A few lingering thoughts and shout-outs and such before packing and snuggling with my kitties:

To Richard: I offer you Psalm 13. This is in no way intended to take away your pain; but instead to remind you of someone who can. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to “sanctify the Lord God in [our] hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” My hope is in God. Trust in Him.

To Bri: Congrats on the apartment! You’re in charge while I’m gone. And remember: no parties, no sex, no boys (except Mike of course!), and no rock music!

To those of you who are praying for travel mercies for me: Jon and I thank you in advance. I have to admit that I am a bit on the petrified side after hearing the Al Qaeda warning but… I’m still going to fly. Osama and his followers WANT me to be afraid and not to fly. Why give in to them? I don’t negotiate with terrorists (or liturgists *shiver*).

To Leenie and Doug: Happy Birthday a few days early! (I’ll be at the wedding on Leenie’s and flying back to Ohio on Doug’s.) May your day be filled with friends, family, joy, happiness, cats (for Leenie), and geritol/black candles/fake walkers/”uplifting cards”/reading glasses (for Doug). (Before you give me any slack about the reading glasses, remember that I am the only 22 year old in the world with BIFOCALS!!!!)

That is all. Entry ite est. Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Gratia Deo!