Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Princess Bride Meme--Well, whattaya know!
Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti
Internet Monk Weighs In on Pentecostals
This article, titled "A Growing and Awkward Silence: Things I Can't Talk About With My Pentecostal and Charismatic Friends" is long but worth reading for anyone who is interested in the relationship between both individuals and denominations of differening "stripes."
I am deeply saddened to say that I think every point he makes is desperately needed. I am getting tired of saying things like, "I am sorry that your Charismatic neighbor said that. I don't agree with that" or having people think that Pentecostal means a lover of all things TBN. (Aaaaaarrrrrrggggggh!)
For the record, I do not listen to Rod Parsley, TD Jakes, or Kenneth Copeland, to name just a few. And I do know what expository preaching is.
This fellow looks all too familiar.
Perhaps I should send a link for Monk's article to our headquarters.
I am deeply saddened to say that I think every point he makes is desperately needed. I am getting tired of saying things like, "I am sorry that your Charismatic neighbor said that. I don't agree with that" or having people think that Pentecostal means a lover of all things TBN. (Aaaaaarrrrrrggggggh!)
For the record, I do not listen to Rod Parsley, TD Jakes, or Kenneth Copeland, to name just a few. And I do know what expository preaching is.
This fellow looks all too familiar.
Perhaps I should send a link for Monk's article to our headquarters.
Friday, June 16, 2006
friday fiveZzzzzzz....
The Rev Gals have a tradition of a weekly five-question quiz. Here's this week's.
1. In what kind of environment do you sleep best? (e.g. amount of light and noise, temperature, number of pillows, breathe-right strip, sleeping in the buff, etc.)
Firm mattress. Dark. Quiet. Very cool temperature with a blanket over me unless I'm really warm. Don't like the feel of air blowing on me though. I tend to get too warm at night so I sleep in nothing or in very light pajamas. That was more than the Rev Gals needed to ask, IMO. ;-)
2. How much sleep do you need to feel consistently well-rested?
Honestly, I hate this, but it is about 9 or 10.
How much can you get by on? Six or seven, but not for days on end.
What are the consequences when you don't get enough?
I get blank. Just glassy eyed and can't think. Eventually I get really hyper and silly. Not good. If it goes on too long, I just don't funcion well AT ALL.
3. Night owl or morning person?
Depends on the situation. Mostly a night owl, but I love the occasional really early-morning for walking, sitting on the deck, drinking coffee and reading my Bible when no one else is up.
4. Favorite cure for insomnia
Still looking for one. :-( Tried warm milk (ugh) and melatonin and eating a small snack and taking a warm bath. Nothing is working very well. I have been struggling with insomnia for a while now.
5. To snooze or not to snooze? Why or why not?
Snooze. Because I wake up slowly. I rarely wake up feeling anywhere close to wide awake, and it often takes me some time to feel really awake. Once in a while, and I love it when it happens, I wake up raring to go. If I wake up and I am wide awake, I get up.
For now, I am really tired. Hope I can sleep. G'night.
1. In what kind of environment do you sleep best? (e.g. amount of light and noise, temperature, number of pillows, breathe-right strip, sleeping in the buff, etc.)
Firm mattress. Dark. Quiet. Very cool temperature with a blanket over me unless I'm really warm. Don't like the feel of air blowing on me though. I tend to get too warm at night so I sleep in nothing or in very light pajamas. That was more than the Rev Gals needed to ask, IMO. ;-)
2. How much sleep do you need to feel consistently well-rested?
Honestly, I hate this, but it is about 9 or 10.
How much can you get by on? Six or seven, but not for days on end.
What are the consequences when you don't get enough?
I get blank. Just glassy eyed and can't think. Eventually I get really hyper and silly. Not good. If it goes on too long, I just don't funcion well AT ALL.
3. Night owl or morning person?
Depends on the situation. Mostly a night owl, but I love the occasional really early-morning for walking, sitting on the deck, drinking coffee and reading my Bible when no one else is up.
4. Favorite cure for insomnia
Still looking for one. :-( Tried warm milk (ugh) and melatonin and eating a small snack and taking a warm bath. Nothing is working very well. I have been struggling with insomnia for a while now.
5. To snooze or not to snooze? Why or why not?
Snooze. Because I wake up slowly. I rarely wake up feeling anywhere close to wide awake, and it often takes me some time to feel really awake. Once in a while, and I love it when it happens, I wake up raring to go. If I wake up and I am wide awake, I get up.
For now, I am really tired. Hope I can sleep. G'night.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Of Chivalry, or its Lack, and Presbytery
In April I posted about becoming visible at our denomination's district council. I never did come up with any real reasons for the evident change in other's attitudes--or was it a change in me?
Something else that seemed odd happened a few days ago. I'm not trying to brag or imply anything whatsoever. I am just curious, more than anything else, about the "whys." Just musing to avoid going outside and doing yard work maybe. (Today it is HOT in Wisconsin.)
I was attending a small, early-morning training session led by our district superintendent. There were eight ministers present. I was the only woman among them. We all know each other to a greater or lesser degree. I was last to arrive, but the superintendent was out of the room, so we spent some time getting coffee and exchanging small talk and good-natured banter. Two of the group, Rev. R. and Rev. H. are former pastors who are now employed as officials for the district.
I was included in the group as if I was "one of the guys." I mean this in a totally good way. I do not think this has ever happened to me before in a group of ministers. They are kind but I never feel like a friend and peer. This morning--something was different.
Rev. H., the white-haired and jocular man in the chair to my left teased, "Well [SingingOwl], it is good to have you join us. You just significantly lowered the ugly factor in the room." I laughed and replied with some similarly light comment, and the other district official (Rev. R.) in the chair to my right looked at us both very seriously and said, "She raised the intelligence factor quite a bit too." I was surprised at the comment and wondered if he had been concerned that I was offended by the earlier remark (I wasn't). There was no time to reply since we were beginning our class at that point.
Later I was carrying some light but awkward boxes out to my car. I juggled the boxes, my notebook, Bible, pen and purse, dropping the pen in the process. The others were ahead of us, but Rev. R. (carrying a load of his own) awkwardly picked up the pen, calling out loudly, "Hey GUYS! Someone could come and help the lady with this stuff!" They were too far ahead and did not hear him, I assume, since they did not stop. I grinned at him and said, "Well, when you gain some things you sometimes lose other things." He sort of "harrumped" and said he guessed so. I said that I'd take this anyday. He looked at me with what appeared to be somewhat surprised understanding.
We piled into cars and proceeded to Famous Dave's for some fabulous BBQed ribs. It was an enjoyable lunch with lots of warm conversation. There were six at our table, because a short distance away the district superintendent sat with one of our number who has recently been elected as an area presbyter. "Why are they eating by themselves?" I asked Rev. H. who again was on my left. He told me that since the pastor was assuming a new position, the superintendent had decided to begin the education process over lunch. Rev. R. (funny, he was on my right again) said "It's too bad we aren't a little closer. That way you could listen in and when you become a presbyter you can skip the first part of the instruction. Well, I suppose they'd just make you do it again anyhow." He didn't grin.
What kind of joke is that? I'm not saying I'm next on the list for presbyter or that I even want to serve in that way. I am saying that not long ago the remark simply would never have been said.
What is happening?
This is good. I'll carry my own boxes if necessary.
Something else that seemed odd happened a few days ago. I'm not trying to brag or imply anything whatsoever. I am just curious, more than anything else, about the "whys." Just musing to avoid going outside and doing yard work maybe. (Today it is HOT in Wisconsin.)
I was attending a small, early-morning training session led by our district superintendent. There were eight ministers present. I was the only woman among them. We all know each other to a greater or lesser degree. I was last to arrive, but the superintendent was out of the room, so we spent some time getting coffee and exchanging small talk and good-natured banter. Two of the group, Rev. R. and Rev. H. are former pastors who are now employed as officials for the district.
I was included in the group as if I was "one of the guys." I mean this in a totally good way. I do not think this has ever happened to me before in a group of ministers. They are kind but I never feel like a friend and peer. This morning--something was different.
Rev. H., the white-haired and jocular man in the chair to my left teased, "Well [SingingOwl], it is good to have you join us. You just significantly lowered the ugly factor in the room." I laughed and replied with some similarly light comment, and the other district official (Rev. R.) in the chair to my right looked at us both very seriously and said, "She raised the intelligence factor quite a bit too." I was surprised at the comment and wondered if he had been concerned that I was offended by the earlier remark (I wasn't). There was no time to reply since we were beginning our class at that point.
Later I was carrying some light but awkward boxes out to my car. I juggled the boxes, my notebook, Bible, pen and purse, dropping the pen in the process. The others were ahead of us, but Rev. R. (carrying a load of his own) awkwardly picked up the pen, calling out loudly, "Hey GUYS! Someone could come and help the lady with this stuff!" They were too far ahead and did not hear him, I assume, since they did not stop. I grinned at him and said, "Well, when you gain some things you sometimes lose other things." He sort of "harrumped" and said he guessed so. I said that I'd take this anyday. He looked at me with what appeared to be somewhat surprised understanding.
We piled into cars and proceeded to Famous Dave's for some fabulous BBQed ribs. It was an enjoyable lunch with lots of warm conversation. There were six at our table, because a short distance away the district superintendent sat with one of our number who has recently been elected as an area presbyter. "Why are they eating by themselves?" I asked Rev. H. who again was on my left. He told me that since the pastor was assuming a new position, the superintendent had decided to begin the education process over lunch. Rev. R. (funny, he was on my right again) said "It's too bad we aren't a little closer. That way you could listen in and when you become a presbyter you can skip the first part of the instruction. Well, I suppose they'd just make you do it again anyhow." He didn't grin.
What kind of joke is that? I'm not saying I'm next on the list for presbyter or that I even want to serve in that way. I am saying that not long ago the remark simply would never have been said.
What is happening?
This is good. I'll carry my own boxes if necessary.
Ten Commandments for the Internet Age
These ten "commandments" (or is it eleven?) are courtesy of Ben Witherington, proving that intellectual types can have a sense of humor. I especially liked the second to last one.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Just a frosty reminder
I forgot the pink petunias. Can you tell I like petunias? My mom does too, and she spends a lot of time sitting on the deck in spring and summer so we put lots of them out in pots. We wait and wait for summer and then the mosquitos are so bad we can't sit in our yards. However, DH just sprayed the yard for the third time and I think he may have finally conquered the swarms of mosquitos for now. We call them the "state bird of Wisconsin." Our Minnesota neighbors think the mosquito is the state bird of Minnesota, so I guess they have the same problem over there.
As for the reminder, well it isn't showing up very well on the computer, but this is an early-morning picture from February when we had a beautiful frost in the morning. It coats every twig and is the most breathtakingly gorgeous thing to see, but soon gone. There is snow on the ground and the temperature was...well..COLD!
Monday, June 12, 2006
It is WARM in Wisconsin
A while back I was battling depression and looking for signs of spring in my life and in my surroundings. Here are a few pictures from my backyard. Yes, spring has finally really sprung in Wisconsin.
I have beautiful pink peonies in in my yard, as does almost everyone in town. It's such a pity they don't last long! The smell...mmmm....like roses only more so.
And speaking of roses, here are some blooming in the side yard.
Daisies by the back deck.
Yellow Petunias! The color doesn't show up correctly, but they are a beutiful buttery color, and the blue ones are really purple. Those bright yellow flowers are something I never saw before but couldn't resist.
Marigolds and geraniums and some other things that haven't quite bloomed yet.....ah, we love our flowers up in da nortland....
I have beautiful pink peonies in in my yard, as does almost everyone in town. It's such a pity they don't last long! The smell...mmmm....like roses only more so.
And speaking of roses, here are some blooming in the side yard.
Daisies by the back deck.
Yellow Petunias! The color doesn't show up correctly, but they are a beutiful buttery color, and the blue ones are really purple. Those bright yellow flowers are something I never saw before but couldn't resist.
Marigolds and geraniums and some other things that haven't quite bloomed yet.....ah, we love our flowers up in da nortland....
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Some Follow-Up
I was thinking about that dentist chair, and the comments made. Here is what Proclaiming Softly said:
How often does any of us go to a meeting or club unless we are personally invited, unless we have a prior association with that group? Many of us would be uncomfortable walking into a "new" space without a friend. There are a couple of places close to my home that I've never gone to even though they are popular with my acquaintances, yet I've never had a friend say, "hey, lets go to ____." So if we did go and we thought the place had strange, unfamiliar music, how would we feel? What about seeing a guy leading the group wearing a "dress" and chanting? Does that seem somehow uncomfortable because we might not have it in our background?
P.Softly is a Lutheran, and I'm a Pentecostal, so you might say we are from "different sides of the church aisle" so to speak. :-) What is familiar to a Lutheran is not familiar to my folks and vice versa. But the principle is exactly the same. For example...
Last week I attended the funeral of a Roman Catholic, the father of one of our church members. Since I only knew the deceased man slightly, I was free to watch and think during the funeral. The sanctuary is rather small and quite lovely and I have been to a few Catholic services before. Nonetheless there were a couple of objects that were unfamiliar to me. I wondered what their purpose might be. The priest in that particular parish is quite elderly, and the service was very formal. Which meant I was a bit lost. A large part of the congregation knew the proper responses but I (for the most part) did not. My familiarity with Catholic liturgy pretty much ends with knowing that when the priest says "Peace be with you" the appropriate response is "And also with you." (Okay, slight exaggeration, but not much.)
I found myself wishing I could ask questions. I like to learn. I would have been happy to join in the service to a greater degree if I understood it, or knew what to say when. As it was I know I stood out as an uninformed Protestant. And yes, I felt just a bit powerless and a bit relieved when the service was completed. And I'm a pastor, not someone who is trying to find my way to God.
On the other hand, I know very well how unfamiliar our "free church" Pentecostal style must sound, look and feel to our Catholic and Lutheran neighbors who come for the first time. And we are a pretty quiet congregation as Pentecostals and charismatic congregations go. After all, this is Wisconsin, not Georgia or Mississippi, and the culture is quite different.
I think P.Softly has the only solution I can think of. Some people are uncomfortable because they do not want to submit their lives to God, or they simply have been hurt and are struggling with faith. That are perhaps different issues--other than that, the only way to get past the discomfort (other than the work of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God) is to befriend people, talk to people beforehand about what to expect, explain what may be different, and so on.
There must be good ways to do that whether we are Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist or Assemblies of God.
We could all start by inviting our friends to church. And then having some good conversation.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
In the Dentist Chair and in the Pew
Bright and early this morning I went to the dentist for a cleaning and check up.
If you have been reading here for a while you know that we like to dress up and play a grownup version of "let's pretend." As part of that I have seen the implements of torture used by "dentists" in the 1700s. Just looking at them makes my insides curl up, and I know I would have to be experiencing pain at an absolutely unbearable level to let someone put those things in my mouth.
Consequently, I have thanked God more than once for the wonders of modern dentisty. Seriously. Thanks be to the Lord for numbing agents, for high-speed drills, for crowns, and bonding fillings, etc. Going to the dentist is a relatively pain-free experience, most of the time anyway.
But...eveyone still seems to dread going.
I ponder that this morning as I sit in the waiting room reaading about creative egg-dying ideas for Easter. Why is the reading material always outdated? Why does my stomach feel a little queasy and why do I need to make two trips to the restroom? This is no big deal...no big deal...no big deal. Sheesh, what is taking them so long? I hate those drilling noises.
My turn. Okay. Not a root canal, for goodness sake. Just a cleaning and another very minor little problem to deal with. I'm a grown-up.
The nice dental hygenist, hereafter known as DH, chats brightly about the weather as she lowers the chair. And lowers it a bit more. And a bit more. My feet are now a little higher than my head! Bright light on--right in my eyes--and the receptionist destracts her with a question...ooww. My eyes squint. Okay, now she has it shining on my mouth. Whew.
DH: "Time for a couple of x-rays." In goes that hard plastic thingy, pressing painfulluy into the soft tissue under my tongue.
DH: "Hold very still."
SO: (thinking..."Owww, that knife-like plastic is pushing into the floor of my mouth...wow, it is bleeding a little...waaah")
DH: "Good! All done...So, life is good? Open your mouth please."
SO: Opens mouth, nods head
DH: "Wider please."
SO: Opens mouth wider
DH: "Great!"
SO: (thinking..."What is so great about it?")
DH: "I haven't seen you for awhile."
SO: "Mmmffffphh" (thinking..."I don't come here to hang out")
DH: scrape, scrape, scrape, poke,, SCRAAAAAPE, scrape, scrape, POKE!
SO: flinches
DH: "Oh, sorry. Did that hurt?"
SO: "It's okay, just a bit sensitive." (thinking..."You just stabbed me in the gum with that sharp instrument, you nincompoop. I'm bleeding again.")
DH: "Hmmm, little bleeding here....Have you been flossing?"
SO "Mmmpffph" (blinks eyes twice for yes, feeling like a recovering accident victim))
DH: "I want to ask you a question."
SO: (Clearly on the defensive, thinks, "Oh shoot, what am I doing wrong now? I'm flossing, I'm brushing, I'm avoiding candy....") "Umm...sure."
DH: "What is an appropriate amount to pay a minister for doing a wedding?"
We have a short discussion about clergy fees and her upcoming wedding. Then she gets back to work. By now I am acutely uncomfortable. I do not like having my feet higher than my head. I do not like the bright light. I do not like the splashing water on my face and glasses. I do not like the shap pokey instrument. I DO NOT LIKE having my mouth wide open. My head is starting to throb and my nose itches incessently. Why does my nose always do that when I'm in the dentist chair? The DH keeps scraping and poking and then flossing and then puts chalky stuff in my mouth and polishes my teeth. Bzzzzzz...chalk kind of makes me gaggy.
I know my teeth must be cleaned, and I like it when they are polished. Done. Okay then.
The dentist comes in. "Which one?" he says to the assistant, who replies with something about the #90 bicuspid, I think. (Ninety?) He checks my teeth over and fixes the minor problem with his drill. Rrrrrrrrrrrrr.....Ugh, nasty sound and nasty smell. But painless. No big deal. He tells me I am doing a great job, pats my arm and asks about my son and his teeth.
I make my appointment to come back in six months. "Bye. Have a nice day."
Not so bad. Why was it something I dread so much?
"It is not the pain, which is really pretty minimal" I think. "It's not that they are not very nice people. They are friendly, reasonably competent, and the office is nicely decorated, if a bit dated..."
It is that I feel like a victim. Sitting in a chair with my feet higher than my head has me feeling that way before anything even happes. I don't like having a body orifice viewed and prodded by a stranger, even if it is only my tongue and teeth and tonsils they are seeing. I don't like that they are doing things I don't quite get. I want to know why they do certain things. It is their world, and I enter it for a while to go through something necessary but unfamilar and uncomfortable and a bit humiliating. I have no power at all when I am in the dentist chair. I hate feeling trapped.
Now I'm thinking about church.
I think there may be reasons why we see some people every six months, and perhaps it is not always about them not wanting much of God in their lives. Is the reason some people feel uncomfortable in church similar in some ways? I do, after all, like having clean teeth. But I am also very glad that I don't have to return to that chair anytime soon. Do we do things that make people uneasy from the get-go? Do we use words they don't understand? Do they feel like they are entering our territory to get a little help from us but don't want to hang out because it is not a pleasant place to be?
Sometimes GOD makes people uncomfortable. Part of the job description of the Holy Spirit is to "convict" and that usually is not comfortable. But do we make people feel uncomfortable? Do we talk to them not realizing they can't answer us? Do we put them in an uncomfortable position? Are we friendly and cheerful but also impersonal? Do we have all the power? Do visitors feel trapped?
Are there ways we can empower new people in appropriately? I don't know if I'm on to something or if I am just short on sleep.
What do you think?
Monday, June 05, 2006
Bits and Pieces
I wrote a long (and brilliant) post yesterday about Pentecost and worship and now it is gone-- vanished into cyberspace somehow! Not going to write it again. Don't you hate it when that happens? Well, maybe it wasn't exactly brilliant, but it was a lot of work.
It's been a busy week. Preparing for Sunday, attending an overnight training session, dealing with people, writing an article for the district, going to graduation get-togethers. Not much time for pondering. Here are just a few thoughts about a lot of different things.
The RevGals devotional book (in the sidebar) is available for daily devotional reading online. Find it at "Ordinary Time."
Here are some of my parishioners who are on a sort of "dream team" as we envision our future and pray. We just went to an overnight meeting, and when these pictures were taken we were having a great time laughing and talking and eating breakfast together.
Deacons Jim and Pat
Me, Wendy and D.H. Ken
Those who are observant will have noted that my eyes are closed. That is probably because I am waiting for the server to bring my first cup of coffee.
John and Nancy
We've been on a rather long spiritual and practical journey, and soon we will be sharing some significant direction for our congregation. I ask your prayers for me, and us, as we take the next step. I'll share more in a few weeks.
On the family front: I had a 2-hour telephone conversation with my son, Joshua, yesterday. He is thinking, and he is reading ("Blue Like Jazz"), and it is good. I believe the Holy Spirit is at work! For those who have prayed for him over the years, many thanks. My heart has been hurting for him for a very long time. I believe prayers are being aswered. Here's a picture taken at his sister's house.
Spent the better part of the day at the doctor's with my mother who is sick, but improving. Our little cat has horrible scabby lesions on her face, so I spent most of the rest of the day at the vet. No definitive answer as of yet.
And finally, if you want to read an excellent and thought-provoking post about the returning soldiers, go to Questing Parson's Blog. He is a wonderful writer, and this is a post well-worth reading.
It's been a busy week. Preparing for Sunday, attending an overnight training session, dealing with people, writing an article for the district, going to graduation get-togethers. Not much time for pondering. Here are just a few thoughts about a lot of different things.
The RevGals devotional book (in the sidebar) is available for daily devotional reading online. Find it at "Ordinary Time."
Here are some of my parishioners who are on a sort of "dream team" as we envision our future and pray. We just went to an overnight meeting, and when these pictures were taken we were having a great time laughing and talking and eating breakfast together.
Deacons Jim and Pat
Me, Wendy and D.H. Ken
Those who are observant will have noted that my eyes are closed. That is probably because I am waiting for the server to bring my first cup of coffee.John and Nancy
We've been on a rather long spiritual and practical journey, and soon we will be sharing some significant direction for our congregation. I ask your prayers for me, and us, as we take the next step. I'll share more in a few weeks.
On the family front: I had a 2-hour telephone conversation with my son, Joshua, yesterday. He is thinking, and he is reading ("Blue Like Jazz"), and it is good. I believe the Holy Spirit is at work! For those who have prayed for him over the years, many thanks. My heart has been hurting for him for a very long time. I believe prayers are being aswered. Here's a picture taken at his sister's house.
Spent the better part of the day at the doctor's with my mother who is sick, but improving. Our little cat has horrible scabby lesions on her face, so I spent most of the rest of the day at the vet. No definitive answer as of yet.
And finally, if you want to read an excellent and thought-provoking post about the returning soldiers, go to Questing Parson's Blog. He is a wonderful writer, and this is a post well-worth reading.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Happy Blogiversary to Me
A day or so late.
One year of pictures, sermon notes, silly quizzes, rants, songs, and reflections. Thank you, anonymous lurkers and commenters alike, for sharing a little of the journey with me. I may have a few thoughts next week when I'm home for a stretch.
Five Things I Believe
I am doing the Rev Gals Friday Five, courtesy of Rev. Mother a bit late. I've been out in the woods, and I'm home working on my sermon and then after church will be heading off again. So this will be done quickly...maybe that is the best way anyhow!
1. I believe that this world did not happen by accident. I believe it was designed with infinite care and love by a divine intelligence that I cannot begin to comprehend.
2. That same God, who I cannot understand, wants me to try. And he/she wants fellowship with me. And you too. Amazing mystery!
3. I believe in the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Sprit, and I believe Jesus Christ reveals to us as much as we can know about God in this life. As I know him better I will know God.
4. I believe that someday it will all make sense. Probably not on this earth though.
5. I believe a bowl of chocolate ice cream has no calories.
P.S. I talked to Kris today and she is doing fine.
1. I believe that this world did not happen by accident. I believe it was designed with infinite care and love by a divine intelligence that I cannot begin to comprehend.
2. That same God, who I cannot understand, wants me to try. And he/she wants fellowship with me. And you too. Amazing mystery!
3. I believe in the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Sprit, and I believe Jesus Christ reveals to us as much as we can know about God in this life. As I know him better I will know God.
4. I believe that someday it will all make sense. Probably not on this earth though.
5. I believe a bowl of chocolate ice cream has no calories.
P.S. I talked to Kris today and she is doing fine.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Bit of a scare last night
Kris was having very painful cramps for hours yesterday. They got worse; she called me; I urged her to talk to a doctor right away. She did, and the doctor said to get to the ER. If it was not a miscarriage they thought it might be an ectopic pregnancy. From 350 miles away we prayed--and we waited. At one a.m. the call came. Ultra sound showed "a little tadpole" right where it should be. No real explanation for the pain. Due date is Jan. 2. Okay then. Whew.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Guess What?!
From sadness to joy in a few days. Life is strange.
This is my daughter, Kris. She doesn't always dress like this, but it is the only (sort of) recent picture I have. Last night she and her husband shared some exciting news. Guess what? Scroll down for a hint.....Okay, more than a hint.
She is about two months pregnant! Okay, people get pregnant all the time. I know. But we've had some heartache where babies are concerned....and
we had almost figured we would maybe never have grandchildren. Future Grandpa was grinning all night (even in his sleep).
I'm so happy about this!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Marines in a Limo and Other Random Reflections
Some have asked me about my Seattle trip, so I will blog a bit about it. It's partly for those who are interested, and it is partly for me. There are a few pictures in the second half.
Marines in a Limo
Traveling with my somewhat frail, somewhat confused 89 year old mother is challenging and stressful in a multitude of ways, but we did all right. Well, till our plane was cancelled. Long story short, after much annoyance and discomfort we ended up traveling from Milwaukee to Chicago in a stretch limo.
Thirteen of us were crammed knee to knee and had nowhere to gaze except at each other. We couldn't even look out the windows because they were darkened. I started to get a bit claustrophobic, so I concentrated on the four young guys across from me. They were on their way to the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. Ah, poor guys. They looked like high schoolers to me. One was a skinny blonde with a short haircut. He actually thought it was so short that he would escape the buzz cut of boot camp. Another was a quiet farm boy from a town not far from my home. For some reason, he kept talking about not wanting to ever get stationed in Okinawa because he did not speak Japanese. He seemed quite relieved when I said that most people there speak English. Another very polite young man had a notebook and a Bible. The last was an African American from Milwaukee. He was smiling and laughing with his fellow recruits, baseball cap on backwards and jeans drooping. He will probably be the most changed by USMC boot camp.
I thought about what might be ahead for them, and I spent the remainder of the ride praying silently for each one. Part of me just kept longing to be finally on the plane to Seattle, drinking a cola with mom safe and sound beside me.
Our connecting flight was also delayed, so we made it. Whew! It was a long flight and we arrived in Seattle much later than originally scheduled. Brother-in-law and nephew picked us up. Two in the a.m. by our time. We went straight to bed and straight to sleep.
Voices in the Kitchen
The next morning, 5 by my internal clock but 7 by Seattle time, I awoke listening to a conversation between my mother and sister. Sleepily, I listened to the familiar sound of their voices rising and falling. I couldn't understand the words, but I was filled with a bittersweet kind of joy. I could keep my eyes closed, snuggle under the blankets and go right back to the bed I shared with my sister in our little room in our little house in Pacoima, California.
I could, for a few moments, be 7 years old with my life ahead of me, with my family intact, with both my sisters (wearing silk scarves, poodle skirts and four or five crackling crinoline petticoats each) there to greet me as I padded into the kitchen. I did not want to get up. I savored the sweet sound of their voices knowing that when I did go to the kitchen I'd find a very changed mother and sister.
I gathered my courage, said a prayer and rose to made toast and coffee for us. We sat in a square of sunshine, sipping coffee and smiling and trying to converse. It was difficult. At one point my sister (who used to do color analysis) looked at me and said, "Your makeup colors are just perfect. You look beautiful." I'm not sure she knew, for that moment, that it was me. It was a sad morning, but I was aware in an indefinable way, of the love and prayers of those who were thinking of me. A little later my nephew's wife came in. She watches my sister a lot. And it was a blessing to see her interact with my sister. She is wonderful with her. Thank you, dear God.
Mom and sis and I went for a walk. The weather was sunny for the entire time we were in Seattle (small miracle) and it is late spring there. The flowers, green grass and trees, warm sunshine, all combined to lift our spirits. Later my grand niece came over and sis's husband took this picture.
On the loveseat is my sister, my mother and me. Behind is my nephew and his daughter. It was so nice to get reaquainted with them both.
In the Mountains
I am a lover of mountains, so I requested a drive into the Cumberlands for a picnic. Five of us piled into the car the next morning. Three hours of driving to get to our destination, but worth it. At the summit was a ski lodge, snow and a beautiful lake. Down the other side it got warm. And here we are, sis, mom, me (on the rock) and neice in law. B-I-L took the picture. The pines filled the air with their pungent aroma, the river gurgled over large granite rocks and the sun sparkled on the water. I am always happiest in the mountains, and it was wonderful. My sister and I have a long tradition of singing songs, some silly, some slightly risque, some hymns. It's kind of our little thing to do, almost a secret language between us. We have a repertoire of a hundred or so, and each has memories attached. As we cleaned up our picnic debris, I tried a couple, and she sang or she hummed and smiled happily and said "sing it" when she forgot the words, which was often. At times she could still harmonize with me. Probably the last time for us to do that. I pushed that thought away quickly.
A Trip to Fantasy Land
Later we drove past this little red house. It was next to a ramshackle but fixable old tavern and we stopped to stretch our legs and inspect the pear trees that were in blossom. Something suddenly happened to my B-I-L and me--we took a little trip to fantasy land.
We ended up touring the house (bigger than it looks, remodeled and quite nice!) and began a little story of how we would all move there and we'd make the old tavern into a church.
My poor mother didn't know whether to believe us or not as we filled in the details of our future life in the mountains. This went on for a long time. We looked out the front door of the "church" to a spectacular view of snow on the mountain peaks.
Eventually we saw a sticker on a dusty window of the old tavern which indicated that the place had most recently been a martial arts studio. B-I-L decided we could run a martial arts business and I could teach on spiritual warfare and make our focus Ephesians 6. Much silliness--which he needed. I did too.
Out front of the church-to-be. I have a Bible and my sister is saying, "Preach it, Sistah!" in a southern accent.
We returned thanking God for a very good day. As we reached the mountain summit on the return trip, the sun was setting over the lake and it's glassy surface mirrored stunning pinks and purples. I went to bed feeling guilty that I wasn't more sad. My sister cannot find her way around in her own home, and much of the time she doesn't make a lot of sense. Shouldn't I have been sad? I asked God about that as I climbed into bed beside my gently snoring mother. I believe that the day in the mountains was a gift from God.
Back at the Seattle Condo
Then reality hit with a wallop. The next day my sister was even more disoriented. I fought tears most of the morning. We had family devotions in the living room and it did not go well. At one point we found sis'missing shoes and she said, "That was providential!" She looked at me, grinned, and said, "I can't find my shoes, but I still have my vocabulary."
B-I-L and I took a break at Starbucks and had a long and serious talk. Returning to our car we saw a license plate with a frame that read, "Martial Arts! Strength-honor-pride!" "Look!" he hollered with glee. "It must be a sign from God." I expect this may become a standing joke.
Nonetheless, it was an extremely difficult day. I spent a lot of time ducking into the bedroom or out the front door--I did not want to upset anyone by crying. My heart was so heavy, and the grief for the sister and friend, the "little mommy" I no longer can talk with was deep. She spent most of the day trying to understand what was happening, changing clothes, wandering aimlessly looking for...no one knew what.
But at one point my sister looked at me with perfect clarity in her eyes. She smiled and said, "This is a very hard thing I am going through." I agreed sadly, and I hugged her. To my great surprise, she went on clearly, "I wake up every morning and I give the day to the Lord. I could be sad and mope around, but what good would that do? I choose to be grateful, to look for the good and for God's purpose in the day. I choose to love people and be a blessing as long as I can."
It was the only completely lucid paragraph she said the entire week. Another gift from God, I believe.
I was dreading the good-bye at the airport, but it was rushed and thus mercifully short with no time to ponder what the next meeting would probably be like. Thankfully, the trip home was uneventful.
Back Home and Thinking Things Over
I miss the pretty teenager who loved Elvis. I miss the big sister who told me about the "facts of life" and also taught me everything else worth knowing. I miss the person who laughed and joked and smiled, the wonderful cook, the brilliant writer and life-long learner, the intimate friend who always believed the best of me, and who always listened and understood my heart like no one else has, the one who was so different--and yet so very like--me. The quiet introvert who could ham it up and fake almost any accent imaginable. I miss the one whose beautiful blue eyes could flash fire at injustice. I miss the books mailed cross country. I miss her voice on the phone. I miss the one who sang silly songs and danced the "bop" and wrote stories, and taught Sunday school and shared the love of Jesus everywhere.
I love her so much. My heart breaks but I thank God for the good moments and memories and--life. And mostly I thank God for the blessed hope of life eternal. No good-byes, no tears, no Alzheimer's disease.
Marines in a Limo
Traveling with my somewhat frail, somewhat confused 89 year old mother is challenging and stressful in a multitude of ways, but we did all right. Well, till our plane was cancelled. Long story short, after much annoyance and discomfort we ended up traveling from Milwaukee to Chicago in a stretch limo.
Thirteen of us were crammed knee to knee and had nowhere to gaze except at each other. We couldn't even look out the windows because they were darkened. I started to get a bit claustrophobic, so I concentrated on the four young guys across from me. They were on their way to the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. Ah, poor guys. They looked like high schoolers to me. One was a skinny blonde with a short haircut. He actually thought it was so short that he would escape the buzz cut of boot camp. Another was a quiet farm boy from a town not far from my home. For some reason, he kept talking about not wanting to ever get stationed in Okinawa because he did not speak Japanese. He seemed quite relieved when I said that most people there speak English. Another very polite young man had a notebook and a Bible. The last was an African American from Milwaukee. He was smiling and laughing with his fellow recruits, baseball cap on backwards and jeans drooping. He will probably be the most changed by USMC boot camp.
I thought about what might be ahead for them, and I spent the remainder of the ride praying silently for each one. Part of me just kept longing to be finally on the plane to Seattle, drinking a cola with mom safe and sound beside me.
Our connecting flight was also delayed, so we made it. Whew! It was a long flight and we arrived in Seattle much later than originally scheduled. Brother-in-law and nephew picked us up. Two in the a.m. by our time. We went straight to bed and straight to sleep.
Voices in the Kitchen
The next morning, 5 by my internal clock but 7 by Seattle time, I awoke listening to a conversation between my mother and sister. Sleepily, I listened to the familiar sound of their voices rising and falling. I couldn't understand the words, but I was filled with a bittersweet kind of joy. I could keep my eyes closed, snuggle under the blankets and go right back to the bed I shared with my sister in our little room in our little house in Pacoima, California.
I could, for a few moments, be 7 years old with my life ahead of me, with my family intact, with both my sisters (wearing silk scarves, poodle skirts and four or five crackling crinoline petticoats each) there to greet me as I padded into the kitchen. I did not want to get up. I savored the sweet sound of their voices knowing that when I did go to the kitchen I'd find a very changed mother and sister.
I gathered my courage, said a prayer and rose to made toast and coffee for us. We sat in a square of sunshine, sipping coffee and smiling and trying to converse. It was difficult. At one point my sister (who used to do color analysis) looked at me and said, "Your makeup colors are just perfect. You look beautiful." I'm not sure she knew, for that moment, that it was me. It was a sad morning, but I was aware in an indefinable way, of the love and prayers of those who were thinking of me. A little later my nephew's wife came in. She watches my sister a lot. And it was a blessing to see her interact with my sister. She is wonderful with her. Thank you, dear God.
Mom and sis and I went for a walk. The weather was sunny for the entire time we were in Seattle (small miracle) and it is late spring there. The flowers, green grass and trees, warm sunshine, all combined to lift our spirits. Later my grand niece came over and sis's husband took this picture.
On the loveseat is my sister, my mother and me. Behind is my nephew and his daughter. It was so nice to get reaquainted with them both.
In the Mountains
I am a lover of mountains, so I requested a drive into the Cumberlands for a picnic. Five of us piled into the car the next morning. Three hours of driving to get to our destination, but worth it. At the summit was a ski lodge, snow and a beautiful lake. Down the other side it got warm. And here we are, sis, mom, me (on the rock) and neice in law. B-I-L took the picture. The pines filled the air with their pungent aroma, the river gurgled over large granite rocks and the sun sparkled on the water. I am always happiest in the mountains, and it was wonderful. My sister and I have a long tradition of singing songs, some silly, some slightly risque, some hymns. It's kind of our little thing to do, almost a secret language between us. We have a repertoire of a hundred or so, and each has memories attached. As we cleaned up our picnic debris, I tried a couple, and she sang or she hummed and smiled happily and said "sing it" when she forgot the words, which was often. At times she could still harmonize with me. Probably the last time for us to do that. I pushed that thought away quickly.
A Trip to Fantasy Land
Later we drove past this little red house. It was next to a ramshackle but fixable old tavern and we stopped to stretch our legs and inspect the pear trees that were in blossom. Something suddenly happened to my B-I-L and me--we took a little trip to fantasy land.
We ended up touring the house (bigger than it looks, remodeled and quite nice!) and began a little story of how we would all move there and we'd make the old tavern into a church.
My poor mother didn't know whether to believe us or not as we filled in the details of our future life in the mountains. This went on for a long time. We looked out the front door of the "church" to a spectacular view of snow on the mountain peaks.
Eventually we saw a sticker on a dusty window of the old tavern which indicated that the place had most recently been a martial arts studio. B-I-L decided we could run a martial arts business and I could teach on spiritual warfare and make our focus Ephesians 6. Much silliness--which he needed. I did too.
Out front of the church-to-be. I have a Bible and my sister is saying, "Preach it, Sistah!" in a southern accent. We returned thanking God for a very good day. As we reached the mountain summit on the return trip, the sun was setting over the lake and it's glassy surface mirrored stunning pinks and purples. I went to bed feeling guilty that I wasn't more sad. My sister cannot find her way around in her own home, and much of the time she doesn't make a lot of sense. Shouldn't I have been sad? I asked God about that as I climbed into bed beside my gently snoring mother. I believe that the day in the mountains was a gift from God.
Back at the Seattle Condo
Then reality hit with a wallop. The next day my sister was even more disoriented. I fought tears most of the morning. We had family devotions in the living room and it did not go well. At one point we found sis'missing shoes and she said, "That was providential!" She looked at me, grinned, and said, "I can't find my shoes, but I still have my vocabulary."
B-I-L and I took a break at Starbucks and had a long and serious talk. Returning to our car we saw a license plate with a frame that read, "Martial Arts! Strength-honor-pride!" "Look!" he hollered with glee. "It must be a sign from God." I expect this may become a standing joke.
Nonetheless, it was an extremely difficult day. I spent a lot of time ducking into the bedroom or out the front door--I did not want to upset anyone by crying. My heart was so heavy, and the grief for the sister and friend, the "little mommy" I no longer can talk with was deep. She spent most of the day trying to understand what was happening, changing clothes, wandering aimlessly looking for...no one knew what.
But at one point my sister looked at me with perfect clarity in her eyes. She smiled and said, "This is a very hard thing I am going through." I agreed sadly, and I hugged her. To my great surprise, she went on clearly, "I wake up every morning and I give the day to the Lord. I could be sad and mope around, but what good would that do? I choose to be grateful, to look for the good and for God's purpose in the day. I choose to love people and be a blessing as long as I can."
It was the only completely lucid paragraph she said the entire week. Another gift from God, I believe.
I was dreading the good-bye at the airport, but it was rushed and thus mercifully short with no time to ponder what the next meeting would probably be like. Thankfully, the trip home was uneventful.
Back Home and Thinking Things Over
I miss the pretty teenager who loved Elvis. I miss the big sister who told me about the "facts of life" and also taught me everything else worth knowing. I miss the person who laughed and joked and smiled, the wonderful cook, the brilliant writer and life-long learner, the intimate friend who always believed the best of me, and who always listened and understood my heart like no one else has, the one who was so different--and yet so very like--me. The quiet introvert who could ham it up and fake almost any accent imaginable. I miss the one whose beautiful blue eyes could flash fire at injustice. I miss the books mailed cross country. I miss her voice on the phone. I miss the one who sang silly songs and danced the "bop" and wrote stories, and taught Sunday school and shared the love of Jesus everywhere.
I love her so much. My heart breaks but I thank God for the good moments and memories and--life. And mostly I thank God for the blessed hope of life eternal. No good-byes, no tears, no Alzheimer's disease.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Rev Gals Friday Five
I haven't participated in the RevGalBlogPals Friday Five meme in a while. Many RevGals are on their way to the Festival of Homiletics in Atlanta next week, so this week's Friday Five Meme, courtesy of reverendmother, is about conferences.
1. Describe a memorable conference, retreat, workshop or convention you've attended.
My favorite one was the most recent one, "People of His Presence" at Riverside A/G in Hutchinson, Minnesota. The workshops were great (I rarely say that) and the music was good and the main speaker, J. Lee Grady, was so encouraging. More about that in the next question
A very close second was a few years ago. It was the first annual "Conference for Women in Ministry" held in Springfield, MO, headquarters of the Assemblies of God in the USA. All of it was excellent, but Dr. Deborah M. Gill
was the featured speaker. I'd go a long way to hear her. She is a Greek and Hebrew scholar, a gifted musician, teacher, and preacher, former pastor, current director of Discipleship for the A/G. She taught about the biblical role of women in ministry. What she said was not new to me, because I had been studying the subject for some time, but I still throughly enjoyed her presentation and purchased a video. The good thing though was watching women around me as they reacted to "Dr. Debbie." Women leaned forward, listening with intensity that I had never seen before. The large auditorium was silent. Some women's mouths literally were open as they seemed to drink in the words. Amazing!
I attended a second one a couple of years ago, and I'll be attending this one later this year, but the first one will probably never be surpassed, at least in my mind.
2. Tell us about a memorable speaker or preacher you've heard.
At the recent "People of His Presence" conference I heard J. Lee Grady and blogged about it here.
3. Do you attend all of the scheduled events, or play hooky? If the latter, what do you do with your free time?
That depends on the topics. I usually do not play hooky unless the workshop choices do not apply. I figure if I paid for a conference and travelled to a conference, I should get as much out of it as possible.
4. Do you like having a roommate or would you rather have a room to yourself?
That completely depends on who the roomate is! I like being alone, but I also like congenial company.
5. What's the most exotic location you've conferenced or retreated?
Nothing particularly interesting. I'd love to attend a conference in Hawaii or something. Best I could do was Anaheim, California, and a trip to Disneyland after the conference.
1. Describe a memorable conference, retreat, workshop or convention you've attended.
My favorite one was the most recent one, "People of His Presence" at Riverside A/G in Hutchinson, Minnesota. The workshops were great (I rarely say that) and the music was good and the main speaker, J. Lee Grady, was so encouraging. More about that in the next question
A very close second was a few years ago. It was the first annual "Conference for Women in Ministry" held in Springfield, MO, headquarters of the Assemblies of God in the USA. All of it was excellent, but Dr. Deborah M. Gill
was the featured speaker. I'd go a long way to hear her. She is a Greek and Hebrew scholar, a gifted musician, teacher, and preacher, former pastor, current director of Discipleship for the A/G. She taught about the biblical role of women in ministry. What she said was not new to me, because I had been studying the subject for some time, but I still throughly enjoyed her presentation and purchased a video. The good thing though was watching women around me as they reacted to "Dr. Debbie." Women leaned forward, listening with intensity that I had never seen before. The large auditorium was silent. Some women's mouths literally were open as they seemed to drink in the words. Amazing! I attended a second one a couple of years ago, and I'll be attending this one later this year, but the first one will probably never be surpassed, at least in my mind.
2. Tell us about a memorable speaker or preacher you've heard.
At the recent "People of His Presence" conference I heard J. Lee Grady and blogged about it here.
3. Do you attend all of the scheduled events, or play hooky? If the latter, what do you do with your free time?
That depends on the topics. I usually do not play hooky unless the workshop choices do not apply. I figure if I paid for a conference and travelled to a conference, I should get as much out of it as possible.
4. Do you like having a roommate or would you rather have a room to yourself?
That completely depends on who the roomate is! I like being alone, but I also like congenial company.
5. What's the most exotic location you've conferenced or retreated?
Nothing particularly interesting. I'd love to attend a conference in Hawaii or something. Best I could do was Anaheim, California, and a trip to Disneyland after the conference.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
New Book From RevGalBlogPals
The Rev Gals blogring has just published a book of devotions covering the liturgical period between Pentecost and Advent (June through November)--called "Ordinary Time" in the liturgical church tradition. I intended to write two devotions, but I ended up writing nine. I read a few others as the book was being drafted and they were all good. If you click on the link in the sidebar, you will be able to purchase the book from Lulu for $13.50, but this is only the case for a limited time. Once it goes to Amazon and other distributers the price will be $18.99.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Youth Exodus
I'm back and digging out from under the pile of stuff I need to catch up with. I'll write a bit about Seattle later.
Meanwhile, this morning I received the monthly "Minister's Letter" from the Assemblies of God headquarters (USA). It included an article which contained some quite alarming information about the numbers of young people who not only leave our churches but leave their faith when they are in their 20s. It is well over half of them. I know this problem is not unique to the Assemblies of God.
And when I arrived at church I read an email with a link to a Leadership article by Mark Breaux (a teaching pastor at Willow Creek) which begins with this paragraph:
Fannie Hamilton sat among teenagers during the Sunday service. She used her left hand to hold up her stroke-affected right hand in praise, belting out the words to "My Glorious" by Delirious. A few minutes later, she stood next to a 16-year-old, who joined her in belting out the words to "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." She was a small group leader in our youth ministry—at the age of 82.
WOW!
Here is the rest of the article. There are some thought-provoking questions and suggestions.
I began thinking about how we connect the generations at our church. I often include them in references in my sermons or prayers. I am aware of their presence. I love them, and I think they know it. Youth are included on our worship team, in our ministry teams--several are ushers/greeters--so what more do we need to do to bridge the gap? Anyone have ideas or strategies that have worked? I'd love to hear them.
Meanwhile, this morning I received the monthly "Minister's Letter" from the Assemblies of God headquarters (USA). It included an article which contained some quite alarming information about the numbers of young people who not only leave our churches but leave their faith when they are in their 20s. It is well over half of them. I know this problem is not unique to the Assemblies of God.
And when I arrived at church I read an email with a link to a Leadership article by Mark Breaux (a teaching pastor at Willow Creek) which begins with this paragraph:
Fannie Hamilton sat among teenagers during the Sunday service. She used her left hand to hold up her stroke-affected right hand in praise, belting out the words to "My Glorious" by Delirious. A few minutes later, she stood next to a 16-year-old, who joined her in belting out the words to "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." She was a small group leader in our youth ministry—at the age of 82.
WOW!
Here is the rest of the article. There are some thought-provoking questions and suggestions.
I began thinking about how we connect the generations at our church. I often include them in references in my sermons or prayers. I am aware of their presence. I love them, and I think they know it. Youth are included on our worship team, in our ministry teams--several are ushers/greeters--so what more do we need to do to bridge the gap? Anyone have ideas or strategies that have worked? I'd love to hear them.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
From Seattle
Thanks to those who commented, and also thank you to those who did not but have prayed for me. I am very aware of God's grace in this time.
Yesterday was wonderful, full of songs, silliness, memories, awesome mountain vistas and family fun. Today I am grieving and full of sadness as I watch my once vibrant sister struggle to complete a thought or find her way around in her own home.
My sister was the most influential person in my life, at least in my childhood and teenage years. If it were not for her unfailing love for me I would be a very differant woman than I am today. I thank God for that.
I just spent some time at Starbucks with my brother-in-law. At one point in our long conversation we encouraged each other with the reminder that it is all so short--seems long to us, but it is not. Our lives are a vapor, as Solomon said, but thanks be to God for the hope of eternity and the unbreakable cords of love.
I'll be home in a few days.
Yesterday was wonderful, full of songs, silliness, memories, awesome mountain vistas and family fun. Today I am grieving and full of sadness as I watch my once vibrant sister struggle to complete a thought or find her way around in her own home.
My sister was the most influential person in my life, at least in my childhood and teenage years. If it were not for her unfailing love for me I would be a very differant woman than I am today. I thank God for that.
I just spent some time at Starbucks with my brother-in-law. At one point in our long conversation we encouraged each other with the reminder that it is all so short--seems long to us, but it is not. Our lives are a vapor, as Solomon said, but thanks be to God for the hope of eternity and the unbreakable cords of love.
I'll be home in a few days.
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