Book Review

I would spend all day reading if I had the time.  Currently I'm working on Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.  It's excellent.  It reads like a story almost more than a history book (even though that's what it is) while being incredibly educational.  I thought I knew a lot about this time and place and its people, but I have been learning new things all through the book.  I have just finished the chapter for the Wednesday before the crucifixion.  I think I should make sure I have plenty of time to sit and read before I start on the next chapters.  I suspect it will be difficult to put the book down once I get into the arrest and crucifixion parts.

Other good things about the book...there's an index, maps, footnotes, the writing is so clear and easy to read that you don't have to be any kind of rocket scientist to understand.  And if non-fiction isn't your thing, I would recommend reconsidering or making an exception.  I have Killing Lincoln sitting on my shelf.  I might have to read that next.  I need to get Killing Kennedy so I can have read all three.  And the authors are working on a fourth book now related to World War II.  I'm turning into a history junky.  :)

One Last Update

One last update regarding the little girl for whom I was doing respite care and had considered for placement...

I found out she will be going to a half-sibling in another state.  Also, her behavior has become quite, well, difficult, but her foster family agreed to keep her for the remainder of the school year so she wouldn't have to change schools.  Once school is out, she'll be at some group home of sorts until it's time for her to go to her new permanent home.

So, it would seem that following my instincts was a good thing.  I sure hope being with that half-sibling will be what they both need.

It was amazing!!

If you didn't make it to one of the concerts this weekend, you so missed out!  Both were excellent, but this afternoon's concert which included the chamber orchestra, was incredible!  The experience of singing with the orchestra only compounded the enjoyment of this music - words that connect our heritage from generation to generation and tie the church back even to its roots in Judaism.  And the movement of the music from high to low, soft to a sanctuary absolutely overflowing with sound...It took an extreme amount of focus to not become too caught up in the music and just start crying.  (Sappy, yes, but trust me, it was that good.)

Now I'm kind of sad it's over and we have to wait several months before the next chance to do something even close to like it.  It's nice to know my Sunday afternoons are free again, but music helps sustain me and this particular pair of pieces was doing a most excellent job of doing so.

Anyway, the good news for those who missed the concerts is that today was recorded.  Assuming there will be CDs, I will be sure to get one or two which may be lent out if I can trust you to guard it with your life and return it.

Meanwhile, if you are feeling sad about missing other concerts, there are some recordings on Lincoln Lutheran Choir's website.  I was not a participant in all of them, but at least a couple are recent enough to have included me.  Feel free to check those out at http://lincolnlutheranchoir.org/ under the "Listen" link.

Concerts this weekend!

The Lincoln Lutheran Choir's spring concerts are this weekend.  The music we're doing this time is my favorite to date.  I'm really enjoying it - and the history to it as well.  It's fun to sing and the lyrics tie back to antiquity.

Here's a sample of one of the pieces we're doing.  (It's not all this mellow, by the way.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j20hysVNyOE

The other large piece we're doing is...huge!  And amazing!  And written by a young man (disturbingly young) from Seward, NE.  The choir is premiering it.
The Saturday concert will be just organ and voices, but Sunday there will be an orchestra - strings, brass, percussion, the whole nine yards.

So, I hope folks can find some time and make their way to one of the concerts this weekend.  It will be a real treat (and there are always refreshments afterward, too, if that helps entice anyone).

You're never too old...

...to play.

Dad and Justin at play

#8

#8:  If I want to have nothing but toast for dinner, I have nothing but toast for dinner.

Nebraska is pretty neat - neater than even I knew.

I just watched a show on the Smithsonian Channel (yea for cable television, and yeah, who knew the Smithsonian had their own channel) called "Arial America."  Each episode looks at the history and landscape of one of the 50 states.  Tonight was all about Nebraska.  The "fly over" type of views of things like wagon wheel ruts from the Oregon and Mormon trails, fields of every shape and size, so on and so forth was very cool.  I learned some things I didn't know, saw the building I work in (boo!) and saw places I can't believe I haven't visited.  Why have I never seen Chimney Rock?!  I really need to drive out there and see it.  Watching that show made me want to get in the car and drive around Nebraska just checking things out.

#7

#7: When something doesn't go right or doesn't go as expected/planned, I've no one but myself to blame.

If you like history...

You'll enjoy this.  Note: I have passed every quiz I've taken so far.  :)

http://www.billoreilly.com/pg/jsp/general/fun.jsp

What do you think?

When I saw this, I was shocked.  I feel I must agree with the people who think this is a bad idea.

http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/fox-news-reporting/index.html#/v/3405275804001

What do you think?

Kid Update

For those who don't see or talk to me regularly, I owe an update regarding the foster/adopt business.

I decided not to take permanent placement of the kiddo for whom I'd been doing respite.  It was very difficult coming to that decision - very difficult.  Ultimately, there just isn't enough of me to go around to fully support her.  I did offer to remain a respite provider for her.  Unfortunately, I've heard nothing since then since the caseworker changed.  I know there was a lot down the road for her that was going to be very difficult and pray she is doing alright.

So I guess we're back to search mode.  I was contacted by a caseworker in Ohio about a brother and sister.  I'm not sure what I should do there.  Ohio isn't exactly down the street, so prayers about what to do there are welcome.

Sorry that wasn't better news.  I am disappointed, but believe it was the right decision.  The stories with these kids is so heart-breaking, you just want to love and help them all.

#6

#6:  And when the schedule is downright stupid, the only one who suffers is me.