Isaac

Hurricane Isaac has sure dealt some misery, and he's headed toward my house. According to this map, by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow, I'll be getting waterlogged as my house is just south of that little black circle in the middle of Arkansas.  I'm not worried, but they are predicting heavy rain and some flooding. We have been in such a drought that I am really hoping we do get lots of rain. I have my doubts though, it just sounds too good to be true. LOL!!

 I know he has really hurt Louisiana again, but I hope he didn't damage the beaches in Alabama and Florida too much. I have plans next summer!!! All kidding aside, I do pray for those affected by this. It's got to be devastating for the folks in LA to go through this again.

Stay safe out there folks.

In An Instant

Have you ever had an experience that only took a couple of seconds, but in that instant your life was changed dramatically?

We're all familiar with the scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:
 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...
 I have two very dear friends who were in a terrible auto accident last Friday afternoon. In that instant, though thanks be to God they survived, their lives have changed and a new season has begun for them.

My friend D is a teacher and was to begin her new year yesterday. Her husband S is a retired school superintendent who was working part time for an educational co-op. It will be quite some time before either is able to return to work.

D's injuries are bad enough, with a broken wrist and the bone around her eye fractured. She is being released from the hospital today, and will have surgery on her wrist Thursday of this week. S has multiple breaks and some internal issues. He will be in the hospital for quite some time. I and they would really appreciate your prayers for them.

So begins a season of hard work to recover. I'm sure to them it will seem like life is "on hold" but I hope and pray they see it as a blessing and a tool to use in the future. We all go through situations that are not pleasant, and down right painful so we can understand and be a minister to someone else going through it later. Or at least sometimes I think that is the reason.

They are both in a great deal of pain. Physically and emotionally. Their family is torn between wanting to be with them and needing to return to work. I hope to help as often as I can and I hope and pray God gives me wisdom in what I do and say.

I am reminded that in an instant we can be facing a trial that only God can bring us through. A season we didn't expect is thrust upon us and only in our relationship to Christ can we endure without complete despair.

Lamentations 3:24
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Day Trip #3: The Museum

I'd never been in an art museum until our trip to Hot Springs. The Ozark Bath house has been converted into one and it was amazing. Sister and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There was a lovely sculpture on the front lawn. You can catch a glimpse of it on the left side of this photo. I took better photos of it, but then realized the women who were playing instruments were nude. Not something I'm comfortable posting.

This photograph was the first thing that grabbed me. The petite child riding that huge horse but, look how free and comfortable she is.

Sister was drawn to this one. I can't decide whether it represents the loss of a child, or the loss of childhood. It may not be either one.

This room was full of women playing instruments. Luckily they all had on clothes. *wink* Some of the paintings on the wall didn't, and I tried to crop them out.

Get a load of this guy! He's made completely out of silverware. I just wonder how long it took to put him together.

This is only part of a larger painting called "Trail of Tears" and you could probably have figured that out on your own. Notice how the sky moves from bright to dark as the people move on and on, their loved ones dying along the way.

I fell in love with this painting. What I wouldn't give to be able to dab paint on a canvas and it come away actually looking like something.

This was mixed media and I found it interesting. Sister found it ugly. LOL!! My first reaction when seeing it was, "That looks like an art quilt", but she said it would be an ugly one. *grin*

She did like this guy, however. She's a cowgirl at heart.

One room in the museum was dedicated to the artist, L.M. Chan. He works with leather to create life like scenes. We were astounded by his artistry and realism.

 This warrior was life sized. You can see other works in the background.

 Look at the detail of the horse.

The receptionist told us that Chan began doing this for his eight year old daughter. By the time she was eighteen, she was a multimillionaire. I can certainly see why!

My least favorite room was the one with masks.

It was strange and a little spooky, but there was one thing I did like.

Maybe her body is hiding under all those shells.*wink*

 I'll leave you with a picture of the inside of one of the other bath houses converted into a gift shop.

We are looking forward to taking another day trip to Hot Springs as soon as we can work it out.