When tragedy strikes those we know or love, we can often feel powerless to help them. What can we possibly say or do to comfort and help those who mourn? The following articles answer some questions on how to help people through the loss of a loved one. They are provided by BASIS, an outreach of Handi*Vangelism.


What is grief?
What can I say and do to help the healing process?
What will hurt the healing process more than help

Grief Can Be . . .

* an overwhelming sense of loss
* like walking through a dark tunnel
* an inability to find your way out of that tunnel
* loneliness, emptiness, and sadness
* a feeling of hopelessness
* letting go
* anger and denial
* asking "Why?"
* losing a major part of yourself
* turning toward God
* turning away from God
* tears and more tears
* normal

Grief can be all of the above and more. It may take all of your energy to grieve for your lost loved one. Every person's grief becomes an individualized journey of feelings, emotions and responses.

In John 11, a story unfolds in the town of Bethany, home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Lazarus became very ill and died. When Jesus arrived, His soul was grieved because His dear friend had died. Jesus wept with Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus was modeling for us that grief is a normal reaction to the loss of someone you love. His tears mingled with the tears of other mourners and He was not ashamed to express His true feelings.

You may find that coping with those same feelings in grief can be overwhelming. Here are some practical suggestions which may help you through your grief journey:

* Don't put a timetable on your grief. Allow yourself the freedom to grieve as
much as you need to for as long as you need.
* Allow the tears to flow.
* Don't make any major decisions during the first year.
* Talk about your loved one.
* Express your true feelings with a trusted friend who is willing to go the
distance with you.
* Set small attainable goals for yourself.
* Plan ahead how you will spend anniversary dates and holidays.

You do not have to travel alone on your grief journey. God provides hope for your suffering. Reflect on the following verses that promote God's hope in the midst of grief:

* Isaiah 43:2: Even through much suffering, God is always with you.
* John 14:27: There is no need to feel alone and afraid because we have God's
peace.
* Psalm 23:4: Grieving the death of a loved one can be overwhelming, but God
walks beside us every step of the way.
* 1 Corinthians 15:26: God promises that death is the last enemy to be destroyed.
* 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18: We can experience grief with hope because of the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If we believe in the hope of Jesus
Christ, then heaven becomes a place of wonderful reunions with our loved ones.

Trusting God with your grief can bring both peace and comfort. Jesus, God's Son, experienced grief so He knows what you are going through. May you find rest knowing that God cares for you and desires that you seek Him for hope and comfort.

© 1999 Handi*Vangelism Ministries International


Things That Heal

"I can't begin to understand."

"This verse has been a help to me. Maybe it will be an encouragement to you . . . " (Written down on a notecard and given or sent to the individual would be best. Then he/she can read it when he/she feels up to it.)

"I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how much you hurt."

"I really care about your heartache."

Touching.

Giving freedom for tears. (They are so therapeutic.)

Giving freedom for anger and questions -- even against and about God.

Giving freedom for talking about the loss. (In the case of a death, the one who experienced the loss often fears that the deceased loved one won't be remembered. Talking about the deceased loved one is very important and very healing.)

Placing no restrictions on the time of the grief process. (The real work involved with grief actually takes place 4-5 months after the loss and may continue for 18 months, depending on the type of loss and the people involved.)

Responding very practically to needs:
bring food, paper goods, other staples to home
babysit
housesit
clean the house
make home repairs
take car for inspection, tune-up, etc.
iron
food shop
give certificate for dinner out with spouse/friend

Saying nothing rather than saying the wrong things.

Share a picture of or a little story about the deceased loved one with the family. (It helps preserve happy memories.)

Send cards -- always add a personal note.

Send cards on birthdays, anniversaries, any special occasion that will be especially difficult for a hurting person. (Imagine the pain for someone approaching the death date of a loved one. Imagine the pain for someone approaching the anniversary of his/her marriage after a divorce has taken place. Now imagine how much it would mean to know that you are thinking about him/her and praying for him/her on that day. A card or note to the hurting individual would indicate this.)

Remember siblings -- including grown up ones who are not living at home because they also have hurts. Take them out for a special treat. Help the family plan birthday or other special occasion parties so they won't get lost in the shuffle of grief.

Be ready to drop what you are doing when someone needs you. PEOPLE SHOULD ALWAYS COME BEFORE PROJECTS.

Accept the person where he/she is. (Don't expect others to respond to a situation the way you might or the way someone else has, even if the circumstances are similar.)

Do something special for someone; or give something to someone or some organization in honor of the memory of a deceased loved one -- not just at the time of death but months and years later. Let the family know you are doing this. It will really lift their spirits. (i.e. take a basket of food to a needy family in honor of a deceased loved one. Let the family of the deceased one know you are doing this.)

Avoid fixing blame even in your own mind. It's dangerous and pointless.

Organize relief care for a family with a handicapped child. The parents and siblings need opportunities to be relieved of the care of the child from time to time.

Pray for a hurting individual. Drop him/her a note to tell him/her you are praying and what you are praying for. (Be careful not to be pious in this.)

Project yourself into hurting individual's situation --never to say you understand but just to give yourself sensitivity and discernment in speaking and acting. For example:

imagine the pain of being deformed or physically scarred in some way -- think
about how it feels to be ridiculed or shunned or stared at

imagine spending your life in a wheelchair -- think about how special it would
be to have someone sit by you to converse with you

imagine that you have difficulty speaking because of cerebral palsy or a
stuttering problem -- think about how appreciative you would be if people would
give you whatever time you need to express yourself

imagine that you are mildly mentally handicapped -- think about how much you
want to be treated with dignity

imagine that you are divorced -- think about how poor your self-image might be
when you face others


© 1999 Handi*Vangelism Ministries International


Things That Hurt

"It's time to get on with your life." "It's time to snap out of this."

"I know just how you feel." "I understand."

Quoting Romans 8:28. (It's not that we don't believe it -- it's just very difficult for someone grieving to hear it at the wrong time. Make certain you know the context of the verse. It will help you to use it appropriately.)

"Don't you think you've grieved long enough?"

"You blew it!" (Insensitivity at the time of divorce, separation, or even accident.)

Placing blame -- "It's your fault." "You are letting others down."

"If only . . . " (Everybody can be a Monday morning quarterback.)

Prevent individual from asking questions -- being angry with God.

Avoid the individual because you don't know what to say or do.

Offer advice.

"It's never God's will for a Christian to suffer." (What do we do with Christ's suffering which was clearly God's will?)

Giving pat answers. (There usually are none. You can't always explain God's ways so don't try.)

Forcing forgiveness. (It's important to healing but forcing it only complicates things.)

Kick 'em while they're down! (This happens so often in the Christian community when a brother or sister falls.)

See yourself as God's "messenger" or "ambassador" rather than His instrument. (You have to approach a hurting individual with much sensitivity and compassion -- not with an "I have it all together" attitude.)

Interpret sadness/depression as weakness or lack of faith.

"If only you had enough faith . . . " (How much is enough? A grain of mustard seed isn't much. Additionally, God heals because of the faith of others too. See Luke 5:20.)

"If there's anything I can do . . . let me know." (Most grief stricken people don't know what they must do, much less what someone else might do for them.)

"You're young. You'll get over it." "You'll have other children."

Avoid mentioning the deceased one's name.

"At least you have other children."

Change the subject when the deceased is mentioned.

With a miscarriage -- "At least you never really got to know this child. It should hurt less."

© 1999 Handi*Vangelism Ministries International

Breathe.
Lean into the
trial or pain you endure;
for there are treasures
hidden for us in the dark places
by the one who loves us.
Take your time.
Cry your tears.
Tell God what you need to tell him.
He sees your hurts and hears your cries.
You are his precious child.
Remember that you're dear to him,
remember you are forgiven.
Live for Him
out of the immense spring of gratitude
that wells up within the believer
when grace is fully realized.
Every trial is a mixed cup,
both bitter and sweet
of which we sip
the mercy of His Spirit.
Grow.
Trust.
Live.

I love it when the Lord gives me a full screen look at myself. I like to think that I'm an open, honest, good-natured soul with a winsome spirit and I want to be seen as one who has it together. But to be honest-- sometimes I get a little puffed-up. I am by nature a fairly self-centered person, and know this about myself and want to be other than I am, but there it is.

The past two weeks I’ve been listening to the four Gospels on my ipod while going through the solitary parts of my days. Yesterday I listened to the first half of the Gospel of John and was so stricken by his beautiful telling of Jesus’ ministry that I couldn’t think of much else during the day today. I wove it into my teaching and was feeling great about myself and life by 3:00 pm. I had had a good day-- I'd motivated, challenged, and inspired the young. After school, I had a fairly good homework time with Marla and was thinking that this living in the moment with Christ thing was pretty satisfying. Success. I had my act together.

Then I walked the dog.

Just a block from our home is a rather busy street that has a good bit of traffic for a residential road. There is a very nice sidewalk that many people use as part of a neighborhood dog-walk. As I walked our dog down the sidewalk I noticed that his harness was askew and needed adjusting. Squatting down on the low embankment I began to work on the harness, but somehow lost my balance and fell over sideways and then on to my back… in a dress. Awful.

Mortified, I climbed back to my feet as the cars whooshed by. I found myself laughing aloud as I mentally replayed the topple in slow motion. It was humbling. All of a sudden I wasn’t so cool-- my ego had been downsized to a minuscule portion just when I was starting to feel like I had it all together. I was looking at my outward appearance and feeling pretty foolish.

I’m thankful to the Lord for reminding me of how silly I am on my own. I am thankful for his grace which enables me to truly get back on my feet and walk as if I'd never stumbled. I'm thankful that when He fills me with his truth, no amount of condemnation from the evil one can keep joy from my heart. I'm forgiven-- free. I need him every minute to redeem the time and remind me of whose I am.

What’s For Dinner?




Last night as I prepared some pork chops for grilling I was thinking about the rub recipe that I generally default to and was uninspired. My taste buds were begging for something new and different. Thinking through the ingredients that were readily available in the refrigerator and pantry I decided to Google ginger and pork chops and after scrolling through a few entries landed on one that promised to be a winner. Quick, easy, and delicious! What more could I ask for?

Ginger and Honey Glazed Grilled Pork Chops

4 pork chops, 1 1/2 inches thick
1/3 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon powdered ginger or 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Preparation:
Combine marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Place pork chops in a shallow glass dish. Pour marinade over chops, cover, and allow to marinate in refrigerator for 1-3 hours. Preheat grill for medium heat. Remove chops from glass dish and discard marinade. Place chops on a lightly oil grill rack and allow to cook for 20-25 minutes, turning once.

*These pork chops are not only simple, but really delicious. Though you can use any kind of pork chop you wish to, center cut is recommended for this recipe.
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Served with Jasmine rice, black beans, and sliced kiwi-- Delicious!

Misty Road
Originally uploaded by Christophe Regnaud [Urbex/Nature]

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection.” ~Anais Nin

“You were off all summer—you should have been writing!” chided my erstwhile friend. What could I say? It was true. I did have 8 weeks off, and only really had one week where I was away. Why haven’t I been writing? I had great intentions, surely, and I sat down at the computer countless times. Yet, each time I’d try I’d find myself dry, empty of beautiful words.

Earlier in the year I abused my voice by teaching on laryngitis and by the end of the term I sounded like a carton a day smoker with constant throat pain and hoarseness. After seeing an ENT and a Voice specialist, it was decided that I needed two full weeks of voice rest. I am a very relational person, and communicate for a living. Two weeks of voice rest had about as much appeal for me as two weeks of bed rest would for an athlete; but I did it. The first 10 days were unremarkable albeit long, then Marla caught a throat infection and I came down with it too resulting in an additional two weeks of quiet time. Now, I’m not complaining, really… there are treasures to be found in the silence when you listen, and I uncovered quite a few; however, I found a melancholy had descended upon my spirit that didn’t lift when the silence ended. The long season of quiet brought about sadness that I just couldn’t shake. I read uplifting books, worked at the church, listened to beautiful music, worked in the yard, and played with our child, but all under a gloomy cloud.

Somehow in the passage of the last week it has begun to lift. The stress has lessened and the enjoyment of creativity reawakened. I’m thankful for the return of enthusiasm and passion for each day’s undertaking and a lighter spirit and for the grace of God that never departs even when I’m low. Words are returning, beginning to flit through my mind like dry leaves stirred by the breeze.

Sandcastles

When I was very young my mother taught me how to build sandcastles. There was something immensely satisfying in packing the moist sand into a bucket, forming turrets and walls, and then decorating them with coquina shells that seemed like tiny pastel butterfly wings. We'd add spires and designs by scooping up wet handfuls of sand by the surf and dripping small bits on in little glistening globs. Each one seemed like a work of art to me.



Last Summer, we played with sand art just a bit on the beach while we vacationed in Sanibel. A small starfish took me over an hour to make, and a giant swordfish took us all day. We collected close to 1000 shells to create that one.

Last night, a friend sent me some pictures of sand art from the Cannon Beach Annual Sandcastle contest on the coast of Oregon. It takes patience, vision, and skill to create something truly beautiful. The creators of these incredible sand sculptures truly possess those attributes and more!















































If you'd like to see more, you can check out the contest's website. The photos are simply amazing!

Summer often brings out the hedonist in me. I love the break from the intensity of teaching and the time I have to slow down, enjoy life and my family, and do things that simply bring me pleasure.

Yesterday I decided to take an impromptu trip to the beach. We’re only about 45 minutes from the East Coast, so I was thinking of maybe driving over to New Smyrna with Marla and her friend Elle. Just as we were preparing to leave, my husband called on his way home from work to let me know that the weather over there was less than favorable. Not to be daunted I decided to drive another 40 minutes and head over to Clearwater. Although I dislike the traffic in the Tampa area, it was definitely worth it!





If I could have my wish, I would live on the Gulf Coast beach. I love the warm water, the seashells, the sugary sand… all of it. Maybe it has to do with the nostalgia it evokes, having spent much of my childhood on the Sarasota/Bradenton beaches, but I think it is possibly something more. Sitting on the beach, listening to the surf, looking out over the vast expanse of water while birds dip and wheel overhead is like medicine for my spirit. Troubles seem to blow away with the breeze and my heart feels lighter, younger, and free.

It gives me such joy to see the same transformation of spirit take place in my daughter, who smiles incessantly from the moment she steps onto the sand until her head hits the pillow at the end of the day. I found myself smiling in unison with her as I watched her cavort in the waves and surf, laughing with exclamations of delight as she gave herself to the wonder of the day.









I’m thinking we just might do it again next week.

What Blew In With the Storms...

A few weeks ago we had some fierce storms roll through our area resulting in five days of constant rain and frequent lightning. It reminded me of hurricane season when after the initial blast of storms we’d be besieged by rain. I generally like a rainy day or two as I enjoy sitting by the window watching the stormy winds toss the branches of our live oaks, making them dance and sway as if they were moving to some wild melody that only they might hear, but after a few days I find my enjoyment waning as I have to get out in it to go to work, take out the trash, or walk our dog.

One evening after several days of intense rain I ventured forth into the stormy weather to walk our dog Amos. Moving down our street with our golf umbrella held almost as a shield in the gusty rain, I heard a pitiful mewling coming from our neighbor’s yard. As I neared the bushes it seemed to emanate from I saw a little white blur bolt past me and disappear around the corner. I tried to follow, but soon gave up as the intensity of the storm drove me back home toward shelter. That evening I lay in the bed thinking about the poor animal and the predatory birds that I often see in our neighborhood. My husband surmised that someone had probably dumped some kittens nearby and said that he’d heard one earlier in the week but had been unable to catch it. We agreed that if we heard it again we’d try to rescue it and take it to the animal shelter where maybe it could be adopted.

Several days of chasing a feral kitten in the rain ensued with no success, until one evening as I prepared to slog through the rain to take Amos out once again for his walk I heard it’s cries emanating from our carport. Grabbing a flashlight I peered underneath Don’s ATV to see a thin, sick, and frightened little thing, her eyes almost swollen shut and her ears showing signs of having been in at least one skirmish. Marla brought some cheese out and we placed a little under the edge of her shelter, which she immediately gobbled up. We laid out a little trail of cheese leading to a small animal carrier, watching her dart out to grab a piece and then retreat to her shelter. When she finally reached the carrier we were able to close the door behind her, and then gave her a little canned tuna and water. The following morning we took her to our vet who confirmed that she was indeed sick with eye and respiratory infections. His advice was to see if she could be socialized into the family, which made our Marla incredibly happy, and after two weeks, our little kitten (now named Mercy) has won our hearts and provided our dog Amos with a playmate and our daughter with a sweet cuddling friend.

Teach me your ways O Lord,
That I may love those who persecute me,
Pray for those who wish to do me harm,
And live in a manner that reflects whose I am.

May I never stop learning about your mercy and grace.
May the beauty of your Word always lift my spirit,
May I know your peace all my days.

Show me my sins that I choose to ignore--
The ones that I hide so well as to even fool myself.
And help me to reflect your beauty in humilty.

For you are wisdom, power, holiness, goodness, and truth.
You speak and the very elements of nature obey you.
You set the stars in their places and the planets on their paths.
You made all things.
Nothing can escape your hand.

Yet you love me intimately, as if I were your only child.
You cause me to draw breath and know every fiber of my being.
I am held together by you.

Help me to love you truly as you love me,
And to love others with the same love I feel for myself.
Help me to forgive for I have been forgiven much
and to rest in your love which you have lavished on me.

I’ve been cleaning the house this evening, trying to restore some order to the inside as I’m hoping to play outside in the yard next week over spring break. I started in the dining room, moving a lamp or two around and rearranging a few photos that were clustered on a side table. Stopping, I picked up Jesse’s picture and ran my finger along his face, brushing away the dust on the glass. Peering intently at his eyes, drawn into their blueness, I drank in the curve of his cheek and the sweet twist of his crooked smile, so like my own. His hair was lifted by the breeze and he was glancing down at the sand smiling as he watched the water rushing toward his toes. If I closed my eyes, I could remember that moment—hear the surf—almost remember the sound of his voice. My throat began to tighten and my heart pounded with the familiar aching that has been a companion for such a long time.

This Memorial Day weekend marks the 10th year that we have been without Jesse in our lives. Some days I think of him in passing, and others I can think of no one else. Tonight, looking at his picture I was ambushed by the intense desire to hold him, smell his hair, and lace my fingers with his small ones. The gift of time has helped with the searing intensity grief, but there are still times when the waves of sorrow break over me and I am pulled down by a rushing current of pain. However, these times also provide a much needed gift— although laden with anguish, they bring with them memories that are achingly sweet, and give me the opportunity to remember him anew, mixing joy with sorrow.

I haven’t been able to write much about him yet, but I thought I might post a picture.

I miss you Jesse.

OCS London Choir Trip 2009

Day Four


The figure of speech “saving the best for last” definitely applied to our last full day in England! We were up early and enjoyed a full English breakfast at the Limply Stoke Hotel. Following breakfast we loaded up the coach and set off for the city of Gloucester for a performance at Gloucester Cathedral. This would be our last performance on the trip and we were eager to sing. The cathedral was built in the Norman style at the center and then in the Gothic style in all surrounding areas.



Upon entering the cathedral, our eyes were immediately drawn to the magnificent stained glass windows.



Looking to the right we saw the ornately carved pipe organ.



We had just a few minutes to look around before it was time to assemble for our concert. Taking the time to warm up and focus, we prayed as a group and then began our performance. The choir sang beautifully, their voices filling the cathedral. It was a moving experience for the students and for those in the audience and we were thankful to be able to end with such a positive and uplifting concert. The picture below was taken just as we were taking our places to warm up and pray.



One of the many things that captured our imaginations were the finely sculpted images found on both the interior and exterior walls.









We had a little time after our concert to explore the cathedral and grounds, finding a beautiful courtyard which offered us an opportunity for taking pictures.







Leaving Gloucester, our spirits were high—we’d had a great performance and had been touched ourselves by the music and the time in the great cathedral. Our afternoon would be spent in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and then at Warwick Castle, the oldest castle in England.

We saw thatched roof cottages in Stratford, and were amazed by their charm. A thatched roof was always “signed” by its maker with a specific pattern cut into the thatch near the apex of the roof.





The city was charming with its Victorian storefronts, whitewashed walls, and lovely gardens. We took in the sights and found some lunch in small groups. Although our time there was short, it was definitely memorable.







The last stop of the day would be Warwick Castle!



The castle was built in the 11th century and was the fortified residence of William the Conqueror. It was sold in the 20th century to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and was restored at that time. The kids had a great time exploring the castle and its grounds.













This would be our last night in England. We loaded up the coach and drove to our hotel in Coventry. The hotel was located next to the St. Michael's cathedral in Coventry, which we’d wanted to see, but made it in too late to visit. Don, Marla, and I strolled over to peer through the gates to look at what remained of the once glorious cathedral. The Lufwaffa bombed the cathedral in Coventry during WWII and what remains is now a memorial to those who lost their lives in that attack.





A new cathedral has been built to replace St. Michael’s and has this figure of the Archangel Michael in victory over Lucifer.



Tomorrow would bring a pre-dawn departure for London Heathrow. What a week we’d had! Our hearts and our minds had been enlarged by this experience—we’d seen places we’d only heard of, sung in glorious cathedrals, shared God’s message through song, and grown as people. We hope to take what we’ve learned and put it to use in our lives and our music.

London Choir Tour 2009


Day Three Stonehenge, Salisbury, and Bath




An early morning departure had us checking out of the Hotel Ibis and boarding a coach for Salisbury. The drive took us out of the city and into the countryside and we were able to make a stop at Stonehenge, the great monolithic circle of stones that have stood sentinel since before the time of the Roman invasion.



Along the way we saw many barrows (burial mounds) that are an integral part of early British folklore and tradition.

“Construction of Salisbury Cathedral commenced when the bishopric was moved to Salisbury from Old Sarum in 1220. By 1258 the nave, transepts and choir were complete. The magnificent west front was ready by 1265.

The tower and spire were completed in 1320. Salisbury Cathedral's spire is the tallest in England and is 404 feet tall. The spire, while the cathedral's crowning glory, also proved to be its most troublesome feature. Together with the tower, it added 6,500 tons to the weight of the building. But for the addition of buttresses, bracing arches and iron ties over the succeeding centuries, it might well have suffered the fate of spires on other great ecclesiastical buildings and fallen down. To this day the large supporting pillars at the corners of the spire can be seen to bend inwards under the strain.” SacredDestinations.com





The kids had a fantastic time touring the cathedral and exploring the cloisters.



Our next stop would be the picturesque city of Bath!



On arrival, we headed for Bath Abbey to sing in their afternoon recital for visitors. We found this to be our most challenging concert, as the standing area we were asked to use had very difficult visibility between students and director. This was good for the students, teaching them to think through performance challenges and make purposeful decisions to be successful. After the recital, we walked through the city in small groups, looking for a good place to try for dinner and to get in a little shopping time—the first opportunity we’d had to do so.





There were street performers in the plazas and we saw a fiddle playing, bicycle riding, tightrope walker, a flame-juggling unicyclist, and an incredibly talented violinist.





While in Bath we visited the ancient Roman baths that the city was known for. A good portion of the structure has stood the test of time and the springs that fill the bath are still hot. Archeologists have uncovered a vast network of baths, rooms, and what they suspect could have been a small temple. The springs of Bath were said to have healing properties and many people have made pilgrimage to bathe in its waters over the centuries.



We moved on to our next hotel in the Cotswold hills and settled in for the night. The hotel’s picturesque exterior promised a quaint night’s stay, but the interior was a warren of tiny corridors, twisting stairs, and odd-smelling rooms.



What a day! We headed off to devotions and bed thinking of the rich history of this country and of the beauty we’d seen. We had one more full day to go and couldn’t wait to take it in.

London Choir Tour 2009


Day Two

We got up early on Sunday, ate a quick continental breakfast, and then walked several city blocks to St. Andrew’s Fulham Fields Church to lead in worship, providing the music for the Lord’s Supper.




We arrived about an hour before worship so that we could rehearse and make any last minute adjustments for the service. The interior of the church was truly beautiful. There was an intricately carved and gilded panel that ran floor to ceiling behind the choir, and the area from which we sang was richly appointed.



Most of our students had not participated in an Anglican Mass and were amazed by the rich liturgy used as well as by the copious amounts of incense that was dispersed through the room by the young attendants.




After singing our two songs for communion, the priest asked if we’d sing the Gospel number we’d just sung again at the end of the service. We gladly complied and moved forward to sing just before the benediction. We enjoyed a time of fellowship with the churches' parishioners after the service and took some group photos to commemorate our visit.




The rest of the day would be spent viewing the Tower of London! Our first stop of the afternoon was Tower Bridge. This historical bridge is often confused with London bridge. London bridge was actually sold to the US years ago-- the story goes that the US actually thought they were getting Tower Bridge, but ended up getting something else completely.



We huddled up for a group picture just before entering the Tower of London!



Moving inside, we saw the priceless Crown Jewels of England.




In deference to the ancient legend and the decree of King Charles II at least six ravens are provided with Raven's Lodgings at the Tower of London. A Yeoman Warder, or Beefeater, has the specific role of Ravenmaster at the Tower and takes care of their feeding and well-being.



Getting around the city by coach can be difficult due to traffic and parking, so with the help of our guide we quickly learned to navigate the London tube system called the Underground.



Our first foray into the tubes was a bit stressful, as we had to cross the city at a very busy time of day. The students quickly learned to line up all the way down the platform and to move onto the tube quickly before the doors closed. It’s a pretty efficient way of transport and the tube maps are color coded and easy to understand.



There is often a slight gap between the platform and the train—a voice can be heard over a loud speaker every few minutes informing all travelers to “mind the gap".



Traveling the tubes we decided to stop by a supermarket for dinner, thinking that everyone might find something to their liking to eat. However, we were unprepared for what a crowded small supermarket in London actually was like…



After stocking up on things we thought we might like to eat, we got back on the tubes and headed back to the Hotel Ibis. We debriefed on all we had seen and experienced so far in our devotions time and headed for bed. Tomorrow we would head to Stonehenge , Salisbury Cathedral, and the City of Bath.

London Choir Tour 2009




Day One

February 13th, 2007, the OCS HS choir set off on a whirlwind cathedral concert tour of England. We had prepared a program of distinctly American choral literature spanning 2 centuries that were gospel oriented textually and could not wait to go perform and sing with salvation in mind for those who might hear us.

The majority of our students had not traveled abroad previously and had never seen a cathedral except through television or books. It’s hard to say what they were expecting to see, but the reality left many of them changed in some way.

We left Orlando International Airport at 1:15 pm and changed flights in Newark, NJ, connecting with an international flight to London, Heathrow, and landed at 6:10 am (1:10 am EST). The customs official in London was none too happy to see a crowd of bubbly, excited teens converge on his post, and quickly gave the order for there to be silence in the room. Looking our group over, I could see fatigue and nervous energy in the eyes of our students and couldn’t believe we’d begin touring in just a few minutes. Sleep on the plane was light at best and after a brief stop to exchange currency, we’d be on our way to Westmintser Abby.

Our CE tours guide met us at baggage claim and we quickly loaded and boarded our coach. The murmur of conversation on the bus was full of soft exclamations as we took in the trees, hills, and foliage that England is so well known for. Moving into the city itself we saw ancient buildings right next to modern skyscrapers, and row upon row of flats, while buses and cars moved with quick efficiency as people headed off to work.


Changing our money at the American Express shop was a tough economics lesson for us as the weak dollar exchanged poorly for pounds. After a quick walk around and a snack we piled back on our coach and headed for Westminster Abbey, located near Kings Cross in London.

We followed our guide around the side of the cathedral to the tour entrance and quickly moved inside. Appreciative exclamations sounded all around us as our eyes were instantly pulled upward towards the ornately decorated ceiling.

One of our choir members came up to me with tears slipping down her cheeks and declared that she was overwhelmed by the thought that man could have built such a beautiful place for the glory of God. It truly was a majestic cathedral.

Our guide lectured non-stop on the history of the church in England and surprised the students when she explained that many famous people were buried beneath the floor of the church. In the scientists’ corner we saw the resting place of Charles Darwin, and in the poets corner, Robert Browning’s and Tennyson’s to name two.


We saw the tombs of Kings and Queens, princes, knights, scholars, musicians, artists, and heads of parliament. The Abbey is a functioning church, and while we were there, prayers were offered. It was strange to be walking around, looking, talking, and listening and to then hear a call for silence toll throughout the cathedral and to have all present stop in their tracks and pause respectfully as the Priest intoned a prayer. As his “amen” faded, the talking and bustle quickly resumed and we finished our tour.

After Westminster Abbey we checked our luggage in at the Hotel Ibis London and then got back on the coaches to head over to St. Paul’s cathedral, one of architect Christopher Wren’s great achievements.


Once inside, we didn’t know where to look first. Our eyes flitted from the gilded alter to the glorious dome and then all about us as we took in the beautiful space.


We left the cathedral in search of dinner and were dropped at a busy outdoor shopping area and moved off in small groups to find a restaurant that might provide some great local food. Quite a few opted for the traditional fish and chips meal while others found Italian food to their liking.

After dinner it was back to the hotel and then a quick walk to St. Andrew’s Fulham Fields Church, where we would be leading in worship the next morning. We needed a chance to rehearse in the church and to get a standing order set up. We were met there by the Priest and were graciously allowed to practice from 7-8 pm. Walking back to the hotel, we were full of the excitement that a day of sightseeing brings, but were also ready for bed, having been up for more than 24 hours.

Falling to sleep proved to be hard for me... my body seemed to be floating on a bed that rode the same currents of air we'd traveled through the night before and images from the day flashed in my mind. Tomorrow we would lead in worship in an Anglican Church-- I fell asleep after a long while with the help of my ipod and a Key Life Podcast.

A Brief Update

I have had no time to blog since the New Year began. The past 6 weeks have been comprised of 15-18 hour days 7 days a week, and I don’t see the end in sight until mid-March. In the midst of the busyness, God has graciously enabled me meet all deadlines and keep the details of life in order, although there has been a great deal of stress in the process. (If you know me, then you know what an act of divine intervention that really is!)

My HS choir students have been preparing advanced literature for their Cathedral Tour in England and are very excited that the departure date is now down to a matter of days. We are praying that God would marry our faith to the text in each song and use us to glorify Himself in the process.

In the midst of these preparations I have spent many late nights studying and writing for a women’s retreat, which took place last weekend in St. Petersburg. I’m so grateful to the Lord for His presence and aid in the sessions.

If you are inclined to prayer, then please pray for us:

That we might travel safely as a group (51 students, 16 adults, one child).
That sickness would not descend upon us.
That we might glorify our Heavenly Father in our singing, words, and interaction.
That the Lord might clear any obstacles in our path.
That our students’ lives might be enriched spiritually and their perspective broadened.
That we might return safely and in good health.
That we might be able to turn around and compete well at District Festival on February 26th and then in the ACSI Festival on March 6th.

Thank you for your prayers!

Thirty Years

Don and I squeezed in a 30th Anniversary trip to Key West for a few days after Christmas. It was good to get away and enjoy one another’s company, lounge in hammocks, soak up some sun, and turn off the world. We had never been to the Keys before and truly enjoyed the gorgeous weather, beautiful surroundings, and great food.






Our hotel offered dining on the pier and we quickly reserved one of only a few tables for our Anniversary. We watched the sun set like a ball of fire into the ocean while we munched on spicy conch fritters.






The next morning we walked back out to the pier, watching the sun rise on our 31st year together.
Happy New Year!

Good Dog

Tonight I gave my daughter the privilege of playing in her bed until she got sleepy. It's been a busy couple of weeks for us and she needed the destressing time. I moved into the kitchen trying to bring a little order to the house before retiring and was taking some small pleasure out of scrubbing at a stain in the sink when I heard a cheerful, "Mohhhomm" come rolling down the hall.

She met me in the hallway with a smile of delight. "I put all my animals on my bed and I made Amos a little house. Come see!"

What a sweet little guy he is.

More Than A Bedtime Story

I’ve had my nose in a book from my earliest recollection. Years ago I discovered audiobooks and have listened to countless novels while driving, doing yardwork, or other tasks that afforded the opportunity. My taste in literature is pretty broad, but I find I particularly like a good story that fires my imagination.

Recently, I was thinking that I’d look for an audiobook on itunes to listen to as I move through this busy season. Scrolling through a list of possibilities I noticed the term “podiobooks”. Curious, I clicked on to discover a website called podiobooks.com. I listened to a couple of samples that were okay, but then found one that was quite a good read. Encouraged, I thought I’d see if I could find some short stories online and struck gold!

If you like classic authors and a well-told tale, check out Miette’s bedtime story podcast. Not only can you download and listen to great short stories, but you will have the pleasure of listening to one of the most beautiful spoken voices ever! I have been spellbound by her voice, phrasing, and accent, hearing them in my mind long after the story has ended. Don’t let the title of the website put you off— the stories are suitable for listening to any time of day.

She has approximately 200 stories archived on her website and the list is impressive. The recording quality is good and although you can hear the occasional dog bark in the background, or a distant cell phone ringing, the overall presentation is not diminished by the random sound.

Check out the podcast—I have a feeling that if you do, you’ll be hooked.

http://www.miettecast.com/

Simply Delicious

Yesterday started out pretty blah for me. I was tired, overwhelmed by the household tasks that lay before me, and crabby in general. So when Marla asked me to take her to the park in the afternoon, my first inclination was to sigh and think of how much I really didn't want to go. However, I sucked it up, and off we went. Much to my surprise, it was exactly what I needed.





I marvel at the way the Lord has blessed us with the gift of this glorious little girl in our lives. Her zest for life and joyful spirit flavor our days with the sweetest of joys. She's simply delicious!

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4



Walking the dog late in the evening or early in the morning is an activity I treasure. Time to myself is a precious commodity and a walk with Amos is a chance to grab a handful and use it to admire the beauty of the heavens and the world around me. Z kindly shared his audio cd set of the Bible Experience, and I’ve listened to the Gospels through Philemon lately—it’s balm for my soul. Hearing the Word of God in this format has been a rich experience, and I look forward to the mornings that are my turn to take him out. Other times I have a musical playlist on my ipod that inspires me as it underscores the natural revelation around me.

I’ve needed these walks especially of late. There have been three deaths in as many weeks in our church body, one ending a difficult battle with cancer and two occurring unexpectedly, and in our own family Don’s cousin suffered a fatal heart attack this weekend. Just a few weeks ago, one of our sons lost a treasured friend in an accident, my friend lost her father to a stroke, and another lost her lifelong friend to cancer. People all around us are hurting, mourning the loss of ones they held dear.

Looking up at the stars in the early hours just before dawn I am reminded of the perfection of God’s creation. The stars are fixed in their places, the moon continues to rise and set in its orbit, the birds hail the coming dawn, and there is order. Although things feel as if they’re strangely occurring, I know that they’re part of God’s plan, and that just as he keeps the stars, He holds our future and will see us through this life and into the next. I don’t claim to understand all the mysteries of His plan, but I can testify to the faith that He infuses us with when we’re called to walk through difficult times.

I know the fiery pain of grief and loss, and ache for those who mourn, but I also know the comfort of Christ that is sweet beyond description in the midst of such searing pain. God uses it in a profound way to shape our spirit and prepare us for eternity with Him. Change is so difficult for us, but is a tool of sanctification in our lives.

This morning, as Amos and I ventured out into the crisp, cold air, I watched the sun rise, listened to the caroling of the birds, and remembered the faithfulness of God in the midst of our trials. My heart was still heavy for those who mourn, but my spirit was lifted, knowing that He who created all things will comfort them with his mercy and will see them safely through it.