Leah Rade

March Comes In Like A Lion

A view of my backyard on March 2, 2009.

It's pretty, but I'm still a warm weather girl.  Can't wait to see those 70's this weekend. 

Facebook

So I finally got on the Facebook bandwagon and it's pretty cool.  I've reconnected with college friends, high school friends, and friends that I've lost touch with over the years.  I've connected Twitter to my Facebook status (I'm all about efficiency).  So, if you're on Facebook, we'll probably connect...

10,000 Villages

Folks who know me, know I'm not a shopper.  In fact, I consider it a necessary evil.  One of the reasons I've developed an aversion to shopping is "customer NO service".  This is the time of year that forces me to shop and since I have to shop, I try and set myself up for success and either shop online or shop at smaller shops where I've experienced past great customer service. 

Yesterday evening, way after the busy craziness of "black Friday", we ventured out to three of my favorite shops - Black Mountain Gallery, Moon Dance Gallery (which sadly, is closing), & 10,000 Villages.  I am happy to report that we experienced awesome customer service in all three stores, but there was something unique about our experience at 10,000 Villages.  After browsing for a bit, we encountered four very friendly, helpful and attentive women.  Upon looking at their name tags (I love to address people by their names), we realized that two of these women were volunteers, passionate volunteers too!  They really believed in the mission and vision of the company and gave up their Thanksgiving Friday holiday to work in the store. I was especially impressed that while all four women were extremely nice, friendly and attentive, two of them were not getting paid to be nice.

I came home with a warm, fuzzy feeling of contentment.  In all honesty, that's probably going to be my only shopping adventure this Christmas season...unless I return to 10,000 Villages, which is a good probability.

Just For Fun

Sorry about the blog absence last week, but life-stuff was happening left and right and sideways.  If you're interested in helping out in our eyebrow-deep care ministry, call me at the office at 919-471-6443.  Lots and lots of care needs.

On a lighter note...my son's 21st birthday was a couple of weeks ago and he received an odd present...a Hula Hoop.  It appears that he and his girlfriend, Candalyn, have this inside joke about a Hula Hoop, hence the gift.

It was so funny to watch everyone try to "Hula", without much success.  Then it was my turn and everyone just knew, based on my lack of coordination, that I would not be successful either.  Boy, did I fool them!  I went through some Hula Hoops in my day and I can Hula Hoop with the best of them.  I still can't dance, but I can keep the Hula Hoop going...for hours.  Just for fun, here's the evidence.

My Favorite Place

So, where is your favorite place?  You know...that energizing, renewing or calming place...that sanctuary?  For me it's outdoors...mostly anywhere, but definitely in the woods.  Heck, I've already picked several ticks off my clothes or body, so beware, it's another bad tick season. 

While we have a couple of busy activities today, we're building into our schedule time to be outside.  Twelve years ago we built our home with the best room "on" the house, not in the house.  And that's where you'll find us 9 months of the year, on our wrap-around porch... eating; reading; studying; listening to music; watching birds, deer and other critters; and just "being" together with family and friends.  Today I'm planting my favorite flowers in large pots, of course, so the deer can't have dessert at the Rade's house.  I learned a long time ago that "deer-proofing" is a myth.  Besides, I love to watch the deer more than look at flowers.  For some reason, I just love petunias, so that's what's going in the pots.

As if on cue, Mike just walked in from the front yard and commented, "There's all kinds of animals out there this morning."  So, on that note..I'm outa here!

So, where is your sanctuary?

Get Centered, A lesson from Psalm 118

I'm really enjoying the current series, txt.  When I used to teach Next Step, I always enjoyed sharing a few fun facts about the Bible, so I thought I'd share a few this week.

Psalm 118
There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118
There are 594 chapters following Psalm 118
Add 594 and 594 and you get 1188
What verse in the very center of the Bible?  Psalm 118:8, which says, It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. [NLT]  So, the verse in the very center of the Bible tells us to center ourselves in God, not man. 

I might be weird, but I think fun facts like these are pretty cool, especially if you teach kids like I did for many years.

Spring Fever!

It has been such a long winter, so today's weather was just glorious!  In fact, for the past couple of days I've had a case of spring fever, so much so, that when I got to my standing hair appointment this afternoon, I told Sandra that I was ready for summer and to cut my hair accordingly.  Sandra, who has styled my hair (when I wear it in a style) since 1992, knew just what to do.   She grabbed her clippers....really, she grabbed her clippers and , well, you'll just have to come to NHC this Sunday and see what a summer doo looks like.  That last cut was just practice.  This cut feels like...me!

Change

"Change has a bad reputation in our society. But it isn't all bad — not by any means. In fact, change is necessary in life — to keep us moving ... to keep us growing ... to keep us interested . ... Imagine life without change. It would be static ... boring ... dull."  — Dr. Dennis O'Grady

I've been reminded this week about how important, even necessary, change is in our lives.  The simple act of changing my hairstyle, somewhat drastically, I'll admit; has generated interest, created an avenue for conversations with new people, and prompted my husband of almost 25 years to use the word "sexy" in my Valentine's Day card.

Make a change in something about yourself tomorrow.  Just a little change will be refreshing.  Speaking of change, have you checked out Dave's new blog look?!

Just Returned From The Salon

I always love to go to Mirage.  Sandra Hinton, who cuts my hair, and Andrea Wilson are co-owners.  Both attend NHC, along with Erica Walters, another friend and stylist.  A couple of other folks there attend too.  Anyway, every six weeks I have my hair trimmed and get so much joy and energy from these wonderful women, who love God and love sharing about what He's doing in their lives.  I always leave feeling like I'm walking on air.

Speaking of feeling lighter...I had an appointment at 3:30 PM today and was feeling like a change.  Did I get my normal trim?  Did I do something a bit more drastic?  Will Locks Of Love benefit from my cut today? (They require at least 10 inches)

Come to NHC this Sunday and find out! 

A Little Bored

I've been a bit bored with my hair lately, as I've worn the same long length for eight years.  I typically wear my hair really long or....short.  Sandra, owner of Mirage and a fellow NHC'er, has cut my hair for several years (she has cut it really short too, back in the '90s).  I have a regular appointment scheduled for Friday at 3:30 PM.  Stay tuned.  I just might post a photo sporting a new doo!  We'll see if I'm still feeling bored on Friday.