"For Thy Sake...", Oh Lord...--Christmas 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                  December 8. 2013

 

“…And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an Angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them…and it came about, when the angel had gone away...the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go…and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us…and when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds…and the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God…” (Luke 2: 8-9a, 15a, c, 17-18, 20a)

     Apart from using them as props in our annual plays, we often completely overlook the shepherds in the Christmas story. I have been thinking about them the last few days, however. What exactly do we know about them from the text? Well, that they were faithful, self-sacrificing men; sleeping in the cold, open air to care for their defenseless flocks. They were favored men; chosen by God to be the very first ones, in all of history, to hear the good news of our Savior’s birth. Their actions proved they were men of faith; quickly responding to the Word of the Lord told them by the Angel. They were also the world’s first evangelists; who could not contain the wonderful, joyous news they had been entrusted with and which they themselves had found to be true. Finally, they were worshipers; the kind the Scriptures tell us God eagerly seeks, ‘…who worship in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:23), In short, apart from the Holy parents, they were the very first Christians. And so, it must follow that, after these things, life was ‘lived happily ever after’ by them, once they became Christians, right? Oh-- wait a minute...is that what the Bible says? Let’s continue on and see what happened…

 “…Then when Herod, saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children in Bethlehem and in its environs, from two years old and under…’a voice was heard…weeping and great mourning…refus(ing) to be comforted because (the children) were no more….” (Matthew 2: 16a, 18b)

      These men-- these faithful, Godly, and trusting men, had their most beloved little boys, the sheep of their very bosoms, ALL slaughtered by Herod; merely because the Savior had favored them by being born in their midst… This horrific, holocaustic event is known in Church history as “The Slaughter of the Innocents”.   HOW could this God of Glory, who had just revealed to them the truth that their new King and Savior had finally come into the world—had come to THEM!—how could He have allowed such an unspeakable abomination to take place? How could He tell them one day of His love and care, and shortly thereafter let all Hell break loose upon them? Their grief had to be absolutely paralyzing…Yet, I wonder--once they regained their senses---did they seek out their new King to inquire of Him and his parents the one blazing question every parent would want to SHOUT at them,“WHY-- MY GOD—WHY”??? If they had done so, they would have surely gotten yet another great shock--Their King was GONE!! He had vanished as quickly as He had come. Had He abandoned them in the hour they needed Him most? Had it all been just a bad dream? Were they losing their minds? Surely they would have struggled with these doubts….And what about us? Surely we must wonder—how could God consider it ‘just’ to spare His own Son, while allowing everyone else’s to be killed by Herod?  These are some of the things I have been thinking about as I pondered the Christmas story this year…

      It is true…God did indeed spare his own Son…hid Him away, safely sheltered in Egypt, while his earthly relatives’ hearts were breaking.  It is true, He did indeed allow this slaughter to take place—against the very ones who had responded so joyfully to the Gospel message—against the most innocent of them—the children of the covenant...

       I was unable to find any evidence that Jesus ever returned to Bethlehem. I thought about this, and wondered why God had instead, sent Him to Nazareth to live. Think about it. Jesus was the only boy left from that generation from that entire home town region. He would have always stood out as a painful, daily, reminder to the other mothers and fathers around him, of the terror of that day. There would probably have been great jealousy towards his parents that their son had somehow miraculously survived the attack—and they probably would have blamed them for the murders, knowing he must have been the one that Herod had been searching for. Also, however, had he gone back to Bethlehem, He never would have been able to have the normal, quiet, childhood that the Scriptures  (from their silence regarding  his youth) seem to indicate He had. He would have been the talk of the region. The laying of the foundation of His young life, however, was far too important for God to allow anything to interfere with His Plan for Jesus. So, on to Nazareth they went: a quiet Jewish upbringing in the Law, in the carpenter’s trade-- all the while on a hillside somewhere in Israel, a Tree was growing that also was planned for a Purpose…

     Yes, God had indeed spared his only Son that day in Bethlehem, but only for a future, more horrific slaughter: The Slaughter of the One and Only Truly ‘Innocent’ the world has ever known. God the Father preserved Jesus that day, only for Him to later be slaughtered by the same government which had slaughtered the sons of Bethlehem. He had been spared that day, however, because He had something which had to be accomplished first: He had to live the only Perfect Life of obedience toward God which has ever been lived; something that is required of all of us, but which we have been unable to do because of our sinful nature. Only THEN would this One, Pure, Unblemished Sheep be ready to be slaughtered— in our place –as our Passover Lamb. To be our scapegoat; bearing away the guilt of all our sins—for all eternity. This is why the Apostle Paul tells us later in Scripture: God “…did NOT spare his own Son, but offered Him up for us all…” (Romans 8:32)

     Paul further goes on to speak of those who have received the Son of God into their hearts to be born within them, who are the faithful , chosen, worshippers and evangelists of the  King of the Universe—those known as Christians: “…For Thy sake we are…considered as sheep to be slaughtered…” (Romans 8:36) We are all ‘His brothers from Bethlehem’…completely in His wise, loving and nail-scarred hands; to be disposed of at His bidding, and for His greater Glory. Because, like his little cousins, “…we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture...” (Psalm 100:3c) You see, there was another Shepherd ‘keeping watch over his flock by night’ on that hillside in Bethlehem. “The Lord is our Shepherd’, ‘…the Good Shepherd, (who) lays down His life for His sheep…” (Ps 23:1; John 10:11)

                        In this story, we are taught some important truths:

 

 1) Herod showed a small measure of the depths of depravity to which the human heart has fallen since Eden—depravity which resides in each of us, to one degree or another. (Cain slew Abel, his brother; Herod however, slaughtered the children of the ‘brothers’ of our Lord.)

2) It is an awesome, fearful thing for God Himself to draw near to us—to be called His own; yet, it is a privilege beyond all measure, and one we should gladly sacrifice our lives for; if called upon to do so.

3) The devil sets his face against all who would receive the Savior, allowing Him into ‘their midst’.  As a type of AntiChrist, Herod warns us that we should know our lives are expendable as God sees fit.

4) Finally, and most importantly: though terrible, painful things sometimes do happen to even the best and most faithful of men, God has NOT abandoned us, but is “Emmanuel’—i.e ‘God with us’. Like the Good Shepherd He is, He has gone before us, into whatever tragedy He may ask us to bear for his own wise reasons-- which we may not understand--, and will tenderly care for us in our trial, as we turn to Him.

 

There IS a PLAN. It IS good, All SHALL be well. Our Savior has already defeated the greatest ‘AntiChrist’, and won’t be surprised or out-done by his lesser minions….

We can rest, even in our trials knowing Jesus IS Lord, and REIGNS SUPREME in all the Universe. Hallelujah!

 

Merry Christmas,

Come Lord Jesus, your Second Advent is longed for by all who love you!

 

   

      This past year or so has thrown me a lot of curveballs. I returned from Texas in July 2012, after deciding, with my family’s blessing, that Texas just was not the place for me, at least at this time in my life. I continued working and saving towards the home I hoped to buy and settle down in, in CT. I finally found it and moved in July 19, 2013. On Sept 19, 2013, just as I was leaving for vacation (to go back to Texas and give Pat a break) I was terminated from my job for reasons I dispute, but won’t go into here, as the story is too long. I have, thankfully, been able to obtain and receive unemployment during this time, and can testify that all my bills are paid in full at this writing. However, I have found that the job market for LPNs in my region has shifted to now being mainly an ‘RN only’ environment –and the local hospital just last week went out on strike --releasing hundreds of RNs into the marketplace for me to compete for jobs with. I have, so far, only been able to find a ‘per diem’ position, supplemented by unemployment. But God is faithful……I do, however, covet your prayers for a stable and Good position (that pays enough for all my bills) to open up for me before my unemployment benefits run out. (Late April at this point)—or for God to do whatever else He plans, to provide for my needs.

     The Herods in our lives, have tremendous authority and power over us, and can do tremendous damage to what we hold dearest, if the Lord releases them to do so as part of His mysterious Will.  But I take solace in the knowledge that, though I am not one of the ‘innocent’, I am His sheep, at His disposal, not 'Herod’s', my ex-boss's or the devil's; myself, and all I am, belong to God. If He wants me to lose the house, my car, my reputation: it is all in His hands. If He wants me to be in the unemployment line as His hands and His feet, ‘Here I am Lord’.  What the future holds, in this world, I do not know. But I am HIS. I, therefore, know where eternity will be spent: In HIS house, in HIS chariot, praising HIS reputation!!

Let the devil do his worst—Jesus is VICTOR!

 

Love, Joann

Wisdom from the Christmas Story

 “…Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, because he was of the house and family of David; in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with Child…” (Luke 2:1-5)

                                                                                                                November 27,2012

    Too often, I’ve skimmed through this, the beginning of the Luke’s Christmas story, without giving much thought to what this section meant.  I’ve been thinking about it this week, however:

“In those days” a census meant that the people had to be counted and registered---in order for them to be taxed by the government.  To do this, they were required to return to the land of their tribal inheritance to register.  Remember that ‘In those days’ there were no convenient or comfortable means of transportation, so it was a hardship for everyone to have to do this. The roads were rocky, and probably crowded and noisy.  Businesses and agriculture were being disrupted, schools probably had to be shut down —and life simply could not go on as usual until the decree from the governmental authority was obeyed. Caesar ruled supreme, and he simply had to be obeyed; however his authority was deeply resented by the Jewish people.  In this passage then, we realize that though Jesus was not yet even born—yet, because Joseph and Mary were engaged, Joseph already had to pay taxes on Him…. Jesus’ family was oppressed by the government ---while He was still in the womb…

   In our own country, we have just experienced another contentious election, and there is much discontent and anger over the results throughout our land. Many are grumbling about who now rules, and holds authority over their lives. There is talk of our taxes probably going up and other inconveniences having to be endured due to the decree of the ones in power. Yet, if we look at the example of the Holy Family in this passage, we see that they merely went about their lives, obeying the authority that God had allowed to be over them.  To be obedient, Joseph probably lost many days at his job without renumeration, and was forced to take his pregnant fiancée on a dangerous and inconvenient journey-- just when she was due to give birth. He had to pay taxes on a Child he hadn’t even fathered, as well as be forced to come back into the midst of his tribal relations at a time when the child’s birth would surely cause a scandal for him.  And yet, Scripture records that they simply obeyed. They didn’t rise up and call for Caesar’s head on a platter, or offer disrespect to him, in any way. Was it convenient for them? No. Did they have a lot of spare money? --Probably not. Then why did they obey? Here they were; the ones God the Father had entrusted with the Holy Messiah of the world—the One we had waited for, since Adam & Eve’s expulsion from Eden; surely they had a right to rebel  if anyone did. And yet---they did not. What kept them silent and obedient?

They knew who really ruled the world. And it wasn’t Caesar.

They knew and were in covenant with the God of Israel and knew that all Authority is ultimately given to and taken from men by His decree alone.  No mere man could decree anything at all on earth, unless God had first allowed it for some good purpose of His own. (John 19:11) It was in this great Truth that they rested, found their peace, and ultimately their strength.  To what ‘good purpose’ then, was Caesar’s decree issued; for his own glory? No, not for his glory--but for God’s. The Scriptures declared that God’s Son would come from Bethlehem. God was  willing, therefore, that ‘all the inhabited world’ should be inconvenienced—including the Holy family--  in order that the Scripture (His revealed Plan) be fulfilled… “…But as for you Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity…” (Micah 5:2) God keeps His Word..

    Be at peace this Christmas…..No one and nothing can or ever will thwart the Will and Plan of God.  Not Caesar, not Obama, not the Republicans, not the Democrats, and not new taxes or inconveniences of any kind…... God’s Will shall “be done in earth as it is in heaven” ---though our limited understandings may not comprehend in this life why such painful inconveniences  are allowed to come upon us as they do.  No, we needn’t fear anything at all, except our own hearts’ rebellion against the ONE who Truely Does rule the world.  In the light of that thought, here then, is a warning for all our hearts this Christmas, from Psalm 2:

“But as for me, (says the Lord), I have installed MY King--upon Zion, my Holy Mountain. I will surely tell of the DECREE of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘Thou art My Son…’…Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence… Do homage to the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way. For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him…” (Psalm 2: 6-7a,10-12)

                                   Merry Christmas----“Let earth, receive her KING…”

                                                                   Joann Longton

 

Out of the Saltshaker....

       (Originally written a few years ago, but never sent out, I am posting this now, having rediscovered it this am)

     It's been quite awhile since I last blogged. I have been getting ready for a medical mission trip to Haiti and have mainly been communicating on facebook of late. Some of you may notice that, from time to time on facebook, my comments may run counter to what the prevailing majority of the commentators are saying. I have been 'scolded' for this at times, as some people do not understand why I don't simply remain silent rather than say something that might upset others.....I have been thinking about this the last few days, and asking the Lord to reveal to me if He is of the opinion that I should be quiet during such times as well. I surely do not wish to be argumentative just for the sake of argument. I want to be liked, as much as the next person. But I am a Christian. I am not perfect, and do not always live up to even my own expectations, let alone God's expectations of me. However, I am called to strive towards the goal of being one whom the world can come to know God through. Alot of the time, therefore, when I comment online, it is to insert into the conversation what God has to say on a given subject--because frankly few read their Bibles today, and honestly do not know what He says. So, when I asked the Lord yesterday to show me what He thought about my comments, you know what happened? I had the word "Salt" run across my mind......and I remembered that Jesus had said to His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men..." Now, what is THAT supposed to mean???

     Salt is a substance that is used to stop the progress of decay. If we want to preserve our fish so that they do not spoil, we salt them, etc. Jesus said His disciples were to be ones in society who he would insert into the midst of the world to stop the decay around them. That happens all the time. When a Christian enters a room where just a few minutes ago a dirty joke was being told, usually, upon his entering, the conversation becomes more hushed, or stops altogether. Sometimes I have even had people apologize to me under such circumstances. I used to reply, "don't apologize to me, I am a sinner too"---but I gradually came to realize I shouldn't do that; I should just allow the Holy Spirit to convict them of their sin by my presence--and be grateful they recognize me as one who bears the Lord's Name....

      Along those lines, therefore, I have felt obligated as a Christian, to speak up online, when I have smelled the decay of sin in things people say. It doesn't matter the topic. I merely have tried to ingest the truths of the gospel into such conversations. It has definitely NOT always been welcomed. Please do not feel I am judging you if I ever add something to the conversation that stings a little. I only mean to tell you what God's Word says about it----and preserve you from a decaying path......

Heavenly GPS

 Life's plans are all in the Lord's hands.; and He doesn't always turn things out the way we expect.

I am in Texas--only I have not moved here. I am here on a 12 week leave of absence from work, to help care for my elderly parents. I have not found success in my job search here--nor do the kinds of LVN jobs here pay anywhere near what I am used to, or need to make to  properly support myself.  So the plan for now is to return home to CT the last week of June and go back to work there starting July 2. My sister will retire July 1 and begin to care full- time for my parents. I will continue to work and save money, and see what happens from there. 

In the meantime, life as my mom's caregiver has been much busier than one would anticipate.  I have rarely had a chance to sit quietly long enough to collect my thoughts, so have not written much to friends or family up til now. It is after 11:00 pm as I write--as everyone else is finally asleep. The quiet solitude is healing; I have needed it.

I'd like to say that I know how this story ends--but I don't. Texas is not home to me--despite my love of my relatives here. However, CT is also lonely since the majority of my closest family have moved away. As I age, it is probably wisest for me to live nearer my relatives---but without a good job opening up--I can support myself better in CT than in TX. I have a home in CT among friends and co-workers--but will they be there for me as I age? Probably not. So much of life is maleable.  So I turn to the only One who knows how things are meant to turn out, and pray--"dear Lord, please steer me in the right direction, so I don't miss the road I am meant to travel." I am comforted by the lines of a poem by Margaret S. Fellows--

"He shall come to meet me
at each turning of the way
from there direct my footsteps
lest I falter, go astray.
Unto me it is not given
all the details now to know;
'tis enough that He has promised--
and my heart cries, 'even so' ....(Matt 11:26)

A Mid-Life Move

I'm moving to Texas.....

I can hardly believe it is true myself, but it is. Most of my family have gradually been moving there over the last 16 years, and been hankering me to join them. They have been very persistant--but I have kept my heels dug in as it has never been my desire to move there. "Too hot, too flat, too dry, too brown," has been my mantra.... I like green rolling hills and a cool breeze from the ocean....and I really love Connecticut. Besides, I'm 54 now, and it is late in life to be making a new start. Still, (and I can't believe I am writing this)-- I am moving to Texas. My parents are elderly and getting frail, and in greater need of assistance. Although I have siblings there who are caring for them, they also are getting on in years, and need others to share the load. These same siblings have cared for me my entire life and never asked for anything from me in return---now they need me to help them care for our parents; Our parents who never once took a vacation, because they needed the money more, to raise their 9 kids. As their lives showed us--sometimes convenience and personal desires need to be sacrificed on the altar of a greater love. So, though it is painful to burn the bridges to all one has known and move to a strange place late in life, it is a sacrifice worth making. Real love is known by the willingness to sacrifice. -----and I love my family.

At 54, most people are grandparents who are well settled into their communities and family lives and would never consider a move so late in life. I hear them----they are spouting the same arguments against such a move, as I have been rehearsing to myself and my siblings for the last 16 years. The truth however, is that I am still single and it is time for me to come up with a game plan for the later years of my life. How could I ever expect my family to help care for me later, if I am unwilling to upset my own apple cart and help them in their need now? I have to give if I ever expect to receive. Also, if I am ever going to make such a move it needs to be now while I am still in good enough health to do so, and young enough to still get out to make new friends. Thus, you see the wisdom in my making the move at this time.

I have completed the process and obtained my Texas Nursing license. Now I'm in pursuit of employment there. So far, it looks like it will be approximately a $12.00 an hour pay cut.... I know, I know--I can hardly believe it myself. I hope to be able to negotiate for a slightly better deal, but come what may, I will bite the bullet and go. I am just awaiting the firm offer from the company that is pursuing me. So it may be only a month or so before I leave. I am hoping for the end of March, to have less chance of having to move in a snowstorm. That wouldn't be good....but might help me be more willing to leave...

In some ways it is exciting to be making a new start. One never knows what could come of such a move. Friends I never would have known otherwise, a new language (Y'all), and a new gastronomical experience---(did anyone say hot sauce?) City life will be an eye-opener I am sure, as I have never even lived in a suburb before. The shopping will be phenomonal--if I am only offered a decent paycheck---and liked shopping. (Which I don't). Still, I look forward to the big sky sunsets, the sight of horses in the open, and the men in cowboy hats and pick-up trucks. I have been getting prepared by listening to more country music, and have a growing fondness for Keith Urban and Alan Jackson. I think I will adjust in time, just fine, thank you. Now, if only I could find a way to protect my fair Irish skin from the intense sun and heat, besides living indoors in air conditioning.....

It will take some time, to find my way, and feel confortable there, but I intend to explore this new world slowly, and find my place in it. Surely if the Lord is bringing me there, it is for His own good purposes, and I'll need to look to Him to show me what they are. I suspect my next series of blogs will be all about the actual move and the strange new world of Texas that I'll have discovered as well as my reactions to it. Should be interesting, to say the least. I'll keep you posted

On Earth, As it Is In Heaven

While very interested in many points made in the recent news about the recent Occupy Wall Street movement, I want to make a point I am not hearing from most Christians. My point is this: regardless of one's political party (and I, as a Christian, am Independent), regardless how you feel about the OWS movement as a whole, it is VITAL that the Christian Church, whether Catholic or Protestant---acknowledge that within this protest one can hear the voice of our Heavenly Father crying out against the oppression of the poor, on the side of the marginalized in our society. One need only read the Prophets to know that EVERY CRY FOR JUSTICE AND EQUITY IS THE SOUND OF OUR FATHER'S VOICE!!! If we continue to refuse to acknowledge the concerns of this movement; many of which ARE INDEED LEGITIMATE (out of fear of being misunderstood, or our comments being taken out of context or exploited in some way)--- and continue to call what is good within it, evil--we will lose those in the mix who are genuinely seeking an honest and just solution to a complex problem. We will shut their ears and their hearts to the call of the Kingdom of God--because we will force them to equate the Church with being on the side of injustice. That, my friends will be the biggest loss of all. The Church of Jesus Christ has a tremendous opportunity, and indeed a RESPONSIBILITY to bring the cry of the Gospel to bear upon this movement---to cry out for equity and justice along WITH the movement--but then to point them in the only direction that will actually take them nonviolently TO that place of Justice and Equity. The Kingdom of God--which is the Kingdom of God's Justice and Righteousness. When John the Baptist came preaching in Israel in preparation for the advent of the ministry of Jesus the Messiah---he did so not merely by calling for repentance; he told them some very specific ways in which they were to go about that repentance. He said, "If YOU have 2 coats, give one to him who has none." (Luke 3:10-14) He did not say--if Herod has 2 coats give one to him who has none. He put the responsibility for change squarely on the shoulders of each of his hearers. He did not say Herod was not responsible for oppressing the people or that Herod need not change (In fact He himself called for Herod to repent of some specific scandalous sins to his face, risking death to do so)--but he put it to the people that great change is the result of everyone making the little changes THEY are capable and responsible to God to make for themselves. Society as a whole will only change when you and I are willing to change. John the Baptist didn't go about calling others to repent until he himself had become willing to live at subsistance level himself, with faith in God for his provision. Only then did God use him as His mouthpiece to call others to surrender to the call of the Kingdom of God. That my friends is the roll of the Church, as God's prophets. If we continue to refuse to perform our role in this society--refusing to call the wealthy to remember the poor, to do justly and righteously with the wealth they have been entrusted with, God will indeed raise up a rabble if He must to bring His message to them and to the masses. This movement has risen up because the Church has failed in it's God-given-role as His mouthpiece. Plain and simple. WE are the ones who need to repent of our apathy, to repent for failing to act in the Lord's name for the cause of justice in the name of the oppressed. Perhaps if we take this call seriously there may still be time for the Lord to forgive and bless us, and the country we so love. If we refuse to repent, and acknowledge what IS right within this movement, you can be guaranteed we will lose this generation to the enemies who have already infiltrated it, and who will turn these sincere seekers against Jesus Christ-- as they will no longer believe He stands for Justice. God forbid that we continue to profane His Holy and Just Name, and grant us all true repentance, for the glory of His name and the advancement of his Kingdom 'on earth, as it is in Heaven'.

All Tied up in The Wireless Net.

Having accomplished the first goal I set out to achieve in setting up my blog, I am sitting in Borders sipping coffee, and able to write my blog wireless from somewhere other than my computer desk at home. This victory has not come without its defeats. Just today I failed to get my new laser mouse to work with my desktop computer, and had to temporarily buy a new wired one until I can figure out the problem. I also tried to set up a router so I could use my new laptop wirelessly at home, but it also has not connected for some reason; forcing me to still have to plug in my laptop at home. I did manage to get Norton 360.4 working on my old desktop this morning, (just in time to prevent the yearly meltdown when my annual subscription expires). I found, however, that I'd assumed wrongly about the new technology, and I'm not able to go wireless anywhere I wanted, without first paying $100.00 connection fee (plus a two year contract) as well as a $60.00 monthly fee to be able to buy the kind of technological freedom I was hoping for when I started this venture. A two year contract....sounded like a committment that I was unwilling to make. After all, why should I have to 'tie myself down' to a company for two years to get freedom of movement? Didn't sound so freeing to me afterall, but more like a new form of bondage. I said ''no thank you" to the clerk who was attempting to sell me these new chains, and left the store with my independence still somewhat intact. I headed to Borders quite defeated, to buy one of those "computers for dummies" books, hoping to drown my sorrows in a hazelnut coffee, while attempting to learn the answer to the many technological mysteries I'd encountered. You can therefore imagine my delight, when, upon approaching the store, I saw a large sign in the window offering free Wi-Fi to all customers!.... What a concept!! Thus, I sit here triumphantly sipping my coffee, dreaming of a day in the future when I can venture beyond the borders of 'Borders' to bring you my latest blog. In the meantime, the coffee is great, the store has some amazing books for dummies like myself on a variety of topics, and I'm able to get out of the house... I'm happy to celebrate any small victories I can manage in attempting to survive the current technological onslaught. If you are ever in Borders, come have a coffee with me, and let's swap war stories.....