Journal

Saturday, September 27, 2008 9:25 AM CDT

ONE of THE MYSTERIES

Last night while driving home after picking up Aubrey and Noah from extended day we were listening to KTIS, one of our Christian radio stations. They were discussing the question as to how there can be joy in heaven while other souls are in hell. This is a question I have never heard addressed during Sunday sermons. While I am paraphrasing, Lucado said in heaven we will see the fairness of hell because we will realize some simply did not want Jesus as their Lord and King. God never forces anyone to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Still, this is one of the mysteries to me and perhaps the saddest of them all.

SHE DEPARTED FROM US 2,328 DAYS AGO; OUR LIVES TODAY

As expected, the OLP fall festival consumed all of our time last weekend. We had absolutely beautiful and warm weather. I even snuck in two bike rides around the chain of lakes. If you are not from Minneapolis and ever get a chance to visit you must bike the chain of lakes. While there are a couple of hills, it's a very easy ride and the incredible scenery is unforgettable. I don’t even bike the entire chain of lakes, but rather stick to Lakes Harriet, Calhoun, and Isles. Each lake provides glimpses of the Minneapolis downtown skyline and each lake has its own atmosphere.

While we are enjoying what is a nice fall so far, we are somewhat alarmed at the increase in crime in our neighborhood. We have had a rash of street robberies at gunpoint at hours that are not even that late and at least one right on our block. I usually try one weekly night run but have become a bit wary. Of course joggers generally don't have money on them but who is to say that wouldn't stop the gunman or gunmen.

We can only hope and pray for our neighborhood to remain safe.

AUBREY'S UPDATES

She is bruising again but so far none of them appear to be volleyball bruises. I've watched her team practice a few times and, well, lets just say her team gets very few balls even make it over the net. But she seems to be having fun and one day while driving home I told her I would help her practice her serves. I happened to look in the rearview mirror and I saw a huge smile on her face.

It is priceless that a simple offer can be rewarded with such a smile of joy.

NOAH'S UPDATES

He is testing us to our limits but then that is not news.

ORDINARY MOMENTS turned EXTRAORDINARY

Last Sunday evening I let Aubrey and Noah play outside past dark with some neighbor kids even though it was a school night. It was so warm that even though the sun had set there was no need for sweatshirts. I was outside also, watching them, and had no
desire to go inside. But reluctantly I finally called to them as they were several houses down and Noah needed a bath.

They both ran towards me down the sidewalk. Noah had a glowstick band around his neck and had his arms outstretched and was yelling, "Mommeeeee!" Aubrey was behind Noah and she was breaking up her run with nearly perfect cartwheels.

While it was dark I could see them almost perfectly, running and doing cartwheels in pure joy.

An ordinary moment with extraordinary memories.

OUR THANKS

Thank you for visiting Gabbie's site. Praying God is keeping you safe in our troubled world.

In His Arms,
The Paquettes: John, Monica, Aubrey,
Saint Gabrielle, and Noah