Uphill idealist

In an old Bugs Bunny cartoon, called “Ali Baba Bunny” , there are magic words that when spoken opens a cave filled with piles and piles of golden treasure. The magic words are…(see if anyone knows it) Open Sesame! In the cartoon, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck are on their way to vacation when they stumble upon a cave filled with buried treasure. Bugs Bunny just wants to head for the beach, but Daffy loses control and begins to collect all of the treasure for himself. His famous words go something like this, “Oh boy! I’m rich! I’m independent! I’m socially secure! I’m rich, I’m rich, I’m rich!”   Image found at: o vguide.com  No matter how Bugs tries to convince Daffy that they beach is waiting and that they  shouldn't  bother with the treasure, Daffy become more and more focused, greedy and disengaged from his friend and their plans. Nothing can distract Daffy from the golden treasure. Not Bugs, a magical genie or the consequences of disrupting the treasure th...

From July 9-13 I'm working with an amazing team of 4 different Lutheran churches (Holy Trinity, Bethel Lutheran, Immanuel Lutheran and First Lutheran) to provide a free VBS program for children ages 3-12 called "SKY". The theme for the week is "All things are possible with God!" The preparation and planning for "Sky" started with a team of leaders from all four churches last fall and we've continued together on this huge effort all the way through to this weeks program. Two weeks ago a group of volunteers spent countless hours: painting, carrying, and climbing to build the main stage set up, and decorating each station the groups of children will rotate through daily.  Many people have made lists and purchased supplies for 125 youth and staff, as well as practiced skits, music, and Bible lessons to get ready for this week's event. At this point I don't have total staff/attendee numbers - but that will come s...

Image Despondent found at blog Julie Oakley . In light of a very busy July through August and almost September - I feel that in my heart, mind and body the bread of sleeping and the rest of water is calling loud in my ears. I'm listening. Yes I am. In the past week, the areas of life that have left me despondent were: comments of criticism in an area that I thought(and know)I'd done a good job in. One of those can't made all the people happy all the time kind of things. distance from my discipline of physical exercise due to an unusual schedule last week. my frustration and impatience over a groups inflexibility in a comparatively small issue in a small arena, when huge conflict surrounding a hot topic issue and its real life effects to people and relationships are surrounding me and challenging me on too many levels. my son's tumble off his bike earlier today, that may call for a doctor's check and a wrist x-ray in the morning instead of heading to the water park a...

Crocodile Dock is almost here! August 17-21 is Vacation Bible School for First Lutheran Church and all our neighbors and friends are invited. I did not want to let the summer pass without asking you if you could or would be available to help lead or co-lead an activity station, be a counselor for a small group of kids, or simply be able to come and help where needed for the mornings (8:45-noon) of that week. On Friday of that week, we will be having a cook-out and inviting all the participants and their families to attend. I know summer is a busy time, but your help is greatly needed in order to make VBS great this time around. Whatever gifts your bring to VBS, the best ones are go with the flow attitudes and a child-like desire to learn and have FUN! We are accepting helpers from a wide age range, 7th grade to 101 and beyond (While minors being partnered with a qualified adult),so please call me or email me back and I will secure you with your preference in jobs as best as I can. Her...