Places to Visit

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

That Moment

It is that moment.

That moment when all the trust you think you have is tested. 

That moment when she walks off the cliff backwards, and steps down.

That moment when you are laughing with a friend and look up.

Just in time to see her slip.

That moment when she's flipped.  Hanging onto the rope.

That moment when no one knows whether to scream or laugh.

She's like that.  Happy go lucky.  Lives life to the fullest.  Wide eyed wonder.

Now she's serious.  There's nothing she can do. 

That moment when the dads kick into action.  My dad removes his jacket and my heart skips.  There is nothing he can do where he is, here at the base of the cliff.  Realistically, what can he do.  But daddys come when their babies need them.  No matter the distance, no matter the age.

The other dad that holds her rope at the top of the cliff looks down.  His voice changes and my heart skips again.  It's that voice.  Even though I'm not his child, I know that voice.  My dad uses it.  That exceedingly calm, trying to relax voice.

She's to far from the bottom and to far from the top.  Her rope isn't touching the rock.  I didn't know this before Monday, but that's a bad place to be.

All eyes were on her, all hearts praying as one.  "Dear father in heaven.  Don't let her panic.  Don't let the two people holding her rope panic.  Keep her in the harness.  Help her listen to Mr. Scott and stay calm."

"Thank you also, merciful God, that the moms aren't here"

That moment when the coaching and true Erin spirit won out and she regained her feet.  A cheer broke out as she once again came downwards.

That moment when she landed and her grin grew wider.  She had done it!  By God's grace alone - through her calmness and her coach's calmness and her dad's fervent prayers - she did it. 

Life is never without it's moments.  That's why were commanded to be strong and courageous in the Lord.  For that moment.



Friday, January 25, 2013

Rappelling Day...

Spending time in God's beautiful creation always makes me happy... especially when you get to do while watching your siblings go backwards off a cliff.  :-)  Seriously... we had so much fun getting to go rappelling with some friends of ours.  Lots of sunshine, fresh air, and smiles made it a memorable day for everyone.  Here are so photos of my sweet family and I hope to have more later. 

Sweet sisters, having so much fun!

Ryan, coming down!






Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Sarah


Happy 9th Birthday to Sarah!

Jubilant

But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!
Psalm 68:3

Friday, January 11, 2013

Film Festival Poll!!!


Yes, there are some plans in the works for the Plants and Pillars Film Festival 2013.  There are many, many changes afoot for the Festival.  Our goal is to make it more enjoyable for everyone! 

Please leave a comment and tell us what your favorite part of the Festival?  What about your least favorite part?

Monday, January 7, 2013

Lessons and Carols

My sisters and I were also able to perform at our church's annual Lessons and Carols service.  Even though you can't see us all in the picture, we are there!  We contributed 3 violins and a cello to the beautiful Christmas music.  

Many friends were there.  Some played with us and others listened, but it was great to have our guests for the night!  Thank you all!!!

Not all of our family could go... but Michael was ready for when we called!



Christmas Performance!

My sisters and I and our friend Bria were honored to be able to play at a retirement home near us in December.  It was a great experience and very moving.  I strongly recommend that any young musician (whatever you play) consider getting together a group and playing several times a year.  

The elderly are lonely and they love music.  And they love young people.  Their smiles were huge.  We are not perfect by any means and our selection was just hymns and Christmas carols, but they loved it!

And yes, I am wearing glasses!  I was finally able to trace my headaches to farsightedness.  

Erin and I were also able to perform some duets we had learned, and that was great!






Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!!!