Beach Bums & Trail Blazers

Last weekend, was the California I had pictured in my head when I lived in Texas. It was sunny and warm (which hasn't been the case), and I had a friend, Becki to enjoy it with. We watched a late night movie friday, slept in saturday, got our toes done, and then went to the shell beach to hang out with Jesus. Sunday we went to worship, ate at Fat Cat's near the marina, and went to Pismo Beach for 3 hours of near perfection. It was chilly but once we moved near the cliff, it was perfect. We had our cooler, our bibles, and each other to sit and talk or not talk and just watch the waves roll in. We both left a with a little too much sun and headed to the hot tubs on the mountain. Real nice after a hard day at the beach. We sat in the tun until it got dark and our hands turned to prunes.......can't remember which happened first. It was a sweet time and a prayer answered. Thank you God for orchestrating a beautiful weekend.

Jeff and I have met some really nice couples in our LifeGroup. And I have connected with Rebecca one of the girls. We had lunch last week...so nice to visit with her. I look forward to getting to know them better and being more involved with the church.

Finally, this week on my ride...which my "trainer" Cassie has taken me from the arena to the trails. So much easier to ride in freedom. The ranch back up to Edna Valley Vineyard so the scenery is beautiful. I love it! This week, however, I got a little extra thrill. Cassie's horse hates the creek....hates crossing the water...so he always jumps. Mine usually has no problems...but this week she followed the lead of the horse in front...and JUMPED! That's right we jumped over the creek! So much fun!

As I continue to try and focus on the good things and the things i know are true (god's word), the journey is easier. Praise the Lord!

Hospitality Heart

Today I learned that George Lucas stayed at our hotel. Of course, we didn't know it until he left. I wonder if he felt welcome, at home (being unnoticed), or did he miss being called by name. Our resort is about hospitality...as our most resorts...meeting not only the needs of people but going beyond their needs to pamper them. Make them feel special.

This is something a humble man in HOTEL RWANDA did every day. His name was Paul. He loved excellence, loved his job, and loved and knew the people he served. As I watched this movie, I thought of how different it is here in America. I admire this man...this general manager of a hotel. He did what he was gifted to do....take care of the needs and wants of people...make them feel at home....even in the midst of a horrible horrible tradegy. He saved hunderds....by serving them.

I think about how easily I get rattled at work or even in my personal life when there is a tradegy. How do you keep your cool...how do you "do your job"? I guess you do it the same way Paul did...the same way Christ did...you take the focus off of you and put the focus on the job at hand. Meeting others needs. Washing their feet. Feeding them. Housing them. Bathing them. Putting them to bed.

My heart is heavy with saddness even now ...thinking of those people...I wonder how Christ's heart felt when He thought of us on the cross?