Remembering God has everything under control

There is some good news tonight-----Travis won! At least thus far, with all the early voting ballots, absentee, and a few of the precincts coming in, he was ahead by more than half. I left the party after the speeches were given, as my feet were tiring right along with my eyes. Several of my neighbors had been there earlier with only one besides me remaining. Not that I didn't have enough people to talk to, not a problem, but other than Travis' good news, there wasn't much of a celebratory spirit left.

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Justin had originally planned to be with me at first but we went to Chili's for a bite to eat and then he had to rush off to meet his friends at Dave and Buster's. For every political sign he brought in, he could earn points for playing the games, so he was going to grab some up along the way to D & B. I think this is genius, a great way to clear the rights of way of the signs now that the elections are over. Travis' dad, Rusty, is the 'sign man' for the campaign and had the endless job of putting up the signs all over and now has to gather them back up. One of the Realtors that lives in my building might be able to take some of the larger ones off his hands to use when advertising larger parcels. They were still discussing that arrangement when I left.

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Justin called me earlier this afternoon when he should have been in class. He was sort of whispering, telling he'd stepped out into the hallway to report he'd gotten an 87% on his recent exam, one which he'd not even been able to finish because he ran out of time! I loved it that he felt it important enough to leave class to call me, not even just texting me with the great news.

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We had a good chat this afternoon when he came over after voting, as he worked on a project for me. I had him going through the drawers in my TV stand, sorting out the VHS tapes, DVDs, and CDs, making sure they all have boxes, and removing the ones for which he has no emotional or sentimental attachment. He is even letting go of the Disney movie "El Dorado" which Timmy and he watched on the TV in our bedroom at The Preserve house on New Year's Eve during my birthday party. Two weeks later his brother was gone. I find it interesting that he remembers such detail about things like that. Of course, I told him if there was anything at all in that drawer he wanted to keep, no problem, but he only kept a few of his favorites, BeastWars and similar.

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I now have a plastic bin full to the rim with tapes for Jen and Rick to go through, because they don't have cable TV and often are looking for movies or such for Memrie to watch. Justin thought it was okay to let them all go because by the time Lucas or "my" two boys come again, they'll have their own DVDs to watch. Lucas, I'm sorry about Buzz Lightyear having left the building!!!

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Even though we were going to have "heavy hors d'oeuvres" Justin had a gift card we'd only used part of after his birthday party so off we went to Chili's. Justin has a favorite salad there he really likes so that's what he ordered while the waitress allowed me to order the children's portion of chicken crispers. Just right! We are trying to figure out a suitable date for him to move from the condo and into the student suites because the day he had in mind won't work for me. Saturday, the 15th, is the day Judy departs for home and I'll be tied up at an Outreach seminar in Tallahassee with a team from church. I don't mind being the only girl! Anyway, I can talk with my Turkish friends to see if there's a way he can move without me being around to settle up, and then he can go ahead and move. On Saturday he wouldn't be missing any work so that's why it works best for him.

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I must be tired because I can't remember what else I was going to mention before heading to bed. Watching Harry Reid made me lose my train of thought. At the gathering I did meet some very nice people and re-met people who I used to know in Eagle Harbor, one couple who didn't know I had been divorced. Gee, I thought everyone knew that!!! One of the websites today showed the military absentee votes that actually did make it to be counted were about 10-1 in favor of John McCain, supporting his plan to keep the troops in place until the time was right to withdraw. The Iraqis are apprehensive if it goes the other way that they'll be left high and dry, before they are entirely prepared to take over, since democracy will be so new yet for them. Another issue of concern stateside is the Union voting plan, can't think of the name of it, where it will be open vs. secret ballot for voting in favor or against starting a union where they work. Serious repercussions to small business, card check, it's called, very damaging to businesses probably also facing the tax increases promised by the other candidate. A one-two punch for business, that's just great!

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During our recent Sunday services, we sang the psalm Pete used as part of Timmy's funeral sermon, where the Lord exhorts us, in Pete's words, "Be quiet!! I have everything under control, I know what I am doing." The psalmist says it with different words but the same sentiment, "Be still and know that I am God." What a great comfort! After my two lady friends came and watched the funeral service with me and we discussed the sermon, Leeann was moved to purchase for me a wooden plaque with that verse carved into it. A couple years ago Gretchen bought me a small ceramic plaque with the same verse printed on it. They know how important it is to keep in mind that God is in control and will work all things to our good, to those who love God. And isn't it wonderful that He loves us more!! Be still, my dear friends, and know that only He is God!

Some pictures from the photo card.....

The combined choirs of Victory Lutheran and Good Shepherd, with the Maestro on the far left

Bell choir rehearsing for Reformation Day service

The feast is prepared, wonderful breads, meats, potato salad, red cabbage, and just look at that dessert table!!!!

A Red Day, I Hope

The Fox anchors are wearing red, the frame is red around the set, I hope and pray it's a red day for America. And especially a red day for my friend, Travis. The reporter, Brian Wilson, who traveled around to the diners and restaurants in the "make or break" states presented the set anchors on F & F with a coffee mug from the Fox Restaurant, across the street from The Brick in Avondale. Cool beans! It's overcast here and could rain but if the sun comes out, that would be marvelous for voters standing in line at the polls. The temps are expected to be around 72 for the high today, and here's the best news: a high of 76 on Saturday when Judy arrives!!!!

Judy reports this trip could not have come at a better time for her because she's been kept occupied with her parents-in-law, Dad having surgery and Mom not being able to stay alone. Judy's been doing some cooking and attending to Mom plus her everyday routines, coaxing Mom into using the walker more so she's less dependent on Dad's arm when he comes home from the hospital.

We had quite the interesting Ladies' Group meeting last night, better attended and even a new face. Janet made the most wonderful desserts, both of which were dietetic-friendly----you know, sugar-free, low cholesterol ingredients, BUT yummy! Our most recent meetings had four or six people at them which limited our ability to make decisions and no one wants to serve as officers, that type of stuff. With discussion last night, we came up with some ideas to try to spur interest in our group. I have another project in front of me! And happily so!

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My eyes are telling me it's too early to be awake, a common complaint heard at the meeting last night. I like to tell the story about how the cows had to adjust to the time change too, having to produce their milk sooner in the mornings than they did a couple days ago. Maybe it's not so bad for us to just have tired eyes then!

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Justin is studying for an Italian Renaissance exam he has this early afternoon. When he's done with class, he is coming over here to vote and then to my house to hang out before we head to the Holiday Inn for Travis' party. Speaking of Travis, the other morning when I stopped at Office Max, I just couldn't believe how Blanding Blvd. sounded like being in New York City. What's with all the horn blowing? No taxi cabs dashing in and out of traffic, no wrecks in the road, just regular activity. It was then I realized that there were sign wavers at the intersection of Kingsley and Blanding for McCain/Palin and other Republican candidates and that is why folks were tooting and waving. I just had to chuckle at myself, as I longed for the noise of NYC!