Once upon a ... July?

Things are going to get crazy very soon - as if they're not already. So I'm trying to stay on top of this blog thing before I'm WAY behind again.

This last weekend I spent in Olympia because I was in a patriotic choir program with Mr B, Nathan, Anna, and Sarah at the Bruce's church. Sarah and I drove up late Friday night. When we arrived sometime after 11:30, we sampled the decadent flavors of homemade ice cream -- raspberry, chocolate chip cookie dough, and peppermint. It's hard to beat homemade ice cream.

We went to the dress rehearsal early Saturday morning, then relaxed in the afternoon. I played the piano... and played and played and played. (Mom, I'm actually noticing an improvement -- when I'm home again you and I will have to play the duets!!) I haven't consistently practiced for ages (if I ever did), but I've been able to play for hours and hours 3 of the past 6 weekends. And it's been more wonderful and relaxing than I would have ever imagined.

Saturday night we went to the races. And it was a great night for me - I won! Or, rather, all my cars did. Before each big race begins, Mama B writes down our "bet" on any 2 cars of our choice. We get points if our cars place in the top 3: 5 points for 1st, 3 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd. This time I paid more attention during the short trophy dashes and heats early on -- and that, along with a fair number of lucky guesses, paid off! : )

Sunday morning came early... but it was fun to sing a choir program again. Oh, something I didn't mention before -- we were accompanied by an orchestra ensemble. If you've never sung to live orchestral accompaniment, you've simply got to try it sometime. It's very cool. Several of the pieces in particular were powerful and evocative -- and it was quite moving to watch people's expressions in the audience and to see so many stand for the Battle Hymn.

Sunday afternoon involved more relaxing ... eating a fresh batch of vanilla homemade ice cream with ripe strawberries ... piano playing ... lazing around the house trying to stay cool. I didn't mention that this particular weekend was HOT. I was lucky to be in Olympia where it was 10-15 degrees cooler than Portland... but it was still pretty toasty in the upper 80s (perhaps even low 90s at peak heat). When we were driving home later last night, it was a sweet relief to see wet roads in Portland and breathe in cooler air again. (Though... this morning dawned hot and muggy...)

I've been thinking a lot lately -- about many things, but among them freedom. Freedom in Christ. Freedom in our country. Freedom in general. Freedom... and its great cost. And the ongoing responsibility associated with it. And how Truth sets free. This great country with its many freedoms has many people who have shackled and entangled themselves into a great mess of many things... prisoners to addictions and lifestyles and idealogies and material things and even laws they think will give them more freedom. O, God, save this nation from it's people.

The Holy Spirit threw a switch yesterday... because my heart has been breaking today like I haven't been aware of in a long time. I can't even begin to imagine God's heart for His beloved creation as my heart is breaking for hurting people I don't even know. I know nothing of their stories, but somehow I can see the brokeness... the insecurity... the loneliness... the seeking of fulfillment... O, God, save these hurting people from themselves and soften their hearts towards You. God must be God since He can see His broken creation and still allow them the higher love of freely choosing Him rather than being forced to love Him. God truly is amazing.

Time marches on and we are already on the eve of July. July?!? One of the girls in my department at work discovered that she was born on my half birthday. And way back a number of months ago when we were talking about it, it seemed like a long way out. Now, we're celebrating her birthday in 2 days. And I suppose we'll be celebrating her half birthday in the blink of an eye as well. As I have heard before -- the days are long, but the years... months... weeks are short. So there you have it.

And that concludes the final post in for June of 2008. Stay tuned for the days... weeks... ahead.