February 28, 2023 Quick thought: Bits

Ten days later and we're still finding pieces of confetti from Fasching around the house. We've swept and vacuumed several times and still find them in the laundry, on the floor, in our hair, etc. It's almost like they're reproducing or something.  Fasching has come and gone but those little bits of paper are constantly reminding us of the occasion.  This has been thinking, hence the quick thought:  What am I sprinkling in the lives of those I  come into contact with? What do I leave behind when I'm gone.  You could postulate this out on a generational basis, what about my kids, my grand kids and so on, but for simplicity's sake, let's just consider today.  As I walk through my daily life, taxis, supermarket, classroom, pub, yoga class, living room, or wherever, what am I leaving behind in the lives of those I brush up against.  By God's grace, it's good, it's right, it's salt, it's light...it's little bits of Jesus.  Goodness, I've got some work to do. 

February 20, 2023 Swoosh or Swish

 

Not sure which came first, the love for sneakers or the love  of the game that inspired the sneakers.  Either way, #A has a new passion: Basketball.  This week he played in his first tournament down in Bern, Switzerland (I mean who dreams this stuff up, right?).  The pic isnt great but love the shooting form and what it represents, a good and perfect gift (a young man getting to put skills into practice with a bunch of his buddies...while missing a day of school).  In case you're wondering, the shot was good...and perfect.   See also James 1:17. 

February 19, 2023 "Fasching"

 It's always interesting to learn about a places cultures and traditions.  Fasching (aka Faschnet, Karneval, Mardi Gras) in the Black Forest has certainly been so.  We had several local friends attempt to explain the festivities.  While the descriptions varied the general idea centered about scaring Winter/beckoning Spring and sortof a last schebang  before the restrictions of Lent kick in.  From what we've actually seen it involved lots of beer, loud music, creepy and cartoonish costumes, confetti and more beer.  It hasnt been our favorite, local holiday but it certainly has been intriguing.  Go here for more info. 

February 8, 2023 Impulse Purchase

 

Ever made an impulse buy? We sure have. Are you kidding?  With five kids, checking out at the grocery store was at times hand-to-hand combat.  Candy bars, hand sanitizer, lip balm, drill bits, etc., etc.  But a purchase back last Fall was a first.  For some reason Aldi was trying to get rid of tons of tulip bulbs and they were dirt (oops) cheap.  Although skeptical, #P grabbed a bunch of those rascals and planted them in our small patch.  We were pretty skeptical but imagine the surprise when these beauties starting poking their beautiful green heads out of the dirt.  A harbinger of coming, warmer days and one of #D's favorite flower, a win-win.  Hopefully they will bloom.  We'll keep you posted on the progress.