My cousin went to be with the Lord yesterday

And while I know he is in Jesus' arms, it made me think about the town we grew up in and so I found this video:

Now, my cousin's name is Ray Labbe. He's 56, not much older than I am and he has a pretty remarkable testimony. He's even appeared on the 700 club after being healed of cancer. He and his wife Linda worked on a mobile soup kitchen in New Britain Ct. The ministry was called Isaiah 58.

My Mom phoned last night, this was her sister Florence's youngest son. There are some deaths that are tragic. Tragedy is when the person believed nothing, the person lived this world not knowing of glory on the other side. Ray knew the Lord, he and his wife had a conversion experience and they lived out their life serving God by serving God's creation. They went as a family, (they have 2 grown daughters) on a medical ship. This was years ago, and as can be expected they weren't viewed as middle of the road, steady as she goes. They took some guff for their beliefs, but what impressed me most was that they walked what they talked. I look forward to seeing Ray some day in heaven, I'm sure he'll be there with open arms, a great big smile on his face (course I'm assuming that he'll take a breather from worshiping at Jesus' feet).

Strange, years and miles separate us, but memories and faith will bind us. I'm praying for Linda and the girls Robyn and Jillian. I know Jillian was born while I was away in France, my junior year abroad as my grandmother sent me a casette recording of "events" and I remember her trying to pronounce Jillian. I still have that tape somewhere.

Funerals, deaths all reminders that we live in the here and now and our time here is short. In the book, the Beautiful Fight, the author mentions that we serve a risen Christ. The accension was Christ, in body, rising to heaven. Instead of asking WWJD we should ask, What Is Jesus Doing? Tomorrow our church embarks on the Daniel's Fast. (some start today). I'm not sure I'll go beyond 10 days, that's my goal, even though pastor asked us to go 21 days with nothing but fruits and vegetables ... I'm already dreading not having a caffeine hit with a tea each A.M. ... Mom told me the funeral would be in Berlin, even though Ray and Linda lived in Connecticut. I won't be going, but I will indeed be praying for Linda and the girls. Also be praying for Ray's sister and brother Cecile and Leo.

I've lost uncles, cousins, grandparents ... I've yet to lose my parents, siblings or offspring. Come Lord Jesus Come.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Miss Liz went to Scotland, she may be back in London by now, but the weather was gorgeous and she was thoroughly enjoying the dig's at Edinburgh's Jury's Inn. This upscale hotel was part of the pre-paid trip to Scotland, all she and Vanessa needed to do was supply lunch and dinner. Even the continental breakfast at the hotel was posh.



As part of their tour, Liz and weekend roomie Vanessa, went to Edingburgh Castle. Liz said she could really see herself going back to Scotland for an extended stay. I asked if we were ever going to see her come home, or if she would fall in love with the UK and just stay on.


We are supposed to talk to Liz tonight when she's back at home in her UK flat, she's learning much and even got to babysit the MP's grand-daughter, that's what he chose for her task one day. He brought his 5 year old grand-daughter to work and had Lizzie babysit her. Liz says she was darling.

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose ....

http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/dickens-little-jimmy/may-the-bird-of-paradise-fly-up-your-nose-10376.html a classic ... the URL also has a ringtone available. It is raining today, and I have a boatload of things to do. Rain has a way of making you long for sunnier days.

Visited UNCW (wilmington) on Monday, nice campus. We did this mostly because we could. I had the day off, so did Bek, and we wanted to check out various campuses in the state to give the girls exposure to what's out there. Bek still has a year, and she is not sure where to start in deciding on a career. My idea about visits is to try to eliminate places, or find one that really gives her a good vibe. UNCW was not eliminated, but did not jump out at her either ... so it's a possibility.

Rachel has been pondering which courses to take, and possibly doing AP courses so that she can get higher than a 4.0 GPA and go to UNC Chapel Hill. She did like the Duke Campus when her driver's ed teacher had her drive out there. Both schools don't just accept anybody, and Duke is definitely more pricey than I'd like ... wish I had a rich relative leave me in their will.

Lizzie just visited Germany and caught up with a couple of Messiah folk. She had a good time, and it is back to normal in London this week. She's been there for over a month already ... Now all we have to do is pray for a decent job for her this summer.

Liz sat right behind the Prime Minister

Hey Mom and Dad!

I have had a fantastic day thus far. I just sat in a two hour meeting with the heads of the select committees and Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Interestingly enough, I ended up sitting directly behind Mr. Brown and the entire meeting (all 2 1/2 hours of it) was broadcast live. I found the link to the footage on the Parliament website.



http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Home.aspx

Go here and click on "What's On" --> go to the committees channel box and click on the link entitled: "10 am HoC Liaison Committee--Boothroyd Room- Evidence from the Prime Minister"

Maybe you'll be able to see me :)


<3 you!
Lizzy

Tuesday, it's "Acting Up" time

Like I need an excuse to act up ... but tonight, Lucie and I will head to church to meet with our small group. We are reading "The Beautiful Fight", and also going to work on some drama exercises. Not sure I can pantomime "you are a seed in the pre-spring ground." A little too Hal Haywood for my taste, but then again, it's not about ME. I want it to be about me, but nobody else cares, and rightfully so.

Another gorgeous day today, hit the 70's and that ain't bad for Feb. 10th. I wish I could play outside all day, my inner child would like that. Actually I need to talk to that young boy, apparently he's been eating way too much, cause he's causing me to expand. (Another minor character fault of mine, accepting blame).

Spoke to Liz, it is wet and drizzly in old London town. Amazing how the weather affects your outlook in life. I've been chipper and upbeat with the sight of daffodils poking out of the ground. I watched a bunch of squirrels correction, a "scurry" or dray of squirrels. When I was in France (flight of ideas, and I turned it back to being all about me)... I had a professor who was teaching us translation of French into English. He spoke with a beautiful English accent, and made two remarks that I clearly remember unto this very day, some 29 years later:

1. The King James Bible is the most beautiful and well written of all the books he had ever read.
2. English is the most descriptive of languages and he used as his example the groupings of animals:
pride of lions
scurry of squirrels
flock of sheep
a plague of locusts
gaggle of geese (if they are on the ground, if in flight then) a skein of geese

So if click on the link above, it will take you to a listing of other animal grouping names. Ok, so some trivia you could have lived without ... I get it, but these are the things I find cool. Lucie is out getting Bekkah from a basketball game at school. It will be interesting next year, when Rachel joins her, if Rachel will be rushing her along to get to all the various activities on her plate. We shall see.

70+ degrees and I played in the dirt!

Sunday was AWESOME ... it may have hit 74 degrees, all I know is the sun was shining and the air was warm. I know this is an anomaly in NC, not all February 8ths are this warm, but still, that was nice. I moved some straggler "bulbs" from there wherever places to just at the foot of this oak tree outside our living room window. I plan on being able to see them bloom from inside. The infamous Thanksgiving / Christmas / Valentines cactus is blooming again. Lucie's dad had started this back in the day, he's been gone before Rachel turned 1, it was one of the few plants that survived our lack of green thumbism and traveled with us (me and Questra the cat) in my SCION when I arrived here June 28th 2008.

Have no idea what the bulbs will look like. I believe we saw some last year when we visited in February ... mostly white or yellow if I recall. Lucie is going to a local garden shop with Aunt Penney to pick up a bird feeder. You could hear them all chirping this morning as I walked out to the car to head to work.


Rachel had her first 3 hour driving session on Sunday, she goes back on Tuesday and Thursday ... soon she'll have done the required time and observation and will go to the DMV for her driver's permit. All very exciting. Bekkah should be up for her license on May 1st, since she got her NH license the last week of April, and the DMV was going to count that as a "permit". She'll still be restricted, needing not to drive between 9PM and 6AM (unless going to and from work or school) and only one non-family member. While Liz is in London, using the CRV should not be a problem, but on the cinco de mayo we get Liz back, and then we'll have to scurry for wheels. Liz is enjoying her internship, went sight-seeing all day on Saturday. Lucie and Liz chatted for quite a while yesterday. Thank goodness for Vonage and that Liz now has access to a landline.

Our church is going to do a "Daniel's Fast" ... Lucie and I will do this for 10 days, though Pastor BK is asking us to do it for 21. He's doing it for a full 40 days.

Saw my first UNC game last night

Men's tar heel basketball against the Maryland Terrapins. UNC won, however some argued their defense could have been better. I just enjoyed the whole scene with die-hard fans whoppin' and hollerin' "TAR" .... "HEEEEELS" and not to mention the whole "sea" of baby blue. Never saw this spirit in NH at KSC. (Go Owls?)



Friday Feb. 6th:
Ok, started that post didn't get very far. This has been a hard week, we lost two guys in our department, both with young kids. That's a total of four since november, pretty much everyone that was local to RTP are gone (in my group anyway). Makes for quiet "interaction" from co-workers. Just myself and a contractor who works from home most days.

Luckily, my HTH (home town honey) is meeting me for lunch. Liz is still lovin' London, she enjoys the hub-bub of a capital city and the vibe of living there. Apparently she has been referred to as "love" by her MP, which I believe is just a british term ... I shouldn't worry, just like I don't worry that Lucie calls everyone Hon or Sweetie ...

Lucie has been asked to come interview for a job, part time, but her getting out and seeing folks should be good. We are getting more estimates for the pool (hey someone has to help out the local economy).

Rachel get's to compete in Fayetteville tomorrow. We haven't traveled there yet, I think besides flying through Charlotte once, that this will be the furthest south we've traveled in NC.

Our friends are starting to talk about visiting ... apparently the snow is making everyone think of warmer climes. It was cold last night, but should hit 50 today and 65 tomorrow ... not bad for Feb. 6th.


Amen to this!

Snow day in London

Liz got to stay home from her internship in London as they got "10 centimeters" (around 6 inches) of snow. The worst in 18 years a local tabloid reported. So she's at home in her flat today catching up on rest.

On a quirky note, she's dealing with a hyper-efficient fraud alert system. Her bank put a hold on her card as she tried to buy groceries yesterday. She had told them she would be in Europe, but apparently their systems still shut her down. Hopefully it is all squared away.

Bekkah and Rachel get to go to the gym "together" tonight. Rachel has uppped her workouts to 4 times a week. Bekkah is "trying it out" tonight. The gym does not have a level 8 program, but Bek is going for the exercise. She would not be able to compete this year even if she wanted to. She's nervous, as she hasn't worked out since she sprained her ankle last spring in NH.

Rachel has established herself as a hard-working team member. Here she is a "novice" pre-op, and her coach said if she goes through competition through the summer that he would move her to level 7 team next fall. She's worked hard and it has paid off. On other Rachel news, we find out if she got selected from the lottery for Wood's Charter School where Bekkah presently attends. If accepted, the plans are for her to go into her junior year at that same public high school.

We have workers all over our house, applying caulk, paint and nails to go through a punch list with our builders. Ah the joys of home ownership. The city of Durham is also replacing a "termite" infested phone pole. Maybe it's Duke Energy, and the city will add a light fixture once the power has been moved. Today they just put the pole in place.

Lucie was bummed today that one of her doctors just got layed off. A doctor getting layed off? Blame this economy, but his private practice did not make their numbers last year, so they are doing this to cut costs. Can you imagine? I thought the medical profession was recession proof, apparently not in private practice (hey, I think that's a theme the tv show has been dealing with of late.)

I find out tomorrow what my fate is at work as well. Promised the girls we would go to Bolivia if I'm not selected. They also want a pool, and that's on hold as well. Well, we are to trust in all things. My fate is in His hands and whatever happens, happens. I sure would like to blame someone else for this situation, but ultimately, I know that life isn't always easy or fair. "The rain falls on the just and the unjust". I pray that our department survives.

Note I sent to Lizzie

Liz,

... just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. RELISH / ENJOY / SOAK IN this time, this season you're in. I have so many wonderful memories of my time in France back in '79-'80 (I also spent 33 days in '78). I can see you going back and revisiting your old haunts, even though I haven't for about 30 years now. Wish we could come visit, it would be a blast, but this week we focus on job continuation.

Bekkah is in charge of the "christian" group (co in charge w/ another girl) for the month of February at her school. They've been praying that I keep my job. My sentiments MOSTLY are that I'll still be employed after next week. Mom says she's at peace too. However, good feelings aside, we have to prepare for the possibility. So I covet your prayers too ...

I look at it like this. We are Jesus', we are in His care. He's refered to as the Prince of Peace and also the Refining Fire. I don't look forward to refining, but if he needs to "smelt" away gunk and hindrances, then so be it. I really would like to be 100% sold out, but that scares me. I like creature comforts. I like my flat screen tv, my cars, my home, my Keurig 1 cup coffee maker (ok, technically that's Mom's, but I do benefit from it). I really hope NOT to get layed off, because I REALLY want my girls to experience Bolivia. I know Mom won't go without me, and she asked again (makes me wonder if she's putting out a "fleece" to God) that if I lose my Fido job, that I will call Adam and tell him we're not going.

I really believe Mom will LOVE Bolivia. Can't you see her washing those babies? Can't you see her with children on her lap? Can't you see her in Chapare with the local women? Or perhaps at that clinic run by the Cuban doctors assisting them as an R.N.? I really believe that I won't lose my job, just so that God can get Mom out there to see what He has for her.

So, back to what's REALLY the reason for writing. Not to worry you, just to share. Just to let you know that you are LOVED. That Mom and I are so proud of you for taking this chance, to stretch yourself. Even when we are not there, we are there. Listen to your heart-beat, your breathing. Take yourself in, look at your reflection, know that we think of you often. Mostly, know that He who created you is looking after you. Though surrounded by the unfamiliar, know that He never ever plans on letting you go. That He and His angels watch over you, that you can converse with Him at any time, that He remains your hope and high tower.

Don't let anyone get under your skin. As scripture says "Count it all joy ..." Next time someone seems to doubt your ability, remember that they are a Godsend, someone God has sent your way to bless. Count it all joy baby, tell them that God loves them. See, life isn't always roses and sunshine but things happen for a reason. When you feel squeezed, turn to the Word, and let its healing prayers soothe you. Take a walk on a cobblestone street and remember the blessing you are experiencing. Listen to a local say "little bit" and smile. Know that you are LOVED, and God who died for you and smiles upon His creation and loves His Lizzie. Remember that Sunday is around the corner and you will get to worship in a world class setting! The sites, the smells, the culture all of it is there for you to remember that your are The King's kid!

I know it rains there, but remember it rains here. Wonder if the droplets of fog that are hitting your face once hit the face of a martyr, of your friends, of Rose Emelda or of Jesus of Nazareth. Know that you are connected to a family of believers who are in all parts of the world. Remember how I told you about the time I was in Spain, traveling by myself? Well if I did, here it goes again. I was on my Spring Break, and we had decided to go to Spain. For whatever reason, even though I had hitch-hiked and then met up with friends, I had none of them around me. I must have looked down, lonely or afraid, cause a young person, around my age or a little older, stopped me and rattled something out to me in spanish. I'm not sure if the deer-in-the-headlights look gave my lack of understanding away or if my american accent "Que?" did it, but he smiled broadly and said in a very heavy Spanish accent, "SMILE, Jesus loves you."

I did, and I remember it to this day. One of my "hermanoes in Christ" taking the time to share God's love. So, you are not alone, you are never alone. So have an awesome weekend. Do NOT feel pressured to doing anything you don't want to. Go to a flower shop, stop and smell the roses. Go to a gallery, and appreciate the hours spent creating the artwork, the imitation of the great Creator, the subtle features of the artist's pen. SMILE honey, God loves you and so does your Mommy and your Poppy.

Love, and hugs and kisses,

Dad