Life Is A Vapor

LORD, make me to know my end,
And what is the measure of my days,
That I may know how frail I am. Ps 39:4-5

Last Wednesday we learned that an old friend of Cathy’s, Dr. Randy Sorensen, died suddenly of a heart attack. Randy was only 51 and left behind a shocked wife and two grieving teenage daughters. A distinguished professor of clinical psychology, he was at the peak of his career and, arguably, his life. In testament to the impact he had on others over a thousand people showed up for his memorial service this last Saturday.

Still pondering how it is that one so young and vibrant could pass away so quickly and without any warning, I received a call this evening informing me that a colleague at work, Sharon Tenow, died suddenly this afternoon -- also of a heart attack -- while on a leisurely bicycle ride with her her husband and fourteen year old son. Like Randy, Sharon too was in her early fifties and at the peak of her life. I enjoyed a holiday banquet at her home this last December and Sharon was the picture of health and vitality.

Two friends in the same week, both about the same age as I, suddenly cutoff from the living. From what I know, neither Randy nor Sharon had any idea whatever that the day they died would be any different than the one before. To all appearances both were summoned before the Judge of the Universe with absolutely no forewarning, there to give an account of their lives. It is a sober reality.

The Bible says that God fashioned our days for us before we were born (Ps 103:15-17). For some he “fashions’ many days, a long life. But there is no guarantee. Life is a storm. The tempest rises, the veil descends and the end of our time on earth is suddenly upon us. As difficult as it is to watch one’s friends see death, it is good to be reminded that eternity knocks. Like Randy and Sharon, our time will come, and may come sooner than we think. I pray I am ready. I pray you are too.

As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting
to everlasting on those who fear Him. Ps 103:15-17

But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Rom 10:8-13

May you call on Him today, while you still have time!

Arik Scores!

Arik on the prow'll


In the third official game of the Upward Basketball season Arik scores his first basket! What a thrill. Taking control of the ball on a defensive rebound, Arik dribbled the ball into friendly territory.








After a series of graps and parries, he successfully defended his postion for a last second shot below the hoop. Up, up, up the ball went...and when it descended it went right into the net's bullseye. The audience exploded! Parent's (at least one) stood up on their feet to applaud the astounding shot.

Regrettably, the photograper was too caught up in the moment and missed the climatic event. No matter, it will be recorded for posterity - be sure of that.





After the game the Coach awarded Arik a gray Star for "Best Offense". Here he sits enjoying the spoils of his victory - Oreo cookies.

Arik Rebounds from Injury in First Competitive Basketball Game

Placentia. Arik Schneider, age 7, suffered slight injury in his first competitive basketball game. Facing off against the Warriors, the Golden Hawks came out strong in the Upward Basketball league's opening season game. The injury happened near the middle of the third quarter. Arik was guarding (chasing) Warrior and best friend, Jonathan Hayase (also age 7), during an exciting down court run when, inexplicably, Jonathan's shoe came off mid-way, tripping the otherwise sure-footed Arik and causing him to stumble onto to deck.

When Arik did not immediately get up, all play stopped as the referees, Jonathan, and coach conferred with Arik to asses his condition. There was a hush in the court as both spectators and players waited nervously to discover the extent of Arik's injury, if any. Coach Ken Zumbek was seen talking with Arik and gingerly moving his leg. Finally, after what seemed many long moments there was a collective sigh of relief and loud clapping as Arik rose up and calmly walked over to join his teammates. It was a tense time. Arik was able to resume play demonstrating his unique hip-hop, funky style of dribbling, guarding, and running the ball down court. Arik nearly scored a basket from a twenty-foot throw.

Following the game the Coach explained that when asked if he was all right, Arik responded, No. I think I broke a few blood vessels. This alarmed the Coach as he had never heard of this medical condition before. In fact, no one else has either. Asked to explain later Arik remarked, Oh you know, how your vessels get smashed sometimes. He did not care to elaborate further.

Practice resumes Thursday with Arik’s next game, against the Wildcats, scheduled for next Saturday.