Nice to See

Tonight as Dan and I walked into the Bloomingdale Library, I was blessed by five words from a middle-aged woman I don't even know. As she walked past us she smiled and said, " A GeNtLeMaN. Nice to see."

All at once I realized my hands were securely in my pockets and Dan had just opened the door for me without skipping a beat. I was struck by the CaRe and LoVe shown to me by my husband through this simple gesture. I was struck by my presumption that this is the way it should be as my hands were firmly in my pockets...I never even thought of removing them because I have just come to subconsciously ExPeCt this gesture from Dan.

Isn't it ReFrEsHiNg that a few simple words from a stranger can open our eyes? In the business of our lives, I so often don't stop to ApPrEcIaTe the little things that show great LoVe.

I want to be the stranger that NoTicES and AcKnOwLeDgEs the little things. I want to be the friend and wife that others/Dan expect these little acts of kindness and love from.
I am GrAtEfuL for Dan who does so many little things that I know I take for granted and to this stranger who used her words to help me NoTicE.

The Paralyzing, Anxiety Filled Decision Making Process of an American Consumer Observed:

This is what happens when you just happen to have your camera in your coat pocket and your husband insists on going to Walmart on a Friday night...You observe the HiLaRiTy of our lives...

"Why is it so stinkin' hard to pick out ButT PaPeR?"

~Daniel J. Bailey

It's a wonder we accomplish anything SigNiFiCanT in our LiVeS when just picking out BuTt PaPeR requires so much time, energy and CeReBraL activity.

Ten for the Ben Man

Today BrOtHeR dearest you are 20 years old so as a loving sister, I've taken it upon myself to honor you on this glorious day, your BiRthDaY. It's hard for me to believe that you are all grown up and 20...not that I'm too much older than you or anything ;)

Without further ado, I pause to ponder you and how grateful I am to call you my BroTheR on this day and EvErY day. Here's to you BeN MaN...

A) On most days I pride myself on being one of the best multi-taskers EvEr, but I can NeVeR deny that there is OnE more skilled than myself...




*BTW I still LoVe you even though you risk my life and yours every time I'm in the car with you...(note: he's also blaring Kanye and talking to Dan and me)

2.) The fact that you listened to me ask, "Am I fat?" for years (when I was under 100 pounds), and you still claim me as your sister is AsToUnDinG. Thanks for listening to me bro...even in my less deserving moments.

* See, you're still right beside me even though I probably asked you if I was fat shortly before and/or after this picture was taken :)

c.) You're AtTrAcTiVe, and I'm not just saying that because we share bLoOd ;) I have a picture of you in my living room, and people who come over will ask who that guy is, and I say, "Oh that's my brother" and then they always make a comment about your HanDsOmE appearance. Though I know you can't take full credit for this one, it's nice having an attractive BrothEr.

*See what I mean? Here you are with dad...I think you must get your good looks from him :)

4.) You LoVe JuStiCe and FiGhT for it. I think this picture sequence says it all:




* You stand your ground even when it seems no one is on your side ;)

5.) Your DrIvE and AmBitIoN InSpiRe me. i.e. I was working for you at your golf course business when you were like four, you're over half-way through earning your degree in business at no cost, you have your own business, and you're only 20, etc.

F.) Your DJ skills RocK my world. Seriously. You always have the BeSt repertoire at your fingertips. Whether we're at a wedding or in the car, I know I'm in store for a kIlLeR dance PaRtYwhen I'm in your presence.

7.) Though I'm sure you find me RidiCulOuS most of the time, you are not above HuMoRiNg a sister i.e. letting me have dance parties, dressing up like Peter Pan (you started young), making ridiculous videos, pictures in photo booths, etc...

* I convince myself you truly love moments like this though your face may not show it.


H.) TeChNoLoGy does not InTimIdaTe you, and I love that. I don't always embark on technological endeavors because they do intimidate me, but if/when I do/did I know I can count on you to answer any question. You're really SmArT.

*BTW I need to know how to hook up/use my scanner. Both of the old school pics above are on here because I took a picture of them with my camera (they were NOT scanned)...help!

9.) You are an AcTivE and VaLuAbLe contributor to our FaMiLY. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Supplying entertainment like FaRkLe at family gatherings
  



• Giving the siblings are reason to make LaTe NiGhT AdVeNtuReS to places like Walgreens and various neighbor's front yards
  



• Adding DeTaiLs like creating real ballots for the chili cook off and a picture slide show for Chris and Christine's wedding
  



• Providing your fashion expertise and thereby preventing us from committing major FasHioN disasters in our recent family portrait
  

10.) You are YOU. I'm glad you were born. I love you for things we have in CoMmOn, and I love you for ways we are DiFfErEnT. Your life challenges me to think, learn, and grow more. I love you brother. Thank YoU BeN MaN for living 20 great years. I wish you many more! Happy Birthday!

Love your adoring sis,


Kate

Good Friday

Contemplating the death of my Savior...

*Click on the image to enlarge it.

I did a topical search at Bible Gateway for verses with the words Jesus and death in them. I pasted them in at wordle, and this was the result. I love this tool because it highlights the most frequently used words in a text. I think it is BeAutiFuL to see that in the scriptures that contain Jesus' name and death, the word that occurs most frequently beyond these two is LIFE. As I contemplate my SiN and DaRknEsS that brought about my Savior's death, I am grateful for the HoPe of LiFe that triumphs over the darknEss and sIn.

Though the SoRroW may last for the night, His JoY comes in the morning...