I awoke very early this day. Lots on my mind. Needing some tylenol and antacid. I will be so glad when I have my current personal project behind me. We will know where we stand with that tomorrow (I hope).

I am amazed. I usually turn the telly on and I listen, more than watch, the CBS all night news magazine "Up to the Minute". Of course Lance Armstrong is splashed across every news avenue. His accomplishments are remarkable. It is enough for many to dream of winning, but after a bout with cancer, and then to win seven times. I did notice in the online version of the Reporter News that Lance's Mom is going to speak at the Civic Center in the near future. She has a book out at the present (Raising Lance, Raising me). I haven't read it, just excerpts and the book jacket, but what I have seen is a pretty remarkable Mother and some of Lance's drive to succeed comes into focus.

My other amazement this morning is about a drag racing team named "Follow a Dream". The team owner/crew chief is blind. Totally. Jay Blake was injured when a tire blew up in his face eight years ago. Prior to that he had been a diesel mechanic. After ten hours of surgery to rebuild this man's face he was ultimately fitted with two glass eyes. This year the team won its first National event and in September they will attempt to do it again. On the film footage it showed him working, directing his team. Away from the race track he works with teens who have sight disabilities, talking about choices. His team members praise his efforts, racing, motorcycles, water skiing. A remarkable story and he continues to paint it with broad strokes, he wants to become the first blind drag car driver. I wouldn't bet against it. "Life is too short" he exclaimed after his near fatal brush with death that cost him his sight. He is getting married next year. He may be blind, but he has tremendous vision.

It is somewhat ironic that this news bite came up because just this past week I was reading Val's blog and he mentioned taking a friend to pick up his car from the shop. Turns out his friend's mechanic is a genius at brakes and air conditioning, he also happens to be legally blind.

As regular readers are aware, I have blogged from time to time about my nephew Chris who is in Little Rock attending a small engine repair school for the visually impaired. I haven't been on the campus but my sister and her family along with my Dad have, and they talk about it in amazement. To watch students totally disassemble an engine, laying it out, assessing parts, trusting their other senses. Chris will complete his studies later this summer and will return to Roscoe where he plans on hanging out his shingle and fixing mowers.

Against all odds. Getting the most from what you have. I think of the faith required for any of these accomplishments. Blind faith if you take Lance from the picture. The fullness of living from within. Not being distracted by the coverings but by peering beyond.

FATHER, I am weak, my faith pales when I look at these remarkable people and their accomplishments, and their tremendous faith. Help me to look no further than YOU, knowing YOU are the master of the universe, knowing YOU are in control, knowing YOU have a plan in place for me. Forgive me when I get off track. I thank YOU for Krl and I continue to ask for her healing and renewal. I pray for relief for her from her pain. I lift up Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Jess, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin and S.T., for YOUR gifts of healing and care. I pray for those sad with loss and ask YOUR comfort and care for them. I pray for those of us who struggle daily as we try to follow YOU. I ask for strength, and resolve and that YOU will keep us centered in YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and for our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Oh for such a faith as this.