Tuesday, January 25, 2011

"Contentment is also helpful in enduring boredom and suffering.

Children today use the word boring frequently. It is intended as the ultimate verbal scourge, and basically it means, 'I'm discontented. Entertain me.' The prevalence of this word is an unsettling indicator of where our children are in relation to contentment...

Today, electronic entertainment rides a nonstop conveyor belt directly into the dormant souls of the young. It is not a favorable development. I cannot be optimistic that this trend will miraculously result in a mature sense of contentment in later years. Over time, a fallen log will not turn into a house. All you get is a bigger pile of decay.

God is not indebted to us. If life is boring, then it is boring. We work to make it better, but our duty throughout the working is contentment.

If life is tough, so it is tough. Our duty is contentment. If there is suffering, why would we expect anything different? Our duty is contentment.

Life can be painful. Most people do not choose this pain; it comes with living. Contentment, however, is different. Contentment or discontent is a matter of the will, a choice. When we choose obedience, God, in His wonderful way with surprises, can redeem the pain and suffering in our lives and can turn the destruction into benefit."

~Dr. Richard A. Swenson, M.D.~

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Psalm, Jill, and Elizabeth enjoy the loft.

Micah turns 18!

McKinnis Buddies

Happy Birthday, Micah! and Farewell, Seth!

On the way to Pennsylvania to see G'ma Mac and to escort Seth to college.

Nothing beats the view from Alaska Airlines.

Long lay over in Chicago

The only sleepless ones

Seeing the airport sights in Chicago...

...and in Pittsburgh.

Visiting Aunt Babe and Pastor in Zelienople.

Doug and his three women: Cindy, Wanda and Wendy

Playing with cousin, C.J. (Jim's boy)

Patrick Henry College

The campus is beautiful.

"Let not the rich man glory in his riches."

Saying goodbye was not easy.

Alaska weather followed us to Virginia - and we bid 'adieu' in a snowstorm.

After leaving Seth, we dropped by for a wonderful reunion and dinner with John and Nick in PA. (John and Doug graduated together from Butler.)

We soon rendezvoused with Micah in the Seattle airport before heading to Boise Idaho.

Waiting for the hotel shuttle

A large group of well wishers came to listen to Micah's two piano performances held at Boise State University.

Jasper and Micah rehearse for the duet competition with a little assistance from Kenton.

On the 15th was the northwest regional piano duet competition and on the 16th was the northwest regional piano solo competition. Micah competed in them both.

Svetlana and Micah

Jeff and Diana, who recorded the kids' music cd years ago, also blessed us with their attendance and support.

Wendy serves as coat rack and baggage carrier.

Jasper and Micah won alternate in piano duet and Micah earned honorable mention in piano solo along with receiving many extremely encouraging words from faculty members from various university music departments.

Having Aunt Cindy and Grandma Mac attend from PA was a true highlight.

Coast Guard buddy, Lloyd, joined us, too.

There is never a dull moment with Aunt Cindy around.

The McKinnis' as they really are.

New friend, Karen, and Lloyd's dear family treated us to a marvelous 15-course dinner and an evening of fun and fellowship. Karen thoughtfully loaned us her vehicle and she and Lloyd's family came to hear the piano music, too.

Lloyd and long-time buddies

Aunt Cindy generously treated the family to a ski day at Bogus Basin in Idaho.

Wynn ready to set out

Ready or not - Here they come!

A fearless duo

Doug and Wynnster

Back in Alaska the stairs were delivered (900 lbs worth) all sheathed in a hard fiberglass shroud.

While we were away traveling the globe, Duncan and Roger finished tiling the pantry, kitchen, entry, hearth, shower surrounds, and remaining bathrooms.

Also, recently the plumbers came to install the faucets, vanities, and sinks, and to complete the final plumbing.

Tomorrow the stairs should be placed and secured in their final position, banisters and railings begun, and the bedroom carpets' installation started.