It's the difficulties, the unknown, the hard things that make us who we are. The ache which produces the muscle. The experience which gives wisdom a foothold. The song that makes the heart glad.

He is faithful. My Abba is faithful and worthy to be trusted.

Rich Mullins: The Breaks
From "Brother's Keeper", 1995. Written by Rich Mullins (I Corinthians 9:24-27)

Here is my heart, take what you want
'Cause I have no use for it anyway
Well of all the stupid things I've ever said
This could be the worst, may be the best
But those are the breaks
These are the bruises
And if I can't give myself away I'm the only one who loses
And I don't want to lose this

It is the sea that makes the sailor
And the land that shapes the sea
And I do not know yet what I am made of
Or all I may someday be
And it is the wood that makes a carpenter
It's the very tools of his trade
And it is love that makes a lover
And a cross that makes a saint

Here is my song, listen if you will
But I have no heart for it anymore
I just have half a mind to cut it loose
And if it sails off into the blue
Then I'll just let it soar
And the sky is better keeping
And I won't be any poorer
For giving it its freedom
And here's one for freedom

It is the sea that makes the sailor
And the land that shapes the sea
And I do not know yet what I am made of
Or all I may someday be
It is the wood that makes a carpenter
It's the very tools of his trade
And it is love that makes a lover
And a cross that makes a saint

Well, of all the stupid things I've ever said
This could be the worst, may be the best
But those are the breaks

Autumn

One of the most beautiful seasons of the year.

The colors and the weather are gorgeous.

But the brilliant colors don't just signify beauty.

They are the visual sign of something preparing to winter.

Of the outer-self dying to protect the inner core - the life blood; where the growth takes place.

Fall is also a time of gardening.

Pruning to the base to keep the life blood there.

Digging up and dividing, then storing or replanting.

Repotting - transferring a plant from an outdoor pot to one that you can bring inside.
When you think about it, being repotted isn't the most pleasant experience.
Here the plant is - hanging in the stirring summer breezes; receiving the warm kisses of the sun every morning; laughing in the playful splash of a summer rain.
And then, out of no where, right when the breezes come from a different direction -
before things become too uncomfortable -
the plant is taken from it's cozy spot and put into a strange and sometimes smaller pot and moved indoors.
There's no breeze there.
The sun is tainted.
The water is tame.
It's not the glory the plant knew before, and yet, it's the only thing that will save it from certain death.
Someone cared enough to make sure that plant would live.

The plant may not be happiest in it's current condition, but it will live, and it will grow.
It will someday return to the glorious outdoors which it once knew; but it won't be the same.
It will be stronger, bigger, and more beautiful than before.

The plant just doesn't know the bigger picture yet.

Italy seems like a sweet spot.

[Continues researching]

For those of you who have ever wondered (like me) what are the official rules and point scale of the game.

[Disclaimer: This post is all in good fun, I would never intentionally hit someone with my vehicle.]

Pedestrian Polo

Rules:

1. No driving on sidewalk-this is considered "base" and therefore not protected by the Pedestrian Polo Association and the Pedestrian Polo Contract

   • Therefore it is also illegal to drive into buildings, including garages

     • You can and will go to jail for this, and its not just a misdemeanor, it is considered premeditative murder 

2. Be courteous to other drivers 

   • Be sure to hit the pedestrian squarely, and not deflect off into traffic

     • Otherwise the points don't count

     • it is considered a violation of the PP Contract

3. No screaming Red Rum or Murder

   • This also is considered a violation of the PP Contract

Points:

1. Person on side-walk ... -1 point
2. Person in cross-walk ... +1point
3. Beautiful women ...+2 points
4. Hideous women ...+10 points (you're doing society a favor!)
5. Runners ... +3 points
6. Bikers/cyclists ... +5 points
7. Children under 15 and Elderly people ... -20 points (play fair and square and respect your elders)
8. Construction workers ... -2 points each (brightly colored, too easy)
9. Police ... lose all points (possibly jail-time as a bonus)
10. Illegal Mexicans ... +100 points

For a fun alternative, try the game Traffic! 

Keith Green - "When the Praises Start"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIgVU_5FsqA
(performed live)

My son, My son, why are you striving?
You can't add one thing to what's been done for you
I did it all while I was dying
Rest in your faith, my peace will come to you

For when I hear the praises start
I want to rain upon you
Blessings that will fill your heart
I see no stain upon you
Because you are my child and you know me
To Me you're only holy
Nothing that you've done remains
Only what you do for Me

My child, My child, why are you weeping?
You will not have to wait forever
That day and that hour is in My keeping
The day I'll bring you into Heaven

For when I hear the praises start
My child, I want to rain upon you
Blessing that will fill your heart 
I see no stain upon you
Because you are My child and you know me
To me you're only holy
Nothing that you've done remains
Only what you do for Me
Only what you do in Me

My precious bride, the day is nearing
When I'll take you in My arms and hold you
I know there are so many things that you've been hearing
But you just hold on to what I have told you

For when I hear the praises start
My bride, I want to rain upon you
Blessings that will fill your heart
I see no stain upon you
Because you are My child, and you know Me
To me you're only holy
Nothing that you've done will remain
Only what you do for me