"...The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep."
Robert Frost

For some reason part of that poem is what came to mind as I was driving to church this morning and my odometer turned to 50,000. I thought of all the places I have been in fifty thousand miles...and all the places yet to be...where will the next fifty thousand take me?

As I watched the sunrise this morning I thought of Psalm 121... I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you, the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

This psalm always reminds me of my friend Robert. He has been in Iraq one month today. Praying for you every day!

WELCOME HOME GRACE & JON!
This afternoon I drove to LAX to pick up the traveling duo. Thankfully, traffic wasn't too bad... Grace and Jon had a wonderful time in Florence & Paris... many stories to tell... even more pictures to see! I want to go again! You can browse the hundreds of photos and memories here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gresu/sets/

Watching the sunset today...

Bright and early this morning my former landlady and friend Charlotte came knocking at my door. She was going to squeeze pomegranates, collect the juice and make jelly. This is a yearly tradition that I had helped her with last year. It is messy but fun! First we cut them in fourths then squeeze them with a citrus juicer. Then transfer the juice to a jar. I had a nice time visiting with her and her daughter in law as we squeezed away. I love doing this kind of thing!

A community of Grace...
Sunday morning we had a combined service outside on the future site of the building project. About 700 came. Mom and I grabbed a bit to eat at Panera and then headed over to set up the refreshments for this event. Lots of helping hands made it easy. We served about 1500 cookies and gallons of lemonade. The music and singing were wonderful and Erik Thoennes brought the message. A wonderful day of uniting together as a body. Growing together in fellowship and grace.

Miramar Airshow... what can I say... wow...amazing...incredible... It started off with a little rain but that soon cleared as we walked to the stands. Our seats were right up near the runway and right in the center. From the incredible civilian acrobatic pilots to our amazing military the whole program was wonderful!All kinds of aircraft...Harriers, the Stealth Bomber, all kinds of fighter jets and helicopters, The Golden Knights, Marines and of course the amazing Blus Angels. What an experience ... it makes me so proud of our brave, courageous military men & women. More pictures from the airshow here: http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com

Sunsets from my deck... Everyday I am amazed and look forward to the beautiful sunsets. What a little gift from God... so peaceful and beautiful... And not one of them is the same. All unique and perfectly painted by an awesome creator!

We have an amazing God.
His protection, leading and direction have been so evident in all the events leading up to the surgery. I know He will provide for all of Abby and Michael's needs. Abby's surgery went well and she is improving everyday. Megan, Jeri and I went to visit her in the hospital on Thusday night after work. Hang in there Abby, there are many many people praying for you! Love you!

the time in Bagdad...half way around the world