Seven Great Men

(Still sick. Still coughing. Still whiny. Still haven't put on clothes since Friday.)

But I have read another book:

(and just in the nick of time. We're discussing this one at book club tomorrow night. I might be leading.)

The seven men?

• George Washington
• William Wilberforce
• Eric Liddell
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Jackie Robinson
• Pope John Paul 11
• Charles W. Colson

Fascinating.

 "The unifying thread among them is a functioning moral compass anchored in a strong Christian faith."

There were a number of 'take aways' from this book, but the two I am thinking about are:

1. Great men have mentors along the way. Someone who invested in them, personally, with real relationships.
2. Men who do great things are part of a community of like-minded peers. They didn't become great by being lone wolves. They had friends who walked alongside; cheering and challenging. 

And how does this effect me? 

I'll pray for mentors and peers to share the journey of the guys on my list. 

Ripples and Reflections

I took this pic on Thursday evening just seconds before a ton of sludge landed in my lungs.
I love the textures and glow.

And I love the way, two ducks, just living life in their pond, are gently impacted by the changing tide, and the effects of wind-made waves, and the pressure of the ocean lapping up against the Canadian shore before heading back to lap against a Japanese shore. All that swirling of waters going on around them that they have no control over.

And their little patch of water is illuminated by the moon in the sky, the lights on the strip, and the lamps on the pier.

Varying light sources. A multitude of undercurrents.

And yet. There they swim. Side-by-side. Just doing what God created them to do.



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Three things I'm thankful for:

1. I am not a young mom with three school-aged sons who need meals and transportation whilst I feel so crappy. I can be gloriously, selfishly, undeniably, sick. And there is no guilt involved. 
2. People who take amazing photos of our beautiful earth. If you're on Instagram, check out : earthpix. Seriously good. 
3. It's evening here on the west coast, which means it's just past midnight on the Emerald Isle. Happy Saint Patrick's Day to my Irish friends. I know this day is a big one fer y'all. (And if you've got an e-reader, pop over to Christine's blog for a chance to win one of ten free e-books.)

Blessing from the Land of Eire

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow,

May the soft winds freshen your spirit,

May the sunshine brighten your heart,

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon your soul,

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

Shalom,

xo

Or as they say in Ireland: 

Croi follain agus gob fliuch! 

(This was the closest phrase I could find that seems equivalent to 'peace' ... 'healthy heart and wet mouth'.

Hahaha.