What image was in Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream? “a very tall statue being destroyed by a very big rock.” What kinds of metals or materials comprised the image? “gold, silver, bronze, iron, and iron and baked clay” Recall to the best of your ability the parts of the statue’s ‘body’ made up of each of thoseContinue reading “from Rachel: Stubborn Minds”
Author Archives: randy@letters-to-rachel.memorial
Down to the Two of Us
Dearest Rachel – As weird as it sometimes is to have Daniel’s friend Logan rooming with us, there are times when he’s almost indispensable. While he hasn’t been the influence toward improving Daniel’s work ethic (but what’s he going to be able to do that will earn him more than his portfolio already does?), he’sContinue reading “Down to the Two of Us”
Better To Do Than Tell
Dearest Rachel – I fell asleep in front of the screen last night, so there’s clearly not much for me to tell you about my day. It wasn’t entirely unexpected, either; I could feel myself nodding off, so I switched to one of those videos that show a black screen and play what they claimContinue reading “Better To Do Than Tell”
The Price of a Jones
Dearest Rachel – Obviously, you know I’m not talking about the mythical neighbors who our generation (and the one before us) would often attempt to try to “keep up with.” You and I, while growing up, never had the same tastes as the general public, as we knew them to be; why expend the effortContinue reading “The Price of a Jones”
Watching the Watchers
Dearest Rachel – I’m a little reluctant to tell you about the events (such as there were between Daniel and I) of last night; I don’t like to talk about politics here, even though we didn’t shy from such discussions in life. While the three of us tended to be on various spots within theContinue reading “Watching the Watchers”
…And There It Is…Again
Dearest Rachel – And to think, I was going to write you about this girl last week in fairly glowing terms, especially considering the level of proof she seemed to have given me. But after setting her story aside for the moment in order to cover actual events happening in my life, things… began toContinue reading “…And There It Is…Again”
No One Expects…
Dearest Rachel – And to think, the Brits (in the form of Monty Python’s Flying Circus) would make fun of the Spanish Inquisition. As it happens, they went through their own periods of attempting to root out heretics. And while I’m sure their methods weren’t like the one we faced in my dream, I dareContinue reading “No One Expects…”
from Rachel: The Lap of Luxury
What kind of goals did you have for life? In other words, what was your idea of personal success? “I couldn’t picture college or adult life, so my impossible goal would’ve been to be five again and stay a kid.” Have your life goals or ideas of success changed at all since that time? “yes”Continue reading “from Rachel: The Lap of Luxury”
It Feels Like We’ve Done All This Before
Dearest Rachel – Considering how rare it is that we get the gang together these days, and considering this is the first time we’ve been to this place, I feel like I ought to talk about last night and give you my impressions of the place. At the same time, for all the unfamiliarity ofContinue reading “It Feels Like We’ve Done All This Before”
Back From Backsliding
Dearest Rachel – I woke up with an idea to write you about this morning, and even began adding to it between reps at the gym (I’ve gotten into a pattern of doing twenty-five crunches at a time, with pauses in between on the way to a total of a hundred – remember when thatContinue reading “Back From Backsliding”
Ice on the Tongue
Dearest Rachel – It was a cinematic sequence so short that it hardly seemed to count as a dream – let alone one worth relating – but by the time I woke up, I had viewed it from so many different angles that I thought it must mean something, something worth telling you about andContinue reading “Ice on the Tongue”
A Loose Hold on Time
Dearest Rachel – It’s a good thing that I no longer have to hew to a regular day-to-day schedule, because I keep losing my grip on what little I have of one. Then again, it’s entirely possible that it’s a matter of not clinging to one so tightly that leads to this situation in theContinue reading “A Loose Hold on Time”
Ice Cream Headache
Dearest Rachel – It should come as no surprise that, upon returning from the cruise last month, I found myself not only no longer dancing around the two-ten line that I’d been considering a near-permanent plateau after four or five months, but hovering around the two-twenty line I hadn’t been at for as many monthsContinue reading “Ice Cream Headache”
Making Myself Useful
Dearest Rachel – Freud had a word for it: “sublimation.” While it’s now mostly used in its physical, chemical sense of a solid transmuting to gas, skipping over any possible liquid state (like carbon dioxide does, for example), he used it to refer to taking one’s baser instincts and diverting them to where they couldContinue reading “Making Myself Useful”
from Rachel: My Pleasure to Tell
What title would you give to this episode? “God Humbles a King” God is called the “Most High”… five more times.… As you come to each one, record the verse and any contextual insight… v.2 – The Most High God – performs miraculous signs and wonders“v.17” – “The Most High” – “is sovereign over theContinue reading “from Rachel: My Pleasure to Tell”
Accustomed to the Emptiness
Dearest Rachel – To a certain extent, I think that I’m living the life I expected to when I graduated from college with no one to my name but myself. Much as some folks used to denigrate the university experience as an opportunity for certain females to obtain their “Mrs.” degree (is that still aContinue reading “Accustomed to the Emptiness”
Looks the Same
Dearest Rachel – The last time I was here at the Fashion Outlet Mall was just over a year ago, and for much the same reason; at barely above zero Fahrenheit, it’s just too darn cold outside to walk through the woods. So I’m wandering around here, waiting to meet up with Lars, at whichContinue reading “Looks the Same”
Rid of the Taxman
Dearest Rachel – This should probably be a letter for another two months from now, but it’s at the top of my mind at the moment, so I think I’ll tell you about it today. If nothing else, I’ve been having to do more about it over the last couple of days, so while there’sContinue reading “Rid of the Taxman”
I Still Think I’ve Been Had
Dearest Rachel – Even before you had to leave, we had pretty much gotten to the point where our land line – which we still have – had become almost exclusively the property of telemarketers and spam calls, at least from my perspective. I think you still used it to talk to Ellen or SuzieContinue reading “I Still Think I’ve Been Had”
The Luxurious Option
Dearest Rachel – I often used to say, somewhat in jest (but not entirely) that when we got sick, the three of us would wind up dealing with the same amount of cold over different time periods. Whereas I would be essentially incapacitated for a 24-hour period, and Daniel would feel pretty poorly for aContinue reading “The Luxurious Option”
Spending Out Of Spite
Dearest Rachel – It’s the sort of thing that would be an episode in any number of high-school (give or take a grade year or two) anime comedies. The main character goes on a date with a girl he likes, while another girl (who he also likes, but assumes wrongly that she hates him, becauseContinue reading “Spending Out Of Spite”
from Rachel: If He Does Not
In your opinion, what is most amazing about the event in Daniel 3:24-30? “Only their bonds burned, and there was not even a smell of smoke or fire on them.” Scenario A: “We can be delivered from the fire.”Dividend: “Our faith is built.”Scenario B: “We can be delivered through the fire.”Dividend: “Our faith is refined.”ScenarioContinue reading “from Rachel: If He Does Not”
“Pretty”
Dearest Rachel – This is entirely the wrong season for this to come to mind (this will normally come up during October, as of late), but it’s not like dreams care about times and seasons. Besides, that’s sort of the whole point of this particular dream – it could be brought to fruition without anyContinue reading ““Pretty””
Molding Fired Clay
Dearest Rachel – It’s axiomatic that, somewhere along the line, every analogy breaks down at some point; the trick is to try and figure out where that breakdown point is. And while I don’t know where that point is on this particular topic, it’s entirely possible I’ll be able to figure it out as IContinue reading “Molding Fired Clay”
Assume That They’re All Fake
Dearest Rachel – So… tomorrow is Friday, a day we all celebrate, for our various reasons – even if only because most of our fellows are (temporarily) released from their workaday prisons (which they may or may not recognize as such, but whatever). It is also Valentine’s Day, which for the fifth year in aContinue reading “Assume That They’re All Fake”
Stocking Up Before Getting Socked In
Dearest Rachel – It looks like there’s about to be some interesting – in the sense of that famous Chinese curse – weather coming our way. Yesterday morning, the folks warned me that we could end up with between eight and ten inches of snow in the next twenty-four hours; as a result, they hadContinue reading “Stocking Up Before Getting Socked In”
We Don’t Have That Kind of Time
Dearest Rachel – It was a strange and small dream that I saw you in the other night, coming in on the heels of a completely separate feature where I and Mohinder(!) had been lost in the empty wilds of rural Japan, able to send reports electronically to the home office in Yamanashi, but forContinue reading “We Don’t Have That Kind of Time”
Won’t Be’s in Heaven
Dearest Rachel – We’ve been taught since time immemorial that everything that exists as part of our ecosystem does so for a reason. Call it God’s plan or the great circle of life as you will, but supposedly, every organism (or family of organisms) serves a purpose within the natural world, even if we don’tContinue reading “Won’t Be’s in Heaven”
A Long Painful Weekend
Dearest Rachel – Well, I suppose I saw this coming. As of Friday, I was already at the point where I wasn’t particularly motivated to get myself to the gym for another five uphill mile session – more from joint pain than illness, but aware that one might very well inform the other. By SaturdayContinue reading “A Long Painful Weekend”
Restoration Comedy
Dearest Rachel – I’ve been told that, in classical literature, a tragedy is a tale where virtually everyone winds up dead, while in a comedy, everyone ends up married, so I figured I was dealing with the latter in last night’s dream. To be sure, the only ones that ended up so were you andContinue reading “Restoration Comedy”
from Rachel: The Heart of Loyalty
Read Daniel 3:13-23. Glance back at your notes from the session and record a new insight you received specifically pertaining to this segment of Scripture. “Beth’s three scenarios makes sense, but so does her point that these men probably never even considered the possibility of the middle one – the one that occurred.” Look atContinue reading “from Rachel: The Heart of Loyalty”
Well, Why Waste Time?
Dearest Rachel – When we walk through the woods, Lars will often ask me about my romantic life, such as it is; whether I’ve found anybody out here in the ether – or at church or whatever circles I make my way through in life – and how things have been progressing. Considering that he’sContinue reading “Well, Why Waste Time?”
I’m Not Sick (I Think)
Dearest Rachel – …♫but I’m not welllll♪… Just after telling you about my consistency at the gym this week – and putting in five-plus miles each time in a matter of sixty-five minutes – I woke up this morning stiff and sore, and in no mood to get over there and put in my now-dailyContinue reading “I’m Not Sick (I Think)”
Limits to My Adaptation
Dearest Rachel – Not to brag or anything, but I didn’t expect to be able, let alone willing, to hit the ground running (well, walking uphill really fast, anyway) upon returning from the cruise with Lars. After all, it wasn’t as if I spent any appreciable time in the gym aboard the ship, despite itContinue reading “Limits to My Adaptation”
State of Normalcy
Dearest Rachel – Is it strange that it’s been half a week since getting off the ship before I start telling you anything about life back home? You’d think that there wasn’t anything to talk about here, now that I’ve returned to a state of normalcy. And let’s face it, you wouldn’t be that farContinue reading “State of Normalcy”
Never Insult a Customer?
Dearest Rachel – You might remember the “Dirty Knife Sketch” from Monty Python’s Flying Circus (honestly, this is one of those things where I’m going to have such a hard time finding a ‘Megumi’ with a comparable sense of humor to yours. Between these guys and the Three Stooges, you were such a rare birdContinue reading “Never Insult a Customer?”
Not a Bad Meal In the Lot
Dearest Rachel – It hardly needs to be said that the food on a cruise ship is expected to be, if not always gourmet (after all, the kids have to have their hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders and pizza, and I don’t have any objection to those items now and again, either), at least topContinue reading “Not a Bad Meal In the Lot”
Muzak Mornings
Dearest Rachel – It might go without saying, generally, but it’s definitely different to be traveling with someone than to be doing so on one’s own. You become aware of your own habits that might conflict – or at least contrast – with theirs, leaving you to question why you maintain them. One of theContinue reading “Muzak Mornings”
Subdued Chaos
Dearest Rachel – Well, we’re on our way home after a week at sea. You might recall how departure day was always chaotic, with us having to get up at a ridiculous hour (for a vacation day, at any rate). Despite having been up late the night before (and as much having to do withContinue reading “Subdued Chaos”
from Rachel: The Apple of His Eye
Describe how you imagine the sound of [the astrologers’] tone. “tattling, snotty and snobbish” What do you believe was their motive? “making themselves look good/more loyal by pointing out disobedient ones” What does Galatians 5:15 warn will happen if people don’t cease ‘biting and devouring each other’? “They will be destroyed by each other.” WhatContinue reading “from Rachel: The Apple of His Eye”
The Lark and Owl
Dearest Rachel – It sounds like some quaint British pub, doesn’t it? Maybe one attached to a bed-and-breakfast in some seaside resort town overlooking the English Channel or on the Isle of Wight. The B&B would service the morning people (the larks), while also providing a place for the night owls to sleep off theirContinue reading “The Lark and Owl”
Lost In Labadee
Dearest Rachel – I always took for granted that, when you described visiting this place with your folks back in 1990 on the Sovereign of the Seas, it was a private island owned by the cruise line, not unlike their later acquisition of Coco Cay. And we’ve been here before; I remember you finding aContinue reading “Lost In Labadee”
It’s a Small Port After All, Mon
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”
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”
Letters to Rachel 