I love the state I live in…California I mean.  I have driven up and down the center of this awesome place so many times there is no possible way I could count.  This is “My California” (Apologies to Justin Fox).  I love the foggy bay area and the dry, boring center of the state and the beach filled…and smog filled southern portion of it.  Most of it is beautiful and huge and I have family who have lived all over the golden state so have had many opportunities to check it out. 

Recently I was close to San Diego, Fallbrook to be exact, to say see my grandmother.  We were called to her side because it seemed to be the end.  I had a wonderful time with my Aunts and Uncles and of course Grandma as we shared stories and just basically hung out together.  Grandma wasn’t able to speak too much.  I can’t tell you enough the sense of perspective this trip offered me as I drove through Southern California, particularly at dusk, and thought of my families place in this state of California.

We have been offered so much…simply look around!  I am grateful for our connections and the family and friends we share life with.  This trip helped to remind me that life is precious, that family is important, that the church is a gift to us and that no matter the circumstances, God is good!  Can you see that?   Lord help us to live each day with a sense of gratefulness and expectation as we engage this world and love those we have been given to love!   May we never stop dreaming and looking ahead and using our lives as a signpost to point people to true life in Christ…this is my California dream.