Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

We have so many things to be grateful for -- even when many things in our lives are a struggle (or just plain stink) -- so today, I am thanking God for my kids, my family, my friends, running water, a warm shower, the sunny day, my laptop computer, a roof over my head, mini-wheats for breakfast, and running shoes. A TV to watch football, and a guitar and voice to sing songs. A phone call from my sister, an instant message from some friends, and most of all, the gift of God's love, the ultimate blessing in my life.

I read an on-line encouragement about the 10th leper -- "weren't all ten healed?", Jesus asked. Yet only one came to give thanks and adore our Lord.

Today (and tomorrow for good measure and maybe more) I am not gonna criticize, nor complain, nor compare. I am just going to give thanks.

Fall retreat just concluded. I didn't write a theme song, but i DID write the theme "jingle" about this new product called "SWAMP". It cures the sick, grows your hair, and, well, lots of other stuff! I shall attempt to get more photos up later, but for now, here is a pic of me, bridge and stacey tay with our morning espresso run.

Amendment 2 passed. It's sunny out today, but it's a dark day. We have sentenced 1000's of people to death, and you can't do a damn thing about it.

Amendment 2 wasn't won at the polls. It was won the day the wording was approved for the ballot. The wording in it says that cloning is banned (yay!). But it says it approves "somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)"

Huh?

When I look that up...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somatic_cell_nuclear_transfer

"In genetics and developmental biology, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a technique for creating an ovum with a donor nucleus ... it can be used in embryonic stem cell research, or in regenerative medicine where it is sometimes referred to "therapeutic cloning." It can also be used as the first step in the process of "reproductive cloning."

So yesterday was a victory for liars and deceivers. Congratulations.

I and many others prayed that this would not pass. And I have met many people of good will who supported it anyway. I know a college sophomore who is so mad at the Church, she is ready to turn her back on her faith. But I can't help but believe that she was deceived like so many others.

Somewhere, Satan is laughing.

But only for a short time. He will receive his come-uppance soon enough. In the mean time, we grieve and move on.

Paula had a concert today, Illinois lost another football game and recruit, but mostly just wanted to say hello.