Death and Fame

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett both died on June 25th. There's something astonishing about famous people suddenly being no more. Fame (especially the kind that roots someone so deeply in the cultural bedrock) creates a feeling of immortality, I suppose. Certainly Jackson and Fawcett will be remembered for a long time. But it makes me wonder... does the death of a celebrity give Hollywood denizens pause for thought? Do music stars and TV celebrities wonder about death and afterlife when one of their own is taken? Will musing on God and eternity ever lead a megastar on the path to Jesus Christ? By the Holy Spirit, it will. Nothing is impossible for God.

Young Musician

This week Zander has started violin lessons with Mrs. Osterhouse from our church. The young beginners class, five youngsters in all, meets for group lessons each day this week; then the students will have one private and one group lesson per week through July. I think Zander is enjoying it so far. He has learned how to stand, how to hold the violin and grip the bow, and is learning pizzicato, or plucking the strings. In addition, he's learning simple rhythm exercises and pneumonics for the string notes. I get a kick out of watching him staring intently at the violin as he attempts pizzicato. I think he's off to a great start -- he could be a natural!

Guess it must be summer...

A Short Vacation

Last week I took a mini-vacation, traveling to visit my South Carolina friends, Kim and Joffre, and their four kids. Eleanor traveled with me, and we flew down there a week ago, staying until June 1. I really enjoyed seeing them again. Rich and I met Joffre and Kim during our tenure in Moscow, Idaho (location of Rich's alma mater, New Saint Andrews). We hit it off, and have happily stayed in touch ever since moving away from Moscow.

Last time I saw Kim, she had a brand-new baby girl. Now Renata is five, and big sis to three active brothers. The youngest, Ward, shares Eleanor's exact birthday; they spent a lot of time sitting together on the floor waving their hands in one another's face, seemingly attempting to gouge out each other's eyes. They remained largely unscathed, however.

The highlights of the trip for me were the opportunities Kim and I had just to chat and comiserate and encourage one another over our similar phase of life. A family outing to downtown Greenville, including a stroll through the beautiful riverfront park, was also a fantastic time. I also experienced some uniquely Southern things:

• Driving past lush magnolia trees laden with their large white flowers.
• Eating at Chick Fil-A -- definitely the best-tasting fastfood chicken around :)
• Viewing the gravestones of former Confederate soldiers in the local graveyard.
• Flying over the Great Smokies.

I'm glad I was able to visit that part of the country (for the first time) and reconnect with our friends. It was a delightful time!

Great Deals on Theological Books

Want to learn more about the Bible? Church history? The biblical picture of marriage? The reformed view of baptism? Want to find theological paperbacks on these topics for a steal of a price? I receive the email newsletter for Canon Press, and today's issue announced a special sale to help move merchandise and make room for new books. I have found the Canon Press books to be deep yet easy to read; thought-provoking but not preachy. Check out the website for more info on books available for $1, $2, and $3 each.

St. George's Feast

A couple weeks ago, our church celebrated St. George's Feast, St. George being, of course, he who slew the dragon. Being Protestant, we don't typically observe saints' days, but it gave us a good excuse to create a feast day, a day of fellowship, eating, and playing together. Plus, if ever there was a legendary (if somewhat mythological) Christian figure to remember and honor, it is Saint George who embodied courage, compassion, kindness, and true manliness. (Not to mention representing a dragon-slayer Christ-figure, as the Lord slays the Dragon in Revelation.)

The party was hosted by our friends, the Abens family, who live on a hobby farm, and so have lots of outdoor space, as well as horses, cows, dogs and cats, all available for petting by animal-enamored children. While there, the adults enjoyed fellowshiping around tables and a bonfire, and playing Ultimate Frisbee. Among the activities that especially appealed to the kids were jumping inflatables and horseback rides. (I have to admit I tried out those activities, too, but I had an excuse, you see. I was helping my 2-year-old.) Zander and Livy had a great time, and would hardly stop their play to eat supper -- but the Cheetos, pickles, and chocolate cupcakes gave them pause. Final word: A great time was had by all!

Zander felt perfectly at ease in the saddle.

Livy couldn't keep away from the animals. They couldn't get away from her.

Livy rode with my youngest brother Ian, who accompanied us to the Feast.

Upright Eleanor

Eleanor is sitting up on her own! (Oh, what a big girl! ) Can't resist these photos.