Timing: A Strange Spring

You gotta love the lunar calendar upon which the date for Easter is set. This year Easter fell on March 23 - which is the second earliest date possible for an Easter Sunday. Therefore Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent) began barely six weeks after Christmas on February 6!

Needless to say, this kind of switches things around a bit. Last year, during S's spring break, we took a vacation to visit S's aunt and cousins who live between Baltimore and Washington (and of course to see the sights). That didn't work this year because of Holy Week and spring break falling the same week (my choir director would never go for that, and frankly the Maundy Thursday service is one of my favorites). Maybe we'll go in October or next March instead, depending on the economy and airline fares.

Then of course are all the rehearsals in preparation for Easter and Holy Week. It's almost as busy a choir season as Christmas.

On top of that, I am serving on the talk team for a Walk to Emmaus weekend in June, which means I have to prepare a talk and present it to the team. I'm scheduled to give it on April 5.

And I haven't even done my taxes yet!

When Memorial Services Are Bittersweet

Today we celebrated the life of a dear friend. After her fourth battle with cancer, G was taken home to be with Jesus on Valentine's Day.

Personally I enjoy funerals and memorial services. It's not a morbid fascination, but it is fascinating nonetheless. On earth we live in a plane of existance that is different than that of heaven. When someone I know moves from this life on earth and goes to the next, I can sense that these two planes of existance are intersecting; I feel very close to God at these moments.

Our lives on earth can be so intermingled with those of others, and in the case of G, this was very much so. G and her mother were once members of our church choir. G's sister, by the way, is married to one of my closest childhood friends.

My friend, A, lived down the street from me. We were in the same grade in school, and we had been classmates from first through eighth grade. A's family was a strong Christian family - every single one of them. They were active in their Baptist church and took me along once in a while. At home, they walked the walk as much (if not more) as they talked unashamedly the talk.

I call this blog the Signpost Chronicles as there have been many signposts along the path of my life. These people were the ones at Milepost One. These are the people that planted the seed of the Holy Spirit in me.

I was a tough nut to crack. It took a long time for me to truly accept Christ in my heart; when I was a mere lad of 14 years of age, I really wasn't ready. A and I went to different high schools - he went to a Christian high school, and I continued in the public school system. I admit that I was somewhat relieved.

But God never left me and kept throwing signposts along the way. Eventually I did embrace Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I continue to grow.

A and I have run into each other occassionally over the years. But today was different. They were all there - A and his entire family. I hadn't seen most of them in over 30 years. It goes without saying that we were overjoyed to see each other.

I heard it said one time that God sometimes calls us to plant seeds for shade trees that we will never sit under. Well, today was an exception for my friends. They had planted a seed, and today they got to sit in it's shade.

Today was like one of the best days ever.

Election 2008: So Many Issues, So Many Compromises

"We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them."
- Michael Douglas (as President Andrew Shepherd in The American President)

Boy, what an election year this seems to be turning out to be! Will a real presidential candidate please stand up!

On Tuesday, I went to cast my vote in Arizona's presidential primary. After standing in line for over an hour-and-a-half to draw a line on a piece of paper (which took less than a second), I found myself rather frustrated. Not because I had stood in line so long. It was because I thought I had my mind made up. Upon seeing the long list of names I could not in good conscience vote for the one I had settled on. So I did what I've done in the past - I cast my "rebel" vote for one of the many who already dropped out of the race.

This past week I've heard many others - those around me, and those in the media - voice their frustration as well. While I heard the term "Obama Republicans" for the first time, I also was told by a friend of mine - a Democrat - say he would probably vote for McCain. In terms of the populace, the divsion between Republican and Democrat is clearly blurred (no pun intended).

Conservatives are especially frustrated as it appears that a not-so-conservative John McCain will be "coronated" as the Republican nominee for President. This was voiced most loudly by Focus on the Family's Dr. James Dobson who stated he couldn't possibly vote for McCain. I wonder, though, that Dobson couldn't possibly vote for Mitt Romney because he's a Mormon - something else that rubs fundamental Christians the wrong way. Although I consider myself a pretty strong Christian myself, I resolved in my own mind that a Mormon was acceptable as president - although I don't agree with their form of religion, I at least know where they're coming from. Their stand on family values is a lot stronger than some fundamental Christians I know (sorry, but it's true). But that's moot point now. Anyway, Dobson has now given his support to Mike Huckabee, who is really the conservatives' last best hope - and it's slim at best.

While technically it's a two-man race for the Republicans, it looks like it's all over except for McCain.

Hillary Rodham Clinton promises change, but frankly I shudder at the prospect of adding four more years to what will have already been a 20-year reign under the Bush and Clinton administrations. Considering the mess we're in now, I can't possibly see how she's going to change things. What sticks out in my mind is how she's going to reform health care. She already tried that when she was First Lady (which accounts for eight of her "35 years of experience") and failed miserably. If she is serious about health care, she should be doing it now while she's a Senator.

And then there's the wonderkid, Barak Hussein Obama. He is often compared to John F. Kennedy, even by JFK's own family. Whereas JFK challenged us to go to the moon, Barak Obama promises to bring the moon to us. I admire Obama for that, but the price is too high. Personally, I find Obama quite likable - I just don't like his politics.

John McCain is an interesting character. When he first ran for the U.S. House in Arizona, McCain was accused of being a carpetbagger (since he really had no ties to Arizona except for his new wife). He answered those charges stating that he was brought up in a military family, was in the Navy himself, and as a result lived in many places. Referring to his experience as a POW in Vietnam, he then went on to say, "As a matter of fact...the place I lived longest in my life was Hanoi." This public rebuke helped him win the primary against two experienced opponents and an easy victory in the general election. That statement pretty much describes how John McCain rolls, like it or not.

Is this country ready for a woman for president? Absolutely. Is this country ready for a black president? You bet. It is very exciting to realize that we've finally come to a point in our country's history where that may actually happen. But I would caution my fellow Americans that they should or should not vote for a candidate just because of their race, color, or creed.

This is a very strange election year indeed. There are a hodgepodge of issues, as well as a hodgepodge of values that each candidate possesses and represents. Often, the values don't seem to coincide with the issues. That is unfortunate because I think this year - more than ever - this election has become personal for many of us. Yet in order to support one candidate, we have to make compromises within ourselves that we might not otherwise (hence the Obama Republicans and McCain Democrats).

Meanwhile, as each candidate strives to win the nomination of their respective parties, we have the luxury of coming up with the tough questions that each nominee needs to address. We as citizens need to air out our concerns with each other so we can make an informed decision next November.

These are serious times. We have serious issues, and we need serious people to address them. Now that would be a refresshing change!

Finally A Super Bowl Worth Watching

If terrorists had struck this year's Super Bowl, I would only be four miles away from Ground Zero. Fortunately, that didn't happen, and we're still standing here.

I drove past the stadium after church just a couple of hours before the game (just so I can say that I drove past the host stadium on Super Bowl Sunday).

I typically don't watch NFL football except for the Super Bowl - and I typically only watch that for the commercials. This year was no exception. I thought it interesting that insects didn't fare well this year (a firefly caught by a spider, a grasshopper eaten by a lizard, and another grasshopper sucked into, then blown out of a Shopvac, then run over by a robot. Yet another grasshopper was found screaming in terror but was otherwise okay).

But tonight's game itself was worth watching. A close game with the underdog eeking out a victory is always exciting.

I didn't really care at first who to root for, although New York was my slim favorite just because they were the underdog. Then Randy Moss of the Patriots shot his mouth off saying that Arizona wasn't that great of a place to be for the Super Bowl and that he'd rather be in Miami. Then I became a Giants fan.

Great game. Great result: Giants win 17-14. Be sure the door hits you on the way out, Randy.

Fixing America: The Healthcare Crisis

Healthcare - now there's a hot topic! What is up with all of that anyway (besides the costs)?

And why do the costs increase at a much higher rate than inflation? There is no rhyme or reason. Except for greed. Greed on the part of the insurance companies. Greed on the part of the pharmaceutical companies. Greed on the part of the doctors. Greed on the patients who sue them (whether it is justified or not). Greed on the part of the lawyers who get in the middle. Even greed on the part of corporate America which seems to feel obligated to provide for their employees but are willing to skimp on what they can provide to those who really need it.

Considering that I am diabetic and that my wife has a plethora of medical problems (one of the least of which is her diabetes), we are pretty dependent on what happens with the healthcare industry. Because of the choices my employer offers, we've had insurance through three different providers in the last five years. Once again we have new insurance, and we are on pins and needles in regards to the ongoing treatment of my wife's pancreatitis. And our prescription drug service frankly sucks.

I have a friend who is going on 68 years of age. He is still working because he otherwise doesn't know how he can afford health benefits for himself and his wife.

My friend and I are certainly not poverty-stricken. But these healthcare costs are killing us financially, and many others. It is as if the industry is hemmoraging. And if we don't stop the bleeding soon, the whole system will melt down.

The pharmaceutical companies charge us consumers billions upon billions of dollars when they pimp their designer drugs on TV and in our magazines. Their pharmaceutical reps take my valuable time at the doctors while they pimp their wares and kickbacks on our doctors. And I swear they make up new diseases so they can treat them with new drugs they just created. They claim a lot of money goes to research. Well, if you spend billions on research, then I expect you to get it right. Look at Vioxx, one of numerous examples.

If I were in charge, I would see to it that the CEOs of these pharmaceutical companies get their butts hauled in front of a nationally televised Senate hearing and testify - under oath - to the American people as to why their drug prices are so ridiculously high, and explain why so many safety issues were not addressed. The FDA is probably in on approving unsafe drugs as well. While we're at it, we need to haul in folks from the FDA to explain that. Those responsible for rubber-stamping unsafe drugs into the market should be dealt with severely as if they commited a capital crime.

Then there's the emergency rooms. While many go there because they need to, there are too many others that go there when they have the sniffles or a scratchy throat or a hangnail. Sometimes they're there because their family doctor is simply too busy to see them. Fortunately my doctor doesn't do that.

Hospital care is another serious issue. We're simply not training enough nurses, and they're the ones who really make people better, not the doctors. Hospital doctors seem more concerned about, well, I'm not sure. And some of them are just egomaniacs. Many times when my wife was in the hospital, there would be considerable differences in opinion over her treatment amongst several doctors who would see her. Several times, a particular doctor who was passing through that day would try (sometimes successfully) to override the orders of the treating physician who actually knew the most about her! It's like a pissing contest between doctors to see who can out-diagnose the other! No wonder I get as grumpy as House!

Barack Obama thinks he can fix the healthcare system. I wish him luck - first on actually getting elected, then on actually fixing the system. With all the other ambitious projects he has planned (and I admire him for his ambition), I don't see where the money will come from. Maybe if he calls those special hearings like I mentioned, we might have a fighting chance.

Otherwise, I really do think we will see a complete meltdown of healthcare in this country, and it will happen fairly soon.

Fixing America: The Subprime Mortgage Crisis

It's amazing how the housing marketing was booming so much and now it looks as if it will end up being the catalyst of the worst economic crisis this country has seen in many, many years. It's amazing because real estate is supposed to be a sure bet in one's investment portfolio. Real estate tends to appreciate in value because "we're not making any more land." But now we're seeing it actually depreciate in value. Some people are stuck with a high mortgage payment on a property that's now worth less than what they owe on their adjustable-rate mortgage. To make matters worse, they can't qualify for fixed-rate mortgage; they have no choice except to face foreclosure.

And thanks to all the greedy speculators, everybody's property taxes are higher because our homes were worth a lot more a couple of years age. We've lived in the same modest house for almost fifteen years, have done a few very minor improvements, and yet its value more than doubled by the time the boom peaked. Now I have to pay considerably higher property taxes because of the greed of others. Thanks.

To top it off, our government - which likes to stick its fingers into everything - has surprisingly little legislation in regards to what happened during the housing boom.

It seemed like at one time, the mortgage business was a reputable one. Then the real estate market boomed. It seemed like anyone who wanted to could hang up a shingle and call themselves a mortgage company. I can't begin to tell you how many pounds of paper from mortgage companies and real estate agents I shredded. I didn't need to look up the comps - they were printed on the mailings and flyers.

They even got into the telemarketing business. One company, Acacia Mortgage in Phoenix, blatantly disregarded the Do Not Call registry. I even had a heated argument with one of their agents who claimed they weren't subject to the DNC list. I asked him if he wanted my business, why was he arguing with me? What an idiot! Subsequently they were slapped with a $770,000 fine from the Federal Trade Commission. They said they would appeal. It's been a couple of years, and I haven't heard much about them. Can't even find their website anymore. Bastards deserved it.

Anyway, if I were in charge, here's what I would do:

1. For the immediate short-term, allow borrowers with an adjustable-rate mortgage to obtain a new mortgage fixed at a rate no greater than what they are currently paying provided they qualify at the current rate and are in good standing. Those who do not qualify at the current rate, but qualify for a lower rate within the range of the original adjustable rate, should be allowed a new mortgage fixed at the lower rate provided they are in good standing. Those who would not have qualified for the mortgage even at its lowest rate could be allowed to refinance at a fixed rate but only under strict guidelines and if they are in good standing. In other words, if a borrower has managed to keep up, by all means, reward them. Otherwise, if they've gotten themselves into a mess, too bad.
2. Require mortgage companies to adhere to laws and standards that are as stringent as those in the banking industry.
3. Require sufficient training and licensing for mortgage companies and real estate agents.
4. Require mortgage lenders to fully disclose all costs of the mortgage, including those that will be incurred if an adjustable rate increases.
5. Ensure that loan applicants actually qualify for a mortgage, even if the rate increases (gee, what a concept). Otherwise, the lender forfeits all protections afforded by mortgage insurance.

Personally, I would do away with adjustable rates. It caused a lot of havoc in the 70's, and it's causing even more havoc now. Get yourself a fixed rate. When you become eligible to refinance again, and the rates are lower, get off your butt and refinance. Otherwise quit whining and be glad you have a roof over your head that you can pay for.

Going Green: Latest Update

For the first time during the ownership of our Prius (over three weeks), the low fuel light finallly came on. So we filled the tank with just over eight gallons. We have just over 550 miles on it. We could easily have gone over 600. Not that I'm bragging. Well, yes I am.

Weighing In On The Economic Stimulus Package

Hey, who doesn't want free money? The economic stimulus package passed by Congress and signed by the President sounds too good to be true. And it is said, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

And such is the case with this stimulus package.

Those who would benefit the most - initially - would be poorer Americans. Of course, that's the noble intent of this action. As soon as they get these hot checks in their hands, they'll be headed down to the nearest Walmart Supercenter and loading their carts full of goods - made in China. I think Mike Huckabee said it the best in last week's Republican presidential debate in Florida: "We’ll probably end up borrowing this 150 billion from China and then people are going to go out and buy goods from China, so whose economy is going to be stimulated?” Uh, China (ya' think???).

People may also consider travel plans, and the folks who export their oil to us are already wringing their hands gleefully in anticipation of our rebate checks. If you don't believe me, just look at how much oil prices have increased since the stimulus package passed. This will help stimulate the economy further on the Arabian Peninsula. It will also help fund more terrorist activities.

I think Washington has sold us out. We could have used this money to repair our failing infrastructure (where latest disasters included levees in New Orleans and a bridge in Minnesota). We could have used this money toward our children's education (how many more will be left behind now?).

The United States is becoming - or has already become - a nation utterly consumed by greed. Whatever happened to American products sold and serviced by Americans? We consume products that are made in China and are serviced in India. What will happen if those lines are severed? God forbid!

Those who lived during the Great Depression and World War II (and their descendants who actually listened to their stories) know what it's like to live with just the necessities - and even those were scant. If subsequent generations were to lose their Ninetendos and iPods and Starbucks coffee, the sound of their whining could be so loud that the Earth would implode on itself. Maybe they'll just die. Hopefully they'll be able to reach deep inside and somehow survive. Perhaps with our economy going the way it is, we'll find out soon enough.

As for me and my wife, our rebate probably would not amount to much more that we normally receive as a tax refund anyway (those medical deductions actually add up for us). We probably wouldn't miss our rebate, and I doubt that our impact on the American economy would amount to much.

My employer has a really stupid rule where they charge me an additional surcharge for having my wife on my health insurance (on top of what I already pay to have her on my health insurance). This is so we can make an informed decision about our health insurance. Trust me, we do make an informed decision, and my insurance is better (at least for now). So why am I penalized for it?

Actually, I've turned the tables on my employer (at least I think so). Another thing my employer does (which is really cool) is that employees can have charitable donations deducted from their paycheck and given toward a very wide variety of organizations. We can choose one, a few, some, many, or all organizations. It's like United Way, but much wider in scope (and includes United Way as one of our choices). And my employer matches my donation, dollar for dollar. So my church conference's homeless shelter receives a donation from me which is at least the same amount as my health coverage surcharge. I'm doing something good for the community, and my company doesn't get to keep my surcharge.

So I will likely give our rebate to charity. We have an Ethiopian congregation in our church whose pastor is one of - if not the - dearest and sweetest man I have ever met. Pastor S opened an orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia several years ago, and he continues to work tirelessly on maintaining it. I think they should get my rebate - now that would be an economic stimulus.

New Addition to the Family: Going Green

Well, the '99 Saturns ain't like they used to be, and Mom wanted a new car. So she got what she wanted.

We are now the proud owners of a 2008 Toyota Prius - a hybrid.

I've been skeptical of the hybrids, but after checking out the Prius and Toyota's track record on what is now their third-generation hybrid, I was impressed.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive System is simply amazing. Our new car switches from gasoline to electric and back without us having to do anything. The traction battery is charged by the kinetic energy from the brakes that would otherwise be wasted. In fact, the Prius gets better mileage in city driving than it does on the highway (it's the perfect vehicle for urban driving). We never have to plug the car in. We just have to go to the gas station as usual - just longer between fill-ups. So far we're averaging about 45 miles per gallon. Cool.

The interior is amazing. It kind of reminds me of the interior of the starship Enterprise from the Star Trek: The Next Generation series.

The extended service plan we purchased will pay for itself just by the free oil changes and tire rotations over the next seven years.

And we're a bit greener now!

A Day of Evil: The Assassination of Benazir Bhutto

"You do not become militant if you wish to be a successful propagandist. Because all you will do is preach to the choir and further entrench your opposition." - Jack Nicholson, CNN.com interview, Dec. 27, 2007

This was a day of evil for Pakistan - perhaps even the whole world. Opposition leader and former (and perhaps future) prime minister Benazir Bhutto was murdered today in Pakistan. Many hoped that she was the last, best hope for democracy in the troubled country.

So who did it? al-Qaeda? the Taliban? Pervez Musharraf? Whatever the case, today was a day of evil for Pakistan - perhaps even the world.

It will be interesting to see what happens in Pakistan during the next few weeks leading up to their national election. Will the Pakistanis crumble under the pressure? Or will Bhutto live up to another title given to her today - martyr.

I think it's ironic that Jack Nicholson's quote was published today. While I don't necessarily agree with his politics, but I definitely agree with his statement.

Political Correctness Gone Too Far

There is a serial rape suspect on the loose in Chandler, Arizona. His victims, all of them young girls, have described him as an Hispanic man. The police sketch also looks like an Hispanic man. Yet a Spanish-speaking radio station in Phoenix says it's wrong to describe him as an Hispanic man. Excuse me?

The term "Hispanic" is a description, not an ethnic slur. It is intended to get a scumbag off the street before he hurts another little girl. It keeps us focused on who we should look for, rather than someone who's not even close to being suspect.

I have Hispanic friends, black friends, Asian friends, Native American friends, gay friends, elderly friends, Christian friends, non-Christian friends, Jewish friends, weird friends, and friends that can be described in various other ways - even an Iranian friend! I do not mention these adjectives because they are slurs against their race, creed, nationality, age, sexual orientation, or whatever; I mention them only because that's who they are.

Everyone is unique, and these adjectives merely are part of distinguishing one person from another. I do not discriminate based on these adjectives, nor do I ever use these adjectives when describing a friend to another (for example, "He is one of my black friends.") because that is not important to me.

When I hear the word Hispanic, I think of the wonderful culture that has graced our society. It is a culture rich in history and tradition which encompasses a different language and ethnicities (plural).

Bottom line is that there is an extremely dangerous man out there who just happens to be Hispanic (just as there are dangerous people who happen to be whatever). This radio station needs to be calling him out, as well as the gang members, coyotes, and cop killers that are giving Hispanics a bad name. We become better people when we embrace the diversity around us rather than use it to divide us.

Gloom and Doom: My Concern

My major concern with the way things are going these days is that America has grown really soft. The line between right and wrong has become blurred. There is confusion as to what are needs and what are desires.

As a baby boomer, I heard about the hardships my parents endured as children growing up during the Great Depression and World War II. I feel that most of my generation was brought up to be prepared in case such hardships arise again. But somehow the message seems lost on Generation X - and Generation Y will never hear from them. I wonder if Generations X and Y could possibly survive if a major crisis were to hit this country. Would they even know what to do?

As I have read the Bible stories of how the people of Israel witnessed some of God's greatest miracles, I have often wondered how they could possibly have wandered and strayed from Him. But as I get older and wiser, I have gained a better understanding. I have seen firsthand in my lifetime how this country has declined, and therefore it is easier to understand how that happened in Israel on many occasions. I myself am guilty of allowing myself to be distracted by the things of the world.

I am grateful for my faith in Jesus Christ. Otherwise I feel too old, tired, and powerless to be an activist against the forces causing our nation's decline. I am resigned to being a witness to history rather than a participant. But I suppose writing about it as I am now is a good start.

Gloom and Doom: US Economy

Let's face it. We've been pretty lucky with our economy so far. But like the real estate, the bubble could burst real soon.

Part of that is due to the real estate market itself, especially in light of the the sub-prime mortgage crisis. There's a fair number of financial institutions in serious trouble now that the foreclosure rate is at all-time high. Home values (which were artificially high to begin with) are dropping, and entities such as local governments and school districts who depend on property taxes are hurting. Personally I'm glad that a lot of these fly-by-night mortgage companies are going under. Their morals and ethics are as sub-prime as the mortgages they pimped on the unwary consumers they victimized. Unfortunately, many are losing their homes because they can't get a mortgage they actually have to qualify for.

Oil prices are another big factor. Osama bin Laden has hoped that oil would reach $100.00 per barrel. Well, we're right about there (in fact, it has reached $100.00 briefly). Gasoline is at or near $3.00 per gallon, and $4.00 per gallon is foreseeable. All transportation - not just the family car - is affected, as well as our utilities. All of this translates to higher prices for everything. Some economists predict that $100/barrel oil will be a psychological breaking point for our economy.

The weakening dollar - which is affected by our trade deficit (including tainted Chinese goods), the wars, the mortgage crisis, and oil prices - is also a major concern. I work in an area that deals in foreign currencies, and over the years I have witnessed firsthand how the US Dollar is weakening. The Euro started out at about $0.88 to the dollar - now the ratio is turned the other way, but even more so. The Canadian Dollar is about the same as the US Dollar (and it has exceeded the US Dollar on recent occasions).

Ironically, oil prices which affect the dollar, are affected by the dollar. Saudi Arabia now fixes their price of oil on the dollar - they refuse to take a hit because of a weaker dollar.

The best remedy to this problem is to export more goods. Gee, do we make any goods anymore? Seems like all we have are goods made in China and serviced in India.

Gloom and Doom: Pakistan

One place in the world we need to be concerned about is Pakistan. There is a lot of political unrest there, especially between the former president who was overthrown by the current president (who stands to be overthrown by the former president). Al-Qaeda and perhaps other terrorists are operating in Pakistan, which is just over the border from Afghanistan. Which leads to the scariest aspect of all - that Pakistan has a nuclear arsenal. Although that arsenal is likely quite limited, that is not the point. I'm not concerned about the government that has a lot of nukes. I'm concerned about one madman who has only one nuke.

What's Up With China?

"What is this, like the 8,000th product from China to have lead in it? ...Why don't they just sell lead? Wouldn't that be easier?" - Jay Leno, The Tonight Show

There have been so many tainted products imported from China - from pet food to toys - that it's no wonder so many are calling for an outright boycott of goods made in China. Not to mention that some of the money we spend on Chinese goods goes into supporting an oppressive regime, and very little - if any - goes to the people who actually make the products.

Unfortunately it's easier said than done to boycott China. Just about every manufactured item on our store shelves is made in China. It's not like we have a whole lot of choice when the retailers only sell stuff imported from China.

You have to compliment China on their explosive economic growth. It's a lot like post-industrial revolution America when we produced a lot of stuff for ourselves and the world. And yes, some of those products were unsafe, too. The only difference is that we know better now what is safe and not safe. The Chinese should know better, too. So what is up with China?

A Bit Light on Blogging Lately

I must apologize - I've been a bit light on blogging lately. It seems I get involved in other pursuits - trivial or otherwise - and find myself saying, "I'll blog later." Well, it's later. And Blogger keeps adding new and cool features. I'll get my act together.

Prayers Answered: Wedding Bells

Yesterday was a happy and blessed moment for our family. Our older daughter, J, got remarried. Joining our family is our new son-in-law, R, and our new granddaughter, K. They were married at the home of a good friend of ours.

J's short-lived first marriage was not a very good one. Probably the only positive thing out of it was our grandson. R, on the other hand, has never been married but he did father a daughter from a previous relationship (which is still very amicable).

We have watched our daughter go from a bad marriage to a couple of bad relationships with other losers. But R is different. I liked him the moment I met him, and I've been very impressed with how he treats not only his daughter, but our grandson as well.

It wasn't love at first sight - at least for J. In fact, she called him "the Stalker." But R persisted in his gentle way, and eventually won her over.

For years I had prayed for J to make the right choices in life. I prayed for her happiness. When R came into the picture, I prayed this would be turn out well. Those prayers got turned up a notch after he proposed to her on Valentine's Day this year. All of these prayers have been answered.

It is also interesting to note how far we have come along over the years. My wife, too, experienced divorce when the girls were quite young. Naturally, there has been animosity between her, her ex-husband, his new wife, and to some extent, myself. But regardless of what has happened over the years, time has healed many wounds. This particular meeting was the most amicable ever - even friendly. And I must say that this event has given me a profound sense of peace.

I have known my stepdaughter J for fifteen years now. She was an angry child, and in adulthood she faced substantial disappointments. I have to admit that yesterday as I danced with her, I choked up in telling her this was happiest I have ever seen her.

The photo above is one of my favorites. R's brother J was best man, and J's sister E was maid of honor. And the two new step-siblings, K and J, were flower girl and ringbearer, respectively. Aren't my girls cute? Aren't my grandkids cute? My son-in-law ain't too bad, either.

My prayer now is that this new family that was created yesterday will prosper and flourish for a very long time.