my soundtrack

I am feeling inspired to walk down memory lane by showing you all the music I treasured in my short *ahem* history. As David toils away on making out his exams, I toured Youtube.com and found the videos I breathed and lived during my adolescent years. I don't have the hormones raging like I once did but I sure remember what it was like and I could not feel more sentimental about these songs and artists. I thought about me putting them up as rather selfish since it isn't entertaining the masses, necessarily, but sharing my musical biography. But I can't help but do this for my own sake. I hope you are not infinitely bored and if you are, I will do my best not to take it personally. These songs are very much a part of me. Some people can love a song and not be insulted when others don't--i am not like those people. If someone drags U2 through the mud, I am personally offended. Also, once I love a song and is "part of me" it is never ever ever not a part of me. It is there forever. So, though I would not choose to love a certain song in my present self, I still respect the song out of where I was when I did choose it. Does that make any sense? Music has crazy importance to me. If someone wants to know me they should listen to the music I love. When David and I were dating he found out that I loved U2. He asked me what my favorite album was. Soon after, he bought that album to listen to (and listen to, he did). That was big to me. To me, it was as good as a personal interview to listen to that album. It meant so much to me. I wish I could explain this tie more clearly--but I have often wished my life had a soundtrack because in my head it does.

happy birthday, cora godiva hogue!!!

One year ago today (May 13th) this 3lb fur ball was born and a month later walked right up to David's feet and chose us to take care of it. I am certain that the Lord whispered in this little critter's ear to come to us. We haven't regretted that decision yet. Our hearts are full of love for our rascal. She is part rascal, though, and part gentle depending on the hour. She is a wonderful part of our small family and we enjoy doting on her. I'm so glad the Lord gave us Cora because I think in some ways it is preparing us for a baby. We hope she has many more birthdays after this and we hope that truly all dogs go to heaven.

A couple of days ago I looked up the meaning of Godiva and found that it means "gift from God". How appropriate!!!

new york times bestseller

This past weekend we were at the Hogue house in Newellton and I began reading a book that my sister-in-law, Esther, brought home. I'm sure many of you have heard of this book that is called My 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. I read it in a couple of days and that is a pretty good measure of how interesting it was (for me, anyway). I haven't done that with a book since the last installment of the Harry Potter series. And before that it was with the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom (and that was years ago). I was that riveted, is what I am trying to explain. I loved the book and it encouraged me on so many levels.

First of all, I was so emotional as he described his time in heaven. It was truly truly beautiful. I wouldn't say that the author was a person that got really emotional or that he was good at being descriptive but then again (as Esther said) how could he be? It really took away fear of death, and it took away mourning for lost loved ones as I imagined them there worshipping in full joy-ahhhhh!

Secondly, I was moved by this man's struggle with pain and despair on his return to earth. My own struggles have been no where near this man's but I could relate to his emotional despair and that hopelessness that I have felt at points in my life. It is a dark place but to know that you are not alone does wonders for encouragement.

Thirdly, I closed that book with new resolve to run the race set before me. It was so clear that our time on earth is but a faint whisper in eternity. And that the sufferings we have will be nothing compared to the glory of heaven. I look forward to it. I have less fear because of it.

I have a list of books that I like giving to folks or recommending. To give you a few: Boundaries, Changes that Heal, Loving Obedience, Francine Rivers trilogy (Voice in the Wind, Echo in the Darkness, and Sureness of the Dawn) along with the given Tolkien and Lewis books. I think this book is going to make the list. In fact, I have a running list of people who should read this book. It may be you.....

running,

riding!

bible time minus 1

Everyone gathered after Sunday lunch for a daily bible time. This one was especially in honor of Mr. Hogue, the one who started this tradition. Stories were told, tears were shed, and comfort given. It was a sweet time.

dust is settling

It has been almost two weeks since Mr. Hogue passed away. For some unknown reason, it feels as though it happened years ago. All the children have gone back home (except for one who is leaving tomorrow). Despite the sorrow of losing my father-in-law so suddenly and unexpectedly, I was overjoyed to be with the family in its entirety. It was wonderful to have all the kids running around and all the sisters-in-law to chat with. I know David felt supported by his siblings and I definitely felt a part of something special with the Hogue wives and Hogue sisters. I loved it! I came home to Jackson and felt the emptiness of our house all the more. It was more quiet and sullen. I missed everyone. We've been back this past weekend and will be going again this weekend and I'm glad for it. I get to be around friends who are family--what a blessing! This definitely helps the argument of large families.

I have some great pictures to share but once again I'm not on my home computer. I'll post them soon, hopefully.