Bill P. continues the Thoughtful Christian curriculuum, tackling ever harder issues. This morning was Creationism, Evolution and Intelligent Design. Definitely thought-filled discussions. I feel like I learn so much in this class especially about the historical and cultural contexts of the early biblical writings. I was especially moved by the reading of the first creation story in Genesis (yes, there are TWO distinctly variant versions so different that early theologians decided not to chose but rather to allow both into the book of Genesis) where God decides to create male and female in "our" image. The notion of a plural god is certainly not a new one but one I want to let roll around a bit. I wonder how others who have studied the texts think about this.

The late afternoon brought family together to celebrate Luke's and Jay's birthdays. Our family celebrates four birthdays in two days. We tried out a new Thai restaurant, rated Tops in Houston, for Luke's birthday dinner - top of his list for ethnic foods. He gave it flying colors and believe me, he is no pushover for mediocre tastings. After swimming pool time back at home, it was birthday cake and gift time. One of Jay's gifts was a Riddle book which I suspect had several hundred riddles, many of which we were treated to for the remainder of the evening. Several months ago, family together for the Divine Miss M's baptism in Virginia, Chicago family member Anne had brought up the question of what the grandchildren would call Bill. Grandpa Bill? Pops? What? Seems several have now decided on Pops and it got tried out that evening. Always the details in newly blended families, these are the tender spots.