The Shack - A very critical review.
Overview:
Mackinzie Allen Phillips (Mac), who has had his young daughter murdered in a shack during a camping trip, is invited by God to revisit the shack four years later. At the shack he is met by the Trinity in the form of a large African woman (God the Father), an Asian woman (The Holy Spirit) and a Jewish man (Jesus) He has apparently been invited to the shack by God to help him deal with the pain of the loss of his daughter. (P.92) There is some attempt by God to help Mac deal with a variety of theological questions.
What do we know about Mac?
1) He was raised in a rather harsh Christian home.
2) Family devotions were tedious and boring.
3) His father had a drinking problem
4) He has been to seminary
5) He is a rather superficial thinker as he never faced up to the problem of the evil in the world until he experienced the loss of his own daughter.
6) He has some familiarity with church and with church beliefs.
The author of the book has declared on a web site that the Mac in the book is really a picture of himself. He has also stated clearly that the book is a book of fiction.
The book, in many ways, is a theological disaster. The first and most glaring error is the feminization of the Trinity. The biblical writers, from cover to cover, all seem to think that the masculine image is the most appropriate image to represent the Trinity. Nobody suggests that God is a man -- only that the masculine image is the best image to represent God. C.S. Lewis says that the whole universe is feminine before God. God gives and the universe receives. Even in sex, the male gives and the woman receives. What justification do we have to declare that the Biblical writers and 2000 years of church history are wrong in preferring the masculine image to the female image to represent God? Any religion that puts the feminine at the heart of the universe rather than the masculine would result in a religion very different from historic Christianity. This is important. (See C.S. Lewis - 'Priestesses in the Church' in God in the Dock.
A second error is the clear assertion that there is no hierarchy of office within the Trinity (p 121-123). The whole New Testament speaks of hierarchy of office. The Father sends the Son, not the other way around. The Son prays to the Father, the Father doesn't pray to the Son. The creeds say that the 'Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son', the Father does not proceed from the Holy Spirit. The author of this book boldly puts words in God's mouth that don't square with the Biblical record. The whole tone to the relationship of the members of the Trinity the each other is annoying. They kiss each other all the time, They call each other and Mac sweetie and honey.
Odd things about the story:
1) God twice refers to the possibility that Macs pants might be or get full of poop (p 88, 121).
2) All three members of the Trinity became human in the Incarnation (p. 99)
3) Suggests that Jesus is physically ugly. (p. 113)
4) States that God the Father has scars on her writs that match the scars on the wrists of Jesus. (p 95)
5) God loves everyone equally but he especially has love for Missy (the dead daughter p 92). He is also especially fond of everybody (119). The word especially loses its meaning if it applies to everyone. Verbal confusion.
6) God is bigger than the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Why?)
7) God cries (p 95) (the author does not seem to realize that there is a strong theological support for the idea that God is impassible)
8) The attempt to discuss the problem of free will is very superficial (p. 94-95)
9) “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me” God explains this to Mac by saying that Jesus was wrong, He was not forsaken, He only felt forsaken. This complex problem is explained away quite simply - too simply.
10) “When all that humans can see is their pain, perhaps they lose site of Me” (p. 96). This is only true if humans have not had good teaching in church. The whole point of the book of Job is that a man can suffer terribly without losing his faith in God. Suffering should not have any effect on a person's belief system.
11) When God tries to tell Mac that He is more than just a large human, Mac says that His explanation does not make much sense. (p. 98) Why not? It’s not that complicated.
12) “When we three spoke ourselves into human existence as the Son of God we became fully human - - we became flesh and blood.” (p.99) Where in the world did the author get this idea?
13) Mac seems to think that we learn truth from our experiences (p.102). This is true if by experience he means thinking but not true if he means his feelings. Mac is a bit weak on thinking.
14) Jesus is clumsy (drops a bowl of batter) (p.104). God calls him ‘greasy fingers”.
15) Mac is very impressed they way the members of the Trinity treat each other. (p 105). “How different this was from the way he (Mac) treated the ones he loved” How?
16) There is a frequent subtle hostility through out the book against theology, seminary, rules, law, obedience, religion, authority, power, judgment, repentance, guilt, responsibility, expectations (p. 112, 123, 148, 158).
17) God uses slang. “Those things will give you the trots if you ain’t careful (p.121). “You ain’t heard nothin’ yet’ “(p 203).
18) Jesus and God the mother are so dense that they can’t understands Mac’s questions about hierarchy within the trinity (p. 121, 122).
19) God is very disparaging of human's ability to determine what is good and evil (p.147). This is theological and philosophical nonsense ( see C.S. Lewis - Abolition of Man and the book of Romans)
20) “power in the hands of independent humans - - does corrupt” Maybe often but not always
21) God is critical of Mac for judging the actions of other people (p. 158). This is contrary to common sense. We are not to judge motivations but are compelled to judge actions.
22) God says that judging requires that you think yourself superior over the one you judge (p. 159). More nonsense. All we need to judge the actions of others is common sense. We don’t need to think our selves superior.
23) Jesus loves people who he had judged worthy of His love (p.163). This is a flat contradiction of God’s grace. We are not loved because we deserve it. He loves us in spite of the fact that we are not worthy of it.
23) Jesus says that he has no desire to make non-Christians, Christians (p.182). What kind of nonsense is this. He has no desire to make people his followers?
24) Mac asks ‘why didn’t you tell me about Missy (the killed daughter) before?’ (p. 176) What has he learned at the shack about Missy that he didn’t know before? We are never told.
25) All the evils of the world are all related to religion, politics and economics. (p. 179) A silly assertion.
26) The Bible doesn’t teach you to follow rules (p. 197), yet Jesus said, ‘If you love me, keep my commandments’.
After Mac’s encounter with God in the Shack the great sadness of the loss of his daughter was gone. Is this a good thing? How would anyone want this kind of sadness to be gone?
Why is this book receiving such a positive response? Because it presents a very mushy and undemanding God, one that satisfies our emotions and makes no demands on our minds. If laypeople were better educated theologically this book would be a colossal flop. If people are being ‘blessed’ by this book, it only means that God can use even bad teaching to a good end.
Apparently the author went to seminary. I wish he had stayed awake in class and would have avoided writing this awful book.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
april
not dead yet - alive but not kicking. We are settling in to a routine that will probably be reflective of the rest of our lives. Care givers work we me til about 11:00 or 12:00. Up in my wheel chair til 9 or 10. Watch news and videos with Barb. Fortunately reading has become possible. For a long time I did not feel up to reading - I don't know why but I just could not get interested in anything I read. For the last week or so this has changed and I am now looking forward to reading. It will probably be my main activity in life. We get out as much as we want, Church, shopping, visiting kids and grand kids. Our Van is working fine. Hope to get controls put on the van so I can drive - probably within a few months.
Andy, our 8 year old grand child has learned to play chess well enough that I have to pay attention or he will take my pieces. It is actually fun for me. Juliana, age 6, likes to play and knows how the pieces move but she can't really play.
Hope the Obama beats Hillary and that McCain beats Obama. The talking heads on TV are going wild with over analysis and predictions. We usually watch Rick Steves at 7:00 week nights and his travel series.
Delighted to see summer coming. Barbs flower garden is blossoming and she is anxious to get back to gardening. She loves to work in her garden. I think life is now good again for her and meI need less and less help. I can get in and our of bed to my wheel chair by myself and am perfectly content to be home alone if she needs to get out and about.
In spite of the fact that we seem to be doing better, I can not avoid admitting that being in my situation is a real bummer. I can't complain (who would I complain to?) as millions of folks are a lot worse off than I am in a variety of ways.
Will we travel again? Hard to say as the ideal seem fraught with logistical problems at the moment but we know others do it so who knows.
Will try to let you know when we see a good movie or read a good book.
Don
Andy, our 8 year old grand child has learned to play chess well enough that I have to pay attention or he will take my pieces. It is actually fun for me. Juliana, age 6, likes to play and knows how the pieces move but she can't really play.
Hope the Obama beats Hillary and that McCain beats Obama. The talking heads on TV are going wild with over analysis and predictions. We usually watch Rick Steves at 7:00 week nights and his travel series.
Delighted to see summer coming. Barbs flower garden is blossoming and she is anxious to get back to gardening. She loves to work in her garden. I think life is now good again for her and meI need less and less help. I can get in and our of bed to my wheel chair by myself and am perfectly content to be home alone if she needs to get out and about.
In spite of the fact that we seem to be doing better, I can not avoid admitting that being in my situation is a real bummer. I can't complain (who would I complain to?) as millions of folks are a lot worse off than I am in a variety of ways.
Will we travel again? Hard to say as the ideal seem fraught with logistical problems at the moment but we know others do it so who knows.
Will try to let you know when we see a good movie or read a good book.
Don
Friday, February 29, 2008
leap year day blog
Hi my friends -
I am pleased to update all on my blog. Feeling better and adjusting better every day. The doctor today told me that most people in my condition almost feel that life is almost back to normal after a few years and we are beginning to think that it may be true.
We are getting out more and more. I got a new power chair recently that was too big for the lift on our van so had to get another van which we found at a very good price. It is working well. Yesterday we even went to the mall for some shoes. Why do I need shoes? - to protect my toes when I don't drive carefully.
We are getting more and more back into our evening reading when we don't watch videos we get from netflix.
About once a week we get one of the grand kids from Suzanne for an afternoon. They are a handful but we are delighted to have a new set of grand kids in the family.
Greg (Christy's husband) is in the process of turning a closet in my room into a bathroom so I have something to entertain myself in the daytime - watching him. Has to tear out a small wall and then do the plumbing. It bugs me to watch when I would love to help.
We have two care givers that alternate days that work from 9:00 to noon every day. At first I did not thing we would need them but don't see how we would get along without them. Hard to explain but with laundry, meals, daily exercise of my legs (called range of motion to keep my joints limber) assistance to get on and off the commode and assistance getting a bath - it is a load. I have a guy 5 days a week and a nurse two days a week. We may not need them forever as I get stronger and am more able to take care of myself. No longer going to physical therapy as I exercise at home.
Following the election closely - I want Obama to beat Hillery and then for McCain to become president. Newt Gingrich was my first choice but --. Did you hear that Chelsie Clinton asked McCain who he most feared and said "Osama, and Obama and Yo Mama."
The frogs are beginning to peep at night which we hope is a sure sign of spring. It has been an easy winter with little snow and almost no freezing.
How do we survive financially? Quite well - Medicare and our medicare supplement have taken care of almost everything. Our retirement income has been sufficient so we are not going backwards. (Except for today when the market dropped 315 points) We feel fortunate as some folks in my condition have to spend all ther resources and then end up on medicare in a nursing home -- a miserable existence -- I was there for three months before I could start therapy.
Looking forward to Prince Caspian movie which comes out in May.
Best wishes to you and thank you for your prayers,
Don Holmes
I am pleased to update all on my blog. Feeling better and adjusting better every day. The doctor today told me that most people in my condition almost feel that life is almost back to normal after a few years and we are beginning to think that it may be true.
We are getting out more and more. I got a new power chair recently that was too big for the lift on our van so had to get another van which we found at a very good price. It is working well. Yesterday we even went to the mall for some shoes. Why do I need shoes? - to protect my toes when I don't drive carefully.
We are getting more and more back into our evening reading when we don't watch videos we get from netflix.
About once a week we get one of the grand kids from Suzanne for an afternoon. They are a handful but we are delighted to have a new set of grand kids in the family.
Greg (Christy's husband) is in the process of turning a closet in my room into a bathroom so I have something to entertain myself in the daytime - watching him. Has to tear out a small wall and then do the plumbing. It bugs me to watch when I would love to help.
We have two care givers that alternate days that work from 9:00 to noon every day. At first I did not thing we would need them but don't see how we would get along without them. Hard to explain but with laundry, meals, daily exercise of my legs (called range of motion to keep my joints limber) assistance to get on and off the commode and assistance getting a bath - it is a load. I have a guy 5 days a week and a nurse two days a week. We may not need them forever as I get stronger and am more able to take care of myself. No longer going to physical therapy as I exercise at home.
Following the election closely - I want Obama to beat Hillery and then for McCain to become president. Newt Gingrich was my first choice but --. Did you hear that Chelsie Clinton asked McCain who he most feared and said "Osama, and Obama and Yo Mama."
The frogs are beginning to peep at night which we hope is a sure sign of spring. It has been an easy winter with little snow and almost no freezing.
How do we survive financially? Quite well - Medicare and our medicare supplement have taken care of almost everything. Our retirement income has been sufficient so we are not going backwards. (Except for today when the market dropped 315 points) We feel fortunate as some folks in my condition have to spend all ther resources and then end up on medicare in a nursing home -- a miserable existence -- I was there for three months before I could start therapy.
Looking forward to Prince Caspian movie which comes out in May.
Best wishes to you and thank you for your prayers,
Don Holmes
Friday, January 25, 2008
We are doing great
Hi to all -
Yesterday I received a new power wheel chair to replace the one that had been given me that really did not fit very well. The new chair is really great - I thank you all who pay taxes as Medicare paid for it - that is you.
We have gotten out a lot lately - Church, mens groups, errands. We are reaching the point where life is good again - a long path, but I think we are making it.
Reading a really great book - Amazing Grace - on the life and work of Wilberforce. Recommend it to all.
Don't really have anything more to write - ask me questions and I will answer.
Great to be alive and to know Christ is present.
Don
Yesterday I received a new power wheel chair to replace the one that had been given me that really did not fit very well. The new chair is really great - I thank you all who pay taxes as Medicare paid for it - that is you.
We have gotten out a lot lately - Church, mens groups, errands. We are reaching the point where life is good again - a long path, but I think we are making it.
Reading a really great book - Amazing Grace - on the life and work of Wilberforce. Recommend it to all.
Don't really have anything more to write - ask me questions and I will answer.
Great to be alive and to know Christ is present.
Don
Sunday, January 6, 2008
update
First blog of the new year -
I have been living in a kind of mental fog ever since the accident on Dec 14 2006. About a week ago I began to wake up clear headed and with a new since of optimism and have felt real good lately. We are getting out more to events in or town, seeing friends, church etc. Haven't felt much like reading until lately. We joined NETFlix so watch videos several times a week.
Watching the race a lot lately. Delighted to see Obama ahead of Hilary but my man is McCain.
Read both books Obama wrote. Fascinating person. He know what life at the bottom is like.
The older grand kids are all gone again. Kara teaching in L.A. Kelli a Junior at Whitworth and Kayti a freshman at Westmont. It was wonderful to have them home for Christmas vacation.
The Siberian transplants, Andy and Juliana are doing well. They added a new dimension to Christmas this year. It is fun to look forward to watching them grow up.
I turn 73 next week and even though I have no legs am delighted to still be in good health. I sleep and eat well. Barb is having some soreness in her legs which she is looking in to next week at the Doctor.
We are doing better as a team to work out how we are going to make our lives work. This is a MAJOR adjustment for the both of us.
We see all of our kids a lots. Doing well - appreciate your prayers.
Don
I have been living in a kind of mental fog ever since the accident on Dec 14 2006. About a week ago I began to wake up clear headed and with a new since of optimism and have felt real good lately. We are getting out more to events in or town, seeing friends, church etc. Haven't felt much like reading until lately. We joined NETFlix so watch videos several times a week.
Watching the race a lot lately. Delighted to see Obama ahead of Hilary but my man is McCain.
Read both books Obama wrote. Fascinating person. He know what life at the bottom is like.
The older grand kids are all gone again. Kara teaching in L.A. Kelli a Junior at Whitworth and Kayti a freshman at Westmont. It was wonderful to have them home for Christmas vacation.
The Siberian transplants, Andy and Juliana are doing well. They added a new dimension to Christmas this year. It is fun to look forward to watching them grow up.
I turn 73 next week and even though I have no legs am delighted to still be in good health. I sleep and eat well. Barb is having some soreness in her legs which she is looking in to next week at the Doctor.
We are doing better as a team to work out how we are going to make our lives work. This is a MAJOR adjustment for the both of us.
We see all of our kids a lots. Doing well - appreciate your prayers.
Don
Sunday, December 23, 2007
christmas eve eve
Barbara and I are home, me watching the Seahawks and Barb addressing Christmas cards. We are having a quiet peaceful day before the flurry of activities during Christmas week. The three older granddaughters are all in town. All of Bob's family and our family will all be getting together tomorrow for a Family breakfast. Christmas this year may be almost normal for us. We are adjusting better and are having more good days than bad days lately. Even managed to go out for dinner this week.
Am in the process of getting some wall pulley weights to work out at home so I will not have to go to physical therapy any more. It has been a hassle to get in the wheel chair van and have Barb drive me there once or twice a week. Now I will just have to have the discipline to use it. It is crucial that I keep my arms strong.
Great video of Christy and the kids.
Hope to start raising funds for the International Justise Mission after the first. IJM.Org for more info.
The Lord is Good and we feel very blessed.
Best Wishes
Am in the process of getting some wall pulley weights to work out at home so I will not have to go to physical therapy any more. It has been a hassle to get in the wheel chair van and have Barb drive me there once or twice a week. Now I will just have to have the discipline to use it. It is crucial that I keep my arms strong.
Great video of Christy and the kids.
Hope to start raising funds for the International Justise Mission after the first. IJM.Org for more info.
The Lord is Good and we feel very blessed.
Best Wishes
Monday, November 26, 2007
update
Surprise - Surprise - an updated blog - This will be a long one to cover for all the ones I didn't write.
Daily life:
Up about 8:00 - 8:30 for breakfast, pills.
9:00 - 11/12 Hired help.
1) exercises my legs to keep them healthy.
2) assists me getting on the portable potty for any where between 30 to 60 minutes.
3) twice a week helps be get on to a bench on the tub for a bath.
4) helps me get dressed, pants shoes, etc.
5) helps me get into my wheelchair for the day. I use what is called a sliding board to get from the bed to the chair.
12:00 - lunch
afternoons: once or twice a week Barb takes me in our wheel chair accessible Van to the hospital for physical therapy - a rather rigorous work out to strengthen my upper body.
I nap almost every day and people stop by to visit.
See my family a lot. Christy and Greg, Suzanne and Jamie and their two kids and Tim who works two weeks on and two weeks off on a boat. He expects to get his Captain's license any day. Had a big gathering at Suzanne's on Thanksgiving day.
I was one of three speakers at Church a week ago on a thanksgiving theme. Following is what I said:
I then asked the congregation to repeat with me three times the promise "I will never leave you or forsake you".
How are we doing? Better but it is not easy.We are gaining hope that we can get our life back.
My over riding emotions are fatigue and frustrations. Living in a wheel chair is more difficult than I imagined but it is getting better. I attend a group that is all wheel chair people. They say it takes about two years to get fully adjusted and I believe it. I still have trouble believing that this has happened.
More blogging later today.
Off to physical therapy
Don
Daily life:
Up about 8:00 - 8:30 for breakfast, pills.
9:00 - 11/12 Hired help.
1) exercises my legs to keep them healthy.
2) assists me getting on the portable potty for any where between 30 to 60 minutes.
3) twice a week helps be get on to a bench on the tub for a bath.
4) helps me get dressed, pants shoes, etc.
5) helps me get into my wheelchair for the day. I use what is called a sliding board to get from the bed to the chair.
12:00 - lunch
afternoons: once or twice a week Barb takes me in our wheel chair accessible Van to the hospital for physical therapy - a rather rigorous work out to strengthen my upper body.
I nap almost every day and people stop by to visit.
See my family a lot. Christy and Greg, Suzanne and Jamie and their two kids and Tim who works two weeks on and two weeks off on a boat. He expects to get his Captain's license any day. Had a big gathering at Suzanne's on Thanksgiving day.
I was one of three speakers at Church a week ago on a thanksgiving theme. Following is what I said:
About the third week I was in the hospital, I received a phone call from an old friend. I was too tired to talk to him so he talked to my wife. He asked her "How is his faith". When Barbara told me this is made me mad as I took it as a kind of insult. What is the world was he asking or implying? Was he curious to know if my injury has caused me to disbelieve in God? Or was he asking if my injury had caused me to disbelieve in the goodness of God or was he asking if my injury as caused be to disbelieve in the promises of Christ. This is silly. My faith and I hope your faith is founded on historic facts related to the life and death of Christ and his promises, primarily his promise that he will never leave us or forsake us.
There is a minister in New England by the name of Robert Farrar Capon who wrote a book called Hunting the Divine Foxin which he relates the following story:
A man was traveling late at night in the middle of winter over a mountain pass when his car quits running. He gets out of the car and opens the hood and sees no obvious problem. As there was no traffic he begins to fear that he may freeze to death when he sees a light coming up the hill. He begins to have hope but then sees that it is not two lights like a car would have but only one light. As the light gets closer he senses that that light comes from a figure and he begins to think that it is Christ. And then realizes that in fact it is Jesus and he is excited. What does Jesus do? He takes the man by the hand and they go and sit in a snow bank while the man freezes to death.
I then asked the congregation to repeat with me three times the promise "I will never leave you or forsake you".
How are we doing? Better but it is not easy.We are gaining hope that we can get our life back.
My over riding emotions are fatigue and frustrations. Living in a wheel chair is more difficult than I imagined but it is getting better. I attend a group that is all wheel chair people. They say it takes about two years to get fully adjusted and I believe it. I still have trouble believing that this has happened.
More blogging later today.
Off to physical therapy
Don
Sunday, November 18, 2007
(psst)
(since Dad is not updating his blog I'm taking the liberty of telling you that I am talking about him over on my blog: Adventures In Daily Living.)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Oct 30
Hi Blogger Fans.
I don't write often as there is little to write about. We work hard to get through each day with some good days and some not so good. We watch Videos and read and get out several times a week for therapy. Big accomplishment this week was getting from my chair via the sliding board to the bench in the bath tub for the second time. Funny what makes news. Getting stronger each day from therapy and work at home.
Finished the biography on John Newton. Barb is reading "Inside the Third Reich" which I had read before. 600 pages by Albert Spears who was Hitler's architect and munitions head.
Friends stop by but not too many. Like to visit with friends.
Am taking pills to help my legs not flinch but it makes me sleepy.
Barb is leaving for Hawaii next week so my friends will be filling in.
Did you hear about the little girl who was beaten by several sets of foster parents and when asked where she would like to live said that she wanted to live with the Nebraska football team because they couldn't beat anybody ( My sister in Nebraska sent me that).
In talking to other wheel chair people, they say that it takes about 2 years to adjust to wheel chair life so I will be half way on Dec. 14th. I believe them.
We are doing quite well.
Don
I don't write often as there is little to write about. We work hard to get through each day with some good days and some not so good. We watch Videos and read and get out several times a week for therapy. Big accomplishment this week was getting from my chair via the sliding board to the bench in the bath tub for the second time. Funny what makes news. Getting stronger each day from therapy and work at home.
Finished the biography on John Newton. Barb is reading "Inside the Third Reich" which I had read before. 600 pages by Albert Spears who was Hitler's architect and munitions head.
Friends stop by but not too many. Like to visit with friends.
Am taking pills to help my legs not flinch but it makes me sleepy.
Barb is leaving for Hawaii next week so my friends will be filling in.
Did you hear about the little girl who was beaten by several sets of foster parents and when asked where she would like to live said that she wanted to live with the Nebraska football team because they couldn't beat anybody ( My sister in Nebraska sent me that).
In talking to other wheel chair people, they say that it takes about 2 years to adjust to wheel chair life so I will be half way on Dec. 14th. I believe them.
We are doing quite well.
Don
Friday, October 19, 2007
finally
Finally in mood to update.
We continue to adjust to our new life. Still have trouble believing this has actually happened to us and I do mean us as it is huge adjustment for Barb as well as me. Our Van is working out well. Go to out-patient therapy one or twice a week and will probably continue to do so for six months or a year.
They sometimes work me pretty hard to build up my arm strength. I am not in any pain but life is very difficult and frustrating. Nothing is easy.
Watch lots of football and news. Read lots. Just finished a biography of Sidney Potier and John Newton. We joined net flix on the twice a month program.
See lots of our kids and grandkids. Juliana and Andrew are a kick. They are doing great with their language. Barb was fixing lunch for Andy and asked him what he would like. And he said "Anything you fix will be appropriate". A year ago he did not know a stitch of English.
In case you are curious, we have had not had any major medical expenses because of all this. Medicare and our supplement have worked wonderful.. The joys of being over 65. YEH.
We are not church-shopping but are going to visit a church this week. They meet every other week in the evening for a pot luck before worship. On alternate weeks they do community service projects. Interesting.
What you like to hear about in my blogs?
Don
We continue to adjust to our new life. Still have trouble believing this has actually happened to us and I do mean us as it is huge adjustment for Barb as well as me. Our Van is working out well. Go to out-patient therapy one or twice a week and will probably continue to do so for six months or a year.
They sometimes work me pretty hard to build up my arm strength. I am not in any pain but life is very difficult and frustrating. Nothing is easy.
Watch lots of football and news. Read lots. Just finished a biography of Sidney Potier and John Newton. We joined net flix on the twice a month program.
See lots of our kids and grandkids. Juliana and Andrew are a kick. They are doing great with their language. Barb was fixing lunch for Andy and asked him what he would like. And he said "Anything you fix will be appropriate". A year ago he did not know a stitch of English.
In case you are curious, we have had not had any major medical expenses because of all this. Medicare and our supplement have worked wonderful.. The joys of being over 65. YEH.
We are not church-shopping but are going to visit a church this week. They meet every other week in the evening for a pot luck before worship. On alternate weeks they do community service projects. Interesting.
What you like to hear about in my blogs?
Don
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
flu shots
Psst . . . just a gentle reminder to get your flu shot, particularly if you plan to visit my parents this winter.
Best,
Suzanne
Best,
Suzanne
Sunday, September 23, 2007
doing well
Hi to all those in Blogger land. We are still adjusting to the situation. I have developed much sympathy for all who struggle in life. Lots of folks struggle for a variety of reasons. I don't know what God's plan is for all of them is but I know they are not forgotten.
Reading a biography on Sydney Poitier and John Newton. I suspect that I will get a lot of reading done in the next few years. Can you suggest some good books or videos?
With our new van we are getting out some - a good thing.
My family continues to be of immense help so the burden on my wife is somewhat manageable.
Best Wishes to all,
Don
Reading a biography on Sydney Poitier and John Newton. I suspect that I will get a lot of reading done in the next few years. Can you suggest some good books or videos?
With our new van we are getting out some - a good thing.
My family continues to be of immense help so the burden on my wife is somewhat manageable.
Best Wishes to all,
Don
Sunday, September 9, 2007
PROGRESS
Nothing but good news lately. We have been getting out more now that we have a wheel chair van. Found my new pair of glasses that have been missing for 10 days. I had been laying on them under the sheet. They are titanium and very bendable so they were still o.k. Been getting good reports from our three grand daughters, one teaching school in L.A and the other two in school at Westmont and Whitworth. Suzanne and Jamie and their two kids are on vacation in Vancouver Island and Barb is going to join them next week for four days.
Have been able to get out side more as the weather has been beautiful.
Has been fun watching a local boy make good as the Washington Huskies quarterback - Jake Locker.
Barb is grateful for the many phone calls and cards of encouragement and so am I.
Just finished reading the Glass Castle - interesting true story about a homeless family and their advendures.
Now reading Ninety Minutes in Heaven about a man in a terrible accident, 'went to heaven for 90 minutes' and his struggle to get his life back.
We are making daily progress in our new life.
Don
Have been able to get out side more as the weather has been beautiful.
Has been fun watching a local boy make good as the Washington Huskies quarterback - Jake Locker.
Barb is grateful for the many phone calls and cards of encouragement and so am I.
Just finished reading the Glass Castle - interesting true story about a homeless family and their advendures.
Now reading Ninety Minutes in Heaven about a man in a terrible accident, 'went to heaven for 90 minutes' and his struggle to get his life back.
We are making daily progress in our new life.
Don
Sunday, August 26, 2007
doing great
WE are making great progress every day.
We have purchased a Van. I can't drive it but Barb can and haul me around like a sack of potatoes.
It is quite comfortable. I have to duck as I drive in but have lots of head room after I get in side.
It has a very good lift for my chair. WE have been out several times and it gives us a lot of freedom on our own schedule.
My sister Carol and her son Brent from Nebraska have been her for several days. We spent part of the afternoon by a ocean beach with a lunch. It is great to get back to doing regular things.
I fell asleep in my chair and fell on the ground a few weeks ago. Barb was nearby and called my brother and his son to pick me up. I was quite comfortable laying on the ground for 45 minutes.
Read a lot and watch sports on T.V We also rent Videos.
Will try to keep more current with the blog
Don
We have purchased a Van. I can't drive it but Barb can and haul me around like a sack of potatoes.
It is quite comfortable. I have to duck as I drive in but have lots of head room after I get in side.
It has a very good lift for my chair. WE have been out several times and it gives us a lot of freedom on our own schedule.
My sister Carol and her son Brent from Nebraska have been her for several days. We spent part of the afternoon by a ocean beach with a lunch. It is great to get back to doing regular things.
I fell asleep in my chair and fell on the ground a few weeks ago. Barb was nearby and called my brother and his son to pick me up. I was quite comfortable laying on the ground for 45 minutes.
Read a lot and watch sports on T.V We also rent Videos.
Will try to keep more current with the blog
Don
Saturday, August 25, 2007
(missing a Sunday post)
Dad didn't post last Sunday so you didn't get to hear about
It's worth a try.
- falling out of his chair onto his head
- buying his van
- going in the van to a family party in a park
It's worth a try.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
day by day
Sorry I missed blogging last Sunday - two days late.
Big week last week. The mens group from my church met here on Wednesday. This first time I have been with them since last year. Also the book club met here on Saturday - six couples.
We are hoping to get a Van soon so we will not be dependent on the city disabled bus.
I am sitting up most of the time. It is good to not be so tied to the bed.
If previous blogs have sounded a bit depressing they are probably accurate. We seem to be doing better now but it has taken a while to adjust.
Got to church again last Sunday.
We finished the last Harry Potter book and liked it a lot.
If you have specific questions I will try to respond on the blog site.
Don
Big week last week. The mens group from my church met here on Wednesday. This first time I have been with them since last year. Also the book club met here on Saturday - six couples.
We are hoping to get a Van soon so we will not be dependent on the city disabled bus.
I am sitting up most of the time. It is good to not be so tied to the bed.
If previous blogs have sounded a bit depressing they are probably accurate. We seem to be doing better now but it has taken a while to adjust.
Got to church again last Sunday.
We finished the last Harry Potter book and liked it a lot.
If you have specific questions I will try to respond on the blog site.
Don
Sunday, August 5, 2007
update
Still here.
Each weeks gets better.
Went to Costco by myself on city handicap van to get new glasses.
Having our book club meeting here this week. First time I can go to our book club since last year.
We have been meeting for over 25 years.
I am able to read a lot.
Hope we can get a handicap van soon so we are not so house bound.
Spend lots of time in the yard throwing the ball for our dog Emma.
Having quite a number of friends stop by which is much appreciated.
Still don't know what our life is going to be like in the long run.
Need to find some way to justify my existence beside just staying alive - any suggestions.
Don
Each weeks gets better.
Went to Costco by myself on city handicap van to get new glasses.
Having our book club meeting here this week. First time I can go to our book club since last year.
We have been meeting for over 25 years.
I am able to read a lot.
Hope we can get a handicap van soon so we are not so house bound.
Spend lots of time in the yard throwing the ball for our dog Emma.
Having quite a number of friends stop by which is much appreciated.
Still don't know what our life is going to be like in the long run.
Need to find some way to justify my existence beside just staying alive - any suggestions.
Don
Sunday, July 29, 2007
UPDATE
We went to church for the second time today. Using the public bus transportation to get there.
FHinished the new Harry Potter book this week and was no t disappointed.
Going to out patient therapy once or twice a week. Will probably continue this for a year or so.
They work me pretty hard.
We are getting our routine at home down pretty well and things are better for both Barb and I.
Looking for a wheel chair Van and hope to have something with in a few months.
Have been to two movies lately so we are getting out a bit more.
This whole process of adapting to live in a wheel chair has been a lot more difficult than I imagined. I am up in m wheel chair almost all day now.
Looking forward to a visit from my sister Carol from Nebraska next month.
More next Sunday.
Thanx for your prayersl
Don
FHinished the new Harry Potter book this week and was no t disappointed.
Going to out patient therapy once or twice a week. Will probably continue this for a year or so.
They work me pretty hard.
We are getting our routine at home down pretty well and things are better for both Barb and I.
Looking for a wheel chair Van and hope to have something with in a few months.
Have been to two movies lately so we are getting out a bit more.
This whole process of adapting to live in a wheel chair has been a lot more difficult than I imagined. I am up in m wheel chair almost all day now.
Looking forward to a visit from my sister Carol from Nebraska next month.
More next Sunday.
Thanx for your prayersl
Don
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Birthday Bash
Much progress this week and feeling great. Saw the HP movie last week and also saw
this week. Had a birthday party here today for four family members. MANY family members here with much noise and conversation.
Life is beginning to get good again. Working on getting a Van that I can drive- hope to have some thing within a few months.
Reading the new Harry Potter book - the last one. Kara, Kelli and Suzanne all have finished it thought it was great.
Spend most of the day up in my power wheel chair. Can get around well in the house and the yard. The Whatcom transportation authority is wonderful. They will pick up and take me home from anywhere in Whatcom County for free. I have been out with them about 8 times and will continue to use them until I get a van.
We have gotten our routine down so it is quite manageable for Barb and I. I think my sister and brother in law from Nebraska are coming up for a visit in August. Very much looking forward to having them here.
Will try to post every Sunday.
Don
this week. Had a birthday party here today for four family members. MANY family members here with much noise and conversation.
Life is beginning to get good again. Working on getting a Van that I can drive- hope to have some thing within a few months.
Reading the new Harry Potter book - the last one. Kara, Kelli and Suzanne all have finished it thought it was great.
Spend most of the day up in my power wheel chair. Can get around well in the house and the yard. The Whatcom transportation authority is wonderful. They will pick up and take me home from anywhere in Whatcom County for free. I have been out with them about 8 times and will continue to use them until I get a van.
We have gotten our routine down so it is quite manageable for Barb and I. I think my sister and brother in law from Nebraska are coming up for a visit in August. Very much looking forward to having them here.
Will try to post every Sunday.
Don
Sunday, July 15, 2007
doing better
Hi Bloggers
Made my first fun outing (doctor visits don't count) Friday evening with Barb, our daughter Suzanne and two grand daughters to see Harry Potter. I am a big fan of the Potters series.
Also make it to Church for the first time today. It was exactly seven months ago today ( Dec 14th) that I got hurt.
I have felt better and stronger the last few day than I have since the accident. It has been a long and difficult struggle both for Barb and myself. I spend the morning with hired help. Get up about 9:00, eat breakfast that attempt to use the portable potty which is sometime successful and some time not. We then exercise for about ten minutes to strengthen my arms which have now become crucial to getting back to a normal life. I then get up using a sliding board to get into my wheel chair for the day. A sliding board is a piece of wood about two feet long and eight inches with that acts like a bridge between the bed and the wheel chair. I sit up in bed, push my legs over the side of the bed, put the sliding board under my bottom and then with my arms slide into the chair. This used to be real difficult but is now becoming much easier.
I read a lot, visit with friends who stop by, throw the ball for the dog and enjoy the nice weather. Suzanne stops by often and I get to play with the two Russian grand kids which is great fun. My older grand kids: Kelly is home from Witworth College for the summer, Kara is home for a few weeks, Kayti is working at a Berry farm store. I see them a lot. I am getting to the place where life is good again. For a while I did not think it could happen but it is happening.
Several verses from the Bible have kept us going: "I will never leave you or forsake you" "The suffering of this present world are not worth of being compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us."
If you have question I would be glad to answer. I have obviously lots of time on my hands.
I have no idea how I will put my time to good use but am very optimistic about the future.
Best wishes to all and thanks for keeping me in your prayers. I will attempt to update my blog every Sunday.
Don Holmes
Made my first fun outing (doctor visits don't count) Friday evening with Barb, our daughter Suzanne and two grand daughters to see Harry Potter. I am a big fan of the Potters series.
Also make it to Church for the first time today. It was exactly seven months ago today ( Dec 14th) that I got hurt.
I have felt better and stronger the last few day than I have since the accident. It has been a long and difficult struggle both for Barb and myself. I spend the morning with hired help. Get up about 9:00, eat breakfast that attempt to use the portable potty which is sometime successful and some time not. We then exercise for about ten minutes to strengthen my arms which have now become crucial to getting back to a normal life. I then get up using a sliding board to get into my wheel chair for the day. A sliding board is a piece of wood about two feet long and eight inches with that acts like a bridge between the bed and the wheel chair. I sit up in bed, push my legs over the side of the bed, put the sliding board under my bottom and then with my arms slide into the chair. This used to be real difficult but is now becoming much easier.
I read a lot, visit with friends who stop by, throw the ball for the dog and enjoy the nice weather. Suzanne stops by often and I get to play with the two Russian grand kids which is great fun. My older grand kids: Kelly is home from Witworth College for the summer, Kara is home for a few weeks, Kayti is working at a Berry farm store. I see them a lot. I am getting to the place where life is good again. For a while I did not think it could happen but it is happening.
Several verses from the Bible have kept us going: "I will never leave you or forsake you" "The suffering of this present world are not worth of being compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us."
If you have question I would be glad to answer. I have obviously lots of time on my hands.
I have no idea how I will put my time to good use but am very optimistic about the future.
Best wishes to all and thanks for keeping me in your prayers. I will attempt to update my blog every Sunday.
Don Holmes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
