Jack

Baby Jack is spending tonight with Grandma and Grandpa. What fun.

Nashville Morning

A morning view of the Nashville skyline.

Grand Rivers, KY

We have spent 2 beautiful nights in a cabin on a lake a mile from Grand
Rivers. We ate at Patti's (my favorite restaurant of all times), slept
and didn't sleep, watched ballgames (all of our teams lost) and just
relaxed. This is the view from our deck. We are staying at the
Lighthouse Resort. Really Nice.

I saw my first woodpecker in years, watched the sailboats pass, and
enjoyed the beginning of fall weather. Study 1st thessalonians and read
a few Psalms, especially Ps. 63 for Sunday Morning.

Land between the lakes is a beautiful area of the country. The rest has
been muched needed.

Where do you go and rest?

Jim Forest

Jim Forest is a friend of mine and a man of great spiritual maturity. He spoke at the International Thomas Merton Society Meeting in Memphis this year, an astounding speech that touched me greatly.

In October 2007 Jim is suppose to have a kidney transplant from his wife Nancy. It is an important time in their lives and I hope you will covenant with me to pray for them during this time.

Jim wrote an excellent essay related to his kidney disease. Titled, "A Pilgrimage in Illness," it is well worth reading.. Keep Jim in your prayers.

New Archbishop Visits Abbey of Gethsemani

New Archbishop visits Abbey of Gethsemani. CLICK

Frank Varallo Jr.

On What is Important in Life

Frank Varallo Jr. passed away yesterday. He was 93 years young. During the past few years he has been a patient at our hospital. He was also known for running Varallo’s Restaurant which was located on Church Street. At one time it was the oldest restaurant in town.

I use to eat there often. I worked 2 blocks from there and would go and eat the meat and three or the famous three way, consisting of chilli, tamale, and spaghetti. It was always such a pleasant place. Lots of laughter and smiles and welcomes, like we were the greatest customers they had ever had.

Vic Varallo, his nephew took the money at the cash register and Frank and his wife Eva keep the food moving. And there were politicians galore, non-famous persons, and it was a place many of us went on special occasions of celebration.

Several years ago he was in the hospital for heart surgery (he was 86). He had just closed the restaurant and I told him how much I enjoyed eating there. He said, “Well, if I hadn’t closed the restaurant I don’t think I would be here now.”

He and Eva celebrated there 70th wedding anniversary this weekend, one day before he died. On a recent wedding anniversary Eva wrote to Frank, "I want to tell you again how much I love you and cherish each day we have shared both good and bad. I thanks the Lord each day for having let our paths cross, our hearts meet and blossom into a deep and abiding love."

Yes, Frank we will miss you and the delicious "three way" but THANKS for what you have contributed to my life.

Bro. Dan

Greek Festival

One of my favorite things at this time of year is going to the Greek
Festival at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Nashville. How many
animals can you find in the picture? They have dancing, book sales, and
greek food.