U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A...

I can't believe next week is August already. It feels like May was just a week or two ago. In 12 days, something else happens that I've been looking forward to, The Summer Olympics in Beijing.

I'm pretty much an Olympics junkie. I watch everything. B likes the "primetime" coverage of diving, swimming, and gymnastics. (She likes the wrestling too!) I actually prefer the "lesser known" sports like equestrian, archery and (*GASP!!*) rhythmic gymnastics. (Hey, it's pretty much like Cirque du Soleil!)

Oh, and I will say I'm not a fan of 1) women's beach volleyball, 2) most soccer ---zzzzz 3) water polo--more zzzz,unless you're in the pool AND 4) Ego-inflated USA Men's basketball--though they've got some good (humble) guys on the team this year (like Chris Paul), plus all the UNC fans have to watch Coach K (hee, hee!) so the jury is still out for me on them.

One cool thing I got to do this past April was volunteer at the canoe and kayaking Olympic trials at the US Whitewater Center. It was neat to see the Olympic athletic world from the "inside". My job during the trials was "Score sheet runner". Basically there's 20-odd gates that each judge and their team of spotters mark for each competitor. If they touch or skip a gate , there's a penalty that's taken off of their time at the end (the times are also scored electronically-but the manual scoresheets are stored in the "dispute tent", in case a coach has a problem). I would pick up the sheets from the judge and get take them to the scoring area. It was a lot of walking and I got pretty sunburned!

I also, (during breaks in the competition) got to talk with some of the Olympic judges, most of whom have been involved in the sport since the 70's. The athlete's are mostly 14-18 year old boys and girls--it felt strange thinking that my skibums could be old enough to compete in the Olympics! The weekend event was also part of the PanAmerican games so there were about 15 different countries represented from North and South America, each having their own requirements for making their country's Olympic team--the better they did, the better their chances. I was there all day Friday. That Sunday, several countries would be finalizing who was going to Beijing.

One funny thing I noticed was, regardless of their ethnicity, each country would cheer their athlete down the course by yelling. "bup-bup-bup-bup-bup..." as loud as they could while running after them down the sidewalk next to the course. I guess you can hear that over the roar of the water and there's obviously no language issue since it's a nonsense word.

I took some pictures including the Olympic cheer presentation trailer from BofA. Their logo was everywhere. I was proud to be there.

On 8/8/08 (did I mention I LOVE watching the Opening and Closing ceremonies?), I'll be in front of the TV cheering everyone on for sure! "Bup-bup-bup-bup..."

Billy Graham Library

One place I would recommend anyone visit is the Billy Graham Library. Actually, it's more of a museum than a library (though it does have a rather large bookstore). Billy's childhood home has been moved to the site and has tones of pictures of his family inside. The library is shaped like a huge barn with a giant cross-shaped window.

As you enter, you pick up your free tickets at the information center and the kids can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet that they can turn in for a prize at the end. It really does help them pay attention to the displays, though everything is so well done, that's not too hard to do.

The first thing you watch is a talking, gospel music-singing animatronic cow. Billy did grow up on a dairy farm after all (hence the barn shaped building and dairy bar restaurant attached). after the cow, you're herded (moo) into an open theater area to hear some video testimonies of people who eventually came to faith in Christ. This blending of story telling, technology and a humble presentation of the Gospel carries through the entire tour. You can take your time walking through 20th century history as seen through what God did throughout Billy Graham's life and ministry.

As a big Disney park fan, I appreciate environmental theming detail, and this place is AMAZING! Plus, they have tons of Smithsonian-worthy artifacts from Billy's life from the medal he received when knighted by Queen Elizabeth to a hand written poem from Bono of U2. The whole place is riddled with beautifully sharp video screens and peaceful inspiring music plays in the background everywhere you turn.

Keep in mind that everything you can see is totally free and purposed to give glory to God alone. Everyone involved, including the very friendly volunteer staff, looks at this place as primarily a tool for sharing the Gospel of Christ.

I've spoken with several volunteers and have found out that Franklin Graham was the primary person behind the design of the library and that he did enlist at least one former Disney employee when the animatronics were built and the displays were configured (no there's no animatronic Billy, don't worry).

We went here for my birthday and went again when B's family was in town. You can't take flash pictures inside and I haven't brought a tripod there but I was able to snap a few pics of the family on the grounds. I'm not sure why it seems we're all squinting in each shot--blame the photographer!! (=

I once thought I was wrong , but I was mistaken

Know what I'd REALLY like in a Presidential candidate? I'd like someone, for once, to come out and say, "You know, I was wrong about that..." I think I'd fall out of my chair. And I don't mean blame shifting by saying "I was wrong in supporting that other guy who made a really bad decision." No just "I was wrong, and I'm sorry."

I realize their opponent would probably copy the confession and create a negative campaign ad: "Ski for President, wrong on issue X, wrong for America". But COME ON!! How about a little humility? I'd vote for someone who isn't perfect and shiny but who is willing to admit his mistakes and point out what he's doing to change/rectify them.

The news doesn't tell many stories about when a surge is working or when a major bank has MUCH better than expected quarterly net income in a "slow economy". Nope, instead "if it bleeds, it leads" on TV. We get answers like, "I wouldn't phrase it that way, I don't see it as being wrong, I understand things from a different perspective now." So Welcome to the magical land where no one is wrong folks!

Phooey!

I think an underlying reason politicians don't admit to being wrong is it shows that God is in total control and He can keep our world going in spite of all the stupid mistakes our leaders make. In a way, they and their parties are not really that important.

I know this is true in my own life. I can, and I know B and the skibums can easily come up with a long list of things I've been wrong about. RECENTLY.

Yet, do they love and support me any less when I confess my sins and mistakes to them? Nope. In fact, they freely and regularly admit their love, devotion and respect for me.

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble".

I experience grace when I look in B's green eyes and hear of her trust in God's leadership through me. She still holds my hand, smiles and lays her head on my shoulder. My children speak realistically, but kindly in their support of me--having seen many examples of my impatience and selfishness towards them.

I'd love to see God pour out that kind of grace on our present/future President. We'll see if I'm wrong about that too.

Mistress Mary

Today is a proud day at our house.
We have gone from this:



To this:



We have picked our first veggie from our garden!!
We planted late because this was my birthday present this year.
We'll be eating this at dinner.
Yum!!!

May the fourth be with you

Since I won't be in town for July 4th, )= here's a little something to bring a smile. Ok it's not really patriotic either--work with me people:



Have fun and be safe!