARE!! You know that you have stories and experiences that you would love to share... Go ahead... I DARE YOU!!

Proof

Proof that we are not quite ready for winter...

I caught my 5 year-old putting the leaves back ON the tree.

Just makes you smile, doesn't it?

Thank God for Moxie!

Some people want it to happen,

some wish it would happen, others make it happen.

~Michael Jordan

As for the half marathon that I completed. I have decided something... I am not an athlete, I was just born with an extra dose of of moxie! ~LISA

mox·ie (mŏk'sē)
n. Slang

1. The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.

   
   

   "I see what you've done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can't stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out.
   Revelation 2:1-3

   
   

   
   

I Had a Dream...

"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go."

~Carol Burnett

I had a dream... It started as a dare, and quickly became a dream. What's the difference? To me, a dream is something that has very little chance of becoming reality. The odds are stacked against it; the dream is the underdog. I've always cheered for the underdogs, and I've always believed the improbable could really happen.

My dream? To run a half-marathon. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've always hated running. In elementary school, I was always third from last in long-distance running. I just don't think I'm built to be a runner. So, I challenged myself to meet this running demon head on.

Many obstacles blocked my path on my journey leading up to the race. Little, or no training time, lack of sleep, sick child, crazy-busy schedule, nobody to go with me, or to be at the finish line, etc. The day before the race, my friend, Brenda, said., "So many doors have closed for you. Do you ever think that maybe you shouldn't run this race?" I thought for a brief second, and said, "No." I've had those times in my life when a little voice has told me, "Not a good idea... Something is wrong; don't do it!" I've listened, and obeyed. This was different. This was more of a mocking... "You can't do this. What are you thinking? Your not in good enough shape. You hate running. You will never finish." I wasn't about to give in!!!

The morning of the race, I was up at 4 am. All set, ready to go... I opened the door to over an inch of SNOW!! Snow on October 10th?!?! Great. Slushy, icy roads, and hour and a half drive in blinding, blowing snow. Was this a sign? No, just another annoying obstacle laughing at me. About 30 minutes into my drive, something happened that has NEVER happened to me in the 10 years I've been living up north. I hit a deer!

After surveying the damage, I got back into my car, very carefully due to the thick ice and snow that accumulated on my running boards, and called my husband. He was amazing, and supportive. I LOVE THAT MAN! My hands stopped shaking, and I started to see the humor in it all. Nothing was going to stop me... THE RACE MUST GO ON!

I made it to Ashland, found a parking spot after a few attempts, and headed through wind and snow to get my racing number. Took a school bus to the starting line. "Geesh, this sure seems like a long ride! I've got to run all the way back? What did I get myself into?" Off the bus, and into the shed to retrieve my timing chip. One hour until race time. Suddenly I noticed something. The snow... it stopped. The sun was shining! "Thank you God! You allowed Satan to tempt me. He wanted me to quit, but I never did. Thank you for the sunshine!!"

Many thoughts ran through my head during the race. Some doubt crept in, but I quickly gave it the boot, and concentrated on the beauty around me, and breathing. Miles 1-5 were challenging. I felt like my lungs were trying to keep up. It was so cold! Miles 6-9 were great. I was actually jogging more than walking, for the first time in my life! "Woo hoo!! If only my Phy. Ed. teacher from school could see me now!"

Suddenly, at mile 10, I hit a huge, unbreakable wall. It felt like my legs were filled with cement. Cramps that began at mile 5 were hard to ignore. People were walking faster than I could jog. Now, some of THAT is due to the tools I was born with. My legs... are short! I watched long-legged people breeze by. NOT FAIR!! I have to take twice as many steps, at least! And my huge leg muscles... I'd like to see them run a race with 10 pound weights on their thighs! Anyway, back to the race...

At mile 12, a kind lady handed me water at the hydration station. "I died back at mile 10," I told her, "I'm just having an out of body experience at this point." The only problem with that theory is that I don't think an out of body experience involves the amount of pain I was feeling.

Crossing the finish line was great, but having the medal put around my neck, which all finishers receive, was one of the best feelings, ever. I will never forget that moment, and to be perfectly honest, I am tearing up just telling you about it. My dream had come true. That, my friends, is priceless.

The hour and a half ride home was filled with reliving moments of the race in my mind, and... coughing. Glad I was by myself. I'm not a smoker, but the ol' lungs got quite a workout. Once home, I painfully made my way to the house. Quite a sight, I'm sure. The steps were now my enemies, and every step I walked was a reminder of the 13 miles I had conquered. The steps up to my house may have been my enemies, but ibuprofen suddenly became my best friend.

As for the medal? It's around my neck, and I'm not taking it off; you can't make me! ;)

You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.

2 Timothy 4:5-7

Gotta Love Candy

Setting: Church

Time: About 10:15

Candy was wondering if I knew who a certain lady at church was; she was looking for her.

Lisa: "No, I don't think I know her. Her name sounds a bit familiar, but I can't place a face."

Candy: "Oh, yeah... You wouldn't know her. She's older than you are. She's 38."

Lisa, laughing hysterically: "Candy, you are my new best friend. I'll be 42 in less than 6 months!"

What a great way to start the day!

My Sentiments, Exactly...

risk

more than others think is safe,

care

more than others think is wise,

dream

more than others think is practical,

expect

more than others think is possible.

~Cadet Maxim

Our Big Day

What a celebration!

Our State Senator, Bob Jauch, visited my classroom last Friday. He came to honor four kids who won a State Championship for a Civics project last spring. He was so good with the kids, and it was a pleasure to give him a tour of our school, and speak with him for a bit. I enjoyed every moment, and even remembered to breathe. (Suzee would be so proud. She is a friend of mine, and a former boss, who would frequently have to remind me to breathe during stressful moments. I tend to hold my breath, or have very shallow breathing when life gets a little hectic. I miss her being by my side... being my oxygen!) The senator is graciously giving us a personal tour of our State Capitol later this month! Woo Hoo!

Life has been exciting!

Jumping In With Both Feet

There is a lot to catch you up on, but it's late, and I have to give you the short version...

1. Last spring, another 5th grade teacher, and I took four 5th grade students to our State Capitol for a Project Citizen Civics competition. The students competed against 17 other schools, mostly middle school. It was our first time competing, and basically we saw it as the culminating activity. Our expectations didn't go beyond finishing the competition, and getting the kids through their 4 minute speeches in front of a panel of 6 judges, in an Assembly Hearing Room at the Capitol. (How many of you would attempt that one?)

2. Well, as we sat and watched the awards dwindle from the table, our hopes of receiving a participation award were swept away. We sank a little lower in our chairs, which by the way, were in the Main Assembly Hearing Room. You know the one... the very room where laws are passed! It was beautiful.

3. The time came for the State Champions to be announced... WE WON! I immediately stood with my arms in the air, and shouted out a, "Woo Hoo!" Yeah, not my classiest moment. I suddenly realized that people don't cheer at these events, they just give little "golf claps." I slowly sat down as I realized all eyes, including those in the balcony, were watching, and probably were wondering why I didn't know the anti-cheering rules.

4. This was a bigger deal than even we knew. The following months were filled with phone calls and letters congratulating the kids, and us. They came from Representatives, Congressmen, and Senators. Excitement was in the air.

5. Our state senator came to my class to honor last year's champions, and to get this year's troops excited about the project. That was a fun day!

6. I'm sorry... I don't think this is the short version.

7. We are now taking the students to the 40th Annual National Indian Education Convention next month. This is the part of the story that makes me laugh...

We were told that it was a huge honor to take these kids to the convention. The conversations within the couple of months have gone something like this:

Max: Yeah, Lisa... You'll be taking the kids to Milwaukee. They'll have their boards with them, and they'll just be in a hallway answering questions people may have as they pass by.

Lisa: Okay, great. A hallway... We can do that. I'll go over some questions that may come about so they'll be prepared. (Remember... This project started last January, and ended May 2nd. They are in Middle School now, and have moved on. Preparation will be a must!)

Weeks pass...

Max: So Lisa... The kids will be in a convention room. They'll have their own table with their board, so when people are walking around, they will be there to explain their project and answer questions.

Lisa: All right, that sounds good. I'll go over their speeches with them, and make sure they're prepared.

Another week, or so:

Principal: Hey, Lisa... The kids are going to be part of Maria's presentation. (I've never met Maria, I was sure they'd be in good hands.) She'll be the presenter, the kids just need to be there with their boards.

Lisa: Oh, really? Okay. We'll be there!

Max, as of last Friday: Don't worry about a thing! Just wait until the conference call next week. Everything that is expected of you will be explained. Don't worry about it!

Today, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 3:30 pm...

Conference call with Maria:

Maria: So Lisa and Brenda, you will be presenting for an hour and a half.

Wait a minute...

Lisa: Whaaaaaat? WE will be presenting?! An hour and a half?!

Maria: Oh, don't worry. You will be amazed at how fast an hour and a half goes! And the last 10-15 minutes you can reserve for question and answer time.

(Great... what if I don't know the answers?)

I've arranged for you to have an overhead. You'll be just fine.

(An overhead projector? Just what am I supposed to project? What in the heck am I doing?)

Lisa: How many people will be there?

Maria: Well, you have a GREAT time slot! It's not early in the morning, and it's not late in the afternoon when people leave early... It's at a great time! (Meaning there will be A LOT of people!)

Lisa: Gulp. Okay, thank you?

So, there you have it. God has put me in the Dare Chair. Yep, plopped me in it, and strapped me down. Oh, and by the way... the presentation will be in a "theater like setting for 10-75 people." Oh boy. Remember that great time slot? Does that mean 75 people?

The lesson? Beware folks, sometimes you will end up in my Dare Chair, whether you volunteered, or not!

If you find yourself in the Dare Chair, relax, knowing God has put you there for a reason. He has faith in YOU, and has given you everything you need to complete the dare. You just need to be willing to try. Stop fighting it, give into it, jump in with both feet, and enjoy the ride!

Well? How Badly Do You Want It?

Decide that you want it

more than

you are afraid of it.

~Bill Cosby, American Comedian, 1937-

If Not Now, When?

I've added a little dare button to my blog. You might have noticed it; it's in the upper right hand corner, and says, "If not now, when?" That's right... If you're not daring yourself to jump out of your comfort zone, when will you? How many times have you said, "Tomorrow," or, "Monday... Yes, I'll start on Monday," or, "When I turn 40, I'll start..." Your list could go on, and on.

Why not TODAY? What exactly is it that you are waiting for? More courage? More energy? More time? Sorry, but there isn't a Fill Up Station for courage, energy, and time. Geesh, not a bad idea though, eh?

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Ready for this? Come closer...

You already have enough courage, energy and time! WOW, isn't that great news?! Really, you do! All you need is an ounce, and EVERYONE can muster up an ounce of courage! Your biggest hurdle is getting yourself to the starting line. Once your there, the excitement of something new will get you going in the right direction.

There are so many gimmicks out there that are supposed to make us feel young and full of life. The funny thing is, the things that will make you feel that way are all around you! Go play in the wonderful playground God has provided. Step outside, and just start moving! Join a group... book club, community or church choir, biking or walking group. Sign up for an art class; trust me, it will make you feel much better than anything the television provides!

You CAN do this.... NOW.

Go ahead...

Cross the line!

If not now,

when?

Find Your Beauty

A mode of conduct,

a standard of courage,

discipline, fortitude

and integrity

can do a great deal

to make a woman

beautiful.

~Jacquline Bisset

Find your beauty; you know it's there.

WhatWas I Thinking?

Picture a 5th Grade Classroom. Now, I will fill in the actual dialog:

Myah: "Mrs. Johnson, why do you dress up every day? You always match. Why do you dress up every day?"

Mrs. Johnson (That would be me.): "Because I'm a professional."

Cody, with a very puzzled look on his face: "Mrs. Johnson, you're not a professional, you're a teacher!"

Silly me... What was I thinking?!

Bless You...

Please watch this...

It's Official

Well, fellow Dare Chair Friends, it's official! I signed up for the Whistle Stop Half Marathon today! There's no backing out now!

I have this nagging feeling that the Dare Chair has been empty, and lonely lately. C'mon... DO IT! Have a seat... Get uncomfortable... and... DARE to do something you never thought you would do! You will be invigorated, inspired, and excited. Really... You will!

What's that? You can't? What's holding you back? Do you think people will laugh at you? Do what I do: Be the first one laughing, and they'll be laughing WITH you, not AT you! I can guarantee you that my Phy. Ed. teachers would be laughing their behinds off if they heard I signed up for a half marathon! I have NEVER been a runner. In fact, I decided that I don't have a runner's body at all. I'm a strong, stocky Swede, with very short legs. I figure I must have to run these little legs twice as much as many others! ;) So, my point is, don't get hung up on images of what you can and can't do that are in your mind. Others will be INSPIRED by your courage!

Go ahead, have a seat in the Dare Chair, and do the unimaginable... Join that race, climb that mountain, swim, roller skate, ski, dance, sing; just do whatever it is that you have always wanted to do. I dare ya!

For Rachel...

There is something

sweet

and wonderful

about the sound

of a friend's voice.

Especially

when that friend is

far away.

Her voice

was musical...

it's sound

reassuring

and comforting,

like an old blanket

on a cool, autumn night.

The soft sound of contentment in her voice

brought peace to my heart.

I am happy for her,

for she is in a place

many long to be.

That special place in life,

when one knows

beyond a shadow of a doubt,

that it is

exactly

where God has gently placed them.

Shine on, dear one, shine on,

knowing you are loved,

and encouraged.

Encouraged to brave the storms,

to bask in the sunlight,

and to tread the cool waters of life.

You, my friend,

are an inspiration

to everyone you touch,

to everyone you meet.

For when they meet you,

it is more than the wonderful person you are,

the awesome creation God made,

that they see...

For when they meet you,

they see Jesus,

and are immediately comforted,

content,

and happy

in your presence,

even though

they may not know why.

adventure

ad⋅ven⋅ture [ad-ven-cher] 
noun, verb, -tured, -tur⋅ing.
–noun
1.
an exciting or very unusual experience.
2.
participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises: the spirit of adventure.
3.
a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome.

I feel an adventure coming on...

Hmm... I wonder what God has in store for me.