Turning Eight at Ella's

Samantha turned eight

at Ella's Deli

birthday surprises

first gift opened

ambiance, child-style

ella's window display

"i love these!"

fibber, the game

Whispers of Winter Blue

view from houseslippers

off the deck

down the walk

to the garage

repeat

morning's splendor

winter's bright side

dog on it trail

Keepsakes

Guidelines For Sane Living

Strike a balance between work and play—

between seriousness and laughter.

Go to church regularly, and also the ballgame.

Stick with the truth, even if it makes you look or feel bad.

Falsehoods are like wandering ghosts.

Forgive your enemies as part of the price you pay

for the privilege of being forgiven.

Realize you are sometimes a pain in the neck yourself.

Walk. Get lots of air and sunshine, and occasionally get some

rain or snow on your face, some dirt on your hands.

Talk through your troubles and mistakes with someone

you trust—and your dreams too.

Don't underestimate the ability of God to straighten out

a situation, even when you can't, and give

God a little time.

Discriminate among your fears.

Learn to tell which ones are useful and 

which ones are destructive.

Remember that the ultimate death rate is still 100%.

You would be getting short-changed if everyone

got to die and you didn't.

When you can't sleep, say, "Aha! Here's a chance for

a little privacy and creative thinking. All day I've been too busy

to pray, and now I can get around to thanking God."

Fall in love with life—with children, older people, middle-agers,

sports cars, the theatre, music, books, cities, hills, the sea,

the Bible—with everything except money.

James Angel, The Church Steeple Mar/Apr '95

-- Bethalto Presbyterian Church --

I discovered it in a box of keepsakes.

Days Gone By

the attic

holds many treasures

this jacket worn by my son

is one of them

a gift from his Dad

who was serving in korea

a big boy jacket

and home-sewn jumpsuit 

The Wheels On The Bus

if you were seven years old and

had the opportunity

wouldn't you take a school

bus for a spin

and wouldn't your smile be so big

that your face could break

and wouldn't you appreciate helping

hands to guide you along the way

wouldn't ya

My granddaughter, Samantha, testing her skills as a bus driver this past summer.