Sign of the Times 3

I know whats happened in my past and I pretty much know what's going on now - But WOW - $10 to know what's going to happen in the future! What a Bargain!!!!!!

So Much More

I live in a state that loves football. High School, College, Professional - if it has a pigskin - it's loved. It can get quite maddening at times. Mainly because I love baseball. Marlins and Mets. If I could I would live and breathe it. But, regardless of our differences about sports, all of us sport fans have one thing in common, we are upset when our teams lose and we love when our teams win. Victory is very very sweet. Especially if it's against a despised rival team. But for the most part with most sports fans it is not just about the win, it is about how you got there.

However much we love the victory that is not what it is all about. That is especially true this time of year. Easter is this Sunday and that is our victory dance. The resurrection of our Lord. But the resurrection is not the whole story. We need to remember the sacrifice and the days that preceded the empty grave. We need to remember the pain, suffering that our Lord endured for us. He was scourged, nailed, humiliated, ridiculed, beaten - all so that we would be washed in his blood and forgiven. He took upon mankind's sin, for me, for you. Why? Because there was no other way for us to get closer to God, to be forgiven. Jesus interceded on our behalf and suffered such atrocities, All on our behalf.

Simply said - Our team wins. But it is so much more than a victory, it is about what came before. Without the pain, suffering and sacrifice there would not have been a victory or an empty grave. Without the sacrifice we would have no hope. The Victory is wonderful and joyous, but this Easter and EVERY day we need to remember the sacrifice that brought us his grace.

Sign of the Times 2

I'm not sure what to say about this one....

Sign of the Times 1

Look Out World

Enter more gray hair.

Patrick is now registered for high school. We met with his counselor this morning and he is registered and has picked his classes.

Honors English I
Algebra I
Physical Science
World History
Lifetime Wellness (PE/Health)

For his elective he wants to get Culinary Arts. This class is really great. They learn all sorts of things that includes the basics of a working professional kitchen/food industry and have a hands on lab in a commercial kitchen. He may not get it though. Upperclassmen have first crack at it before incoming freshmen. So we will have to wait until August to find out about which elective he gets.

His second choice for an elective if he doesn't get Culinary Arts is Piano. Why he chose Piano is beyond me but it was his choice. He has been playing the clarinet for the last 3 years, but if he took Band then he would have to be in the marching band and would have to go to band camp in the summer and he didn't want to do either. I wanted him to stick with it, but between the marching band that he was adamant that he didn't want to do and the things I have heard about the band teacher I'm ok with him not taking band. But piano really threw me. I don't understand it, but I'm ok with it. I like the fact that he is going to be keeping up with music and learning something new. He wanted to take French as one of his electives, but because of Honors English and Algebra I the counselor thought that might be a bit much for him to handle all at once in his freshman year. Of course I think Spanish would be better and more useful, but you know French is just more fun!

Anyway, my baby is going to high school. It just seems so wrong and that time has just flown by. Next thing you know he will be driving. Oy!!!!!!

Paris, TN

Well it is time again for me to start my traveling for the year. First I am going to Paris, TN. More specifically Paris Landing State Park. I am helping with a Juvenile Court training. I used to work at all of the Juvenile Court trainings but left to work with the Clerks of Court and the SCALES Project. The person that took my place had a car accident and has been out, so they needed additional help with registration and that is why I will be on the road again this afternoon.

It is a nice drive. I will be going through Clarksville on the way and the scenery is quite nice. Paris has it's own Eiffel tower, although a lot smaller than the original. The park that I will be staying at is nice too. I have been there several times before and actually have one of my own conferences there in September. The park is on the Tennessee River, which has been dammed to form Kentucky Lake and is very close to the border of Kentucky.

Even though it is a beautiful park I am glad it is only for one night. As much as I like to travel, I like staying home too.