Ah! Saturday. 'Nuff said!

Lots going on in this old world. Millions the world over monitor the demise of the Pope's health. Others are totally oblivious to it as they are engrossed in the final four. Others are aware of it all, but continue to go through the motions of their daily life.

As most of you are aware I am not Catholic but I do spend a considerable amount of time every year in a community that is totally Catholic. I can only imagine what is going on with my friends there as their church leader gradually slips from this life.

I can remember the death of two previous Pope's and the selection of the current Pope. I am intrigued by the rituals of a Pope's death. The certification of his death, the calling out of his Christian name three times, the tapping on the forehead with a silver hammer, the destroying of the papal ring to prevent document forgery. The sealing of the papal apartment. The Holy See. It is all laid out.

In my opinion the Catholic Church lags far behind. It is filled with beautuful traditions and rituals but lingers in the "dark ages", yet John Paul II has been a remarkable leader. His travels and his ability to communicate have surpassed any previous Pope by far. He has moved his church forward and will be remembered as a kind, gentle man, a leader, a man of GOD. It will be interesting to watch as the world mourns his passing and the selection process unfolds for a new leader.

I nominate Padre Tom. (Detales June 17, 2004 archive).

As I was returning to Abilene Friday afternoon I was headed south on Highway 277 between N. 10th and Ambler when an accident occurred. Two vehicles going north had collided, one ended up in the median, the other jacknifed the trailer it was pulling and rolled over on its side. Several of us stopped to render aid. Luckily no one was seriously injured and the biggest hurdle was getting a door open so the occupants of the upset vehicle could clamber out! Once everyone was out and apparently O.K., I continued toward the house. This morning's Reporter-News stated that some illegal drugs were found and two people were arrested.

I am thankful that we are at the end of the week. While it was filled with variety it was a tough one. I am already looking at a full week in the coming one!

I find myself wishing for opportunity to attend "Stream in the Desert". One of these days!

FATHER thank YOU for the blessings I enjoy. YOU are good to me. I pray for a good weekend. I pray for good R & R. I pray for Krl, for her health. I ask that YOU get us to Monday when her doctor will be back. I pray for healing for Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Tj, Anna, Jess, and those continuing to recovery from their injuries. I pray for comfort for John Paul. I pray for comfort for those grieving. I pray for renewal for those of us finding ourselves spiritually bankrupt. I pray for our spiritual family and for our leaders. Thank YOU for loving me!