Can you believe it? Daddy'd be 100 today! It's still a milestone for me, even in his memory.
There's a wedding at PoP tonight ... not performed by me, but it is for one of our younger members ... you know, with the aura of 12.12.12 all about it - whatever that means.
You may have heard the news yesterday - What a tragedy - a gunman walked into the Clakamas Town Center and shot two people; injured another, and took his own life. We haven't been told any of the specifics, yet - although the local news stations are making a 24 hour watch for any breaking events. I guess we always have to know a little MORE than the next station ... I keep the families of those involved in my prayers. Saw an article with one young woman who he pointed the gun at - but missed - her last name is the same as a regular worshiper in our congregation (Pavlenko) - but don't know if there's any relation there.
Been able to see my two favorite Pre-Christmas concerts - the Gospel Christmas downtown and the Christmas Chorale at Concordia University. Both truly inspire me to be readied for the season that so quickly follows Advent. I made a little clip of both concerts; the Gospel Christmas will give you a taste for "Gospel - Angels We Have Heard" and "Gospel - Go Tell it on the Mountain." Went to that concert last Friday nite (the 5th). Then last Saturday over to Concordia for the Christmas Chorale - it was marvelous. I videoed 2 verses of the recessional song, "O Come, All Ye Faithful" - because the 2nd verse has my favorite - the David Willocks arrangement on 'sing choirs of angels'. Though you can't hear me or see me, my eyes are filled with tears even before they get to 'sing all ye citizens of heaven above.' Every year I think I'll make it through ... every year I don't.
I tried to make a Video of the songs ... the Gospel Christmas is really grainy, but sounds OK:
A few other things. Advent is upon us; the first week we had our Advent path started ...
each family was asked to bring a 12x12 (nothing to do with today's date) piece of blue cloth that is being sewn together as an aisle runner; on Christmas Eve it will drape over the manger, as we all make the journey to Bethlehem. I thought I had a picture, but can't find it.
Got the lights up on the house last Saturday as well. Have a few more pieces to add (Nativity, especially) and that will probably do it for this year's outdoor lites.
Karina even added my old sled to the front entryway display!
As I read the rest of the family blogs for the holidays I can only comment - we're all too busy! We need to take time to relax, repent, and recommit our lives to Bethlehem's baby.
Oh - one more thing - - - about two weeks ago while driving to the office on a Saturday afternoon, this storm front moved right in front of me! The black sky was there, and the white mass was just churning and "lifting" the darkness out of the way - moving from right to left! It was amazing. Unfortunately I was driving and could only capture it through the windshield. Is this technically a "Squall"? It sure was dramatic. I wish I'd had the video going.
how cool is that!!!
Oh, by the way - for all the family who has kids, if you don't know of this sight, it looks like a promising sight - for Christmas, holidays, raining days, flu days ... you get my drift -
That's about it from rainy Portland, and your fam' on the left coast.
We love ya.
Karina and Dan
Your exterior lighting looks 'inviting' and 'peaceful'. Ours exudes an aura of 'aluminum tree'.
ReplyDeleteWe were in Jesup on 12/12/12 and talked about it's significance in this family and how often it happens. Then a bit of remembrance on 12/13...as that was Skinny's b'day....many times celebrated together at our home.
I enjoyed your videos too, but the buffering was slow on our end - for some reason. But...I persevered. In the Gospel concert the lighted images on the side walls was cool. How'd dey do dat?
2nd verse of O Come/choking up/tears --- remembering dear citizens in heaven. The list grows longer each year!
Nice blog background too. Post more about the blue patch of fabric - will ya?
We are getting rain! What? This is not Portland! Ice pellets possible for tonight. We need some snow...and we need it soon. Please Lord!
Blessed Advent III from the heartland
blessed Advent III to you also ...
ReplyDeleteby the way in the Concert Videos (sorry for the buffering) the gentleman in front of me in the burgundy jacket is Denny Bohren - formerly from 1st Luth in Spencer. He remembers you guys and mom. He just retired and went 1/2 time at Ascension in Greshem (where Oscar M. was). By the way Glodene is doing OK - our school administrator saw her about a month ago. Seems like you can't mention one name without remembering a whole bunch more!
d.