These are hard times. Life as my parents have always known it is about to change drastically with a nursing home to be chosen for my mother. IF things go well, it will only be for a couple of weeks, but even after that, both parents need some sort of assisted living situation. David & I have offered over and over for them to come live with us, but they are fiercely independent people; I don't think they yet realize how desperate the time is for them.

I deal with the valleys of life in two ways:

1 -I give it over to the Lord. Now, understand that this doesn't mean that I walk around with a beatific smile, humming a lovely tune while picking daisies. There is a whole lot of gnashing of teeth (love that phrase), crying, and yes, much more screaming than should be allowed. But, I know before giving into all the emotional upheaval that I'm going to hand it over and rest in Him. My faith is firm because God has never failed me...and it seems like somewhere He said He'd never leave me - even in times of my best Southern girl hissy fits. I also love the part that says "He goes before me." I kind of dwell in that verse because what can make a person feel more secure than knowing the God of the universe has "been there/done that" and loves you so much He's ahead of you in the problem?

2 -The second way I deal with hard times is through humor. I have to laugh or else I'd be nuts. Being married to David - oops! - I meant to say a "pastor" (sorry, honey, but you know I'm teasing and that I love you with my whole heart & life) means that we not only go through our own tough times, but have the privilege - and I'm not teasing here - the absolute honor and privilege of walking through the hard times with other families. It can get pretty heavy very quickly, so instead of running down the street with a knife in hand screaming obscenities, I turn to humor. It works really well for me.

Long story short...why did I say that? This is still a long story - anyway - in recognition of the really heated conversation with one of my brothers this morning I give you a quite appropriate quote:

Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
- Eric Hoffner

And, in order to salvage my sanity, I'm posting this very cute video: