Good to Know...

Painting by: Melody Hogan, 2009 I n the Beginning....God....made everything. You know the story. Genesis, the creation, Adam and Eve. God set in motion the greatest multiplication problem ever. All things were created to be fruitful and multiply. Life began and was commanded to flourish and multiply. If you've seen Lou Giglio's talk on Laminin, you might remember that at the center of a cell in the human body is a protein molecule called Laminin, which is a cell adhesion molecule, it holds the cell together and tells the cell what it's supposed to do. It's fascinating to see the scientific diagram of Laminin, it's actually in the shape of a cross! Amazing to think that the God of the universe created this cell adhesion molecule in the shape of an object that would become so significant many years on the other side of creation. It was no accident that the most important cell in the human body, the one that holds all things together...

Painting by: Melody Hogan, 2009 O k, this is not CSI or 24 or Bones. All of which would believe fingerprints to be the key to unlocking the case, to knowing for sure who has been there or could this be evidence enough to convict. These days, with all the forensic evidence techniques that are in use, it's only one key piece that can help solve a mystery. Whether a crime has been committed or not, fingerprints are used in a variety of ways. W hen I was working towards becoming a teacher in Pinellas County Florida schools, it was imperative that a fingerprint/background check be done prior to my being allowed to work in the schools. It was a bit intimidating, especially when I had to have my fingerprints done a few times...because they couldn't get a very good print. These days there is a new electronic imaging technique that is used instead of an ink blotter. They said there are many points on the print that have to be clear in order for the print to be useab...

Painting by: Melody Hogan, 2009 W ithin the soul of every human being is the desire to love and be loved. I'm not sure which is easier, to be loved by someone who truly loves you, or to extend yourself in loving others.  There are complications with either one. I n the first case, being loved by someone who truly loves you, there is something very comforting about being loved unconditionally. You never doubt that person's motivation or whether or not you will be loved. It's always there, there's something steady and reassuring about it. The complication is - feeling secure in the idea that you deserve to be loved that much. Allowing yourself to doubt that for a second, adds a layer that is difficult to peel off. Remembering that even God loved us first, before we even knew who He was or what He had in store for us, gives a measure of peace in knowing that we are worthy of love. He created us to love us. We believe others are worthy, we tell them, we lov...

I n a little over a week, my best friend Charlene will be visiting us for a few days from Florida, actually for my birthday. Haven't seen her for a while and have missed her so much. By profession, Chacha is a personal trainer, nutritionist and all around health fanatic. Boy do we need her right now! I have been thinking about how to explain the state of physical disarray that I've gotten myself into these past few months. The lack of conditioning, the lack of toning, the lack of eating a balanced nutritional meal 3 times a day. This is not going to be easy. And, being the truthful person I am, I have to come up with a reasonable "excuse" to present along with my case. Whatever I say, she will be able to see right through it. S o I began by thinking about how I really and truly feel, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. That is a huge inventory to have to take and right now...honestly,I just don't feel like it. I would rather say that all...

B y baby stuff...I mean baby clothes, baby shoes, baby blankets, baby toys, baby pacifiers, baby hats, and on and on and on. I love the stuff, all of it. And shopping for it, is an adrenaline rush for sure. The sales on baby stuff are incredible....like a $30 outfit for just $5. Or a little Onesie for $2. Amazing. Why didn't things seem so reasonable when my kids were small? Maybe I just didn't know where to find the best deals. It helps now to be living in Freeport, the outlet store shopping mecca. Even the resale shops here are fun and there's always a surprise bargain that I just have to walk out with. R ight now, all the baby stuff I buy is for the little guy in the picture, my grandson Wyatt. I've given him quite a bit of stuff already, I hope he's enjoying them. I have a little stack here at the house, waiting to be sent. I would rather give them to him in person, but I doubt that will happen soon, at least not this week, or the next. But is ...

(photo: Grandpa with Sara, 1983) Time has a way of moving on. It seems like just yesterday Wyatt was born, but he is almost 3 months old already. It seems like just yesterday we moved to Maine, but it's been a year and a half already. It seems like just yesterday I made some pretty difficult decisions and changes for my life, but it's been nearly 4 years already. But time also has a way of standing still. Like those moments we all will remember when something hugely significant happened, and afterwards people ask "where were you when this or that happened?" Sometimes those incidents will make national news, sometimes they are quiet moments but none-the less significant. (photo: Grandpa with Chris, 1988) Hearing about Ron, my children's Grandfather and my previous father-in-law, having a stroke this past Thursday, the time has been marked as one of those. The news seemed abrupt, because these things are never expected. And that one single event has o...

Don't get me wrong, I love our little Maltese puppy Maxx. He's cute, cuddley, fun to play with, goes outside for the most part....all the things you want a puppy to be. But when it comes to providing life in the house, unless he's running laps around the table or momentarily barking at a much larger dog walking by...he just doesn't cut it. And that is more noticeable today than ever. Beth, Bre and Lily left this morning and it's just TOO quiet! As of this writing, they are still trying to get out of the airport, due to malfunctions and my guess, snow. For the past few days, the house here in Maine has seen a lot of life, fun, love and laughter, many times centered around Lily. Last night it was her rendition of "if you like it you better put a ring on it" by Beyonce. We've seen a few of these versions on youtube, but live and in person, her imitating Beyonce's version was priceless. Or it was her flashing the "i love you sign" and get...