A Grumpy Friday Five

I gues I'm not the only grumpy Rev Gal.
Will Smama invites us to get it out of our systems now so we can enjoy the onset of Advent. She says, "For those of you with a more positive attitude, have no fear. I am sure more sacred and reverent Friday Fives will follow." I think she is probably right, but for now, here are her "grumpy" questions--all in good fun: Please tell us your least favorite/most annoying seasonal....

1) dessert/cookie/family food
Fruit cake. My mom used to send them to us when she still lived in Texas. Does anyone actually like fruit cake? I also hate that sickeningly sweet, frothy Christmas treat known as "Divinity." Bleech!

2) beverage
Egg Nog. Too too too sweet. If I can dilute it about half and half with milk I can tolerate it.

3) tradition
I love Christmas traditions. I can't honestly think of one I do not like...at least not at the moment.

4) decoration
We had an ugly red star atop our tree for some time that looked just like the above picture. A year or so ago we replaced it (finally!) with an angel. I'd like a nice star, but I can't find one.

5) gift (received or given)
See question number one. Then there was that time I got socks, and the time....oh never mind...

BONUS: SONG/CD that makes you want to tell the elves where to stick it.
Jingle Bells. That is THE MOST OVERPLAYED SONG in the world!

A Few Family Photos

Trinity and Grandpa Ken

Josh clowns around as he prepares to carve the turkey.

Kris makes the gravy. Mmmm Mmmmm!

Time to leave Minnesota to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Wisconsin.

Good morning!

A visit to Great Grandmommy Leta in the nursing home.

Anybody on TV Get It Right?

In response to my Grumpy Part II post below, Crimson Rambler asked us if any television shows get it right. What good things do you recall, moments of "truth" or clarity....or? Good question. What do you think? And hello, C.R. Thanks for stopping by!

Post Thanksgiving Friday Five

Ah, the day after Thanksgiving--groan! Fortunately, I love Thanksgiving leftovers.

Thanksgiving is the American holiday when the greatest number of people travel somewhere else to celebrate. I am posting this from my son’s home in Minnesota where we are recovering from the food shopping and the preparations and the meal and the clean up. It is difficult to think of anything requiring much energy today, and I am enjoying my sweet baby granddaughter, so I will keep it simple.

For those of you not in the USA, I apologize for the nationalistic tone of this Friday Five!

1. Did you go elsewhere for the day, or did you have visitors at your place instead? How was it?

Kris and I cooked at Josh's house. Ken entertained Trinity--he has a broken leg and is pretty much off his feet. Kris' husband, Daryl, came over after work and he and Josh got turkeys on the grill. Smokey barbequed turkey is yummy! Trinity has found her voice. For a long time she was pretty quiet. No more. She smiles non stop, and she tends to yell happily. BAH! DOO JAH! Like that. She had all of us laughing.

2. Main course: If it was the turkey, the whole turkey, and nothing but the turkey, was it prepared in an unusual way? Or did you throw tradition to the winds and do something different?

See above. We've been grilling turkeys on the Webber grill for many years now.

3. Other than the meal, do you have any Thanksgiving customs that you observe every year?

We usually get out the Mah Jong set and play, or we play other games. This year we ate later than usual, and Trinity was cranky because it was her bedtime, so they went home and Ken and Josh and I vegged out on the couch. Josh was snoring in about five minutes, and Ken and I watched "The Incredibles." Maybe tomorrow we'll get some game playing in.

4. The day after Thanksgiving is considered a major Christmas shopping day by most US retailers. Do you go out bargain hunting and shop ‘till you drop, or do you stay indoors with the blinds closed? Or something in between?

One year Kris and I shopped on the Friday following Thanksgiving, and it was such a hassle we haven't done it since. But this year she is getting up to be at the store at six a.m. for someting she really wants, and she says she will go home and go back to bed. I will stay snuggled in bed till I have to get up, and then I will not likely shop. That could change, depending.

5. Let the HOLIDAY SEASON commence! When will your Christmas decorations go up?

I like them up right away. This year I'm not sure what will happen because Ken is unable to do any of the work. I'll be fortunate to get the tree up and the decorations lugged upstairs. No one will be visiting our place this Christmas (waah) so I'm not sure what I'll try to put up. The church will be decorated this week. On Dec. 2nd the local churches will have a sort of Christmas walk where we go to each church to see the decorated sanctuarys and read a portion of scripture. Our church is across from the high school, and our church is last on the schedule. From church we go to the high school for a community evening of Christmas music from local church choirs and other festivities. It's a nice way to begin the Christmas season.

Happy Thanksgiving

I love these foot tall wooden figures. Even the backsides. I like the reminder that the pilgrims and the natives were friends. It would not last, as we know, and it was not so everywhere. The settlement at Jamestown, Virginia was not at all like the one to the north, at Plymouth Rock. The stories of Indians Samoset and Squanto are fascinating. The pilgrims would have likely all died without their help. As it was, half of their number perished the first year.

It was not long before the great experiment in "covenant" living faded, but at least in the early days, God was honored and the kindness of Jesus Christ was evident. Those early pilgrims gave thanks, not because of great abundance, or fancy homes. While Chief Massasoit and his braves were a great blessing, bringing venison and other food to the the great feast, the colonist's rations were far from abundant. They gave thanks to God because they had determined to do so, to remember the words of St. Paul, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

I wish my friends and readers a blessed week and Thanksgiving Day. I am grateful for ways many of you have enriched my life, some in person and others through the Internet or the mail. Perhaps you are planning on sharing the traditional feast with your friends or family or perhaps it is a sad year, or a "lean" one. In each situation, it is a "good thing to give thanks to the Lord" for there is one thing we can count on--the mercy and goodness of Almighty God.

May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you in ways large and small. May you be surprised by joy, encouraged by others, loved by those whom you love. Most of all, may the matchless grace of the Lord become ever more real to you as we enter this holiday season.

Grumpy Part II

Yesterday I watched the TV program, "Criminal Minds." My husband likes it. Wonder why?

Ahem.

Anyway, one of the characters in this episode was a priest, "Father" Somebody. It was unclear whether he was Anglican or Roman Catholic, but he was wearing a collar, not a R.C. one. So do TV writers and costumers even know that an Episcopalian and a Catholic priest would likely wear different collars? But I digress. The thing that made me grumpy was that these three statements were made. All in one program! TWO were from my first Grumpy post!


1. "God will never send you more than you can handle."

2. "God is in everyone." (To a sadistic, twisted, murderer. Note: I love going to the prison chapel, but that is a seperate issue.)

3. "Everything happens for a really good reason."

Numbers one and two were said by the priest, in a calm, pastorly tone. ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH! Number three was uttered by a female regular on the show to a blind date as they discussed their accidental meeting earlier. He then turned and shot her.

A good reason all right. He's a crazy murderer.

Is there a person who reviews these things who might actually know what most Christian clergy people do or say?

If the American public believes the spiritual church leaders they see on TV actually say things clergy believe (I fear for many that the only ministers they see are on a TV or movie screen), it is no wonder so many unchurched folks think we are a bunch of brainless saps.

RevGalBlogPals Friday Five: Think on These Things

Over at Rev Gal Blog Pals, Songbird says:
"Friends, it's nearly Thanksgiving in the U.S. and it's the time of year when we are pressed to name things for which we are thankful. I want to offer a twist on the usual lists and use Paul's letter to the church at Philippi as a model."

Fiinally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8, NRSV)

"Name five things that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent or worthy of praise. These could be people, organizations, acts, ideas, works of art, pieces of music--whatever comes to mind for you."

1. Our little cat (actually my mother's cat), Patches, is lying on the desk next to the computer, gazing at me with her round, green eyes as I type. She has a quiet purr, but if I listen I can hear her little contentment motor running. We did not want a cat. We are dog people. My mother wanted a cat. But this little kitty has been a great comfort over this last year, a painful one in many ways. Her soft fur, beautiful face, "princess" demeanor...all have been a pleasure and a gift from God.

2. Music. Isn't music the most amazing gift? I'm listening to a variety of things these days, from praise music to hymns to gospel, classical, jazz, blues, classic rock....music is amazing. This a.m. I woke up to Claire de Lune on the c.d. (alarm). Wonderful.

3. My sweet husband, patient, and loving through it all.

4. Friends and family on the journey with me. What a long, difficult trip it would be without others alongside to cheer us, laugh with us, encourage us.

5. The most wonderful gift this year, of course, precious beyond measure is beautiful little Trinity Ann, the grandchild we thought we would never have, and the bright star in a difficult time. Those are my husbands hands, and hers. She will be one year old on January 7th.

What's It Like to Visit Your Church?

This is must reading for all of us, pastors and lay people alike. If you were a visitor at your church what could happen? Everyone is responsible....!

Furthermore...

Perhaps, conversely, every church must be a little traditional as well. Upon further reflection, it really is not a blank page when we consider how to be the church. Perhaps we should begin with scripture, not market research, "think tanks" or slogans? Just a thought. And yes, I am a bit confused these days. One thing though, it is much more important to BE the church than to DO church.

Rethinking Church

Suddenly, I don't feel so bad that I have been reading, pondering and fussing over what "church" should be for over two years now. Perhaps every church must become "emergent," to some degree whether they know it or not yet.

If even Willow Creek has to rethink how they are doing church--well--instead of trying to rephrase it, here is a link to some interesting reading.

"A blank page,"says Bill Hybels. I think he is right....can we do it?

We must, it seems, by the grace of God.

The Google Meme

Dr. Platypus tries out a different kind of meme which he got from somebody who got it from somebody else....but I thought it sounded like fun.

Here's the deal, copied from over at his place:

I’d like to suggest a meme, where the premise is that you will attempt to find 5 statements, which if you were to type into google (preferably google.com, but we’ll take the other country specific ones if need be), you’ll find that you are returned with your blog as the number one hit.

This was kind of fun! Here are mine.

Pentecostal Emergent Egalitarian

Owl Lady Pastor

My church youth group has a drag car.

Princess Trinity Ann

Still Pondering Church

Who else wants to play? I double dog dare ya!

Pastor's Boquet

Back to Church

Yesterday the church family gave me a gift of better health in the form of paying the fee for "Curves." Lest you be affronted on my behalf, I had already told someone that this would be a welcome gift that I would likely never give myself.

At the pot luck lunch after church, a little girl gave me this cute poster she had made. A little later I received a second little sign from a different young lady.

Funny thing was, they both spelled "wellcome" in the same way.

Religious Sounding Stuff That Makes Me Grumpy

Okay, call me grumpy, but someone just said to me (about the 5,684th time I've heard this in my life), "Remember, God will never give you more than you can handle." Aaaaaarggghhhhh! I just had to write this down somewhere.

THESE THINGS ARE NOT IN THE BIBLE

1. The one above, also rendered, "The Lord will never give you more than you can bear."

Here is what RevDrKate said to someone recently,

"I get really gnarly about that 'God never sends you more than you can handle' one....I say GOD doesn't SEND anything...God's part in it all is being with you in it! " (and I echo, RIGHT ON, SISTAH!)

2. Train up a child to know about Jesus, and that child will always return to the faith in the end.

I'm all for teaching our kids about Jesus and for praying for them, especially the prodigals. But have you heard of something called "free will?" Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it" is not a guarantee of having a church-going child, even when that child become a senior citizen.

3. The husband is the priest of the home.

Puh-leeze stop saying that unless you can show me at least one chapter and verse.

4. Submission is a godly wife's highest goal.

See above. A Christan woman's highest goal should be the same as her husband's, to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

And last but not least.

5. Everything happens for a reason.

As Dr. Platypus once said, "Yeah. The devil hates you and has a horrible plan for your life." Such fatalism has no place in the thinking of a believer.

Do you have some additional stuff to share that "aint necessarily so?" (Apologies to Irving Berlin.) And for now I'll stop grumping and go work on Sunday's sermon.

RevGals Friday Five - Interviews

Mother Laura, noting that there always seem to be a few RevGals applying for new positions, brings us this weeks' Friday Five.

1. What was the most memorable interview you ever had?

I HATE interviewing. That said, the most memorable one was a long time ago. I had taken the state exam for being a probation/parole officer and (to my surprise) scored very highly. At the interview, I could think of nothing except, with each question, "I cannot do this." However, I just have to put my "best foot forward" in any interview. So I did. I was desperate for a job at the time, and I knew if they offered it to me I would feel compelled to take it. It was the only time I prayed not to be offered a job for which I had interviewed. I wasn't. Whew.

2. Have you ever been the interviewer rather than the interviewee? If so, are you a tiger, a creampuff, or somewhere in between?

Yes. I'm in between. I know how difficult interviewing can be, so I tried to be as gracious as possible. However I was sometimes amazed at the ineptitude of some interviewees. Once, the person responded negatively to every single question. Like, "Do you have any experience dealing with low-imcome clients?" "No." "Are you comfortable driving in the city?" "Uh, not really." "Are you able to handle multiple situations at once?" "Maybe not." "Any experience working with an ethnically diverse population." "Not really." At that point I looked at the young, newly graduated college guy and asked in some frustration, "Do you want to work here?" He looked very surprised, and he said, "Well, sure I do!" I felt compelled to step out and speak with him after the interview and give him just a little help about how to present himself during the next one, since he sure wasn't going to be hired at our firm.

3. Do phone interviews make you more or less nervous than in-person ones?

More. I like to see the faces of those I'm speaking with.

4. What was the best advice you ever got to prepare for an interview? How about the worst?

"They are interviewing you, but you are also finding out about them. Keep your eyes and ears open and you may find out you do not want the job." Note number one! Ha! Bad advice, "Tell them what they want to hear."

5. Do you have any pre-interview rituals that give you confidence?

I remind myself of positive things I know about myself. I talk to myself as if I am someone else giving me advice. Not exactly a ritual, but a confidence booster. Sometimes I pretend. I mean, not to be phoney, but just to pretend I am the cool, confident, attractive, brilliant person I wish I was.

Still Pondering the Church in America

Someone from my congregation recently praised Pastor Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church. A day or so ago I read that Lakewood may now be the largest church in the USA. Considering that fact, I know that a very small-town, very small church, often struggling pastor perhaps should just keep her mouth shut. I also don't know how articulate or helpful my response actually was, but I found this (from a post and a comment of Dr. Ben Witherington) to be quite timely.

Memo From John Wesley to Joel Osteen

"I fear, wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore, I do not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches."

John Wesley (1703-1791), the founder of Methodism (and my favorite of the reformers).

In the comment section, Don Yaeger, Witherington's fellow Methodist, comments:

"In John Wesley's Sermon #116, 'The Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity,' he said that one of the chief causes of the ineffectiveness of Xty in general and of Methodism in particular was our lack of self-denial.This included not only in the area of money and giving but also in fasting. He is somewhat shocked that Methodists in his day are not fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays as was his practice.I wonder what Mr. Wesley would think not only of folks like Joel Osteen, but of ordinary Methodists [and the rest of us, I might add] like you and me?"

And in response to some negative comments, Dr. Witherington rejoins (I took the liberty of combining two of his comments):

The warnings against the accumulation of wealth itself are clear enough in the NT, not to mention that love of money is said to be the source of all sorts of evil. It is a mistake, a huge mistake, to encourage a fallen person to pour more gasoline on an already raging fire of desire for self-gratification and living large....The issue is also the trivializing and even neglect of the cross and the atoning death of Jesus, and a host of other essential doctrines, and replacing it not even with a sort of general feel good religion,(who doesn't want to feel good?) but replacing it with a false Gospel about 'if you just believe strong enough you will be awash with material blessings'. There is not the slightest consideration in Joel's message that if such an outcome should happen, one might well be spiritually ruined by such a thing. Nor will we be hearing a sermon on "suffering produces character" (Rom. 5) anytime soon in that church.

It is probable that Joel Osteen means well. However, I fear that when setbacks, financial difficulty, or suffering comes (as it inevitabley does) some of the 30,000 who attend Lakewood, not to mention those who have made his books "inspirational best sellers" will question God's love, will grow disillusioned, will leave the Church (not just Lakewood) and a "root of bitterness" will grow.

I cannot help but think of Anne Graham Lotz's words, "Just give me Jesus!"

Sixth (and last) Week of Sabbatical

On the last Sunday of sabbatical, Oct. 21, I had a plan, but 'twas not to be. The day before had been entirely consumed with travel, first by plane and then from the airport to our home, a considerable distance. We unpacked and did a few necessary things and then collapsed into bed about midnight. And we stayed there. Till about 1o a.m. Sunday morning. There went the plan...I can't remember the last time I slept in on a Sunday, unless I was sick!

Then Monday we were off to one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin, Green Lake, for a chaplain's convention. Yes, it was for Ken, not me. Yes, I am a pastor not a chaplain, but this year the agenda looked promising--and it was a last chance to hang out by the water. The motel has a nice walking path which winds down by the shore and at one point there is a small sort of dock with a bench that extends out onto the water. I love sitting there with a Bible and a pad of paper, or just daydreaming.

I took this picture as I was heading down to the bench. It was chilly, but too beautiful to stay indoors.

The conference is always attended by an interesting mix of people, mostly from Christian denominations, but there are others present too: a Buddhist monk, two Jewish rabbis (one female) a Muslim, etc.

The primary speaker this year was wonderful. He spoke on the subject of laments--in scripture and in our lives. He eloquently urged us to allow a place for lament--deep sorrow--in life, both ours and others. At first I knew his name Allen Verhey but nothing else, and as I listened I whispered to my husband, "He sound like a professor." Well, I later learned he is a professor of ethics at Duke Divinity School. I may post a few thoughts later as I process what he said, and how it relates to the rest of my sabbatical.

Last Sunday back in the pulpit at Jubilee, I felt a little strange. It should be better this week. I began my sabbatical with a list of questions. I finished with few answers. I'm still seeking the Holy Spirit's direction in many areas. But I do know that God is faithful, and will not leave or forsake me, and that must be enough for now.

And just to show that nice sunsets occur in Wisconsin as well as over the Pacific Ocean, here is the sunset I saw the day after returning home.

It's a Pumpkin/Apple Friday Five

All Hallows Eve (Halloween) is near. As a child, Halloween was one of my favorite holidays. We didn’t yet worry about razor blades in apples or popcorn balls or some of the other concerns people have with Halloween these days. Halloween was a chance to be mildly scared, and better yet, to dress up and pretend to be something we really weren’t. Let’s talk about that a bit, but then let’s add in some food ideas for this year. Where I live the leaves are falling, the temperature is chilly and pumpkins are for sale everywhere, along with many kids of apples. What's more, the "Holiday Season" will soon be upon us. ACK! I could use a new idea for dessert. So, here we go…

1. How did you celebrate this time of year when you were a child?

I lived in Southern California, so it was usually resonably warm, which meant we did not have to wear heavy coats and our costumes were actually visible. We did the usual trick or treat canvassing of the neighborhood. We also used to have some great parties at my church. Alas, it was a simpler time, and we did things then we would never do now. Once my sister dressed up as the Hunchback of Notre Dame and was hidden from head to toe in a mask and costume. She did not speak, and I remember being greatly amused that not one of the many church folk present guessed who she was. Most thought it was a man.

2. Do you and/or your family “celebrate” Halloween? Why or why not? And if you do, has it changed from what you used to do?

When my kids were home we were a bit conflicted about this. Some years we did, and some we didn't. One year I was involved, in real life, with a battle against "darkness" and doing Halloween just seemed wrong. Partly it depended on where we lived at the time--we moved a lot. Our churchs always did have some sort of party, and we participated in that, if nothing else. I think dressing up in a costume is great fun. (Have you seen my posts and pictures of our historical reenacting, for instance?)

2. Candy apples: Do you prefer red cinnamon or caramel covered? Or something else?

Mmmmmm. Do I have to choose? I'll take one of each, please.

3. Pumpkins: Do you make Jack O’ Lanterns? Any ideas of what else to do with them?

Yes, we always did when the children were at home, and sometimes we still do. I have some pretty realistic looking electric fake Jack O' Lanterns that sometimes sit in the front window, but it is fun to carve real pumpkins too. And I know it's a fire hazard, but a candle inside still works best, IMO. As for pumpkins, I love them. I love the sight of them growing in the fields near here (photo below), love seeing them piled on wagons, love the shape, the color, the warmth. I am not a pumpkin pie fan, but I make some anyway, along with other stuff. I always cook and puree real pumpkin and forego the canned stuff. There is NO comparison. And my yard and house are decorated with them, both real and fake. Again, read on.

4. Do you decorate your home for fall or Halloween? If so, what do you do? Bonus points for pictures.
Yep. I have ceramic ones as well as the electric ones mentioned above. I have pumpkins in the yard...etc. etc.

5. Do you like pretending to be something different? Does a costume bring our an alternate personality?
Yep, yep, yep. I'm a ham at heart, so to be someone else is great fun.

Bonus: Share your favorite recipe for an autumn food, particularly apple or pumpkin ones.
I have many, but here is one that is a must-make each year.

PUMPKIN BARS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For Bars: 4 eggs, 2 cups pumpkin, 2 cups unsifted flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, 2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup melted butter, 2 tsp. baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

For Frosting: 3 oz package softened cream cheese, 6 tbls. softened butter, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 tbls. light cream or half and half, and 3 cups unsifted powdered (confectioner's) sugar

Make a batter by mixing the eggs, pumpkin and sugar together. Sift dry ingredients together and add to batter. Pour into a greased 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 by 1 inch jelly roll pan. Bake for about 25 minutes. Cool in pan, and frost. Cut into small pieces--it is rich. These bars freeze well, so I usually make two batches and freeze one for later.

Oops....

I just realized what probably happened to those of you who have me on an RSS feed. I'm so sorry! I'll try not to do that again. :-(

Fifth Week of Sabbatical: Getting it Right, and Heading for Californie

I'm not referring to myself getting it right. I'm referring to my visit to Praise Fellowship Assembly of God in Sheboygan, WI. These folks have got it goin' on! If you live nearby, and you are looking for a large, contemporary church with friendly people, good preaching, great worship music, teachers who love children and minister skillfully to them, and plenty of opportunities to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ--I recommend a visit. (I like the church more than I like the website.) Children's Pastor Trisha Peach was once part of a youth group Ken and I led--she is great--as is all the staff there.

They have a large, boxy sanctuary. I have seen it empty but had never attended a service there. I'm kinda busy on Sundays. ;-) I had wondered how they would make their sanctuary inviting. I found they had skillfully combined posters, lighting and technology to create a contemporary but aesthetically pleasing worship space. I had to smile as I gazed up at a representation of stained glass windows. I recalled some years ago attending a workshop on the emergent church and the postmodern generation in which the presenter said that churches would be more likely to have a video or a picture of stained glass than the real thing. At the time I thought that was a ridiculous statement, but here I was admiring lovely, colorful "windows"--one with a cross and one with a dove.

The worship music was contemporary, to be sure. Very. But it was joyful, meaningful, worshipful, powerful and moving. Once again, I had tears in my eyes and was aware of God. Music pastor Travis Gandy writes most of the music at Praise Fellowship as well as being a gifted singer and piano/keyboard player.

Pastor Ed Homer's message was informative, encouraging and straightforward. It was accompanied by a bulletin insert with notes, and (once again) very skillful use of a video clip and PowerPoint. I was blessed by hearing and "seeing" the message. Not all Power Point presentations are created equal.

At the close of the service, people were invited to come forward to pray with one of several prayer "partners." Pastor Homer had introduced me earlier and asked me to join them in praying with others. As it turned out, I prayed for a former next-door neighbor! She had been through a very difficult time and I had sent time with her (praying and listening) some years back. I lost track of her when she moved, but now she was able to tell me of how her faith in God had helped her grow stronger in the years since I'd seen her. She introduced me to her husband of a few months, who is interested in prison ministry and will be calling my husband!

I left feeling very glad I had been church. I love the diversity I've been experiencing!

Next morning we flew to California, our home state, where we stayed with my brother in law Larry, my nephew Grady, and Grady's wife, Jessica.

This was the first week of this sabbatical that has been a "vacation" with lots of laughter, fun, relaxing, and some tears. I missed my sister, Darlaine (Larry's wife) so much. Darlaine is the sister with Alzheimer's disease. One morning the music on the c.d. player, the beautiful California sunshine, the company, the food, the plans for zoo visiting, and prayer over our breakfast combined in an overwhelming sense of loneliness and loss. My family understood as I covered my face and cried at the breakfast table. We all missed her.

A few pictures are below. I tried to arrange the posting times so you could read them in order as you scroll down rather than backwards with the first post showing at the bottom.

Note: We left on Saturday morning and on Sunday the Santa Ana winds blew in and the terrible fires began. The Palomar Observatory is closed due to fire danger, and smoke fills the air over Carlsbad. Larry tells me they are okay, but masks have been distrubuted to those who need them. They are staying indoors. The freeways are closed. Things should be okay for them to leave on Sunday, as planned. Please join me in praying for those in danger, and for the families of those who have lost property, and worse have lost loved ones.