Church

We try to visit as much as possible. Years back I struggled with just being with people without a "productive angle".  You know --  trying to get people to take on a job, provide some money, help make things happen.  Don't get me wrong, that is still part of life and ministry -- when done with love and compassion there is no reason to denigrate that type of visit. Lately, I just like to head out to be with people because I like to be with people.  We talk, drink coffee (oops, hot chocolate!), and pass the hours in each other's company. Nevertheless, I still have a need to take a little time away.  That means I'll stretch out on the couch tonight.  We'll eat some hotdogs in wraps with beans, and watch a video.  We'll head to bed early since we are off to a funeral and to visit someone in hospital in Saskatoon tomorrow. But for tonight -- alone again, naturally!!

The phone rang around supper time.  She's married. This afternoon!  In Las Vegas. Allison is now Mrs. Scott Opseth (sorry, I guess that should be Mrs. Allison Opseth) of Birch Hills, Saskatchewan. Pictures will come later.  She had a beautiful dress (sorry, I'm not a fashion page editor who could describe the crinkles and wrinkles of material!) and Scott was in a tuxedo.  They were chauffered in a limousine to the chapel.  Her hair was beautifully coiffeured (OK, so my spelling is off, but I'm getting closer to the fashion page!) and the bouquet is in the motel room being prepared to become a part of the wedding momentos. This is our first child married.  As you prepare for the wedding (and I suppose more so as they plan to elope) you are left slightly removed.  Not in a bad way.  But, as Jill said after getting off the phone, she's no longer our responsiblity.  The funny thing is, I feel like we have just moved to another level of responsibility -- one which I'm going to enjoy -- stay out of their business unless asked for advice, pray like crazy and support them in their marriage. Congratulations Scott and Allison!

Tomorrow I'll lead the devotional time in our local ministerial meeting. We are moving towards spending more time in prayer and sharing.  The idea is to be open to others in our weaknesses as well as strengths. The anchor for my discussion will be found in the book "Philippians".  The fourth chapter of this book has a statement that "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  Most people that have reviewed this verse point out the fact that we can stand with Jesus alone.  For some over the centuries this has meant extremes -- being a hermit, not being open others, or perhaps worse -- isolating yourself from everyone.  I was pleasantly surprised in my rereading of this chapter that the opposite is true.  Paul, the author, talks about how the Philippians have been of help to him -- when they heard what was happening in his life.  After explaining that God could take care of him, he states that it is good that the Philippians did care for him. When we take our own preconceived notions into reading the Bible we rob this book of power.  And we rob others of ministry.  And we rob ourselves! 

I popped into the house for supper.  After talk about family and funerals (my Aunt Clara Mae died -- funeral on Saturday at 2:00 in Delisle) Jill just couldn't hold it in. "I saw Oprah today.  Carly Simon was on.  She sang, "You're so vain."  Her two kids sang with her -- somewhat bluegrass.  She was married to James Taylor -- he sang "fire and rain" and "Carolina in my mind.".  He's still alive.  I checked out his website.  Heard some great Christmas music on his site." Well, that's it.  No dishes tonight.  Off to the computer.  Sounds great.  Listen to it here.