Dust...Road Trip...California...Florida...Mental Health...Whimsy

DUST

It is helpful, I think, to be reminded that we are dust. We are material. When we die, we remain material. It is a reminder to hold as we move through life—through successes, disappointments, questions, and answers. For the Christian, it is also a truth to help us approach the vast and terrible circumstances leading up to the crucifixion of the human son of God. Beginning with the ashes of Ash Wednesday, the journey through Lent into the light and darkness of Holy Week is for those made in dust who will return to dust, those willing to trace the breath that began all of life to the place where Christ breathed his last. It is a journey that expends everything within us . . . Our humanity is beckoned to face its humble beginnings on this coming Ash Wednesday. We are given 40 days to journey with this thought, to follow in the vicarious humanity of the Son where he leads us, until we are leveled by the bright sadness of Holy Week. From the invitation to consume his body and blood in the Last Supper to the desolation of that body on the Cross, we are undone by events that began before us and will continue to be remembered long after we are gone. The season of Lent is a stark reminder that we are, in the words of Isaiah or the sentiments of the psalmist, like grass that withers, flowers that blow away like dust. But so we are, in this great earth, a richer dust concealed. Walking in cemeteries we realize this; communing with Christ we encounter it. Preparing to walk through Lent as dust and ashes invites us to see our need for the Father's unchanging provision: We are offered the Cross, communion and forgiveness, the body of one broken, hope in one raised, and the life everlasting.  Jill Carattini, Slice of Infinity

ROAD TRIP #4

We were in St. Petersburg, FL, for ten days, staying with Lois' sister Kathy. (We flew back to Nebraska last Fri.) We also got to visit with Lois' little sister Anita, our brother-in-law Jerry, & niece Lia.

• Kathy was an outstanding hostess, cook, chauffeur, tourist guide. We might stay with her again some day!
• We made it to the beach five times. (Next month we travel to Minnesota; I don't think we'll make it to the beach.)
• We saw dolphins on our dolphin cruise.
• We visited the Gulfport Market, & I enjoyed a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.
• We ate lunch at the Habana (Cuban) Cafe.
• We spent time lounging on Kathy's lanai. 
• We slept with the windows open two or three nights.
• We enjoyed fresh shrimp, salmon, & crab cakes.
• All of our flights were routine; departures & arrivals all on time.
• I confess--I paid $6 for two candy bars at the Dallas airport. (In my defense, I was unsuccessfully searching for ice cream or frozen yogurt.)

GAMBLING

I continue to serve on the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Commission. We provide funds for therapists who work with problem gamblers. We have our quarterly mtg this FRI in Lincoln. (I serve as an at-large member on our Executive Committee.)

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE . . . FLORIDA

• "Miami neighborhood invaded by aggressive peacocks" Drudge Report, 2/22

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE . . . CALIFORNIA

• "40,000 bees attack police, firefighters in CA"  Drudge, 2/24

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK

I admit--I've been dealing with more depression & anxiety lately. Some of my anxiety on our flights back to Nebraska last FRI bordered on panic attacks. I can't explain it. Lois & I are seeing my psychiatric nurse provider later this morning. Hopefully I'll get some answers.

MONDAY WHIMSY

• "SURVEY:  People who nap more productive, happier"  Drudge, 2/22
• "36-year-old calls 911 after parents cut-off cellphone"  Ditto
• "School forces teacher to respect failing student's preferred grade of A"  Babylon Bee, 2/22
• "Man forced to apologize for whatever he did in wife's dream last night"  Ditto
• "TEBOW: I'd rather be known for saving babies than winning Super Bowls"  Drudge, 2/23