"The One That Got Away"

Fortunately, by the time I found the feathers spread out across my bedroom floor, I already knew this one had a happy ending... relatively speaking anyway.

Occasionally when we're away the house is locked up but the sunroom door gets left open. This means that Al, the killer cat, can come and go with access to the outside world. Not such a good idea.

When I got home from a Saturday afternoon outing, I could hear Al upstairs meowing away. I followed the sound to my office where I found him hovering over a poor little baby bird. I quickly grabbed a washcloth from the nearest bathroom and used it to carefully envelop the bird and whisk the terrorized little guy to safety. I released it in our front yard in the hedges. Based on its hasty retreat, it didn't appear to be harmed.

Shortly after, I found the feathers all over my bedroom floor. Given my focus, I didn't have time to take a photo of the victim. I was able to snap this image at my leisure. I give you "The One That Got Away".

Then Sings My Soul: "Motions" by Matthew West

I continue to pull the wheel to the right. I'm not making a right angle turn but a big sweeping curve. No matter what I do in this life, I want to do it filled with God's passion. Blessed by the Spirit. Never let it be said I'm just going through the motions.

Movie Review: "Couples Retreat"

"Couples Retreat" is a romantic comedy written by (and starring) Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn. Jason Bateman and Faizon Love complete the cast of husbands. We're introduced to four couples in various stages of relationship. Shane (Love) and his girlfriend Trudy (Kali Hawk) have dated for a few weeks as he is on the rebound from his recent divorce from Jennifer (Tasha Smith). Joey (Favreau)and his wife Lucy (Kristin Davis) seem to barely tolerate each other's company and are clearly heading for separation or divorce. Dave (Vaughn) and wife Ronnie (Malin Akerman) will resonate with most couples with young children - life is busy, hectic and often tense as all of life's "little decisions" must be made during every stolen moment. Jason (Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell) seem like a loving couple, but the tension of unsuccessfully conceiving a child have made them question their ability to be together. They are the catalyst for eventual journey to Eden, a gorgeous island resort for marriage counseling. Although initially billed as optional, it turns out the scheduled activities are anything but. And on the other side of the lagoon? A singles club swings with lights and action.

It was nice to enjoy a comedy that didn't include all of the funny clips in the trailer. This is a great date-night movie: crude enough for him, romantic enough for her.

Then Sings My Soul: Undo by Rush of Fools

This is a daily prayer for me! It's so easy to stray. So challenging to stay close to You, God, while trying to grow into what You want me to become. Thank you, Lord, for your patience and persistence in bringing me back to the place of forgiveness and grace.

Undo
by Rush of Fools

I've been here before
Now, here I am again
Standing at the door
Praying You'll let me back in

To label me
A prodigal would be
Only scratching the surface
Of who Ive been known to be

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one
Who can undo what I've become

I focused on the score
But I could never win
Trying to ignore
A life of hiding my sin

To label me
A hypocrite would be
Only scratching the surface
Of who I've been known to be

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I cant do this myself
You're the only one
Who can undo what Ive become

Make every step lead me back to
The sovereign way that You

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what Ive become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one who can undo
You are the only one who can undo
You're the only one who can undo
What I've become