Evendays

Friday was a big day. Son 1 turned 20.

We remember the birth day like it was yesterday. Wife in labor all night, she woke me up after two hours of contractions. She wanted me to sleep. Timing of contractions, a bath and some relaxing. A thrilling ride to the hospital at 6 am on a Monday morning. I ran the red lights even though there was no need. You only get the chance once in a while. Wife doing Lamaze breathing and, finally, at 9:06 Son 1 came out with a cry. And he cried for 2 hours straight. A big baby. Long, long thick hair. Unhappy to be out of his 9 month lodging. Wife very happy to have him out. We were, and are, thrilled to have him in our lives.

When I tell the story (every birthday), the kids remind me that I almost missed the actual birth. The car was supposed to be moved at 9:00 and I didn’t want a ticket, so I told Wife I would be right back. She convinced me to stay. Insisted really. I guess she knew something was up. So, I was there when he was born.

And we didn’t get a ticket. Boy, was I relieved.

Several of us are going to read together Yancey’s new book on prayer. We’d love to have you join in with us. Just click here for an explanation.

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In some countries, just being born within their hallowed borders makes you a citizen of that country. You may have to jump through a few administrative hoops to get it, but if you’ve got the valid birth certificate, there is generally not a problem.

All 3 of our children were born in Lausanne. Used to be, you had to be worthy to be naturalized, meaning you had to take tests, pass through an interview process, pay a large portion of your yearly salary, and then WAIT. They’d even interview your neighors and go through your garbage. Now people laugh about it, and there is simplified naturalization. It’s for 3rd generation foreigners who have done their schooling here and are rather well integrated.

Son 1 started the process a few years ago, just before everything got simplified. He had an oral exam and filled out all kinds of forms. A little later, after simplification, Son 2 and Daughter decided to do the same. We recently received news that they had been accepted as Swiss citizens by the city, canton and the Feds. They’ll be sworn in sometime next Spring. Son 1 is still waiting. Patiently.

We all love the USA and consider ourselves Americans. But the dual nationality will provide the children with opportunities on two continents. Doors will always be open here and there to serve God and live out their faith where ever God is leading them. That’s the plan, anyway, until we get to our real country.

Thanks for stopping by.

Last night I dreamed someone ran into the car. Good thing it was only a dream.

But we could certainly use your prayers. Several things seemed to fall on us all at once last night: Some folks trying to lead members away from the church here; a young illegal who has gotten herself into some very serious trouble; kids and school; my two-year-old Mac broke.

So this morning I wrote notes to members and called the girl in trouble. The kids headed off to school with their worries and responsibilities. And I dropped my Mac off at the official Mac pay-me-before-I’ll-even-look-at-it repair shop. What a great business. You hire two geeks who love computers. (They used to do it for free till they left home at age 27.) Tell the client you’ll look at their machine if they give you 80 bucks, which you also tell them they won’t get back, ‘cause no matter what, it’s gonna cost more. Then give the client a contract that says you are not liable for any damage done to the machine, including if you accidentally erase the hard drive.

Too bad it wasn’t a dream.

As I’ve written before, I love books. I love good books. I love good books that make me think, and especially those that help me grow in my walk with God.

So, I have a decent proposal for my fellow bloggers. I read not too long ago that Philip Yancey has come out with a book on prayer, entitled “Prayer. Does it make any difference?” (Christianbook.com sells the hardback for $12.99.) I have not read this book, but other books by the same author have been edifying.

What I suggest is that each of us get a copy, then in the coming weeks (months) we read it “together”. On any given Saturday, one of us can host a comment section on their blog so that we can share what we’ve learned, what has challenged us and what has encouraged us to pray better. We can rotate hosts for different chapters and just “meet” up for comments, questions, etc., all within a few days of the given Saturday.

I think it would help us develop a stronger communion with God and with each other. As a crummy prayer, I know it would encourage me to move forward in this spiritual discipline.

If you want to participate, let me know. (If it’s not a good idea, well, let me know too.) Then get the book, and find a Saturday when you’d like to “host” the discussion.

Taylor was born on September 21 just before 8 AM. My new NIECE weighed in at 7 lbs. 12 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. Sister 2 and Niece 4 are doing well down in Southern California.

Thank you very much for your prayers.
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Below are some Autumn decisions, dealing with God, family, church, neighbors and enemies:

I will love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.
I will love others generously.
I will PLANT and WATER daily.
I will fill my mind with God, with his word and with beauty.
I will be grateful.
I will praise God and others daily.
I will work hard and finish what’s started.
I will keep my word.
I will laugh with laugh-ers and cry with cry-ers.
I will pray.
I will listen.
I will read.
I will search for joy.
I will count on grace.

What will you do?

Thank God for modern medical technology! We are getting ready to celebrate the birth of my new niece/nephew. S/he’ll be born tomorrow, if all goes according to schedule. Yes, to schedule.

The little one (yes, we know if it’s a boy or a girl—it’s not a kitten—but I don’t know if I’m supposed to tell) was inked into the agenda last May or June, I think. September 21 became a significant day to all of us in the clan well before Sister 2 goes into labor. Which, I think, she won’t do.

Please pray for her and baby for tomorrow’s special day. And, please, help me find those verses in the New Testament that talk about a woman going into labor… Isn’t there something biblical about that?

Just a word to let you know it’s a holiday in Lausanne. It’s the Monday of the FAST. Yes, instead of having a Thanksgiving, as you Canadians and United Staterers do, we have a fast day. Of course, I don’t know many people who fast for the country, but I know it used to be done.

The fair is in town and Wife and I took some time off together to visit it. It started down-sizing about 10 years ago. Used to be that the ARMY had to be called out to direct traffic and help with crowd control. No more. But it still makes for a cheap date and good free samples.

Thank you very much for the comments on welcoming Son 1 back home. I’ve made a few comments on your comments… Wife and I are going to discuss the different suggestions that you made and then fly out the lucky winner. So please don’t make plans, at least any plans you can’t change, for the next few weeks.
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Our Sunday text was Mark 4.35-41. It’s the disciples’ story where Jesus is sleeping in the boat at the same time it’s filling up with water, beaten by winds and waves.

I found 5 hymns in our French song book that deal with Jesus and this miracle (not counting a children’s song). Most are about turning to Jesus when life gets tough. Or just realizing that he’s in the boat with you and so, in the end, all will be okay. A couple poeticize about crying out to Jesus to save us in those difficult times.

But I’m confronted by the text, for in the middle of it stands Jesus’ reproach of the lost-faith-no-faith disciples, a correction that takes place specifically because in their doubt, or because of their doubt, they woke him up. Which leaves us to wonder if they wouldn’t have been more “faithful” to just let Jesus rest and simply ride out the storm in his sleeping presence.

Sunday morning after our worship time, Wife and I jumped in the van and made the five-hour trip to Marseille where Son 1 was waiting for us. Saturday night was their closing banquet for his year-long spiritual internship, and Sunday morning there was a special time set aside before worship to honor them. The church and staff said their good-byes to Son 1 and the three other young ladies who had followed the internship. It was an excellent year for all.

It’s good to have Son 1 back with us and I know the “return home” can be difficult. After a year of “semi-freedom” he (and we) gets to live in a family again, with all the benefits and, um, restrictions.

What do you think? As a parent, how can we make this “happy” transition work the best possible? I’d like to know what you think, even if you haven’t had this experience yet… (As far as I know, some of you still live at home!)

Thanks in advance for your help…