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Today Christina left for a three day adventure to the Toronto Island Natural Science School! There is a very cool online tour of the facility here.

Initially, she was somewhat anxious about the possibility of having a seizure while over-nighting there. Sleep arrangements were adjusted to provide direct adult supervision for her and, with that, she was ready to go!

The weather is turning out to be nothing short of wonderful and, in all probability, she is having a great time.

Your prayers, for her safety (and Mom's peace & rest in the Lord), are greatly appreciated this week.

we are here to exhibit only one thing— the "captivity [of our lives] to the obedience of Christ"

Several weeks ago, much to my surprise, I was captivated by a new billboard campaign. A picture of a normal, healthy, non-airbrushed woman and a question: withered or wonderful? Immediate WOW!

This is not some momentary media blip. Here's some background from the Dove (as in soap) website CampaignForRealBeauty

For too long, beauty has been defined by narrow, stifling stereotypes. ... Dove's global Campaign for Real Beauty aims to change the status quo and offer in its place a broader, healthier, more democratic view of beauty. A view of beauty that all women can own and enjoy everyday. In order to achieve this important goal, the Campaign for Real Beauty includes the following initiatives: Creation of a forum for women to participate in a dialogue and debate about the definition and standards of beauty in society

Release of a global, academic research study that explores the relationship that women from around the world have with beauty and its links to their happiness and well-being

Advertising that inspires women and society to think differently about what is defined as beautiful

Fundraising initiatives (sponsored by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund) to help young girls with low body-related self esteem

Self-esteem workshops with young girls in schools to help them foster a healthy relationship with and confidence in their bodies and their looks

Establishment of the Program for Aesthetics and Well-Being at Harvard University, through a grant from Dove, which will continue to examine the way we think and talk about beauty in popular culture and the effect that this has on women's well-being

Creation of a global touring photography exhibit, Beyond Compare, Women Photographers on Beauty, showcasing diverse images of female beauty from 67 female photographers, and demonstrating that beauty is about much more than stereotypes.

Interesting footnote: today my 5 year old son asked me, "Why is there a picture of a person with chicken pox on that sign?" I could not convince him that the woman merely had some "beautyspots". It's going to take alot of Dove to overcome our saturation of artifical beauty.

Wednesday is my day to do "whatever". Sometimes I use this time to volunteer at the kids' school, with NDFR or at the church. Today, however, I spent most of my time quietly with others. Big chunks of time with God and Josiah to be more specific. Nothing spectacular happened but I know that making Kraft Dinner and playing trains together met a huge need in my son for attention. We didn't get fancier than a smiley ketchup face with our kraft dinner recipe and the train set is the Brio knock-off. Didn't matter a bit - he's delighted just to do something together.

Same with my time with God: bible, pen, ruled notebook - he's delighted.

Just a little attention today.

Spent time today with Darryl's family enjoying much good food. My only criticism with family celebrations (both sides of our family) is that they are far too short. It's tough to prepare a meal, fill your stomach to capacity and connect meaningfully with those you love, in a few short hours, whether there is 11 or 22 in attendance.

In one of my scattered conversations today someone said, "You haven't blogged for a long time. I miss knowing what's going on with you." And it's very true. Lately, I have been silent. Silent during the start of Josiah to kindergarten. Silent through the issues and non-issues of Christina's confirmed epilepsy. Silent through the passing of a friend's father, followed days later by the passing of my wonderful aunt. Silent through ministry developments at church, my pursuit of the words of Christ, my conflicted thoughts on world economics and justice.

But beyond my silence here, thoughts and stirrings run deeply through my soul. Still in formation: silent steps of faith in what it means to live and die and how to get there from here. While I travel I'll try to stay a bit more connected.

If you are so inclined, please pray for those who mean so much to me: Jim, Kathy, Debbie, Vickie, Wendy, and their families.