Trip to Hell & Heaven

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.



A short time ago, we got a call from our dear friends Jim & Kathy. ( See Spot on Cedar Pond) They had received bad news regarding an on-going conflict concerning their son David.

Jim asked if they could come by and we could go to a movie together and visit to take their minds off their troubles. I told him " sure, come on over " Now if the goal is to talk, I did not think that going to a movie would be the best place to talk with them. Although some of you think that is the best place to talk when I am trying to watch the movie! But I digress.

So they came by and we were having a time of sharing about their troubles, when Jim asked if I would go with him when he went to the upcoming hearing California. I said "yes I would", wondering how I would take time off to do it. As it turns out, I had a vacation day and a comp. day I was saving to use on a long weekend. So, plans were made.

Thursday, I was up at 4am to catch a bus to the airport and take the early flight to Burbank. Son, James, picked me up and we went to his workplace and spent the day together before we had to drive 125 mi. to Joshua Tree at 5am the next morning.

Now, if you have never been to Joshua Tree CA, it is best described as the main street of Hell. Including the heat!!!

We waited and sweated ( literally) the whole morning as the Judge heard other cases. As the time for David's case came up, the Judge said he needed more time to review new documents regarding the case. So, off to a restaurant to sweat it out ( literally ) over lunch.

Now, if you have read the Cedar Pond Blog, you have the great news. Suffice to say, the judge gave a good ruling and most were pleased with how things went.

Which brings us to the trip to Heaven. As we left the courtroom and all were in the parking lot, it struck me. This was our opportunity to view what I believe is what God intended us, as his family, to be. Yes, it was hot. Yes, we had all sacrificed a bit to be there. Yes, all of what was hoped for was not achieved. But, we were together as His family supporting one another and loving one another as He intended. Just a glimpse of His heaven!

Now, for those who might write saying what a great sacrifice I made to do this:

I will tell you truthfully, the blessings were given to me as much, if not more. Hearing the judge comment about how impressed he was seeing the support of family and friends for David and the opportunity to see God at work in His family and see the relief and joy in David's, both Jim's, Daniel's, Breezy's and James' eyes was so worth the "sacrifice"!!

To Jim, Kathy, Daniel, Breezy & David- Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your lives. To share the tears and the laughter.

A couple final encouragements:

Do I do these things for those who are following Him only?

Luke 10:36-37 (NKJV) "So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" 37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Am I being selfish by not being available and there for a friend in need?

Philippians 2:20-21 (NKJV) For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.


I for one, am glad Jesus had the time and was not too busy to die for me!!!

Our Weekend

Our weekend is Monday and Tuesday. So Monday, we went to the Arboretum in Seattle. It was a warm day. But we were able to take a long walk around the trails in the shade.

After the Arboretum and lunch, we went to the Japanese garden for the first time.

We are looking forward to seeing it through the seasons in the future.

For those who haven't seen the Arboretum, a few photos.


















Can't wait to see everything in bloom.













A Tea Ceremony in progress










The Koi were amazing!













So we could remember the way home, a few leaves from the Gingko Biloba tree.











Then it was time to help Kathleen tend her garden.



































A very nice day!

The start of our weekend.

Our days off work are Monday & Tuesday. But, we work Sunday afternoon. So, most Sundays we will try to take a walk and have coffee before opening the office at 1 pm.

Last Sunday, it was a beautiful day. Steilacoom, each year, has been having an antique car show. So, decided we would take our walk and browse the cars before coffee and heading home.

Thought I would give you all an idea of what we saw.

As you can see, there were a lot of cars.

This one belongs to one of my tenants.

















One of Kathleen's favorites.


















Here are a couple more.



















Thought Marc & the boys would like this one!













I will have a story to tell you about this one, later!














Afterwards, it was off to the Steilacoom Cafe for Iced Mocha and some of their great pastries. This is the view from the cafe.

All in all, a great start to our days off!