LOL 10-18 Leveling Out Layers

I love the little accomplishments in life- things like ending up on a full dollar when I pump my gas (definitely more of a challenge now that high prices make the meter spin so fast), lifting the lint off my dryer screen in one complete strip, and eating the ice cream out of a quart container so that when I stop, I've leveled off what's left. No, my accomplishments won't earn me the Nobel Peace Prize or an Oscar, but they make me feel like a champ. To the mini moments in life... LOL!

LOL 6-22 Life Outside Labels

I love independent souls... Individuals that risk living life outside the labels society would tag them with. Take this mushroom- although it contains healthy nutrients like selenium, vitamin D, and iron and in addition, is low in calories, it is labeled "druggie" because some abuse it as a psychotropic drug. Sadly, I can barely even mention how I love mushrooms (to cook with and eat, not trip out with) without hearing my students snicker. To them, a mushroom is a symbol for drugs. It reminds me of individuals I know who are struggling to rise above what society has tagged them as because of their past or perhaps because of their family name. No matter what they do or how good a life they try to lead, they are always negatively labeled. I admire them. I admire their courage and determination to plot their own course, define who they are, and defy a society that often wishes to tear them down instead of build them up. To those of you that fit this description, God can help. Just like the mushroom in this photo that chose to grow strong in the cleft of a tree rather than cluster with its kind in the dirt below, those who hide in the cleft of their omnipotent Rock will always succeed. Never be afraid of who society labels you as... God already knows you and loved you. Jordan, thanks for the inspirational conversation. Love you, girl. LOL...

LOL 6-14 Lines, Order, Lanes

I noticed something this past few days as I travelled through several airports... Order, at least in the travel world, seems to be really important. For example, if you are a "Gold Card Member," you get to bypass everyone in the baggage line. If you have a small number on your boarding pass, you get to board the plane before people with larger numbers. And if you are a "Preferred Flier," you get to sit two deep instead of three, stand in smaller lines to use the restroom, and get fed special meals while the rest of the passengers eat a bag of pretzels. I may not fly very often so haven't racked up millions of air miles, and I'm not rich enough to buy myself a first class seat... But I do know this. When it comes my time to fly home to heaven, I won't need to worry about the baggage lines... I'll be leaving all my baggage behind. Customer service? I believe my ticket will be stamped "First Class". Food to eat on board? Doubt I'll even need it- the joy of the Lord will be sustaining me. And my pilot? You guessed it. Only the best. God will be flying me home. Thank you, United and Delta Airlines, for the inspiration. LOL...