The day came, as it comes in some part of the day to all, when Kate’s copacetic vista vanished like a vapor. That was the problem. Too often the substance of her copaceticity consisted of nothing more than vapor. This is not the stuff of stability. This is not the stuff of a truly copacetic nature (note previous post). A nature is faithful to itself, though weathered through the seasons. In contrast, a vista exists only when one peers from a particular pinnacle. Continue reading
Joy & Suffering — Good & Evil
The Near Drowning of the Bells
You’ve heard the song. You have probably sung it. But do you know the story? Continue reading
Yadah, Yadah, Yadah!!
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 107:1
We all bring our own baggage to the day, to every day, and often especially to the holidays. As we approach our country’s official Thanksgiving Day, most of us are grappling in our hearts with deeper things than the busyness of our schedules. Life is a mixed bag. There is an Old Testament concept of “thanks” that can help us sort things out, experience real catharsis and growth, and please God all at the same time! Continue reading
The Intersection of the Material and Spiritual Worlds
The Incarnation (God becoming a human being in Jesus Christ) is a foundational claim of the New Testament and thus of Christian theology, shaping the mindset of a biblical worldview. Christianity offers a holistic perspective on reality, not a dualism segregating material and non-material realities. I (as do you) encounter this intersection of the material and spiritual worlds every day and every hour of every day. Today, I’m struck by several intersections. Continue reading
“How Can You Explain God’s Grace?” She Sighed.
I talked on the phone with Dustin DeFord’s mother at the end of August, before leaving on my cross-country trip. Tall (to me) and lovely with strawberry blond hair and pleasant features, Celeste DeFord talked graciously about her family: “God is working uniquely in each person.” (I took notes.) At the very beginning of the conversation, she replied to my inquiry into how they are doing with a little sigh: “How can you explain God’s grace?” Obviously, many folks have asked this question. Continue reading
Lost and Found
Cousins:
Front: Susan, Gary
Back: Elaine, Karen, Donna
Bobby & Susie Kloeffer ( June 2012)
What do you think of when you read the words, “Lost and Found”? I think of a big, plastic bin at the YMCA where swimsuits, goggles, towels, and tee shirts were tossed when people left things behind in the locker room. I think of a closet at school where books, binders, purses, and such were stored, waiting for owners to come and claim them. I think of little Bo-Peep who lost her sheep and didn’t know where to find them. Lost and found.
Categories: Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil, Spiritual Growth
Tags: death, Dustin DeFord, Good Shepherd, life, Yarnell
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Belongs To Whom ?
June 18: View from behind our house in Prescott Valley of the Doce Fire near Prescott, involving 7000 acres, 460 evacuated houses, and 672 firefighers including the Granite Mountain Hotshots. The fire was successfully extinguished with no loss of life or houses. All Prescott rejoiced.
This has been a life-framing prayer for Paul and me:
“Your Majesty,
Thank you for what you have entrusted to me to manage on your behalf.
These possessions, these resources, these gifts are not mine, but yours.
Give me the wisdom I need to make them available for the work of your kingdom.
I am honored to be your subject.
Amen.”* Continue reading
24 Summers
Dustin DeFord
Twenty-four summers. If you’re old enough to have lived some years, and I suppose most of my readers are, do your remember your 24th summer? Dustin DeFord completed his. At least part of it. And, as you know from my last post and from national news, 24 was his culminating year! I told my sister what an irony it is that he with his youth, vigor, and dedication to Christ should have his life snuffed out, while I am 59, physically weary, and am still alive. I would have gladly died instead. Of course, no Hotshot firefighter could I have ever been! My sister’s immediate response was, “Karen, your job’s not done, but Dustin’s is.” Continue reading
Alloy in the Heart — Mourning and Joy in Arizona
Paul Olsen and Dustin and Ryan DeFord
How do I write today’s post? What I had planned must be set aside in light of the great loss that has been thrust upon us. Most likely you’ve heard, but for us, we are a part of the devastated ones, praying for those who are more devastated, those closer to the 19. We live about an hour from Yarnell, Arizona, where the fierce fire on Sunday, June 30, claimed the lives of 19, beautiful, capable, dedicated Granite Mountain Hotshot Firefighters.
Dustin DeFord, a buff, rugged 24 year old red head, is our friend and was one of these “Hotshots.” He belongs to our church. He was in our home on Father’s Day for a big, noon dinner. Continue reading
Mysterious God
I share with you this Easter week end a rich poem by William Cowper (1774). This dear and sensitive friend of John Newton’s (author of “Amazing Grace”) lived a quiet, rather secluded, and reflective life. Sounds easy. It was not. This poem/hymn draws me to Cowper, a troubled soul. I hope you will read it slowly and carefully . Continue reading
Categories: Joy & Suffering -- Good & Evil, Spiritual Growth
Tags: Easter, William Cowper
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Journey North Character 