Claimed, gathered and sent

The first half of this semester has been difficult, to say the least. Week two of my classes was my total knee replacement. Somehow, I unrealistically thought that once I was out of the hospital and into rehab, I would easily catch up from the few days missed. Boy was I wrong! Much of the remaining time of these courses, I was anywhere from 1-2 weeks behind and wondering if I would ever catch up. By God's grace I did. And it was due in no small part to the grace of my three professors: Jonathan Howell, Don Solomon, and Dr. Kevin Larsen at Regent University. Despite the lateness of most of my work, not one of them dinged me for that. I am grateful to these three dear Christian professors who understand the meaning of grace. I have learned much from them.

For many, this is not a familiar name, but if you remember the early contemporary Christian music of the late '60s and '70s, then you know who Larry was. Please check out Michael Spencer's post on Larry's ministry and passing at http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/larry-norman-tribute#comment-203992 Here is one of his songs from YouTube: -------------- Now playing: The Outlaw/music by Larry Norman via FoxyTunes Before there was the big industry of CCM, there was Larry.

I am making progress since coming home from rehab following my knee replacement. Initially, I used a walker most of the time at home. I then progressed to 2 crutches. I am now down to 1 crutch and have put the walker away. Sometimes around the house I can manage without crutches altogether. If you know me at all, you know my tendency toward clumsiness. With knee replacement, it is imperative to be careful not to fall. A fall can ruin the prosthesis and mean more surgery. Especially when we have had a storm like yesterday, this concerns me. Though likely out of context, the words of a number of Psalms have come to have renewed meaning for me. Here are a few verses: Psalm 17.5: "My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped." Psalm 18.36: "You gave me a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip." Psalm 37.23: " Our steps are made firm by the Lord , when he delights in our way." Psalm 37.31: "The law of their God

Yesterday was our granddaughter, Grace's 4th birthday. Before church yesterday she was excitedly talking with a friend and asked her if she wanted to come to church and Sunday school with her. The girl asked her mom, and they both came. My daughter reported that Sarah's friend loved Sunday school. It is so easy for children to share with their friends about that which excites them. What is our problem? "The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them" (Is 11:6).

Well the doctor said I could drive once I felt up to it. Today was the first day it wasn't pouring rain or snowing or yukky out and I had someone to help me to the parking lot. My physical therapist helped me out when we were finished. The car started up immediately and I was on my way!!! Picture from http://www.automotive.com/2006/12/toyota/corolla/photos/index.html

Phyllis Tickle has written a number of books on fixed hour prayer. She now has a blog and today's post is particularly relevant to those of us observing Lent. It can be found at http://blog.beliefnet.com/thedivinehoursoflent/2008/02/wednesday-february-13-2008.html. Blessings. Powered by ScribeFire .

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.