Ethel Jones

Ethel Jones Passes away this morning (Wednesday February 25th) at 9:15 AM.

I did some work for her last fall and she wanted to make sure I had lunch. I'm not a fan of broccoli but she made a cheese and broccoli soup. I hope I did not let it show that this was not my favorite. It was a good conversation. I'm glad I knew her.

Which one???

I have two blogs. One (obviously) is here the other was intended to be a more personal/family site but I am conflicted as to which one to post to. This blog was intended to be my thought regarding my church transition but I have more than just that to talk about.

Maybe this one will become a more public blog and the other more personal. I don't know. I do know that I like to put my thoughts down in such a way that I can see them and make sense of them. I revised the previous entry and am still not very pleased with it but it does speak to some of my feelings so I'll leave it alone.

Transitions is more than a change. It includes new opportunities as well as the small things that I have taken for granted that I am more aware of for whatever reason. I think I'll keep this theme but who knows where it will take me...

How Can I Keep From Singing...

I know I'm not the only one.

I will miss him.

I came to Columbia Christian College in the fall of 1987. That experience changed my life. It was a transition that brought me face to face with the woman that ultimately would become my wife. It also brought me into contact with people who would challenge my reasons, encourage me to try and invite me to become. The chief motivator (example) in this process was Dick Dalzell. Oh, he never demanded or told me what to do. He showed me how it could be. I watched his attitude, his concern for others and his desire to be a servant in God's Kingdom. I wanted to be like that. I had no idea the journeys that he would guide me through... not just in music but also in life.

I have been out of touch with Dick and Sue for a while now but I can still feel his example. I led a worship time at Cascade College in the fall of 2007 and someone commented and said that they recognized Dick's influence in what I did as we praised during that time. I consider this to be high praise.

I spent my first two years at Columbia Christian College living in the dorm but I was hoping for something off campus. I found out that Dick and Sue were interested in renting their basement and I jumped at the chance. I lived there for three years and then I married Susan (after 5 years of dating). We lived in that basement for most of the first year we were married and it worked out well for us. I hope we were not a burden taking up some of the space in their home. My wife and I have good memories of that time.

Then there was the college experience: choir tours, rehersals, recording sessions, chapel, Wednesday evening college groups in their home, attending the Central Church of Christ... There are so many stories.

The last time I was in Boise was while I was still in college and a memeber of the singing group "Joyful Noise". We were one of the performing groups for the northwest MENC conference (it may have been ACDA). We took the van and trailer and made a whirlwind trip one weekend with our fearless leader Mr. D. The singers had just the one performance and then we could attend some of the other presentations at the conference but Dick had a full schedule. Dick usually drove on these outings but we knew he was tired. I don't know how we convinced him to relinquish the drivers seat for the return trip home but we did and I drove the van and trailer back to Portland with Dick sleeping in the first row back, stretched out between the front seats. He was tired. He was always busy with something.

Now I make plans to travel to Boise this weekend to say "well lived" and to celebrate his life. I smile wondering if the Boise Church has enough room for everyone.

Dick Dalzell led me in song and in example. He encouraged me to be more than I thought I could be. He was so much more than just a teacher... I am grateful for my time with him.

My life goes on in endless song

Above earth's lamentations,

I hear the real, though far-off hymn

That hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife

I hear it's music ringing,

It sounds an echo in my soul.

How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars,

I hear the truth, it liveth.

And though the darkness 'round me close,

Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,

While to that rock I'm clinging.

Since love is lord of heaven and earth

How can I keep from singing?