Author Archives: MzEllen

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Three years ago I wrote about "Ancient History" and Mother's Day.

Last week, a well known man (Ernie Harwell) died of the same cancer that killed my husband - a rare and aggressive sort that the oncologist called "pancreatic cancer's evil cousin."

This Mother's Day I'm going to a great brunch with my husband's sisters and my son and daughter.  Yesterday we had a "board game" time with the young man who may very well become my son-in-law.

Time goes on.  Moving on with life brings healing.

I learn that there is an urgency to the Gospel.

In the words of Harwell,

"And also, I think that when I heard the news, that I had this cancer, that I had a feeling of security and serenity ... but I had a feeling of acceptance because of my belief in Jesus and the Lord."

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From "Puritan Paperbacks"

I've been working through a study on the Lord's Supper - leaving one church, looking for another - I find kinship in those congregations with a rich liturgy, could find a place in a Lutheran church (LCMS), but I cannot and will not be in a church with closed communion.

What does the "Lord's Supper" mean and what is it supposed to represent?

I've just finished reading the "Epistle to the Reader" (the message in the beginning of the book from Watson).

When I contemplate the holiness and solemnity of the blessed sacrament, I cannot but have some ache upon my spirit, and think myself bound to hold this mystery in the highest veneration.  The elements of bread and wine are in themselves common but, under these symbolical representations, lie hid divine excellencies.  Behold here the best of dainties, God is in his cheer.  Here is the apple of the Tree of Life; here is the "banqueting house" where the banner of free grace is gloriously displayed, "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me is love" (Song of Sol. 2:4)

Watson strove for the "correct middle" - between two extremes that he thought should be avoided - transubstantiation (which he believed was contrary to reason and Scripture and that - he thought - profaned Christ's institution of the supper; and mere symbolism, which aimed short of the mystery and fell short of the comfort.

According to the forward, Watson built on the teachings of Calvin, who believed that this sacrament was a means of grace, through faith - in which Christ works effectually within the believer.

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Evolution and the Problem of Evil

One question that human beings come face to face with time and time again, as they face the trials and struggles of life on this earth is the question of evil.  Why would God – an all good, all powerful, and all knowing creator – allow evil and suffering to haunt His creation?

As we travel life’s road, we work hard – sometimes too hard – to feed ourselves.  In our families and communities, we see illness and accidents take the health and lives of those we love.  Sometimes violence affects us in terrible ways, whether that violence is inflicted by chance, or by the intention of others.

Why?  Why does life seem so hard?  Why does death come too soon?

Through all of these challenges, throughout history, people have turned to a being (or beings) larger than themselves for the answers.

...continue reading →

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When traveling

I have a couple of kits that I call redundancies - I can just throw the kits in the car or luggage and go without having to worry about whether or not I forget some essential "stuff".  There's stuff I have to pack, but this list cuts down on packing anxiety.  I have way more hair picks and can openers than any human being can use because I've had to stop and buy one.  I haven't checked these kits this spring and had to go buy toothpaste in Marquette...

Electric Stuff:

  • power strip
  • camera charger (this is the one thing I have to move, so I'm picking up another one
  • cell phone charger
  • computer power cord
  • iPod charger and sync cord

The power cord is an essential so that I don't have to pull out tables and things in a hotel room and use lots of outlets.  I've left a cell phone charger in a room so I plug in one power strip and use that for all of my "pluggables."  When it's time to leave, I grab the power strip and if I have everything attached to it, I have all my cords.

Kitchen Drawer:

This is more for long distance driving and camping.

  • paring knife
  • plate, bowl, cup, flatware
  • can opener
  • a few herbs and seasonings (include salt and pepper)
  • foil packets of tuna or salmon
  • foil packets of mayo, lemon juice, relish and mustard
  • EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
  • coffee "pod" singles
  • artificial sweetener packets
  • single serving packets of almonds, cashews, walnuts

Bathroom stuff:

travels size:

  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • body soap
  • body lotion
  • contact solution
  • advil
  • toothpaste
  • toothbrush

Other stuff:

  • nasal rinse bottle and packets
  • contact case
  • extra pair of contacts
  • razor
  • deodorant
  • emery board
  • face moisture
  • lip balm
  • hair clippies and ponytailers
  • pick or comb