Graduation/Faith vs. Fear/Golden Anniversary


Friday afternoon, Bill and I attended Sun's graduation in Raley Chapel at Oklahoma Baptist University. It was the most dignified graduation I have ever attended. (Having played for many high school graduations, that is saying something!) Raley Chapel is impressive with its imposing stained glass window, pipe organ and Christmas lights. Family and friends were asked to stand in honor as their graduate walked across the stage, and to hold their applause until all of the grads from that particular school had been announced. There were about 50 graduates in the Winter class. Dr. Falls, President of the Oklahoma Bapt. Conv., was the speaker. He is the first Native American to hold that position, and he is a graduate of Golden Gate Seminary. While chatting with him after the ceremony, we realized that we know a lot of the same people.

The reception was beautiful! Fifty people were invited to Sun's reception in the Geiger Center. St. Benedict's Marketplace Restaurant catered the sit-down dinner. It was my first time to see a cake with a colored photograph of Raley Chapel in the center that was edible. One half of the cake was strawberry, and the other half was chocolate. To compliment the brisket sandwiches and vegetable and fruit platters, we were offered pumpkin spice coffee or blackberry iced tea. I usually never drink coffee, but the wind was so cold that day, I tried the coffee. It was okay with sugar and cream.

Saturday, my babies called from Chicago. When they are not outside in the snow, they are enjoying Christmas music. Selah (2 yrs.) sang her latest song to me on the phone - "The sheep in the field sing, "Baaa Baaa Baby Jesus". So cute! Sofia (5 yrs.) has memorized, "Canon in D". Sofia loves the TranSiberean Orchestra! She sang the melody to me. Keri also reported that everyone thought it was cute that Sofia hummed her song while playing in her first piano recital. There is a picture of her at the piano on Keri's blog ----Shecklers.blogspot.com

After visiting with Mom, we listened to Max Lucado on Hour of Power on Saturday evening. His message was so on target. He pointed out that people who do not have faith have fear. Those people are so worried about what Might happen that they become bossy and controlling. They can't trust anyone else (not even God) to do it their way, and always have to be right. Of course, there is a huge difference between being concerned, and being overbearing out of fear. Max also spoke about the unprecidented numbers of people who are using mind altering drugs to mask their fear and control their behavior. It all stems from lack of faith and ultimate lack of peace.

This morning, my Bible Study Class was back together again. There were 13 members present, and 6 more came in for worship with their families. I gave everyone an oven mitt with a Christmas motif. Even the men were excited to choose one. Bill and I played a trumpet/piano duet during the offering. We played, "Angels We Have Heard on High". After the service, James and Josie Cravens celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They both became Christians ten years ago and were among the first to be baptized in our church.