Where I was on 911

Most of us remember where we were on that fateful day ten years ago that resulted in 2,996 deaths, and changed life in America.

I had taken a friend to her doctor appointment. I was the only one in the waiting room watching the TV. It was Dr Kulas's office in Escanaba, MI.

At 8:46: Flight 11 crashed into the north face of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Seconds afterwards they were showing this on TV, not knowing what had happened. I remember being totally stunned, speechless, numb as I watched this nightmare play out on TV.

At 9:02: Flight 175 crashed into the south face of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, making it clear that we were being attacked! It wasn’t long before the medical staff had joined me in the waiting room – everyone’s eyes glued to the TV in disbelief.

At 9:37: Flight 77 crashed into the western side of the Pentagon. I cannot remember anyone crying or even talking……..it was SILENT. Absolute silence as together we watched the events that day that changed our lives. At that moment in time all classes of people were torn down. There was no difference emotionally between the doctors, the patients, or just a person, like me, sitting in the waiting room. At that moment in time, we were all AMERICANS. TVs were turned on all over the world to watch the horrific snowballing of events.

At 9:59: The South Tower of the World Trade Center began to collapse. All of America gasped! I remember the chill that went thru my body as the smoke and debris filled the air and the streets. I was not physically there, but I could FEEL what all of America was feeling. The expressions on faces cemented into my memory.

At 10:03: United Airlines Flight 93 crashed, due to fighting in the cockpit, 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, PA. All minds were trying to figure this out, when our hearts sank once again.

at 10:28: the North Tower of the World Trade Center began to collapse, burying dads, moms, grandpas, grandmas, sons and daughters in debris.

11:30: Before sleeping, President Bush enters into his journal: "The Pearl Harbor of the 21st century took place today...We think it's Osama bin Laden."

Osama Bin Laden, one man, using the bodies of his followers, gave America a huge dose of Fear, Grief and Death.

JESUS, one man, using the bodies of His Followers, can give people Hope, Peace, Love, JOY, Forgiveness and a HOME forever.

Vanity, Vanity, ALL is Vanity

Motorcycle Story from our 2011 vacation of 4,092 miles to Upper MI and back to Florida.

I LOVE to ride our Motorcycle. Ken can suggest a ride almost anytime, anywhere and I will gladly agree to go on the motorcycle versus the car. I love everything about the motorcycle: the fresh air, the togetherness with my hubby, the time it gives me to think, reflect, pray, sing or just SIT. Ken puts on wonderful Christian music and it is like one big praise concert as we ride along.

Did I say I love “everything” about our cycle? That is not exactly honest. Like ministry, marriage, family or life in general, there are things that remind me that I am “short of the glory of God.”

I have always had an issue with my hair, when I take off my helmet! We can have a great ride, but when we stop somewhere, I dread taking the helmet off. I am self- conscious of my new wild hairdo. I have tried using different kinds of soft curlers (makes for a very SORE head), and hair nets but nothing seems to help.

SO why do I fret about such matters? Ken thinks I am beautiful and isn’t his opinion the only opinion on earth that should matter to me? Why should I allow something so frivolous to keep me from enjoying our ride?

“Lord, forgive me for my pride. I know YOU love me no matter what my hair looks like, what color it is, what length it is, or what style it is! Help me to be content with myself, knowing YOU love me, and that truly is more than enough!”