Claimed, gathered and sent

Week after week the workload in seminary seems undo able. I haven't posted anything lately because I, like others, have hardly come up for air from the piles on our desks of books and papers. Week after week I am stressed about whether or not I will get everything done that must be done. I'm not always sure (well, yeah I am) how everything gets done, but it does. This time I even tried to work ahead to no avail in preparation for guests. My daughter and granddaughter visited this weekend from Rochester, NY. There was tons to be done, but I was determined to be as present and in the moment with them as possible. I did have to do some work for teaching parish, but most of my time was spent with them. And it's a good thing because they arrived sick and needing lots of TLC. Sunday they were totally out of it, so Ray stayed home and gave them lots of love while I went to Rural Lutheran. They had perked up a bit while I was gone, but were still pretty out of it. I am so gra

When I left for Christmas vacation, I was suffering from fried brain syndrome, as were my fellow seminarians. The time away was filled with renewed mental and physical resources, renewed relationships, and renewed commitment. We spent Christmas with my daughter and granddaughter (at left). Grace has grown so much in such a short time. A particular highlight for us was seeing Grace in the Christmas pageant at church. She was an angel. There was also a toddler who was one of the shepherds. As he followed the other shepherds up the aisle, he was sucking his thumb and clutching his blanket. He was too cute. Shortly after arriving in Rochester, I talked with a pastor friend (he married us just over 5 years ago) and he asked me to preach for him. The congregation is small, but delightful. I had a wonderful time. Since Amity has been with Ray (Sept.), she has not wagged her tail much at all and has sometimes looked rather melancholy. This has changed dramatically and it seems the impetus for

and it's not an oncoming train! This is the last week of the semester and I have one thing left...study for and take one exam!!! Then I have two weeks off! We are going to spend one of them in Rochester with my daughter, granddaughter, and friends. So, Christmas we'll be there. Then we'll go to RI for the New Year to be with Ray's family and our friends there. We absolutely love it here at Gburg, but I am ready for a break from the studies. When we return, I will not be the only one in school. Ray will be starting the Certificate of Theological Studies program, about which we're very excited. flickr picture

My husband Ray, “used adversity to sharpen … vision for how … to invest in … life.” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, pp. 34-35). Ray is blind. Born prematurely, concerned for lung development, pure oxygen use caused blindness, though he retained sight until 26 years old. Ray “seized and created leadership opportunities” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 35), leading a productive life, making Eagle Scout, serving on student council, and when blind, was assistant scoutmaster. Following college, Ray taught until deteriorating eyesight hindered him. Ray “used early work experiences to refine and clarify [his] leadership purpose” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 35). Having completed rehab, Ray started work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for Rhode Island . Retiring after 28 years, Ray wrote: I hoped … individuals… could use me as a role model; since being blind, I could demonstrate … with training, the necessary accommodations, and …understanding … of an

These are the words that began the phone call from my son, Christian, yesterday. He proposed to his girlfriend, Marisa, and she said yes. Here's a picture of the two of them last Memorial Day weekend in front of The Breakers, when the whole gang visited. We are thrilled to have Marisa officially become part of our family. She's a sweetie. No date has yet been set.

Good news! This afternoon I found out I am going home Friday!! I am excited. It's the small things that excite me: sleeping in our bed, not being awakened to have my vital signs checked at 4 a. m., coffee when I want it etc. that make the difference. And of course, the best is being home with Ray and Abby. It will be much easier to catch up on school work I am behind on from home as well. Everyone here at Kent Regency has been wonderful. The care has been fantastic. The staff's understanding and sympathy is abundant as we struggle with pain and frustration. Everyone here asks how I feel about going home, any concerns, questions? My biggest concern is my own ability to faithfully do my home program of exercises. By his grace, I am able. There's a certain nostalgia we all feel about returning home whenever we've been away for a time. Jesus' words in the gospel of John are a good reminder for me, for all of us when we experience those times of insecurity and fear. &qu

I am the shortest. Next to me is Ray. Behind Ray is my son, Christian. On the other side of Ray is my daughter, Sarah. Abby is in the very front.

We spent Thanksgiving with my son in Buffalo, NY.