I am a spiritual being having a human experience.

Casey Dylan!

2008-06-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

Ordination, Graduation, Celebration!

2007-03-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was an amazing day...I was ordained in my church at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. It was an amazing experience and one that cannot be explained with mere words. My family, my friends, the volunteer auxiliary, my minister friends, and my church celebrated with me and it was amazing.

Thanks to all of you for making this such a great experience.

Laura

Response to Topper

2007-03-02T05:23:00.000-08:00

I think that the evolution of human thinking is what we have to consider here. As people have evolved, so have their ideas about God and what God is.
Laura

Howard's Health

2007-02-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

Many of you have emailed me to find out how my loving husband Howard is doing. He is doing much better! He had four cardiac blockages. He now sports two stints and still has some cardiac issues. He has changed his diet, he has stopped smoking, and will begin cardiac rehab in the next few weeks.

We are really lucky that we live in an area of Arkansas that has great cardiac care.

Your possitive thoughts and prayers have made this challenging event so much better.

Thank you from both Howard and myself for your support.
Laura

CPE...Clinical Pastoral Education

2007-02-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

I am taking my forth unit of CPE and I am amazed at the diversity of the people involved in the group. Anytime you get a bunch of religious people together you get an interesting mix of conversation and ideas. I love it!
It is my desire to continue to be open to all faiths and ideas. It is my struggle to be patient with those who are not.
Laura

Life is Good

2007-01-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

HEY!
Seminary is done!!! Need I say more???? Words cannot express the myriad of emotions that I am feeling about where I am right now. I begin CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) this week and I am a bit anxious about that.....
Driving to Tulsa is finally OVER!
Ordination date: March 17th.
Graduation date: May 12th.
Invitations are going out soon.
Love to you all!!!!!
Laura

Topper-My Friend

2007-01-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Topper,
I do remember you and I am glad you are keeping up with my blog!
I think many post-modern theologians today are somewhat critical of the bible and that makes for more interesting interpretations. I, myself, believe that the bible (both new and old testaments) is not necessarily proof of God, but of God language or experiences of people, reaching out to what they believe God is. I also believe that the words are experiential and inspirational, and these writers are people that have written down their experiences for their perspective communities. It is our choice today to interpret their writings in ways that are helpful and interpretive for us.
For many years, I believed that the bible was the inerrant Word of God, and then after going to seminary I found that there are discrepancies and cultural opinions that reflect the times in which these documents were written.
I am not saying that I do not believe the Bible to be an important book, it is the book for Christians, but I do believe that as Christians today we are incorporating anthropology, science, and other disciplines to interpret our own faith. I also see other religions as helpful or informative in interpretation my own religious beliefs.
I do not know if what I have said is helpful, but I want to say that faith is important to me personally. I know that I trust in God, as I know God. God is an important concept/being/spiritual concept for me and although I cannot prove God, I still believe.
Blessings,
Laura Whitaker

It is finished!!!!!

2006-12-20T01:42:00.000-08:00

Words cannot express the relief that seminary is finally over. Even though I loved it and the community I found there was amazing, I am so glad to not have to drive to Tulsa every week and continue with the heavy reading and work load.
For those who are interested, I will be ordained at my church on March 17th, St. Patricks Day, and will actually graduate with my class on May 12th in Tulsa.
Blessings to you all.
OH YEAH...by the way, I have lost almost 90 pounds!
Laura

OH MY GOSH!

2006-11-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it is the final two weeks of seminary and eighty pounds weight loss!!!
Just a few lines to let you all know that things are CRAZY right now. I preached three sermons this past Sunday in addition to having bunches of family at the house for Thanksgiving. I am going to chill out after school is done!
Blessings to all of you! Laura

Gripe Session

2006-08-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

If you did not catch it, someone wrote an article on working/career women and how they are not good to marry. I was very pleased that Forbes Magazine was willing to offer a rebuttal after allowing this article to slip through and be published. If you have not read it, you can find the web-address below and read it for yourself. Let me know what you think. I will comment later.
Laura

http://www.forbes.com/home/2006/08/23/Marriage-Careers-Divorce_cx_mn_land.html

In-be-tween

2006-08-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

I am at fifty pounds weight loss; About half my goal weight. Daily people comment that they can notice the difference and I really can notice the difference too, but... being at the in-be-tween stage is kind of weird. You have lost enough to change clothing, which is nice, but you have not lost all that you want to loose.
It really is an up-and-down process, but I continue to be glad for it.

More of the Kids

2006-08-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been wanting to see pictures of the kids. I am posting their blog address with pictures. There are just too many good pictures and I cannot figure out how to download them on to my blog. So... here is their blog address: http://chrisfelishawhitaker.myphotoalbum.com/albums.php
This past Sunday they dedicated the children at church and we attened with them. It was a lovely service and I am so glad we were there. Children are fantastic, especially when they become adults. Grandchildren are even better!

Caden Joseph Whitaker is HERE!!

2006-07-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 10th, 8:06 p.m. Caden Joseph Whitaker joined us and what a guy he is!
Here is a picture of he and his daddy.
You know I will post more after I get some sleep.
We are all so excited!

The Surgery

2006-06-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

The surgery I had was successful and I am doing well. Many people have been asking about it and what was done.

http://www.okweightloss.com/

The surgery that I had is called Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass - RNY. It is done laproscopically and the recovery period is much shorter than in the past. I was very happy with the outcome. If you are interested there are many websites that talk about the Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass and they are really helpful. I would encourage anyone struggling with getting weight off to consider it. It is a drastric process, but it can be quite successful if you have a great surgeon and supportive friends and family.

BABY Caden Joseph is coming soon!!!

2006-06-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

We are all so excited as Caden Joseph Whitaker will be arriving soon! His due date is July 11th and we are ready! Paw-Paw and I are ready to see him and hold him. Chris and Felisha have readied their home for their new arrival and sister Cassie is excited too! We are praying that he will come the week of the 4th of July as Chris is out of school that week. I will let you know as soon as he arrives....with pictures too! With joy, Laura

Making Progress

2006-06-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

We have passed the over-one-month hurdle. I am feeling well and adjusting to a totally new eating lifestyle. I am still glad that I had the surgery. There are up and down days and adjustments that I did not realize that I was going to have to face, but overall it is good.
I have lost 32 pounds so far. I have lost enough to make the clothes baggy, but it is so hard to think about going out and purchasing more, knowing that I will be loosing even more. We have several second-hand stores here in Bentonville, so I will be going there for some purchases.
Thanks to all for the support and encourgement.
Laura

Three Days Out!!!

2006-05-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know how great I am doing. The surgery went very well; I am sore, but doing fine.
The doctors, nurses, and my family have been great. I am doing clear liquids this week, until the first of June. Then I get to start on soft foods. I will let you all know more after we see Dr. Gorospe on the 26th.
Blessings to you all! Laura

Changes

2006-05-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

I preach my final sermon for my preaching class tomorrow. I have really loved this class and the professor that taught the class was amazing. She made it a good experience for me. I really feel called to pastoral care and preaching had been so intimidating for me. I really believe because of Nancy Pittman, and the Storytelling festival that I went to I have found my preaching voice.
I also am preparing to go through gastric bypass surgery on Monday, May 15th. I have been experiencing a myriad of emotions. It has been a long journey to prepare for this; many invasive tests and procedures. I have had to make at least five additional trips to Tulsa, with gas prices it has been expensive.
Ok...so I am really just processing some feelings here. I am really not scared, but I am aware that it is going to be a big change, there are going to be big changes. Howard and Mom are very supportive. I will let everyone know how things go.
Send your positive thoughts to the Divine for me.... Laura

Lent (Third Week)

2006-03-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

Lent

LENT [Lent] [Old Eng. lencten, =spring], Latin Quadragesima (meaning 40; thus the 40 days of Lent). In Christianity, Lent is a time of penance, prayer, preparation for or recollection of baptism, and preparation for the celebration of Easter . Observance of Lent is as old as the 4th cent. In Eastern churches it is reckoned as the six weeks before Palm Sunday. In the West the penitential season begins liturgically with Septuagesima, the ninth Sunday before Easter; the next Sundays are Sexagesima and Quinquagesima. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday , the 40th weekday before Easter. Of the Sundays in Lent the fifth is Passion Sunday and the last is Palm Sunday. The week preceding Easter is Holy Week . Lent ends at midnight Holy Saturday. See Shrove Tuesday . From the 5th to 9th cent. strict fasting was required; only one meal was allowed per day, and meat and fish (and sometimes eggs and dairy) were forbidden. During and since the 9th cent. fasting restrictions were gradually loosened. By the 20th cent. meat was allowed, except on Fridays. Pope Paul VI began (1966) a trend toward penitential works (such as acts of charity) in conjunction with Lent. The Christian observance of Lent may have a parallel in the fasting practiced in Greco-Roman mystery religions, in which it was considered an aid to enlightenment and often preceeded prophecy. Lent may also have a parallel in the Jewish Omer, the interval between Passover and Shavuot that has become a time of semimourning and sadness. During the weeks of the Omer period, Jews in some communities refrain from wearing new clothes and there are no marriages or other public festivities. Author not available, LENT., The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition 2006
Reference:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/L/Lent.asp

The Sky is Falling!!!!

2006-03-16T22:07:00.000-08:00

We had some wild weather this past week. The new Bentonville stadium got hit by a tornado. I really want to make a sassy remark here... I will be good!

By the way...

2006-03-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

The earlier post..."The Straightjacket"... it has loosened up! Springbreak!

There Is An Angel In The House

2006-03-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen such a vision? What a blessing this little angel is to her MiMi!
It amazes me that God loves us so much that God gives us grandchildren.
Each week we get to keep Cassie or she and her mom come and have dinner with us. I am so thankful that we are gifted with the life of this precious child.
(I am not proud at all, huh?)
I just wanted you all to see an update of my lovely granddaughter.
Laura

Choosing a Straight Jacket

2006-02-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

Although everything that I get do is wonderful...

The picture speaks for itself. I do shop in the Women's Department.

Taking a weekend class is great, when it is over, but it makes for trying to keep up reading for the weekly classes almost impossible.

I have four classes after this semester. I can see the end-in-sight. It will be bitter-sweet as I love the seminary community, but I am ready for the end.

This semester is quite full. I will be going to Wintertails (Storytelling Festival and Conference) in OKC in a couple of weeks. I am very excited about that! There will be a guy there telling Native American Stories!

Chris and Felisha found out this week that their baby that is coming in July is a boy! I was so excited when I found out.

Blessings to all of you! Laura

Make a Difference

2005-12-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance, rent this movie at the video store. It is a movie about making a difference. It is about allowing your voice to rise above the voices that make the decisions and stating what you truly believe.

Rent it and let me know what you think! Laura

Healing in Hopefulness

2005-12-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

What is the “key” to happiness?
In my book, it is being hopeful. I have heard several people; specifically, friends/other ministers mention this word “hope” in the past few weeks and how important “hope” is for the human soul.
Hope is one of the three things that the NT Bible tells us are important.
(Faith, Hope, and Love) I notice that hope is in the middle. Hope somehow links faith and love.

“Hope” What do we all hope for in this life?
-Some hope for bread to fill their empty stomachs
-Some hope for an end of war
-Some, hope for personal peace, family and the loving touch of another person
-Some, hope for the end of terror of drugs, alcohol, abuse, or some other torment
-Some, hope for a spiritual peace
-Some, hope for a chance to have a voice
I am sure that there are many other things that are being hoped for that I cannot even imagine

I hope that when I finish seminary that God will give me an opportunity to do something helpful and hopeful with my education. I pray that humanity will benefit from what I have been doing the past ten years.

Hope does take mental and spiritual determination in something one cannot see. I hope that each of you will have renewed hope in the midst of all that you do.

Jones'in for a Romance Movie!

2005-12-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, I dragged Howard to see "Walk the Line" today!!! I knew that there was going to be a lot of the messy-life stuff, but there really was a great love story in there. If you need a romance movie, this is really good. It is not a light movie or a chic flick, but it is a good movie about true love and real life. Thumbs up!!! Now, Howard on the otherhand went just to be a "good guy" and he gets a thumbs up too!

Mid-Life Stinks!

2005-12-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

Mid-life is not all it is cracked up to be!!! Ha! I found this voo doo doll that describes what I feel like today!
Shall we take each mid-life issue, one-by-one??? NOT!
After the insurance company denying my surgery for gastric bypass. I have really been a pill! I know that Howard is a saint just because of his patience this past few weeks with me.
So, what is mid-life??? At this point it is to get a total physical tune up, so I can go out and make more money so I can sock it away, so I will have enough money to pay the nursing home to take care of me when I get old. (See, I told you that I was being a pill!)
Naw, it is not all that bad. I still have the teeth in my head, my own hair, my own breasts (sagging), even though I am fat, I can see my feet! Just thought you all needed a good laugh! What would your mid-life voo doo doll look like? I really don't want to hear what the males would look like!
Ha! Have fun thinking about it if you are nearing your fourties! This doll below is really what I look like, just don't tell anyone!
Laura

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!!

2005-12-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

When you grow up in lovely, cold, and winter-wonderland of Chicago... when you today hear that snow is coming the child within you just jumps for joy!
Howard is sick with the flu/cold and went to bed early. The news is saying that we are going to get some snow...
So what do I do??? I go to the grocery store and buy a bunch of goodies!!! Cookie mix, milk, juice, breakfast stuff and of course...a bunch of cold medicines for Howard.
(We did not want to forget him, eh?)
I really miss being a kid when it comes to snow. When I was a kid, my mom would bundle me up and send me out and I would play with my friends for hours in the cold snow. What great memories! I remember being bundled up so much, that I would sweat inside the layers of clothing. After getting bundled up, layer after layer, if one had to pee...one would pee! You might stay that way for hours!!! And after you went back in the house, you were as raw as hamburger meat, oh, but what fun did you have!
I hope that even if you have a small amount of snow in your area this winter season, enjoy it and have fun!
Laura

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

My cousin Sarah, an amazing woman, and a woman that I wish that I could have grown up with, sent me an email (which I am attaching) because her email helped to point out what we are all to be thankful for; not the "stuff" in our lives, but the details that make our lives worth living. I challenge each of you to make a list too!
What I am thankful for:
Meditation, deep breathing, walking the labyrinth, worship in church and the loving Spirit of God in Christ Jesus in my life
Family, including those who have just returned to my life, those who chose not to participate fully and most certainly those who continue to be the foundation rocks for me (Howard and my Mother)
My granddaughter and her brother/or sister on its way in July 06!
Mister Rogers, ALWAYS MISTER ROGERS
The birds singing in the morning and even the presents that they leave as they fly over my car
NPR
Sojourners Magazine
Being home where it is quiet and peaceful; being alone with Howard...wonderful
Books, oh my, yes books, audio books & my MP3 player
The joy of knowing that seminary will be completed in one year, although I love it, delight in it and am refreshed in that community
blogs
Good health and even better health on its way
Faithful friends who remind me that humanity is still very good
Always learning new things, how they work, how they were imagined, and what inspires people to create
To live in a country where I can vocalize my opinions about religion and politics without being harmed
Knowing that we are one with God, with each other and that a just God is ultimately overriding injustice
----- Original Message -----
From: Sarah
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2005 8:20 AM
Subject: Things I am thankful for this year
Most of you know the tradition, but for the uninitiated avoid giving thanks for the easy outs "friends, family, health, etc."
fresh herbs and tomatoes from our garden
Rochester Public Market
Letchworth State Park
curry (yes, this is on my list every year)
Saturday and Sunday mornings in bed with my husband and one year old son
Charlotte Public Library
NPR
flip flops
having two porches
having finished restoring the kitchen ourselves
Harry Potter
blogs
free plants from my mom's garden
online photo sharing from far away friends
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and no discrimination in marriage
the fact that Harrison barks at neighborhood dogs
my great neighbor Dan that keeps an eye on our 'hood and brings our trash can and recycling box back from the curb every Monday
Muppet Show Season 1 on DVD
flex time
a handy spouse (who also takes the time to do research and learn to do new things the right way)

Next Semester!!!

2005-11-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

Next semester will be the begining of my last year of seminary. One thing I am excited about is the Storytelling class I will be taking. We get the chance to go to the Storytelling conference in OKC and that will be amazing. I am documenting the website: http://www.storynet.org/Conf/2005/ This conference is just an offshoot of an even bigger group: The National Storytelling Festival. I really am looking forward to this amazing adventure!

Countdown to Gastric Bypass Laparoscopic

2005-11-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

Things are moving right along. After having the scare of my life, I had the cardiac-cath and found out that all is clear. Several of you have been asking about the surgery; I have documented the surgeon who is doing my surgery and also I documented a web site that I found interesting.
http://www.okweightloss.com/
http://www.weightlosssurgery.com/laparo_roux.html
I am looking at the week of December 12th for surgery. Blessings to you all!

So, What About God???

2005-10-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

This is in response to several emails that I recieved from people who were commenting on my blog about God.
First, to my friend, the athiest, I was really impressed with your knowledge about church history. I really think you are quite theological in spite of what you say. I was impressed.
God is really cool in so many ways. God, lets us be to do whatever we will. I am often reminded of the Christian writer from the Enlightment who talked about God being like a watch-maker. God created the universe, humanity, and everything else, winded the clock and took a step back, and let it go. I do not know if that is something I agree with, but I find it interesting.
Another commented; My cousin in Mass. She depicted a faithful and loving God that I have come to connect with. I sometimes still struggle with that, although the alternative is a mean and nasty god that really has it out for us.
God, spirit, peace is in many ways to me acceptance of myself and others. In the New Testament, Jesus is to have said to "...love God and love one another as you love yourself." Seems to me that has a lot of acceptance in it.
Hope this is not just a bunch of jibberish.
I do think that to be "godly" you must have the ability to love others and self. If you cannot do that, then in my book, what is life all about?

martyrdom

2005-10-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

I am taking Early Christianity this semester and have found the issue of martyrdom to be quite interesting. I have some thoughts...Howard and I have discussed them, but I wonder what you think. This link below will tell you about several women who in the third century gave their lives because of their claim of Christianity. Was this what Christ was asking them to do? Interesting!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetua

Iron Jawed Angels

2005-10-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

I am amazed that we have only had the right to vote for less than one-hundred years. I viewed the film "Iron Jawed Angels" this past week and WOW it was amazing. I would encourage EVERYONE to watch it. I am so glad there is finally a movie out that is worth watching.
Click here to go to information about the film: http://iron-jawed-angels.com/

Sunday, October 16th

2005-10-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

I have the honor of preaching at Elm Tree Christian Church, 2904 NW 3RD St, Bentonville, AR 72712-3426, 4792710663 at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 16th. I am so excited!
Please be sending good thoughts my way that day!
Laura

Why is God Real???

2005-10-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

I had a very nice athiest respond by commenting on my blog. The first thing that I want to say is that I believe that God whoever She/He is, is quite simply a loving force that wants goodness to be present within the chaos of the world today. (And boy do we have plenty of that in our world today???)
There is of course a great deal of mystery about who/what God is. Some people, most people have given God names, like "God", and then others have just acknowledged that there is a life-giving force that cannot be named.
When one says that they are athiest, I wonder what proceeded that proclaimation? Does it mean that they are fighting religious concepts? Have they possibly had bad experiences with a religous organization? Are they dissapointed with humanity that claims to be religious?
I hear people say many times that it is hard to believe in God when there is so much suffering in the world. What do you think about that? Is it God's problem that there is suffering? Should God be like a Star-Trek character and beam down and be like Superman? I wish not for a God who can take away the things that build my character. I pray for a God that will fill me with the amazing things that show the world there is hope and goodnes.
I think we all battle with what we think God is about. That is so totally different for everyone, including those within different Christian denominations.
For me to keep it straight, I must believe that God is good; God gave me life; God continues to speak to me internally as well as through nature and the lives of others; and finally, God interacts with those who show interest.
I love to hear about what people think about God. I learn so much and it really does advance my own views.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT GOD? (NOT RELIGION, BUT GOD?)
It is early, I have not had coffee and I have a lot to read for school and many papers to write....so if any of this sounds odd, you will know why.
Blessings, Laura

Lost in Seminaryland!!!

2005-08-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

I thought having the summer off I would be able to slowly and easily slide my way back into another semester of seminary....ya...ah...right!
I am not overwhelmed; I am not overwhelmed; I am not overwhelmeddddddd.....
Did I tell you, I am taking FIVE, yes, FIVE classes! I am reading and reading and reading. I love it. I just have no time to do anything else.
Please be patient with me, those of you who look to my blog to know how I am doing and to see how lovely Cassie is.
Howard and I are doing amazingly well! I finally got over empty-nest and found that I have a wonderful husband here, all to myself. We are delighting in each other and the peace in our home.
I have nothing profound to say other than I am already on brain-freeze from reading. One of my friends Adrian from class has already emailed and said that he is so not ready to start writing papers.
Well....it may be another month before I update. Thanks for your patience! Laura

Why Do I Blog???

2005-07-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

For those of you who grew up in the 60's-70's you may remember the "Planet of the Apes." I loved these movies! I even watched reruns and enjoyed them as well.

So, how about blogs? My cousins in New York and Massachusetts invited me to visit theirs and the rest is history! I check their blogs often to see what is going on in their lives and experience the interesting thoughts they are sharing and share my own. I guess I feel like Dr. Zaius getting involved in this blogging phenomenon. I am interested in knowing what is next??? Maybe Nick and Jessica will be experiencing the same cultural changes and evolution? It is a thought.

My Terrific Granddaughter...and D-I-L

2005-07-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

I hosted my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter last night as my granddaughter has been ill for several days and mom and dad really needed some rest. What a terrific kid! She was patient with grandma as I tried to care for her even though her beautiful, nurturing, and well-equipped mother lay in the guest room.
Felisha, is a dynamic woman and an amazing mother. She reminds me so much of my mother as she is an advocate for her child in ways that make me quite proud. She asks questions, she is informed, and is a great teacher for this great, young mind called Cassie.
After your childred have been adults for a time, you forget the energy, patience, and responsiblity of caring for young ones. My adult-children are doing a great job. I am very proud of their loving care of "Paw-paw's princess" and "Grammy's girl," we love her so much!
It is such a joy to have grandchildren.

The Unjust Voices of Religion

2005-07-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

I delight in interactions, conversations, and experiences with people of diverse natures. I truly thrive on conversations with people who see the world a little different than I do. I am more aware of how human and how wonderful I really am by experiencing others that are different from me or have different human experiences. In the past I have struggled with how to justify why I believe what I believe. I have finally (at fourty-two) feel the liberty not to justify what I believe. I am aware that God loves all people! Not just people who all fit in one little box. I cannot explain it; I think no one can, I just feel justified in saying it. (or typing it) I believe that God loves us all equally, both intellegent and some not so intellegent, gay/straight/and trensgendered, black/white/and all colors of the rainbow, and the Jew as well as Hindu. I am not so idealistic to believe that all people are as open and accepting as I am, but...
This past week a radical group came to our howetown to stir up a bunch of racial and religious garbage. It truly breaks my heart because these people harass and scream what is unjust, hurtful, unkind and very judgmental things to people they do not know. They went to many of our churches and said some very harmful things to these congregational members. Words just cannot describe what these individuals say to create hurt and wounds to those who are the target of their hate. They actually claim to be spiritual people, led by God. I do not know what God they are actually claiming to be led by, but it is not the loving God found in the peace and joy of Jesus Christ. These people even had the guts to picket Wal-Mart and shout that John Walton has spent the last two weeks in hell. I cannot get my brain arround the fact that we have people, who claim to be Christian that spread hate not love???? I hope and pray that God can find a way into their hearts and heal their brokeness. That is the only way I can explain this truly unloving group of people. Please excuse my ranting.

Happy 25th Anniversary

2005-07-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

July 12th Howard and I will be married twenty-five years. I love him now more than ever. What a joy to spend your life with another.

Wise & Amazing Women!

2005-07-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

These are my two grandmothers! Amazing Women!
Mothers are wonderful, so are Grandmothers and I have had two of the best! My MaMaw Pollock has died, but I still have quilts and memories that really surround me with her comfort. My other Grandmother, Helen Arlowene Hooper is in a nursing home. It was a real difficult thing to see her in this condition as she was always the most intelligent and cognitive woman I knew. I will not go on with this post, but will pick it back up later...

How amazing is life?

2005-07-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

After spending six days with my family in Buffalo I am feeling healed and whole. I was overwhelmed at how much love and care was offered to me by people who had not seen me in almost thirty years.
There were so many things that made this trip special:
>My Aunt Sang teaching me lovingly how to cook food from Vietnam and being so kind
>My Uncle Don sharing family, New York, and US historical facts and who he is (a terrific person)
>Val and Tara offering such acceptance, friendship and enjoyable conversation
>Being with the whole family at Letchworth
>The quiet peace at Uncle Don & Aunt Sang's house
>Seeing Gram
>Harrison, Sarah & Doug and the wonderful brunch
I am so glad I took the chance to get to know my family.

Summer with the Hoopers

2005-07-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

SUMMER 2005 HOOPER FAMILY