TU Writers' Bloc

Charlie

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:01:42 -0400

Their bias chains my grief

Not acceptable to grieve a dad and husband.

A conservative far from me, suffering from gun shot to the neck

As of now, I hold his limp hand as half the nation grieves and half a nation celebrates.

Tall, brown hair, baby faced,

Charlie, we lost you in the Internet-fabricated hate

Demeaning your laugh, your vision, your ethic for the chance to idolize a man dressed as a cat.

My heart doesn’t burn with hate

That flame was extinguished when I realized the wood of justice would cause a forest fire, consuming the entire human race.

Now you sit with those before, taken too soon for a noble cause.

Eventually, my bravery will match yours, Charlie.

For now, I’ll attempt to be innocuous despite the painful truth of your end.

Manic

Sun, 24 May 2026 19:52:35 -0400

I just drank coffee, god.

Just an energy drink, papa.

Why am I manic?

My bank account ran out.

Why do I have a million dollars in my head?

The sun is brighter than normal, and I hear the birds.

I flew over the rainbow, so why should I swallow a white pill.

I blacked out, doctor.

What caused it?

Skill?

Your brain is limited.

It's suffocating your soul.

You're manic.

You will heal.

Is God "Unchanging?"

Sun, 17 May 2026 07:09:43 -0400

In my devotional this week I was confronted with some thoughts I believe had their basis in unfounded truths. So I did some digging into what the Bible has to say (as well as a devotional guide I am reading).

Some initial thoughts:
1. The Sun stays the same ... yet changes.
How much can an object change yet still be referred to as unchanging? Time a factor. Scientists believe our sun could burn out in 5.5 billion years. So it is not in a big hurry. Shoo! Relatively speaking, the sun will be constant in my lifetime.

2. The Garden of Eden is said to have been perfect, yet it needed tending.
To what extent does perfection not reach and still hold its meaning?
Can things be perfect yet incomplete? Can the qualities of perfection still need to be maintained and be perfect? Can a garden not be perfect without the addition of a caretaker? Could the continual maintenance by God's first created human of a garden created to be incomplete add up to perfection? Perfection was not intended to be accomplished in a vaccum.

3. Now, Jesus is a part of the eternal Godhead, the Holy Trinity, prior to his hypostatic union--yet He became a man (Christmas), lived died, resurrected (Easter), was lifted up into heaven (Ascension), and sends His presence as the Holy Spirit (Pentecost). Let's toss in his incarnation and sinless life ... so, Is there a man now in heaven? Did the Trinity change?

If so, what then does unchanging really mean? Because I feel like Vizzini in The Princess Bride who with his continuous use of the word, "Inconceivable," later challenged by Inigo, "You keep using that word ... I do not think it means what you think it means."

Unchanging means, "remaining the same." So if an entity that has always been, and as a part of its quality has a mind or heart that changes for some good reasons from time to time ... so as a whole never changes in this quality, then that entity could be said to be "remaining the same." Being consistent in its changing could be spoken of as "never changes." We recognize this with the sun, which performs some major scientific activities to maintain its existence (fusion and fission) that are at the same time its essence. The maintenance is a part of its own cause and effect and purpose and meaning. We see this with Adam and Eve's activity in maintaining the Garden by God's good design and plan.

Or this could just be one of those mysteries my finite mind cannot understand, and so there are alas some things that will never change for me either.

When my cat became a star

Fri, 01 May 2026 21:18:02 -0400

One fun part of being a part of a friend’s street team is getting to offer up ideas whenever she asks for suggestions on names.

When she asked for suggestions to name an animal in a novel she was writing, I offered up my cat’s name.

Much to my delight, while reading the ARC I received, I discovered my cat’s name.

My cat was so thrilled to be in print that he promptly took a nap or ten.

I tried to convince him to pose for a nice photo with the book, but he wasn’t feeling it too much. I did manage to take a semi decent photo, but he insists that the camera added more than ten pounds.

He plans to read the book himself when he finds time between his naps. While his review may be coming soon or never, if you’re wondering what I thought of In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano, here’s my review.

Annaliese is a unique heroine. Employed at an academy teaching civility to girls, she also is devoted to protecting animals from abuse. Throughout the book, she collects more animals in need of saving, including a parrot and a pickpocketing monkey.

Seth is the typical absent-minded professor obsessed with his inventions. He believes he is enthralled with the perfect symmetry of Anneliese’s face, but then it becomes apparent that he is just enthralled with Anneliese herself.

The romance is fun as it shows how two people most would consider odd are somehow perfect for each other. They also balance each other well.

A gaggle of matchmaking girls, a search for pirate treasure, and a pursuit keep one turning the pages.

I appreciated the theme of finding the place where you should be and also the spiritual theme of waiting on God’s timing.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: Am I Blest Or What?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:46:28 -0500

Jesus, thank You for a man who keeps Valentine’s Day way more than on February 14. On this crammed-calendar Monday morning, he said:

“Don’t worry about the dishes . . .”

Don’t worry about doing

the laundry, either.

I’ll take care of them today.”

OMG, You gave me the best valentine!

Her

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:01:57 -0500

Church is loud and hidden.

Full of praise, unprecedented resilience.

She bites an apple, then walks into an eternal city.

She rests on Sabbath, then battles ignorance.

Strong and faulted, given grace and Jerusalem walls.

She hides her beauty while Jesus peers significant.

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: No Picnic Today

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:14:44 -0500

Jesus, You know that when The Weather Channel trumpets dire snowstorm warnings, I shrug and expect a flurry or two. This time, though, You joined forces with the meteorologists for a major surprise. OMG, thank You for a warm house and my snow-shoveling hero who doesn’t mind that my wussy efforts can’t compare to his.

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: No Party–Still, Love

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:39:32 -0500

Jesus, thank You that last year we celebrated 50 years of marriage with family and friends, cake, flowers and fun! This year, though, we toasted our 51^st with Tylenol and kissed between coughs — um, fun? But OMG, thank You that for more than half a century (!!), You have given us each other to love.

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: Still Grateful, Still Grinning

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:51:11 -0500

Jesus, You know I somewhat envy families who stand still long enough for lovely, we’re-together holiday photos. But OMG, You know I wouldn’t trade our sweet, rowdy Thanksgiving for anything!

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: More Orange, Please!

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:49:08 -0500

Jesus, thank You for orange, the color of fall fun. The hue of thanksgiving for blessings You bestow. Yet even before we carved jack-’o-lanterns, an invasion of red and green ensued. Lord, You know I celebrate Your birth! But OMG, will retailers and the Hallmark Channel start their 2026 Christma$ countdowns on January 2?

#loveorange #givethanks #runscreamingfromChristmasdecorations

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: Merry November

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:08:16 -0500

Jesus, I’m not sure what to think of Your latest weather surprise, You sure took care of the leaves-on-the-lawn problem. Also, I no longer have to harvest tomatoes from the garden. Regardless of winter coats not yet drycleaned and where-on-earth-is-that-left-hand-glove angst, Your snow is lovely. OMG, it reminds me of Your love and forgiveness that can cover everything ugly and make it beautiful.

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: Late Bloomers Like Me

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:37:18 -0500

Jesus, shouldn’t these tomatoes have ripened, like, in August? They haven’t listened to me (‘STUPID TOMATOES, WHY DON’T YOU TURN RED?!!) Maybe I should have been a little more polite. Anyway, I’m thankful Your sun doesn’t give up on late bloomers and producers … and that Your Son doesn’t give up on me.

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: S’More Friends!

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:10:43 -0400

Jesus, thank You for the perfect campfire weather You gave us that made our backyard Neighborhood S’Mores Night possible. OMG, thank You especially for old friends and new with whom all could enjoy sweet treats and even sweeter community.

Lovin’ my neighborhood!

Image by Graham Gladstone from Pisabay.

New friends!

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: Wear a Helmet!

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:10:18 -0400

Jesus, thank You for the abundance of clothing You’ve given us. However, vacillating fall temperatures — plus, um, up-and-down size changes — have glutted our closets. Opening them, OMG, we fear for our lives!

OMG, It’s Monday! Prayer: Not 30 Anymore

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:45:21 -0400

Jesus, thank You so much that we were able to spend fun times with our son’s family. And OMG, after a spirited game of kickball in their front yard, thank You that we’re still able to walk.

Review of A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

Sat, 24 May 2025 12:09:55 -0400

I love clever heroines, and the first scene of this book established the heroine as intelligent and witty. I found myself immersed immediately in the story as I waited to find out what would happen next.

While there is a lot of Jen’s trademark humor, this book also came close to being a light cozy mystery. The mystery aspect was a secondary plotline, but figuring out whodunit was fun.

The hero and the heroine were both likeable. Rhenick was a man who just wanted to help and protect Drusilla. Drusilla was a heroine who had trouble trusting after her disastrous broken engagement. Their romance grew in a very natural way.

The secondary characters were also interesting. There were some hints about whose stories will be told next and what mysteries those stories might include. A herd of goat guardians, attacking ferrets, and bats are only a few of the animals who add to the chaos and humor.

The spiritual theme was what man has meant for evil God has meant for good.

I highly recommend this fun start to a new series. I can’t wait to read the next books!

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I Wish We'd All Been ... Left Behind

Tue, 06 May 2025 21:24:17 -0400

Perhaps you have heard the group DC Talk sing the remake of Larry Norman’s’ song, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready”? There is something tragically deceptive about the lyrics though. As we sing along, we find ourselves participating in a couple instances where we wish we had been ready to be taken instead of left behind. But that is not how Jesus tells his side of the story. The words are inspired by Matthew 24:40-41. But let’s look more closely, shall we?

MATTHEW 24:37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

Noah was left behind. To me, that was a good thing. It was those taken away in the flood who didn’t make out so good. Another time in the life of Israel makes this point clear. When Babylon came and defeated Jerusalem, there were some who were taken away and some who were left behind. Those taken went into exile far away into a hellish country. Those left behind stayed in the city and awaited the second coming. And now you have those words of the song, “Two men walking up a hill, one disappears, and one’s left standing still. I wish we’d all been ready.” I wish they’d all been a part of the band on the ark and left behind rather than taken away. The deception is when the song tries to connect what Jesus said with an interpretation of what Paul said to the Thessalonians by using the phrase, “one disappears.” No one disappears when the Lord returns. On the contrary, many do re-appear.

Paul encourages those Thessalonian believers telling them, “The dead in Christ will rise first!” But when? When Jesus comes back…to the earth–more specifically, to the King’s city. The watchmen sees the coming of the King, blows the trumpet, and gives a shout to announce his coming. The protocol for the King’s people--they knew exactly what to do–rouse themselves together and run to meet and greet the King on the road, then to go with Him into His city.

And just like that, all of Christ’s faithful–dead and alive will join Him when He comes to enter the New Jerusalem where He is king, He is the light, where heaven and earth finally meet and that place He left to go and prepare for you and me, He makes good on that promise!

Review of Meeting Her Match

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:45:44 -0400

After reading the previous books in the series, I was looking forward to Camilla’s story. It did not disappoint!

The story starts with an attempted kidnapping that leaves our perfect lady heroine soaked in a muddy river. Camilla and the hero are instantly at odds, but they end up being thrown together.

I am a fan of the haters-to-lovers’ trope, so I enjoyed reading the banter and the growing relationship of Camilla and Owen.

The book includes Jen’s signature humor. The supporting characters are quirky and fun. Crazy pets, including a marauding pig, add to the story.

And then, there is the infamous apple pie recipe…

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys rom-coms, historical romance in a unique setting, and fun characters.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

IN ESSENTIALS, UNITY

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:10:00 -0400

I just had a board meeting where I went over a study on the word "unity" and "divisions." The question that immediately came up was, "Well, Christians don't have to agree on everything...right?"

My response went something like this, "Well, wouldn't we want to?" It hit the fan like a lead balloon, which is not at all what I had expected. I thought all of the other board members would be shouting, "Yes!" and giving me high-fives and chest bumps. Well, maybe not chest bumps at this age.

There were some other ideas, thoughts and opinions expressed, and I was like, "We just went over this study of like 25 verses that state we are to be unified and have no divisions among us. Why don't you get it?"

Seems like I was the one who actually didn't get it. It wasn't that I thought my interpretations were wrong, the weren't. The question centered around their application. "How in the world are we to agree on everything?" I was too myopic to see outside the scope of what I was thinking--which was in the church. It doesn't bother me, really, what you decide at home on stuff. That is mostly between you and God. But I wasn't tracking.

I've since thought a lot about my response and while doing another study, I ran across the old axiom, "In essentials, Unity. In non-essentials, Liberty. In all things, Charity." I have seen this posted on church walls all my young adult life, but in recent years it has been missing.

I then saw a title of an article, "What all Christians must believe." Due to the word, "must," I decided to read over it, and thought, "Well, yes, I agree with those five things. But certainly there are more!"

Then I heard a age old voice of a man in church in my head, asking me, "Why are there so many denominations?" And after thinking through through this along with the above conversation, I think each body of believers want to know what they believe in as "essential." I do too. And I think where some have decided "these are the marks that will from now on identify who we are as a group of believers," is how denominational groups got their start.

It is an interesting study to not only look over what groups believe are essential, but also the history of when and why those beliefs occurred. For example, in my recent course on Methodist History, the Wesleyans, United Methodist, Free Methodists, African Methodists, and Brethren churches were all in unity. Slavery was one "essential" a group of believers decided a line should be drawn upon and those who agreed departed the one group and left. I think that was the right move.

I have worshipped in Free Methodist, United Methodist, Wesleyan, Brethren churches and the core essentials are the same. I have fellowshipped with Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Reformed,

The problem for me is when people try to impose their "convictions" using slip-shod citations of biblical verses in support of them. Things like the need for taking communion every Sunday, no drinking of alcohol, no dancing, no mowing the lawn on Sunday, expressing our strong emotions, or being a pre-trib and pre-millennialist, to name a few.

So, here are the five from the article ALL must believe they say.

1. GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE - Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

2. CHRIST IS A LIGHT IN DARKNESS - John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

3. COMMUNION BRINGS UNITY - Matthew 26:26 “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.'”

4. WE’RE CALLED TO MAKE DISCIPLES - Matthew 28:19 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit …”

5. JESUS IS COMING BACK - Revelation 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”

Would you add any? Remove any? Thoughts?

And I think I might put the Essential saying on a poster and back up my recent church. Truth is, it might actually already be around somewhere. --kk

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/sin/things-christians-label-as-sin-that-arent-actually-sinful.html

https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/5-big-ideas-all-christians-must-agree/

I Can’t Read

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 10:10:46 -0400

I’m a poet who can’t read,

my brain is short wired

Quick to chance the distractions.

Boggle the memory.

Get sedated by the medications.

I can’t read like those polished professionals who grew up with an educated father and maternal, well-versed mother.

I’m not interested in scanning lines of dead texted when I now have the freedom to watch a screen.

I’m apologize. Were you talking to me?

Definition

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:55:30 -0400

Beautiful, as she meandered into the profile picture of her dreams.

Hair meticulously styled, angle right, and artificial light to highlight that which is dark.

I thought, certainly she was someone to befriend, yet she wanted nothing to do with me. She loved to sin.

I found a woman with a double chin, bags under her eyes, walking around the block, taking it all in.

I thought her time had come and gone, nothing more to my life could she add.

Wishing she’d be a mere acquaintance, I left after our small conversation, not recognizing she was the definition of a friend.

Border

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:40:37 -0400

To close or not to close.

That is the question.

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of Mexican influx.

Or to take arms against a wall of troubles

And by opposing break them. To die—to sleep.

No more; and by a sleep to say we end

The politics and the thousand subjective

opinions

That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;

To sleep, in an asylum—ay, there's the rub:

For in that of inflation of what dreams may

come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal

conundrum,

Must give us pause—there's the respect

That makes calamity of so long life.

To close or not to close the American border.

Reach

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 15:39:54 -0400

I both reach and retreat.

I want you and want nothing to do with you.

It is predictable that I both hate and love you.

I want you near and must retreat.

Like a civil war and trip to Disney Land.

You are my contradiction

Both push and pull.

America, I pledge allegiance and protest you for being immoral.

Unstable

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 13:00:35 -0400

The clouds are unstable

So too are the waves

But my faith is stable, solid.

Rally and debate is unstable.

Fire and Water too.

But, God hold us safe.

Abandoned

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:36:58 -0400

Why do they all leave,

what is wrong with me…

the medications have changed me

to the point I don’t recognize me.

Why did I lose it all,

Perhaps to a bigger call

To love others more than they love me.

Reach

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:15:29 -0400

Dear Reality,

I must be honest. You’ve been hard on me. You’ve tossed me back and forth. Made me feel helpless. Everyone said I have to accept you, but you’re toxic sometimes. I know we’ve been friends for a long time. I’m willing to work with you, but you need to compromise as well. You need to stop taking up my entire day. You need to be understanding when I have to speak with Imagination and Dream. Don’t crowd around me. Don’t pull me away from them. They are my friends too. I’m sorry, Reality. I know how difficult this is for you. I know you want my attention 24/7. You just can’t have it.

Your Friend,

Tamara

Trust

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:38:30 -0400

Trust our neighbors…

Love our enemies…

Open borders…

Lay down our lives…

Give of ourselves…

High calling…

Realized in the first century

Era

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:11:08 -0400

I lived in an era of Biden supported by Taylor.

Maga supporting Trump.

An independent, some nameless man, stealing my vote.

An era of open borders and closed mom and pop’s shops.

An era of sorting it all out when exposed to everything on an easy access screen.

And I lived and loved during this era.

Poet

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:17:57 -0400

Am I a poet?

I ask this daily.

Do I see the abstract beauty under the reality surface?

Do I see blue and red making purple?

Or do I see Republicans getting along with Democrats?

Am I a poet?

I ask myself this sometimes because daily might be exhausting.

A good ending to a poem is a restless girl looking up at the night sky and seeing just that.

Fair

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:13:23 -0400

Is it fair to wake up to the shaking sunrise

as it sets, as it rises

Covered in a white blanket of poverty and vulnerability

fair or dark alike, choices and consequences

Waking up to the woke war on the outside and the conservatives bottle it on the inside

America, stepping like a child, into a vast ocean of surprise

Be alike yet different

Is it fair to me?

Revelation's Whore as Today's Culture

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:30:00 -0500

https://thehustle.co/originals/why-you-almost-never-see-a-clock-at-the-mall

The word “whore” may have different definitions to some, but I want to use it as a woman who markets herself for the sole purpose of robbing men of their life for her own gain--whatever her “gain” is: monetary, lust, or otherwise. She is the reverse-consumer and profiteer at the same time, a vampiress, a luxurious drunk, functioning alcoholic. Her appeal is a marketing scheme based on not just years of study, but an exquisite composition of research and development where she is both scientist and evidence, psychologist and client--in an endless cycle and sinister feedback loop of trial and error, hypothesis and investigation, feeding and consuming.

All the while tricking you into believing you are the main character. But it isn’t about you. You have entered her Nirvana constructed for you to “remain inside” her. Once her legs are wrapped around you, she is sure to suck your life away. And as titillating as this may sound, in the end, you are either addicted to endlessly return for more, or drained dry of all your resources--or go into deep debt. And the sad thing is, you will feel pretty good about yourself or at least the amazing experience you had with her. Your manly seed sown upon a barren field—a mirage with no real hope, faith, love, peace, or joy to come. That’s how a whore functions. That is who she is. And she is everywhere, 24/7.

But while she seems omnipresent and even omniscient, she is not omnipotent. The link to the article above gives the whore of Revelation 17 and 18 a whole different understanding because of its perspective on casinos and how they market. But God has called him people OUT of her.

Revelation 17-18, not verse by verse, but in a more categorized way.

She is = the Great Prostitute/Harlot = one who tricks others to buy into her “luxuries”

Her name written on her forehead = a mystery: babylon the great - the mother of prostitutes - and of the abominations of the earth.

She sits by “many waters” = peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages = the inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world and will be ASTONISHED when they see the beast upon which she rides, and are “intoxicated” with the “wine” of her “adulteries”

She desires the kings of the earth to commit adultery (share in her “luxuries”) with her

She uses her “magic spell” to lead astray all the nations [KEY CONCEPT].

She sits on a scarlet beast = Babylon/Rome/Indianapolis

Markets herself = dresses in purple and scarlet, glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls

She holds power = a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.

She overdrinks = drunk with the blood of God’s holy people who bore testimony to Jesus.

Hard to understand = When John saw her, he was GREATLY ASTONISHED/Marveled.

INSIDE OF HER is the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people slaughtered on the earth.

The mystery = the beast she rides

A historical place with historical kings/leaders = going to destruction = seven hills = Rome

The beast and the ten kings hate the prostitute, will bring her to ruin = leave her naked, eat her flesh, burn her with fire

The woman is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth = historical and futuristic “Babylon”

Ten kings with one purpose = give their power and authority to the beast and wage war against the Lamb

The Lamb will triumph over them with his called, chosen and faithful followers.

God has put it into their hearts to accomplish His purpose = until God’s words are fulfilled.

I have always seen the woman as the popular culture of the day both being loved and hated by the government it resides in. The people are somewhat victims, captives, caught up in the relationship between the culture and the government. Everyone thinks they have control, but no one does. It is enough for the government to seek to organize the chaos, but in the end, neither the culture nor the governing body survives. BOTH use the natural fallen resources for its gain: power, control, luxury, attraction, marketing--using and being used—these tactics are at war with the process and purposes of the Lamb of God and His means = His people who have made it their habit with foreheads and hands to surrender too and give their lives for. They are the continuation of the Lamb’s sacrifice in reaching the tricked, the deceived, the victims and captives under the magic spell and intoxication of the culture.

The question the Whore is always asking is, “Will you surrender?”

The tactic of the casino is to keep the temporal distortion going for as long as possible—to make the people INSIDE forget about the real world. The evaporate any symbols of time, keep feeling like you are in an uninterrupted escape zone, and even block out the sunlight so you don’t know that it is day. Sounds are kept low so you can enter your fantasy world and keep the field of consciousness focus and not break.

“In the arena of chance, as though under the sway of a magnetic field, the passage of time freezes into repetition, space contracts, and the value that accrues to money is obliterated.”

The culture seeks to break down value in the minds of the wise. There is only what the culture, or she, says there is.

The longer you stay the more money you spend.

You don’t think – not about the future, just the moment you are in –that you’ve created.

Sure, all retailers want you to buy what you’ve come in for—PLUS a few additional things.

That’s because your brain changes while shopping.

“…after 23 minutes supermarket shoppers began using the emotional part of their brain rather than the cognitive part. That switch made it harder for people to consider costs and made them more susceptible to marketing bargains.

After 40 minutes, their brains effectively shut down. They struggled to make any logical decisions.”

To be able to show you all available products, the retailers need to slow you down—so they create a shopping maze. Coupled with slow tempo music, you spend more time in the store. You might call this “mood maintenance,” to keep you in a “positive state” and “in the flow” so you just stay shopping. Our brains are being coded by stores!

This is my fear for VR in the future. What will be meant and seen as entertainment will be sugar for the marketers to capitalize on. And this means more fantasy and much more lost time. VR will be the proverbial carrot leading sheep to the slaughter unaware of where they are going.

Will you surrender? --kk

Review of To Spark a Match by Jen Turano

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 20:59:50 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving!

One blessing I am always grateful for is being able to write. Another is all the other wonderful writers I get to call my friends.

While the rejections from agents and editors are never fun, it is such a wonderful experience to have the joy of meeting other people who also imagine worlds in their heads.

One sweet friend who adopted me at a conference is Jen Turano. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to join her street team. Her latest book was so much fun for someone who loves cats (and anyone who doesn’t too).

And the cover is gorgeous. I very much want those earrings.

So, without further ado, here is my review.

Both my cat and I enjoyed this book. I appreciated that it was a hard-to-out-down read, but he did struggle with missing out on his necessary twenty-one hours of daily sleep as we couldn’t stop reading. We both liked the heroine who is a “cat lady.”

Beyond loving cats, Adelaide is a fun and likeable heroine in other ways as well. She has strange things happen to her and keeps her sense of humor in all of them. Gideon is the perfect hero for her, and I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.

The supporting characters were fun, and I always appreciate that Jen almost always throws in another little romance or two.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I cannot wait to watch Camilla’s romance unfold.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Banning Influencers at Church?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0400

You might be getting The Pour Over into your inbox each day as I do. As I read one of the highlighted articles, Why are cafes, restaurants, and even towns banning influences? I thought of two things: A popular video game and the Church.

The [Galactic Civ] video game action arena is space and utilizes exploring with several different tactics. One is cultural expansion deploying techniques for taking over the galaxy using mods to influence other traveling species with your culture and therefore "quietly" take over the galaxy and win the game. You could also win by buying up all of the other planets (economic takeover--think China?), or by hostile takeovers and warfare (think Russia?). I like to use the cultural takeover mostly these days.

The article lists the reasons for the ban, one is logistical (small-town shops cannot handle triple+ visitors due to a rise in popularity resulting in more harm than good). I imagined a small church of older people spiking due to a popular preacher visiting and having no nursery. That'd be bad. Not just for the weeks the speaker was in town, but the 'community talk' for weeks after about what the church 'didn't have' verses what it did.

The line from the article that caused me to pause and think about my church was, "Most places want sustainable customer-bases," and not a descending swarm to come in, consume, and move on. This hit me hard, but so did the next observation which spoke about places banning phones and picture-taking "in order to protect the presence of the experience for those who are there for the substance."

Protecting the presence. Should we question the use of streaming services?

I am in agreement in principle with the desire for sustainable customer-bases; I think believers call this a 'church family.' But churches might always have to deal with FOMO and YOLO of those casual subscribers who look like visitors who've been in-and-out for a decade never commiting to the base but comfortable with clocking in and out of what is supposed to be a service--an activity that is about Someone else. When did family become a buffet?

The article bemoans the trend in these locusts/influencers who have "a sense of misplaced ownership over both private and public spaces." I used to think Judgment Day would be a video vignette of my life, but it could actually be much easier by just scrolling through my social media posts to see what was most important to me.

I'm not promoting banning things in church, but might we think on it for a moment? Take a personal inventory. Leave your phone at home like we did when we were kids, and college students, and first married (for those born in the 60s and 70s). It might just change your life. I'd hope at least your worship, which is all about Him and not just a post.

Glorious Grey

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 18:52:46 -0400

Glorious grey with your thematic expectations and sudden revelations.

Many depend on your bland expression, hoping for a hidden salvation.

Are you a subtle manipulator or a passive observer?

Your color may not be color, making your theme perplexing.

Glorious grey don't pollute the clear water.

We find you in ash, rain clouds, and cement.

Calling you neutral may not be correct.

Wolves, Packs, Leadership, and False Naturals

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:30:00 -0500

I recently read an article's title that caused me to think, "What could that mean for leadership in realtime?" I was not disappointed as I took some moments to reflect on wolves, packs, what has been shown in cartoons about them, and on the 'what ifs' of all I know about wolves not being true. Can you say, "epiphany?"

The subheading summed up the article quite well, "The idea that wolf packs are led by a merciless dictator, or alpha wolf, comes from old studies of captive wolves. In the wild, wolf packs are simply families." [Scientific America - Feb 2023]

Wait. Wolves in captivity or in a setup environment are different than those in nature? Hierarchy emerges when the same old members are the same old members in a closed community. Not unheard of as this is how cults make things work--authority is ... well now I have an open-ended question: is it needed or is it a false natural? A false natural in that if the group had a choice hierarchy may not be necessary. Alpha males/females? Un-herd of. We need to un-pack this more.

But in nature, wolves are found to be simply a family. Life is lived, elders are respected, but so is the understanding (expectation?) that the younger will go on to start their own versions of family packs.

What could this mean for the church? Well, one thought is that hierarchy isn't natural. It is a false natural. It only takes place when it is forced or an 'old study' is submitted to or imposed on a group. If there is a natural hierarchy, isn't God the head? God does give spiritual gifts for the betterment of the body, and while the head is important, it doesn't float off the body but remains attached as the body is essential to its purpose. What is the purpose of imposed or false natural hierarchy?

So I have minimal conclusions, but several thoughts playing themselves out with hopes for a more true reflection of what God has created to find its order in Him. I do know I don't wish to be a part of a false natural or promote one.

HE'S A SHARING GOD

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 10:10:06 -0500

I asked my thirteen year old son if he had any stories of a time when he wished some other kids would have shared what they had with him. He said, "Tons of them."

What kid wouldn't.

I was reading in Leviticus today about God's instructions to how offerings should be made, how the priests were to give special attention to what was being offered, and how to present it. Then I read something that literally made me cry.

God is telling about how the grain offering is to be given and eaten by the priests. Half of this grain offering is to be mixed with oil and frankenscence and burned as it belongs to God as "a thing most holy." But the other half, God says that Aaron, the high priest, and all 18 year old male priests can eat it saying, "I have given it as their portion of MY food offerings."

Wow. God shared. Think of it. Our GOD shares ... HIS stuff ... with us ... with me.

So I wondered that since our God is a sharing God, what else does the Word says He shares? And does He share any of His stuff with me? To me, this is huge.

This revelation caused me to cry.

I had a vision--I walked with God through some old memeories. I was back in seminary listening to my professor speak about this passage and I said, "Wait! Does this say our God shares? God actually shares HIS stuff? With me?" And I wept there.

Next, I was like in kindergarten and I saw myself walking out to our elementary playground and a little girl was coloring with chalk on the sidewalk. She looked up to me and said, “Hey! Do you want to come over here and SHARE my chalk?”

In my next vision, I was walking into a seminary cafeteria past a table with one of our foreign student's family sitting together getting ready to eat together. When the dad sees me, he smiles and says, “Hey! Would you want to come over here and SHARE a meal with my family?”

God shares like the little girl. God shares like the family. God was showing ME that He wants to share with me.

I then thought of pentecost and that when the Holy Spirit of God came upon the disciples, what did they do? They were big on SHARING. The word that describes those who share is FELLOWSHIP, which means "to have in common." We cannot have in common unless there we all share. Sharing is a mark of a true disciple because it is a true mark of God.

Sharing is a wonderful attribute of God. It is not listed in any seminary book as one of God's great attributes, but it now stands out to me as one because I have experienced it. Thinking about sharing now makes me smile and love God more.

After all, He shared Jesus --who was His very heart-- with us … with me.

Amen.

Review of A Match in the Making by Jen Turano

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 19:15:25 -0500

I am so happy to be a part of my friend Jen’s street team. Her latest is so much fun! Here’s my review.

Emma meets The Sound of Music in this fun book.

When the first sentence compared matchmaking to a blood sport, I knew I was in for a fun read. Although the premise of a matchmaker made me think of Jane Austen’s Emma, Gwendolyn Brinley is a good matchmaker. It’s fun to follow along and connect the dots of who would be right for each other among the characters.

Of course, Gwendolyn meets her own match along the way.

I enjoyed the humor, story, and characters. I really appreciated that the child characters in A Match in the Making were balanced portrayals, since I am often annoyed by child characters in books that either have the wisdom of someone ten times their age or are terrors with no redeeming qualities.

Gwendolyn and Walter’s relationship grew in a natural way. I liked how they grew as individuals as well. The spiritual lessons spoke to me.

I highly recommend this book, and I’m already looking forward to the next one in the series!

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jen has a few giveaways going on if you’re interested in entering. Also, check out her videos on Instagram. I’ve been enjoying them. If you’re a member of Avid Readers of Christian Fiction on Facebook (and if you’re not, I recommend you join), Jen and Tricia Goyer did an interview about this book and the upcoming two in the series today.

I can’t wait to read the rest.

And who would call you? Hint: If you can't think of anyone, then you are probably "that" guy.

Looking back at the COVID experiment, one of things it has shaken out are those who are extremely relationally connected--in a healthy way. Those people didn't allow the masks or quarantine deter them from feeding themselves on what they knew was the most important things in life--the relationships they have built over a lifetime. The alternative looks a lot like narcissism.

It takes time to build great relationships. But build you must or suffer the consequence = being alone.

We cannot survive in life alone. Studies (and common sense) reveal how much our mental health (and wholeness) is dependent on being a quality relationships.

And if you want someone to blame, then I guess you'd need to go to the genesis of it all.

The words, "It is not good for man to be alone," are some of the very first words spoken out loud in all of creation. God wasn't just thinking of Adam and Eve, but of you and I too. So blame Him. Or better yet, forget the blame-shame game, and make Him your number one. He knows all about quality relationships.

The Trinity has always been in relationship. Since we are created in His image, we can learn so much from how this eternal relationship has existed to live by ourselves.

A wise person once said, "Two are better than one ... and a three cord strand (of people) are not easily broken." And so God has created us in his image, then we are made for relationships.

I for one do have have God as one of the first people I call on when in need. My life has been the richer for it.

So, who you going to call?

Perverted and Twisted Ways

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:17:21 -0400

About 94 times this word is used in the Bible, but it was the first time my teenage son asked me about it. We were randomly listening to someone talk on the radio and the word was used in a sentence. So my son asked, "Dad, what does perversion mean?"

A couple of days before this conversation, I was meditating (day-dreaming?) when an image came into my mind--a long, thin piece of metal hung in the air before me, the back was black and the front was white. I observed as, like a bread bag tie, the top of the piece of metal turned. Now when I looked, it was still a thin piece of metal, but on the frontside, the top part was black and the bottom was white, twisted at its center.

At times, this word can be found to simply describe: roads, pathways, crown of thorns, braids of hair or thread, or a body in pain or possessed. I love the verse that says, "three cords twisted together are not quickly broken" (Ecc 4:12).

However, it is used negatively like when Peter describes what those who are "uncertain and without knowledge" do to the apostle Paul's writings which contain "some hard sayings." Have you ever been uncertain and get things "twisted" in your mind? Ever listen to someone who "thought" they knew something?

The "ways" of people can be twisted, as well as the heart (Jer 17:9) and the mind (Pr 17:20). Jesus used the word to describe the generation of people he was speaking to (Mt 17:17; Lk 9:41; see also Deuteronomy 32:5). There are several Proverbs using the concept of "twisted," and its synonyms are primarily, "perverse and crooked." (e.g. Pr 28:18)

When something is perverted or twisted in the heart and mind, part of what is right has been adjusted to be wrong; and part of what is wrong has been adjusted to look right.

Think about this: Would you want to build a house on a twisted, crooked foundation? How much less your life? People try mentally, emotionally, physically, sexually--but all perversions will disintegrate, ruin, corrupt, and fail. Ever meet someone with a twisted mind or sense of humor? Ever listen to an associate describe a relationship gone bad ...for the tenth time? Twisted? Ever wonder why we are in the sexual identity dilemma in our country? Twisted?

The opposite of twisted is straight, but proverbs calls this "integrity." We use this to describe a building rocked in a quake, that has its foundation still intact or has "integrity."

Paul tells the Philippian Christians to prove themselves to be "blameless, innocent, children of God, above reproach, as lights" as they live in a crooked and perverse generation. Interesting the contrast he uses pulling in the appearance of "light"--a strong OT word used for God's people, the Israelites, and how they were to be representative of God to the other nations.

But all perversions dim. Think of the metal strip I spoke of --the white side reflected light, but when the black side was twisted around to the front, the light was dimmed.

Along with the word twisted or perverted, Jesus tags along the word "apistos" the Greek word translated "no faith" or "unbelieving." See, when we come to God, we must believe that He is, and we must bring everything into His light so it can be straightened out by him. In His presence, order happens. In the world, chaos reigns. With order comes placement; with chaos things bump into and bend and twist and get knocked out of place. Chaos happens when things are in darkness--where Satan and his lies have their greatest effect.

It also happens when things are dimmed. But there is hope. Jeremiah 3:21 gives us the insight that twisted paths are brought about because people have not kept the Lord their God in mind. So think of God in all things, let His word dwell in you richly.

There is another word used throughout Scriptures, an ancient word used to describe what it means to turn around from the path one is on--toward darkness and perversion--to the light of God = Repentance.

Repentance means to turn back--the answer for getting on the straight way God has for your life.

Confessions of a Book Lover

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 12:06:46 -0500

Whenever I go thrifting with my mom, we both tell each other that we do not need any more books. We will avoid the books. We have too many books. (Can one have too many books?)

Filled with good intentions, that resolution lasts until we enter a store and spot the enticing spines lined up on the shelves. Like magnets, we are drawn toward the shelves and find ourselves justifying just one or two or ten more.

Thankfully, I now have multiple nieces and nephews who also love books, so when my own shelves can’t hold another, I still have an excuse to buy more.

Of course, I don’t limit my book collecting to thrifting. I am an equal opportunity collector, and I will expand my collection through a myriad of ways–and one of my favorites is being a part of my friend’s team and working to get word of her books out into the world. An easy task, since I always enjoy her books and am excited to add them to my collection.

My favorite quote from her latest was, “‘Merely a book’ should never be said to an avid reader.” – To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano.

I am going to use that next time I justify purchasing yet another book. It’s not merely a book. It’s a portal to other worlds. It makes me see God in new ways. It expands my knowledge of the world. It makes me laugh. It lets me cry.

And in order to prevent this blog from becoming yet another book to fill my shelves, I’ll stop there.

What’s your favorite reason to read?

Here’s the review for To Disguise the Truth, which I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

I’ve been excited to read Eunice’s story ever since I started the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. Her constant wearing of widow’s weeds intrigued me. The first line of this book lived up to my expectations.

After all, who can resist reading on to find out why the heroine had once shot the man sitting across from her.

As someone who writes, I am often able to predict twists and turns in novels, but this one definitely had surprises I didn’t see coming. I also enjoyed that storylines of secondary characters from the previous books were woven into the story and brought to conclusions.

I liked the heroine, and I enjoyed that she is mysterious at the beginning. As the book goes along, one gets to know her better. I also like the hero, and I thought that the relationship between the two was believable. I have always love Anne and Gilbert and Darcy and Elizabeth, so the hatred to love trope is a favorite of mine. However, one true danger of the trope is often a disbelief in how sudden the hate morphs into love. To Disguise a Truth didn’t have this problem. The romance grew in a natural way.

I am sad the series is over, but this book brought it to a phenomenal close with happy endings—and I love happy endings. I’m already looking forward to Jen’s next series.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Christmas/New Year

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 12:08:21 -0500

This last week of 2021 led up to our family Christmas/New Years celebration.

I greatly admired the Nativity display at the house where our home group met Sunday, so I borrowed it for the post opener.

The weather was mild all week. I walked a couple times, once to the bridge nearby and was surprised to see how high the river was.

One of those times I crossed paths with this handsome biker.

Rebecca and I had a delightful day together on Wednesday. She pretty near mastered one of her piano pieces. I played the accompaniment. We had fun.

Thursday, the 30th, the robotics team had a party - a movie and games. I came toward the end and joined in a game of Nerts. Great fun.

All week long the work on Stephan and Karen's new house continued steadily in eager readiness for our family get together Saturday. Here is Karen's summary: Finishing up kitchen and bathrooms

Despite their state of exhaustion, they welcomed us into their lovely space, still in transition.

I came early with the food I'd worked on for a day and a half, and hung the stockings on the stairs.

The family units arrived one by one. Then the fun began!

As usual, there was more than enough food.

This was the second or third time that we I drew names and assigned one to each member. The secret gift-givers presented theirs in turn to the youngest first and in order to the oldest (guess who). We all watched and enjoyed each surprise and reaction Sadly six members were missing.

Then it was game time! We introduced some to a new one, AZUL, and had two games going on at the same time, with Splendor on the other end of the table. After which we all joined in a round of Hand and Foot. Just wish we could do this more often.

Hand and Foot (the table is not really V shaped :-)

This is my Christmas loot. There is a small . . . . . in the little box on the right, something I collect. Can you fill in the blank?

And now, blessings in the New Year to all my faithful readers and friends!

THE END

P.S.: Very seriously considering ending this weekly blog. Don't know if I can, as it's become such a habit.

Anticipating Christmas

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 14:03:16 -0500

All the preparations for the Big Event we celebrate create eager anticipation, even longing. Christmas greetings coming in and going out - some in the form of cards, and increasingly more via the internet.

An annual bike ride Michael enjoys is the Luminary, to see the Christmas lights in areas of Indianapolis. He decorated his bicycle for the occasion. However, there were only seven riders this year and the people who used to serve hot chocolate and cookies were not there.

As usual I spent time at my writing desk. This was the view one morning, the moon was still up. The trees are bare now, the weather is very mild for this time of year, and anyone wishing for a white Christmas will be disappointed.

Memories of past Christmases surfaced every day. Here a few favorites from last year. I had forgotten the one representing Mary, Joseph and the baby, which was intended for use as our next Christmas card. Sadly I totally forgot.

Below it you can see how much the babe has grown.

Anticipation took on different aspects. At Stephan and Karen's new house, work accelerated hoping to be ready to host the annual Christmas Eve Brunch and Koch family gift exchange. Read about it here.

If you got all the way through you learned that there was a change of plans. The family event was postponed for a week. The brothers were most definitely sleep deprived working through the night, and their dad spent many hours there as well. The brunch, however, was still on, with one difference - it would be a carry-in instead of the Chef's usual fare.

That's where my hours in the kitchen came in preparing: baked oatmeal, torta pascualina (Argentine spinach pie), Grandma Hoyt's fruit salad, Sharon's sweet potatoes in orange cups.

So, we had a memorable last brunch in the old house, crowded but cozy and happy.

I especially enjoyed having the families of our two greats there.

There was also a 16-day-old baby in the crowd. The protective mama allowed Karen the privilege of a few moments. That's when I came up with a question and my camera! She protested, "You can't expect me to answer and take a picture at the same time!" (Sorry, Karen.)

Then there was a tour of the new house to observe the progress and a few family photos outside.

Christmas Day is very different as empty-nesters. It was a rather quiet time with only Diane here. I confess to feeling depressed.

I treasured each glimpse into the home celebrations - the old and the new traditions.

Grandma Linda makes pj's for each of the grands every year and that is one gift they open Christmas Eve.

2020 2021

Kayla's house looks Christmas-card worthy in preparation for the joyful family time. Thank you, Matt, for this snapshot.

On Instagram I followed the household celebrations at Sam and Kristie's and also Malachi and Lexi's.

These beautiful internet gifts ministered to my soul!

And here's another favorite memory, one of the last Christmases with Mother.

Festivities are not over. The Koch family celebration is now scheduled for New Year's Day!

Of Shepherds and Wise Men

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 16:15:03 -0500

When God selected those who would be mentioned as the visitors to His newborn Son, He could not have chosen two more different groups.

First, He chose the shepherds. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8. In this time in history, shepherds were the lowest of the low on the social scale. They were uneducated. They spent their time tending sheep. They were poor. They were nearby.

Second, He chose the Magi. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea…, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.” Matthew 2:1. These men were so highly educated, they are known by the synonymous name of Wise Men. They not only noticed the new star, but they also had the means to travel to Judaea to discover its origin. They were well-respected. They were rich. They brought expensive gifts from a faraway land.

The shepherds were almost certainly the first to visit the newborn King. The Wise Men were almost certainly among the last before Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled to Egypt.

Why does it matter who visited the Christ-child? Perhaps, we can learn that anyone can be saved. God can save the rich and the poor. God can save the educated and the uneducated. God can save those who are near—raised in Christian homes—and far—those who have heard the Gospel only once.

We are all simply worshipers of the Christ Child.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Reunions

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 12:53:07 -0500

Christmas lights at the Koch's

The first half of the week we were involved in the usual weekly responsibilities while also anticipating excitement ahead.

The robotics team meets twice a week now and Michael diligently teaches them basic things they will need to know to build a robot. It's a young team, mostly seventh or eighth graders only one high school student. Build-season is fast approaching!

I was busy revising and posting the last chapter of the La Carlota series. It's about the church Dad helped build in our first town in Argentina. It has a surprise ending.

The excitement began Wednesday evening when Kendra and Zach arrived on their way from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. He had flown out from Massachusetts to help her make the long trek across the US. They planned it well, stopping to see people and places along the way.

Michael prepared a wonderful welcome meal. We taught them our new game - AZUL - while we waited for Moriah to join us for dinner and an overnight stay. Kendra won with an off-the-charts score. Beginners' luck or is she just that smart?

Brilliant or not, she was still working on meeting deadlines to wrap up her last semester of college. At breakfast the next morning, she finally submitted the last assignment.

Then the former housemates disappeared and enjoyed a hair-styling session like old times.

Then it was time for a goodbye selfie. Till we meet again, graduation in May or their wedding next June.

Friday, we enjoyed another grand reunion with friends from near and far at John and Abby Pugsley's wedding. He grew up in our community and became an outstanding long time member of the robotics team.

In typical John style, he had prepared 16 pages of notes - a very detailed plan for everything leading up to the event.

Several unique and thoughtful aspects we enjoyed: appetizers, games, and fellowship during the wedding party's photo session; the photos of the couple, their age matched the table number; guests were served first, starting with the children. We had a great time conversing with friends at table 12.

Saturday morning early, my brother Alan came from Warsaw and I rode with him to Corbin, KY for our dear cousin's memorial. Sadly Michael was not able to go.

Ed worked for Union College twenty-eight years. The last eight as president. He was well loved by

the entire community. So many wonderful memories were told or written about him. This one speaks for many, "He was always a kind and gentle person. He was always looking for the good in all things and everyone. He will be missed and we live on in the memories of all who ever met him!"

He leaves a lovely daughter who also lost her mother four years ago, but thankfully is surrounded by a loving extended family.

Chloe Rose de Rosset

Since his retirement, Ed and Chloe have lived very near older sister Karin and her husband Jack who helped in every way, especially during his year-long illness.

Photo credit Jack Traylor, right.

Mother's older sister Joyce and her husband Ed de Rosset were missionaries in Peru.Their four children--Karin, Ed, Rosie, and Fred--served in institutions of higher education.

Alan and I spent the night in Fred and Carol's lovely home in Berea, KY, before heading back home Sunday morning.

Carol & Rachel, Karin and Jack, Fred and family

This has become the de Rosset family gathering point. Rosie and Chloe will join them for Christmas.

Family stories and getting better acquainted was the best part of the weekend. I am so grateful for the heritage we share.

I was reminded of the extent of our family connections a couple weeks ago. I was at the local clinic across the street from Taylor University. A student walked in that I recognized as a second-cousin-once-removed and talked to him about our ancestry.

This is the tiniest Nativity I have ever seen. It was in the guest room, along with a small turtle like the ones on my kitchen window sill.

I rejoice with every reminder of Emmanuel, God with us!

Michael and I watched Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers twice, in the theater and online. Still showing in select locations. Don't miss it!

Tis the Season . . .

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:11:08 -0500

Tis the Advent season . . .

Finally all the Christmas decorations made their way out of the attic and slowly found their place. The mini Nativities replaced the turtle collection on the kitchen window sill. This one is a favorite--one of Leah's many tiny clay sculptures.

The second Sunday of Advent is one when we look forward to the Christmas cantata - a beautiful and powerful presentation of the Gospel story from Creation to Redemption.

Monday night dinner welcomed good friends we hadn't seen in a while, including a baby in the making! I probably looked like that 51 years ago before Stephan's arrival. I could better relate to Mary.

Tis the season for special gatherings, like the ladies' Bible Study Christmas brunch on Wednesday. I had not been with these friends all semester as I focused on writing. So it was a delight to be with them again. Each table had a special decoration. This one was made many years ago by the husband of our table hostess. She explained that the color of the cross etched into the star was from old nails in vinegar. Symbolic?

The young couple living temporarily with Leah, were waiting longingly for their baby to be born. Finally it happened Thursday night. Her very long labor and subsequent Caesarian reminded me again of Stephan's similar birth story.We were delighted to see this first family picture. The miracle of life and a safe delivery is a wondrous thing.

Jesus spoke of the experience: "When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world." (John 16:21 ESV)

Our littlest family member certainly brings joy to all. He came for a bit on Saturday with his parents.

I am trying to cut down on Christmas decor, so put up only a small tree this year. I couldn't decide which picture I liked best, with or without flash. Kayla came over one day and relieved me of quite a few ornaments to use on her bigger tree.

I chose a watercolor of a fir tree for our Christmas card this year. The evergreen reminded me of God's everlasting love.

Transitions

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:28:35 -0500

We had a few beautifully sunny days and somewhat warmer days, very inviting to go out for walks.

Michael also took advantage of clear days to continue felling trees, cutting up huge logs, splitting wood, adding to the winter supply.

Most other days he was at Stephan's hanging light fixtures.

Son Sam worked there also installed kitchen cabinets.

Karen continues to blog about the house-progress.

I spent a few days on my various blogs. This weekly one is the least time-consuming. The two versions of my life stories, English and Spanish required more time to edit and review the translation and scheduling to publish chapter 19 - Life in the Big House - for the December 1st deadline.

Wednesday was the last Basics program for the year. Rebecca and I got to hang out together. When I dropped her off at home after, I realized I hadn't taken a picture in her holiday outfit, so she posed for me in front of their lovely Christmas tree.

The robotics team is gearing up for the new season to begin in early January so they transitioned to two meetings per week. I stopped by on my way home from Muncie and enjoyed seeing how much fun the students were having putting the robot back together.

As I walked out I looked through old photos and found this one of Sam from the time Elijah had been on the team.

I had just spent time with Sam. He joined me at a meeting in Muncie. I was greatly relieved to hear from him the doctor's assessment of the recent MRIs. Comparing the recent ones with the previous ones taken in 2016, he did see a significant enough change in the cyst to warrant any action. This is a great relief.

Friday evening we welcomed Bethany who is on home assignment from her work in Tanzania with Mavuno Village, a family-style orphanage.

We found out she loves to play games too. So we had a fun time playing Splendor first. Then she introduced us to a new game she had with her--AZUL.

Saturday she began her long drive to Philadelphia after more good conversation at breakfast and a quick selfie. We are truly grateful for the friends who find their way to our home, the blessing of living in the Crossroads of America.

Saturday evening we attended a Christmas performance at The Commons Theatre in Alexandria. Our friend Tamara was one of the directors (and I borrowed this photo from her FB page).

As if Michael had not done enough, at the end of a busy Sunday, he decided to make bread!

"What kind shall I make? What shall I listen to in the process?"

We slowly transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I envy those who are able to decorate the day after Thanksgiving. Somehow it has never worked for me. What about you?

Giving Thanks

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:53:52 -0500

. . . for two grandsons who had birthdays this week. I borrowed the latest photos I found on FB. Malachi turned 23 on Sunday the 21st, and Zion 12 on Tuesday, the 23rd.

. . . for the ladies Bible Study titled God is for us, Romans 8. Tuesday evening we had our final gathering and shared what we'd learned--stories, testimonies and memory verses.

MeeSun shares concerns about her upcoming trip to Korea to care for her parents.

. . . for Michael able to spend a few days spray painting walls in Stephan and Karen's new house. Their goal is to be in by Christmas.

. . . for Michael being in charge of the Thanksgiving meal. Our family gathered on Friday, which gave us two days to prepare the feast.

. . . for God's providence evidenced in the story of that first Thanksgiving.

Rebecca put together the reminder of the Pilgrims' Thanksgiving
and read the story.

. . . for each family member, those who came and those who couldn't. I was busy enjoying them and took fewer photos than ever. Wish I had gotten a picture of Michael sharing his thoughts on the Thanksgiving Psalm, Ps. 100. And also of him carving the turkey and serving each person.

. . . for all the family sharing--the good, bad, and the ugly--"in everything give thanks."

. . . for the game of Nerts, our family version, the rowdier the better! We hadn't played it in years. Sam is now the champion (sorry, Leah).

. . . for the many expressions of thanks that filled our Thanksgiving Alphabet.

. . . for once again being able to meet my next chapter publishing deadline!

. . . for the discipline and time required to research and write Chapter 19.

What was the highlight of your Thanksgiving?