Tuesday, May 30, 2017

From my journal, September 2010: Lessons from a babbling brook

Originally written September 12, 2010, around the time of this blog post.
Right now, I'm sitting outside with Michael on the deck of the cabin we rented to celebrate our anniversary. We're in Luray, VA - in the Shenandoah Valley. I hear bugs, we saw woodpeckers and then a raven chased them off. We ate pie for breakfast (who ever would have known that dessert for breakfast would become such a thing for us and celebrations?) Now we're sipping our second cup of coffee and Michael is writing in his Bible and I'm here. All to the soundtrack of a real life babbling brook.

The occasional car drives by.

The simple life out here in the county is such a nice escape from the hustle-and-bustle of our lives in DC. As I listen to the brook, I think about how people pay major money to recreate these nature scenes in their own environments. Like the pond in my mom's back yard, or those little fountains people buy with the rocks and the flowing water. We are so funny. We want to grow and develop, and build all these conveniences, then all of the concrete and escalators and baristas shouting our names stress us out, so we end up spending $179 a night in a one room cabin at Brookside, escaping the man-made utopia for real, authentic peace.

That's man for you, isn't it? We are always thinking. Always working toward something bigger or better. I know I am. Pretty soon, our closets are over-stuffed with clothes and our kitchens have more gadgets than we could ever use. That's my own manifestation of this truth, at least.

THIS. Is. Church., though. Seeing the slow, slim stream of steam off the top of Michael's cup of coffee (well, 1/2 Swiss Miss, 1/2 coffee) seeing the brook flowing. Nothing stops it. When the warmth of that coffee hits this cool, crisp, fall mountain air, it creates steam. It has to, to escape. When the flowing water, running slightly down hill comes up on a rock in the middle of the brook, it flows over it, or around it, or back into itself. Whatever is necessary. It has to keep going. Momentum is taking it somewhere else.

As I ponder these challenges that we've faced in our first year of marriage, I'm thankful to have a clear head and these examples of triumph right before my eyes. What would happen if the warmth of the coffee didn't escape, if it weren't able to blow off steam? The coffee would probably end up weak and gross. And the term, "babbling brook," that is so much fun to say, wouldn't exist.

The babbling part is the triumph. And you know what? That stream running behind Brookside Cabins wouldn't be nearly as beautiful if it weren't for all those rocks in the water and running haphazardly around the edges. There's no rhyme or reason for where the rocks are placed. Some are big, some are small. There are places where there are lots of little rocks - one right after another. In some places, there is more space between the rocks where the water is more calm. Surely, the water can't see what's ahead, if it's a slope - where things pick up speed - if there's a giant rock that no matter what, the water is just going to splash up against it, there's no way to know what's ahead. But the water just keeps. on. going. It must. It has somewhere to go. It is compelled to keep running.

Oh how I relate to this! Funny though, how I do not see any water down there throwing a fit because it is cold, or wet, or not comfortable. I supposed that would be quite a scene, huh?

Thankfully, for the purpose of this illustration and just in general - water is quite obedient. I suppose that's why people say, "go with the flow."

As I gaze at this babbling brook, I'm inspired by it. I suppose since I don't see a section of water complaining and pouting and feeling sorry for itself, I must relate to a section where the water is just barely squeezing by. And in some places, it's kind of just sitting there. Some of it's been there a while, too - because there is moss growing on the rocks.

Oh, how I have been in that place! Where it's dark and cold and it feels so stuck. And slimy! I hate to say it's been a tough year, I hate even more to write it because then I have to actually see the words on the page. But that's the truth. It has been a tough year, but as I said to Michael this morning as I lay my head on his chest in the morning sunlight shining down through the skylight - "It's been a tough year, but we've had one heck of an anniversary!" Seriously. The Nats game, this trip. What an awesome way to celebrate all that God has brought us through TOGETHER this past year. I'm looking forward to many, many more. With much less "moss."

Gotta just keep moving. Go with the flow, because I've got somewhere to go. And remember, these rocks are what make us beautiful, and special and authentic!

37 comments:

Unknown said...

I needed to read that today! God's timing is perfect!

Dana Brown Ritter said...

I'm so glad to hear that! Amen!

bettyC said...

I've just read this again. And again, it touched me.
One of the things that I miss since my husband escaped ALS, is going on vacation r just a ride to an out of the way place.
At the end, he could still talk but couldn't move much of his body.
But....he was my strength, my support... it's been 3 1/2 years 😔

Allan Hawkins said...

Every year there is a time when one has to face some sort of sadness but people should try to have a positive attitude towards this.

Anonymous said...

◾PROTOCOL SHIELDERS◾
HELLO, I am COREY RODRIGUEZ by name,the only CEO of protocol-cyber-shield-hackers.  In this message, we will explain how you can almost avoid SCAMMERS and stay safe,  plus how our organization works. Read it carefully!! Its reading will not take more than 10mins. 
We kindly URGE you to not respond without have read the entire text. Those who mail without have read everything, ask questions that are been answered here.

⚠️WARNING:
MOST HACKERS YOU SEE HERE ARE FAKES AND SIMULTANEOUSLY INCONGRUOUS !. 
It tears US up when we receive bitter mails of Jobs attempts proposals from most clients with hacking issues but never get close to having them done, thereby wasting a lot $ in the process, 
EXAMPLES: 
➡️MOBILE PHONE HACKING.
➡️BINARY FUNDS/BITCOIN RECOVERIES.

➡️SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT HACKING etc....
if you in a haste to have all of these done by seeking hackers yourselvesyou will only get ripped.
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS ARTICLE AS YOU READ THROUGH IT.

HOW WOULD YOU KNOW?? 

TAKE NOTE AND PRECAUTIONS:

1. you see uncertified email accounts carrying numberings likeiamhacklord1232@(gmail,yahoo or hotmailDOTcom)  pls flee from them, BIG SCAMMERS.

They take your money and never do your job!! 

2. you see posts like "do you need to spy on spouse?" All fake!just a way to lure you towards getting ripped!. 3, posting fake testimonies and comments to trick you into feeling safe. Pls endeavour to ignore!! 

➡️NOTE: beware as we urge you not to make respond to any "IVAN HONG,PETER SANTOS,MONICA HART (impersonating with our articles pretending to work under us)
WE ONLY HAVE 2 EMAILS WHICH ARE LISTED BELOW THIS ARTICLE TO ATTEND TO ALL MANNERS OF CYBER HACKING ISSUES.

                       ◾VERY IMPORTANT ◾
For years now, We've helped  organizations  secure data base,  so many sites USE US AS SECURITY BACK UP TEAM BECAUSE OF OUR METHODS OF  HANDLING CYBER MISHAPS. 

"iPhone/ANDROID HACKS"

"CLEAR CRIMINAL RECORDS"   

"FUNDS RECOVERIES" AND LOT MORE BEEN DONE IN SHORT TIMING!
these are significant EXPERIENCES & RECORDS a good and effectively fully recognized organization must firmly ascertain. 

                        ◾OUR AIMS HERE◾

1◾to assign a qualified agent of specific rank to particularly any sort of cyber issues you intend dealing with in short and accurate timing.

2◾ to screen in real hackers (gurus only) in need of job with or without a degree, to speed up the  availability of time given for Job contracts given to us.!! Thus an online binary decoding exam will be set for those who seeks employment under the teams Establishment.
 write us on:
◾Protocolhacks@gmail.com
◾Cybershieldnotch@gmail.com
◾binaryoptionretrieval@gmail.com
COREY ROD, 
SIGNED...
Thank you..

RhainneColes said...

This is very helpful! Thank you for sharing this to Check this out

Unknown said...

I just want to share my experience with everyone. I have being hearing about this blank ATM card for a while and i never really paid any interest to it because of my doubts. Until one day i discovered a hacking guy dickson. he is really good at what he is doing. Back to the point, I inquired about The Blank ATM Card. If it works or even Exist. They told me Yes and that its a card programmed for only money withdraws without being noticed and can also be used for free online purchases of any kind. This was shocking and i still had my doubts. Then i gave it a try and asked for the card and agreed to their terms and conditions.. Four days later I received my card and tried with the closest ATM machine close to me, to my greatest surprise It worked like magic. I was able to withdraw up to $2,000 daily. ATM has really change my life * iOS/windows/Android Phone Hacking

Danny said...

Thanks for sharing a good content here. centralalbertatowing.ca/

Unknown said...

Really enjoyed reading this, thank you! www.housecleaninglethbridge.com

Richard Barbara said...

I just want to share my experience with everyone. I have been hearing about this blank ATM card for a while and I never really paid any interest to it because of my doubts. Until one day I discovered a hacking  Perfect Hidden Hacker. he is really good at what he does. Back to the point, I inquired about The Blank ATM Card. If it works or even Exist. He told me Yes and that it's a card programmed for only money withdraws without being noticed and can also be used for free online purchases of any kind. This was shocking and I still had my doubts. Then I gave it a try and asked for the card and agreed to his terms and conditions.. Four days later I received my card and tried it with the closest ATM machine close to me, to my greatest surprise It worked like magic. I was able to withdraw up to $2,000 daily. ATM has really changed my life, i decide to share this great news to the world because i don't want to benefit from this alone, i believe so many people are struggling  out there and this might be an opportunity for you to overcome your financial difficulties, Contact perfect Hidden Hacker for any kind of hacking, He is great and reliable here is his email Address: [perfecthacker1@aol.com}

PATEL NEIL said...

Life has taught me that you can’t control someone’s loyalty. No matter how good you are to them it doesn’t mean that they will treat you the same way. I have been married to my husband for years with no idea he was cheating. Suddenly i started noticing changes in behavior, i suspected something was wrong. So i confided in a friend who convinced and introduced me to the Mr White. He was able to hack into my husband mobile phone, Text messages, Call logs, IG, browser history, deleted messages, Emails and WhatsApp . It seemed as though my life was spinning out of control getting to find out he has someone else. I filed for a divorce just could not continue with lies. If you feel you are been exploited in your marriage and you need proof. I suggest you contact WhitehatstechATgmailDOTcom him for your spy and hacking job and be free, just like me today.They are just so amazing, also clear my credit cards debts and because of these set of superior WHITECOLLAR HACKERS I am here living my best life.

Sonam Sharma said...


Searching For Udaipur Escort Services Girls In One Place
Udaipur is rapidly growing into a top business hub. You'll chill and have some fun The independent Udaipur Escort girls from below are readily available to make sure that your trip to Rajasthan is memorable.We offers a primary class Udaipur Escorts Service which will make sure that your security and privacy is maintained.
Udaipur Escorts Service
Udaipur Escort

Peterson said...

I got a blank ATM card to withdraw $5k daily for six months. I am so happy about this because i got the cloned atm card after i was scammed twice by fake hackers. I have used the card to withdraw $420k so far. Georg Bednorz Hackers is giving out the cards to help the poor and needy though it is illegal but it is something nice. Unlike other fake hackers, he is kind, honest and truthful. No one gets caught when using this card. you can get yours from Georg Bednorz Hackers today! Georg Bednorz is also an expert trader on Bitcoin, Ethereum and all other cryptocurrencies, through his trading platform i made $1 million, doubling my profit in just 3 days.
Contact Email: georgbednorzhackers@gmail.com
WhatsApp/Text: +12623558285

ELSA said...

I got my already programmed and blank ATM card to withdraw the maximum of $100,000 MONTHLY for a maximum of 12 MONTHS. I am so happy about this because i got mine last week and I have used it to get $400,000 already. (perrythomas827@gmail.com) is giving out the card just to help the poor and needy though it is illegal but it is something nice and he is not like other scam pretending to have the blank ATM cards. And no one gets caught when using the card. Get yours from THOMAS PERRY Hackerz today! Just send an email to (perrythomas827@gmail.com)

Dave said...

Are you desperately in need of a hacker in any area of your life??? then you can contact; ( www.hackintechnology.com services like; -hack into your cheating partner's phone(whatsapp,bbm.gmail,icloud,facebook, twitter,snap chat and others) -Sales of Blank ATM cards. -hack into email accounts and trace email location -all social media accounts, -school database to clear or change grades, -Retrieval of lost file/documents -DUIs -company records and systems, -Bank accounts,Paypal accounts -Credit cards hacker -Credit score hack -Monitor any phone and email address -Websites hacking, pentesting. -IP addresses and people tracking. -Hacking courses and classes CONTACT THEM= hackintechnologyatgmaildotcom or whatsapp +12132951376 their services are the best on the market and 100% security and discreet work is guarante

MARIA PEREZ said...

I Have Used “Whitehatspytech@cyberservices.com” Quite A Number Of Times And He Has Never Disappointed Me. He Has Once Help Me Get Proof On My Wife Cheating Activities On Her Phone . He Does All Types Of Mobile Hack;Get Unrestricted And Unnoticeable Access To Your Partner/Spouse/Anybodies
Facebook Account, Email, Whatsapp,Text messages.He Also Makes Changes In Any Database/Website Such As Your College/University Grades..
Getting The Job Done Is As Simple As Sending An Email To “Whitehatspytech@cyberservices.com” Stating What You Want To Do. Sure He Will Help You

mike said...


I just have to introduce this hacker that I have been working with him on getting my credit score been boosted across the Equifax, TransUnion and Experian report. He made a lot of good changes on my credit report by erasing all the past eviction, bad collections and DUI off my credit report history and also increased my FICO score above 876 across my three credit bureaus report you can contatc him for all kind of hacks . Email him here via Email him here via hackintechnology@cyberservices.com or whatsapp Number: +1 213 295 1376.

Vanessa said...

Finally i got the PROGRAMMED ATM CARD to
withdraw the maximum of $5,000 daily for a maximum of 30
days via (wesleymarkhackers@gmail.com).
I am so happy about this
because I have used it to get $150,000
to buy more bitcoins and pay some bills

He can also help you double your bitcoin
and recover all stolen Crypto currencies.
Contacting him now for a financial solution.

email : wesleymarkhackers@gmail.com
whatsapp: +19282727056
tex or call +17405000001

FIRMWARE said...

Need The To Hire A Hacker❓ Then contact FIRMWARE

The really amazing deal about contacting FIRMWARE is that the Hack done by us can’t get traced to you, as every Hacking job we do is strongly protected by our Firewall. It’s like saying if anyone tries to trace the Hack, it will lead them to us and we block whatever actions they are doing.

We have been Invisible to Authorities for almost a decade now and if you google FIRMWARE not really about us comes out, you can only see comments made by us or about us.

Another Amazing thing to you benefit from Hiring our Hackers is that you get a Legit and the best Hacking service, As we provide you with Professional Hackers who have their Hacking Areas of specialization.
We perform every Hack there is, using special Hacking tools we get from the dark web.

Some list of Hacking Services we provide are-:
▪️Phone Hacking & Cloning ✅
▪️Computer Hacking ✅
▪️Emails & Social Media Account Hacking✅
▪️Recovering Deleted Files✅
▪️Tracking & Finding People ✅
▪️Hunting Down Scammers✅
▪️Hack detecting ✅
▪️Stealing/Copying Files & Documents From Restricted Networks and Servers ✅
▪️Credit Score Manipulation ✅
▪️ Deleting Criminal Records✅
▪️Bitcoin Multiplication✅
▪️Binary Option Money Recovery ✅
▪️Scam Money Recovery✅
And lots more......


Whatever Hacking service you require, just give us an Email to the Emails Address provided below.
firmwarehacks@gmail.com
FIRMWAREHACKS@GMAIL.COM



“AS LONG AS ITS TECHNOLOGY IT WILL BE HACKED”


FIRMWARE
2021 © All Right Reserved..

Jerry Martin said...

No one, I believe, has ever enjoyed writing as much as I do. As a result, I'm writing a book and looking for a Top Dissertation Writing Services business to hand over my projects to. As a result, I'll be able to devote more time to my novel. Please let me know if you know somebody who can assist me with my tasks.

The Assignment Help Nz said...

am here to help you out with your essays. I have done my master’s in marketing and economics, and my goal; is to provide the Marketing Assignment Help Online. I hope to see you soon.

Unknown said...

am here to help you out with your essays. I have done my master’s in marketing and economics, and my goal; is to provide the buy cheap essay. I hope to see you soo

Craig Scott said...



I thank God who has given me the strength to be able to communicate with Everyone again through this site. I have no doubt that you are the rightful person that God has designed to hear my testimonial out my last experiences in wrong investment (wizardbrixton@gmail.com) I lost a huge amount of money to the wrong investment company which cause me a heart attack and I was admitted to the hospitals and were unable to feel myself, thank to Dr. Stevenson who treated me and was given me word of encouragement and later introduce me to this great hacker Wizard Brixton who listen to my problem and bring solutions to it at first I didn't believe such a miracle will ever happen but he promises me to give him time and valid information about the company to my great surprise he hacked into the company Emails and show me how I make payment to the company and from the email he was able to get there account details where I paid in money into less than 4hours he was able o give me the right details I want and he asked me if I want to recover my money back from the scammed company I told him yes then we proceed less than 24hours I recover my 358,000 USD and he asks me if I want to take the remaining money from the account but his job is to help me recover my main amount so I was relief from thinking and heart attack I felt joy inside me you guy should contact him great hacker WIZARDBRIXTON(AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM Contact him on WhatsApp with (+1- /807-23 ) 4-0428 ;)

ANGELA BROOKS said...

Never met any hacker as discreet and fast like this WHITECOLLAR Hacker. He’s called WHITE and he has helped me in multiple ways first was when my ex wife cheated on me and now he’s helping me paying my credit cards debts plus he helped me gain access to my spouse phone remotely and I was able to use that against him in court. I must say he’s the best at what he do and I recommend him to the world. Email; WhitehatstechATgmailDOTcom , you can be sure to thank me later. I will keep on telling the world that he’s the best out there, I am very thankful because he gave me and my kids a second chance

Jhone Harry said...

I want to leave a little comment to support and wish you the best of luck.we wish you the best of luck in all your blogging enedevors.Airport taxi Zaventem

William Woodruff said...

Celebrating a birthday while camping is my biggest but unfulfilled wish so far, and I hope that my wish will come true this year. I really enjoyed reading your blog, and I came up with an incredible idea for celebrating my birthday. Coursework Writing Services

Albert Washington said...

Worry no more about how to win big in your lottery game for Dr Amber is able to give you sure winning numbers to win big on your lottery games for I am a winner of $360,000,000. Email: amberlottotemple@yahoo.com or WhatsApp him on +1 (318) 306-5044 for more information.

Taylor said...

I just have to introduce this hacker that I have been working with him on getting my credit score been boosted across the Equifax, TransUnion and Experian report. He made a lot of good changes on my credit report by erasing all the past eviction, bad collections and DUI off my credit report history and also increased my FICO score above 876 across my three credit bureaus report you can contact him for all kind of hacks . Email him here support@wavedrive.tech go on their website wavedrive.tech for more details,Whatsapp No:+14106350697 if you want to chat them up,One thing i can assure you would not regret this at all he is 100% legit

Cyber Zone said...

LEGIT FULLZ & TOOLS STORE

Hello to All !

We are offering all types of tools & Fullz on discounted price.
If you are in search of anything regarding fullz, tools, tutorials, Hack Pack, etc
Feel Free to contact

***CONTACT 24/7***
**Telegram > @leadsupplier
**ICQ > 752822040
**Skype > Peeterhacks
**Wicker me > peeterhacks

"SSN LEADS/FULLZ AVAILABLE"
"TOOLS & TUTORIALS AVAILABLE FOR HACKING, SPAMMING,
CARDING, CASHOUT, CLONING, SCRIPTING ETC"

**************************************
"Fresh Spammed SSN Fullz info included"
>>SSN FULLZ with complete info
>>CC With CVV (vbv & non vbv) Fullz USA
>>FULLZ FOR SBA, PUA & TAX RETURN FILLING
>>USA I.D Photos Front & Back
>>High Credit Score fullz (700+ Scores)
>>DL number, Employee Details, Bank Details Included
>>Complete Premium Info with Relative Info

***************************************
COMPLETE GUIDE FOR TUTORIALS & TOOLS

"SPAMMING" "HACKING" "CARDING" "CASH OUT"
"KALI LINUX" "BLOCKCHAIN BLUE PRINTS" "SCRIPTING"
"FRAUD BIBLE"

"TOOLS & TUTORIALS LIST"
=>Ethical Hacking Ebooks, Tools & Tutorials
=>Bitcoin Hacking
=>Kali Linux
=>Fraud Bible
=>RAT
=>Keylogger & Keystroke Logger
=>WhatsApp Hacking & Hacked Version of WhatsApp
=>Facebook & Google Hacking
=>Bitcoin Flasher
=>SQL Injector
=>Premium Logs (PayPal/Amazon/Coinbase/Netflix/FedEx/Banks)
=>Bitcoin Cracker
=>SMTP Linux Root
=>Shell Scripting
=>DUMPS with pins track 1 and 2 with & without pin
=>SMTP's, Safe Socks, Rdp's brute
=>PHP mailer
=>SMS Sender & Email Blaster
=>Cpanel
=>Server I.P's & Proxies
=>Viruses & VPN's
=>HQ Email Combo (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, MSN, AOL, etc.)

*Serious buyers will always welcome
*Price will be reduce in bulk order
*Discount offers will give to serious buyers
*Hope we do a great business together

===>Contact 24/7<===
==>Telegram > @leadsupplier
==>ICQ > 752822040
==>Skype > Peeterhacks
==>Wicker me > peeterhacks

Best Assignment. said...

Thanks for sharing such a great informationhttps://assignmenthelpservice.net/services/dissertation-writing-service/

Best Assignment. said...

Thanks for sharing such a great work https://assignmenthelpservice.net/services/dissertation-writing-service/

David John said...

Clearly, this is an excellent post. I appreciate the useful details and insights you have offered here. It's well-planned and put together, and I find it quite interesting. In the near future, I intend to read your writing. I’m offering MCA Aged Leads at a really affordable price from the US.

Antony Christ said...

Hi! Guys, If you need Case Study Assignment Help then visit our website MyCaseStudyHelp.Com

Dissertation help said...

Great work Dissertation help service

Wormald Rowlings said...

I came across a post talking about a specific cyber specialist which I then introduce to my best friend who was ripped off while trying to invest in bitcoin mining, she really lost a lot while trading with those miners and the only way I could help her is to find a way for her to recover the funds she had invested. I reached out to the hacker and narrated my friend's situation to him and the rest is history. I was able to put a smile on my friend's face because she really thought her life was over as she invested all her life savings..
(Cybergenie@cyberservices.com)
WhatsApp (+1-252-512-0391)

Anonymous said...

Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
Tree Service San Jose CA

Anonymous said...

"Thanks for sharing this post, it is very helpful article.
"
Landscaping in Red Deer