era

It was the end of an era this evening...ok, only about 4 to 5 years, but still.
We had to cut this tree:

Down to this:

Sad...but it was growing out of control...the roots were starting to go down the side of the house into the backyard. Not good.

So farewell ol' tree...your branches won't keep me up at night because the wind is blowing them up against the guttering. :)

rudeness

OK...as a follower of Christ I need to love people. All people...not just some, but all. But, man, that is so hard sometimes.
Let's take yesterday for example. We go to Jason's Deli for lunch...and so does half of the city. OK, maybe not half of the city, but at least a lot of people from some tennis tournament. I am not sure if it was a tournament for tennis or a bunch of tennis players at a tournament on being rude and selfish. No excuse me here...no hello there. Just constantly pushing, standing around and stepping in front of everyone else just to get taken care of.
Is it me? Am I the one being selfish when I think the people are being rude because they are cutting me off to get something and not saying excuse me or anything? I mean, I got over it and thought...hmmm...there is a lesson to be learned here. Patience maybe? Not sure...
I do know this. Most of these people are hurting inside. I am to be their light, their example of Jesus. And I fail at that a lot. I just pray that I can do better.
When people are rude to me...just smile. Think about the fact that they could be dealing with things that I am unaware of...that I could never know. But...being there with a smile...a hello...just sharing happiness, maybe they will remember that. Maybe they will ask why I am happy...why I have the joy I have.
Next time I am surrounded by the rudeness...I pray that I reflect Jesus and not get irritated. He wouldn't have.

-R

eotw

It's the end of the world as we know it...and I feel fine.

Israel defending itself...as it should. The US being criticized for standing behind Israel for defending itself...typical. The French cowering in the corner crying because Israel defended itself...predictable. Iran & Syria behind the Hezbollah actions...more than likely.

But, lest we forget...North Korea. China saying, well we don't think they should fire missiles, but they have the right...wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Me? I just keep singing...

It's the end of the world as we know it...and I feel fine. :)