Sundowning....

I just learned about a psychological phenomena called "sundowning." It occurs commonly in elderly people suffering with dementia or alzheimer's and involves sleeplessness and/or increased periods of anxiety or confusion as it gets dark. Some think it is due to decreased lighting, increased shadows, end-of-day exhaustion (both mentally and physically) resulting in disorientation. I think Gilbert's mom, Sally, is having a bit of trouble with this at the Erin Care and Rehab home where she is living....please keep her in your prayers that the peace of the LORD will be with her, especially at night. Thanks!

Graduation Congratulations

Here's a nice Mother/Son moment....this is my sister and nephew after his High School Graduation! Congratulations Craig!

here's an interview with McCain's pastor....

Building relationships An interview with McCain's pastor by Amy Frykholm

Be a St. Bernard Dog

We had a wonderful worship service today. One example our pastor used in describing the mission of every Christian is that we should be like the St. Bernard dog with the cask on a mission....going out into the world to find those in trouble and offering the living water to drink!

Sec of Denfene Robert Gates spoke to VMI graduates....

LEXINGTON, Va., May 16, 2008 – Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates was the choice of speakers for the graduating class at the Virginia Military Institute at its commencement on May 16 in Cameron Hall. The day before, 52 percent of the 246 members of the class commissioned into the U.S. military. Gates congratulated the graduates on making it from the Rat Line to the finish line at an institution more demanding than most colleges and universities. He added that he’s impressed by the increasing number of men and women from VMI who commission into the military – it’s a tribute to the values the Institute instills in its students, he said. “It is precisely during these trying times that America needs its best and brightest young people, from all walks of life, to step forward and commit to public service,” said Gates. “While the obligations of citizenship in any democracy are considerable, they are even more profound, and more demanding, as citizens of a nation with America’s global challenges and responsibilities, and America’s values and aspirations.” Since 2001, 75 cadets have been mobilized during their cadetship, 41 of them in Iraq or Afghanistan. Ten are currently on active duty, called by their National Guard or Reserve units to duty in Iraq. More than 1,200 VMI graduates have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, and 8 did not come home, said Gates. He encouraged the graduating class to follow in the footsteps of alumni like Gen. George C. Marshall, who came out of retirement when called to continue serving his country, and Army Col. Jonathan Ives, a mobilized reservist from the Class of 1980. As commander of Task Force Cincinnatus in northern Afghanistan, Ives, like the Afghan national security forces he works with, takes up arms when he must and puts them down when he can. “The citizen-soldier is no myth,” said Gates. “He is real, and I have seen him in my travels around the world.” Gates called upon the graduate to heed the trumpet’s call no matter what career path they take. “If in the 21st century, America is to be a force for good in the world; if America is to continue to be a beacon for all who are oppressed; if America is to exercise global leadership consistent with our better angels, then the most able and idealistic of your generation must step forward and accept the burden and the duty of public service,” he said. “I promise you that you will also find joy and satisfaction and fulfillment.” For members of a graduating class who will pursue careers of leadership in the military and civilian sectors, a visit from a major national leader was an inspirational way to end their cadetship. Prior to being named secretary of defense, Gates was president of Texas A&M University, director of Central Intelligence Agency, and assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser at the White House for President George H.W. Bush.

Children are an heritage from the LORD.....

Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright

I am enjoying Surprised by Hope by Bishop N. T. Wright. .... here are a few excerpts from the intro, to whet your appetite.

"This book addresses two questions. First, what is the ultimate Chritian hope? Second, what hope is there for change, rescue, transformation, new possibilities within the world in the present? ....As long as we see Christian hope in terms of "going to heaven," of a salvation that is essentially away from this world, the two questions are bound to appear as unrelated. Indeed, some insist angrily that to ask the second one at all is to ignore the first one....But if the Chritian hope is for God's new creation, for 'new heavens and new earth,' and if that hope has already come to life in Jesus of Nazareth, then there is every reason to join the two questions together. And if that is so, we find that answering the one is also answering the other." p.5

VMI Graduation

John is now a VMI graduate!!! We are thankful for the Lord's blessing.

The Grace of Wrath....

FYI...good article. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/may/23.64.html

May 11 is Pentecost Sunday!

Collect of the Day: The Day of Pentecost (Whitsunday) O God, who on this day didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Savior, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Mother's Day memories!!!

Happy Mother's Day....

Gilbert and Me with our moms ......

Psalm 127 and 128

Last night Gilbert gave diplomas to 10 seniors graduating from Heritage Academy. There were actually 3 others who chose not to "walk" making a total of 13 graduates this year. HA has been propelling homeschooled children out into the "real world" since 1985. This makes the 23rd HA homeschooled graduating class...(HA actually began graduating seniors in 1973, originally it was a day-school but transformed into a homeschool ministry in '85). I thought it was notable that last night's ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Aunt Betty....though she has been gone for over two years, she is still remembered and greatly missed amongst the homeschooling families of Birmingham. I just love homeschool graduations, especially the presentations by the graduates themselves AND the slideshow. Praise the LORD for parents who are willing to committ time and energy to raising their own children and preparing them to be sent out to build the kingdom! Psalm 127 and 128 are personified!