My husband the Detroiter

I meant to blog about this a week ago, but what can I say, it's another busy summer and we're out and about doing things!  Anyway, last week I'm picking up around the house and walking around from room to room, and I hear a loud "Yeeessss!" coming from the family room, where the hubby was watching the Tigers beat the Cardinals (sorry Grandma Smith & Allison!), and it put a secret smile on my face.  Despite the fact that he's not a native Michigander, he's a Tigers fan, a Pistons fan, a Red Wings fan, a Lions...well okay he's decidedly not a fan of them, but you get the picture. 
 
Despite the fact that the day GM recently filed for bankruptcy marked the same day of his 10-year anniversary with the company (true story), he generally reports that his life in Michigan has proved fruitful (I mean, he met & married me, right? :).  I'm so grateful that his life path brought him here, and can't wait to see what happens next!

Fighting daily demons

Don't you hate how much seemingly little things in life can so often set you back - like a stressful meeting at work, an argument with a family member or spouse, even reading a disheartening news article about yet another senseless killing or kidnapped child?  And yet when your days are going well - long summer nights outside with friends, happiness in a relationship - it is so easy to forget the hurting and despair that lurks just around the corner deep within the hearts of people feeling lost?  Well, find hope and take solace, friends - in each other, in the word of God, and in believing that love conquers all.  Book recommendation: I'm more than halfway through "Three Cups of Tea" and it has been a very interesting read of a man providing help to others in his own unusual quest to heal his own hurts and find his purpose.
 
Romans 5
 
 ¹Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. ³Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Live long and prosper

Who thinks that ladies wouldn't be interested in Star Trek?  Not me!  Four other gal pals joined in the fun last night, and everyone enjoyed the flick.  I got hooked on Star Trek TNG (The Next Generation) by sister Debbie in high school, and the new movie did not disappoint.  It will definitely reside in our DVD collection some day.  The classic push and pull of good vs. evil (spoiler: love wins! :), great effects and an effective soundtrack pleased this moviegoer so much, I'm planning to go again soon and bring the hubby!
 
Also, a friend sent a funny and useful tip to check out www.runpee.com which not only provides helpful suggestions as to the ideal times during a movie to make a run to the bathroom, but even provides an explanation for what you will be missing (this part is optional and accessible only if you choose to press the unscramble button to reveal the info).  Great link to keep on hand if you suffer from frequent runs to the bathroom like me!  Thanks, "cousin" Kim :).