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Someday my children will read "mama's blog" and catch a glimpse of some of what was "important" each day, "snap-shots" of the day, what was going on in the world and what really stirred up some of my thoughts.  Whatever is "documented" here will pale in comparison to the importance of their lives to me: my husband, my children——they are my story——they are my legacy. 

So... I'm a believer, a follower of Jesus Christ, my LORD and because of Him, I'm a help-meet for my husband, the mother of eleven children and grandmother to three.  I share slices of life because of what God is doing and has done and to hope to be an encouragement to others to press on toward the mark (Philippians  3.14)

 

Some days I find it difficult to escape to the quiet area to write.  But, it is on those days I am most likely perfecting domestic skills or the craft of being a keeper at home.

But that's one of my life goals after all... that of being a quintessential keeper at home and all it connotes

Would that it be said of me in my home and of you in yours:

Proverbs 31.28-30  "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

I've not "arrived," but in the course of following and serving the LORD Jesus, and being a help meet for my husband, that's where I'm headed.

Titus 2.3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
 

oikourov
oikouros, oy-koo-ros'

from 3624 and ouros
(a guard; be "ware");
a stayer at home, i.e. domestically inclined
(a "good housekeeper"):
--a keeper at home.
 

Hence this blog:
Views and slices of life; and thoughts between sips of coffee of a  quintessential keeper at home 
 

quintessential
SYLLABICATION:
    quin·tes·sen·tial
 

ADJECTIVE: Of, relating to, or having the nature of a quintessence; being the most typical.
 
keeper
SYLLABICATION:
    keep·er
 

NOUN:  1. One that keeps, especially: a. An attendant, a guard, or a warden. b. One that has the charge or care of something: a lion keeper; the keeper of the budget. c. Sports A goalkeeper. 2. Football A play made by the quarterback who keeps the ball after it is snapped and then runs with it. 3. Informal One that is worth keeping, especially a fish large enough to be legally caught.

 
home
   
NOUN:  1. A place where one lives; a residence. 2. The physical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment. 3. A dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it; a household. 4a. An environment offering security and happiness. b. A valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin. 5. The place, such as a country or town, where one was born or has lived for a long period. 6. The native habitat, as of a plant or animal. 7. The place where something is discovered, founded, developed, or promoted; a source. 8. A headquarters; a home base.
 
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition.  2000.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Welcome Home blog

Views and slices of life;
and thoughts of a 
quintessential keeper at home
 between sips of coffee in April 2005

 


 

April 29, 2005   This week could sort of be described as "the one that got away."  Speaking of got away---or getting away, I have the great opportunity to go away to a ladies retreat this weekend---not as a guest speaker, but as an observer or participant.  It's more than a joy to me as it will be a wonderful blessing; the retreat speaker is a friend who lives half way across the country, one I've not seen for many years.  This woman is remarkable---I owe a debt of gratitude to her and to the LORD for His work in and through her as a mentor of sorts---a precious pearl to me.   I've always referred to her that way as that's the meaning of her name and God has worked mightily in and through her to teach women.  She's quite an outstanding "Titus2 woman."

I'll have much to share next week, I'm sure.

 

April 27, 2005    So... no time for blogging, but time for thinking.  There's nothing like a pile of weeds to churn out lots of thoughts, lots of solutions to problems, and lots of contemplating whatever's just been going on.  So, I'm weeding in the garden and mulling over the weekend just past.   I marvel now at some of the things the speaker shared.  It was a great weekend filled with good, rich teaching---It was the sort of "O, Wow" teaching you don't hear very often.  It was the sort of teaching that I'm continuing to mull over and over and over.  It was the sort of teaching that made me all the more thankful for good Bible teaching, for students of the Word and for boldness to "preach it."  Plus, all the more grateful for the precious Word of God and for freedom to worship the LORD.  We met in the local grange Friday evening and Saturday for five "sessions" of teaching on the traditions of the elders and early church fathers.  And then we had the privilege to spend a bit more time in fellowship on Sunday afternoon and evening.

As with most seminars, much of what was shared over the weekend was not altogether new, nor did it necessarily stir up new thoughts.  However, some of the points shared over the weekend were what contributed to my "O, wow" thinking and thus remain today in my thoughts.  One of the resulting thoughts is, if "leaders" in the Christian community were to hear this/these talk(s), they'd be saying, O, wow, too.  And... after hearing the talks, they'd necessarily have a decision to make.   They'd have to examine so much and perhaps give up so much that it would be too much and yet in the back of their mind, they might be thinking:  why am I doing what I am doing in the way I am doing it?   Is what I am doing clearly biblical---or is what I am doing actually, against what the Bible says.   Sort of that method of "evangelism" which uses a system of questions designed to draw a person to making a conclusion about their faith or lack of faith---one of the questions being:  concerning faith or beliefs, if what you believe is wrong, would you want to know?  Well, so it is with the teaching of the elders and early church fathers and the teachings up to the present time.

The premise being, that what the Pharisees were doing was not following the laws of Moses, but, in reality, they were following laws of their own fabrication which actually superseded the Mosaic law.  So here's the "O, wow" part... see, Jesus knew them and the thoughts and intents of their hearts.  He knew their customs, their hypocrisy---the traditions of the elders---so that every one of His miracles were purposely done---directly breaking their laws---their religious system.  He healed on the Sabbath, He walked through the field---thus breaking four of their laws simultaneously (threshing, reaping, winnowing, stalling) on the Sabbath.   When He healed the man born blind, He did so in the way that He did---not for the blind man, but for the Pharisees--the priests and the elders.  He didn't need the blind man to have to go through all that mud and washing so that he could see for the first time in his life---no---he needed to go through all that so that proof could be thoroughly provided that He was truly Messiah---because that was how *they* would know because it was predetermined in *their* law that the only one who could possibly heal a man born blind would be the Messiah.  Jesus performed definite messianic miracles---that's my O, wow stuff---and there were more descriptions and more illustrations given during the talks that only further added to my O, wow thoughts.  Mans teaching usurped God's teaching--God's perfect law, thus man's laws were superior to God's.

O.... (wow) there was much more shared... you'll just have to visit the House Church site --- look over the menu at the top of the page and select "Tape Studies" and then in the list of studies, select the Traditions series, second on the list---then... well, order it.

 

April 22, 2005  It was messy then.  It is messy now.  It will be messy tomorrow: the governor's election in the state of Washington.  It remains a quagmire of questions and ballots and inconsistencies---depending on who's doing the reporting.  RevoteWa.com

Life gives lots of material for monologues and political cartoons---and the latter prove that pictures are, indeed, worth a thousand words.  In looking up a cartoon by Sam Ryskind, I recognize that political cartoons encapsulate current events---and ultimately reveals the side of the fence the artist's easel is situated.  This... I think, makes a huge statement.

Thinking on political expedience or pragmatism, I'm mindful that a lot of what's going on in "politics" is moral expedience or moral pragmatism.  When leaders will espouse "all" religions or seem to stand in support of all religions, it would seem to me that there're a couple opposing perceptions in that stand.  One would be in ignorance and the other, arrogance.  One of the hardest or most challenging things I had to resolve early on was the teaching that every thing is relative.  That theory stands in opposition to God and to His absolute Truth.  When everything's relative and there are no absolutes and when there are no absolutes, then everything is arbitrary or random or subjective depending on personal perception rather than absolute truth. 

What was hard for me as a new believer was that God is absolute---absolutely faithful, absolutely infallible, absolutely truthful, absolutely in control and absolutely loving.  I had never known anything or anyone to be any or all of those.  Like most everyone, I suppose (and this is no condemnation of my family), decisions, behavior and thinking was based on a changing paradigm.  A decision or behaviour was based on what circumstances dictated and those also were often changing.  So, like most of us, I emerged wondering what is true.  What is Truth.  Who is genuine---and what is that, anyway?

When my first born was a young boy, I recall asking him to tell me the truth.  He replied with all the innocence of youth and said, "mama, what is truth?"  That was a turning point---for him and me---he began to understand truth as what was going on based on what he perceived.  So it was for all of our children---for all of us, actually: truth is whatever we perceive it to be.  That's what people use to form foundations for their thoughts, convictions, beliefs... religions.  That's common---that's universal, and since there are 6 billion people on this earth, the variables are seemingly infinite.  They're relative.  But God is not "relative,"  He is absolute.  His Truth is not "relative," it is absolute.  His love is not relative and His mercy is not relative, His grace is not relative.  For this we say, amen! God is absolute and therefore everything He is and does is independent and absolutely infallible --- this from mulling over Ephesians, chapter one.

What's got me thinking on this is all the media attention given to the world's religions.  The power assumed by mere men---the power ascribed to men with subjective thinking and personal agendas.  Religious institutions and traditions.   I marvel.  If all are true, then none are true.  If God is god in many religions, then all religions are equal---if all are equal and yet are opposing, then not one can be true.  They can only be traditions of men and then, in reality, have no power---no lasting power, no Absolute power, no power to  save.   One day every knew will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD.  Not Jesus and _______.  Just Jesus...  The fullness of Him that fills all in all.

We were considering several portions of Scripture in Bible study last evening... and as frequently happens, there were many passages of Scripture referenced and we began to see a common thread throughout. This morning I was thinking on the Sovereignty of God and considering Jesus: the author and finisher of our faith---and I was considering all the ways people seek to avoid Jesus---that it's common for people to talk about "god" ---they know God exists, but to be fully yielded or obedient to Him is another matter.  And to acknowledge Jesus is wholly another question.  Jesus has to be avoided because *He* is not relative.  Say Jesus and you're committed to a specific---say god and you're universally accepted.  Jesus is the central figure in all of History.  Jesus is central to all mankind---from the foundation to the salvation of the world. 

Hebrews 4.12-14 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Look what God has done for us---Look at His majesty and power.   In Ephesians, we read:

Ephesians - One
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:  That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:   That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.   In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.  Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
 

It's not politically correct or morally expedient to take a stand---but I have nothing to lose in doing so.  I  stand where I do based on faith in Jesus Christ the LORD and as I live and He gives me breath, I will proclaim His name and the truth of His Word.   I take this unpopular stand---and know I am not alone---but in the end, I will be standing alone before my LORD and it will be His blood alone that has set me free from the law of sin and death.

Earlier this week, I shared a link to the work of Charles Chiniquy and I'd like to share another: the testimony of salvation by God's grace and mercy through faith in by Richard Bennett a former Roman Catholic Priest. 

Sometimes I receive links that I find interesting... and sometimes I share them.  Here's a link to a blogger's post concerning John Wesley: 
10 Things You'd Hate about John Wesley (and 10 Things He'd Hate About You!)  I guess the title was intriguing and I smiled and then read it.
 

April 21, 2005     While listening to my husband read aloud to our family, I am both instructed and comforted.  It has been this way for many years---his voice is soothing to me and his ability to read with enthusiasm or passion or with bold or wistful, or meditative inflection or tone, only enhances the experience for me---for each of us here.  But last night... while all of the above occurred, another thought came to me and that one was both inspiring and condemning at once---we've not been diligent to read and memorize as we used to, and our singing has been sporadic.  It was a book that Wes was reading that prompted these thoughts.  The book, we're borrowing from our friends, Ten P's in a Pod, was written by Arnold Pent III some forty-five years ago.  We're enjoying Mr. Pent's delightful writing style as through the book he recounted, in great detail, activities, Scripture memory and tales of their family's traveling adventures.  We're just amazed at the accounts of God's provision, and His work in and through their family as they traveled to churches, meetings and schools to share the gospel, recite scripture and sing of the mercies of the LORD and His faithfulness.  He shares that his father led the family in a wonderful life of ministry, and tells of memorizing large portions of the Bible as the family traveled over a million miles through the years.

What happened as Wes read this book to our family was nothing short of conviction from the LORD that it's past time for me/us to "re-group" and hasten to the task we know the LORD's called us to.  O, how we allow the tyranny of the urgent to distract and dissuade us.  I feel as though we've become almost careless at times in recent years---wasting the time we've been given and not using the gifts He's so graciously given us---and so it is with new resolve or old resolve renewed, really, that we seek to set about building on the firm foundation of faith.  Scripture memory was (is) surely significant in the Pent family and must be a higher priority once again in ours.

 

Tom DeLay's comment was "inartful" and so we accept that politicians need to be more artful when communicating---especially when it comes to conveying thoughts concerning federal Judges.   That really means that while a politician might have a strong command of the English language, he/she may simply have less command of conduct or etiquette.  Or, simply might have a stronger case of foot-in-mouth disease.  But now... shouldn't it be assumed---no, required, that a politician actually have a strong command and grasp of the English language *before* assuming an office with such great influence, power and authority?  Ah... apparently not, as California's governor excused his ill-advised comment (that the Mexican border be closed) saying he needed to go back to school and study a bit and further expressed his regret over his comment and stated that he actually believes the border should be, not closed, but secured.  Perhaps Tom Delay would share some advice and say, no, no, no... Arnold, you didn't totally screw up with the comment you made, you were simply inartful.

April 20, 2005   I marvel at the swift passage of time... ten years have passed since the Oklahoma City bombing---nine since our son, who was going to school in Oklahoma City, attended a one year anniversary memorial service at the site of the bombing.  He told us of the solemnity of the occasion and of the long moments of silence as each name was read.

Following the story of Mae Magouirk, I can't help but want to proclaim God's mercy in her life and condemn the behaviour of those who sought the hastening of the end of her life.  Though starved for two weeks, she remained strong enough to endure the torture and apparently is desirous of foods and more: life! 

News about US Air caught my eye... apparently a merger is in the works to create a larger low-cost airline.  It was interesting to fly US Air on our trip to Indiana a few weeks ago.  It surprised me how few amenities the airline offered, and yet how progressive it was at the same time.  Streamlined, really.  Anyway... I recalled at one point thinking that I was glad we'd eaten before we left as there are no meals served during the flight unless a "box-meal" is purchased---and even then, it was announced they had a limited supply of the meals.  Headphones could be purchased for five dollars---which we did purchase on the first flight so that we could listen to music or watch the in-flight movie.  We ended up not watching the movie, but had a peaceful rest and retained the headphones for the return flight.  We watched a movie that had been edited for "general audiences" and thought it pretty good----something called Spanglish.  I think it's interesting to see things from time to time as we live ---on purpose--- pretty separated from the world----though aware through media what's going on.   During the flight, we were surrounded by students on their way from Pennsylvania to Seattle---it was endearing hearing their obvious delight with the sights below... the mountains, the lakes and then the lights of Seattle---the buildings and then the famed Space Needle.   Though we didn't want to be leaving mother and Bill, and delighted in all that we were able to do while we were away, I was smiling, never more happy to see those city lights... they meant we were very close to home and very close to being back with our children.

We received pics from friends... all the pics taken during our lodge trip were consolidated onto one CD and and copied onto our computer.  It was fun to see all the different shots taken from different cameras---different perspectives, as it were, throughout the weekend.

So, all that happened.

The church of Rome has a new pope... What a name.  What a time in history;  His-story. My first thought upon hearing the news that the decision had been made: gentlemen, start your engines: let the conspiracies begin.  But---They already have.    Interesting... The headline: German Doctrinal Overseer Ratzinger Elected Pope.  'Guess he's chosen to be called Benedict XVI.  I suppose if one is to choose a name, make it flashy---ride on coattails---go for the glory.  Given what little I've just read of the last pope Benedict, this one perhaps will seek a political role---thus proving some conspiracy theorists right and setting the stage for the next pope.  One thing popes don't have on their side is an inordinate amount of time.  But maybe just enough time to earn a statue.   This man, apparently known for his "orthodoxy" will, it seems, likely draw a clearer line between orthodox and ecumenical practices in "the church." And another look from Worldnet Daily .  I consider the Reformation.  I consider the words of Charles Chiniquy---and then I wonder how many catholics know what "the church" teaches---really, and how many really are adherent, devout Catholics or how many are just adhering to tradition of the family and don't really know Christ and by faith accept the gift of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  Not Jesus and.  Just Jesus.  Christ alone. 

  There is no wisdom nor understanding
nor counsel against the LORD.

Proverbs 21.30

 Where no counsel is, the people fall:
but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Proverbs 11.14

John Foxe's Book of Martyrs---and in particular, thoughts on the papacy and the Catholic church.  His work denounces what Catholics attribute to Peter and many other things.  Interesting, this site dedicated to those writings. 

More...

April 19, 2005     Staking a place...  I was straightening out bedroom when I noticed a little pair of shoes beside a notably larger pair: my husband's shoes.  The little pair belonged to his little princess who had taken a large quilt and put it on the bed and had turned back the duvet and was nestled down under it and was comfortably resting on two plump feather pillows.  I smiled as I recalled the many months that our bed was shared with her, the many months she was small enough to carry.  The softness of the moment was rivaled only by the sweet softness of her little face peeking out from the covers.   Wes came in to see the pretty sight and then promptly went to find his camera and attempt to capture the moment.  Whatever's on 'film' will only serve as a reminder---for her place is forever staked and indelibly imprinted on our hearts.

My husband has been sharing with us about a man who was, for fifty years, a priest in the Catholic church and was converted late in life and had a glorious testimony of God's work in his life.  Charles Chiniquy: The LORD's Faithful Witness to the Harlotry of Rome.   His recounting of his former walk of life and the traditions of the Catholic church is not for the faint hearted.  It is sobering and grievous, to say the least, how many millions of people have been or are being deceived by the teachings/leadings of the RCC.

This, from the article and the account of his conversion: "Rome ultimately excommunicated Chiniquy, but not before he gave his resignation. The bishop "answered angrily: 'Mr. Chiniquy, I am your superior, I do not want to argue with you. You are inferior: your business is to obey me. Give me at once an act of submission, in which you will simply say that you and your people will submit yourselves to my authority, and promise to do anything I will bid you.' I calmly answered: 'What you ask me is not an act of submission, it is an act of adoration. I do absolutely refuse to give it.' 'If it be so, sir,' he answered, 'you can no longer be a Roman Catholic priest.' I raised my hands to heaven, and cried with a loud voice: 'May God Almighty be for ever blessed'" (excerpt from Chiniquy's "Fifty Years in the Church of Rome"). "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy" (Romans 9:16)."

Powerful.   Very powerful.

I wonder what he'd think of the black smoke/white smoke screen/scene that's going on today.  Additionally, I wonder what he have to say to them were they to give him an audience.   Apparently, still no decision as to who will be the next pope.  As are many, I'm thinking that this 'election' will have profound implications around the world---that many future decisions are predicated on who is 'installed' as pope.  My strong confidence is that nothing escapes the gaze of the LORD and nothing is out of His sovereign control... that no matter what man does, thinks or what his mind conceives, or what traditions he adheres or follows. God is the blessed Controller of all things.  A verse that's been continually on my mind of late is:

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
 Psalm 138.8

 

April 18, 2005   Unless you are left handed, you don't know just how right this world really is. Right-handed, that is.  I continually have to revise things because they are right (handed) and wrong to me.  This wireless mouse, for example... I use it with my left hand but I so wish the shape were different.  I'm told that I can switch the 'buttons' for left and right clicking.  *that's* *not* my problem or "need." I simply need for the thing to be shaped properly.  There're lots of things that aren't shaped properly... irons, hair dryers, serving spoons, and more.  I did learn to 'cut' right handed when I was in grade school bcz I was too embarrassed to raise my hand when the scissors were being passed out... and then the teacher would enquire: Who's a lefty?  I thought it equivalent to being asked "Who's a leper?"  So, consequently, I determined to learn and did master right-hand cutting... it helped me a great deal, actually, bcz I can do several things right handed... I can't write right but I can read right and since I lean right, I guess that's a good thing.  I do prefer to read magazines backwards... makes stories *very* interesting.   So... leper stuff---I mean, lefty stuff.

Though not a regular reader of WomensWallStreet.com, I receive updates from time to time that I find very interesting.  Some time ago I wrote about "terror in the Skies" which actually became a series of articles written by Annie Jacobsen the woman who experienced the ordeal of suspicious passengers -- or, rather, suspicious activities aboard a flight from Detroit to LA.  She's written another piece concerning that event and (perhaps) related incident.

I delight in the great surprises that come in little packages and in boxes imprinted with CBD or Amazon on the sides!  Such was the case today when our letter-carrier brought the Amazon box with a book I'd been wanting but had sort of lost in the recesses of my mind.  Wes remembered---and I guess that's truly all that matters.  I'd been wanting a copy of the book "A Patriot's History of the United States."   (and then, Amazon's listing)  I will be reading it aloud to the children---whenever I read to all the children, it helps each of them (AND me!) in whatever study---this time of US history!

Many interesting tidbits I read each day I get from different sites and one, in particular, my friend (I take this honour and liberty to call her my friend though we've never yet met), Barbara's.  She's written inspiring books with her wonderful, witty style and has an incredible ability to communicate in a way that readers from all walks of life can relate and personally glean from her experiences and sort of seamlessly apply her recommendations.  I say "seamlessly" bcz it seems to me that she conveys through her writings that you can start where you're at with what you've got and trust the LORD for the outcome.  Well... so reading her blog this morning (and this has nothing to do with her writing by the way---it's just that she finds some pretty interesting stuff in her "information travels" each day) after her great account of the dirt roads and tranquility of the area in which she lives, she posted an article regarding Global Warming: World Jump DayThe thinking or rationale is that if millions of people jump at an appointed day and time, the simultaneous jumping would force a change in planetary position and produce lengthened daytime hours, stop global warming, and create a "more homogenous climate."    Well... it's an interesting article---preposterous, but interesting.  You know what really boggles my mind is that (it seems )the same people who are fanatically concerned with global warming are the same ones who believe the theory of evolution, and that the earth is billions of years old... abort babies---but save whales... blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.  You know... I marvel at this----I marvel that God, in His magnificent wisdom has created this universe so perfectly and so precisely.  Imagine for just a moment "mere man" taking the reins... imagine the instant, massive cataclysmic disaster.   It doesn't take a physicist to imagine the insignificant effect of millions of people jumping and the preposterous assertion of sending the earth into a new orbit.  Think of the disastrous effect of an homogenous climate.

More in the weird and hard to believe stuff... I wondered what in the world was happening to Mae McGouirk so I googled around until I located a more recent account.  It's interesting that so little is reported on this one.

Or on this one:    This is an "old story" but is apparently getting some new attention when the hospital's practices were questioned.  Okay... so what do you say to this?  "The patient died after the surgery but that was due to heart failure and not the fire."  So why'd the man experience heart failure?  Do you suppose his catching on fire had a smidge to do with his heart failure?  Seattle O, my.

 

April 17, 2005   Another of my most favourite days in history... April 17th.  I'll never forget the astonishment, the sheer joy and delight that swept over me as the doc announced: "It's a girl!"  I think it was more like, "It's a giiiiiiirrrrrrllllll!!!!!!!"  And to me it was a bit of heaven on earth!  I knew that day that the LORD had showered us with a great blessing, but I had no idea how great a blessing---the depth of His love for us, His merciful kindness and unfathomable greatness.  I had no idea then, what I am only coming to understand in recent years, the inestimable value of the precious gift He gave us on that day.  I know this, I'm unworthy of such a daughter---such a remarkable person, Kathryn Grace: my love, my joy, my friend. 

We celebrated... and continue to celebrate the gift of her life today!

April 15, 2005   so, I couldn't type A-p-r-i-l-1-5 without saying something about A-p-r-i-l-1-5-t-h.   April 15 is a fairly significant day in history...on this day in 1912, the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic. It had struck an iceberg the night before, just five days after departing from England on its maiden voyage. More than 1500 aboard lost their lives.   President Abraham Lincoln died on April 15 in 1865.  So... folks who live in dread of the day perhaps have good reason.  

Well, amazingly, to none of our friends is this a momentous day of the year---in fact, to most of them, it's simply another day----though they might consider it to be somewhere around the time they start pocketing money for themselves/their families instead of working solely for the maintenance of US government.  Whatever the case, what I find humorous is that our friends still track with us though we have little in common with them---well, business/financially speaking, anyway---but *much* in other ways.   So the 15th of April is here.  Sort of anticlimactic to finish the taxes early this year and not anticipate flowing with a stream of cars to the Main post office at 11:30 +/- a half hour tonight.  No... this is just another day.  Just another day.  People who count these things, say that Americans spend over 6 and a 1/2 billion hours preparing their taxes.  I know Wes felt like he was spending an inordinate amount of time in front of his computer---files surrounding him and inundated with little receipts like confetti on his desk. 

It's good he does the taxes.  It's good he does the bookkeeping. And it's good he keeps all the records for the family.  They're always in the same place---always orderly---always.  He is systematic and orderly---though to the untrained eye, it might not seem so.  Bookshelves line his office, files and filing cabinets line his office---along with many-many things others want him to save for them. He has every receipt, every document, every contract, every order/statement, every piece of correspondence, every everything from this point back to before we were married.  Now, I, on the other hand have books and bookshelves, files and filing cabinets---gazillions of papers, notes, journal entries, seminar/sermon notes, manuals, and more... and they're all here.   I'm totally surrounded by them...  They're all here---somewhere... I think.    With all these marvelous publications, how to's, organize-your-life-your-family-and-everything-else books I have you'd think I'd be VERY systematic.  No... I just love books and the people who write them.

   I just received a newsletter I've just begun receiving, From a Mother’s Heart…Enjoying the Journey By Cindy Rushton.   I so appreciate women writing --- especially when the topics so match the things on my heart.  She really speaks from the heart... thus, a fitting title.

Lots of news today... Good news... in the Word, good news from My Utmost For His Highest   and I'm sure there's good news coming right around the corner... yep! Here're my little ones!

O, there's so much tawdry (yes, I know... cheap and tawdry) news on the wires today.   Biz losses, Corporate losses, Political scandals, A man killed an unborn child and was arrested... a teen charged with biting off a classmate's ear,  a teen steals a head from a grave, a sicko trial gets more graphic, mass graves thought to hold Saddam's victims---who needs to read more?  Yep, it's sure getting more cheap and tawdry as the days go by. 

Beautiful piano music floods my senses... thank you, Kathryn.

 

April 14, 2005   Well, the taxes are done---signed, sealed, delivered: I'm yours---oops, got carried away, there.  Every year we do this (perhaps it's this way at your house, too): April rolls around (like a steamroller) and Wes sometimes smaller and less fierce.  But, no matter what, up until the cheque is written, the dragon is fierce.  Somehow though, after the cheque is written, there's this euphoric sense of accomplishment and sense of empowerment that the taxes are done and the enemy has been captured and conquered: Our team wins!  Then---the euphoria gives way to reality and it is this: IRS wins again.  I think Wes slept well after such a grueling day duking it out with his TurboTax buddy, after sealing the envelope, kissing goodnight and blessing all the sweet little dependents and then tucked in for a long Springtime's nap, while visions of sugarplums numbers and lines 37 and 74 pop into his mind and thoughts of sweet little deductions danced through his head.  Then up from his bed he sprang with a clatter and peered out the window to see what was the matter:  It was only the garbage man carting away a toter of tax-worksheets. Phew... the whirling wasn't confetti of tiny receipts swirling around the yard... that would've been a nightmare.

The next time one of our children makes an apology or seeks to correct a wrong, I'm not so sure I'd buy it were they to admit to saying something in an inartful way.  I just don't think inartful really conveys sorrow over sin or regret over an offence.   However... the next time I catch Samuel up on the fridge I think I might try something like: "Wow, Sam... that's artful!"  Or, perhaps the next time I come to the computer and see a clever screensaver, I'll say something like----O, Kathryn, that's so artful.  But to excuse a blunder and say it was inartful---I don't think so.  Perhaps inartful Tom Delay will come up with something better than that.  Politicians often say things (as do we all) after which  they'd probably rather die than have to face media over!  I'm thinking of when (following the Reagan assassination attempt)  Secretary of State, Alexander Haig, told the press  "I'm in control here..."  However, I'll always think Elizabeth Chaney's: "What a cheap and tawdry political trick"  comment was classic.

Actually...for the number of times I put my foot in my mouth... I probably better start a short file of proper apologies and requests for forgiveness.  Inartful... that'll be for "O, are you expecting?" to 5-months-post-partum women.  Yeeouch.   Ah-yes, I'm in control  here.

So we're plotting and planning our "online shoppe" and home biz.  We pray the LORD will guide and provide for this venture---adventure.   Over the years, we've had several ideas that never really got off the ground and so we're in the process of getting things going.  Locating suppliers, time, money, payment options and all... it's pretty thrilling.  I hope we'll be artful as we proceed.

comments:  pamelaATachristianhome.org    replace the AT with @

In case you haven't yet drug out the file boxes and have no idea where to begin... may I say you haven't got a prayer.  No... I'm sorry, you actually have loads of time.  You're not alone as you consider that many people across the country have taken the day off to scrounge for receipts and to assemble all the children running around the yard to take a tally to see which ones can be honestly counted as deductions.  Need a 1040 or Schedule C?  The only time you pray for losses! ;-)  By the way... if you're scrolling down looking for the 1996 Schedule C form, forget it... you don't have enough weeks in your lifetime.

 

later today....    At the different airports we strolled last week, I noticed some handbags and carry-on's that were so beautiful... all the while, thinking that I could make them myself, I decided to look up the site and get a better idea of what I'd like to make and how I'd piece and quilt the fabric.  The bags are lovely... and if I actually make a pattern and sew the bag, I'll post it here on the site. For now... Vera Bradley... beautiful bags for any carrying/traveling need.

After taking a walk around the yard, sort of scoping out what needs attention and how things are coming along, I decided that it's probably time to put a couple of plants and bushes into the ground.  So, I was taking a look at some gardening websites (O, were it as easy as it appears in pictures) and made note of some suggestions as to where to plant a couple of bushes.  I have two Viburnum plicatum, or Snowball trees, to plant.  There are so many helpful sites and so much information available (like for gardening zones) that it was time to put on a pot of coffeine.  [That's coffee with the description of personal need built into the word]  So, I discovered that I need to replant things, too.  So happy that all the different perennials are coming along so well and that all the rose bushes are all making a dash for summer after the deep pruning they received several weeks ago!

People like to send me cat stuff---knowing of my particular aversion to the animals.  I think some people think I secretly love the little rodents, but I assure you, I do not love the rodents.  I am not a cat lover by any means... however---in a peculiar way, because of the cat lover's love for  cats and my love for the cat lovers, I tolerate cats.  In pictures.  I saw a cat bed at a store yesterday and a cat dish on a mat and just shook my head.  The cad bed should have been a box------------outside.  Behind the barn.  A mile from home.  Not my home.  Instead I returned home yesterday to overly concerned cries that another cat had fallen apart but the kittens could not be found.  Poor dears.  I mean the kids, not the cats.  Well, I told them... nature has its ways of taking care of the little kittens---O how I prayed!---and that everything would be alright.   So... you know, while I was walking around the yard, I noticed a tiny trail from the walkway down from the front porch... and it just hit me right now... that is a *cat* trail.  A tiny trail through the grass to the end of the picket fence---between the hedge and the fence; *that* is a *cat trail!*  Ohmygoodness, now I see it's not just the cats *coming* the porch to eat the morsels of food Wes dutifully gives them each night, nor for the cats who come to nap on *my* wicker chair (bleck!).  That trail is the trail of carousing... and I just figured it out.  Those girl cats are making too many trips off the porch and across that trail to carouse with wild boys.  Sigh.  Perhaps it's time to have small game hunters come to visit.  And to think that the Dane County Humane Society actually took the time/energy/resources to catch six hundred cats out of the wild---brought them in to have them spayed or neutered and then took the time (I do not know why!) to release them back into the wild.  The neutering of the male species... sounds like that is going on all over the world, but I digress.  Apparently the humane society is concerned about all the cat-kills---things the cats are killing.  They apparently don't receive Food Chain Today.  Amidst concerns that the cats not have access to the wildlife habitat, it's proposed that the cats be fenced.  The Humane Society doesn't believe that killing the cats should be allowed but that they should not be able to procreate. I guess disabling procreation is a kinder gentler killing of a species.  Well... there are some cats here that apparently got taken care of before they could be taken care of.  One could hope.

I read this news headline last night:   Thousands flee in panic as Indonesian volcano spews into life and then, this one this morning.  Truly it's amazing what's going on! 

Luke 21:7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

April 13, 2005    Samuel and I had a wonderful time walking and poking around the shops and antique stores in town yesterday.  I had taken him on the outing so that we could just hang out together and I could have some more opportunities to stand back and see what he was drawn to and what piqued his interest.  He seemed to enjoy his day... from the early morning breakfast out with Wes to the mocha from Starbucks in town all through the afternoon and all the stores... down to the Sammie Jo's Confections and  Snohomish Valley Ice Cream.  I bought him some different candies (which he immediately shared with all the littles when we returned home!) and we shared a waffle cone ice cream.  I think I ended up eating most of it! ;-(   He loved sharing the things with the children---and they loved that, too!  I didn't succumb to the temptation to buy  three-year-old Amelia a piece of fudge... I knew the others would really razz me for "playing favourites" with that one.  She really loves fudge!  I didn't realize how much she did until I heard that she requested it while we were back east.

As has happened a number of times, Barbara, "Megamommy," has shared a great baby-name site for moms---families, really, to help with the decision of name selection for the next baby.  Name selection... mulling over baby names... it struck me that that's just another pastime whose time has passed.  Decades of planning ahead for the next baby... saving clothes for the next season of hand-me-down's, moving a child out of a crib to go into the baby bed just vacated by the toddler who jumped up to a bigger bed so that the baby could be moved out of the cradle to sleep in the crib because the newborn needed the cradle.  That's how things have been in our home.  That was normal to us for years.  Now, it seems, a new normal. No baby bed, no crib, no cradle, no swing, no sling, no receiving blankets, no maternity clothes, no pre-natal vits, no pregnancy test kits and very little wondering about it all anymore... that's why I call this phase the long good-bye to the last baby.  That's what's led to my "mid-wife crisis" last year and my long-goodbye-to-the-last-baby crisis this year.  Some women---some men have a mid-life crisis or crises (did you know that's the plural of crisis?), or series of crises, I guess I'm having the latter.  A crisis giving way to the next crisis, then the next and so on.  One thing I am noticing is that men are looking better through the crises than women are.  That's what I seeing lately... what a shame to spend years trying to get to the thirties where thoughts and opinions seem to be validated only to get there and wonder if you've arrived and are too busy to care if you have or not and then the thirties pass and you realize you were there and you had it together and now you're not---and you don't.  But!  What you have is worth all the time it took to get it---even if you didn't realize it at the time.  I know, I know... clear as mud.  That's part of this crisis---I'm discovering.   O... the name site?  Here you go: The baby name wizard  it's pretty cool!  Just type the name you desire and it will show you a ranking of that name.

pamelaATAChristianHome.org    replace the AT with @

April 12, 2005   Today's one of my sweet baby's birthday.   This sweet little dear is now taller than me and far more charming than is good for him! ;-)  I celebrate this tremendous gift today and recall his birth, his sweet infancy and the wonderful years of his life... as we all do here in our home, the blessing of Samuel, fifteen today.

April 11, 2005   I've always liked Steve Camp---perhaps it is because one of his songs was instrumental (no pun intended) in the drawing of my husband to a more relevant walk with the LORD or perhaps it's because during a concert we once attended, he was totally calm and not dissuaded by the power outage that totally darkened the arena and left him to play the piano in the dark while giving a totally improved concert.  Whatever the case, I have appreciated his outspoken nature---as it resonates well within me.  I just came across an article he wrote concerning Catholicism and works-based faith.   I know it's rather a departure for me to recommend CCM (contemporary Christian music) as a good deal of it is practically nauseating to me at times.  I know---that's harsh and narrow.  I'd just rather listen to a true love song--yes, gasp, secular love songs, than to listen to depressing, dissonant, defeated, distracting---truly that's what some of the music is/sounds like [to me].   But that's just a personal opinion from a homekeeper, and this is just a blog she owns.  Steve Camp's been an outspoken critic of the music and musicians of today... take a look at his 107 Thesis when time allows.  To say it's powerful would be an understatement.  I can't resist just one more link... since the news is slow on this side... James White had a little something to say in light of recent national embrace of Catholicism.  And.. just sos ya know... this is not a bash-the-Catholics rant.  BUT!  Truly-----I will defend the Scriptures, only scripture, for the glory of God alone, only Christ, only faith, only grace.  To embrace all faiths is to toss out saving faith in Christ alone.  To pray for people, for God's mercy, to pray for their salvation and be concerned for the lost is love.  There is salvation in none other than Jesus ---the Jesus of the Bible.  It often crosses my mind that many Catholics perhaps don't really know what the church (the catholic church) teaches.  Consider the Declaration of the Council of Trent compared with the Authority of Scripture.  A portion from the Audience One site concerning the Council of Trent: 

"TWENTY-SECOND SESSION, CANONS ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS:
"If anyone says that it is a deception to celebrate masses in honor of the saints and in order to obtain their intercession with God, as the Church intends, LET HIM BE ANATHEMA" (Canons on the Sacrifice of the Mass, Canon 5).

Scripture says:
"and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" -Romans 8:27

"Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" -Hebrews 7:25

Explanatory Note: (Only One intercedes for us: Jesus Christ the Righteous. It is not Mary, the Saints, the Pope, or the Church. Why? It takes a perfect High Priest in heaven to intercede for us. Christ alone is worthy makes that intercession for He alone is sitted at the right hand of the throne of God--the place of rule and authority.) "
 

The recent ecumenical embracing of the C. church (perhaps ignorantly) has been surprising.  I was surprised to hear a preacher (I occasionally listen to on Sunday mornings) say: We mourn the death of JP---our holy father... and many other notes of honour and accolades.    I know of those who believe that improving and creating a "moral" society is a worthy goal and practically set aside the Truth of the Gospel.  Improve society?  When do you tell them the truth?  When they're all washed and cleaned up and think they have need of nothing? Just improve sinners and allow polite sinners to walk more pristinely to hell?   Sure, there have been wonderful things attributed to JP2, tremendous improvements in many sectors, encouragement to live obedient to the Cross.  But if it's good to just improve living conditions, be a more polite in families and communities, and not kill babies or old people, and rack up good works and still *hope* to go to heaven, then why Jesus?  Why'd He have to come and die---if good works'll do ya just fine?  Truth is, good works is a lie and so to not take a stand against that teaching is to---maybe---endorse it?    I know there are likely *many* catholics who didn't worship the man, the pope, who do know/believe/live the Truth and truly do know Jesus as LORD-------I pray that this latest occurrence will be the impetus for believers to proclaim the Truth.

So last week during one of my numerous calls home (just checking on them---not homesick, dontchaknow), I asked about each of the children and was informed after a slow, deliberate pause, that one was jumping off the garden shed roof and that a couple of others were jumping off the fence with umbrellas in an attempt to "catch wind" and get a little air time.  I was, at the moment, traveling down I65 obviously totally unable to immediately reach them in an emergency.  So, after saying something inane to Kathryn---something like: O, that's nice, dear... I sat back in my seat and sort of shook my head---I knew then, as I've thought many times, that the LORD would have to watch "between thee and me" till we returned home again.  And He did.

  I wondered how the situation with Mae Magouirk ( the 81 year old grandmother with heart trouble who recently had her feeding tube removed).  It's unconscionable to me what's going on... ironic, really, in light of the recent murder/death of Terri Schiavo, the death of the pope and the speculation that something like this would happen... and it is: happening.  When a feeding tube is removed because a person is old, has a heart condition, and glaucoma, we are, as a society, in serious trouble.  Couple that with the fact that the woman had a living will and  was neither terminally ill,  nor comatose nor in a "vegetative state,"  (which now is quite arbitrary, it seems to me), we're in grave trouble, seems to me.   So, another view from a blogger---I do not know the blogger, nor the blog and so do not endorse it blanketly, I just read the story originally on Worldnet Daily and a bit more of the story there and at the Daily Pundit.

  I've long thought that everything this country needs is *here* in this country.  Now... that doesn't mean that the States should exist, operate or conduct itself autonomously---rather, to be sure, the US could effectively be self-sufficient.   But with so many assets simply on paper and so many not actually working, our economy is shaky and probably much more than a boon in oil production is needed for the economy to rebound or gain sure footing.  We do like our something for nothing lifestyle and our projection of opulence without a huge amount of physical exertion.  So... a tremendous boon to the economy in the west...  a blessing and a curse, perhaps: Oil... it always has been a bit of both!  And to think that some people think nothing's going on in Wyoming!  Liquid gold is sure changing that part of the country and they'll reap the consequences, good and bad, of the huge windfall.   Whatever the case, it sure would be encouraging to the economy of the US to have local resources instead of depending on foreign oil.  It's plaguing President Bush that the price of fuel is so high---and yet, the Saudi's and local suppliers seem to have plenty of oil.  Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia looks (in the article pic)  like one of our children was busy with a Sharpie.

 



"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ;
and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 
Matthew 23.8-11

 

April 9, 2005  So, I need to go on a diet.  Sweet memories and thoughts of wonderful times we had in Indiana are not the only things I brought home.  My horizons were enlarged.... but my clothes weren't.  I believe the luggage compartment of the plane somehow had a reducing component or something---the bags were just as heavy when they came off the baggage claim conveyor---but I tell you, they are smaller clothes!   So...  I am sort of dreaming of the chocolates at Shipshewana... the chocolate milkshakes from Steak and Shake and the maple syrup and biscuits at Cracker Barrel---not to mention an inordinate number of mocha's from Starbucks.  See... my husband had the wireless in the computer and so in order to check mail, he used the wi-fi at Starbucks... well, sometimes his work on the computer was a little lengthy and so he'd treat me to a mocha while we were waiting.  Needless to say, his trips to check mail weren't always free.  And none of it was calorie free---obviously.  Ugh.

I just received two magazines Home School Digest and An Encouraging Word --- what a blessing both are to me!  They sort of remind me of a "dressed up" Gentle Spirit magazine.  Gentle Spirit magazines used to be delivered to our home and each month from the moment I discovered them in the mailbox I'd begin reading... sitting on our front porch or at our kitchen table, I'd absorb all that was written from the cover and then from the first to the last page.  I loved that magazine, the things I learned and the confirmation I received in the articles month to month.  It was truly an iron sharpening iron sort of publication---a gentle sharpening. 

Time passed, things changed and I no longer received that magazine.  I still treasure the copies I kept over the years and read them still from time to time.  Things change and people change---or experience change and things that were once foremost take on another dimension.   Life and family experiences brought an end to that publication... but the things I learned or had 'reinforced' in my life, I've never forgotten.  The mag "An Encouraging Word" sort of reminds me of another favourite: Crowned with Silver.  I'm sort of adopting that title "crowned with silver" myself---though I often don't feel my silver is a crown!  Going from very dark hair to white hair is bizarre---really.  What a change it is.  So... as time passes, things change and we (I guess) must learn to change with them.  While speaking of both the earlier mention magazines, Wisdom's Gate (website) has some good publications to offer.

So, back to sharing about the trip to Indiana... I've been mulling over the things was saw and did.  I sure miss it there.  I miss the friends (some we saw face to face for the first time ever after being email friends for years!!) and our family.  I miss the wide open beauty---but while there, I missed the mountains of home!  Strange, isn't it... the line from that Joni Mitchell song comes to mind: "don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone..." and I tried so hard to keep that in mind as we saw the different sights and highlights or "tourist attractions."  I tried my best to live in the moment and love where I was at---so many times,  when we've gone away (from our children) I missed them so much that I really didn't enjoy a moment of being away from them.  This time---I had tremendous comfort that Kathryn was home with the children---that they were totally cared for and that everything was going well, that for the first time ever, I loved where I was at and what we were doing.  I suppose it helped that Mother and Bill made our time extra special and we were seeing marvelous sites and historical locations---but it was also the blessed assurance that the LORD was totally in control and that He was working all things together for good... I really didn't fret or miss out on what was going on at the moment as I have so often in times past.  It was a blessing from the LORD.

It was unusual that we were around television and yet it allowed us to loosely follow the coverage of "current events" of late.  For several days  I've distantly followed along with the media coverage of the death murder of Terri Schiavo and the death of Pope John Paul---the man and the terrific number of people who were drawn to both locations---and why!  I've thought it's probably best to be intentionally reserved for now on both of the matters---except to say, it's an incredible time to be alive in the history of the world, and it will be interesting what develops in light of both of these individuals.   I will say it sure amazes me the contradictions we see in the Christian church concerning them both... Amazing that it's suddenly it's so "right" to be ecumenical... Or, so it seems.

We live in a crazy age... or in an age of crazy thinking.  I don't say this because I am a believer---for, I actually believe that everyone who believes in something would/should/could say this.  Were I (God-forbid) to be a Buddhist or some other religious orgainzation/cult, and I were to see all the big-tent philosophies running amuck, I'd say: this is all crazy.  If all are good, none are good.  The thought/teaching that many roads lead to heaven is a lie.  Truly, it's a lie.  Jesus, the prophesied Messiah said, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14.6     But, it's not PC to take a stand---certainly this week, to be sure!  I mean, what would happen to the one who might dare say to a prominent leader, the "papacy" is Scripturally wrong---yes, I believe there were many(!) good, even great things done/said/thought by JP2, but truly, he was a man---A mere man in the highest office of a religious organization.  He did not/does not have the power to save; and surely, Mary saves no one, and he is not a capitol "S" saint.  It's hardly a popular view.  Especially today.

April 7, 2005    Okay... so all that happened.

Decompressing.  We just returned from a delightful trip back east.  Between "night owl" tendencies, jet lag, and assimilation back into the family, we're just starting to absorb what's needing to be done here, what's been going on for the last eight days both here and where we were visiting.  We flew to Indianapolis very early last Wednesday morning and returned to Seattle late last night.  With pictures of experiences of a lifetime swirling around the theater of our minds, we're adjusting to being home again.  I'll likely be sharing experiences of the last week in the days ahead.  I missed being here at home---missed the children, missed the dailies, missed the chatter and laughter---the hugs and kisses and the busyness of each day here.  I missed writing and the daily perusal of the news feeds.  And now... home again, I miss being there.  I miss Mother and Bill and the wonderful time we had together.  I'll never forget the wonderful times we had together and all we saw. 

Ohmygoodness; to this "Washingtonianized-Californian," Indiana is FLAT!  It was astonishing to me how flat flat is.  Having never traveled east and having lived practically at the base of and seeing mountains my whole life, I was simple amazed at the terrain surrounding us in Indiana.  I loved that the weather changed so often and that it was, for lack of a better word, so spacious there.  The roadways were wide open and without mountains, it seemed to me that everything was very spread out.  Flat.  Amazing.

From the historic places we visited, to the sightseeing and a day at Amish Acres and Shipshewana to a delicious dinner and theater at Beef and Boards, to visit the World Headquarters for the Free Methodist Church and to their church, the John Wesley Free Methodist Church in Indianapolis.  In addition, we also went to the boyhood home of President Abraham Lincoln, the historic homes of James Whitcomb Riley and President Benjamin Harrison.  All were so educational and interesting to us.  Obviously, there is much to share about each place, and there are other very special highlights I'd like to mention in the days ahead.

What a time to be away from the computer.  It's probably providential that I was not here to read the daily "play-by-play" reports on Terri Schiavo and Pope John Paul (before he became 'the great') and all that transpired in the last eight days.  What a time it has been!  More later.

 

 

 

 
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In memory  Kathryn Lindström ~ Because of the Komen foundation's support of Planned Parenthood, we do not
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Susan G Komen foundation --but do support breastcancer research and prevention.  

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