He's Too Young For Me

Following the theme of yesterday's post, I want to share an excerpted version of the sweetest email I got today:

Dear Family & Friends,

Do any of you still remember me?? This past year I've not written many letters and no group letter. My excuses are poor vision, faulty memory and general slowing down in all areas of my life, But I still enjoy a good laugh, a happy greeting, and my meals. Many people my age (101) just quit eating but my appetite is A.1.

I praise the Lord that I've missed going to church only 3 times this year and I have a little ministry on Sundays. Our pastor prints out his Sunday sermons and I deliver 25 of them to members who can't get to church.

Some of you have been told by others about my Gentleman Friend. Well, I'm not afraid to tell you abut my John S. He's been coming to visit me almost every day. He loves to read to me and I like to be read to. We both have macular degeneration, but his is worse than mine. We love to walk outdoors and we do it often, but not this week when temps ran 100-106 degrees. Tonight John was reading a book which had some unusual words neither of us know. (John has a great vocabulary) so I had a Webster's College dictionary on my lap and looked them up. We enjoy learning together and laughing a lot. He even says he likes my sense of humor.

Well, I could fill this whole page about John. But he's only 93, so there will be no marriage. We do enjoy each other and haven't had one quarrel yet.

Overheard:

I was trying very hard in yesterday's email not to say "you made your bed, now sleep in it" or turn it into a rant about standards
compliance. I used my delete key a lot :-)

True Love

Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich. 23:4

Today I talked Rachel into going to the pool with me. When we got there, we found a family she babysits for was there.

Cute little boy, jumping up and down: "Miss Rachel is here! Miss Rachel is here!"
Rachel: "Aw, Mom, it is so nice to be loved. Even if it is a three year old's love."
Me: "Three year old love is the best kind--completely unconditional."

Overheard:

Did you get new carpet?
No, I vacuumed.

A Visit to the Dallas Police Station

Be generous and share your food with the poor. You will be blessed for it. 22:9

Yesterday I took the day off work (not being hard to do since both my bosses were out of town) and went downtown Dallas to do an errand for Andrew. The Dallas Police Records building is on our side of downtown, so it wasn't hard to get to, and amazingly, no line to stand in either. I was able to secure Andrew's letter of good behavior, which he needs to apply for residency in Honduras, with only a few minutes of fast talking to explain why it wasn't possible to have the request letter notarized. After they agreed and started to process the thing, the lady asked me who Andrew worked for and I proceeded to explain about Samaritan's Purse. Then she went on to say that she thought she should take up a donation for missionaries, at which time I, never wanting to miss an opportunity to secure more supporters, told her who I worked for :-) Then she asked me for a business card, which, naturally, I didn't have. But I wrote down the company URL on a post-it note with my name.

Anyway, this vintage police car was inside the building, and the entry way was studded with bronze mosaics about the history of the Dallas police.


Overheard:

You don't know what something is until you know what it is not.

The Trouble I've Seen

Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly. 21:23

Well, it was close, but not quite enough--the Dallas Mavericks lose the Finals.

Would you like to hear the special music Gary played for offertory last Sunday at church? (This song may sound appropriate for the Mavericks, but that is just a coincidence.) If so, click here. The song is 4 minutes long. And if anyone out there knows how to make that song go into my iTunes player, please tell me how (now it starts up with Quicktime and doesn't let me put it into iTunes as far as I can tell).

Gary arranged this song in honor of colleagues who were going through a big struggle at the time--the mom in this family had been stuck by a needle during her job as a nurse. The person she was trying to medicate was drunk, boisterous, and both HIV and Hepatitis C positive. I think 6 months have passed and she is thus far not infected, for which we thank God.
Overheard:

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Happy Father's Day

Some friendshops do not last, but some friends are more loyal tht brothers. 18:24

Gary observed that the Mother's Day sermon was about the virtures of mothers and the Father's Day sermon was about the vices of fathers. In other words, the pastor reviewed the sad statistics and results of absent and abusive fathers, statistics provided by the US Census bureau (not by a right-wing Christian group).

The proportion of children living with just one parent rose from 9 percent in 1960 to 28 percent in 1996. Currently, 57.7 percent of all black children, 31.8 percent of all Hispanic children, and 20.9 percent of all white children are living in single-parent homes.

--Source: Saluter, Arlen F. Marital Status and Living Arrangements: March 1994., US Bureau of the Census, Current Population Report. p28-484. Washington, DC: GPO, 1996. US Bureau of the Census. Statistical Abstract of the United States 1997, Washington, DC: GPO, 1997.

My kids are blessed to have a good father.

Overheard:

Fathers are not optional accessories for children - they are an essential part to raising the next generation.

Obscene or Not?

Trust in the Lord and you will be happy. 16:20b

Today I spent an obscene amount of money on a swimming suit. I justify this expenditure due to the fact that I am trying to prevent myself from looking obscene while swimming.

Overheard:

Acodrnicig to smeboyd's crkcaopt teorhy it is pssbiloe to raed a mgsesae lkie this with flul ustednannirg eevn tuoghh the lteters are mxeid up, as lnog as the bngeninig and ednnig lreetts of ecah wrod are ccrreot. Is trhee a lgnsuiiitc eatlpxanoin for this pneohmnoen? Or is it a bcnuh of beoalny?

Don't Believe Everything You Read

Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit. 15:4

Today's Game
Mavericks 74
Heat 98
Final

Our Mavericks have just lost bad to Miami, but I have a funny Mavs story to tell anyway. Tonight we had dessert with friends whose son had dressed up with three of his friends to see if they could win free tickets to get into the first Mav's game of the finals. We saw the home video of these boys dressed with their graduation caps, aviator sun glasses, and bare bellies that spelled out M-A-V-S. Their winning audition included a song and dance routine and they added a dramatic touch by turning to the camera and saying things like, "Grandma, I'm sorry you came all this way to see me graduate, but I really wanted to watch the Mavs win tonight, so I won't be there."

Well, the gullible Miami Herald reporter picked up on this, and wrote the following story.

Miami Herald, The (FL)
June 9, 2006
Section: Special Section
Edition: Final
Page: 2NB
Memo:NBA FINALS


WHAT'S HOOPENING? GO TO GREAT LENGTHS
CAMMY CLARK, Miami Herald Staff

When Pomp and Circumstance was played at Rusk High School in Rusk, Texas, on Thursday night, the friends and family of senior Troy Harrison were in for a shock.
Beloved Troy and his three buddies were playing hooky from their own graduation. Instead of getting their diplomas, they were three hours away in Dallas - wearing their caps, but not their gowns. Their stomachs were bare, spelling out: M-A-V-S.

``I didn't tell them I was coming,'' Harrison conceded. ``We got other friends they can cheer for.''

The teenaged quartet was among about 250 people who looked like they were going to a Halloween party and acted like they had just escaped from the Cukoo's Nest.
...

And the followup to this story: when the Miami Herald actually printed this story, the boys were shocked. One of them told his mom, "I've really learned a lesson here." She then expected him to say something like, "Surely your sins shall find you out." But no. He said, "I've learned not to believe everything I read in the newspapers."

Overheard:

There's a lizard in my bathroom.

Why Didn't We Do This Sooner?

If you refuse good advice, you are asking for trouble; follow it and you are safe. 13:13

It has been two weeks since Rachel moved "out" of our house, and "into" her own apartment. Now, if you've ever actually been in our house, you realize why those words in the previous sentence were in quotes.

It has been a very good two weeks. It has been good for us, and it has been very good for Rachel. We are enjoying our privacy, less talking, and having less mess in our space. She is enjoying cooking for herself, playing with her new kitty, going places without discussing it first, and in general making her own decisions. So far, I think she hasn't even gotten very lonely since she's found some new friends and had some friends over for her birthday. Also, I've been pleasantly surprised how she is finding her way around in her car to new places and also being responsible with her limited income. All in all, this has been a good move.

The main remaining issue for her at the moment is a lack of a full time job; she is hoping to hear soon about her most recent application to teach at a Christian school. In the meantime, she is babysitting some nearly every day.

Overheard:

How can I help you?

Stupid and Sad

Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. 12:18

I really should have repeated the proverb from last Tuesday for today's post.

*rant*
I heard a sad story today of a marriage that is falling apart. Joe and Sally (not real names) have been married for 23 years. Their 17 year old daughter overheard a phone conversation Joe was having with the other woman and reported it to her mother. When confronted, Joe's response was to complain that his daughter betrayed him. How stupid is that?? Has he not yet figured out that he is the one who did the betraying? Oh, and his complaint about his wife? "She laughs too loud."

I'm afraid this is a classic case of mid-life crisis (not that that excuses him in any way): Joe has been buying lots of fancy audio visual equipment, a new Lexus, and refuses to let others call him grandpa since his older daughter just had her first baby a couple months ago.

Adultery doesn't just affect two people. The ripples move out and hurt many, many others too.

*/rant*


Overheard:

As long as you are here, I won't, I can't. So leave.

The Blind Leading the Blind

Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble, but one who openly criticizes works for peace. 10:10

We had a bunch of ladies from church over for lunch today. One of them is blind so she and Gary had lots to talk about, in particular Gary's book port.
Overheard:

Candy is a treat. Please consume in moderation -- inside wrapper of a Hershey's bar.

I'm Such a Dork

To be wise you must first have reverence for the Lord. 9:10

Today I dropped my cell phone and the battery fell out. I put it back in, but it appeared to be dead. Next I tried a battery from a different phone and still no sign of life. Then Rachel reminded me it might work better if I turned it on.

The swimming pool will be used Sunday morning, June 11, by the Montagnard Church for a baptism from 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM. All other swimmers will need to leave the pool during that time. Thank you for your cooperation.

25 Years Ago Today

Keep my teaching with you all the time; write it on your heart. 7:3.

...I was giving birth to baby Rachel at Kilu'ufi hospital in Auki, Malaita, Solomon Islands. The recovery room contained 10 newborns with their mothers and grandmothers. We were given half a loaf of bread and a tin cup of sweet tea the next morning. We gave Rachel a middle name from the language we were living in, Fiito'ona, but we anglicized it to Fitona. It means 'faith'.

A week ago today we were ceremoniously shutting the door between our side of the house and hers, so now she has been living in her "own" place for a week. So far, she seems to enjoy it (except for not having a dishwasher), especially now that she has a new kitty to keep her company. She also potted a plant for her new home. Women need living things to care for.

Overheard:

I've lost my car--again.

50 Years, 90% Sure

A man who commits adultery hasn't any sense. 6:32

Last night we attended a 50th anniversary celebration for missionary friends. These two both have a terrific sense of humor, so that made their party a fun one. Their kids had organized a photo tribute that covered the two New Testaments they produced in Papua New Guinea, and we saw a video of the dedication of the most recent one. Their daughter seems to have inherited her parents' sense of humor--inside the lovely arch, decorated with tulle and golden wedding bells, were two wheel chairs.

Today the husband of this couple was at coffee break with us and he talked about the fun evening. Then he mentioned a phone call he had had with his daughter when she was dating her now husband:

"Dad, I like him, but I'm just not completely sure. I'd say I'm about 90% sure."
"Karol, I've been married to your mom for over 40 years now, and I'm still only about 90% sure!"

We all got a laugh out of that, but he said on that advice Karol realized that she had a good thing and that she should proceed, even if she still had a few doubts.

In other news, Rachel got a call today to interview for another Christian school as a Kindergarten teacher. And she got a call today for a date. I have no idea how either of these things will turn out, but it is always nice to be asked!

Andrew called me via Skype tonight--it worked really well and was free.

Overheard:

I've lost my keys--again.

Urban Camping

Love wisdom, and she will make you great. 4:8

When the kids were little, we used to camp out quite a bit. But somewhere along the line either the kids got too big or the tent got too small. Then one day, while drying out the tent, the wind carried it off to a barbed wire fence and that was the end of that. So we gave up on camping.

Last week Gary and I decided to try urban camping. We drove a total of 4.5 miles to Cedar Hill State Park, located on Joe Pool Lake. To get in we bought an annual pass to all Texas State Parks, then drove past all 350+ campsites to see if there was one we liked. Since it was a Thursday, the park was pretty empty, and we found a great spot right on the water.

Next problem, we had to go buy a tent. Lucky for us, Wal-mart is only 3 miles away from the entrance to the State park. Gary wanted to buy a little tent, but I insisted on one you could at least stand up in. Notice, it is intended for urban camping.We then went back home to pack for camping. We knew we could, but we resisted bringing a microwave or TV, but did bring an electric kettle so we could have a cup of tea (that didn't taste like smoke).

We drove to a place to go for a hike (this is a big park and you have to drive everywhere, just like the rest of Texas) and noticed they had strict instructions for the urban snakes.On day two of our trip, we got too hot and drove home to relax in the a/c during the middle of the afternoon. Good time to upload one's photos and check the email. Back to the park in time drive a couple miles to the other side of the park for an outdoor lecture on coyotes, complete with powerpoint slide show projected with a video projector.Lest you think I'm joking about the urban camping thing, here's the sign at the entrance of the state park:For another account of our vacation, look here.

Overheard:

My cat loves me!

Vacation

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. 3:5

We've just returned from a mini vacation. Gary needed a couple days off work, and I wanted to have a couple days to transition to the latest instance of my empty nest. In a day or two I'll tell about our camping adventures, but in the meantime I just wanted to post a couple more of the nature photos I took while were were out.
Overheard:

The Mavs lost. Fortunately, you can only lose once per game.

More Photos

Still no time for blogging today, but since Cheryle like my recent nature photos, I'll add a few more from another couple of short hikes.

Flower and Bee

 
Not really much time for blogging today, but I did want to show off this cool photo I took this morning while hiking. 

Paranoia

There are four things that are never satisfied: the world of the dead; a woman without children; dry ground that needs rain; and a fire burning out of control. 30:16

Today I was asked, again, to amend a comment I put in someone's blog. I was asked ever so kindly and politely, and I simply gave the asker the directive to delete my comment. (And if this person is reading this post, please know that while your request got me thinking about paranoia, this post is not really aimed at you because I understand the reason for your request.)

This got me thinking about the nature of on-line communication. It made me think of why people use screen names instead of their own names, it made me think about why people have numerous screen names, or numerous blogs (I myself have two). It made me think about administrators tracking IP address so they know who is posting. It made me think about the online persona that I've seen put forth by people I know IRL, and wonder about the disconnect. It made me think about lurkers. It made me wonder about people who admit to paranoia and others who should.

In some ways online communication oozes with loneliness, people seeking social or emotional intimacy with someone--anyone, really. Or to quote the words of an anonymous friend of mine, "The blogosphere is largely composed of people seeking more human contact. We write to say something, or anything, that matters to someone, somewhere." Yet there persists a strong unwillingness to reveal truth about oneself. So often it seems we want to know, but not be known.

Overheard:

Just because you're not paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get you.

Everybody's Getting Married

It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe.

Late each spring I would hear this lament from my kids when they attended Christian colleges. It is late spring again and my kids have all graduated, but I'm still hearing it. And somehow it actually seemed true today when I was told by one of David's old girlfriends, whom I bumped into at the store while she was picking up stuff for her own wedding, that one of Rachel's old boyfriends was getting married next Saturday.

Overheard:

I'm ambidorkstrous--I fell off both sides of my motorbike.

Hidden Baby

Give to the poor and you will never be in need. 28:27a

I scarcely know who Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are, but, having myself given birth in a third world country, I ask why would someone rich and famous choose to go to Namibia to have their baby? Did they bring their own doctor, clean water, and blood supply along with them? Contrary to trying to "avoid photographers," I'd say this sounds like a publicity stunt.

Overheard:

4th grade was the hardest three years of my life.