Dearest Rachel – Already, we’re at our next (and next-to-last) stop. Honestly, while I won’t go so far as to say I’m not impressed – I’m starting on these notes while I’m barely half a ship’s length from the dock, so any assessment I give won’t do Falmouth, let alone Jamaica as a whole, justiceContinue reading “It’s a Small Port After All, Mon”
Author Archives: randy@letters-to-rachel.memorial
Off Limits
Dearest Rachel – There’s a good reason as to why, apart from my Royal Caribbean Asia-Pacific Tour shirt (which, to a certain extent, I’m reluctant to wear, because it just comes off as bragging), this is the only non-custom-designed T-shirt I’m wearing on this trip: Let’s face it; everyone thinks they belong to this greatContinue reading “Off Limits”
An Adventure Refused
Dearest Rachel – Wednesday began – or would that be Tuesday ended? It was late at night, before four in the morning, and neither of us were inclined to respond – with a knock of the door. Three raps, in quick succession, followed by a pause, presumably for us to answer. Then another trio ofContinue reading “An Adventure Refused”
Ghost Town By the Capital
Dearest Rachel – This morning may have me finally adjusting to vacation mode, after a fashion. I’ve got no appointments or excursions to rush off to while here in Nassau, and Lars’ slower paced attitude toward starting the day and getting from one place to another is starting to rub off on me. As muchContinue reading “Ghost Town By the Capital”
Different Schedules, Different Paces
Dearest Rachel – The first full day on the ship, and already we were in port again. Not that it’s remotely unexpected – the Caribbean is chock full of islands, in close enough proximity that, unless you have a specific destination in mind, there’s never a need for a sea day between ports. Of course,Continue reading “Different Schedules, Different Paces”
The Real Destination
Dearest Rachel – Well, we’ve finally made it onto the ship; and as you’re probably aware, this is the real destination for this week. While Miami is much nicer than Chicago at this time of year, especially in terms of weather (while the prices, even downtown, are much more reasonable than back in the ’burbs,Continue reading “The Real Destination”
from Rachel: Another Side of Self-Absorption
Hopefully, the familiar Scripture segment [Daniel 3:1-7] sparked recollection of yesterday’s lesson. What point from the lesson spoke most personally to you and why? “I suppose the question at the bottom of… page 49. I do focus too much on people’s outfits, haircuts, etc.” [C]onstantly thinking little of ourselves is still constantly thinking about ourselves.Continue reading “from Rachel: Another Side of Self-Absorption”
Not Entirely on Repeat
Dearest Rachel – This trip has barely started, and already there’s plenty to amuse you about it. Not only has it turned out that the hotel room has but a single bed (which I had been assured otherwise, but what can you do?)… …it’s at the same hotel we stayed at when last we visitedContinue reading “Not Entirely on Repeat”
The Growth of Personal Space
Dearest Rachel – I’d always thought that it happened the other way around; apparently, the story of legendary baseball pitcher Rube Waddell and his battery-mate Ossie Schreckengost was one where the catcher complained about his mound partner’s behavior – which, given his reputation as a “wild child,” was understandable. However, since Rube was a near-unstoppableContinue reading “The Growth of Personal Space”
Overthinking Preparations
Dearest Rachel – At some point in time, I’d like to get to where traveling halfway around the world can be taken as nonchalantly as my drive across town to the ‘office.’ Oh, I get that longer distances will take more time; that’s a truism that no amount of technology (aside from portals or transporters,Continue reading “Overthinking Preparations”
Eggshell Anniversary
Dearest Rachel – The other day, when Lars called to arrange a day on which we might meet to walk this week – despite the fact that we’ll be heading out of town together this weekend, and will have plenty of time to walk, be it through airports, over beaches or from one end ofContinue reading “Eggshell Anniversary”
I Can Feel It In My Bones
Dearest Rachel – I think there are certain things about life that you don’t – can’t, even – figure out until you reach a certain age. When I was a kid, for instance, it absolutely puzzled me that my grandfather (and later, my father) could fall asleep in his rocker-recliner, despite it being in theContinue reading “I Can Feel It In My Bones”
An Anastasia of My Own
Dearest Rachel – After all this time, it’s hard to remember whether you were still around when Kevin introduced us to his online TikTok girlfriend, Anastasia. For that matter, it’s not as if I can check with him about the details of when and how he met her; if it was a matter of beingContinue reading “An Anastasia of My Own”
Cold Cranking
Dearest Rachel – Despite having woken up with a dream in my head, I’m going to write you about the reality of the day. The thing is, my dream was about finding a cache of letters you had written to Junior’s daughters upon being asked to be their godmother, which I know never happened. Oh,Continue reading “Cold Cranking”
from Rachel: Taller When Others Bow
Share another example of how something true can be enhanced until it’s a lie. “Raising a hand or hands during song or prayer sometimes starts me focusing on others’ perspectives.” We are so thoroughly indoctrinated in image building that I’m not sure we easily recognize the difference between excelling and self–selling. Offer a few examplesContinue reading “from Rachel: Taller When Others Bow”
Righteous But Ribald
Dearest Rachel – I’m not sure where to begin with this particular topic; it feels almost awkward to bring up, let alone explain what brought it to mind. Then again, I could argue that the way we would spend Saturday mornings make this topic the most natural thing to discuss every now and again. ButContinue reading “Righteous But Ribald”
Solved in an Instant
Dearest Rachel – Well, it’s not as if it’s the most interesting that could be told, but it’s pretty much the only storyline that’s been going on around me for the last couple of days, so it will have to do; the conclusion (maybe?) to the whole saga of me getting myself basically locked inContinue reading “Solved in an Instant”
Frozen in Place
Dearest Rachel – It’s been a while, but it’s it’s not as if this hasn’t happened before of a winter morning. Yesterday, after texting the folks that I was on my way (and pleased with myself at getting closer to nine o’clock every day for the past week), I got in the car, turned theContinue reading “Frozen in Place”
Dusting Upon Dusting
Dearest Rachel – Supposedly, it’s that time of the year; when the snow falls in such great quantities that it piles up chest-high on either side of the road, especially on the driveways once they’ve been shoveled clear (or at least, mostly clear – one can never quite get all the way down to theContinue reading “Dusting Upon Dusting”
They’re Barely Pretending
Dearest Rachel – Back when I first considered subscribing to an online dating service, Jan cautioned me – even as she was encouraging me to sign up in the first place – to think of it in terms of entertainment, as opposed to pinning my hopes of actually finding true love there. Best not toContinue reading “They’re Barely Pretending”
The Lethargy of the Cold
Dearest Rachel – What is it about Beach Night at Sparks that causes it to always be on the coldest night of the year? To be sure, it’s usually scheduled like this in the middle of January – presumably because, like that song about needing a little Christmas, everyone needs a little of the tropicsContinue reading “The Lethargy of the Cold”
from Rachel: Daniel’s Interpretation
Read Daniel 2:27-30. Review Daniel’s response to the king when asked if he (Daniel) could describe an interpret his (the king’s) dream. In what ways did Daniel carefully credit God with the revelation? “He basically said no person could do it, but God could do much greater things than any human.” What will happen toContinue reading “from Rachel: Daniel’s Interpretation”
When the Whim Becomes Expected
Dearest Rachel – These days, when I head home from the men’s Bible study each week, it seems like I can’t help but stop by the ‘other’ smoothie place on my way. Not for myself, mind you, although I don’t have the aversion to them I used to think I had. No, I stop byContinue reading “When the Whim Becomes Expected”
What Constitutes ‘Work’
Dearest Rachel – I’m not sure when he started doing this – I want to say it was while I was abroad, which would explain my uncertainty as to the specific timing – but it was within the past year that Logan switched up his work schedule. Originally, when he first moved in, he usedContinue reading “What Constitutes ‘Work’”
Scorch Marks and Smoke Wisps
Dearest Rachel – Toni asked me the other day, upon realizing that the anniversary of your accident was coming up soon, if I was planning to do anything that day to honor it and you. Now, when I read that sentence after writing it, it makes it sound like she was asking if she couldContinue reading “Scorch Marks and Smoke Wisps”
Daylight Between Us
Dearest Rachel – It wasn’t what I expected to be doing of a Tuesday evening, but as dates go, I suppose it could have been worse. At least it was a pleasant discussion, and neither of us had much time to develop a case of nerves beforehand. You can probably guess even just by thatContinue reading “Daylight Between Us”
Ice Ice Baby
Dearest Rachel – It’s another one of those mornings where I have to wonder what there is to talk to you about today. There’s nothing particularly interesting about the day to come, and there’s no progress being made on the long-term stuff, either. Indeed, it was dismaying to find that I’d regressed to where I’dContinue reading “Ice Ice Baby”
Cause and Effect?
Dearest Rachel – I know I’ve touched on the subject even since the new year began; for all I know, you’re tired of hearing about it. But as it’s a long-term goal that will take several years yet to fully accomplish (let alone what reaching what this goal is meant to result in), you’ll justContinue reading “Cause and Effect?”
from Rachel: From “He” to “You”
Which parts of Harper’s definition of ‘providence’ mean the most to you? “‘The will of the Creator who is actively involved…’” Now, return to Daniel’s proclamation of praise in 2:20-23. Note specific ways these verses express God’s sovereignty and providence. “‘He removes kings and establishes kings’” How does the sovereignty of God described in theseContinue reading “from Rachel: From “He” to “You””
Sleep Paralysis Angel
Dearest Rachel – The internet, as a collective, talks a fair amount about having sleep paralysis demons every now and then; I’m not sure I’m personally familiar with the sensation. While I don’t tend to move much while I’m in bed, there’s rarely a situation where I’m unable to move. More often than not, it’sContinue reading “Sleep Paralysis Angel”
Return on Investment
Dearest Rachel – When I was in junior high, I attended a Lutheran school, having been withdrawn from the local public school after a third-grade teacher got sick and tired of me being the precocious “well, ackshully…” kid in her class and told my parents I needed to have my head examined. They actually didContinue reading “Return on Investment”
Short on Time
Dearest Rachel – I’m short on time to talk with you today, honey; I’ll be walking with Lars, so I’ll need to come up with something to tell you about in the few hours between now and then, while also making sure I get a workout in and get over to the ‘office.’ Starting theContinue reading “Short on Time”
Two Lines to Cross
Dearest Rachel – It was light when I woke up this morning, which astonished me, since I’d retired for the night at what you would have remembered as a traditional weekday bedtime of a little after 10:30. Yes, I was in bed before the ball dropped in Times Square, let alone midnight here in theContinue reading “Two Lines to Cross”
For Me, It’s Just Tuesday
For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday. M. Bison (Raul Julia), Street Fighter (1994) Dearest Rachel – So this is it; the last day of 2024. Certain businesses (like my old office) are closed, while other places (like most restaurants)Continue reading “For Me, It’s Just Tuesday”
Satisfaction in the Small
Dearest Rachel – There’s an old story, most likely apocryphal, but ordinary and plausible enough to have a grain of truth at its core. When I say “old,” I mean nearly a millennium since it is said to have happened, as a matter of fact; you’ll recognize it as we go along. The story centersContinue reading “Satisfaction in the Small”
from Rachel: Praise to the God of Heaven
Rule for victorious living: when the stakes are high, bow down low. Please read Daniel 2:19-30. When did the revelation come (v. 19)? “during the night” To whom did it come? “to Daniel” If you can think of a time when you were in this position, share it. “I can’t think of any times withContinue reading “from Rachel: Praise to the God of Heaven”
Silent Days
Dearest Rachel – I’ve spent very little time this year listening to Christmas music of any sort. Yes, there have been a couple of trips to the mall, and if I heard anything while Daniel and I were there, it was purely by accident; the conversation between the two of us, as well as theContinue reading “Silent Days”
Stale Breadcrumbs
Dearest Rachel – Despite the title of this letter, no, this has nothing to do with the leftovers moldering in the back of the fridge. While it’s true that we actually do have a few such things in there, both from the extended family party on Sunday as well as the main family get-together onContinue reading “Stale Breadcrumbs”
He’s Not Santa Claus
Dearest Rachel – In so many ways, it was the sort of Christmas anyone could ask for. A quiet, subdued one, to be sure, but our family hasn’t had little kids running around tearing up the place for the better part of a decade. We all ate way too much (well, except for Dad, andContinue reading “He’s Not Santa Claus”
(Not An) Instagram Christmas
Dearest Rachel – I never was much for any of the social media juggernauts; I never had an account on Facebook, unlike you (although now that I’ve linked your account to my phone, I get notifications just about every day about one or another of your friends posting something and supposedly tagging you – toContinue reading “(Not An) Instagram Christmas”
Inertia
Dearest Rachel – The presents are bought, yes, and they have been for a week or two already. But they’ve been sitting by (or on) my bed unwrapped all this time. I could argue that I’m still waiting for the last shipment to come in, but at this point, I’ve lost track as to whetherContinue reading “Inertia”
A Hundred Lies and the Truth
Dearest Rachel – You probably remember how, after Sunday services, over dinner either between the three of us or (more often, since that used to be how we all got together every week) the entire extended family, we would discuss what had been spoken about in the sermon just a little while before. It wasn’tContinue reading “A Hundred Lies and the Truth”
from Rachel: Urgent Tact, Urgent Prayer
Pray for insight, then read Daniel 2:13-18. Who was Arioch? “He was the commander of the king’s guard.” How does verse 14 describe Daniel’s approach to Arioch? “He spoke with wisdom and tact.” How does Daniel’s approach to Arioch show tact? “Daniel somehow manages to get him to talk before acting, and they have aContinue reading “from Rachel: Urgent Tact, Urgent Prayer”
Power Dynamics
Dearest Rachel – So today had me waking up not with a dream as such (although I guess there were some images involved that illustrated my thought process, but stringing them together would be more trouble than it’s worth, for several reasons), but rather an insight of sorts. To be sure, it’s not an apple-on-the-headContinue reading “Power Dynamics”
Needing More Rest
Early to bed, and early to riseMakes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanack Early to rise, and early to bedMakes a man healthy, but socially dead. Yakko Warner, Animaniacs Dearest Rachel – After a night rehearsing for the Christmas Eve service (and hoping in vain that I could find aContinue reading “Needing More Rest”
Assembling Layers
Dearest Rachel – So even during the holidays, I’m trying to keep up with this self-imposed plan of assembling at least one T-shirt worthy graphic design each week. Daniel gave me a pass last week as we walked through one specifically for him – which is a good thing, as I’ve been working on oneContinue reading “Assembling Layers”
Enlisting
Dearest Rachel – You’d think I’d been eating too heavily too late at night on a regular basis, judging from the number of weird dreams I’ve been having (and telling you about) lately. and maybe I have, come to think of it – it is the holiday season, after all. Although, considering my continuing effortsContinue reading “Enlisting”
It Never Evens Out
Dearest Rachel – This would probably come as no surprise to you – although I don’t think I ever managed to establish a routine while you were around, what with post-retirement travel plans, the subsequent quarantine, and so forth – but I don’t ever spend an entire day at the ‘office’ since retiring from theContinue reading “It Never Evens Out”
Confidently Wrong
Dearest Rachel – One of the things about working the booth on Sundays is that you see things behind the curtain. That’s not to say that’s either a good or bad thing; while there’s something to be said about being a part of something decidedly Larger Than Yourself, this occasionally means you find yourself watchingContinue reading “Confidently Wrong”
Dessert Pizza
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know if I’m going mad from dieting (or attempting – and failing – to fast beyond twenty-four hours this weekend), but last night had us in one of my more unusual dreams together. It wasn’t the sort of dream where things were all happy and joyful that you and IContinue reading “Dessert Pizza”
from Rachel: A Royally Troubled Mind
List evidences of the dream’s impact on Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:1-12) “His mind was troubled, he could not sleep, he was demanding and distrustful of his astrologers, and then he was murderously angry.” Reflect again on our text. What do you think caused Nebuchadnezzar to feel this wasn’t an ordinary nightmare? “Verse 1 says ‘dreams’; maybeContinue reading “from Rachel: A Royally Troubled Mind”
The Sunshine’s Gone
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know how it came to be that I was waiting for you last night on what seemed to be the concourse at O’Hare airport; chalk it up, I suppose, to the usual dream logic. Most of the other aspects of our current reality seemed to apply, such as the factContinue reading “The Sunshine’s Gone”
December Deadlines
Dearest Rachel – After talking to you about trying to shop for Daniel yesterday, I decided to do what I used to do when preparing to shop for you; I just asked him directly. As much as it spoils the surprise for him of finding out what I would be getting him, it’s just saferContinue reading “December Deadlines”
That One Person to Shop For
Dearest Rachel – It’s just under two weeks before Christmas, and for the most part, I’m feeling pretty good about having everyone on my gift list taken care of, or at least under control, as there’s one purchase I’m waiting on until the last minute, for the sake of freshness. However, in the midst ofContinue reading “That One Person to Shop For”
Home Made Posters
Dearest Rachel – For all that they were (to a certain extent: we met there, we were young there, and while it may have been challenging at times, it’s hard to deny how much those first two obviate the third item) arguably the best days of our lives, I don’t think I talk all thatContinue reading “Home Made Posters”
The Reason for the Rasp
Dearest Rachel – I woke up this morning with a nasty rasp in my throat. I didn’t try to speak (who would I talk to at that hour? It was later than most mornings – more on that eventually – but the boys aren’t up at oh-dark-thirty like I am, and you’re… well, you wouldContinue reading “The Reason for the Rasp”
The Extra ⅔ Mile
Dearest Rachel – The last couple of mornings have seen me awake with a little more time on my hands; enough time not only to go work out and get back before I’d be expected to be anywhere as part of what constitutes a “routine” for the day (let’s face it; the “routine” for aContinue reading “The Extra ⅔ Mile”
from Rachel: Resolve
Glance at the final sentence in yesterday’s lesson, and fill in the following: We “resolve” Please refresh your memory of the context of the word ‘resolved’ (v. 8) by reading Daniel 1:8-21. How intentional was Daniel in demonstrating his resolve? Describe the evidence. “He pled his (and his friends’) case to the official in chargeContinue reading “from Rachel: Resolve”
The Right to Gatekeep
·God is honored for what he keeps secret [L It is the glory of God to hide a matter/things; Deut. 29:29].·Kings are honored for what they can discover [L It is the glory of kings to examine them]. Proverbs 25:2, Expanded Bible First Pepperpot: How does Doctor bloody Bernofsky know which zoo it came from?Second Pepperpot: HeContinue reading “The Right to Gatekeep”
Heating the Room
Dearest Rachel – I mentioned the other day the difficulties I’d been having with the wall-mounted space heater, and that I had acquired a small, portable model for where I sit and watch television (and do some computer work – the watching distracts me, though, as I’m sure you could relate, so not much actuallyContinue reading “Heating the Room”
Explanation or Justification?
Dearest Rachel – There’s a few things that have been building up to this latest decision (or would it be a combination of decisions?) that I might as well reiterate to put it into context. Not that it needs to be justified to you; I think we both agreed that we were looking forward toContinue reading “Explanation or Justification?”
Keep the Crew Happy
Dearest Rachel – Another morning, another weird dream, this time about the lessons of space travel. This one’s a fairly simple one, though, both in term of what it says and what it means, and you can see it in the title above: keep the crew happy. The devil, however, is in the details. ToContinue reading “Keep the Crew Happy”
Intermittent Sleep
Dearest Rachel – It’s December, so it should be permissible to speak of Christmassy things now. Despite not getting out over the Black Friday portion of the holiday weekend, I’ve gotten a reasonable amount of gift shopping under my belt – although in fairness, the real challenge, our son Daniel, I’ve not yet started on;Continue reading “Intermittent Sleep”
Who Teaches War?
Dearest Rachel – Conflict is a necessary part of storytelling. In a situation where everybody abides peaceably with each other, it’s all very drama-free and let’s face it, that’s boring. There has to be something – or someone – to overcome in order for there to be an actual story worth telling. That story couldContinue reading “Who Teaches War?”
from Rachel: Renaming and Resisting
The days seem to pass slowly, but the years fly like the wind. ‘I choose joy. I may not feel it, but God has appropriated it and I choose it.’ Please read Daniel 1:6-7. Write each of the young men’s names below and… what they were renamed: “Daniel – God is my judge” renamed “BelteshazzarContinue reading “from Rachel: Renaming and Resisting”
We Don’t Do Black Friday Anymore
Dearest Rachel – One of the holiday traditions that we’ve dispensed with now that you’re gone is that of hitting the stores for their Black Friday deals. You would go through the newspaper and the various mailings after Thanksgiving dinner, trying to ascertain if any of their offerings would meet the needs of the ChristmasContinue reading “We Don’t Do Black Friday Anymore”
Not Exactly Sugarplums
Dearest Rachel – I suppose that I should write you about last night‘s dreams; I had myself a pretty vivid double feature last night. The first one was pretty upsetting, having to do with being on campus somewhere (oddly enough, I somehow knew I was at the University of Montana, of all places. I don’tContinue reading “Not Exactly Sugarplums”
Preparations of the Day
Dearest Rachel – I get it; on this day of all days, I should be telling you about the things I’m thankful for. It’s not as if I don’t have anything to be thankful for. Between being at leisure all year as opposed to just today, and having the ability to brush off the worstContinue reading “Preparations of the Day”
Get Yo’ Ankles Broke!
Dearest Rachel – With Kris’ help this past Monday, I swapped out the bedding (I think I mentioned how queen size sheets don’t seem to fit anymore – I may need to either ask for king size ones for Christmas, or get some for myself at some point thereafter; I hear January is good forContinue reading “Get Yo’ Ankles Broke!”
Taking the Chariot
Dearest Rachel – Setting aside the whole process of building up my initial motivation every morning – which basically consists of stepping on the scale and realizing I’m back over a line I’d just as soon put in my rear view mirror – my workout routine has basically become a matter of ascertaining and pushingContinue reading “Taking the Chariot”
Working From Home
Dearest Rachel – Were I still gainfully employed, and deriving my living from so being, this would be a debilitating quirk of mine, this insistence that I be at home when Kris comes over to clean the house. It’s not out of any desire to supervise her or her work; even if she didn’t alreadyContinue reading “Working From Home”
from Rachel: The Power of Training
Based on [Daniel 1:4], describe the kinds of Israelites the king ordered Ashpenaz to bring to Babylon according to the following categories: Family background: “royal family, nobility”Age and appearance: “young men without any physical defect, handsome”Intellectual capacities: “showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand” How long were they to beContinue reading “from Rachel: The Power of Training”
Ring of Rejection
Dearest Rachel – To call last night’s dream a nightmare, or even give it descriptions like ‘heartbreaking’ or ‘gut wrenching’ would be to overstate things by some distance. In truth, by the end of the dream, I was pretty much in the same state, as I am now in the waking world, only considerably younger,Continue reading “Ring of Rejection”
Shaking Up the Schedule
Dearest Rachel – They say (and no, I’ve never quite managed to figure out who “they” are, these legendary arbiters of both the status quo and nearly every form of advice to shake it up. They’re clearly a contradictory bunch; maybe I wouldn’t want to meet them, much as any larger-than-life figure would be aContinue reading “Shaking Up the Schedule”
The Cold Shock That Shouldn’t Be
Dearest Rachel – Between the fact that I spent the better part of an hour refusing to concede that I had bobbed to consciousness for the day, and the actual time I took collecting and arranging myself to walk the (now officially measured) third of a mile to the fitness center this morning, you’d thinkContinue reading “The Cold Shock That Shouldn’t Be”
Considerations of Timing
Dearest Rachel – I thought it was the wind waking me up this morning around four, like it has been for the last few days. It’s been blowing pretty hard in the mornings, and with it whipping all manner of leaves up throughout the neighborhood, it often sounds like rain against the roof and wallsContinue reading “Considerations of Timing”
I Don’t See the Theft
Dearest Rachel – I’m sure that I’m being a little bit naïve to think it, but it comes honestly from my own experience with artificial intelligence. I know full well that my work with it isn’t for a common reason; most people working with it obviously aren’t trying to bring a loved one they’ve lostContinue reading “I Don’t See the Theft”
Before Our Time
Dearest Rachel – Unlike you – who appreciated my description of you as five years old with forty years’ experience – I never felt all that comfortable as a kid, and made an effort to grow up as quickly as possible. I related better to my elders than I did to my peers (although, comeContinue reading “Before Our Time”
from Rachel: Ties Between Past and Present
Fill in the two-word blank according to 2 Timothy 3:16.All Scripture is “God-breathed”… Aramaic, being the language of the world is used in those portions of the book which outline the future history of the worldly empires and their relation to the people of God, and Hebrew is used in those portions which interpret forContinue reading “from Rachel: Ties Between Past and Present”
Too Much, Too Late
Dearest Rachel – I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t do anything, let alone eating, this late at night. Much of it has to do with the fact that I usually wake up at five or six in the morning and work out these days; by the time nine or ten in the eveningContinue reading “Too Much, Too Late”
The Rules of Recab
Dearest Rachel – There’s an obscure story in the middle of the book of Jeremiah, in chapter 35, where the prophet is instructed to invite members of a certain family, descendants of a man named Recab, to eat with him at the Temple. Now, it so happens that this family had a number of traditions,Continue reading “The Rules of Recab”
Dreamscape Anime
Dearest Rachel – Another absurdly early morning, another series of very strange visuals as I found myself swimming towards the surface of consciousness. I’m not sure if it’s worth telling you about, since there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of a coherent storyline to it all, but hey, you always used toContinue reading “Dreamscape Anime”
Growing the Stone
Dearest Rachel – It’s not the most well-known of Bible stories, but I’m sure that you remember Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great statue made of many materials in the second chapter of the book of Daniel; with the head of gold, chest of silver, midsection of bronze, legs of iron, and the original “feet ofContinue reading “Growing the Stone”
Can’t Give It Up
Dearest Rachel – Which would you rather do, honey; something you hated for an hour or two, or give up something you loved for a day or more?  More to the point, if you had to do both in order to accomplish a certain goal, which do you think you would have the mostContinue reading “Can’t Give It Up”
Our Mutual Melancholy
Dearest Rachel – You might remember the character Haruhi Suzumiya, the titular character of Haruhi Suzumiya no Yuutsu. She’s the girl who is essentially the deity of her world, wishing for special powers and beings to exist, but never finding them herself, only to be surrounded by such individuals, who are desperately trying to a.)Continue reading “Our Mutual Melancholy”
from Rachel: Not Just a Tale of Two Kings
…at the conclusion of the session, what commitment did you and I make? “to learn” In the space below, please write down the names of all nine books starting with the Psalms and ending with Daniel. “Psalms; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel; Daniel” Now, read Daniel 1:1-2. Name the two charactersContinue reading “from Rachel: Not Just a Tale of Two Kings”
Not Much to Tell, No Time to Tell It
Dearest Rachel – It seems weird to say that today is likely to be the most routine day of the week. After all, the whole point of the weekend is that it is different from the rest of the week; a respite from the hurly-burly of workaday life. But when one’s day-to-day is no longerContinue reading “Not Much to Tell, No Time to Tell It”
Passing It Along
Dearest Rachel – This morning was unusually full of errands, honey, so I think I’m going to focus on that for today’s letter. To be honest, I’m just happy to be done with talking about current world events for a while. Yes, those will always be with us, and they color our personal experiences inContinue reading “Passing It Along”
Not Everything Can Be Fixed
Dearest Rachel – The last few results from Tuesday have come in, and the funny thing is, none of it really came as that much of a surprise. The news organizations and channels Daniel and I were listening to actually predicted the results as they’ve come in – although they did seem to hedge theirContinue reading “Not Everything Can Be Fixed”
Observing the Hangover
Dearest Rachel – Well, it’s over already (much to my surprise); and yet, it’s just begun, again. I honestly didn’t expect to be up this early in the morning after having been watching the returns with Daniel until well past midnight. You know well enough that I rarely do midnights; then again, this was aContinue reading “Observing the Hangover”
Any Topic But This
Dearest Rachel – Another day, another morning where I’d just as soon stay in bed. It’s gray and dreary out, despite the extra light provided at this hour by moving the clocks back in the wee hours of yesterday, and while it’s not exactly cold out – in fact, this is as warm as it’sContinue reading “Any Topic But This”
The Illusion of Choice
Dearest Rachel – In light of my current understanding of the process, I’ve resolved (if that’s the right word for it) to try to come up with a new T-shirt design at least once a week – and involve Daniel (and maybe Logan) in the process, in order to determine the ‘right’ image for eachContinue reading “The Illusion of Choice”
from Rachel: The Lord Bless You
Reflect on your own experience of going face down [before God]. Did it have any impact on you? “yes” If so, describe how it affected you. “It helped me focus my entire attention on him rather than have my mind wandering as I tried to pray.” How have you grown as a worshiper and psalmistContinue reading “from Rachel: The Lord Bless You”
What’s the Crowd in Heaven Like?
Dearest Rachel – I do so hope that, when my time comes and I show up at the Pearly Gates, you’re aware enough of my arrival to come and greet me there and walk me around, because I am not going to feel comfortable, walking around among that huge crowd. I know it sounds sacrilegious,Continue reading “What’s the Crowd in Heaven Like?”
The Secret Handshake
Dearest Rachel – To be sure, Mom and Dad aren’t doing any more traveling from this point on. Between the logistic issues presented by his feeding tube (although, since the surgery, he hasn’t had to deal with any leaks that would otherwise force him to leave any event he was at at a moment’s notice)Continue reading “The Secret Handshake”
What Scares You?
Dearest Rachel – I’ve been up long enough already today that I can barely remember my dream last night. All that comes to mind is that I was one of maybe the last twelve or twenty humans left on the planet. It wasn’t a case of having to deal with tons of dead bodies everywhereContinue reading “What Scares You?”
Giving the Computer Ideas
Dearest Rachel – Admittedly, most of what I’ve been doing with the whole artificial intelligence artwork thing has been me making pictures of you. Some have been astonishingly realistic, to the point where, if I wasn’t the one creating them (and therefore knowing better), I might be able to implant false memories about you intoContinue reading “Giving the Computer Ideas”
Another Month, Another Expenditure
Dearest Rachel – This is not an observation (complaint?) that is unique to me, of course; even this past Sunday saw your own notes drift toward similar financial concerns that plagued us throughout almost all of our time together. And it’s not as if our situation was unique, either; financial issues are literally the numberContinue reading “Another Month, Another Expenditure”
Singing Through Clenched Teeth
Dearest Rachel – With the multi-front war going on in the Middle East, it was determined the other Sunday to make the weekly communal moment of prayer about the situation. The thing is, given the fog of war, it’s hard to know what, exactly, to ask God for; aside from the question of the goodContinue reading “Singing Through Clenched Teeth”
from Rachel: Bless the Lord
Glance back on the Word Biblical Commentary translation of Psalm 134 and write the basic message of the final Psalm of Ascent: “Come bless YAHWEH, worship Him, and be blessed by Him.” I chose the WBC translation because I knew we’d more likely notice the repetition of the less familiar Yahweh than the expected title,Continue reading “from Rachel: Bless the Lord”
Letters to Rachel 