66 - The Virtue of Diligence

66 - The Virtue of Diligence, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Diligence (ethics, opposes sloth) —
A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work. Decisive work ethic. Acting energetically without excessive reflection.

My oldest had always struggled in math, and the youngest in handwriting. I used to praise them when they had a "Diligence Day" in homeschool and worked really hard. They were always so happy to get that big "D" on the calendar to represent this sort of day. Now, they are older, and they are diligent in these areas without the big "D" on the calendar, but I hope I never forget to praise them! They have made such big strides because of their diligence in these hard school areas.

65 - The Virtue of Abstinence

65 - The Virtue of Abstinence, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Abstinence (self-control, opposes gluttony) —
Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation.

My boys and I thought this would be a hilarious "contrast" photo: kids being gluttons on ice cream! I took care of the kids of my friends who went to New York, and in the midst of all the running around with their appointments, I thought I lost my wallet until one of them had an idea of where to look. I found it! They all thought that maybe a REWARD was in order. So, I told them to keep quiet about it, and I would get them dessert BEFORE they ever had lunch. I told them not to tell their mom (I was planning on breaking the news to her in a fun way), but right as we were coming home (to actually eat lunch), she called, and they all yelled, "DAIRY QUEEN!" We all had a good laugh.

So, this is a funny contrast photo for this virtue, but I should also add that the person who took the picture DID decide to abstain from her absolute FAVORITE kind of food, but you can't see her in the picture. :)

64 - The Virtue of Chastity

DSC_0022, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Chastity (purity, opposes lust) —
Courage and boldness. Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought through education and betterment. Practicing proper love and its expression due to one's spiritual vocation.

These are my mentors, Ginny and Lorraine. They are in their 80's and were missionaries in Japan for over 35 years. They remained single (although they had more than one offer), and they labored with courage and boldness and love in post-World War II Japan bringing the light of Christ to a war-torn place. They planted more than one church and loved many Japanese along the way.

I have been going up to see them in their retirement village one time a month for over five years now, and my life will forever be enriched by the time.

They are my heroes.

63 - The Virtue of Kindness

63 - The Virtue of Kindness, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Kindness (peace, opposes wrath) —
Forbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence. The ability to forgive; to show mercy to sinners.

I thought that this definition went along with the Peacemaker class I have been attending, I love the fact that my church is so commited to resolving conflict peacefully. The people are so very kind.

62 - The Virtue of Patience

61 - The Virtue of Patience, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Patience (satisfaction, opposes envy) —
Charity, compassion, friendship, and sympathy without prejudice and for its own sake.

This is the most patient man that I know. He offers me charity, compassion, friendship . . . all of the above!

This is the top of Dimple Hill with our city below. For the set of our journey up go to:

http://www.flickr.com/gp/52364318@N00/4HT0IP

61 - The Virtue of Liberality

61 - Liberality, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Liberality - will, generosity, opposes greed, —
Generosity. Willingness to give. A nobility of thought or actions.

I was on the cell phone, land line phone, or email for most of the day communicating with people who practice the virtue of liberality. The number of people who want to give to Bruce and Mary Beth's trip to New York is overwhelming. One woman from Pennsylvania wanted to set up and pay for a dinner at Tavern on the Green at Central Park, another wanted to treat them to a carriage ride and paid for a Lincoln Towne Car and driver to pick them up at the airport. Others called to say that they were sending money. Others expressed their desire to pray.

I stand amazed at the liberality of people today.

60 - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

60 - That's What Friends Are For, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

And These Pants are Traveling to New York City!

This is my "twin sister" Mary Beth. Today she came by to borrow my red coat because she is going to New York City tomorrow with her husband of 20 years who has Melanoma and will be starting treatment in 10 days.

After she tried on the coat, I asked her if she wanted to try on my jeans because she was admiring them last week at The Hobbit play (see below). They fit her perfectly, and I just had to take a picture to remember this wild and adventurous day. I am one of the few friends who CAN lend her my jeans since we are both very tall! We have done a whole lot of swapping of clothes in our 21 years of friendship, but that's what friends are for.

Friends are also for getting together a trip to New York City that was only a dream yesterday. A bunch of us pulled together, and they will be staying at the Hilton on Time Square and going to four Broadway plays.

What is so thrilling about today was that, in just eight hours, God provided free plane tickets and a free hotel room and more than enough cash for making it the vacation of a lifetime! Time may be short for our dear friend, Bruce, and we friends wanted to help them to "Seize the Day."

It was an amazing adventure today, and while the picture is not very artistic, it certainly tells a story of what friends (and sisters) are for.

February Retrospective

February Retrospective, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.