Wednesday, 8/29/07

• Miles had a great first and second day of fifth grade. Our major concerns were obviously his health, but also his attitude and his connecting with a boy who can be a friend. The good news is that in every way his first two days went very well. Today, unfortunately, gastroparesis is causing him severe discomfort and he is at home. We hope maybe he can get in for the afternoon.

• Meanwhile ElenaClaire has begun at Kingwood College and is enjoying that a great del. Especially the scuba diving course. Her big task is now to secure a job as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.

• Brad Bergfalk is getting a lot of positive feedback for some writing he's done on pastoral service and transitions. This is great stuff Brad. Worth reading are his posts on

What a pastor needs in a congregation

The Exit Interview

Open Letter to Churches seeking a pastor

Myth of the Pastor Call Process 1 and 2

Reasons the pastoral call process is broken

Strategy for a Meaningful and Effective Pastoral Call Process


• This is a ticket to a dance held in 1922. It was in a book that belonged to my great grandmother. Note the phrase in the bottom right corner. Either the phrase has changed in meaning, or she was quite the party girl!

Miles and Rick's Excellent Adventure

Miles Update

Yesterday Miles went to see the GI doctor. A decision was made to change the medication Miles is prescribed to deal with his gastroparesis (chronic partial paralysis of the muscles that contract to empty the stomach, causing cramping, stomach pain and nausea - a slow emptying of the stomach).

It's more than a little unnerving when a physician tells you that there are extremely few therapeutic alternatives left - or in simpler terms, we got no more ideas after this.

Last night Miles had very severe stomach pain in the hour or two after dinner.

This boy needs prayer and a miracle.

SMILES FOR MILES

We are moving into the time of year when we raise funds to find a cure for diabetes. September 14 will be the date of "Smiles for Miles", a fun evening of food, music and entertainment. These Guys Here , the kids from Centre Stage Theatre, possibly a stand up comic and some magicians will be performing - as well as a one-night-only Beatles Tribute band called "Sgt. Miles' Find the Cure Club Band". It's made up of a bunch of friends from church, but the artwork, as you can see, was all a family affair.