pamela – Page 10 – The Welcome Home

Foundational Verses

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Through the years as I’ve walked with the Lord, as I’ve walked (or crawled) through the Bible, I’ve marked meaningful verses or passages. In doing so, I’ve come to see a pattern for myself: foundational verses that I run to, or stand on, regardless my circumstances.

They are my mental go-to Scriptures when I face trials; they are my affirmations when I see specific provisions or His specific answers to prayer. I say ‘His specific answers to prayer’ bcz they are not necessarily the answers to the prayer requests I made, but surely the answers to the prayers I prayed. Does that make sense? In fact, it’s a good thing when the Lord does not answer the prayers I pray using the suggestions or solutions I offer Him. It’s a good thing He answers according to His will, in His way and in His timing. I’m learning to more quickly recognize and thank Him specifically for this.

O, I’d be in a heap of trouble were He to answer my prayers according to my judgment. I pray or make requests or give offerings to Him according to what I have in my hand – my resources and my understanding — but His answers are according to His limitless resources and His infinite wisdom.

I’m learning to do art journaling in my KJV Journaling Bible. I’m not “an artist” and don’t have the drawing or design skills to do beautiful artwork in the generous space on each page. But I have begun my feeble attempts to highlight specific verses or passages in an artistic way — I use glitter pens, sharpie “no bleed” pens, and water colour pencils to write or illustrate my favourite or foundational verses. I recently decided to make a Pinterest page with links to Bible art journaling images and art supplies — thinking that since they were an inspiration to me, maybe they’d be of help to other sisters in the Lord, too. I’ve thought many times: I’ll never be able to make pages like Karla Dornacher’s beautiful pages… but then I realized that mine won’t and don’t have to look like that to be meaningful to me. Chastened by my own recent blog posts regarding comparisonitis or comparing ourselves with others, I just decided to simply consider the examples and made a determination to not compare my work with theirs, but to glean and be instructed or inspired by the ideas.

As I’ve struggled in different areas of my life, I see the one constant, strong thread is faith and trust in the Lord—and that the struggles are the challenges or testings of my faith and trust. [cp_quote style=”quote_left_dark”]If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 1Timothy 4.6
[/cp_quote]When I faint in the day of adversity, my strength is small and when I’m alarmed at situations or feel impending doom when I hear of problems, I see in that initial response (and a red flag) that my eyes are not on the Lord, they’re on my circumstances; my hope is dashed when it’s based on what I see around me—but it’s bolstered when I place all my hope Him. This is why I determine to be in the Word, to be fortified by it and to be strengthened in faith—the faith of Jesus. And I assure you, it is an act of faith or an act of obedience to be in the Word and in prayer—these are not natural desires, these are truly, literally, God given desires. Left to myself, I would fret or despair or give up hope–but in faith, I press on (Philippians 3.14). It’s what Jesus did, it’s what He calls me (and you) to do and it’s where I find Him each day. It’s the foundation on which I stand.

Get the book and be: Present

I’ve had the great privilege of getting to know Keri and was honoured to be asked to read the draft of this book before it was published. You’ll immediately see her heart in this writing and you’ll likely see yourself in the pages as her story unfolds; it may well describe or reveal a bit of your own story–your own struggle to be present amidst the stranglehold and demands of social media and the desire to be relevant clashing with the desire to be present wherever you are in life.

So, get the book, read it… and be: Present.

Fifty Five Million Reasons

melianewbornhand2 And I wonder how many more.

Fifty five million reasons to stand against planned barrenhood.

At least fifty five million babies never had the opportunity to take a drink of milk… never had the opportunity to be cradled and rocked to sleep… never had the opportunity feel the sun on their face… never had the opportunity to smell a rose… never had the opportunity to blow bubbles, dandelions or birthday candles… never had the opportunity to open a present, open a door, open a book, open a window… never had the opportunity to breathe fresh air, to snuggle in a blanket, splash in a puddle, lick an ice cream cone, see a sunrise, hear a melody, or whisper I love you.

To be sure, these are not entries on a list of fifty five million reasons to stand against abortion and Planned Parenthood et al. The fifty five million reasons to stand against heinous atrocity of abortion and the horrifying practices of Planned Parenthood are these: Babies. Fifty five million babies.

It is gruesome and unconscionable that Planned Parenthood sells baby parts. It is sickening that women are being lied to and conditioned to believe the lie, conditioned to accept the lie that abortion is the only way to “solve” a seemingly terribly difficult circumstance. It is appalling that medical ethics of doing no harm or preserving life are being set aside. It is hideous and dreadful that babies bodies are being parted out as if they are nothing more than tissue — useful material for re$earch. It is horrifying that it’s only now being so widely discovered on a national basis. It is shocking that it’s so cavalierly discussed over a luncheon salad and a glass of wine. It’s egregious that it’s being defended.

But the heart of the matter is still the heart of the matter: babies hearts are being stopped… and their voices are not being heard. Babies… these are the fifty five million reasons to stand against abortion and against Planned Parenthood. Take a stand against planned barrenhood.

Flee Comparisonitis

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Maybe you saw my thoughts yesterday where I wrote about Comparisonitis or making comparisons and how easy it is to become ensnared by this. Comparing ourselves to others, comparing our situations to other’s situations (or our perception of their situations), our accomplishments (or lack thereof) to other’s accomplishments (as we perceive them to be). Then we spend precious moments or days or years mulling over what we have or haven’t done (right), what we do or don’t have, what we have to deal with — compared to others. [Late edit to add a link to another article I wrote regarding Titus2 blogs, groups and teachings — I call it: Compare-a-Titus. There are so many comparisons we make are often bogged down by the lack we often feel as “TitusTwo” women. You can read it here.]

When these thoughts come up, I know I need to flee these thoughts. Flee! And quickly.

I’ve come to realize that when I compare myself with others or my whatever’s with other women’s whatevers, I inadvertently make them the standard to which I seek to attain. I make them the guide and standard of my life instead of making the Lord, His Word, His way, and His truth for me the guide and standard of my life.

We know that medically or pathologically, “itis” is inflammation, which, in an organ of our body, is a bad thing and we seek quick attention to reverse or eliminate it as it’s usually painful and damaging. But we don’t often do this in our own lives when it comes to inflammation of thoughts or feelings. We often, instead, harbour the thoughts that brought on the inflammation, we feed them and encourage them by continuing to validate them. I do this sometimes — though I know it’s not good — not good for me, and not good for my home and family. In this way, I unwittingly spread my “itis” to them — they know something’s not right, but can’t see what it is. That’s why (in part) it’s so critical for me to flee making comparisons before they become in me: comparisonitis.

Incidentally, by continually making comparisons (especially if voiced), I validate the activity (and further cement it in my emotional pathways). I model it for my children and set them up for their own comparsonitis. In addition, I elevate another’s situation or accomplishments or possessions over my own. Again, validating making comparisons for my children to do the same — if I don’t want this attitude/behaviour for me, I sure don’t want it for them.

So when it comes around, I have to make the conscious decision to flee comparing before it wiggles its way deep into my thoughts. When I see that I can’t do something like, or a wells as, another person does them, I need to just be content that I do what I can do and I can choose to rejoice at their fine work or rejoice with them over their accomplishment. Then, my heart is warmed bcz it’s all about them and not about me. The more I do this through the years, the more easily and quickly comes the response of rejoicing.

When I feel like I never do enough, right enough, good enough, whatever enough, I have to see that as an alert! Compared to what? Compared to who? Did the Lord tell me that or did I take my eyes off Him and fix my gaze on someone or something else? Do I not have something I feel I should have? Is He not enough? Has He not provided exactly what I need for each day? Has He forgotten something? Or — have I run ahead, doing something He never directed me to do or in a way He never directed me to do it? Did I get out of order my reason for doing something? Have I made my life hard by doing something in a way He didn’t intend for me (but I was trying to do it like So-‘n-so)?

Discontent is tremendous fodder for comparisonitis. And vice versa. [cp_quote style=”quote_left_dark”]Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. –Hebrews 13.5[/cp_quote]So I continually resort to the Word, it is my foundation. After all these years I finally see why He says His mercies are new every morning. I see the why behind the great and awesome privilege to daily sit at His gates. The Lord reveals Himself, magnifies Himself and feeds me as I read and think on His Word. I trust in Him and seek to follow in His steps.

I continually rehearse what He has done, for I know and have seen(!) that no matter what comes, I can truly trust Him and lean on His promises.

But he knoweth the way that I take:
when he hath tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.
–Job 23:10

Comparisonitis

cuppatimothy It sure took me by surprise… hasn’t happened in a long time… and, when it does, it rarely lingers. Except today. Today it lingered awhile and I completely caught off guard. I was busily cleaning an area and reorganizing a bunch of books… I even had a ridiculous Christmas song stuck in my head. And then, all of a sudden I was overwhelmed thinking of some of my abysmal failings as a mother – a homeschooling mother, specifically. And I was trying to think of one good thing I’ve done — one really exceptional achievement in which I had even a small part.

I can’t say I’ve done my best as a homeschool mama. I can’t say I’ve dedicated my life to homeschooling. And, I can’t say there’ve been many stellar achievements — as the world might measure. And I wouldn’t have even taken the time to bore you with this seemingly self-deprecating post had I not “snapped out of it” and considered God’s great work and His continuing processes! And then to further be encouraged as I came in to browse my links, I saw a post Tim Challies had written. It sort of paralleled my resulting thoughts today and something my husband had told me a few days ago (wait, was I inundated with doubt that day, too??) which really spoke to my heart.

I thought, well, what have we done? My husband has daily, decade after decade, gathered the family every morning for Bible study (Co-Incidentally, this morning, we were studying Deuteronomy 6), and I’ve done my best to teach them using the truths of God’s Word and to, by example, trust in the Lord and live by faith in Him. I’ve sought to make our assignments according to His Word and show them that He is always only good all the time. I got a lot of stuff wrong. Probably more wrong than right. But, even if that’s the case, I will continue to cling to the Truth and I’m so thankful my husband’s words came back to me and rang in my ears.

[cp_quote style=”quote_left_dark”]”But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
–2 Timothy 3.14-17[/cp_quote]He said them in the beginning of our homeschool journey, some twenty eight years ago, he was saying them in the middle and he said them again as we plan for another school year in what is now the last few of our homeschooling years. I’m comforted that his earliest goal is the same today. He said he didn’t care if they were geniuses or lacked knowledge in this or that… his desire is that they know the Lord, that they know God’s Word very well… And beyond that, that they have integrity, that they know how to work diligently and honestly and that they know how to learn whatever it is they need to learn. That sounds so very simplistic, I’m sure. But I will continue to affirm and trust what the Bible says.

All this, on a day when I had comparisonitis wash over me. But as I set out, as I always do this time of year, to make this the best year ever, I’m reassured that what I plan is the very best thing I could do with and for them. And in the end, I will continue to trust God for the increase.

It’s critical for me to reaffirm and truly rejoice in, as Tim Challies so poignantly wrote, the one thing that matters most.

Dark Days

melianewbornhand In the wake of the breaking news stories in the last couple of days, it’s hard to fathom the depths of evil consuming our nation. The enormity of this may well be underestimated, and the trail of money on a spiraling street paved with innocent blood may well be staggeringly more than can possibly be imagined.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 10.31

Surely judgement has come on America when a nation will slaughter its own babies for great profit under the guise of research. When immorality is lauded and God’s Word is ignored, when His marvelous design is discarded and when men and women turn their backs on Providence, and when human life is of less value than plants and animals: we have sunk to such pervasive and widespread depravity such as has never before been experienced in this nation.

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Hebrews 3.12

I pray for women who have been duped into despair, for the unborn babies whose lives have been taken from them by the persuasive lies of the powerful, relentless, evil abortion industry — Planned Parenthood, in particular. I pray for the men and women who’ve succumbed to and believed the lies and conscience numbing propaganda of Planned Parenthood, et al. And I pray for those whose eyes have been opened, hearts have been broken by painfully and sorrowfully regretted abortions.

I pray for those who are (still) under the grave delusion that there is nothing wrong with abortion or, worse, that it’s simply a personal choice – that that personal choice is right and the decision is theirs alone to make – that it’s nobody’s business what a woman decides to do with her ~~body~~ baby. It’s a business. A huge, powerful, relentless, profitable, machine. You think you’re being cared for — but that’s a lie. The abortion industry is a lucrative killing machine that cares nothing for women but must perpetuate the lie of compassion so that women will continue to clamour for their right to abortion. That abortion is compassionate is a lie. Period. That abortion is harmless is a lie. Period. That abortion is a private matter is a lie. Period. Those lies are the devil’s lies. he hates God and he hates life and seeks only to kill and destroy. That is the Truth… In the Lord is life… Life for all who will come to Him and call upon His name. He will hear, He will answer and He will save all who call upon the Name of the Lord.

[cp_dropcaps] O[/cp_dropcaps] LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. 19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. 21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” —psalm 139

May God heal our land and save this nation.

Tiny Houses

tinyhousepamelaspurling Have you ever imagined your life as something completely different than it is today? I don’t mean doing different things or changing jobs or whatever — I mean, living in a home that is a completely different type of home than you’ve been accustomed to living in all your life.

Tiny houses.

I’d never thought about living in a tiny house — not me personally, anyway. I’ve thought about what it might be like for someone to live in a tiny house — I mean, I do love browsing Pinterest, you know. But lots of what I see, and pin, on Pinterest is simply pin interest — ideas that seem pretty cool — and, yes, sincere dream interests. Since my husband has taken up an interest in exploring types of homes people might construct or styles that might be added to existing homes, I’ve seen lots of images of tiny houses and have listened to the different ideas for small homes –tiny houses– and clusters of tiny houses. I haven’t wished it, but I’ve wondered what it would be like to live in a tiny house.

My husband had a little “getaway” planned a couple of days ago… yes, he once again completely surprised me with another unusual idea. I wonder if he will ever run out surprises.

As we drove he mentioned he didn’t exactly have an address for what he was looking for and so I actually assumed it was a pool job we were stopping to check on and that we’d soon continue on to the place we’d be staying. But, then he turned down a lane and said, yes, this must be it. Soon we were walking up to the tiny house that would be “our place” for a couple of days. I didn’t realize that I’d be testing out what it would be like to live in a tiny house. I’ve learned to adapt to all sorts of things in my life and so, through the evening I imagined all sorts of scenarios of what it would be like to actually live in a tiny house. And it soon became very obvious to me (and to Wes) that we aren’t tiny house people. Don’t get me wrong — it’s a very enjoyable experience, it just became obvious that logistically, for us, it wouldn’t be good in the long term. And it’s totally unrealistic.

But… it’s a cool experiment. And it would be such a cool thing to have as a part of a property or house — someplace to go, someplace for guests or family to stay, someplace to have an office or a studio. So, the tiny house idea is not totally off the table, it’s just not on the drawing board.

Which brings me to why I wanted to take a moment to write about this experience. More than simply a delightful time together, it’s been so instructive. I’ve seen it as a marvelous exercise in defining what we really like/need/want in a home. That, and I’ve seen very clearly that a home really tells us a lot about ourselves and what’s important to us and what’s not. I don’t mean the stuff necessarily, but the home and what it’s used for. A tiny house isn’t a family home. It’s not a gathering place and it’s not an industry or hospitality center. That’s pretty important to realize if you’re considering a dramatic life change or lifestyle change.

And if you’re not real clear on what you wish for in life or what you might be able to do or not do, then I see a great advantage of going to the sort of place you’re imagining and spend a couple of days there and get a feel for it. All that, as well as try to imagine all your favourite activities or traditions or whatever in that location. Would they work there? Would they fit there? Would they even be possible there? What would you necessarily have to give up were you to change your life? What would you have to leave behind or stop doing? What would you have to say “no” to?

An easier way might just be to ask yourself what’s important to you today. What have you been imagining? And then you might ask yourself for today or in the future, how do you see your home being used or what’s important in a home or in a life or in a location. Once you define those things, you might find that you don’t really want a different life after all and that when all is said and done, you really are living the life you want but you simply have some housekeeping to do or some reorganizing to do. Downsizing may simply mean decluttering your home, your belongings, your schedule, your budget and/or your thoughts.

And if you ever thought you wanted to live in a tiny house, I’d suggest that you spend a couple of nights in one. Here’s a tiny house. Pictures just don’t do justice to the amazing planning, craftsmanship and more — all neatly packed into about 8′ by 20 feet!!

More “Tiny House” ideas and plans here.

Remembering the Anchor

psalm16 As I was mulling over a bunch of different events and circumstances affecting or involving our home and family this morning as the winds of change continue to blow, and I found myself reeling in thoughts of sadness, happiness, doubt, hope, confusion — as if tossed in the waves of a rolling sea. And then, almost as immediately as my mind was filled with cares of this life, I was calmed by the blessed assurance that “the lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places” (psalm 16) and, truly, the Lord is ever before me. And, I’m further comforted that regardless of how this ship is tossed to and fro or whether it takes on water — or whether I stagger about, one thing I know (that I know that I know that I know): my Anchor holds.

I think of the hymn, My Anchor Holds; I think of Scripture that affirms to me that I have an anchor – a sure Anchor. Though once again my circumstances *seem* to be louder than the Truth or *seem* to be lacking clarity, purpose or reason, I can be sure my Anchor holds. And this is bcz my Anchor isn’t dependent on me or my actions or understanding, and my Anchor isn’t dependent on my ship. My Anchor is Jesus. The same who has given me my lot, the same who is the Author and Finisher of my faith, the same who is my Redeemer and Friend: He is the Anchor of my soul. He is ever before me.

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” —Hebrews 6. 17-20

So I affirm to the Lord that I know He is with me — I know He is for me — and I know He only does all things well. I know this because I have seen this all through my life, I know this because I read it in His Word — His precious, infallible, unchanging, sure Word. A decision, then, needs to be made. I can decide to look at and listen to and reel with my circumstances or I can remember His Word. I have an anchor. I have a refuge. I have a Hope. I have a forerunner… “even Jesus.” I remember my Anchor holds.

Back to Psalm 16
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” ps 16.6-9

And here are the words to the William C. Martin hymn, My Anchor Holds

Though the angry surges roll
On my tempest-driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know,
Wildly though the winds may blow,
I’ve an anchor safe and sure,
That can evermore endure.

Refrain:
And it holds, my anchor holds:
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds

Mighty tides about me sweep,
Perils lurk within the deep,
Angry clouds o’er shade the sky,
And the tempest rises high;
Still I stand the tempest’s shock,
For my anchor grips the rock.

I can feel the anchor fast
As I meet each sudden blast,
And the cable, though unseen,
Bears the heavy strain between;
Through the storm I safely ride,
Till the turning of the tide.

Troubles almost ’whelm the soul;
Griefs like billows o’er me roll;
Tempters seek to lure astray;
Storms obscure the light of day:
But in Christ I can be bold,
I’ve an anchor that shall hold.

However it is with you today… remember the Anchor.

…to be an American.

Yesterday & Tomorrow

Amelia june2015 Daniel june2015 For the last fourteen years, I’ve had a day where I’ve stood between two days, looking back and looking ahead. Today is that day. Fourteen years ago when I looked back at that “yesterday” and ahead to that “tomorrow,” I didn’t know that I would come to call it my Bookends Day. I didn’t know at the time that a final chapter had been written… that the baby born on June 29th would be my last living baby. And when I looked ahead to “tomorrow” that day, I was amazed that my first baby would be twenty two. Twenty two and expecting his first baby to be born just weeks later.

Very early this morning, the trucks were rolling down the lane and the chainsaws began to hum. I knew this day was coming and I’d so dreaded it. I cried at the thought of wrecking the very tree that drew me to this home. I stood in the yard today, watching several guys work for many hours cutting the trees. Huge limbs from the giant weeping willow tree thudded to the ground in our side yard. In the end, they removed twenty feet from the tree’s height. “Such a magnificent tree” one of the tree guys had commented. Yes, I said, It’s the prettiest tree in the valley.

And now it’s not. It’s a silly looking tree now. But, you know, I sure am thankful tonight to still be able to see it—God in His mercy reminded me of His great provision several times today as I thought of my friends in Wenatchee who’ve been evacuated from their home due to severe wild fires. For the first time ever, that willow tree was just a tree. I needed it to be just a tree today. On the Bookends Day. I needed it to mark the end of a season. I needed it to come to being just a tree. And I needed to be reminded that I have been so extremely fortunate, all these years, to sleep under the canopy of the prettiest tree in the valley. If I never slept under it another day, I’d be no less fortunate.

In the middle of the day, our mail lady delivered letters and packages. My husband handed me one of them and said it was a gift for me… perfume… the perfect gift for today… I’m so glad it had somehow been delayed in arriving. Among the other packages in the mail today was another gift for me, only I didn’t know it at the time. When our daughter came home, she brought me one of the packages and, in the marvelous timing of the Lord, the package contained a book — a book of photographs taken here a few weeks ago when all the family (and spouses and children) had gathered for an evening photography session. Page after page of pictures of the house and yard that built our family. It was so timely to receive that gift on this day, Bookends Day, the day between yesterday and tomorrow.

I marveled today that the cutting of the willow tree and several others, was yet another tangible display of the end of a season. The trees will never be the same again. This home will never be the same again, I thought. I was thankful for the Lord to show me that and to make it so that I couldn’t wonder if the season had really come to a close or not.

It’s odd and it’s right that our oldest girls are moving to their own home and that this is their last night “at home.” It’s odd and it’s right that this would happen on Bookends Day. There are no coincidences, only Co-incidents. Tears and laughter, joy and sorrow, each season is filled with these… and it’s odd and it’s right.