R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I've thought a lot about respect lately. I've had some experiences that have made me really evaluate how I view and treat others. I found this fantastic quote by Henri Frederic Amiel: "There is no respect for others without humility in one's self." I love it! It is so easy to point your finger at other people, it's easy to criticize those that view things differently and it's easy to judge people that you disagree with. I don't mean to be preachy, but "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is very relevant in our society today.

I have no problem with people thinking differently than I. I have no problem with people sharing their views, no matter how much I may disagree. I understand that not everyone thinks like me. What makes perfect sense to me may be completely ridiculous to someone else. I appreciate our differences and respect those people that really stand up for what they believe in, no matter what that might be. I think diversity is important in order for us to develop tolerance and broaden our minds.

HOWEVER, I don't believe it's right to try to get your point across while putting someone else down. In fact, I have a huge problem with this. I don't understand why some people feel the need to disrespect, ridicule, belittle or humiliate others while trying to prove their point. I get so sick of it. I prefer to spend time with people that respect me for who I am and what I stand for. These people may have different religious views than me. They may have different political views. They may have different cultural backgrounds. And perhaps we disagree on a lot of issues. But what it comes back to is R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Strong women

I know a remarkable woman who recently lost her young son in a drowning accident. Another remarkable woman's young son was recently diagnosed with autism. Another remarkable woman's husband was diagnosed with cancer. Another remarkable woman just lost her father. Another remarkable woman struggles with depression. Another remarkable woman lost her husband at a very young age. Another remarkable woman just had a miscarriage.

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to all you strong women out there. You are an inspiration to me and I draw strength from you. I am so grateful that you are willing to share your hardships, thoughts and feelings with the rest of us. Thank you for being an example of faith, strength and endurance.

We all have struggles, but we do not always share them with others. I have learned, though, that we can draw strength and comfort from each other, and that together we really are stronger.

Summer report

It just dawned on me that I have not posted any photos from our summer vacation this year. It was not as grand as last year's vacation (a trip to the always wonderful US of A), but it was still grand in its own way.

We made a trip westward; to Bergen to be more specific. We rented a cabin on Askøy, an island about 20 minutes outside of Bergen, for a week and had a terrific time. I don't know what people are talking about when they say it always rains in Bergen. In fact, I had bought me some good, ole rubber boots in preparation for walking the rainy streets of the capital of the west coast, but didn't wear them once. We had sun every day and the kids even went swimming in the lake by the cabin. (The water was way too cold for me. Is that a sign of age? I'm just asking.)

We went to the Aquarium, the fish market, Fløibanen, Bryggen..... all the typical tourist sights. Since, after all, we were tourists. We also visited Edvard Grieg's home, Troldhaugen, which I remember going to as a kid and which I loved even back then. He is my all time favorite composer, and I had of course given the kids a lecture on Edvard Grieg (or Edvard Krigg as Amilia likes to call him) in advance and they really enjoyed it, too. Amilia was concerned about where Edvard Krigg was now, though. She kept asking for him. And we kept trying to explain to her that he passed away many years ago, but that his music lives on. The answer wasn't good enough for her and every 2 seconds she kept asking: "But where is Edvard Krigg?" We finally took her to his grave, but even after seeing the tomb, she kept asking "But where is Edvard Krigg?" Finally I told her that he's with Jesus. She accepted that answer.



Beautiful view of Bergen.



Loving the fish market.



I wasn't lying when I said we had sun every day.



And I wasn't lying when I said the water was cold, either.



Amilia, Selina and Edvard Krigg.