Language on the playground

Yesterday evening we were on the playground at Des Peres park for a good hour.  It was beautiful--warm in the sun and hot if you were running around, but a cool breeze helped if you sat for a bit in the shade.  A bit, lol.  Anyway...the playground is on a pond.  There are sidewalks looping around it, the numerous soccer, softball, and baseball fields, and pavillions, where moms were pushing strollers and kids were riding their scooters.

While we were waiting for Brian to meet us there and all the kids were busy running around, I had a moment to sit by myself and listen.  Sometimes I do that with the kids--randomly ask them what do they hear.  Last night I heard birds, wheels on concrete, laughter, squealing, arguing (of course it wasn't my kids), and squeaking of the swings.  But what struck me most was that I heard at least 3 languages being spoken among all the people there.

So I thought what a beautiful representation of what it will be like in heaven, where every tribe, tongue, people and nation will be represented.  Everyone enjoying the beauty, the comfortable weather, laughter and playing (sans arguing, right?), and lots of languages.  I'm guessing I'll be able to understand everyone though.  Don't you think?

Acids and Bases

Question:  What is the difference between an acid and a base? 
Answer:  An acid donates a hydrogen atom and a base accepts a hydrogen atom.

To remember the answer to this CC science fact, Catherine and I talked about keeping the words acid and base in order then remembering that "it is better to give than to receive."  Therefore the acid gives and the base receives the hydrogen atom.

So then Catherine tells me, "Mom, here's an acid thing that I did....  And the other day I did a different acid thing," and tells me how she was a giving person.

Makes sense to me! 

Help Steve Malone

I just got this email tonight--the thread started this morning.  Maybe if you know Steve you'd be grateful to know about this opportunity to love and minister to him in his last months, but not happen to hear about it.  So I'm posting it here.

Gentlemen,


I am sure you have heard that Steve Malone has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It has spread to other organs and the medical prognosis is not hopeful.

I met with Steve recently. He is very weak and has to rest a lot. He has had his lungs drained of fluid three times. He started chemo last week and it wiped him out. He will have two more rounds then a break and I think they will try to determine if it is doing him any good. Apart from divine intervention, he does not have long. He is so weak right now he can't take calls.

His financial situation is not good. He can't work and has basically gone through all of his savings. I want to make an appeal to many who know him to consider helping him financially on a monthly basis. I have talked with our elders about accepting donations in our mercy fund for this purpose.

I would like to find 30 people who would support him for $100 a month until his death. Do you know people who might want to help? I know he has lost contact with many people and many have questions about all that has transpired.

I want to keep a roof over his head and try to help cover his living expenses for the remainder of his life. If anyone has any questions they can call or email me.

Checks can be sent to me made out to First Presbyterian Church and mailed to 105 S. George Wallace Drive, Troy, AL 36080.

Please forward this email to anyone who might want to help.

In Christ,

Michael Alsup

--

Michael Alsup
First Presbyterian Church
105 S. George Wallace Dr.
Troy, AL 36081
(334) 566-0817
fax 566-0878

Ugh.

Just got an email from Patrick's teacher wanting to talk about possibly re-testing him with Special School District next fall.  That felt like a sucker-punch to the gut.  I thought we were through with all that.

Off to bootcamp.

Looking for info, not gossip

I am thrilled to find out that people are being so careful and respectful to not spread news that is unfounded.  What a beautiful thing!  Really.  But I just found out the bottom line of some horrible news is that one of the most influential men in my Christian walk is dying of pancreatic cancer.  And soon.

Can anyone tell me where to send a letter?  Is he in a hopsital or on hospice?  How long does he have?

I need to tell him (again) thank you and remind him of what how my life has changed because of him.  Remind him that the power of the gospel is real, and I am big-time living proof.  Just a reminder, in case he didn't know what all I've been spared from because he spoke the truth in love and I had ears to hear.  I haven't seen him in years, but oh what I would give for him to understand what a debt I owe to his ministry.

Anyone?  anyone?  please?

Classical Music Rocks!

I am teaching my Classical Conversations class about the orchestra and classical music.  I'm trying to figure out how to download this TED talk (don't know anything about them; a friend posted this one on her FB) onto my computer so I don't need internet access to play it. Can anyone help?

Also, if you have 20 minutes to watch this, PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to listen and enjoy.  It's so great!

Hi, there.

Alive Magazine did actually mention the bootcamp.  No pics that I know of!  I'll try to find a hard copy this weekend.

We have 5 people this camp, with the sister of a camper possibly joining us Monday.  Very fun.  Fun for them and for me.  It's more fun to lead a group when it's a group, and it's fun to write workouts for girls who have never done this. 

I downloaded all of Sarah Frances's pics from her camera this morning, so I hope to have some pics of everyone soon.  (Lillian broke ours, and SF's card has been full for months.)  I've been told I need to share them more often--and really who'd rather read my thoughts vs. glance through pics of my kids anyway?  Soon, Mom , soon. :)  It is true that I've missed tons of sweet moments, esp of Lillian being as little as she'll ever be.