Since my last post, we have experienced more "Oregon-spring-like" weather. We had quite a stretch of rainy days, and if one believes the weather forecasters (never a sure bet) there is more rain to come.
Today, however, has been beautiful from sunrise to early evening. As I write, the outdoor temperature is 72 degrees and the sun is streaming in the front windows. Jill and I made a call on Lowe's garden department and Home Depot's garden department. We picked up about $100 worth of bedding plants and spent a happy afternoon planting them.
This is the earliest we have ever planted bedding plants, but that is because we will be on the road on Mother's Day, the traditional day for planting in the Pacific Northwest. My experience with early planting has not been encouraging. Years, no... decades ago, I was lured into early planting (late March or early April, as I recall) by a run of several days' warm sunny weather. The inevitable return to Oregon's wet chilly springtime weather didn't kill the plants, but it stunted their growth, and they never did recover.
So, we shall see what God has in store for us in terms of weather. I am trusting that this current little breach of gardening etiquette will not result in a similar disastrous result. In fact, I told Jill that I expect to come home from our excursion to a yard bursting with color! Now if the elves would just come and replace the pump and clean the algae out of the pond while we are gone...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Of the good earth and bad knees...
What a wonderful spring we have had. It was sunny again today. In the last two days, we have completed the weeding and spading of our flower beds. We are now ready for spring planting of bedding plants and tomatoes. This is the first time in three years that we have been ready in time for the traditional Mother's Day planting.
This year we will be on the road on Mother's day, so we will take a chance and plant a week early. I anticipate, that, with our wonderful automatic watering system, we will come home to some nicely matured bedding plants. The pond is in serious need of attention, though. I replaced the pump last August, and the new pump failed in January. I am hoping that it has a one year warranty and I can get an adjustment on a new pump. Unfortunately, I don't think that is going to happen before we leave on our vacation.
Jill injured her knee while she was in Taos, NM a couple of weeks ago. Of course, she thought it was minor and would take care of itself. Yesterday, it got worse, so we went to the doctor today. A few x-rays, a little manipulation of the knee, and the decision was that it is not yet time for an MRI. Put a brace on it and take ibuprofen for a week. If it isn't better come back. That seems reasonable. The only problem is that, if there is no improvement, all that hiking we were planning to do on our southwest vacation may be impossible. I wonder if they rent Hoverounds at the Grand Canyon?
This year we will be on the road on Mother's day, so we will take a chance and plant a week early. I anticipate, that, with our wonderful automatic watering system, we will come home to some nicely matured bedding plants. The pond is in serious need of attention, though. I replaced the pump last August, and the new pump failed in January. I am hoping that it has a one year warranty and I can get an adjustment on a new pump. Unfortunately, I don't think that is going to happen before we leave on our vacation.
Jill injured her knee while she was in Taos, NM a couple of weeks ago. Of course, she thought it was minor and would take care of itself. Yesterday, it got worse, so we went to the doctor today. A few x-rays, a little manipulation of the knee, and the decision was that it is not yet time for an MRI. Put a brace on it and take ibuprofen for a week. If it isn't better come back. That seems reasonable. The only problem is that, if there is no improvement, all that hiking we were planning to do on our southwest vacation may be impossible. I wonder if they rent Hoverounds at the Grand Canyon?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Life is hard, sometimes...
We have been in a stew. On Tuesday morning, I received an email from someone I trust. It was a forward of a thread, in which there were several letters indicating that the senior pastor at our church is being forced to step down within the next three weeks. I have been aware for some time that certain members of the elder board and the pastoral staff have had some differences of opinion with the senior pastor about his tendency to speak openly about the political climate in our state and nation. The email thread indicated that this was the reason behind the change.
I sent some inquiries to a couple of people I know in the church, and as the day went on, I received assurance from a couple of sources that the whole thing was a hoax. Late in the afternoon, an email came from the church indicating that, whereas talks had been going on for a couple of years regarding the eventual transfer of leadership, when the pastor retires, this whole situation came as a surprise to the elder board and that the pastor had suddenly decided to pursue other ministry opportunities. The letter was signed by the elder board and by the pastor, but was obviously not written by him.
The suddenness of this change, coupled with the disquieting news in the email threads I received, make the circumstances seem suspicious and have left us with doubts as to what actually happened. What we know is that the pastor will be gone by the end of May. We also know that this all happened so suddenly that the congregation was completely unaware that anything was in the works.
On Wednesday, an elder called me to explain the whole situation. This seemed peculiar, because, although I am personally acquainted with this elder, I had the impression that this was more than a routine call made to all church members. It seemed to me he was too concerned about how much I had heard or understood about the situation. I trust this man, but I was further disquieted by his call.
On Wednesday morning, I received another email forward from the original source. The author was known to my source but not to me personally. It indicated that the author and another person had spoken with the pastor between services on Easter and were told by him that he did not want to step down, but that he had no choice.
I shared all of the information I have received with a pastor friend who is not a member of our church. He confirmed that it was at least very disturbing. Today, Jill received a letter from a friend who is a church member. She said that she has friends who have spoken with the pastor and who have assured her that he is not being forced out.
Our current state of mind is one of confusion. At this moment, we are not sure whom we can trust in the church. We are praying for God's guidance and for clarity as to what all of this means. This is very hard for us. We are very involved in ministry at this church, and this episode has been very painful for us.
I sent some inquiries to a couple of people I know in the church, and as the day went on, I received assurance from a couple of sources that the whole thing was a hoax. Late in the afternoon, an email came from the church indicating that, whereas talks had been going on for a couple of years regarding the eventual transfer of leadership, when the pastor retires, this whole situation came as a surprise to the elder board and that the pastor had suddenly decided to pursue other ministry opportunities. The letter was signed by the elder board and by the pastor, but was obviously not written by him.
The suddenness of this change, coupled with the disquieting news in the email threads I received, make the circumstances seem suspicious and have left us with doubts as to what actually happened. What we know is that the pastor will be gone by the end of May. We also know that this all happened so suddenly that the congregation was completely unaware that anything was in the works.
On Wednesday, an elder called me to explain the whole situation. This seemed peculiar, because, although I am personally acquainted with this elder, I had the impression that this was more than a routine call made to all church members. It seemed to me he was too concerned about how much I had heard or understood about the situation. I trust this man, but I was further disquieted by his call.
On Wednesday morning, I received another email forward from the original source. The author was known to my source but not to me personally. It indicated that the author and another person had spoken with the pastor between services on Easter and were told by him that he did not want to step down, but that he had no choice.
I shared all of the information I have received with a pastor friend who is not a member of our church. He confirmed that it was at least very disturbing. Today, Jill received a letter from a friend who is a church member. She said that she has friends who have spoken with the pastor and who have assured her that he is not being forced out.
Our current state of mind is one of confusion. At this moment, we are not sure whom we can trust in the church. We are praying for God's guidance and for clarity as to what all of this means. This is very hard for us. We are very involved in ministry at this church, and this episode has been very painful for us.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
She's baaaa..aack...
Jill is home! She returned yesterday from a five day trip to Denver and Taos, NM. She flew to Denver on Thursday, and she and Tara drove to Taos on Friday. They spent a long weekend exploring this art colony/ski resort town. On Monday, they drove back to Denver, and Jill flew home this morning. It is so good to have her back.
On the way home from the airport, we made a trip to the church to pick up a file on a new couple, whom we are going to meet this evening for marital encouragement. Now, when I say, "On our way home," you must understand that the airport is 10 miles north of our home and the church is 15 miles southwest of us. So the round trip was about 40 miles! Still, we needed to pick up the folder, and it gave us a chance to reconnect. We stopped at a Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was a fine time.
Today, we will resume our routine of walking at the mall, and we will spend time in prayer before meeting with our couple. There have also been some big changes at our church. We learned yesterday that our senior pastor is stepping down after 31 years. He will be pursuing other ministry opportunities, including training other pastors. We will miss him terribly. I guess the only real constant in life is change.
On the way home from the airport, we made a trip to the church to pick up a file on a new couple, whom we are going to meet this evening for marital encouragement. Now, when I say, "On our way home," you must understand that the airport is 10 miles north of our home and the church is 15 miles southwest of us. So the round trip was about 40 miles! Still, we needed to pick up the folder, and it gave us a chance to reconnect. We stopped at a Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was a fine time.
Today, we will resume our routine of walking at the mall, and we will spend time in prayer before meeting with our couple. There have also been some big changes at our church. We learned yesterday that our senior pastor is stepping down after 31 years. He will be pursuing other ministry opportunities, including training other pastors. We will miss him terribly. I guess the only real constant in life is change.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Making lemonade from lemons...
Easter is past, but thank God, the resurrection lives on forever. I had a wonderful Easter day. Jill has been in Taos, NM with Tara, so I had to fend for myself. First order of business was Easter day worship service. That was at 9:00 AM. I got to the church early, because I was concerned about a crowd in the parking lot. Friends were in the narthex, and while we were visiting, I mentioned that Jill was out of town. They immediately invited me to join them and 20 of their family members for Easter dinner. It was a lovely potluck.
But I am getting ahead of myself. After the worship service, which was very moving, I spent an hour teaching in the Ignite singles' group. This is a group of 20-30 something single people. They are young; they are fun; they know their Bibles; and they are hungry for God's word. I have been presenting the Biblical view of God's design for families. Although this material is not new, it is pretty countercultural. The Ignite group has been very open to hearing it, and it has been a blessing to have the privilege of presenting it to them.
In the afternoon, after returning from the Fowlers' gracious invitation to dinner, I got to do some instant messaging with my beautiful wife. She and Tara had a lovely Easter service at the Presbyterian church in Taos. Per her report, there were traditional Easter hymns and a stimulating message. They went to lunch afterwards and then did more exploring of the town. I can't wait to see Jill tomorrow and to get a first hand report!
But I am getting ahead of myself. After the worship service, which was very moving, I spent an hour teaching in the Ignite singles' group. This is a group of 20-30 something single people. They are young; they are fun; they know their Bibles; and they are hungry for God's word. I have been presenting the Biblical view of God's design for families. Although this material is not new, it is pretty countercultural. The Ignite group has been very open to hearing it, and it has been a blessing to have the privilege of presenting it to them.
In the afternoon, after returning from the Fowlers' gracious invitation to dinner, I got to do some instant messaging with my beautiful wife. She and Tara had a lovely Easter service at the Presbyterian church in Taos. Per her report, there were traditional Easter hymns and a stimulating message. They went to lunch afterwards and then did more exploring of the town. I can't wait to see Jill tomorrow and to get a first hand report!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Easter weekend is upon us!
Our Bible study group just left, after a wonderfully stimulating session of Focus on the Family's Truth Project. This group is really committed to each other, and we have very frank discussions about what we learn, no matter what the topic. Jill is in Denver, visiting Tara, so I was the sole host. Fortunately, the Davises brought strawberries and ice cream, so I didn't have to provide a treat.
Tomorrow, I will have coffee in the morning with Mike, one of the guys in our group. He is one of most well-read people I have ever known. He is an inspiration. It is fun just to sit and talk with him, because he knows so much about so many things.
In the afternoon, I will be meeting with my protege, Terry. A couple of months ago, he asked me to be his mentor. He is a man of about 34 years, and he is a little different. He is a very small guy, who grew up with severe heart trouble, which has left him somewhat stunted in his growth. He also speaks very slowly and deliberately. Some people might find his demeanor a bit off-putting, but I like Terry very much. He loves the Lord and longs to move from his position in the offices of Campus Crusade for Christ to a college campus where he could share the gospel with college kids. I look forward to my meetings with him, because he is very thoughtful and asks great questions.
The weekend promises to be a blessing, as I will be presenting the second in my series of lessons on the biblical design for the family. The presentation is part of a four part series that I am presenting to the young singles' group. My hope is that some of these people will one day marry and begin families that are based on the biblical principles which God has given us.
Of course, Sunday is Easter, the highest holy day of the Christian faith. I am so sorry that Jill will not be here to celebrate with me. On the other hand, tomorrow is Good Friday, and I am going to watch "The Passion" all by myself. I want to remind myself what my Lord went through on my behalf. It is so easy to forget what a miracle His birth, death and resurrection were and are.
He is risen. He is risen, indeed. Happy Easter to all.
Tomorrow, I will have coffee in the morning with Mike, one of the guys in our group. He is one of most well-read people I have ever known. He is an inspiration. It is fun just to sit and talk with him, because he knows so much about so many things.
In the afternoon, I will be meeting with my protege, Terry. A couple of months ago, he asked me to be his mentor. He is a man of about 34 years, and he is a little different. He is a very small guy, who grew up with severe heart trouble, which has left him somewhat stunted in his growth. He also speaks very slowly and deliberately. Some people might find his demeanor a bit off-putting, but I like Terry very much. He loves the Lord and longs to move from his position in the offices of Campus Crusade for Christ to a college campus where he could share the gospel with college kids. I look forward to my meetings with him, because he is very thoughtful and asks great questions.
The weekend promises to be a blessing, as I will be presenting the second in my series of lessons on the biblical design for the family. The presentation is part of a four part series that I am presenting to the young singles' group. My hope is that some of these people will one day marry and begin families that are based on the biblical principles which God has given us.
Of course, Sunday is Easter, the highest holy day of the Christian faith. I am so sorry that Jill will not be here to celebrate with me. On the other hand, tomorrow is Good Friday, and I am going to watch "The Passion" all by myself. I want to remind myself what my Lord went through on my behalf. It is so easy to forget what a miracle His birth, death and resurrection were and are.
He is risen. He is risen, indeed. Happy Easter to all.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Lots going on...
My how the time flies. It has been about two weeks since I last posted on this blog. So much is going on.
The biggest time consumer on our list has been preparing the study "God's Family Business" for presentation to the Ignite singles' group at church. The study is a four part series on God's design for the family, His purpose for creating it, and how it is to be managed so as to glorify our creator. The first session was on Sunday, and it went very well. The group seemed to be interested in the topic, even though they are all single. Many of them hope to marry and have children someday, so this is a good place for this information to be presented.
We had a lovely overnight stay in our motor home at Columbia Riverfront RV Park in Woodland, WA last Friday evening. We met some friends from Gig Harbor, who have a nice fifth wheel trailer. These are people whom we met at Hood Canal two years ago at an RV park. They were parked next door to us, and we hit it off so well that Jill and Kim have kept in touch by email ever since. We have visited them at a campsite once and they have visited us at a campsite. Friday was the first time we had camped together since Hood Canal.
We are planning a trip to Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado in the motor home. This is requiring us to do some fix-ups on the RV and to plan how to stock up for a 4 week trip. We decided that with fuel prices on the rise, we should do this now, as we may not have another chance to do it when we can afford the fuel. (Check out our blog "Travels with Sadie" to follow our plans and our trip.)
We had dinner at Mom's house on Sunday. Every now and then we take a pizza over and have a little party with her. At 93, she is still living in the home she and Dad bought in 1963. She does her exercises every day and manages her household with a little help from yours truly. Her vision is not good, which is a real irritant, since her favorite activities are reading (which she still does voraciously) and needlework (which she has had to abandon). Still and all, she is an inspiration.
Jill is packing for a trip to Taos, NM via Denver. She will fly to Denver and then she and Tara will drive to Taos, just for fun. They didn't realize when they set this trip up that this is Easter weekend. So, I will be left to fend for myself. That's OK, though. I plan to watch "The Passion" on Good Friday. No one else wants to watch it with me, so I will watch it alone. It is not exactly a movie I "enjoy," but it is something I need to see from time to time, so that I NEVER forget what Jesus went through on account of my sins.
OK, I guess that about brings us up to speed. Have a joyous Easter, everyone! He is risen!
The biggest time consumer on our list has been preparing the study "God's Family Business" for presentation to the Ignite singles' group at church. The study is a four part series on God's design for the family, His purpose for creating it, and how it is to be managed so as to glorify our creator. The first session was on Sunday, and it went very well. The group seemed to be interested in the topic, even though they are all single. Many of them hope to marry and have children someday, so this is a good place for this information to be presented.
We had a lovely overnight stay in our motor home at Columbia Riverfront RV Park in Woodland, WA last Friday evening. We met some friends from Gig Harbor, who have a nice fifth wheel trailer. These are people whom we met at Hood Canal two years ago at an RV park. They were parked next door to us, and we hit it off so well that Jill and Kim have kept in touch by email ever since. We have visited them at a campsite once and they have visited us at a campsite. Friday was the first time we had camped together since Hood Canal.
We are planning a trip to Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado in the motor home. This is requiring us to do some fix-ups on the RV and to plan how to stock up for a 4 week trip. We decided that with fuel prices on the rise, we should do this now, as we may not have another chance to do it when we can afford the fuel. (Check out our blog "Travels with Sadie" to follow our plans and our trip.)
We had dinner at Mom's house on Sunday. Every now and then we take a pizza over and have a little party with her. At 93, she is still living in the home she and Dad bought in 1963. She does her exercises every day and manages her household with a little help from yours truly. Her vision is not good, which is a real irritant, since her favorite activities are reading (which she still does voraciously) and needlework (which she has had to abandon). Still and all, she is an inspiration.
Jill is packing for a trip to Taos, NM via Denver. She will fly to Denver and then she and Tara will drive to Taos, just for fun. They didn't realize when they set this trip up that this is Easter weekend. So, I will be left to fend for myself. That's OK, though. I plan to watch "The Passion" on Good Friday. No one else wants to watch it with me, so I will watch it alone. It is not exactly a movie I "enjoy," but it is something I need to see from time to time, so that I NEVER forget what Jesus went through on account of my sins.
OK, I guess that about brings us up to speed. Have a joyous Easter, everyone! He is risen!
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