Heather Hodges

The last video game unit I had was an original Atari. My brothers and I mastered Pit Fall, Frogger, Night Driver and of course Pac Man. Since the time I was about 14, I’ve seen video games as a colossal waste of time. I’ve viewed excessive video game playing as a character flaw. I’ve passed judgment on old boyfriends and grown men for spending too much time sitting in front of a TV with a controller in their hands. But, after last night I’m singing a new song.

Some new friends had us over for dinner last night. After the very excellent meal, they broke out the Wii. It was probably the most fun I’ve had all week, and certainly the most exercise I’ve had too. I played tennis, bowled, shot rabbits with toilet plungers, and incinerated bunnies while dancing to the beat. I got a stitch in my side laughing at my sons boxing each other and then rolled in the floor when the two dads boxed. It was truly a family fun night with the adults having most of the fun. And to top it off, my arm is sore today from the exertion.

No wonder this new toy is hard to find in stores right now. Does anyone know where to put your hands on one of these little gadgets, cause we want a Wii.

Here is another vintage photo of Wade with his sister and their cats. Notice several things: 1.) Wade is not torturing the cats or his sister and 2.) the lovely landscape of West Texas. No wonder he moved straight to Washington State after college

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Our adopted kitty is still hanging around. She is beginning to grow on all of us, including Wade. Don’t ever let him fool you, he has a soft spot in his heart for cats. Just take a look at this vintage photo, circa 1978.

About a month ago, the boys woke up in the middle of the night complaining about a sound outside their window. After a little investigation we found a young cat sitting on their window sill. It was dirty, hungry, and very lonely. We gave it a little lunch meat, milk, and love and we would wait every night to see if it would come back or not. And of course, every night she has returned. She is a medium hair calico with green eyes and a very sweet temperament. Each night she comes to us earlier and earlier. So finally, we decided that she is going to keep us and tonight I ran to the store for a few supplies. I came back with Cat Chow, a food bowl, a collar, treats, toys, a brush, and…..cat shampoo. Naturally, the last item on my list implies that the cat will in some way make contact with water. After a short battle and much splashing and crying, we now have a clean cat. The only thing lacking is a name. Elijah’s vote is “Cali” - but that was the name of my last cat. Caleb votes for “Duchess” - after the white cat in Disney’s “Aristocats” played by Zsa Zsa Gabore. Wade just calls her “The Cat.” Any other name ideas?

I heard a sermon preached yesterday that I have been waiting many years to hear. I am very proud of the courage and conviction it took to be able to teach on such a delicate topic. My hopes and prayers are that women in the church will be encouraged to use their spiritual gifts to the fullest. Yet, I know that many people will hear and interpret something different from what was actually said. My deepest desire is that a healthy and Godly conversation will grow from this.  May grace and love abound.

“Women in Leadership at Garnett”