This and That

On September 17, we'll have lived in this house in Orlando for 12 years - quite a bit longer than we've lived anywhere else. This certainly feels like home to the kids, who were 5 and 3 when we moved in.

The Timber Creek Regiment keeps marching on. They've performed at 4 football games now, adding new bits each time (shots above are from practice, in "half dress" - the overalls that go under the jacket). They should have the whole show done in about 3 more weeks. It's really a sight to behold. Well, I think it is - I've been on the field taking pictures every time and not getting to just watch. But that's what comes of being the Historian. Eric and Katie are both doing quite well and having a great time.

We're still talking and praying about our Katrina response. CCC is sending weekend teams to Mississippi, but of course our weekends are quite taken up with the band. It is heartening to see the Southern Baptists, among others, coming through with a big and fast response.

We'd love to hear if the Lord has given you some great response ideas - just leave a comment on this post right here.

We've been talking about a big family vacation this winter, perhaps the last one before Katie goes off to college. Looks like we'll try to head to San Francisco to celebrate Christmas with my family, then the whole bunch of us will head up somewhere to find some snow (my kids have hardly ever been in the snow). Should be lots of fun with the cousins.

Katrina - The Opportunity of a Lifetime

I have nothing to offer in the way of analysis or explanation in the face of an overwhelming tragedy such as Katrina and its aftermath. You can get all the analysis you want online or in print.

All I have to say is this: God has a plan for everything, and I trust and pray that part of His plan is an unprecedented outpouring of help, comfort and compassion by GOD’S PEOPLE. We don’t know why these things happen, or who’s to blame for the delayed response. But we CAN be part of the solution.

We have already made a contribution to the Salvation Army. Our family is going to spend part of Saturday at a local YMCA helping process donations of clothing, food and supplies to be sent to victims.

But there is much more to be done. Maybe this is the time when some of us will do more than give some money. Maybe we will go, as Pat did to NYC shortly after 9/11. Maybe we will house a displaced family (a pretty radical idea when you think of all the potential complications). Maybe we will give a significant, sacrificial financial gift, resulting in us actually going without something or delaying our own gratification.

Think about it. Hundreds of thousands are homeless and jobless, with no relief in sight. The government can only do so much. Those of us who follow Christ, who claim to have had our lives and values radically changed by God, can and should go above and beyond the call of duty. We can reach out in ways we’ve never done; we can dream up solutions no one has ever dreamed up. With God’s help, we can make history.

Imagine years from now, when people remember Katrina, and even more than the images of death, destruction, and sorrow, they will recall that this was the moment that the Christians really responded and demonstrated God’s love.

That’s my dream and my prayer. May the Lord grant us strength and wisdom to see it become reality.