Memorials

Today was the third memorial service I have attended in the last month and a half. At the first, the couple had been married 4.5 months (second marriages for each). At the second, they were married 62 years (my grandparents). Today's couple was married 32 years. The service today had the greatest reflection of the love of Christ. Joyce had been fighting cancer for five years. Her husband was tireless in his support. Their son-in-law read Ephesians 5 as a description of David's love for Joyce these past years, and their son had everyone give a round of applause for David's indefatigable love. Two people mentioned how even in the worst of pain, Joyce was concerned for David's welfare. Several people mentioned how Christ was the family's strength and how important it was for David and Joyce to give that legacy to their children and grandchildren. I only met Joyce once, but I teared up several times today hearing the testimonies and reflecting on how we experience God's love and strength the most in the midst of our greatest pain.

The taste of my own pain and sadness makes me hurt more for others who suffer far greater wounds and losses. Yet, perhaps they also have a greater taste of God's infinite goodness. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the depth of suffering in the world and my complete inadequacy to assist. Yet, other times reflecting on this topic makes me more determined that people will not interact with me without taking some of God's love to heal and transform their hearts.

More gems

Discovered during data entry:

And this:

Went home and looked up the band's website: 

This song speaks "of the struggle to believe God's promises when there are no answers to the questions I want answered." 

"This is a song to say that sometimes there aren't answers and we just need to hurt with people."

Awesome design idea

Guess what--this wallpaper was hand drawn with gold Sharpies! Isn't that awesome? Read more about it here.

This weekend

Yesterday:

Christmas lunch at Wood Ranch compliments of my boss.

"Voyage of the Dawn Treader" with Mom. (2/3 pretty good, last 1/3 terrible)

Stayed up late finishing my first text adventure, courtesy of Christy.

Today:

Majorly slept in, enjoying the rain.

Paid traffic ticket from August and complete traffic school online. (Highly recommend Improv Traffic School. Super fast and easy for $25.00.)

Had a computer glitch in the middle of my second text adventure and abandoned the effort.

Goodwill run as a break from traffic school. Found Beth a new Converse dress from Target, a shirt, and another dress. She fits into everything.

Tomorrow:

Morning Christmas reading at church. Mom gave me a substantial chunk because my elocution is more vivacious.

Convalescent home service at 4pm.

Mime presentation at 7pm. All of my siblings are mimes and elves. I find it strange that I am the rebel for NOT being a mime or an elf. 


Am majorly worn out, but I press on.

Current state of To Do list

Wrap presents

Flyer B and G

Call Tammy

Burn CDs

Watch documentary

Korie stationery

Traffic school

Order checks

Bank

Get addresses

Read French book

Unpack

Fix skirt

Sew coat button

Call Veronica

Call Molly

Scriptures Pop

Renew House Beautiful

Renew National Geographic

Print Nordstrom Rack Groupon

Fix transcript

Bleach shoes

Laundry

Call Prevosts

Email Korie/Rocio

Carlene shower present

Find Prevost Key

Nicki birthday card

Pam and Terri birthday cards

Amy thanks

Call Cal Tech

Mehl recommendation

Mail cards

Grandma birthday card

Grandma book

Deanna card