Love At First Bite

It's always been his way - to nudge me awake before the birds are even singing for an early morning date. The promise of a pot of coffee that I didn't have to make, complete with French Toast or some other savory delight mere moments away . . .if I'd only get out of bed.

Stirred by my intense love for him, and the desire to spend time in his presence, free from the usual press of our home, I comply. Esquisitely romantic memories flood my mind on these occassions. La Madeline's in Baltimore; Copeland's at various locale; and the hole-in-the-wall diner along a backroad, serving coffee since 1945 the same way, same faces.

It has always been wonderful. It still is. Today, however, there is a new glitch. A new order, if you will. There is the matter of a wee little man who has entered our world scene:


Keller St John has been a show stopper ever since he arrived. First of all, his Dad and I are completely enamored with him. He wakes easily on these o'dark thirty occasions, and seems quite happy to tag along for the ride.


However, he does prove to be a distraction of sorts betwween us. Instead of looking deeply into one another's eyes and cooing, we are now coaxing coo's from the little boys' being. Interestingly enough, he complies. Just enough to keep us egging him on.


The real issue is, however, that Keller seems to have taken a liking to a cute waitri at one of our frequent watering holes. His heart skips a beat when she arrives at the table, and soon it is not a quiet romantic type of breakfast at all. Three might be a crowd, but now we've got chaperone duty to boot!

Of course, no one seems to mind ~ even the customers waiting patiently at other tables. They all seem to intuitively sense that love is in the air . . .

Have we fostered an environment wherein the KellerWellerBoy will grow and mature to dote on his future bride with such extravagance? There is only one way to find out: Keep nurturing those special early morning dates, my Love.

Example is the best teacher. ")

Who's That Hero?

[On a quiet spring morning in rural Mississippi, Keller is taken by suprise at the loud crashing noise above.]

"Wha?? What was THAT?"


[Camera pans upward, to display none other than the ferocious Velocaraptor!]

"Grrr! Growl! Hiss!"

[Undeterred, Keller takes immediate defensive action!]

"Take THAT, you mean old Velocoraptor!"

[His superhero work done, Keller takes a moment to pose for the papparazzi.]

"It was nothing. Really. Just saving mankind. It's what I exist to do."

Speaking Of Angelina . . .

Who knew?

My daughter could pose as a stunt double, yes?

We'll call her: Bethalina Joy-ee!!!

We Almost Saw Brad Pitt.

I'm scrolling through my treasure trove of photos, deciding on which I'll be bringing you today here at ChoiceCentral, and I came upon a doozy of a memory and an incredible shot that I am very proud of, if I do say so myself thankyewverymuch.

Enough of my run on sentences this morning. I've not had sufficient coffee to meet my dietary needs. Yet.

You'll recall quite recently I had occasion to take my wonderful guests to the historic French Quarter in New Orleans.

New Orleans. Twice in one week. Egads!




Memory serves that it was the first trip with D that was so eventful. First, there was the sunglass debacle. They were gone. Disappeared like dust in the wind. Weird.

Then, there was the eeire knowledge of the wealth of the city ~ sequestered away behind iron bars and buildings made of bricks that are 200 years old. Opulence mere yards away from the filth and debauchery on the streets.

But nothing quite compared to the unique experience of putting a mule, harnessed not only by leather but also by narrow streets, and the carriage he was pulling, in reverse.

You see, we had turned down yet another alley way of a road, only to discover men and machinery blocking our forward motion. There was only one thing to do:

HACK.

Yup. Hack.

(Don't ask me. I didn't break the mule. I'da chose some other word. One sounding less like one loosing their cookies after a night of revelry on the infamous New Orleans streets!)

The only problem was, the mule didn't want to HACK - er, - back up in a straight line. And there were cars. Honking at us. And, other mule-drawn carriages attempting to get by.

It is quite an odd sensation to be sitting on a carriage that feels as though it is about to jackknife. One really appreciates the skilled and hardworking truckers out there on the road after one has such an experience.

Well, eventually, HACK that old mule did. We were all a bit suprised. After all, he wanted to see Brad Pitts' New Orleans abode, too. Right down that narrow alleyway of a road that we couldn't access due to men and machinery. Seems he's an affinity for the actor and his brood. Or, maybe he's enamored with Angelina, and just doesn't want to admit it.

Given his female mule pal Gloria's disdainful head toss his way, my guess is that Angelina it is:

Rushing, Rushing . . .

Could someone please inform me where I last took off my shoes?

For your viewing pleasure today: The KBoyz in action:

This Present Reality

But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. Zechariah 14:7

I've travelled this road countless times, to the point where I can identify curves and potholes, and the residences that litter it. A familiar thing, driving home.

Yet last night I felt startled as I rounded an old comfortable curve. Before me stood a striking sight: a gnarly tree, firmly holding its' own on the corner, under the glare of a light too bright to allow slumber.

Why hadn't I ever noticed that tree in the daytime? Or had I? Why, in the backdrop of nightfall did this tree so capture my attention? The stark sight caused me to pull into a nearby drive, and turn around, with children protesting from the back seat.

"Mom, what are you doing?!" I didn't answer. I merely grabbed my camera, and for the very first time, slipped the dial to 'night' . . .and held my breath, hoping that I might be able to somehow capture the essence of what I was seeing.

I've failed.

Yet, the photo above at best gives the reader an idea of what gripped me so.

The children were mesmerized that I'd done this crazy thing. "Watch out! Here comes a car!" A host of comments were flying my way from out the window of the vehicle. All I could think about was the tree. It was hauntingly lovely.

Several Scriptures ran through my mind as I drove the final miles home. The Lord had intersected my drive home with this visual, and I wasn't quick to dismiss the image from my mind. How often do we scurry by usual sights, usual people, comfortable surroundings, without really knowing the present reality that surrounds us?

I daresay constantly.

This morning, I've done a browse of the Scriptures that were quickened to me, and I've selected the Zechariah verse above to aquaint you with my tree . . . I am certain, however, that this picture elicits much.

Please share your thoughts on this tree, in it's lessened starkness above, Scripture or otherwise. Then, email me at JaJireh [at] yahoo.com to obtain part three of the series, The Real Good News.

You'll be glad you did!

Overflow

If I could only

Find words

That describe this feeling I feel

When I look into your eyes

Knowing you are God's gift to us

A heart cry fulfilled

A promise made true

I love you, Keller St John

Contract In The Mail

We've read it.

We're signing it.

We're working out the details of a forward motion plan.

***********

And So It Was

that I ended up in Atlanta.

My GilGuy had made a suprise purchase for me of not one, but four tickets to go see Rascal Flatts in New Orleans. The only obvious response was to head east. (Or so he says regarding my personality!)

There are times in life when a road trip is the only solution. The only answer to gleaning tremendous hours of time getting to know someone, or reflection, or downright uninteruppted fun. I managed to squeeze all of the above in. Perfectly. ")

And a bennie to boot! I would be arriving at the new home of a dear sweet friend who had just moved to the area.


My recollection was of her warm and inviting country-style home in a woodsy area of Virginia. I was amazed to find her newly situated in nothing short of a mansion! The tall, elegant structure held a gorgeous staircase, modern surroundings, an apartment, and a pool! Even after the initial welcome, I could hear in my conscience my mother's voice saying "Shut your mouth, Angi", because it was wide open in a state of awe. Even still, Terri was a gracious hostess. ")

I couldn't help but see the parallels between Terri's two abode's. How, when walking in repentance of our sins, and believing on Christ Jesus, we put off the 'old man', the flesh, and put on the 'new man', or the incorruptible life of the manifest Christ.

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23

This new life surely fills this body, or 'tabernacle' that we live in, causing us to move to renew our minds, die to self . . .but we know that our corruptible body will be changed, and put on an incorruptible one.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15: 51- 53

We cannot imagine fully the manifest physical nature of our soon-to-come new bodies, our 'new homes' as it were . . .

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the
sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 1 Corinthians 15: 36-41

but we do know, without a doubt, that our 'mansions' will indeed be magnificent!

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14:1-3

And so it was that Jesus, knowing His intended destination was to receive many sons and daughters into the kingdom headed, not heavenward, but the opposite direction: to earth.

To spend hours of uninteruppted time with us, getting to know us in our fallen state, showing us the picture of the Father . . . indeed, even bearing upon His body our sins ~ all for the purpose of 'moving us' to a new locale.

So it is with great anticipation we desire to move to our new home, saying, "Yes, Lord! Even so, come quickly!"

Love Buckets

For the record, I'm an extrovert. Fueled by being surrounded by good friends and laughter is part and parcel of who I am, socially. It really is no suprise, then, that the gala event of hosting two guests back to back didn't phase me - it was the sandwiching of additional family events plus the boys trip to LA that stretched my limits of sensibility! LOL

For ease of journaling, and to keep my cyberfriends from reeling, I'll photodocument the entire social aspect of those two weeks here today in one fell swoop! Trust me ~ you'll thank me . . .since, as I've been told countless times: had it been anyone else, they'da never survived!

Come ~ take a little walk down memory lane with me, yes? Since the first shall be last, and the last first, let me introduce you to my friend Jules! A lovely sort, dignified by domestic prowess such as this beautiful wall hanging that she made, 'specially for me!

Jules goal in life was to bask in the warm, nurturing environs I create for the two infants that currently take up the majority of my time. [ahem] She found, however, that the laid back pace that she is most familiar with is a misnomer here in Mississippi, where "chop!chop!" is the going rate of speed of all things Angi . ")

I let her languish nary a moment! Among other things, we travelled to the French Quarter, New Orleans, to take in the sights. (The most recent edition of Konversation Korner is derived from our time there.) With us, we took my two adult daughters, shown below, in all their beauty:

Jules even survived the dinner table with all eight of us ~ barely!

I daresay she has been immensely impacted by time in our space . . .will she ever come back? This may be her only drawing card:

LOLOL!!

*******

Just six hours before Jules arrived, my friend D left.

Yes. Six hours prior. D and I had accomplished great feats of 'cramming it all in' because time was of the essence! We did things like, meet Gil's family . . .

and go to Cafe' du Monde ourselves . . .

and go to the Rascal Flatts concert . . .

and drive down the highway with the DellDog . . .

Drive down the highway with the DellDog???

yup.

We did it all.

And then some.

I'd say my Love Buckets were filled. Hmmm . . .I dunno . . .maybe I need another dose . . .

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

I Suppose I'll Work Backwards

Ya'll are a [delightfully] demanding bunch! I fired up the last episode of Konversation Korner with a smile in my heart. It is one thing to be enamored of my own accord about these boys, and the little captions their interactions draw from me . . .quite another to find I'm not alone in marvelling over them! Thank you for sharing in my joy!

Meanwhile, I see I've got to satisfy the whole lot of ya! [spoken in my bestest pirate growl] . . .but I don't mind. I just needed. some. direction. people.!! LOL

So, get ready! Another suprise contest today ~ the most recent podcast was such a hit that I'll zip out another [the next in the series] to each person who guesses correctly the mystery: of which I'll get to in a moment!

At the tail end of my whirlwind trip/guest/guest/conference/LA stint was an annual event that my husband and I attend each year. We've always taken it as more of a weekend away from it all, with a meeting or two for the GilGuy squished in between. Last year, my looming large preg-O-nant body spent the majority of the day unusually enamored with the television in the hotel room. Watching (of all things) unsolved mystery-type documentaries of women who've done in their hubbies. (egads!) But, I digress. It was an unusual season of life for me.

This year, however, turned into a whole new deal, with that largely looming belly of mine having produced, of all things, a human specimen that we call our son. It would be interesting to note just exactly *how* this young man impacted our sense of "getting away" for the weekend ~ for he was most certainly in tow!

Thus it was that I was forced to discovered, er, maybe develop a new couture ~ one that marries high fashion and infancy in one fell swoop. Let me illustrate:


As you can see, those spaghetti straps look stunning peeking out above the brass rings of that there wrap-thing-y I've successfully gotten myself into.

And here we have the Keller Boy, not impressed at ALL with the goings of of the elite crowd in which he discovered himself. Nope. It was nap time ~ even if only to pass the [boring] time away. He didn't sleep all night, though! Nope! Keller made his entrance in a stunning red vest and white button-down coupled with a pair of stylist black velvet pants.

Then, he began kevetching in such uncharacteristic fashion, that Gil and I were forced to share baby duty, just to keep him quiet! (Was he bored that bad? or could it have been a bit of teething practice? We may never know . . .) During Gil's watch, I suddenly had the presence of mind to realize I'd been failing in my customary bid to snap photos, and I'd better catch a few quick, if I wanted to document this monumentous occasion with the two men in my life! Here is the result of that endeavor (kinda):

Oh ~whoops! Looks like Gil has taken some creative photoshop liberty and brought, direct to ChoiceCentral, a photo that coarsely resembles my husband . . .er, at least I think that's my husband!?

Is it? You tell me: state in the comment section YES or NO. Then, to keep it fair for all guessers to be, email me at JaJireh [at] yahoo.com with the name of the person(s) you believe that mystery man to be. All who guess correctly will be sent the next in the podcast series: The Real Good News!

Now THAT, my friends, keeps life exciting. Not to mention your cranium in sharp-working order. ")

See ya on the flipside of tomorrow, with the lastest installment of . . . .[insert dramatic music here] the choices ChoiceCentral. ")

Konversation Korner: Kareening Karriage

"Hey Keller! Here we are, in historic French Quarter New Orleans, in this mule-drawn carriage - and it's goin' so slow! Let's highjack it, and really make this thing roll!" said Keeton, with a gleem in his eye.

"Whaaaa?? What did you just say, Keeton??? {gasp!} My gosh ~ that's . . .that's a naughty thing to do!" said Keller, dumbfounded.

Keller continues: "Keeton! Get a hold of yourself! We MUSTN'T highjack this rig! We're certain to receive retribution for our criminal activity!"

"Ah, shucks, Keller ~ I was just havin' a little fun with ya! A little mischievousness is all . . .if you feel that strongly about it, ah, heck. I give. No takin' over the cart. Will you forgive me?"

Keller is not fully convinced: "Well . . .let me consider that a minute. Do you promise? You'll be good? No stealin' horses? Well . . .okay. I forgive you, Keeton."

"Whew! Thanks, Keller! I'm feeling better already! Now, how can we convince our mom's that we need a fresh order of beniets??"

I'm Stuffed.

I've got so much rattlin' around in my brain on various levels; I've got loads of pictures yet to process and bring you I'm in a quandry. Where do I start? Is it even possible to catch up? Should I try, or start with a fresh sheet of 'from here on out' ideas to share with the blogosphere?

I could use quick speech and say I'm overwhelmed ~ but that's not it . . .I'm just . . .just . . .stuffed!

So I turn to you, my readership. Which cross-section of my varied life would YOU like to hear? What do you want an update on most? Should I chuck all the adventures from the past three weeks or so, and start fresh? What say you?

I think we'll have a little cyber-fun today, with an impromptu give-away associated wtih my blogopheric distress. For everyone who pipes up and gives me direction, I'll send you, via email one of my favorite podcast: The Real Good News: It's Already Finished by Unleavened Bread Ministries.

So, at the ready, readers!

Here are your choices:

1. Konversation Korner (loveable pics from the KBoyz)
2. What? You Had Company And Didn't Tell Me? (Yessiree. Two guests. Two weeks. Egads!)
3. Wait! I Demand More Info On Hollywood! (The saga continues . . .
4. Come On ~ Can't You Focus On The Homefront? (Gil and Angi out on the town.)
5. Where Are The Big Girls? (The life and times of my adult daughters.)
6. I Want Thought-Provoking Insights On The Lord! (I've several as of late . . .)
7. Start Fresh, Girl. You're Overloaded!

To participate in the giveaway, please leave a comment in the comments section, then send an email to JaJireh [at] yahoo.com with the subject line stating, "It's Finished!".

I'll zip you over a great study ~ and we'll all be richer for it!

Lavish Lamb

In my experience of being the love of my husbands' heart, I've had a host of occasion to view his gifting ways. The GilGuy is not one to simply toss a gift someone's way. No, he is deliberate about his selections, choosing only the finest, and often most poignant gifts. He does not gift often, but rather with purpose, and resolve to bless the intended recipient.

So it was with a beautiful gift he showered upon me just weeks before our son was born. Our anticipation of this wee one was great, after having lost a previous pregnancy. Our name selection was unique and special to us, thought out very carefully. Tears welled in my eyes as I opened the precious little lamb that bore my baby's name.

Months have now passed, and the joy of our heart is the little boy named Keller St John. Serious as he is carefree, intent as he is oblivious, the Li'l Man does nothing more than shine gladness upon us.

The other day, I walked into the bedroom to check on him during his nap. My heart magnified in amazement, as my son had obviously fingered the satin edge of the most wonderful gift until he slumbered.

I cannot help but consider the marvellous and magnificent ways of God that relate to this little lamb that holds Keller's name ~ for indeed, our name has been written upon Him from before the foundation of the world. It was our name, written upon the body of the Messiah that journeyed to the cross, bearing our sin and shame, and burying it beneath the washing and cleansing power of His blood. A purposed, well-planned and executed gift, with the intent to bless the recipient. A gift of the highest quality: a Lavish Lamb.

Consider your name today, upon Him.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29

I Wasn't The Only One

The DellDog was promoted to a new position while the men of the house were gone. Suddenly discovering that he was the alpha male in the home brought him a certain sense of pride and importance. He dutifully trotted by my side from room to room; carefully watched over the K Boyz as they played contentedly on the floor ~ and, he barked ferociously whenever a jogger moseyed down the street, just in case that jogger had any ill-intent beneath that facade!

The REAL moment of the DellDog's protective stance came late one night. Approaching midnight, all was quiet in the house, except for the clacking, clacking of computer keys while I sat, commenting on blogs, and perusing cyberspace.

We both heard it at the same time.

Someone opened the screen door. Dell barked, slicing the silence. I poised, with a bit of adreneline pumping through my body, for the inevitable knock that would surely follow. Who could it be at this time of night?

Nothing.

The screen door squeaked again, and Dell heightened his protective stance. Another round of menacing barks rose through his already low-growling throat, and I gulped. He was serious.

There is a moment when the fight or flee response holds one captive, unable to move. I was there. My mind raced ~ and I began problem solving in real time.

Thank goodness for that frozen response! It was then that a huge gust of wind slammed against the side of the house, sending the screen door in its' wildest screach yet, and my frozen state of semi-fear flooded over the banks of the unknown into a sigh of relief. There was a storm moving in.

Dell would protect me. ")

For several hours, the windstorm creaked and ployed the screen, and Dell stood guard, ready to take down anyone or anything that dared to jeapordize the safety of his pack. After all, he WAS the alpha male in charge: "Reporting for duty, sir!"

Dell's demotion was evidenced the night the boys arrived home. He circled in joyous peals of excitement when he saw Israel, and melted into a puddle of submission as Gil scratched his tummy. The next morning, he was beside himself as the recent world traveller finally arose from his slumber, to greet the fam.

I sure did miss my boy.

But I wasn't the only one. ")

Back On An Even Keel

and very glad for it! My boys are safe and snug at home, almost rested, and full of adventure stories. And a slew of unrevealed photos, too! Here's a new picture, and an anecdote for your Sunday pleasure:

my phone rings.

Gil is somewhat out of breath. He says: "Newsflash, Babie!"

I say, "Really?"

He says "Yep. Israel and I drove out to the Hollywood sign. It's mountainous, and it has a footpath. Steep. Not like the 'mountains' in Arkansas - it's a hike. Israel ran on ahead of me. Um . . .I can't find him."

I chuckle. He's kidding, right? Nope.

"Babie, there's more. There is this water-tower thing-y. It has a huge fench and a bunch of no-trespassing signs around it. I walk around it, but I don't go over the fence. I'm trying to reach Israel on the cell phone, when I hear this:

'sehhhhhhhhhhhhhhsekl;rlsjfeal - STEP AWAY FROM THE WATERTOWER sjdkfsasleirhawlhnekarj STEP AWAY FROM THE TOWER jdskfljadkflaksjl'

I look down, and there is a ROBOT telling me to get away from the tower in broken Spanish. (A satellite security cam has seen me). Babie! I almost got arrested by a Mexican Robot!"

****Meanwhile, I'm wondering where on earth my son is.*********

"Babie! I have cell phone reception on the top of the knolls. If I can't see the Hollywood sign, I can't call Israel. Can't find him. So, I finally reach him by phone, only to have him tell me, 'Dad! I'm looking at the BACK of the H!!'

*******************************

Great. My son is looking at the back of the H on the Hollywood sign.*sigh*

___________________________

Well, post said such adventure, I discover that Israel had scrambled up the mountain without his camera. I am SO disappointed! Gil, however, did capture a couple of posed shots before the whole debacle began . . .So, for your Sunday viewing pleasure:

Do You See This Boy?

The Lord had announced his arrival to my husband during the cross country drive to our new home a little over 13 years ago, months before I conceived.

This boy is the answer to my prayers for a son.

This boy has been nothing short of a constant source of joy to me.

This boy has captured my heart, and stolen it time and time again with his michievous antics.

And now, this boy is poised to lead the way into unchartered territory in an industry that can be as kind as it can be brutal.

That the purposes of the Lord be fulfilled is our primary prayer. That we be vessels of honor in His hand shall not cease to be our request.

As this boys' late father used to say in his New England accent repeatedly:

Hold on to the riggin' Nellie! We're headed for the rhubarb!
-The Three Stooges

Stop. Breathe. Smell The Roses. Repeat.

That's the best description I have of where I am today.

Today is decision day (again).

So, to pass the potential fingernail-chewing time, I've decided Dell needs a haircut. Having him return home all cute and fresh and handsome will most certainly have a positive effect on my ability to process through the hordes of informational data bits that are flying my way.

Maybe I'll add lunch out on that.

And a new pair of jeans.

Yeah. A new pair of jeans.

That'll do the trick.

")

Today, From LA . . .

Is it Wednesday already? The week is flying by as my guys manuever new dimensions in thought. Ideas, scripts, rehearsals, cold reads. All part and parcel for the day. - Not without a hearty breakfast, however:



Seems the local IHOP was a greasy joint, not suitable for consumption. Another eatery had to be found. Found it was, in a hole in the wall, on a street corner which Israel journeyed to on his own accord this morning.

Yes, his mother, on this rare occasion, fainted upon hearing this news. (Well, no, I didn't really faint ~ but I felt like it.)

Being the sturdy father he is, Gil knew what he was doing, and fell just a few steps behind the lad - only to discover his sons' winsome ways had completely and totally won over the hearts of the staff of the joint.

Is it a picture of days to come? Or the reality of raising a friendly boy? Either way, their adventure continues to be filled with moments of experiential education that I have yet to fully fathom.

Considerations

The LA landscape has become the backdrop of a new experience for my son; a return to a lifestyle that had been left behind for my husband.

Ironic it is, then, that my adamant 'never want to go to California' statements through the years may be turned on their head, if indeed we choose to explore this option of lifepath for Israel even further.

Yesterday's agent meetups went very well. Today another; and administrative action needed on my part here in Mississippi. Needling through the maze, we take every step with our ears and eyes upon the One who sets the boundaries of our habitation. The One who imparts wisdom without faulting the person who asks Him for it. The One who says: "Seek My Kingdom first . . ."

Yes, Lord. And may we be vessels of honor in Your hand in this matter.