Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon

What I've Learned: incredible sacrifice happens quietly every day, as a matter of course and with great honor.
I've been in tears several times today, Reader. For almost a week now, I've been keeping tabs on the latest earthquake/tsunami/nuclear crisis news coming from Japan and praying for the Japanese people as they deal with unimaginable devastation, intolerable conditions and now, the threat of radiation exposure from a damaged nuclear power plant. I can't wrap my head around the magnitude of the destruction being reported.

As the casualty estimates rise, I've been hanging onto the few stories of hope that are surfacing: a 4 month-old baby found alive 3 days after being swept from her parents' arms during the tsunami, a Japanese student studying in America who feared her family was dead but then found a You Tube video of her house (the only one left standing in her neighborhood) and her sister holding up a sign, proclaiming everyone is all right. I can feel God working in these small miracles.

Then today, I heard about the Fukushima 50. Reader, I don't have the words to describe how it felt, reading report after report of these brave plant workers, engineers, soldiers, policemen and firefighters who volunteered or chose to remain behind at the crippled Daiichi plant after hundreds of their fellow workers and the surrounding inhabitants were evacuated.

These people are working in dangerous conditions amid flood debris, wrecked buildings and the constant threat of more fires and explosions. That alone is reason enough to call them courageous. But it isn't what moves me to tears. As these workers risk life and limb flushing damaged nuclear reactors with seawater in an attempt to keep them cool, they're being exposed to radiation levels that The New York Times calls, "five times the maximum exposure permitted for American nuclear plant workers."

They are braving lethal radiation to prevent more radiation leaks and protect their families and countrymen from the effects of a full nuclear meltdown. They are sacrificing their own health and lives to save their country. This isn't a movie plot or a cheesy, made-for-TV miniseries. These are live, thinking, feeling people with families who are out where no one wants to be, giving everything they have to do their jobs, knowing that it will almost certainly cost their lives.

How do you describe or honor that kind of courage? Their ability to put fear aside, keep suiting up and going out there every single day echoes what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross. Yes, I do think there is something very Christ-like in the quiet, matter-of-fact work of the Fukushima 50. He died for us. They too, are making the ultimate sacrifice to save others. I'm praying for them, for their families and will continue to do so throughout this crisis. Please join me, Reader, and keep them in your heart. Whatever the outcome, let us honor what they do there. And may our Heavenly Father, bless and keep them. Amen.

There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience. ~French Proverb

Today's Joy: Clearing the Air & Honoring Someone Else.
Made a phone call tonite, Reader, to say a few things that needed to be said. Took ownership of a few of my mistakes and offered forgiveness for someone else's. Not exactly what I thought I'd be doing tonight when I woke up this morning. But God works in wonderfully unpredictable ways and you can't ever tell when he's gonna drop something heavy enough on your heart that you just know those words need to be delivered now. Following His direction means taking a risk and stepping out in what you believe. Still, I'm glad I listened and said my piece.

I know God will use this experience in the lives around me as well as my own to teach lessons that will prepare us for what's to come. He has already blessed me so incredibly! I can't imagine what He has in store next and can't wait to find out!

When He puts a directive like that on your heart, Reader, take that leap. Do what you know deep down is the right thing--that which will work healing in another's life as well as your own. In honoring them, you are honoring God too.

Today's Joy: Freedom & A Sunday Morning Trail Ride.
It was so lovely this morning, Reader, to forego all the fancy show trappings of the last few days and just get the horses out for some fun at the forest preserve. It was warm (high 80's) and beautiful at the Cook County-Potawatomi Woods Forest Preserve in Barrington, IL. We were quite the entourage with 5 carts & buggies and 4 people on horseback.

As it was Memorial Day weekend, I couldn't help thinking, as we laughed and rolled over hill and dale and through the backwoods, how blessed we are as Americans. The sacrifices of innumerable men and women throughout our country's history have made it possible for us to spend this carefree morning in the country, not worrying about our personal safety, or a corrupt government, or religious persecution, or if we'll have enough to eat tonight.

It's so important to remember how we got here. And equally important to recognize the people who give up so much so that we can continue to live this amazing life. I pray that God brings hope, joy and peace to those who are called to serve and to their families. They are doing sacred work.

Here, for your enjoyment, Reader, are a few shots of our wonderful day on the trail. More trail ride highlights are available here. I can't think of a better way to honor and celebrate the sacrifices of our forefathers & mothers and of our dedicated military than to get out and really live! What are you going to do today in celebration of all you're blessed with?


Little Man, Cousin & the Divine Ms. "M" on the trail.


Julie & Breezy, Serious Trail Riders.

Follow the leader.

Stay to the right!

Grace & Norma come up over the hill.

Uncle & Ginger coming up the hill.

Little Man hitches a ride with Aunt.

Waiting for stragglers.

Ginger meets the water obstacle.

One look and she's an old pro.

Elated smile or terrified? You decide.

Taking a break in the shade.

Cathy & Harry traverse the water.

Charge taking the plunge.

Just chillin'.

Uncle, Driving Portrait.