Ha – I am pre-writing these as I will be on vacation – well at least I hope I will be – and today is Labor Day so those who work hard are off and many folks – who work even harder – are NOT off and have to serve in services…  Really we don’t need a federal holiday to relax, we might need a snowstorm burying us to force us to slow down – but I am not going to go there when there is such little summertime left… the snow can wait and wait… I want summer – I want more summer…

VACATION – that is the feeling I am hoping – pre-typing this – and funny to me is that I am planning to take practically no luggage – only a toothbrush, toothpaste, cell phone and charger, credit cards, jacket, book, swimsuit and oh yeah, a few clothes – it is only 3 days away and if needed I can do laundry staying at my friend’s house. Oh yeah – I will take one dress because we have tickets to see DONNY OSMOND! (I have no purple socks but still have my Marie doll)…

Yes my friends, I am going to Vegas! (should already be there by the time you read this) woohoo – and what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas right? maybe not and I will fill in everyone what my adventures are – but we are 3 hours behind east coast time – that is why I am writing ahead of time – because what I am bringing to Vegas what then should stay there – for me to even leave on the plane – no, not my clothes but I am planning on leaving behind burdens of ugh – and my whining – and my flippant ways – and my whatever. So THAT is what I hope stays away from Vegas – the baggage from life, plus the baggage that we whine about but could drop – and that ungratefulness we hold on to but should change. We need to change more frowns up side down and just get back to JOY.

What I hope “happens in Vegas” is not a big philosophical retreat – but just a chance to hug my friend – get a change of scenery – and gain a moment of “vacation mindset” in a warm climate before it snows… And what surely will happen in Vegas is my friend and I will acknowledge that even thru a rocky road, God got us to the destination for this season of life.

What I am also doing (remember that I am pre-writing this) is riding a cheap flight on an airline that just declared bankruptcy – hehe – yeah I guess barebones Spirit airline is running on fumes… But I will persevere – my wallet and my nerves have been stretched too thin this summer – and so I will enjoy what I can enjoy and instead of winning it big at the slot machines, I will win it big in knowing I was taking a few days to take care of my mind – before it also is bankrupt. 

Bankruptcy and no baggage is how we should arrive in Heaven – that is how we should run out of steam at the end of our lives and let the Lord flag us home being carried in His arms. Give it away or leave it for someone else – and take the time to be with our family and friends.  I am not at the end of my life (at least I hope) – but the most important message I can send in a message about no baggage and no frills excesses, is that what doesn’t happen to us here on earth is that there is no hope… WE HAVE HOPE – ALWAYS…  We have HOPE in Jesus ALWAYS…

OK – so up up and away – Lord willing and He usually is!

Remember folks – pack your HOPE and leave that in vegas too – and bring some more HOPE home – God gives that away for free.

Amen