These are a few of my favorite things!

"When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad." (Sound of Music)

Maria's favorite things were raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens

bright colored copper, apple stroudel

Cream colored ponies and much more.  I won't name them all

cause there not my favorite things.

The Zebra is one of my favorite things, his stripes are so cool. He seems so 

intelligent.  He is just so beautiful.  I can stare at him for hours and wonder what happened to 

Zebra.  Wouldn't it been cool if we could have Zebra races.  My favorite thing!

My favorite thing.

In that song sung by Maria, there is a line that is so true in my life.

 "When I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite

things.  And then I don't feel so bad"

So here goes my list of favorite things.  Not necessary in order or all inclusive.

My Family

Zebra's

Lion's

Tigers

Cooper my dog

Dunkin Donuts Hazelnut Coffee with skim milk and one splenda

my Apple Laptop computer

my Ipod

Music

Jazz

Classical

Guitars

Saxaphones

Cellos 

Drums

Baseball

Apple pie

luxury cars

Football

Nikon cameras & lenses

Peach Tea

Roses

Daisies 

Carnations

Nutella

Chocolate

Sorrento

Florence

Assisi

Rome

Belize

Valley of Peace

St. Croix

Sunsets

great conversation

Old and long friendships

Hanging out at church

Snow days when you go outside and it's quiet

Darkness

The Sun on the water

Weddings

Baby showers

Old Movies

And my final thing, even though some of these

are not things.  

My Faith in God!!!!!!!!

"These my friends are are a few of my favorite things!

Sunsets Always!

Okay, I confess, I'm very proud of this picture.  The colors are so vivid.  I feel like this sometimes.  I feel like this picture sometimes.  It's kind of the story of my life.  You see I have seen many sunsets!  But not a lot of sunrises.  The reason for this is because truthfully, Im usually not up for sunrises.   The truth is why would anybody want to be up that early.   Oh Maybe someday!  
Morning time is not my favorite time of the day anyway, but I sometimes wonder what I'm missing.  And I guess this is my point.  The story of my life is that I don't want to miss anything.  So I Journal, I read, I travel, I make many friendships.  I've sung and done music.  I've sang and played at weddings and funerals. I've done many sports and there is so many more to do.  So what am I missing, I'm missing plenty of sunrises, more walks in the park, traveling more in Europe.  A trip to the Greek Isles, maybe a cruise there.  Who knows what I will do next.  
Oh Maybe someday those sunrises that are eluding me will appear and I will sigh, my someday is here!  IT'S HERE

Signs That Make Me Look Twice!

Every once in awhile as I am driving I glance at signs on the road.  Sometimes I have to stop and take a second look.   One particular night I took a picture of this sign because I could not get it out of my head.  Am I attractive because of the way I look or because I am kind?  Am I attractive because of my outward beauty or my inner beauty?  

I can only answer that on who I like to hang out with.  And I can honestly say outward appearance of another human beings life plays a non important Role.  But the in-depth, inner beauty makes all the difference. 

So I just want to make a few comments.  A kind person is attractive.  When someone does something for you that is so nice, for some reason a bond forms.  But what is really cool something changes in you.  The edge is removed.  You lighten up and your not so focused on yourself.

A couple a weeks ago I was asked by a couple of friends from church if I would go with them to a park in Bridgeport and contribute to lunch and play frisbee with some Women who have had a hard life.  And I said yes to both.  That afternoon I ate lunch and played frisbee with ladies from this program.  It was an afternoon of not focusing on me.  And I was blessed with a good time and getting to hear some hilarious stories.  

I know I will be having more opportunities to do things like this, my prayer is that I won't miss it when it smacks me right in the face!  

Yes, I say Yes to KINDNESS being attractive!

Amazing Book for Me!

No words can express all the thoughts, tears and just great honest writing that Amy did in this book!
I am most thankful that a friend picked up this book and read and said that it was for me!

So this book gave me a view of her life with touching stories.  She weaves in some of her poetry and songs.  Some how I understand her now better.  And how really all my life she has been an inspiration and she still is.

When I became a Christian she was one of the first Christian Artists that I listened to.  She was amazing her voice was amazing.  Fathers Eyes was one of my favorite songs.  But what is really cool is that now all those lyrics that I used to sing now have a special meaning because somehow I understand.

Although I don't know her personally the stories in this book helped me connect to her and inspired
me.  If you have a chance read this book.  It's a light read and the short stories are great.

Memorial Day Parade


Many, many, many have lost there lives
for our country.  For that I am grateful!

Every year I go to the parade in our city.
It is so much fun.  But this years parade
was awesome because it moved and there
was not huge space in between the different
groups of marchers.

I actually had so much fun.  But the best
of my day was to see my 15 year old
son march with his High School Band.
I am so proud of him that he was a part of
this remembrance of our fallen hero!

Kudos My Dearest Son!

To all that has been, THANKS!

To all that will be, YES!

Women's Ministry

To all that has been, THANKS!

Well, where do I begin.  Somewhere in this month I wanted to address the fact that I have with much trepidation and prayer felt that God has been moving me out of Women's Ministry.  So on May 10th at the Hope Business meeting I gave my last report and introduced the new Women's Ministry Director.  The last five years I have ate, slept and lived Women's Ministry.  I am so passionate about the need for Women's ministry but for me it was an end of a season in my life.  God has led me through a wonderful season in my life.  And I am most thankful and grateful for this season.

So for the last few weeks now, cards have been trickling in from different women that I have shared my life and passion for God with.  And the words that I keep hearing over and over again, "Many, many women have been touched by you."  These words have been the most encouraging because I really never knew the effects of my ministry while doing it.  I just kept on leaning on the Lord to help me with a ministry that was so hard, painful sometimes and I was so clueless sometimes.  But He in unfailing love continued to grow me to really feeling like this ministry was so me.  I SAY THANKS!

Mostly I have to admit.  That being a part of Gods ministry and investing time in many many women has changed me more.  I see the big picture now and how the Lord wants me to continue the many things I was doing but just not in the context of being the Women's Ministry Director.  The lessons I learned along the way were life changing.  I SAY THANKS!

To All that will be, I SAY YES!

Right now I'm saying yes to rest and focusing more on HIM and my family.  I'm saying no to things now that I usually don't.  These things that I am saying no to are all good things but maybe not the thing He wants for me.  I am seeking Him for the things that will be next in my life!  I want His total leading in the things that will be.   I'm headed for surgery in a couple of weeks,  I don't know what the results will bring but I do know one thing, it will be more rest and a time for me to do a lot of reading in which I love to do.  Also it will be a time of journaling, blogging and fun stuff.  

To This I say Yes!

And again To all that will be, I SAY YES!

I'm in this leadership group at my church and this was required reading.  I kind of rebel sometimes against required reading, but I obeyed.   We actually had 2 times where we openly discussed this book.  This is a book that talked about the spiritual disciplines and that we should discover them in our lives or maybe continue to practice them in our lives.  John Ortberg did it in a unique way.  One quote that stuck out for me was, "Now, with God's help, I shall become myself. "~ Soren Kierkgaard  As I pondered this quote I realized that I need more than God's help, I need his daily presence.  I don't want to be doing anything with out Gods guidance, without His Spirits promptings.  I am amazed at how anybody could live without his help.  I know I don't want to.  


Another quote was a paraphrase of what Jesus said.  "Love God, Love People."  Thats what we should be doing.   I want this to be a part of my life, so much so that when people talk about me long after I'm dead they will say I loved God and I loved people.  That is a challenge everyday because I act like I don't love God at times because I'm so selfish.  And loving people is hard, especially the people who are hard to love or a pain in the neck, or just plain unlovely.   Yet God commands us to to do just that.  You know in my 47 years of life I have met so many Christians who make themselves to be so spiritually superior to others that they forget to humble themselves like Jesus did.  Including myself on this one.  I struggle sometimes to put others needs before my own.  Wow what would my life truly look like if I loved God and loved others everyday.  


I could ramble on about this book and it had so many good points in it.  But the goal is to live a transformed life by abiding in Him.  And if we try to do it in our own strength we blow it.  In fact we blow it every time.


So let me leave you with this thought and this is not from the book but maybe a concept I deducted from the book.  The spiritual disciplines come in many forms.  We can pray and read His word, we can journal, we can even stand on our heads, but if we are doing it out of duty rather than love WE BLOW IT!  You see I love God and I want to spend time with Him.  I want the HS that lives inside of me to change me the way that He wants me to change.  And when Jesus was here on earth, He loved the Father and He loved people.  So much that He gave up being in the constant presence of the Lord in the heavens.  So much that he took on a human form and became a man.  So how much does it take for us to die to ourselves to become closer to Him.  All I know is I want to pursue that.  I want to love Him with all my heart, mind and soul.  But ME, MYSELF and I get in the way of that!!!!!

A Fond Memory

As the Hope Team just got back from spending a week in New Orleans serving in the City where Hurricane Katrina wreaked her havoc.  I can't help but think of the week that I had spent there a year ago.  I have so many memories.  One thing for sure is that when I was there I realized for the first time how small and helpless we really are and how small and helpless I really am.  

It didn't take long to realize the devastation that the Hurricane did.  There were traces everywhere.

When I was there it was like I lived in two worlds.  The place where we slept across the causeway and then where we worked in New Orleans, on a street called South Derbingy.   All that week I had the privilege of bringing hungry teenagers to eat.  All around us were houses boarded up or people homeless.  It was hard to take in.

One day coming back from lunch I got lost and ended up on another South Derbingy.  But I guess for the kids that traveled with me all week I guess I was constantly saying "Where am I".  So they were used to it.  So they didn't know that I was really lost this time.  But it was a very scary moment for me and my GPS that kept on bringing me to the same spot.  

So that day as I said "Where am I".  I realized that I can't be in the USA, could I be.  A country that helps in so many other disasters.  Surely can't we help are own countrymen.  Or when I said "Where am I",  I realized that this was where I was supposed to be at this moment in time.  

On the last day at the airport going home once again I got lost in the airport cause I couldn't find the rental place.  And again I said "Where am I".  Well, I guess it has been tradition for team Hope in prior years to give plate awards and guess what award I got?  Yep You guessed it I got the "Where Am I" award.  Till this day sometimes I really don't know where I am.  But I guess thats a good thing!  At any rate whenever I say the words "Where Am I" it brings me back to that moment of time when I was the most uncomfortable and the most vulnerable and very humbled.

Living Beyond the Irreducible Minimum

My Dog Cooper is a yellow Lab. He's about 3 years old now, coming into his own. Still learning and very playful but also has a lazy streak in him.   Not what I expect.  My family is a very active,hyper family.  So I was expecting a very active, hyper dog to fit in.  So when looking into this breed.  Here is what I wanted.

Labrador Retrievers, originally from Newfoundland, were initially used in work alongside fisherman, helping to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its skills as a true retriever. From this point in the breed’s history, "Labs," as they are affectionately called, were bred primarily to perform as an efficient retriever of game, with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting.

 An ideal sporting and family dog, the Labrador Retriever thrives as part of an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. A double-coated breed which sheds seasonally, regular grooming keeps his coat at its water-resistant best. Because of his even temperament and trainability millions of Americans own a Labrador Retriever as a pet.

With this being said I love my dog but he is not your typical definition of a Yellow Lab.  And the picture above is an example of that.  We went to the doggie park to run!!!!  Did you hear me to RUN!  And after running a bit.  He lays down in the middle of the field.  Like he wants to take a nap.  I am just not feeling this at all.  So I throw the ball and he just stares.

So Lori, what is your point.  He (my dog) has accepted the Irreducible Minimum.  The bare minimum, he ran briefly, he fetched the ball twice and he was done.  He was not concerned about being the best dog in doggieville.  He was just okay with being below average.  Not being exceptional, just existing.  And for us we sometimes do life this way.  Accepting the bare minimum.  As CS Lewis puts it "we are far to easily pleased".   You see, Cooper was easily pleased, according to his minute doggie brain he measured up, and now it was time to take a nap.  Blahh Blahh Blahh.

Well I want more, in life, more from life, more from my dog, more from everything I do.  I want to be exceptional.  I want to make a difference, not settle for second best, Especially not in doggieville. So it's to the park everyday until he gets it right.  And as you see below, I think he's got it!

Boy of Destiny

     It has once been said that "A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it" 

       My son Corey always refers himself has the "Boy of Destiny".  And all of us adult like people get a big kick out of this statement.  He especially says this after he has a lesson with his cello teacher.  He is like on fire to play.  And tells me about his dreams.  I love it!  

On another note Corey loves to draw too and is an excellent artist for his age.  He has mountains of mountains of sketchbooks full of masterpieces.  

    So as I ponder his gifts and talents.  He is a gifted musician he can play cello and percussion instruments.  He is also a gifted artist.  So I wander what will he be a "Boy of Destiny" in.

I came across the quote above in a book that quoted that quote and I wonder will it be ART or Music?  If I take the quote literally since Corey always takes the road to avoid practicing Cello, will it be that?  And all of us really do know how much we really love  to practice our instruments at times.  Or will he be the aspiring artist studying abroad and eventually becoming a part of the avant garde of Artists?  Who knows but I have found destiny in all the unlikely roads that I have traveled on.  

One Question???????

Hi, you know I'm stretching it and totally having writers block with this blog post.  But I had to do it.  I just want to know one thing.  Where have all the socks gone?

Now here is the thing, I know I am not the only person with this problem.  But I am coming forward and finally admitting it.  This is a picture of all my entire families unmatched socks.  This is disturbing!  Is there a support group for this?  Do I need PROZAC?  Am I just plain old nuts.  WHERE DID THEY GO?   Inquiring minds such as I would like to know????  

Okay, so you say Lori, unmatched socks are a part of life.  Who would even write about it?  I say tell me why?   Why is it when I put matching socks in the washer and then to the dryer I sometimes end up with one?  Why is it that when I go into the rooms to search high and low for the unmatched socks they are no where to be found?  

Some more thoughts and other people suggestions.  One, some people believe that the washer or dryer has ate them.  MYTH!

Some people believe that they are still somewhere in the house hiding.  MYTH!  Others like myself, believe there is a sock conspiracy going on.  What do you believe?  

Do you remember the song by the Kingston Trio in the sixties, called where have all the Flowers gone?

Well here is my version of Where have all the Socks Gone!  Yes I know I am mad crazy!

Where have all the socks gone?
Long time passing
Where have all socks gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the socks gone?
Not Covered with flowers Im sure!
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?

Not sure if we will every learn 

where they have gone,

but I do know one thing, they are not 

covered with 

flowers somewhere!  And they are 

gone for sure!

Our church is now planning it's New Orleans Trip.

New Orleans is on my mind a lot now.  I'm sad that 

I will not be able to go this year.  But the doors are closed.  

Amazingly this is one of the houses in New Orleans.  

As I look at the graffiti, I am wondering if Love is a constant abiding characteristic in my Life?

More importantly is it ruling in my life because of Jesus Christ?

This will be my reflection of the day. 

May it be yours as well!!!!!

Sunday Concert, February 7th, 2010

Corey performing with Norwalk Youth Symphony Prelude.

It was a lovely Sunday afternoon. Corey

did awesome

This is the whole prelude performing. How professional!

Perfect fingering and look at that concentration.

There are people in life that are like Humpty Dumpty. He was sitting on the wall and he had a fall.

In life we all fall hoping that some how we can pick up the pieces and put us back together again.

I get those phone calls daily, I got one today. Hello Lori, I was on the wall Im falling, I fell, Im broken, Im shattered. My life is a mess, Splat, Splat, Splat.

And you see all the kings horses and all the kings men could not put Humpty together again. Either can I .

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Come again some other day!

STRANGE ENCOUNTER MAYBE!

Okay, I woke up today and I really was excited because it was dark and bleak outside. So I did all the work in the morning and decided before I went to pick up Corey from school I would mail a letter at the post office. So as I headed out, I realized my earpiece wasn't working so I'm on a phone at a light. It's pouring rain and real windy and all of sudden this old lady came knocking at my car window. And I ignored her and the light turned green and I went forward. And then 5 seconds later I ended my call. And I felt this prompting from the Holy Spirit that I needed to give her a ride. So I made a u-turn and went back to pick her up.

Now I know this is a dangerous thing but I did it anyway. Sized her up if I could take her out of commission if I had to. I do know some karate and self defense moves. And then I deemed it was meant to be.

So stopped the car and called to her do you need a ride. And she smiled and said, "Oh, Yes Please". I asked her where to and she said to the Post office. And I laughed inside myself cause that is exactly where I was going. I told her to get in and she proceeded to tell me that the bus took off and her umbrella blew away. She was soaked and I was very happy that I decided to help her.

After I dropped her off and mailed my letters, I went to get a hazelnut coffee and I was very proud of myself that I helped someone who needed it. I was convicted by the times that I didn't stop to pick someone up. That I didn't turn around. The bottom line is that I can no longer ignore those promptings.

I feel I listened to the calling and practiced a scripture that I read and heard a week ago. In Matthew 25:45, Jesus says, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'

"...Sing and make music in your heart

to the Lord, always giving thanks to God

the Father for everything in the name of

our Lord, Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 5:19-20

Some thoughts and ramblings, I don’t know when it happened. Perhaps I think it all began when I was an 8 grader singing folk songs during a Roman Catholic Mass. Perhaps it was when I was doing Choir under Steven or Leon, (prior worship leaders at HOPE) But I really can’t pinpoint when it all began but I do know that something began to change under the leadership, direction of the director now. The challenges that I faced and how my life has been transformed by worship. Essentially this is what I learned about worship from behind the Mic in our church and it has changed my life.

I am serious about my walk with the Lord and I feel that I am the most serious person behind the mic sometimes and have been known at times to cry during songs. The Holy Spirit really convicts me of so much during practices and on Sunday. Most of my life I have been a word person. So for me it is the words and the musical arrangements that do it for me. I totally get lost in the words and music that I often ask myself. Do I believe what I’m singing? Have I lived that out today? Is it really all about you Lord!

The most important thing I have learned about worship from behind the mic is…It’s not about me. Worship is about the Lord of all creation. It’s not about me or trying to draw attention to myself or how loud I can sing or how soft or if I smile enough or raise my hands enough, but how I can give more, how I can become less, and how I can let God become more. When I allow the Spirit to work through me, I use the gift He has given me to bring Him Glory. I can therefore take no credit for what He does through me. I become an instrument of His will. Paul did that and talked about it in Romans. He said he was a bondservant or slave of God. The servant, slave thing I just realized this past week. He gave everything to Jesus, even his will. Wow

This mind set and some of these thoughts have changed how I worship. I now want and seek a deeper more meaningful worship experience but mostly because I want an even deeper, intimate relationship with God. It starts by not so much seeking to be filled, but seeking His presence. One thing I try to do when I come to practice is leave any wants or worries, the stressful events of life at the door. And believe me I have had some trials and tests and disappointments over the years. Especially in 2007, and worship team and brotherhood and sisterhood of our team members got me through it. The fellowship was so deep and the support was so great. I made a conscience effort to walk into church with the single focused desire to please God with my Worship. I focus my thoughts on loving the Lord, singing or praising Him, to give God my full and undivided attention. I want to love Him more seek Him more, desire Him more. 2007 some verses that were so prevalent to me was Habakkuk 3:16-20ish. I am so blessed by this.

Other times, there are times when I worship and I don’t “feel” it. But this feeling thing sometimes I struggle with because I’m expecting something all the time. I don’t want to expect I just want to praise Him and have no expectations. I am so overwhelmed on How “Great is Lord” during our time of worship. When I go in with no expectations it seems like I experience God BETTER.

There is so much else I could say but I know for myself that when I turn my attention to Him and seek His face, and worship and love him, my experience with God is much deeper. I believe that I should look to my relationship with God to fill me, not just in church outside of the church with regards to worship experience. When I rely on the worship team to fill me, or the message to move me, or singing a song or whatever, I can pretty much guess that eventually disappointments will come. How about this, maybe too many of these echoes in our lives as worship team members. . I just know when focus on seeking God’s face, his presence only, there is no expectation.

One other thought is that my experience at church with my fellow believers in Worship team with your encouragement has allowed me to take my Christianity further in my life. Everything I do becomes worship, how I work, how I walk, how I breathe….if I am focused on pleasing God, it all becomes worship. Still working on that though, I get easily distracted…but again, God’s not through with me yet.

So recently, this summer I have fond memories of my contemplating the whole issue of church and worship and I why I go to church and why I worship God. And I discovered that my True worship is not confined to singing in church or open praise (although these things are both good and we are told to do them in the Bible), but it is the heartfelt acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything I do. To truly worship God, we must know Him and not be ignorant of His good and glorious nature (Acts 17:23). In a nutshell, I have discovered that worship is to glorify and exalt God; to show our loyalty and admiration to our Heavenly Father! And Loyalty and admiration to God is really what it’s all about. This week I discovered also the more I anticipate Him that God anticipates me anticipating Him. More than anything we can ever imagine. He is so faithful and active in my life. I once had the opportunity of teaching a Womens Sunday School Class at Hope and one time I did a study with the women on Worship. And I used a book by Dr. David Jeremiah. And he defined worship of giving Worth back to God. In my worship I want to give Him worth back to God.

I’m not sure why I am rambling on about all this but I am sure about one thing, I am very passionate and sincere about worshiping God.

I wanted to start 2010 off with this Blessing for year for both my readers and myself. This is not my creative Idea, 3 of my friends over the past years have posted this in their blogs. May you be blessed by these words.


A Four-Fold Franciscan Blessing

May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God, the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.

From Durham North Carolina

So this is my last blog entry of 2009, writing it from the Hilton in Durham. We arrived I don't even know because I am in the midst of the stomach bug. Spent the whole day in (no need to describe it) But here are some thoughts as I close this year.
1. I made the world a better place by participating in acts of kindness.
2. I loved and served God with all my heart and soul and mind when I was in focus with the least distractions. Was I perfect, heck no, but my heart was there.
3. I influenced others for the positive.
4. Spoke less,Listened more
5. Blogged more than ever this year, journaled less.
6. Had major quality time with my family and good friends. Love them all.
7. Mended any fences that I needed to and still have a few more.
8. Gave my Husband 100% and my Husband gave me 100%
9. Read some crazy, some good, and some thought provoking books.
10 And my favorite and only dog Cooper was loyal to me. He loves me unconditionally. At least I think.
11. I went into Christmas 2009 with great expectations of something magical happening and guess what, nothing magical happened. But what did happen was the realization for me of God's power in sending Christ to live among us. Yes I know the story, backwards, frontwards and sideways. But I never meditated and realized the power. Totally Awesome.

12 The End
Not really, God has been tugging away at my heart, changing me. I think differently now. I can't imagine doing life any other way even sitting here being sick now, without God. I can't get by one single minute, second without HIM.
As I rode up in the elevator earlier today, to rush to my room to get this bug out of system. I tearfully wept to my husband, "It's going to be a Charlie Brown New Year" And then we looked each other and laughed. And then Bill said, It's going to be alright. And I'm sure it will be. Blessings to all who read this and a very Happy New Year but hopefully you make 2010 about your relationship with God.

Caroling

My favorite time of the Christmas season is being able to sing the familiar Christmas songs that we hear imediately after Thanksgiving. So a bunch of us went around my neighborhood and sang those songs tonight.

So we went to about 10 houses on very cold night and we sang. We made merry. We even put smiles on the neighbors. Oh and my little ones Robert and Corey came and it was such a family thing to do and it put me in the Christmas Spirit.

This night brought me back to when I was in my teens going caroling with my friends. We went to so many homes and sang melodies and harmonies and laughed and had so much joy. One time we went on a back of truck and we were singing.

So if nothing else happens this Christmas Season at least I went caroling. And least I did something for mankind. Oh Come Let Us Adore HIM!!!!!

This is my favorite Lifehouse songs, it is on my blogpage in my video bar. Its the 1st one. But just this month some lines have become very real to me. I hope they spur you on if your reading this. One thing I want a point out, this is so me with my God right now. Oh He walks me through stuff. So here is some lines that have lingered on in my life and echo loudly now.

One line "Im desperate for changing
starving for the truth." Oh Lord
I am so surrendering to the changes you
want in me.
I am "Starving for truth" I seek you everyday for truth and
you always give just enough I can handle. Thank you for that. Another line I love is "I'm closer to the where I started" In this fantastic healing journey that I have taken on I am closer to the truth. But in this journey, "I'm chasing after you", and "I am falling even more in love with you" Thank you. Again along with truth, you put your arms around me and help me embrace it thank you. Another line is
"Completely Incomplete" Oh how true that is, complete me Lord even more than I am now. Cause sometimes I feel Incomplete. Like there is a piece of me hanging on so I can't see what you want me to.
And one line that I am completely doing and continuing to do is
"Letting go of all I hung onto" Everyday I'm letting go realizing that it doesn't help to hold on to things. And for whatever reasons that I have held on to things let go has been so Freeing and so Exhilerating. And I am hanging on this Moment. Thank you Lord. And so my questions is
What are you hanging on to?
And Lori, what am I still hanging on to?
And listen to the Song and the lyrics and what needs changing?

Hanging By A Moment lyrics

I'm desperate for changing

Starving for truth

I'm closer to where I started

I'm chasing after you

I'm falling even more in love with you

Letting go of all I've held onto

I'm standing here until you make me move

I'm hanging by a moment here with you

Forgetting all I'm lacking

Completely incomplete

I'll take your invitation

You take all of me now

I'm falling even more in love with you

Letting go of all I've held onto

I'm standing here until you make me move

I'm hanging by a moment here with you

I'm living for the only thing I know

I'm running and not quite sure where to go

And I don't know what I'm diving into

Just hanging by a moment here with you

There's nothing else to lose

There's nothing else to find

There's nothing in the world

That can change my mind

There is nothing else

There is nothing else

There is nothing else

I'm desperate for changing

I'm starving for truth

I'm closer to where I started

Chasing after you

I'm falling even more in love with you

Letting go of all I've held onto

I'm standing here until you make me move

I'm hanging by a moment here with you

I'm living for the only thing I know

I'm running and not quite sure where to go

And I don't know what I'm diving into

Just hanging by a moment here with you

Just hanging by a moment

Hanging by a moment

Hanging by a moment

Hanging by a moment here with you

Thankful on Thanksgiving

PSALM 134

1 Behold, bless the LORD, all (servants of the LORD,

Who serve by night in the house of the LORD!

2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary And bless the LORD.

3May the LORD bless you from Zion,

He who made heaven and earth.

All I can say as this day has approached I have been blessed. Blessed in so many ways.

Blessed with family and friends. Blessed with a wonderful pastor and his wife and blessed with a wonderful church. Totally awesome.

I have so many other things to be thankful for. I was thankful that I started out my day singing praises to God. I am thankful that I can sing. I am thankful that my family entertains me with there lovely melodies. I am thankful that we can use music to praise and worship God.

Mostly I'm thankful that I started my day off in the Sanctury praising Him. Oh Lord I blessed you today and you have blessed me today. I get that.

In this Psalm we are called to bless the Lord. And we cannot help but bless Him because He is worthy of our praise. With all He had done for us but mostly for His Grace and Mercy and most importantly His Unfailing Love. Lord I so wanted to bless you today with all my being. I think I did by honoring you this morning. I love you so.

And you continue to bless me in my life and in my spiritual life. Not that the two are separated but contained in one life.

I am most thankful for speaking so clearly to me in this season of life when I need to hear you more.

My question is What are you Thankful for ? REALLY?

I AM WORTH MUCH MORE

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? Matt. 6:26

I don't know, I've been learning alot about myself lately.

These are my bird friends I met down in Florida. Now before you cast me off as some lunitic who befriends birds on vacation. Just hear me out. This was taken at Universal Studio's. I found it to be strange that as I got closer they didn't fly away. They were pecking away at the morsels of droppings on the ground. Wow, what a concept. I thought. It was like this place was a banquet and not even the big, bad human can chase them away.

But as I look back on this picture as I seem to be looking back on a lot of things lately. I marvel on how much God takes care of these birds. And then I marveled on how much God has taken care of me and has had his hand on past, present and will continue to have His hand on my life into the future.

I am worth so much more than these little birdies. He so loves me! I believe that. I do. But sometimes I get disappointed. And sometimes I feel like He is disapointed in me. But he still loves me.

What I was thinking lately about is the deep trauma's of these birds in their birdie life. I don't know where they came from but who knows, maybe they had a brother or sister or two and as they were flying to this random destination maybe one flew into a window. Or maybe another bird ate the birdies siblings up. Maybe they were nesting somewhere and mom and dad birdie fell out. Maybe they lost there little baby birdies or maybe they are not connected at all. Maybe they are bad birdies. Maybe they really aren't birds at all and I'm just hallucinating. No matter how you look at these two birds they have a story to tell. They have memories. They have had close encounters with death and with trauma. The have encountered hurt in their birdie life. And God cares for them!

My point is we all do. I'm learning about my life, eager to find out why I do the things I do! Why I fly like the birds to some random destinations in my thoughts and in real life. Sometime I am reliving the hurts of my past. Wishing that I can have some of those moments back. Wishing I could have made different choices. Wishing I really knew who I was and getting over where I came from. And looking forward to discovering it. Maybe, Maybe it will be on day on a random day when my life and the birdies life will intersect again. And it probably won't even be the same Birdies. But it will be the same me secretly hoping it will be the real me! Back again and vibrant, embracing life the way it should be embraced.

November 22,2009

Today was Corey debut in the Norwalk
Youth Symphony in the Prelude Orchestra!
Just Amazing. I am so proud of him. He
dressed all up. He was so cute. Then we
had and amazing Pasta dinner cooked by
Chef Bill. Thank you Lord, for an amazing
day.

Do I dare!
I dare ask!
Serious questions!
Of the past!
Why!
Disappointed sometimes with the ONE I Trust!
Why!

Not really sure Why is what I want to know!
But maybe just how come?
Or where were you?

I want to know why
Bad things do happen?
But somewhere in time
It does and it comes with
No answers
No explanations


On the other hand
Please do tell me
Why all the sickness
And why the hurt
Why all the pain!

Finding Duncan!!!!!

In the midst of celebration in the friendship circle

for the last time this year, finding

Duncan was easy. Ah you say this is no brainer just find the line of Alto Saxes. Easier said than done. But this time I had no probem. I found him can you.

Finding Duncan, was my passion all band season. Weaving in out of lines and up and down hash marks and stepping over the 50 yard line Finding Duncan brought joy! Ah, there he is I would say to myself. Just amazing. I was one of those proud parents in the Green wave.

Finding Duncan in the Norwalk High Marching Band show became not only my passion but my hobby for the last 4 months. It was easy when he was not in uniform. But put on the Norwalk High green and he looked like every other marching band member.

Finding Duncan in the midst of the Pride INTENsified. Just Amazing. But there is nothing like Finding Duncan in the famed Celebratory Circle, aka Friendship Circle. And yes for the last time this year I was proud to find you. Winners of the Mac Championship, the best in the Tri-State. Congrats Robert, I found you! Finding Duncan, Yes a WINNER!!!!!!!

Just Yesterday!
(Oh it seems so far away)

Just yesterday the weather was so beautiful and I so enjoyed it.
Just yesterday it was a typical New England Beach day. Just yesterday I was walking on the beach with the water glimmering in the sunshine.

Just yesterday I was pondering the the way things should always be. Just yesterday the things were the way they should be. Just yesterday I was everything I could be, and everything I wanted to be. Just yesterday I facedown with my thoughts of a creator and maker.

Just yesterday, oh it's so far away. Just yesterday, oh how I wish I could have it back.

Pink Sky

There is something amazing about a sky that is highlighted and pigmented in pink and in purples. Somewhere in this fall sky is a beautiful painting. And I think I have found it. God's Masterpiece!

Does not get much better than this. Thank you, Lord!

Amazing Man!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing man. He is awesome! Now I'm not talking about the little guy in gray Tyler, but I'm talking about that big muscular, hot Italian in whom I love so much. And the cool thing he is getting closer to 50 befor me. Every night I get this very great sounding cello concert in my home. What else could I possibly ask for. Bill thanks for being an inspiration to me! I love you!

DRAWING THE LINE

Today I can't help but wonder about how many times lines are drawn, how much we live by them. The above picture is from a Marching Band Field Show where the drum major is guiding the band beat. But the band member is not only supposed to be in the beat but they are supposed to be near or on certain lines, imagined or unimagined on the field. Below is my son at one of his starting points.

So where is this all leading. It's leading to lines I've drawn in life, lines because of hurts, disappointment, and unanswered prayer. Lines that I've drawn out of protection, withdrawel and silence. Lines I no longer want to cross because of the disapointment hurt and sorrow. And in all this somewhere is a God in whom scripture says has unfailing love and compassion.

Have I ever drawn a line with God? Have you? You can go here Lord, but don't cross the line? I can't let you cross this line Lord because before you allowed this to happen so I don't want to allow you into this space again because I'm disappointed.

In this bible study Sacred Echoes I'm doing Margaret Feinberg talks about how she hears God quietly saying "Bring them to Me" and "You are not Alone". And as I studied this portion I have some lines I've drawn. And in the past I realized that when I drew them I became isolated and silent. But He has always drawn me in. I learned that in the tough times, when things don't go well and it seems like God isn't there or uninvolved to tell it to Him. He may not answer the way you like and you know what, it may even get worse forever but He wants us to talk about it with Him. Why because it takes the focus off me. And I know that when I draw those uncrossable lines that It always becomes about me.

Today I have erased some those lines I have discovered. In a very personal matter in my life, and to be honest with out going into sharing any details because He's not finished yet. Well yesterday, by accident I read in one of my writings a prayer that I prayed years ago that God really didn't answer. So I stopped praying that prayer to Him. I sat yesterday on the floor weeping and crying and talking to God about it, I erased that line. And He also said it to me very loudly,

"BRING THEM TO ME"

Well last night the Marching Bears did awesome. Robert has worked so hard for this and they won. They did so good. And I was so proud of my 15 year old freshman at Norwalk High. The field show sounded so good. Every one in it did so good. I am just plain old proud. Thank you God for the gift of Music in our Family!

The day after is always sweet. But stay tuned for next week!!!!!! Yea Robert! Our whole family loves you!

On August 2nd, 2009, My daughter Kristine turned 21. I really can believe how fast she has grown up into a beautiful young lady. This is the 21st cake. It also means I have hosted 21 parties. 21 years of motherhood. 21 years of success and failure. It really doesn't get any better.

21 years of laughter. 21 years of me saying No and Yes. Somehow that never ends. It's still No and Yes sometimes.

21 years of saying "Go ask your Dad". 21 years of her coming back and saying Dad says to ask you. OH well somethings never change.

Somethings never change. Kristine thank you for being part of my life. And I am so thankful for the light and happiness you bring into the room. And your middle name being joy you have brought much joy to my heart. Can't wait to see whatthe next 21 years will bring!

A NAIL IN MY TIRE!

Okay Its crazy week at the Duncan home. And why? Well each year one, some or all of us go to Belize. This year it's Bill, he goes to Belize and leaves this poor helpless girl alone to fend for herself in this brutal world. Yes brutal. So to kick off his departure as I'm leaving church on Sunday, my friend Jill tells me there is a a nail in my tire. Now I'm thankful that she noticed it. But Nails in Tires I say are a mans job. And my man is not home. Oh what is a poor women in distress supposed to do. Ah have no fear, super Ray lives down the street. So today, Monday, I call Ray to bring it down. He owns a tire shop. And he had to repair the tire. I am so thankful that my tire did not end up flat unexpectedly. That could have been a disaster. Super Ray told me it would not have made it through the day. And I was traveling long distance to a picnic tonight to see some old friends. That would have been disasterous.

So this got me to thinking that life is like a tire and sometimes we get a nails in it. Sometimes the nails can be sustained over a period of time. Sometimes the nails puncture us so badly that we need repair. Sometimes the nails come without warning. But regardless of the nail we continue to travel and move. And somehow we always end up somewhere.

I can't help to think that this nail is a sign from God. Saying Okay Lori you are going to be okay this week. And that this is only the beginning. You have had many nails and more are coming but I'm transforming you into someone who can handle the nails with me pulling them out and repairing them. Again Lori, I want you to know I am always with you.

Today was stressful, always is when I'm taking care of the kids, the home and the business, and the nails in my tire. But I'm okay because God is watching over me!

July Band Practice

I never really write alot about my Kids. But I'm real proud of the them all of them. This is my son Robert who is 14. He is so talented. One of his many talents is he can play Saxophone. I love listening to him play and love watching him perform.

This is a picture of him starting in the Marching Band. I love it. He like is the coolest. He has 4 Mondays this Month and then it is off to Deerfoot. This is a christian camp he will be going to for 2 weeks. Robert if you every read this you are the best.