DADDY, I NEED HELP were the words that came from Alisha...not exactly anguished but definitely very needy. She had just discovered a forgotten homework assignment, and even more, it was the type of assignment she had never done before. Well, Dana was there and gladly walked her through the process of what was needed so she could begin.

As I watched and listened I realized this is exactly what we need to do not only in our times of extreme need, but on a daily basis. We need to cry out to God "Daddy, Abba Father, I need help. Guide me today in the way that I should go, in the decisions I make." We're promised He will in Psalm 32:8 "Iwill instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

Other highlights from CA...we ran the gamut of weather from 38deg the first night I was there (unusual) to 105 degrees at Pismo Beach 2 days later (also unusual).

Sue's health has not improved; there is some new treatment being considered. That is hard to see yet it is always a joy to be with them. Changes coming up for them as Karis graduates from high school and Alisha enters public school for the first time.

Coming home was an experience (don't 'hitchhike' on Mondays when the business travelers are on full steam), yet even with a few struggles and not so ideal conditions I'm reminded how good my life is and how spoiled I can become if I'm not careful.

Blessings to you all.

Maxine

DO YOU REMEMBER, IF YOU REMEMBER, WELL DEARIE YOU'RE MUCH OLDER THAN I...(actually, I'm sure I'm at least older, if not much older than those who will read this)...and so you probably don't recognize the words to this 'oldie' but it came to mind the other day as a friend and I were reminiscing over some funny shared experiences which then moved on to some memories of our moms (now both deceased) some of which were very tender and some, hysterically funny.

Flying home later in the week with lots of time on my hands I thought about that conversation and was impressed by the thoughts the word REMEMBER brought. In my head I could say:

• to my sweetie and my kids, remember in CA when after church, Sunday lunch was automatically hot dogs, and because I kept dishes to a minimum on that day, we ate them off waxed paper 'plates' and that once lunch was over we'd each roll up our piece of waxed paper and lob it across the kitchen to land in the sink yelling 'my dishes are done'
• to my friend, Donalyn in CA, remember when I knew that we'd been to the same movie on the same night even though we hadn't seen each other because your laugh was so recognizable
• to our flock ladies, remember how hard we laughed when we went to DC, sharing 'girl talk' as we walked, day and night it seemed, drawing in as much as we could in 3 short days.
• to my nieces remember, that wild ride from the Budapest airport to our hotel when we were not completely sure of our final destination?
• to our dear friends. the Palmers, Moores and Comers in Portland remember how God used our combined ministries in a CA church and tied us together in bonds of love that lasted from 15 years ago to last August when we met for lunch, and will continue on.

Of course I could go on and on, but how about you. Do you reminisce sometimes...don't go there to live, but just to hang out a while..and remember how your life has been enriched and by who. It's a worthwhile trip.

Blessings to you all

Maxine