love

redemption
love lost and found
hope once bouyant seemingly drowned
baptized through the inferno
gold-forged now shines eternal
phoenix rising for the nations

stunning bird
and spotless silent lamb
in eternity the great I AM
yet baby clothes and baby cries
witnessed by Simeon and Anna's eyes
Redeemer Savior Word

redemption song
chorus widely heard
some still don't know the words
love sin sacrifice resurrection
unworthy - praise God for His affection

Last evening we enjoyed dinner with a group of former young marrieds from a class convened in the early 1980s. In those days one key aim for the class was the development among the couples of authentic and lasting friendships.  The evening provided a glimpse into God's blessing of that intention and the value of it. 

For the last month, I've been sitting on the sidelines of suffering...

A friend's sister is struck down by an aneurysm deep in her brain. During the week's vigil at the hospital, her husband contracts the flu. Then one of her children. Her responsibilities at work must wait while she sits helpless, grieving, bewildered.

I helped bury a dear friend last week. Much to grieve. Much to celebrate. Shirley Ann Frey loved well—freely and fiercely. One of the matriarchs of our church, she taught us how to love our husbands (Seek to understand, before being understood) and our children (you will raise what you praise).

She also taught us that we are not our bodies.

Just this week I've started teaching the Book of Ruth again, this time to women at my church (over the summer I hosted friends in my home). I could study and teach this book every semester...not only is it a fantastic short story, but the characters are timeless. Good literature is most often remembered--at least in my opinion--because of the characters. Whether lovable or dispicable, they stick in our minds long after we put the book down. Ruth is no different.

Yesterday, Ray and I celebrated 35 years of marriage. My good friend and fellow Tapestry blogger Gwynne Johnsons wrote on my Facebook, “Congratulations…got you beat by 15 years : ) :) ...Good guys are the BEST of God's gifts…” Amen to that!

W.E.B Du Bois said that the problem of the 20th century – continuing into our present – was the problem of the color line. He was wrong. It’s not a line; it’s a web, entangling us all, as we voluntarily cleave to our positions, oblivious to our eventual demise.

It’s done. I’ve finished moving. Moving, but not unpacking. The end there may never be seen.  It’s been a tiring and daunting thing to pack up and move, but I have done something even more daring than just any plain ol’ move. I have moved in with my in-laws.