Sunday, August 5, 2007

In Other News...


There is much I want to post, but I haven't had the heart.

Scout has had an ear infection (right ear) but seems to be getting better now. She seemed to want to destroy things for a couple of days after we got back from vacation, but is returning to normal now (well, normal for her). She ate one of my favorite little books this week, an old prayer book with pictures. It's kind of a first for her.

We went out to eat and saw the movie Ratatouille on Friday night. My thoughts: it's a cartoon, and it's rated G, but it's not really a kids' movie. It has a wonderful message, very uplifting. The animations are fantastic. Paris looks gorgeous. I'm not sure whether kids would "get it" or not. If anyone who has kids (you know, younger than 19) and has seen it, let me know.)

Our congregation's music minister is leaving us, and going to a church in Arizona. It was his last Sunday today. Very sad. But we heard lots of good music, including the gospel anthem: Total Praise (if I knew how to link to sound, I'd do it), Toccata from Bach's Toccata and Fugue in Dm, and Sousa's Liberty Bell March. Also, our children's choir director wrote new words to Billy Joel's song, 'Piano Man'. I don't have the words in front of me, but I remember a couple of lines..."Play us a song, you're the organist... the back of your head's your best side..."

Also, I had a baptism this morning. I officiated at this couple's wedding about 5 years ago. They moved to Colorado. Then early this summer I got a call and they said they were going to be in town: would I baptize their son? They have a three year old daugher, baptized in their church in Colorado, but half of their family still lives up here and they wanted them to be a part of it. I said I would be honored.

I'm not sure if this was the "right" answer. I know children are supposed to be baptized in the congregations where they are going to grow up. But I do know that this family takes the baptismal promises they make seriously. The great-grandparents are or have been members of my church.

There were some connections made after the service. A former pastor renewed acquaintance with a couple he introduced to each other 40 some years ago. I enjoyed seeing this couple and many of their family members after five years. The "bride" said, "Isn't it nice to know that we are taking your advice and doing what you said?" (i.e., going to church, having their children baptized). Yes, it is.

And the Twins won. I should feel happy. But I'm melancholy.

I haven't posted a picture of Scout for awhile, so, to cheer myself up: I think I'll put up my favorite one. If you are having a bad hour, day, week or month, I hope it cheers you up, too.

14 comments:

June Butler said...

Diane, I took my grandchildren, a girl, age 11, and a boy, age 7, to see "Ratatouille". All three of us enjoyed it. My grandson hardly moved during the whole movie. He usually squirms when he's bored.

I don't think it's truly a children's movie - some of the dialogue is far too sophisticated - but there is enough that they "get" for it to be entertaining.

I absolutely loved it, and I thought the animation was superb. Maybe it has something for everyone.

I'm sorry you're losing your music minister. They're not always easily replaceable. I pray you'll find a good one to take his place.

Lindy said...

Scout really is a charmer, isn't she? I can tell even on-line.

Hope your melancholy is brief. To cheer you up I'll add some new photos to Rowan's blog before I go to bed tonight. He's been modeling his new Outward Hound Safety Vest. It's florescent orange with contrasting yellow stripes. Very handsome.

Peace,

Lindy

Barbara B. said...

I think that is very cool about the baptism. And I love the Billy Joel song idea!! :)

Also, YAY TWINS! The Twins and Mariners are my two favorite teams. (Actually the Twins will be in Seattle Aug 13-15 and my son and a friend of his are going to one of the games!)

DogBlogger said...

(((Diane)))

Cub's greatest feat of eating that which should not be eaten was a 3-inch chunk of windowsill. (She was teething at the time.)

Hope the melancholy is just a case of post-vacation letdown. Take care.

And thanks for the Scout pic!

lauraj said...

My 8 year old and I loved the movie. As with many of the best children's movies, it happens on at least two levels. One level the kids get, the other the parent's enjoy.

Law+Gospel said...

Diane, don't dogs always look cute even when they have just been really naughty? I think that's why it is hard to stay mad for long. I think the baptismal story is very affirming. Sorry to hear about the minister of music, and goodbyes are hard. And transition and change are hard. Sounds like the goodbyes were what they should be, remembering the good that God graced you with in your time together. Try not to be blue for long. Posted new pics from Acadia National Park. Not dog pictures but hopefully relaxing pcitures of creation. Prayers for joy to come your way.

Anonymous said...

I like Scout's picture..it's a familiar expression :)

We don't get to first-run movies that much, but Ratatouille is on my list as soon as it hits the budget theaters.

Pastor Eric said...

I think you DID give the "right" answer concerning the baptism. I would have done the same (and have). Sure...it is nice to have the home congregation to be there and pledge their support, but we are all part of the same body of Christ and in a way, we all pledge to support one another in their faith.

Sorry to hear about your music minister. That is a tough one. My prayers are with you as you search for another one.

Marsha said...

Diane, my friend Margaret's grandson was baptized in our church, although he was born and attends church in North Carolina. It seems to me that the right decision was made both in their case and in yours.

I'm sorry to say I don't care about baseball anymore and was never a Twins fan when I did but I'm glad they won if it makes you happy.

Here's hoping the little 'victories' keep you from falling into a rut like I've experienced the past couple of months.

Ginger says she's sorry that Scout had an ear infection and wonders if she had to get a shot. OUCH! Woof!

Diane M. Roth said...

Marsha, My husband is a Twins fan. When they win, he's happy. Usually that makes my day better too.

John, an unlikely pastor said...

My 4 year old girls loved Ratatouille as did myself and my wife. One was a little worried about what would happen to Remmy's family.

Terri said...

haven't seen ratatouille. actually haven't seen any movie in the theater in ages. hum.


I love the photo of Scout, and it sounds like her behavior is "perfect" for a dog who feels like some retaliation is proper, all thing being 'equal'...everyone I know how boards their dogs, or leave their dogs for any length of time, has a "price" to pay. sigh. it's the price of loving a sweet beasty dog. Scouts photo is fab.

Where is your music minister moving too in AZ? I love lots of AZ, have been there often, looked for jobs there. Alas, I'm still in IL...

Oh, and I posted a new poem...

David said...

We had this exact same day in our life back in April, music director/organist leaving...out of towners in town for a Baptism and our dog was sick. Eerie isn't it?

Unknown said...

Woof Woof Scout, hope you feel better soon. We destroy mom's books, shoes, you name it, when we don't feel good or if she goes away.

We took our three, and they sat all the way through, laughed a lot, but I don't think they got it all. I liked it, but I like food, good food.