Bovine Theology

Nearly another month has flown by since my last post. As with most everyone I know, we’re busy. What’s new?! But we are doing well, despite the continued adjustment back to the school routine. The kids each seem to be enjoying their new classes and teachers. Leslie is still regaining strength and starts physical therapy next week.

My schedule has kept me busy. My latest project has been Leslie’s school website. It started out as me volunteering to update and maintain the current website, but then no one had access to the past designer’s material. So I “got” to re-design the site from the ground up. It is mostly finished now with just some final content to be added as I recieve it. The website is here.

I’ve also been on the road a good bit, with a trip to Michigan last week. I flew in and out of Detroit, but had the opportunity to criss-cross the state a few times, traveling to Grand Rapids, Holland, up through Midland and Bad Axe, and finishing in Traverse City. It was an absoulely beautiful time of the year to be there, and I was blessed with getting a nice rental car with a big sunroof! My meetings went well and even got to visit with a pastor who (after about an hour of conversation) I realized I knew from about 20 years ago! After one of my meetings, a couple on the missions committee took me out on Lake Michigan on their boat. We spent about an hour and a half on the lake and it was gorgeous. I’m trying to get in some visits to my northern states before it gets too cold, at which time I’ll refocus on my southern (and warmer) states! I took a bunch of pictures with my camera phone which I’ve placed on FaceBook here (hopefully the link will work).

We’re getting more involved in our church in Gainesville. I’ve begun teaching the college and young adults sunday school class and we’re starting a small group in nearby Dawsonville in the coming weeks with another couple. We have also started Financial Peace University which will hopefully help keep us focused and motivated on the task of getting out of debt. Every time we watch Dave Ramsey, a ritual which Leslie keeps us disciplined doing regularly, I am reminded how counter-cultural this idea is. Yet it is also continually humbling as I am reminded of my past mistakes. So, for any young people who might read this, take it from me…avoid debt like a plague!

Tomorrow we are planning on going to the funeral of a friend from years ago, JoAnn Calderwood. She and her husband were friends of ours when we first got married. She died, unexpectedly, of a heart attack last week. She called Leslie the night before she died and they talked for about half an hour. It has been a shock to us both, but was especially to Leslie after their talk. Please pray for her husband, Gene.

Next week, I will going through a Bible study/workshop, called Living in Grace at work. It is a course that all of our new missionaries go through and is similar to Sonship. I’ve been trying to do it several times since I started at MTW, but things always seemed to come up. Leslie and I were supposed to do it together last spring, but I fell and fractured my back the week before. I’m disappointed that she and I can’t do it together, but I am excited about this opportunity for me to be challenged.

On a lighter note, I’m happy to say that my “new” little Civic is doing great on gas mileage. I keep track of my MPG with every fill-up, thanks to my dad’s training, and my lowest measurement so far has been 31 MPG for a tank. It’s never been so fun to save on gas!

I meant to write something about each of the kids but it is late, so I will just say one thing about Aggie. She is growing up to be quite the young lady and really enjoys helping. Sometimes too much for her mother and I! But we’re learning to be patient and foster this desire in her. She gets her stool (the one my dad built for me when I was 2) and brings it in the kitchen to help with meals, packing lunches, and anything else we’ll let her do. During one of our meals this week, she was describing something from her day to me. In the midst of her dialogue she used the expression, “and you know, that freaks me out!” Leslie and I both had a good laugh. She loves “helping” the Munch do a variety of things, sometimes with Muchkin’s protest. But since we don’t know how long this might last, we are learning to cherish it and are trying to point her to Christ in and through it.

Those who know me probably know the impact Steven Curtis Chapman has had on my life. If not, you can read more about it here. Pray for their family today. My heart is killing me for them.

MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME

NASHVILLE, TN…5/21/08… At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

Here are some videos of Maria.

Spring Break has flown by this week. It really didn’t turn out as we expected, but then again, when does it? We did have a nice trip to Myrtle Beach, although shortened a bit. We left Monday, a little later than we planned, about 11 AM. After a full day of driving, with plenty of potty breaks, and a circling pattern around Commerce, GA (for Leslie’s tummy’s sake), we arrived at the Wyndham around 7:30 that evening. They didn’t have a room for us in the tower that had been reserved, which was a bit of a disappointment. The one we ended up in just wasn’t as nice as last year. Actually, the first room they put us in had been smoked in so I asked if we could try another one. We finally got settled in and hit the sack.

The weather was colder than we wished. Leslie and the kids went for a walk the next morning, all bundled up. After breakfast, we headed down to check out the pools. Even though they were heated, the wind made it FREEZING! We decided since it was too cool for outdoor stuff (and both indoor pools were closed), we’d go do some indoor activities. We tried out the children’s museum since our reciprocal membership allows us free access. We recommend the one in Myrtle Beach. There were lots of fun things for the kids, and I even enjoyed a few too! The neatest thing was when we came in and presented our family pass, the lady at the counter said to Leslie, “Oh, I know who you are.” She lives in Myrtle Beach during the week, but Dillon, SC on the weekends. She attends the church where Leslie’s sister and brother-in-law were before moving to Greenville. It was a real encouragement to hear how they have been praying for Leslie.

We took in a movie at the IMAX before heading back for some of Leslie’s homemade spaghetti, and then I took the kids out for a walk on the beach. Wednesday, we got up and the indoor pool had finally been opened. The kids had a blast, although both girls hung on to me like glue. But soon the word was out, and the pool was packed. So we went upstairs for sandwiches, and then out to the beach after lunch. We enjoyed a few minutes of sunshine before the clouds rolled in and the temp dropped again. But McGrooter was bound and determined to get as far into the ocean as he could. I stood in the waves with all three of them, lips blue and shivering. Yet they kept saying, “this is awesome!” Soon, they’d had enough and we made some sand castles before heading in. We decided to go ahead and pack up so we could hit the road after dinner. We were supposed to stay another day, but with the cold weather, Leslie still not having much strength, and the funeral for Jan Kooistra on Thursday, we decided to head on home. We had a quiet ride back since we waited until night, and got home just after 2 AM. Leslie and I finally got in bed by 3.

I got up this morning and headed to the funeral. Leslie really wanted to go, but we couldn’t work out for anyone to keep the kids. I wish she could have been there, and hope to get a video of it. The entire service was well done but I especially enjoyed the eulogy, which Dr. Kooistra did himself. The love they shared was truly something special. And Jan’s selflessness will continue to be a testimony to others who suffer. It really convicted me, and I feel so inadequate to have any responsibility of suffering. I guess more than anything, I was convicted of how much I have to learn. Do remember Dr. Kooistra as you pray.

Leslie and the kids helped Grandad and Poppie in the garden today. Actually, Munchkin was the best helper. I got some grass cut, and then we all got in bed by 9. Everyone is good and tired tonight.

Jan Kooistra, wife of Dr. Paul Kooistra (MTW Coordinator), passed away on Sunday. You can read more on MTW’s website here. Although we knew Jan’s health was drastically declining around the turn of the year, it was still very difficult news to hear. Leslie and I really didn’t know Jan. I had only met her a few times. But we felt a special closeness to her because of her battle with cancer. Her testimony was tremendous (you can read some here). Dr. Kooistra’s was as well. I never knew as I first heard him share about caring for her, the impact it would have in my own life. Please pray for the Kooistra’s as they walk through this time of grief.

The funeral for little Bronner was yesterday. My heart continues to ache for their family, but have really been encouraged by how they have handled this tragedy publically. Rick even spoke during the service, reminding folks of God’s sovereign hand in all things, good and bad, and how He would be and is being glorified through this. I have thought several times over the past few days of the little boy who had the fish and loaves Jesus used to feed the 5,000. In man’s economy, that just wouldn’t work. But God made a small amount do more than anyone could imagine. And so with Bronner’s short life, God, in His own economy, has made just 2 years make such a great impact.

They have posted video of the memorial service online which I’m putting here for you to view if you wish. Any father will especially appreciate Rick’s courage. Rick’s sermon is broken into three parts in this order (since YouTube limits each bit to 10 minutes):

Today we had Nannie’s funeral. What can be said? It was sad. Not because we grieve without hope. We know where Nannie is, and we rejoice that she is with her Lord. Yet we still grieve, and our hearts are heavy as we think about life without Nannie. But there were many moments of laughter sprinkled throughout the day. Dr. Coates, during the service, mentioned several things he found in Nannie’s Bible (verses marked, poems, little stories and such). The thing that brought a smile to probably everyone there, and which also got the remark from Dr. Coates of, “I’ve never seen this before,” was when he read some notes from the front inside cover of her Bible. There Nannie had written, “gift from Wilbert” and the date and then the year and model of at least three different cars he’d given her. She’d even written down the mileage on the cars, down to the tenth of a mile. She loved her Cadillacs!

After the funeral and lunch we went out to Poppies and all sat on the porch until nearly dark. It was a beautiful day. The kids played in the yard. Poppie began to tell stories, and soon we all were. We recounted so many things we loved about Nannie. She was a giver. She loved to give. You could tell by the look on her face that it brought her as much joy giving you something you really wanted as it did giving you joy receiving it. And she loved to put on a spread. Family get-togethers will never be the same without her.

I put together a little video which we played during visitation each evening. It was a collection of pictures and video clips of Nannie from over the years. I thought I would put some of my favorite photos here:  Nannie as a young adult; Nannie with Leslie in 2001; Nannie with Leslie in 2007; Nannie teaching Leslie how to can; Nannie & Poppie; Nannie & Poppie with the kids

Tonight we had the second visitation for Nannie. It was wonderful to have so many friends come out, but it was hard as the reality of Nannie being gone is beginning to settle in. Leslie left in tears tonight. She has continually said she can’t imagine life without Nannie. I have to agree.

I was especially thankful that my mom came up today to stay with the kids. She’s not feeling well but she never complains. She stayed home with the kids so they could get to bed on time. Everyone was snoozing when we got home. Last night our friend, Avery, came out to the funeral home and helped us with the kids so we could visit with friends at the funeral home. What a blessing!

Tomorrow morning at 11 we will have the funeral. Please pray for the family.

Leslie did pretty well tonight. She had some discomfort so I ran to the pharmacy to get some medicine which provided some relief. I long for her to be whole again physically.

Today has been a truly sad day as we continue to mourn the loss of Nannie. The reality that she is gone is tough to accept. Tonight was the first visitation and many friends came out to join the family. Poppie was strong but I know he is really exhausted. He has really had a tough time these past months.

Two things strike me this evening as I think about Nannie’s death. First, I am so thankful that we moved here two years ago. Leaving Birmingham with seminary unfinished seemed like retreat. I felt like I had been defeated. But now I see God’s good providence in that he brought us back to be close to family. We got to be close to Nannie these past two years, and the kids now have many memories of her. They may not remember much as they grow older, but I hope they will be able to hold on to images and memories with Nannie. I am also thankful we are back here as we go through this trial with Leslie’s cancer.

The second thing that strikes me this evening is how three people, in particular, cared for Nannie. Poppie, Mike and Leslie have all impacted me as they lovingly met Nannie’s needs. I watched such tenderness on each of their parts. Nannie was in a lot of pain over the past months, and each of them took extra care to do all they could to make her comfortable. Mike and Poppie were at her side almost the entire time. Leslie went when she could and would tend to her physical needs, doing things for her with such dignity. I have learned so much from them.

Leslie is doing okay. Yesterday really wore her out and took a toll on her body. She had a rough night last night and sick much of today, but was able to make it through visitation tonight. I know I continually ask for prayer for good rest for my family, but I must ask again. McGrooter and Munckin have both been up complaining of being scared. I’m not sure what it’s tied to, but I’m sure the events of recent have played their part. So please pray that everyone would rest well and have good dreams.

Today, Leslie’s grandmother, Nannie, passed away. Her health has been failing over the past few years and she has been back and forth between the hospital and nursing home in the past several weeks. I was supposed to be headed out of town on a trip for work when I go the call that the hospice nurse had called to say she had just a few hours left.

Leslie and I both went to the nursing home and spent the last few hours of Nannie’s life with her and the family. We talked to her, sang to her, and prayed with her. We are thankful that her faith was in Christ and that she is now at peace. I am so thankful for God’s providential timing in that I was able to be in town when this happened.

It’s been a hard day, of course. Leslie was very close to Nannie. We’ve hurt as we’ve seen her suffer lately, and as we’ve watch Poppie and Leslie’s parents lovingly care for Nannie. So we are hurting but also relieved that Nannie is at peace in the presence of her Lord.

The funeral is set for Thursday at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Gainesville, in the chapel. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 and Wednesday from 7-9 at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Gainesville, GA.

I hate everything about death. It’s ugly. I don’t know of a better word. At least that’s my earthly, selfish perspective. I know I must take these thoughts captive. In reality, death is a passing from this life to real life. At least it is for the believer. But from where I sit, death brings grief. Sure, it’s not grief without hope, but it’s grief nonetheless.

Last night my great Aunt Verna died in her sleep. I’m thankful that she died this way, but I hate that she died. She’s gone. And for our family, she is the last of a generation on my mom’s side to die. I feel like we’ve lost touch with that generation. My kids will never know about my memories, except for the stories I tell. They will never know sitting in her kitchen while she cooked tapioca on the stove. They won’t know how she made sun tea or the little boxes of cereal she always had to offer us for breakfast. They won’t know sitting beside her at her organ or hearing about her travels with Uncle Joe. They won’t know the warmth of her home. Those days are gone.

The same is true with both of my grandparents on my mom’s side. In the past five years both grandparents and both Uncle Joe and Aunt Verna have died. It’s been a time of grief for us.

I’m thankful for the hope we have that each of them put their faith in Christ alone as their savior. We grieve with this hope in mind. But we still grieve. It’s especially hard for mom as Aunt Verna was like a second mom to her. She and Uncle Joe were like grandparents to us. I thought this was normal growing up. I thought everyone had a “Uncle Joe & Aunt Verna.” But we had something special, and I was too old before I really recognized this. So for me there are regrets. I’m thankful for the times I had with them, but I wish I had treasure them more. The visits in the summer, the rides on the tandem bike, flying kites, birthday cards and visits when they came to our house.

Death is a part of life. It has become more a part of my life in recent years. In the past two weeks alone my great Aunt died, my friend lost his good friend Dustin (who left a wife and three young children), my sister and brother-in-law’s friends lost their three-year-old daughter in her sleep, another friend of mine lost his son who was killed by a drunk driver. The separation that results causes a break in life. It changes life. But in as much as it focuses my thoughts on the effect of sin in this world, it ultimately points me to Christ and what He did to conquer death. Death’s sting is gone. It still stings, but the eternal sting is removed. The sting is only temporary. As a believer I know there will be a reuniting. This is not the end.

Still I hate what death does to us. It divides us. It scares us. It hurts us. But still, in the midst of all of this, it points us to our dependence on Christ. Even when we hurt, we are strengthened by Christ’s presence with us here. How terrible it would be to not know His presence in this grief. Emptyness would prevail.

Emptyness does not prevail though, for me. Not because of any good thought or act of mine. Emptyness is there because I’m human. I can no longer talk with Aunt Verna, Uncle Joe, my grandparents or Aunt Tommae. They’re all gone. A piece of my life is gone. But my life is not emptied because of their death. The holes they left are ministered to by the grace of Christ through His Spirit.

So when I see an organ, a box of tapioca or a miniature box of cereal, an owl, or even a woven purse I will think of Aunt Verna. I will thank God for the life she lived in faith, for the ways she gave, for the love she shared. But thanks to God she now lives to the fullest with her faith now made complete, she has now been given everything she needs and she now shares the greatest love with her Heavenly Father completely. Aunt Verna, because of your faith in Christ, enjoy your reward!