But it depends, it’s a blessing and a curse. For example, it was a blessing last Saturday when, in a thoroughly well-used port-a-potty, I smelled nothing. It was not such a blessing in my kitchen that night, when my toast burned to a crisp as I stood two feet away. I noticed nothing until I turned to see  it pop up, black as coal, a few discouraged-looking plumes of smoke issuing from the slots.

When confronted with flowers, I won’t get a whiff unless my face is an inch away and I take a good deep sniff. At that point something faintly floral makes it’s way inside and applies for recognition as a beautiful fragrance. Unfortunately it is often lost in translation.

It’s also difficult to pick up the full flavor of food. Again, with deep and fast inhale while I chew, the flavor will hit momentarily and remind me what it’s supposed to taste like.

There are many unpleasant smells I get right away, of course. Popcorn, skunks, feta cheese, etc.

But hey, I can’t complain! Of all the senses with which to have trouble, this is by far the best. I am so grateful to still be able to see amazing things and read, hear music and the voices of people I love, and feel the soft skin of my friends’ babies. God is good =)

“The only thing the worrier has to look forward to is the worst thing that could happen actually happening.  Worry is practical atheism, an affront to God, and therefore the Christian must desist from it immediately.

‘Worry’ comes from two Greek words meaning ‘to divide the mind’. Divided, distracted, diffused, debilitated, and ill-equipped for life. In this state you can only bring a part of yourself to the problem before you. When genuine concern becomes knots in your stomach and in your soul that don’t glorify God, it becomes sinful worry. Your energies and thinking are dominated by this one thing.

Stop! It is inappropriate for a believer who lives in the presence of God, and it is not a malady to be cured with a pill.

Worry is not a solitary sin. It fathers others, such as discontentment. It’s a lot of work for nothing, and it unfits us for life.”

Byrne Hall

In two days, I begin a new job in this lovely 1916 building. It houses office space for two companies, one of which is the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. I’ll get plenty of exercise hustling up and down the creaky old staircase between my office (shared with the Box Office Operations Manager), and the office of the Executive Director on the floor above with the rest of the staff.

Funny thing is, it used to be  a nunnery . . .

But then I start to badger myself with the “why haven’t I learned this lesson before?” questions, and feel as though I must be horribly thick to STILL need such admonishment. That’s what our fallen nature does: clouds our ability to recognize sin in the first place and then buries us in guilt when we do. Still, instead of slipping down that slope in the opposite direction of spiritual growth, I beg the Lord to help me be inspired by such conversations to make those changes from the heart and practice better habits. God put these people in my life, whether family or friends, and it is He who allows them to observe and speak. I want to be open to truth, whoever speaks it. When family tells me something I need to hear, it’s easy to think “well that’s true at home, but family notices everything negative and it’s probably not so bad around other people.” Sadly we’re all more comfortable sinning against our families than others. But that is such foolish thinking. Then “other people” speak up too, and it drives home the point more painfully. Our behavior really does affect them, and now character flaws that could have been dealt with long before have difficult consequences.

A lesson learned: don’t just listen to advice from the people you want to listen to. If you are blessed with godly family, listen to them. Be proactive about taking admonition with humility, and with God’s help make the changes. Be teachable. Have a soft heart, that of flesh and not of stone, given by our Father through Christ. Don’t be stubborn. Remember how often God called Israel “a stubborn and stiff-necked people”? Don’t be that person. He is endlessly patient, yes. But the sooner we humble ourselves the better. God is “opposed to the proud”. ‘Opposed’ meaning “to line up in battle against”. Don’t be the fool whose pride puts you in that fearful position. Because He is ready every moment to forgive, strengthen, and pull you up off the floor. His strength is perfected in our weakness.

I am so grateful for my family (all three of you) =] and for the friends God has provided. Thankful that they notice problematic patterns in my life and want to help me change them. Thank you all for speaking with grace and kindness. May God bless you for it, and may we grow from now on to better personal holiness and stronger relationships.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, and how unutterably sweet is their forgiveness.

Greetings! Finally continuing my little series of pictures from my little life here in Arkansas. I hope you enjoy
The first picture is Robinson Music Hall, home of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and, along with the Verizon Arena, one of the venues for big concerts and shows. I’ve heard some incredibly beautiful concerts there, including Joshua Bell (Mozart’s violin concerto in E minor), Beethoven’s 9th, and Pictures at an Exhibition. Something I love about a small city like Little Rock is how easy it is to get downtown for concerts at a place like this…parking can be tricky but nothing like the mayhem of LA, and I don’t fear walking down the street.

Next are photos from the Air Show we had last fall at the base nearby. Missed most of it but still got to see some very cool and educational things! These are such amazing machines.
Pictures in the  middle are from when we climbed around inside a plane from WWII, to find out later it wasn’t supposed to have been open to us in the first place. After walking through some cargo planes, everyone found a spot to stand and we enjoyed the fantastic talent of the Thunderbirds. I have several great videos of them, but so far in those cases, posting from my phone has not worked.
Enjoy, and more to come!

And those stories –never have I heard the like. Dudes named “Fish”,  huge fires in the middle of the veldt,  wild trips down the Zambezi River, nearly “getting chowed” while surfing in the most shark-infested waters of the world, and all the other “Hectic!” things he did.

We watched him study himself delirious and succeed. We watched him learn hard lessons and recover. I made him coffee that was too strong and we cooked food that was too bland, but he loved us anyway.

Here’s to the friend who joined in tickle-fights even though he hated them, just to please us. Here’s to the friend who reprimanded me when I needed it. Here’s to the friend who was there for my Most Embarrassing Moment. Here’s to the friend who taught me how to drive a stick-shift. Here’s to the friend who totally freaks my melon. Here’s to the friend who gave me the book “Beautiful in God’s Eyes” for my 16th birthday: Kilwa, you are my brother.

And even though part of me cannot forgive you for moving back to South Africa, I know that’s where you found your wife so I suppose it’s alright. And I know that it’s where your heart is; you love your people and God is using you among them.
Thank you so much for bringing Nicole to meet us. I love how perfect she is for you. And lovely too. We enjoyed her so very much, grew to love her, and I am greatly relieved that she seems to love us back!

So lastly, here’s to the friend who finally got married and, now, is a brand new father.

Neil, I could hardly believe my eyes as I looked at that picture of you and Nicole and your precious Olivia this morning. There were tears in my eyes! She is beautiful as can be. I cannot possibly tell you how happy I am that God brought Nicole and this new daughter into your life. He has blessed you so richly. I can’t wait to meet her =}

Olivia Hannah Anderson . . . I’m already praying for you little one. And by the way, you have the best parents ever.

If I can get this to work, enjoy!

Because I don’t use the facebook app, I can’t post phone pictures  directly to fb so I’ll post some favorites here. Whether you are a friend from CA, AR, or somewhere else, hopefully you’ll enjoy a few scenes from my life out here. 

A smattering of photos from the last several months…

A few friends and I hiked a small mountain yesterday (Pinnacle), and the view of the Arkansas River and surrounding trees was truly stunning.
The friends surprised me at the top with delicious cupcakes and a round of Happy Birthday. So grateful for such thoughtful people! It meant a lot to me.

I’ll try posting pictures through the wordpress app…if it works, I’ll have a bit more to post  from the summer and fall. Enjoy!