What is Test For Echo?

In the Canadian Arctic there are sign posts of a sort, inukshuit, or inukshuk (singular), used to point the way, indicate a particular location, or align the viewer to a certain important landmark or destination. Used here it is the idea that we are all looking for answers and wisdom. Not just the obvious ones, who am I and why am I here? But the less obvious and very personal ones that only you can ask. Test For Echo expresses that searching, asking, discussing, and, hopefully, finding. Test for echo means to call out to the wilderness and listen for what comes back. Does anyone have the answers? I don't know. This is the place to explore that particular question. Welcome to Test For Echo.

Latest Updates

 Well, what an eventful year. Not much happened throughout the year.....until September. Ben got married (Emily). The November hit: Papa broke his leg (hip), requiring surgery and admission to a rehab facility (thankfully a really nice one). December followed and I got a stomach virus for two weeks, causing me to miss playing in our church Christmas cantata, Ange got a sinus infection, and Pap for Covid. Had to reschedule Maynard Christmas for two weeks before Alex leaves again for Sweden in early January. I guess the good news is Alex has completed his college application to attend in Sweden. Fingers crossed.

Oh, and after successfully selling our church building wile looking to relocate, we are meeting at an elementary school gym/auditorium. My trailer gets to carry all the AV equipment until the church finds a suitable trailer.

I'm not worried, though, as I'm feeling better, I know Ange will, we'll have family Christmas the end of December, which Papa will be able to be at, and Papa is expected to make a full recovery!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, y'all!

Totalled Car, DoorDash, and FNL

 Last December Alex had the misfortune of being in a car accident. He's perfectly fine. The car, though, due to its age and value, was totaled by insurance. We opted to salvage it and get it repaired. It's in pretty great shape now. Actually better, as the hood was re-painted...fixing all the miniature rust spots on it! Alex is back in the saddle, and has been delivering for DoorDash. Beyond getting paid, he says it lets him practice driving. What a trooper! And, even though the accident was his fault, it's a really stupid intersection, dark, and heavy traffic. We didn't get mad, but were just relieved he was OK. That's why we have insurance. Oddly enough, our insurance carrier couldn't get a response from the other driver, so he didn't get compensated. Weird.

Things are still going well with Marvin, he his enjoying "The Cave." The dog still loves him and vice-versa. And he still mows my lawn...at nearly 89.

Wedding is just around the corner, so close! But, before, massive exterior work getting done on our house. $$$....can't take it with you, might retire here after all!

 It's been a few months since the wedding announcement. What's happening now? Well, my father in law has moved in with us (that's a VERY good thing), Alex is on his 4th trip to Sweden, hoping to be there 6 months, we're still planning an wedding, and now e're trying to sell Ange's childhood home. Oh, did I mention planning my dad's memorial service, of which I am presiding? It's been rescheduling several times due to weather....we're planning on having it come Hell or high water on 7/18/23. That being said, everyone seems to be happy. Ben works long hours, which I'm sure is stressful for he and Emily, but it won't be forever...Ange and I have been there.

Maybe more later, it's late. Goodnight!

 WEDDING!!

Ben and Emily have announced (to us, at least) their plans for a September 29, 2024 wedding. Folks, we are absolutely beside ourselves! These two have been in love since 7th grade, though they only realized it at their high school graduation. Venue has been selected and plans are underway.

I have to say, there have been many very important events in our lives. This is WAY up there.

Congratulations Ben and Emily, we love you!

There's No Title

 Do you read the news? I’m so done with whatever agenda is driving their sales, thereby steering their viewers in our society. I’m sure it's cyclic, "Say, Claudius, did you see the sign hanging in Rufus' shop? Once Titus sees it there'll be a fight in the Senate to change sign laws, I’m telling you."

Frivolous lawsuits, laws to challenge the law-abiding citizens in an attempt to wrangle in the criminals, this person is offended by the color of that person's coat, cats and dogs living together. 

I think of myself as a conservative liberal. I’m sure I just offended someone. 

What is bothering me is how I’m being instructed, even legislated, to behave so as not to hurt someone else's feelings. 

Here's my shock to you: I make an effort, while imperfect, to think and behave in a way that reflects my religious faith. The thinking is the challenge. In a nutshell, I try to treat everyone with respect and acceptance. The shock is that I just might disagree with you. Oh my gosh! Can you handle that?

Problem is, I’m being told what I should think and say by others. Not like a pastor telling a Christian how to think and behave (Oh, my friend, what's the difference in that and a PAC? Honestly, if you don't know, I’m not going to try to explain it. How very un-Christian of me. No, that's another, much longer conversation), but more like a pot telling a flame it's too hot. Sorry if I've left you here. 

I once told a young family member that they need to manage their house in a way that's best for their wife/husband and kids. Extended relatives' needs and opinions don't count. That doesn't mean don't love and respect one another, but, you have to make crucial decisions for your family, not for someone else's (psst...that's their job). 

Wait, doesn't that contradict wanting to help, and accept, others?

NO! Guess what? THEY get to live their lives, too! Without YOUR opinion! AMAZING!

Can't we all just be friends...without suing each other? Or making laws that dictate morality? Or language? Or dress style?

Am I the only one tired?

If you don't like my view, stop reading my blog. Easy!

 Attending Mission Coordinator Training with the NCCUMC! Looking forward to where this takes me for God's work!