Some humorous ideas came to mind, of course.

For instance, one of my coworkers wondered aloud what she should wear for this occasion.

But on a more serious note, we wondered what we would put on the ultimate bucket list.

Here’s my list. Warning, for the cynics out there: It’s sentimental … but then I’m sentimental.

If the world is ending tomorrow, I need to:

1. Put aside old (and some new) grudges and forgive. Read The Oklahoman’s May 21 Life section  for a story about someone who is grateful to have forgiven another person for the most heinous of crimes. Having experienced the power of forgiveness firsthand, I’m not sure why I let unforgiveness build up in areas of my life. Fortunately, I have learned to recognize when my heart is hardening with unforgiveness and I call upon my faith to remind me of the grace and mercy shown me throughout my own life. That puts a whole other perspective to forgiveness. How can I not forgive?

It reminds me of one of my favorite songs by my favorite Gospel recording artist, Fred Hammond. The second verse of his song “Lord, Your Grace” says:

“Where sin abounds grace abounds so much more
Covering me from the sun to the floor
And if I forget then the spirit of grace cries out
Peace
(And I remember)
Sweet peace.”

2. Ask for forgiveness. After No. 1 on this list, this should be an easy one, but it’s not.  Of course, if we know we are not perfect then we know that we have done things we shouldn’t have at least at some point in our lives.  Why then is it so hard to admit we are wrong?

3. Touch my kids’ faces and tell them I love them. This one may be difficult to do since one of my children lives in another state. Two are still at home under my roof, though. Sometimes, I stop them from whatever they are doing and just touch their cheek and smile at them. They think I”m kooky of course, but deep down they recognize this as just another expression of my love for them. And I can call my son who lives out of state and talk to him. 

4. Talk to my mom. I don’t know about anybody else, but my mother is great. She’s a very loving person who also can be tough if need be. She’s a dynamo and a genius — my biggest hero. I didn’t know that until I grew up and had children of my own but I certainly know it now. I don’t think I could ever tire of telling my mother how wonderful she is, but I probably don’t say it enough. If the world as we know it is to come to an end, then certainly I would want to tell her one more time.   

5.  Have a huge family reunion. I’d love to invite my whole family, I mean everyone, to a big bash where we could see each other one last time, eat all the foods we’ve been told not to eat and dance to reunion favorites like Sister Sledge’s  ”We Are Family.” Actually, I am related to Sister Sledge so that would be fitting.        

OK, now that I got my serious list done, here’s my “for fun” list:

What I’d do today if I knew the world was ending tomorrow (Plans/dreams are in random order) … and I had an unlimited budget:

1. Fly to Maui, Hawaii, and spend a day at the beach reading one of my favorite books. Every now and then, I’d take a swim in the ocean. I’ve been to Maui once before and my dream is to get there again some day. If my last day is imminent, then this dream should happen now.

2. Look for an upscale penthouse apartment in New York City and lease one (for the night). That was one of my dreams … to be a magazine writer living in a penthouse in New York City.  

3. Take the kiddos (who are now teens who may not even want to go) to Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando and just plan on camping out there. Yes, I even want to see Mickey and Minnie.

4.  Travel to Jerusalum and follow the path of Jesus.

5. Have a round table discussion with some of my favorite authors and writers. They might not like that since they all write on different subjects, some serious nonfiction and others fiction. It would be nice for me to ask them questions I’ve had over the years. Some of them include Alice Walker, Elie Wiesel, James Patterson,  Diane Mott Davidson …

6. Attend an Earth, Wind and Fire concert and dance the entire night away. I’d watch a fantastic fireworks display at the conclusion.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

Douglass (pictured at right) co-wrote and produced the film “Heaven’s Rain” about the 1979 night his parents were murdered and he and his sister were shot.

Here’s a story from the Associated Baptist Press about his appearance on “The View” with his sister: “Filmmaker discusses faith, forgiveness on ‘The View.’”     

Many Oklahomans already know that Brooks Douglass’ parents Richard and Marilyn Douglass served as Christian missionaries in Brazil. The Rev. Richard Douglass was pastor of Putnam City Baptist Church at the time of his death.

The former state legislator’s movie about that night and its aftermath seems to be reaching a wide audience. I know that was his hope: To reach people with a message about grace and forgiveness triumphing over evil. 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Woods made a much-anticipated public appearance today, his first since the scandal regarding his his multiple adulterous affairs erupted in November 2009. The champion golfer acknowledged that he had a lot of work today regarding his wife and family, among other things. Then he said he expected his faith to come to his aid.

“Part of this for me is Buddhism. It teaches that craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and practice restraint. Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught,” Woods read from his prepared statement.

Religion writers and others across the country are speaking out about what Woods had to say. I’ve included the links to some of the interesting faith-related commentary.

From USA Today’s Faith and Reason blog: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2010/02/tiger-woods-apology-buddhism-buddhist/1

From MediaIte: http://www.mediaite.com/online/tiger-woods-i-lost-track-of-my-buddhist-teachings/

What do I think?

I hope Woods is sincere. The public apology was a big step for him I’m sure. I agree with his wife, though. Actions speak louder than words and he will have to prove that he wants to change and will change his behavior by doing just that: Change. And I agree with him — that faith can help him on his road to redemption.

(AP PHOTO: Tiger Woods and his mother Kultida Woods hug after the golfer read a statement today at the Sawgrass Players Club in Ponte Verde Beach, Fla.) 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Evangelist Billy Graham comes to mind as I write this posting.

I did not personally meet Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel when he spoke at Oklahoma City University several years ago during activities related to the 10th anniversary of the Oklahoma City  bombing. However, as part of my job, I attended Wiesel’s presentation and was moved by his speech.

Wiesel, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and the author of the acclaimed book “Night,”  is in the news this week because he and his wife were apparently victims of Bernie Madoff’s alleged fraudulent investment scheme that has made headlines in recent months.

CNN recently reported that Wiesel said he invested $15.2 million from his charitable foundation with Madoff.  For people interested in learning what Wiesel had to say about Madoff’s alleged scheme and its impact on Wiesel’s charitable endeavors, see CNN’s report on the issue: Elie Wiesel speaks out about Madoff.

(PHOTO AT RIGHT: Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner.)

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor