Here's To Life!

Pumpkin carving fun! Auntie Kristin shows how it's done Happy carver!   Jack-o-lanterns!

A reading from Good Shepherd’s August 14, 2022 Worship service Spill the Beans lectionary Violence The Bible says it is okay to use violence, that nations are built on war, that God sides with the victorious, that might makes right. But the Bible also says blessed are the peacemakers, lament the tragedy of warfare, turn the other cheek, that God inflicts defeat on the faithless. So, Lord, which is it? Slavery Slave owners were often Christian, using the Bible to defend their practice, building vast wealth on the backs of others, dining in polite company while their hands were dripping in the blood of the enslaved. But slave abolitionists were often Christian, using the Bible to motivate their actions, seeking the common humanity in all people, created in God ’ s image, and motivated by justice for all. So, Lord, which is it? Power The Church is bedecked in gold and velvet, rich artwork and ancient treasures, connected to high places, indulged by the powerful for their own ends. But the...

November 18, 1993 Dear Dad, As we were driving out to Augustana College Mom said she expected one letter a week from me and she would write weekly as well. Her mother had said this to her as she was going off to college. You promised to write also. I've been away from home for almost 20 years now and although we have not corresponded weekly I still do try. Mom’s letters have always been full of what you have done, where you have gone or who you have seen. My letters have been the same and now are also filled with what John and Kristin have been doing and their latest accomplishments. Dad, you never wrote to me on a weekly basis - but you would write and your letters were always more of an inspiration to me and were what I would call “feel good" letters. I have saved every one of those letters you wrote to me in college and since. Your letters are full of your outlook on life - the renewal of the feeling that spring brings every year - the importance of digging in your garden -...

It has been a long time since I have added anything to this blog. It’s not like I have nothing to add - I just haven’t written anything. It’s not like we haven’t been anywhere - because we have taken several trips. I’ve had a few health issues - but nothing to keep me from writing. I just need to motivate myself to sit and write. Perhaps I should make that a goal of mine - to write more - especially more than just a daily diary. Anyway, here goes. We did have a nice trip to Williamsburg, VA in December, 2021. Enjoyed seeing all of the Christmas wreaths and decorations and partaking in some of the holiday events there. Christmas we spent at home - a little low key - it was hard to find a time when everyone could get together with schedules, other family, etc. But we managed to have a Christmas Eve lunch here and exchanged gifts.   Did not venture out too much in January and February. We did celebrate all February birthdays with lunch at Maggiano’s - lots of food (and leftovers) and ...

  Oh God, hear my prayers and thoughts. The world is troubled, there are many who seek to control and suppress, there are many who spread falsehoods and show ill behavior. Help me to see beyond the actions and the lies, to determine why people act as they do, or speak untruths. Be with me, help me to act in defiance of wrong and live to do right and be just. Thank you for your constant presence in my life which is filled with blessings. A writing exercise from our Women's Retreat March 5, 2022

  The Year in Photos 2021 Accomplishments - not in any particular order Created The Swanson-Frost scholarship at Augustana College Got vaccinated and boosted for Covid 19 Celebrated Kristin and Scott getting married for the 2nd time - this time with many family and friends Gathered with Family and friends     For Xochitl's 3rd birthday     Family trip to Brookfield Zoo     Thanksgiving     Christmas Eve Lost 10 lbs. Visited with my mom in March and October Enjoyed the warmth of Edisto, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in April Explored Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico in June and celebrated my 65th      birthday in Santa Fe Visited Joy and Dan in Michigan for a few days in August Explored the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap area late August Enjoyed pre-Christmas decorations and celebratory fireworks at Colonial Williamsburg as well as attending interesting programs Enjoyed holidays at home c...