Happenings

Well, it has been a while since I last posted here. Today is Memorial Day 2007 and I finally have some time to write. May has been a very busy month. I have been traveling on an average of every other weekend. One trip I cannot comment on right now, but the other I can. Last weekend I was in Chicago, for my graduation from North Park Theological Seminary. I can now say that I am officially done with school, even though I have been out of full-time school since spring of 2005. It was great to be back on campus and to see all of my friends. We got to catch up with one another and see where we are all headed over the next few months. The ceremony was good also. One surprise that happened was that my sister came in for the graduation, that was actually unexpected, but I am glad that she was able to be there. Unfortunately my brother-in-law and nephews could not be there.

After the ceremony, during the reception, I was talking with Rev. Doug Johnson of North Park Covenant Church which I attended during my time in Chicago. He mentioned to me that Evangeline Nelson had died. She was the step-mother to Dr. F. Burton Nelson a professor of mine who had died while I was at the Seminary. I had also come to know Vangie, as she liked to be called, during my internship which included Bethany Covenant Home in N.E. Minneapolis where she had lived. I thought of the many conversations that we had about life, Dr. Nelson, and faith. They were special times indeed. On Thursday, before I went to work I went to her service of "Witness to the Resurrection." That is her funeral service. The family spoke of how they would receive cards with verses and notes of encouragement and that she was praying for them. One estimate was stated as being over 1000 cards that she sent out to family and friends over her life. I too was a beneficiary of her prayer life as she commented to me on several occasions of how she was praying for me and my vocation. She will be missed here on this earth and by all who knew her, but her ministry continues.

*Peace to the memory of Evangeline "Vangie" Nelson.*

On this Memorial Day let us not forget all of those who have fought in war, for our freedom. For those who fought the British during the Revolution. Those who fought for ideals during the Civil War. For those who fought the two wars that were to end all wars. For those who fought in Korea, Vietnam, the first Gulf War, and those who are currently fighting in Iraq.

*Peace to the memory of all United States of America service men and women.*