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July 25, 2010
Today, we buried a very sweet lady, Laura Sink. I have no idea how long she was a church member, but it's been quite a while. Like most people, my time with her was limited and I only knew the basics about who she was. Regardless, I still felt unusually comfortable around her when I visited. She had one of those personalities that made you feel like you were special.
It's always hard to bury a person, but especially a long time church member. Every time someone from the church dies, the church is never the same as she was. So, Bethany's identity, gifts, and calling are constantly changing. All that I know to say is I have a great distaste for death and funerals. At the same time, that is just part of ministry and church life. I just pray that God will guide us through all of these times.
Otherwise, things are going okay. Lisa's summer off is QUICKLY winding down to a close. She saw Bernie Miller and he said I needed to write more in my journal and he is absolutely correct. However, it just seems like this has been the busiest summer of ministry that I've ever had. To be flat out honest, too many funerals start to wear heavy on a church and its minister. That simple fact made me sad when Lisa mentioned the conversation she had with Bernie. I miss so many of the folks who have left this church whether voluntarily or by death. I don't know what God's doing with this church, but keep praying with me that it is something good (at least that is what the church sign at Summerdean Church of the Brethren says).
July 18, 2010
Everything has been going pretty well for me. I don't have a garden this year. So, my free time has increased a good bit. However, it seems like anytime I free up some of my time, something else just comes along and sucks it up. I suppose we are just constantly trading out tasks in life.
Macey is really growing fast. She has developed a good vocabulary. However, her favorite word is "co-ca." Co-ca is Macey's version of "cookie." So, all we hear now is, "Momma, co-ca. Momma, co-ca. Momma, co-ka." All day long. It is cute, funny, and annoying all at once. "Dog" is another favorite word. As soon as we start going up the hill to the house, Macey will start hooting, "Dog! Dog! Dog! Dog! Dog!" I had a feeling that Macey would bring a lot of joy to our lives. I was right. We are so thankful for her. Even when she is being a pain in the rear.
Another development for us is coupons. We've never been coupon people. We try to buy cheaper things at the store, but we've never made a concerted effort to save a lot of money. Not until this week. We went to Sam's, used coupons at Kroger, and bought more cheap food at WalMart. I couldn't believe how much money we were able to save when we really tried.
Well, that is a pretty good catch-up on life here.
July 3, 2010
I suppose I'm a little behind with the journal. Sorry. It's been busy and I could probably come up with 20 other excuses. Even this won't be long.
The funeral for Wilton Cooper was held today. I was so glad to see it at the church. I do not hold anything against funeral homes. However, I just feel more at home in the church, even for funerals.
Hopefully, things will slow down a bit and I'll be back to my usual activities.