Thursday

I went into Marietta to have the car brakes fixed early this morning - had an interesting discussion with a Mormon man about theological things...When he said that he had eight children I knew he was either Catholic or Mormon and there could be an interesting discussion...Of course, as always, the differences begin- right at the beginning!- with the different understanding of the nature of man. He was adamant that his small children were not intrinsically sinful...And the solution to sin always depends on the way in which the problem is understood in the first place! It is helpful to go there first thing in a discussion as everything, everything, rest on this. In a sense you are wasting time discussing matters of meaning until you have dealt with what a human being is...In any case, he was a lovely man and I certainly appreciated his commitment to good morals...

I kept fielding calls from Johnson Ferry personnel as to food for the reception after Ashton's funeral. It seems to be coming together nicely, as Grace assured me it would...You all know how much I enjoy food-related mass hospitality!!! Grace is taking care of Alicia's circle of acquaintances for food donations; I am doing the church...I have been most impressed with the people of Johnson Ferry so far - very helpful and obliging. Their minister is Bryant Wright - well known in SBC circles, a good friend of Andy Stanley...Kelly Ward works as a waitress at Olive Garden and they are going to contribute salad and bread sticks tomorrow...We have, of course, no idea how many people will be there, so hope we will have enough food without gallons left over!

I was going to go to the Wards today, but was held up so couldn't get there in time to be useful. I did talk with Alicia, though, and she sounded so tired...I know she and her mom, Kelly, went to view Ashton's body at 1 pm, before cremation...so they said their good-byes to what is mortal at that point. My heart bleeds for Donna. I pray God will help me to be as faithful a friend to her in the next months as I want to be.

It has been cold today! High fifties, low sixties though should be back to mid-eighties tomorrow...We received the second installment of "The Duchess of Duke Street" today in the mail - have enjoyed it so far, so hope it continues to give us much pleasure...

All for now!