The Buckeyes are #1 and the Gators are #4....nope it's not football, but basketball. Wouldn't it be weird if they played for the championship again?

I know we don't like to talk about it, but it is part of what we experience here  on earth. Maybe we don't like to think about death because we are so unsure of what is to come after we die.

I have spent the last few weeks thinking about it a bit more. When a parent has a stroke, you think about these things. More than anything, I think that death can cause us to appreciate life. Although there is always loss in death, for those who are still here there is the opportunity to cherish every day that we still have with each other.

Solomon said the day of one's death is better than the day of his birth. It's really only a stepping stone to what is to come. I think death is something not only to anticipate, but also to make preparation for. When we are gone, we only leave behind what we have placed in people's hearts. Maybe every day should be one that we take time to invest, take time to enjoy, and take time to love those who are near to us.

This was on Chilly's site.....

When I consider my crosses, tribulations, and temptations, I shame
myself almost to death thinking of what they are in comparison to the
sufferings of my blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ. Martin Luther

In other news I have some awesome family.....

Isn't that where you snow? -Joanna

His name is Jack...Yeah. Jack Russell.

My dad is having an arteriogram today at Noth Florida at noon. That's where I will be.

It's been a long week.....not so much bad, just a lot of work. It is always a crazy time here at Mardi Gras. I enjoy the good food, the fun, and the fellowship. I'm looking forward to getting back to Atlanta though. I will miss being here. It is sad to see the people who have no hope, who are living in total devestation for over 18 months now and nothing seems to change. Although you probably won't ever see it, the areas we are in now still look like a war zone. It's crazy to think that people are living like they are, and just miles away the rest of the city is having a party. Just doesn't seem fair. I know, life's not fair.

I am probably going to Florida this weekend when I get back. My dad had a couple of strokes last week. He is doing ok right now. He was still in the hospital when I talked to him yesterday, but should be getting out today. All prayers would be appreciated.

Highlights from the trip.....

• A horse stepped on my foot
• HMC
• 45 minutes in line for King Cake
• God speaking
• People's lives being touched at the praise rally
• Not being able to move on Bourbon with a fight breaking out
• Cafe du Monde
• Friends you don't see much
• Grace
• New friends
• The chance to help people in need

Ok I am off. We still have to pull a fence this morning.

This was on Jen's site.

If you can keep your head when all about

are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream -and not make your dreams your master;

If you can think -and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with triumph or disaster

And treat those two imposters just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools...

...If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with kings -nor lose the common touch;

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

with sixty seconds' worth of distance run-

Yours is the Earth and Everything that's in it,

And -which is more -you'll be a Man, my son!

-"If" by Ruyard Kipling

I am just sitting here trying to figure out what to do for breakfast. It's probably going to be McDonalds. We might run to cafe du monde and send someone in to get stuff. Today will be crazy. Ok hope you all good. Love you guys. See you when I get back.

Another year to celebrate....I was chasing independence all the way to New Orleans today, and found that life doesn't always give you what you expect. Both my grandpa and dad are having health problems right now. You never know what is around the corner.....When we went out to eat I had the privledge of sitting next to a table where the guy proposed to his now fiance. Miracles all around. This week should be interesting. Hope you all are doing well. Happy Valentines day to you. Love you...

Leah to Johnny..."You are always taking in, but you never put any out."