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Raoul’s Two Cents: August 8, 2025

A Wedding and a Funeral

WARNING: Serious stuff. Move on to the jokes if this isn’t your interest.

No this isn’t a sequel to a movie. I really did attend two contrasting life-changing events this week.

Jay had been attracted to Mary for a long time but it was a one-sided affair. Mary took her studies at Biola University seriously and she wasn’t even in the radar for an eligible bachelor. Mary was shocked when Jay revealed his feelings and said that he would pray and wait for her. Eventually his romantic overtones softened a stubborn heart and Mary’s affection finally matched Jay’s. And last Saturday they exchanged vows. Throughout the ceremony, Jay was all smiles. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so happy. It was as if he won the Lottery for indeed, Mary’s beauty, humble spirit and radiant smile had broken many hearts. It was a beautiful Christian wedding.

Such a contrast to yesterday’s funeral for Loretta’s son, Cesar. It was manslaughter — a hit-and-run! A reckless driver plowed into Cesar as he crossed the streets of LA. Last I heard, a good Samaritan had trailed the murderer and the criminal has now been captured.

Cesar and his parents raised his daughter. They had just celebrated her quinceañera days before and now Daddy’s gone. Now the daughter will be raised by her grandparents. I was the earliest visitor at the funeral home and witnessed my friend, Loretta, and the daughter seeing Cesar lying in the coffin for the first time. It was difficult to watch Loretta in anguish — caressing her son for the last time. The daughter stood by her side also in emotional disarray.

Sunrise, sunset … one season following another … laden with happiness and tears.

I recall my conversation with a millennial the week before. She said she could not believe in a God who would allow so much suffering. Do you feel the same way about God? If I had time I would have told her that God never promised a world without suffering. Instead, He promised that He would be there with us through the storm. Without experiencing the darkness how can we appreciate the light?

I know this message isn’t new. But when events become personal, it delivers a powerful punch!

TGIF people! Let’s make the most of our season of life!

If you like my emails, please do me a favor and spread them around. Thank you!

Quotes of the Week

“What? You’re having a bad day? Think of those who didn’t wake up this morning and can no longer live this day.” — Patty Medina

“A good day is a good day. A bad day is a good story.” — Glennon Melton

“The greatest gift a parent can give their child is a little bit of time each day.” — Anonymous

“I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:3

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, California

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Frank of Modesto, California

Thanks to Mary of Rhode Island

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Larry of Norwalk, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!

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