Weekend/Trip Prep

Sunday was quite relaxing. I enjoyed my Bible Study Class. We had a new couple visit who said they would come back again. We finished our study on the gifts of the Spirit. I should point out that I have never spoken in tongues, nor have I healed anyone. I don't possess those gifts. Paul pointed out that no gift is more important than love. So, we studied I Corinthians this week. The class said they had most trouble with, "Love is patient." and "Love does not keep a record of wrongs." Pastor Larry brought a message about the causes and the cure for depression. As senior chaplain at Unity Hospital in Shawnee, he encounters so many people who have physical illness that is accompanied by depression. It can be caused by stress and chemical releases in our body, or in some cases, we bring on depression by simply saying, "It's all about me!" Everyone is depressed at times, and we make a decision to conquer it, or let it conquer us. It was a great sermon! Sunday evening, we went to Mom's apartment and played Mexican Train. We had a thunderstorm during the game, and Mom opened her front door so that we could enjoy the rain.

We are leaving for Michigan on Friday afternoon for two weeks. As I mentioned before, when we return, Chinami will be flying in from Tokyo, so we are making sure the house is clean and ready for her arrival. We have been cleaning out closets and making trips to the Salvation Army. Our trip to Michigan will not be relaxing. The lake cottage has been put on the market. At our age, and in this economy (taxes and insurance keep climbing), we feel that this may be the right thing to do. Michigan's economy is so bad that it may be on the market for several years, but we are going to have a huge yard sale and leave only what we need to enjoy it. Bill's father built the cottage, so it will be like a death in the family when it is sold. Kelli plans to drive Caleb and Hannah up from Grand Rapids to stay with us and help us with the sale.

A sign taped to a filing cabinet: "Don't worry! Do what you can, and then step aside to let me take care of your problems. And then, have a nice day!" GOD