Another Item from St. John's Newsletter
A man bought a new refrigerator and decided to put his old refrigerator out in his front yard with a sign on it: "Free to good home." For three days the fridge sat in the yard without even one person stopping to look at it. He figured people didn't trust the deal--it was too good to be true. So he changed the sign to read, "Fridge for sale. $50.00." The next day, someone stole it!
From the Newsletter of St. John's Chicago
Tough!!A school teacher injured his back and had to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. Fortunately, the cast fit under his shirt and wasn't even noticeable.
On the first day of class, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in the school. Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, he opened the window wide and sat down at the his desk.
When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he took the stapler and stapled the tie to his chest.
_____________________________
He had no trouble with discipline that year.
Encouragement
God gives me my days of gladness,
And I will
Trust Him still
When He sends me sadness.
God is good; His love attends me
Day by day,
Come what may,
Guides me and defends me.
-
Lutheran Service Book No. 756, st. 3
Gardening
A section of earth in our backyard has already been turned. The first request for seeds has come in. Looks like I better move fast to buy my tomato plants before the rest of the yard gets claimed.
Spring Has Sprung
As if on cue for March 20, I saw my first crocus blooms a few days ago. While in and of themselves, they aren't my favorite flower, I've come to adore them because they appear so early. After a long, cold Chicago winter, it's wonderful to see those first outdoor flowers!
Hobbies
Paul loves to fish, but he can't go to the lake every day. I was relieved that the fishing attempt shown in this photo was unsuccessful:
St. Patrick's Day
"I can taste the paint in my nose hole!"
Our Goodbye Litany
Me: "I love you!"
Child: "I love you more!"
Me: "I don't know if that's possible."
Child: "It's possible for me because I love you a gazillion times more!"
A Mother's Love
As the hymn began, the voices and trumpet sang as one. I was reminded that the congregation at a funeral sings for the family and friends who are not able. The words of triumph rang out:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred name.
All newborn soldiers of the Crucified
Bear on their brows the seal of Him who died.
Let ev'ry race and ev'ry language tell
Of Him who saves our lives from death and hell.
So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory!A brass instrument signifies glory and triumph, but today this sound had even deeper meaning. I thought of a mother smiling as she listened to her son. Years ago she had invited us to the Chicago Jazz Festival, where her son's high school jazz band was the youngest group of musicians asked to participate. It was a great honor for them to play among the professional musicians, and we were privileged to share the experience with his family.
I can still see Marianne there, quietly supporting Michael by her presence and her smile. She did the same for countless people in her family, church, workplace, and community. She let others know that her Lord walked with her, even in the hard times. The service ended with another hymn:
I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my ever-living head.
He lives triumphant from the grave: He lives eternally to save;
He lives all-glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high.
He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives and I shall conquer death;
He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same:
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!
For Our Tax Accountant
206=number of car trips in 2010 for medical care, a figure used to calculate:
2,232=number of miles traveled in 2010 for medical care
That's about the distance that we drive roundtrip from Chicago to Austin, Texas!
Ugh
Taxes
Everything's on hold until they're done
Walther H.S. requires them for financial aid consideration
and
We need the refund
