Make A Decision!

Every day I’m making decisions: what do I eat, what do I wear, how I will respond, what should I say?  It's all about choice! It would be interesting to track how many decisions we make each day.  I’m guessing it would be in the thousands. 

Some decisions are easy and don’t take much thought: do I breath today, do I eat, should I wear clothes? YES!  Should I tune the radio to a Country Music station, NO!  Others are really complex: do I tell them the hard truth, do I get involved, when should I pull back?

The last few months have been packed full of some really big decisions for me and my family: should I accept the job, when do we move, where do we live, what do we do in the transition time?  I would hope that even in the midst of some really big decisions there has been one overriding constant.  A decision that’s been a no brainer, the decision to be joyful no matter what…even in setting up a cell phone plan!  I have to confess, the decision to be joyful no matter what the circumstances hasn’t been as easy as breathing, eating, or will I wear clothes today.  To be joyful is a decision much like: will I run today, will I eat healthy, will I do the hard things first?  And, it has some incredible benefits much like exercise, healthy eating, and prioritizing my day: joy brings perspective; joy brings, well…joy.  I’ve seen it again and again out in the shops what a smile will do for a weary cashier, stock person, or frenzied shopper.  Joy can be contagious and affect more than just me.  So, what will it be?  Today, I choose Joy!

Ode to OZ

Australia, just the mere mention of this country elicits a variety of comments by so many people.  When we began the adventure of moving to Australia it seemed like 95% of American's responded with: "that's one place on my bucket list to visit."  After living there for two years I would say EVERYONE should take an opportunity to travel to this amazing country.  The beauty of the place, the mystic of the culture, and the spirit of Aussie's are what makes this country gorgeous!

I must say, I don't think I'll miss the spiders, the constant thought of looking out for snakes, or the ever present head wind when running or riding my push bike.  But I have already missed fish and chips, gazing on the ocean, and knowing if my thong breaks where to pick up more!!!

People have asked: "what do you think you'll miss the most about Australia?"  That's easy...our dear friends.  It's amazing how quickly the bond of friendship was established.  The beauty of connecting with people who loved life, loved God, and loved adventure is permanently embedded into my heart.  I know I was an alien/foreigner in the country, but there is a part of my heart that is now Australian.  As time continues to tick by the minutes that we have left OZ, the memories and love for the country and people is still strong.  THANK YOU Australia for two years of life!  THANK YOU friends for your love, time, and your presence as we journeyed life together.  My life has been blessed and made much richer because of you.   

Mawty

It's "see ya later" NOT "Good-bye!"

I HATE Good-byes.  It sounds so final.  When my very good friend Randy was battling stage four Melanoma, there came a point in time when I knew I wouldn't be seeing him anymore in this life.  As the time came for me to leave his side and drive back home I looked him in the eyes and said: "I'm NOT saying good-bye because this isn't the end...so...see ya later!"  That thought has shaped me over the last few years.  For those who are following Jesus, there isn't a good-bye, just a see ya later! One word enters my heart with this truth: PEACE!

Our time is coming to an end here in Australia.  In three short days we will board a plane and make our way back to the United States.  As I think back over the last two years many fantastic experiences and dear friends come to mind.  Saying good-bye isn't needed because I KNOW I will see them again, either by way of us visiting OZ or by those who make their way to the U.S.  However, if neither of those options don't materialize, I KNOW I will see many of these dear ones again after this life is over!  So, it is with a grateful and full heart I say: SEE YA LATER to those Aussies who have loved us, done life together, and enriched our lives in so many ways.  We won't forget you or your beautiful country.  You have a special place in our hearts.

Love ya HEAPS, 

Marty & Ruthann

Happy Holidays in March

March Madness has begun and I'm in a time zone that is upside down when the dance has started.  That could be classified as torture according to International Law.  I have a suggested legislation the House and Senate should take up.  Since not much seems to be happening in D.C., I think they need to declare the first weekend of March Madness (Thursday through Sunday) as a National Holiday!  In South Australia there are 10 full and 2 partial days that are public holiday's.  In America we have 7.  This would bring the total to 11.  Anyone out there with me on this...write your legislator today!  

Beyond that, have you filled out your brackets?  This has become a family tradition for us.  Now, instead of doing a paper bracket we're filling them out on-line.  This should be interesting this year since Ruthann has discovered what the numbers beside the teams mean!  I guess my "expertise" in bracketology may take a hit this year.

Happy Madness,

Marty

Ahead of My Time!

Last Friday, February 21st we left Adelaide, South Australia at 12:15pm for a flight back to the U.S.  We arrived in San Fransisco, California on Friday, February 21st at 10:58am!  I can say without hesitation, "I'm a man ahead of my time."  I wonder if we were created for such travel.  Think about it, if we were to travel the same distance at the pace of a car, our bodies would be able to adjust to the many times zones crossed.  With air travel, the shock to my body of traveling half way around the world where night is day and day is night takes quite a while for my body and mind to catch up with the reality of the time zone I'm currently in!  Some say that for every hour the time difference in travel, allow one day for your body to adjust.  So, with there being a 16 !/2 hour time difference from South Australia to Indiana we should be adjusted by March 11th!  The only problem, by that time we will be back in OZ readjusting all over again.  The trip back will result in us loosing a day but jumping ahead in time.  So, I guess you could say we'll be heading Back to the Future!  

Happy Trails,

Marty

Out of the Blue!

Ever have one of those days where you wake up and think it's going to be just a normal day with not much excitement planned or anticipated?  Today was one of THOSE days!  When I woke up this morning I can guarantee you that I didn't think my rear would be planted on the back of a camel!  It's those unexpected surprises that are the best!  Our friend, Nancy and I stepped into the unknown world of Camel Jockidom.  What a hoot!

Someone's @ the Door!

 The view from our front door this am. Great reminder...hmmmm, think I'll "pray."