Driving home tonight I saw a beautiful sunset. By the time I got there and grabbed the camera it was almost all over. An end to one day but the beginning of another for someone else around the world. So is it an ending or a beginning? It made me think about how sometimes I am sad when good things seem to come to an end, but that ending is the beginning of something else... something that we can't comprehend or see yet, but He does. Robert left for Iraq today... the ending of one thing... the beginning of another. All I can do is cling to the Lord and trust "... the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all day long..." Deuteronomy 33:12 You are in my prayers always.

Long Beach Triathlon -Today started bright and early... 4 AM! Picked up Abby & Michael and headed down to Long Beach. I later found out that Donna and Desiree were in the race too. So what motivates you to jump into the COLD ocean and swim...ride a bike...and then finish it all off with a run? I don't really know but it was fun to watch and cheer them on. I can't imagine doing one of these races, but it certainly inspired me to keep working out. Where do I sign up for a 5K? Now that's my kind of race =) You can see more pictures here: http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com

Monday mornings..... a little tired, wishing that I could sleep a little bit longer! Yesterday afternoon I dropped by Grace & Jon's. Whiskey was taking her sunday afternoon nap... very spoiled & cute!

Now that registration is over (I think!).... it's time to run reports... reports....reports... labels... lists... rosters... Abby and I ran all over campus yesterday afternoon delivering rosters to all the departments. Here we are at the Math/Computer Science Department!

A somber day to remember so many who lost their lives and a day to be thankful for so many who willingly day after day serve our country and defend our freedom. Always in my thoughts and prayers...

Robert - Army
Brad - Marines
Jason - Navy
Darryl - Army
Rick - Marines
Mike - Army
Mark - Marines

"We wait and hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Psalm 33:20-22

I love Sundays! Sundays for me are always filled with a sense of closeness to God that is hard to experience any other day. Maybe it is the singing that bring that sense of communion...songs reflecting on what a wonderful God we have. Today's songs were about the resurrection...what a great reminder to know that we serve a LIVING God!

After church we had a "church picnic" at Neff park. Great time for food and fellowship with friends. I even learned how to play bocce ball! Grace and Jon (and the girls) came over after I got home and we went on a nice loooooong hike in the hills here where I live. Beautiful day for a hike...and it was a great workout too! I love being outdoors.

Elizabeth's Prayers...

This morning I received this email from my friend Laura. Her little daughter Elizabeth is not yet two...

"Ruth,
The sweetest thing just happened--I was working on the
computer and Elizabeth was playing with her
bunny-- wrapping her up in a blanket and putting her to
sleep-- and she said, "Bunny, prayers." She said,
"Pray Ruth, bunny." and then she bowed her head,
folded her hands and said "pray Ruth."
I just wanted you to know that Elizabeth has been
thinking about you and praying for you this morning.
Hope your day goes well.
Love,
Laura"

Little reminders of God's love just when I need encouragement are precious.

Got home last night right before the sun set. I've been blessed to have such a wonderful view from my deck... had to pull out the camera and take a picture of it. It seems strange to see a serene, peaceful end of a day when elsewhere the world is full of turmoil.