Dear Jonathan,

Dear Jonathan,
Everyone was so happy when you were born! Your five sisters were so happy to have a little brother, and all of us in the family were buzzing about how your mom finally had a boy! When your family came up to see us the next month, I felt very lucky that I was the only one of the kids that got to hold you, because I was 10, which was a very big deal. You were so small and your fingers were so long! I was scared that I may drop you, but you just looked at me and grinned your Jonathan grin.
When I visited your grandma last fall, I saw from school pictures that you were growing to be a very handsome young man. Now, you have been reduced to a headline.
Two weeks ago, at your sisters wedding, I am told you were charming and polite, as usual. I'm sorry that I was not there. As I look at the invitation now, the air fare doesn't seem to be as unattainable as it had seemed to be a month ago.
I miss you already, Jonathon. We all do. I don't know why you decided to follow the crowd. You knew better than this!
My heart hurts for your Mom and Dad. For your sisters. For you. I know that I should feel consoled that you trusted Jesus, but right now I'm too busy missing you. Good Bye, Jonathan.

You Will Be Missed,
LOVE,
Your Cousin

Note to potential commentors: the word "sorry" is not allowed to appear in any context, language, or order. Thank you.

A Brief Reprieve

Dear Gameboy,
You are cool, but I'm going out to see the glory.
Bring it on!


I never did like the word mediocre
I never wanted it to be said of me, oh, no
Just point me to the job and I’d go over, over
Looking for the very best that could be
So what is this thing I see
Going on inside of me?
When it comes to the grace of God
Sometimes it’s like …

I’m playing Gameboy standing in the middle of the Grand Canyon
I’m eating candy sittin’ at a gourmet feast
I’m wading in a puddle when I could be swimming in the ocean
Tell me what’s the deal with me
(I know the time has come for me to)
Wake up and see the glory

Every star in the sky tells His story, oh
And every breeze is singing His song
All of creation is imploring
Hey, come see this grand phenomenon
The wonder of His grace
Should take my breath away
I miss so many things when I’m content with …

Playing Gameboy standing in the middle of the Grand Canyon
Eating candy sittin’ at a gourmet feast
Wading in a puddle when I could be swimming in the ocean
Tell me what’s the deal with me
(I know the time has come for me to)
Wake up and see the glory

How could I trivialize it
This awesome gift of God’s grace?
Once I have come to realize it
I should be speechless and amazed

Wake up and see the glory
Open your eyes and take it in
Wake up and be amazed
Over and over again

God’s love is calling to you and to me
Wake up, wake up
Open your eyes
-Steven Curtis Chapman
(Because he's off the chain, son.)

Preview (a lengthy one is cooking)

A Letter of Appreciation:

To All Taylor Festival Attendees

Thanks for the Memories :)

Please Welcome A Guest Blogger

Dear Gas Pricers:
I wanted to drop you a quick line and let you know that I have never been fooled by the "9" you place in the "tenths," place in the price of gas on the signs. Yes, I know that when you list the price of regular unleaded gas at $2.89.9 that it is really only a tenth of a penny away from being $2.90. Yes, I know that if I fill up my tank with 10 gallons of gasoline at the "higher," price the difference would total a whopping ONE CENT.
So, might I suggest just putting the freaking whole number on the sign? I've noticed many of your establishments running out of space now that the #2 must go first. Why not just drop the nine? I doubt that you are going to change, but I felt obligated to let you know that I am onto your game and from now on I will actually buy one penny less of gas each tank just so it all works out.

Regards,
Mike