Nicole’s e-Pistle

July 23, 2025

Greetings, Friends!

After last week’s concerning report in the e-Pistle, I have a fantastic update! My family member (of whom most of you are now aware… if not, feel free to share by word of mouth) is nearly fully recovered! The medical emergency happened in exactly the right manner to leave almost no trace that anything happened at all! The kids are still not aware of anything yet, but the family member will inform them tomorrow, so that they can see for themselves that everything is fine.

As many of you know, I brought the kids to Florida yesterday under the pretext of Lovinia’s fifth birthday party, which is happening at the exact moment the Midweek News comes out today. We are at my parents’ house, sadly without Bjorn who began new teacher training this week (which is always fun when a person is new to a district but has already spent over ten years as an educator). Not to worry, though, it’s as good an excuse as any to have another birthday bash for our little princess when we return. Plus, her actual birthday is not until early August, so he is not missing out completely. While you read this letter, Layfe, Lovinia, and the three cousins are sliding down a triple blow-up water slide complete with pool at the bottom. It is the largest backyard inflatable water slide I’ve ever seen! Plus, we have a catered BBQ spread that would impress the most accomplished connoisseur, and Lovinia gave “permission” to every single family member that they are each free to bring two or three birthday presents, whichever they choose! Thanks to all four grandparents, this will be a party to remember, I’m sure!

Please know that this impromptu trip to Florida (as opposed to our previous plans to meet in Valdosta for Lovinia’s birthday) has physically pulled me away from Dalton for a few days, but I am still “on the clock” as they say. I am monitoring emails, though not while driving, and am available for anything you may need. I am mainly working on worship planning (and hymn picking) in the evenings, but please do not hesitate to call or text me anytime. However, I am a 12-hour drive away from Dalton, so if you need an in-person pastoral visit prior to Saturday afternoon, please let me know. Dick has graciously offered to fill in for me until I return.

It is fitting that the scriptures in this week’s lectionary focus on good gifts from God. I feel like this week has been nothing but good gifts – the recovery from last week’s scare, experiencing Montreat Middle School Conference for the first time with the Livelys and two of our youth, hugging my loved ones in person while getting to love on you remotely… I am truly blessed! I cannot wait to worship God with you on Sunday morning! May you be filled with love and gratitude, wherever you may be in this moment, and safe travels to all who are away from home!

Blessings and peace, until we meet again!