The other day, I was just thinking about how many different ways we can use the word, roll.  I mean, just think about it… the rolling hills, the clouds rolled in, old man river just keeps on rollin along, roll with the punches, how ’bout this one… Roll Tide!  There are others… like  – well, what about that Tina Turner song, Rollin on de River… then there’s ‘on a roll’ of course, and I’m sure there’s others – I just can’t think right now…  And then I was thinking… that word, roll, is a really good word, but I guess it can be used negatively too, like… ‘If he knew that, he’d be rollin over in his grave’, but I digress.  Usually, it’s a word of encouragement.  One of my favorites is ‘let’s roll’!  Y’all remember that one, don’tcha?!  In closing, I juswanna encourge you to keep on rollin along;-)  Just keep moving forward…

What if your in-law dies, someone with whom you were very close, and your spouse’s family arranges for a service that’s nothing at all like what you would have – perhaps so much so, that you’re beyone dissappointed – your a little mad…  But you have no say, because you’re (just) the in-law…  I actually have a dear friend (in another city) who’s going thru this right now.  Her mother-in-law died just this morning – they’re gonna cremate and have a very simple service, but my friend would prefer a more tradtional service.  Well… I say let ‘em do it their way, and then you have a service of remembrance, which you control!  It could be an intimate gathering with very close friends – perhaps even over lunch.  It could be that you actually go all out and rent a ‘party’ room somewhere and ‘entertain’ a larger group of extended friends and family.  It could be a time set aside where you simply, but very reverently kneel in a church all by yourself.  Or light a candle and look at old pictures.  Or whatever… be creative – do what works for you.  (I suggest you not do something big unless you have your spouse’s blessing!)  When it comes to ‘funerals’… there’s really no right or wrong.

What ideas do you have, or what have you known others to do who found themselves in this position?  I wish you’d share some of your thoughts on this – it’s a very important subject and this ‘conversation’ would surely help a lot of people!

I made it to 50!!  Wow, half a century!!  I had a great time on my big birthday – got lots of Greetings, which made me feel good.  I will admit… it kinda feels weird starting this fifth decade since Yvonne didn’t even make it through her fourth decade – she was really so young when she died – only 47 – that’s just too young to die – I almost feel kinda guilty for making it further than she – does that make sense???  I can’t believe she’s really dead.  And I can’t believe I’m really 50.  Man… I gotta get in better shape!  Remember the lyrics from that song in the movie, GREASE… ‘Better Shape Up’ – ooh, I got to – too much birthday cake & ice cream, but boy… was it good!!!

I understand this is the 50th anniversary of The Pill…  I wonder what God thinks about that…  Hmm…  Some don’t believe in taking The Pill, because of religious beliefs, which I can respect.  Because of my religious beliefs, I don’t believe in pre-marital sex.  I do; however, believe in responsible behavior (whatever that means – I know what it means to me).  I guess this is a personal topic, huh…  Actually, I believe it’s probably best for each of us to ask God for some guidance & direction here – surely Father knows best!  In fact, we probably should ask God for some guidance & direction in other areas of our personal lives – every area would surely be best!  And once we ask Him, let’s be sure to listen – I mean really listen, to fully understand what He tells us.