Road Warrior

Today I made a decision that defied the advice of my grandparents and uncle and even made me question my own common sense for about 20 minutes. But, being the analytical person I am, I had begun my Internet research in the wee hours of the morning looking into Nebraska and Colorado weather and road conditions, and texting friends in northeastern Colorado. I knew if I could get the first 45 miles, I was home free (or at least had a shot of getting to DIA for my Sunday flight to Phoenix with a forecast in the 60s)!

Well, the worst part was I had to wait for cousin Justin to bring the loader tractor in to make a path through the yard to the highway to even leave my grandparents house. Then, with God as my co-pilot and lots of prayers, my little Saturn made that left-hand turn and headed south. And what did I see??? White and lots of it. . .snow packed roads, snow blowing across the road at 25-40 mph. And I crept along in zero visibility for about 10 miles like that. When I turned south at the 16 mile corner (16 miles North of Alliance) it was like I entered another world: the sun was shining, no snow blowing and the roads were clear! Thanks, God!

One more detour occurred when I got to I-80 at Sidney. . .yep, those gates were across the on ramp headed West--80 was closed! But, my trusty little Garmin took me on Hwy 19, a scenic route, to Sterling, and all is well! I made it in the daylight all with a trusty Saturn, a good little Garmin and God in control!

Yes, life is good!

The real meaning of Christmas

These thoughts are my reflection on the Christmas of 2009, one of the most different in my life, due to a couple different forces--Mother Nature and God. First, Mother Nature wreaked havoc on much of the Midwest, which iced in my parents so they were in Kansas and I was in Nebraska, making it the first Christmas we have been apart. I expected this to happen eventually, but due to me having a significant other, not a blizzard.

So, enlight of this, I reached a little deeper into my faith with the help of friend and really focused on the true meaning of Christmas. And, I realized though my parents were absent I still was surrounded by family, and I was still able to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour! So, I re-read Luke 2, said a special prayer for all the loved ones scattered across the country and those with special needs and then I embraced the time with my grandparents, aunt and uncle and favorite cousin, his wife and two precious kids. I didn't open gifts on Christmas this year, but I received two of the best gifts ever--a phone call from a friend on Christmas afternoon and the realization of real meaning of Christmas.

Isn't growing up fun?

Welcome to my thoughts on life. . .

Welcome to my first blog posting. I've had this in the back of my mind that I should create a blog oh for about three years now, but then I think, do I really have anything that interesting to say? Well, today it is a snowy, dreary day in Northwest Nebraska--two days before Christmas. My parents are "iced in" in Kansas and this will be my first Christmas in 36 years without them. . .then I realized I need to put on my big girl pants and COUNT MY BLESSINGS!

So, if you are reading this post, you likely don't need an introduction to who I am, but tonight you are going to learn what I'm really thankful for in life. Ready?
1. I'm thankful I was raised in a loving, 2-parent Christian home.
2. I'm thankful for the troops who are right now fighting for for my FREEDOM to live in American and write this blog. And all who have served before them.
3. I'm thankful for the roof over my head and for the grandparents in the other room sleeping in their recliners with the TV blaring.
4. I'm thankful my parents are safe in their home and not a statistic between here and Russell, KS.
5. I'm thankful for a career I truly love that pays the bills, and allows me to purchase a new home this year.
6. I'm thankful for my friends across the country and around the world. They are precious to me.
7. I'm thankful for the farmers and ranchers that raise the food that my grandma has stuffed me with in the last 24 hours--it took 12 months to lose 30 pounds, and she will put those pounds back on me in 3 days!
8. I'm thankful that I can stop and see my great grandma on Saturday who's 102 3/4.
9. I'm thankful for this sprint card that gives me internet access in middle of nowhere!
10. Finally, I'm thankful for Christ, our Savior, who died for my sins!

So, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and take some time to count your blessings this holiday season!