Carefree Timelessness

Tonight I had a pleasant surprise when I got home from my day's work and workout.  Both boys were home, and out playing basketball with dad.  It was even more amazing in that I was listening to one of Matthew Kelly's CD's on raising a family.  On this CD he was talking about Carefree Timelessness and how important it is especially in today's society.  At a time when we are caught up with our electronic devices, we rarely spend quality time with our loved ones...It is communication via texting, glued to TV and video games, spending countless hours on the computer, running kids here and there.

Well, after snapping a few pictures, I joined in the fun.  We had much laughter, and it reminded me of the years as a young family!  Clif won the first game, and Stephen won the second.  I wonder how sore we will be tomorrow because I can't remember the last time I shot so many hoops!



                   Clif's saying, "I can't believe that shot didn't go in!"


                "I'll show you how it's done!"



                                 "Uh-huh, and you think that's a basket?"



                "It's my turn, let me have a try!"



      "No, no, no, I'm telling you, this is how it's done.  It'll go in this time."  Notice Michael,
"Yeah, right!"

     Carefree Timelessness.  The world needs more of it. :)

Living with Passion and Purpose

Last Saturday, my sister Diane and I attended a seminar given by Matthew Kelly titled Living Your Life with Passion and Purpose.  This man is truly graced with the Holy Spirit, and I believe he is one of God's current day evangelizers. I am providing a link to his schedule because if you can, and if one is nearby, you should go. http://www.dynamiccatholic.com/passion-purpose-events   It is life changing. He uses common sense, humor, and truth.  If you are not able to attend, I would suggest to at least go to his website and order his books.


    I have read Rediscover Catholicism and The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic.  I purchased Rhythm of Life at the event.  I am eager to dive into reading and applying his advice. It's time we revitalize our Faith. Afterall, Pope Benedict XVI has declared this THE YEAR OF FAITH. We just need to live it.

DeLeon Springs

Today Clif and I have been married for 28 years.  We decided to head off to DeLeon Springs in DeLand to enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading off onto the hiking trail.



DeLeon Springs State Park has the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where you cook your breakfast at your table.  It is a really fun concept, and on a cool morning like today, it gives you warmth being next to the hot griddle.



Clif usually does all the cooking when we go camping.  I thanked him for doing our cooking this morning too.  He didn't mind because he said, "at least I get to eat it while it's still hot."



I liked the multigrain pancakes best.  We had plenty of energy in our tummies for a day of adventure.



We headed off onto the Wild Persimmon Trail.  I have to admit, it is one of the most beautiful hikes I've taken in Florida.  I was hoping to spy a bear, but no such luck today.  We had fun looking anyway.  We didn't have trouble with insects as it was a dry, crisp day. I think it made it into the low 70's which is ideal for hiking.




There was plenty of tree canopy which of course is my favorite hiking environment.



They have planks strategically placed for the rainy seasons.  Technically we didn't have to walk on them, but it was fun just the same.



There was a patch of ferns.  My thought is the tops are discolored due to a recent freeze.



Then Clif notices a couple of bones.  We were curious as to what animal was eaten.



We couldn't help but notice all the new growth.  And to think, the northeast is snowed in.



Even the Azaleas were in full bloom.  They were absolutely gorgeous. 



After we finished our hike, we rented a canoe for an hour.  This is a manmade waterfall
where the Spring empties into a cove that eventually leads into Lake Woodruff then into a river named Garden Run.



It's nice having Clif navigate the waters.  It makes for an enjoyable time. :)



I didn't realize at the time the water was choppy as the wind was at our backs.  This is Lake Woodruff.  Nice big lake, eh?  The row back across was a bit strenuous with the headwind, but we made it! 



Once we got across, Garden Run had a tranquil setting.  The land to the left is Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge.  We ventured there once we finished at this park.



On the way back to the park, next to the DeLeon Springs sign is what we called the Abominable Mossman.  We have no idea what the significance of this was, but it was interesting.  It made us laugh. :)




Once we got to the Woodruff National Wildlife Refure, we caught glimse of this alligator.

We had a wonderful day together, perfect, in fact.  The Food for Thought for today from DynamicCatholic.com was a great way to start our day.  I believe this is why our day turned out being just perfect.

"When two people love each other it is a wonderful thing, but when two people love God and each other this is the kind of relationship from which the future of the Church will spring. When you both burn with a love of God the fire will consume the impurities of your human love. The more you love God the more you will be able to love each other."
                                                                                            -Mustards Seeds.

5K

I know many of you are experienced 5K runners, but I for one am not.  Running isn't even my preferred avenue for exercise.  I'd much rather be dancing.  But with inspiration from my twin friends, and 80's music on the mp3 player, I ventured outside my comfort zone, and can now say proudly...I DID IT!



Kim, Karen, and I are very chilly without our jackets.  Race time was 7:30am, but we had to be there at 6:45.  It was a cold 42 degrees.



In the sea of pink shirts, I saw Joanna.  I taught her daughter Sunday School in K, 1, 2, and 3rd grade.  Laura has a special place in my heart.  I still hang the pumpkin craft she gave me for Halloween every year.  I love to look at her signature on the back.  It brings such joy. :)




Karen came in minutes behind Kim and I.  I think it had warmed up to maybe 48 by this time.



I don't think we look too bad afterwards. We look presentable enough to treat ourselves to breakfast!