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This raging fire represents what I have seen several times this week at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa …Loss of controlIt's a terrible fear.  Next to my mom's room I heard a physician talking with a distinguished, articulate  elderly gentlemen and his wife as he was about to be released to go home."YouContinueContinue reading “Loss of control … one of our greatest fears”

This statue of the risen Christ welcomes visitors just inside the main doors at the Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA.Hundreds of people come and go throughout the day.I saw a young family come in with a toddler just learning to walk.  The Grandmother was sitting in the lobby and the baby girl started waddlingContinueContinue reading “Try it again, baby”

This is nursing student Michelle, who has given my mom terrific care this week.  She's bathed her and washed her hair and given medications and been very tender and kind.  Whatever mom has wanted Michelle has granted … usually within seconds.One of the prominent Sioux City high schools nearby is home of the Mustangs.So IContinueContinue reading “Every one has a story… usually with accompanying drama”

Today I was talking with a woman whose husband has congestive heart disease.  She said earlier today he pulled out the tube in his nose.  The medical folks tried to put it back in and he fought them and tried to get up and on and on it went, she said.  She was waiting forContinueContinue reading “The great mystery of sin and suffering…”

When are you closest to God?  As I've pondered that question this week up here in Sioux City, Iowa, my answer is:  "I don't think I am a very good judge of when God is closest to me. "  John 15:1-2 reminds me of one of the meanings of suffering.    "I am the true grapevine, and my Father isContinueContinue reading “Do we even know when God is closest to us?”

My mom slowly, very slowly, is recovering from taking a bad fall at my brother's northwestern, IA, home last Saturday [April 25].  She's dizzy and sleeps a lot, which her doc says is a good thing to do.  They don't want her out of bed until this Sunday, at the earliest.   It's really the pits.TheyContinueContinue reading “Waiting for the body to mend…”

Does this mean they haven't had visitors forever?Does it mean they have their act together so much visitors would love it, that it is in fact the hottest church in town ?Does it mean church leaders expect church members to be inviting people and this is a reminder to them?I would like to have been in the meeting whenContinueContinue reading “We do expect you to visit, in case you wondered!”