I Gave Up

       Today, I did something that was very hard for me. For weeks, I have been consumed with something. I have been relentlessly preoccupied, occupied, and, now, apparently, postoccupied with it. It has been a thorn in my side. It has invaded my thoughts and time both night and day.
For awhile now, I have considered giving up. However, that is not my nature. Today, I did something that was unnatural to me---I gave up. Or, I thought I did. Yet, here I blog. Upon this realization, I REALLY give up.

Could Harry Potter Change the World?

After the first weekend, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, took in $168.55 million.  Imagine what good things could be accomplished if each one of those ticket holders donated 1/2 the cost of his/her ticket to charity. Or, if they can't part with their money, perhaps the ticket holders could donate their time to community service--1/2 of the running time of the movie.  Money or time?  Some say time is money.  Regardless, the moviegoers invested time and money in Harry Potter. Would they do the same for the homeless, the blind, the elderly?  What about you?

In a Nutshell

My parents and I had lunch today with a gentleman who is a dear friend of our family.  A year ago, he was  a vibrant man.  Today, things are much different--his mind is being ravaged by a terrible disease.  While he could quote scripture and bless our food, he was unable to shell the peanuts that were at our table. My heart broke as I watched him struggle. I realized that his future was revealed in a nutshell.

Lunch with Old Friends, i.e. Gold Friends

Make new friends, but keep the old.
One is silver and the other's gold.

Yesterday, I had lunch with 2 of my (g)old friends.  Over 30 years have flown by.  Hopefully, the next 30 will pass a little slower.  One of these friends is an amazing artist.  She leaves her personal touch on everything in her reach.  Her home is a true work of  (he)art. Her yard and garden are amazing.  I am in complete awe of her.  My other lunch buddy is an amazing encourager and humorist.  Just being in her company makes you feel better.  So, I guess I'm very lucky for the ART of friendship and the 'Ole Fart!