desert ramblings

my blogging page

2011-09-02T13:32:00.001-07:00

Trying to write down a little of what I read- hard to be consistent with blogging when there are so many other things that are more important, yet still want to for personal and hopefully your benefit.

Go here to read!

loving your enemy

2011-06-28T10:09:00.002-07:00

Been thinking through the admonition to love your enemy. For most of us we turn the concept of having an enemy into some abstract hypothetical and comfort ourselves with the thought that if we ever did have an enemy we would treat them well. But since we don't have any enemies then we don't have to worry about it. Problem is we treat family like opposition and the people close to us as hostile. We take our "self- defense" as an excuse to "protect" ourselves. Essentially we're treating the people we are supposed to love most as enemies. When Jesus tells us to love our enemies he is telling us that we are to treat even our enemies with a love that is based upon life in God. There is a basic goodness that we are to treat all people with because there is a basic goodness that God treats all of us with. If we are supposed to love and essentially bless our enemies, just think how well we should treat the people who are our friends and family. All for the glory of Christ.

TolKien

2011-06-15T16:49:00.002-07:00

" And after this 'nothing else really happened'. Tolkien did his job, raised his family, wrote his books, pre-eminently The Hobbit, which came out in 1937, and The Lord of the Rings, published in three volumes in 1954-55. ... He retired from his second Oxford Chair in 1959. He remained all his life a committed Christian and Catholic, and died, tow years after his wife, in 1973. No extra-marital affairs, no sexual oddities, no scandals, strange accusations, or political involvement- nothing in a way for a poor biographer to get his teeth into." He was a philologist.

This description of the author endears his writings to me even more.

2010-02-25T14:31:00.002-07:00

historian faith

2009-09-28T16:43:00.002-07:00

I'm reading a book on the Reformation and the author is an Englishman whose family has been Anglican clergy continuously since 1890 and probably some before. He writes of himself:

I do not now personally subscribe to any form of religious dogma (although I do remember with some affection what it was like to do so).

How bittersweet that must be for him to write that on a book about the history of Christianity in his culture. To have nostalgia be the only tie to once firmly held beliefs must be traumatic (I'm sure interpreted by some as liberating) and I wonder how sad that experience must be. Much worse than a friendship that has faded maybe closer to a difficult divorce- but with no identifiable offending party or in the flesh person to blame.

home made

2009-09-15T20:02:00.001-07:00

Just had some homemade yogurt and homemade granola. It really is amazing what fresh food tastes like.

2009-09-15T17:00:00.001-07:00

Middle Eastern food

2009-07-29T21:07:00.002-07:00

Family night Suppers are awesome. Tonight was Middle East food night. YUUUUMMMMM!!! we played games that somehow had something to do with all of our missionaries. kudos to our missions committee!

life together

2009-07-27T10:27:00.003-07:00

So I'm still on this Bonhoeffer kick. In his book "life together" he talks about the incredible blessing of Christian fellowship. His context was war torn Germany and he looked at all the petty infighting and vocal dissatisfaction that was expressed in the church prior to the war and even during it and chastised the world wide church for their ungrateful hearts. The hardship and deprivation that he experienced showed the blessing and encouragement that common ordinary Christian fellowship was and is. We've got it good and we break fellowship for petty reasons. Now, of course there are good reasons to leave churches and to break fellowship. Reasons that have biblical warrant without crossing the line of heresy - but I have rarely seen this. We are much to casual about breaking ties with the people that God has put us with. We know this is wrong so we nurture and cultivate reasons over time- incubating them in our hearts till they break the shell of the seed, take root and grow. Money, frustration and insecurity are not good reasons for leaving people and places. They are reasons, but not necessarily good ones. We live in a transient society and its much harder to see this- it's also much to easy to overgeneralize this idea especially if you are the type that is likely not to leave. In his description of the life lived together Bonhoeffer calls his reader to think first of Christ and then of others and calls us to dwell upon thankfulness to God in all situations. He calls us to have the motives of heaven in a fallen world- something that is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is where the encouragement is- the Spirit and the gifts are ours. We can live in community together and we can even weather fellowship broken for good or bad reasons. Life together is lived in Jesus and no trial is stronger than his resurrection or the communion we share in him. So- if you have broken fellowship, Jesus is strong enough in you to reconcile. If there is no chance of reconciliation this side of heaven, Jesus is strong enough to heal and real enough to address the void of loneliness. On the positive side life together is more enjoyable and fellowship is more savory when lived in Christ. This is how Bonhoeffer was able to encourage his fellow prisoner and truly express joy in the weeks and months leading up to his execution. Life together is a picture and promise of heaven and Jesus sustains us on the journey. A big chunk of the thankfulness has got to be for the people that are on the journey with us and even make our journey possible. So keep walking together- and thank God for the people you're walking with- you might even want to thank them.

yes, I love to read me some Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer on the psalms and God's wrath

2009-07-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

conversations

2009-07-01T17:36:00.002-07:00

context: finishing up dinner and getting ready to put together a 1000 piece puzzle of a tiger in the woods. The tiger and the woods look basically the same- I'm just a genius for picking this to be our first 1000 piece puzzle. somehow we were talking about lips trembling- don't ask me how.

Me: My lip trembles.
Son #1: Because you're afraid of momma (sly smile)
Me: I feel a lot of things for your mom but fear isn't something I usually feel
Son #2 Well, you should...(serious with a bit of awe in his voice)

Here's your update

2009-06-27T21:04:00.003-07:00

So- I traveled over 1500 miles one way. Saw friends I hadn't seen in years (literally). One set I hadn't seen in about nine or ten (man are we getting old). In two instances the first order of business with me really wasn't "hey you look great- good to see you" or "you added 40lbs and lost some hair" or "I'm glad we could get together" rather the message was "update your blog". Now really... ah forget it.

Had a great time on vacation- good food and drink and conversation and time to think. Used a chainsaw- chopped A LOT of firewood (red oak which just blows apart when you hit it right- fun!) Went tubing and swimming at the lake. Played guitar with a friend from the church where I got saved and was in a worship band together way back when. Spent a lot of time with Vicki, and the kids- and it was great every last bit of it. There is no better way to deepen relationship than spending lots of non-distracted time together. Praise God from whom all blessing flow!

ESV Study Bible

2009-06-19T08:42:00.004-07:00

Just got my ESV Study Bible from LRM

I like it so far. The list of contributors is impressive. It's also good to see a lot of CTS men on the list.

Nahum

2009-02-20T11:03:00.004-07:00

Just read Nahum. Wow- what a great book. Sort of dark and scary if you don't read it in light of God's Covenant faithfulness and in light of his righteousness.

This line grabbed me:

"You have increased your traders more than the stars of heaven--
The creeping locust strips the vegetation and flies away. Your officials (guardians) are like the swarming locust. Your marshals are like hordes of grasshoppers settling in the stone walls on a cold day. The sun rises and they flee, and the place where they are is not known."

Economic hard times and the resulting life hardships are not new. Corruption is not new. And God is in control. Reading history and biblical prophecy like this remind me of how good we have it and how thankful I should be that my life is not in danger- although I do see some similarities with those in authority and driving profitability- the traders. This prophecy was against Nineveh and their violence and greed. These were the same people that Jonah was called to go and minister to and the people who subsequently repented. The book of Nahum seems to be predicting the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C.

update on life

2009-01-26T22:02:00.002-07:00

Not a lot to report other than the astounding realization that God is good and is perfect in His goodness. You ever have those weeks/months where it is just good to be alive? That's where we are now. Life has some of the same difficulties and some of the same joys but the truth of Scripture and God's goodness just seem to be shining brighter. I know God doesn't change in these times, but I do. Oh sure, I could find something to complain about but I'm not going to, better yet I don't feel like it.
So, here are some of the mundane and blessed things this past week contained:
1- Using a pick ax and then shoveling by hand six to nine cubic yards of dirt.
2- A huge harvest of broccoli and then awesome broccoli casserole.
3- News that a friend is engaged.
4- News that another friend is doing well in Italy- getting to talk to that friend via skype for free.
5- Finding some good theology books for 50% off- having a wife that is excited about good theology books.
6- Having a family- having a house- being part of a good church.

Yes- its like thanksgiving in January- God is good.

free books

2009-01-16T15:08:00.002-07:00

yes I said free

here and here

It's good to spread the love.

Slaves and free men in ancient Rome

2009-01-07T13:34:00.006-07:00

In ancient Rome there were many slaves. It was theoretically possible for slaves to eventually buy their freedom. This was different than what we currently think of as slavery. Obviously there would have been abuses of this Roman system but it was wide spread, culturally accepted, and in some cases desirable to the alternative. The NTC on First Peter quotes Arthur A. Rupprecht on Roman slavery:

The living conditions of many slaves were better than those of free men who often slept in the streets of the city or lived in very cheap rooms. There is considerable evidence to suggest that the slaves lived within the confine of their master's house. They usually lived on the top floor of their owner's city house or country villa. In Pliny's Laurentian villa the quarters for the slaves and freedmen were in a separate section of the house, but were considered attractive enough to be used for the entertainment of over-night guests.
The slave was not inferior to the free men of similar skills in regard to food and clothing. That most slaves in Rome were as well dressed as free men is indicated in an unusual way. Seneca stated that legislation was introduce in the Senate that slaves should be required to wear a type of clothing that would distinguish them from free men.

the slaves in 1 Peter 2:18 are oiketai which is house servant or house slave.

note to self

2008-12-26T23:31:00.003-07:00

Note to self: Never vent to an Associated Press Reporter.

Newlywed Anthony Guites, 32, planned to stop at three Miami-area stores to return gifts from his wife. He had three things to exchange at Wal-Mart for a fishing rod he wanted.

"She got me a fishing rod that I don't like. She got me this tool set that I already have. And she got me workout clothes that, let's just say, are way too colorful for me," he said.

Associated Press Writers Sarah Skidmore in Portland, Ore., Betsy Vereckey in New York, Damian Grass in Miami, Mark Pratt in Boston, Dinesh Ramde in Milwaukee, Wis., Emery Dalesio in Raleigh, N.C., and Ben Greene in Baltimore contributed to this report.

I'm thinking he's a very newly wed newlywed. I'm thinking that if his wife or any of her friends read, then he's in for a rough year.

For the record- I loved all my gifts- they were perfect, every one of them.

More Ignatius

2008-12-26T12:39:00.001-07:00

Ignatius- "if his suffering was a sham...in that case I die for no
purpose."
"Unbelievers who say the passion was a sham are themselves a
sham...and their fate will fit their fancies."
Strong words from an apostolic father.

Sent from my iPod

Ignatius of Antioch

2008-12-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatious was an apostolic father. He was bishop of Antioch in the
first decades of the second century. He was arrested and sent to Rome
for martyrdom. Ignatius' main fear was that doctrinal divergence
would destroy the churches unity.
He wrote about the incarnation. He used the strickimg term "the Christ
God". Christ on every sense was an authentic man and he was the "new
man". There was a lot of controversy and heresy floating about
centered om Christ's humanity, so Ignatious' writing on the subject
was important for the church at that time.

Sent from my iPod

2008-12-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Been thinking about evangelism lately. Looking for good examples of
evangelistic material. I've looked at EE and the new XEE. The most
interesting has been one that uses the ten commandments.

Side note- I'm at the playground

Sent from my iPod

winter bug

2008-12-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

I hope this doesn't make it over here.

winter vomiting sickness- yet another reason not to like winter.

Small groups and Christian fellowship

2008-12-14T20:33:00.001-07:00

Today was a good day spent with good friends and our Christian family.
Corporate worship then lunch together with some friends from church
then off to small group. It's good to have a sense of community in
Jesus. It's not just belonging, but belonging together in covenant to
God.

God designed us for community and when we experience this in the
context of faith in Christ, it's a slice of heaven.

It was a good day. Thanks be to God!

image processing software

2008-12-13T14:56:00.001-07:00

what is the best, inexpensive image editing and processing software. I've really started to enjoy taking pictures. we have an old 5mp digital camera that we take all our pictures with. I think the next step is to process some of them- mostly family and landscape stuff. Any ideas?

midnight sun and the green couch room

2008-12-13T14:31:00.007-07:00

The midnight sun- 2.7f and a long exposure with medium ISO

i took these after midnight (wound up after christmas party)
15 second exposure.

lower iso

We call this the green couch room.

Moble post

2008-12-12T00:03:00.000-07:00

So I'm learning how to blog while on the go. Sort of practice for my
trip in the months ahead.

Sent from my iPod

the convermsation

2008-12-10T16:50:00.002-07:00

Son #2: Mama, will you please organize my socks while I'm at school?

Vicki: Yes, honey. I will if I have time.

Son #2: I think it would help me if my socks where organized like daddy's.

Vicki: Ok, I will if I can get to it.

Son #2: Well, what do you do (all day)?

Vicki: (pause)

U.S. spending habits and the markets

2008-12-10T13:37:00.003-07:00

"And what we have now is more dissaving, where you have got a spike in credit card usage because consumers are trying to keep up their level of consumption, when they should be reducing it and saving. So, Mr. Market is going to have to kick their teeth down their throat to change their behavior." (David Goldman)

Well isn't that a bowl of sunshine!

common sunsets in Chandler suburbs

2008-12-08T18:46:00.005-07:00

you can see the mountains just in view at the end of the street

its December- its green- people have lights on cactus- and those deer made of lights that move and play music- it was 75 today

Christmas in the desert is a little surreal

the show

2008-12-06T21:18:00.003-07:00

I went to a gun show today- I spent most weekends as a youth either at antique shows or gun shows. So, I had a bit of nostalgia as we drove up an tried to find a place to park. There were thousands of people at the show. Lot's of bikers and lots of people from California, just lots of people- all walks of life.
When we were walking in, it was strangely comforting to see all of these people walking out of the show with all that hardware.

It wasn't just guns.
Some guy cleaned my glasses- so I bought some glass cleaner.

more Garden goodness

2008-12-04T17:39:00.002-07:00

Just had a huge mess of collard greens from the garden. Yes, I love greens. There is nothing like greens, cornbread, turkey, stuffing and green bean casserole. I'm convinced stuff tastes better when you grow it yourself- probably all in my head (especially with a crop like collard greens)- but the affect is real. Yum-

recipe:
mess o' greens
fatback or bacon
boil em down

Serve with favorite hot sauce and all that other must have comfort holiday food.

bright idea

2008-11-26T15:20:00.002-07:00

I had a bright idea and a flash of insight...

Dinner out

2008-11-19T11:38:00.003-07:00

Recently we went here to listen to him at their annual banquet. A good time was had by all.

The 'Trophy Kids' Go to Work

2008-11-13T16:38:00.002-07:00

Found this article fascinating- what are the implications for the church?

The 'Trophy Kids' Go to Work

commentary

2008-11-13T10:01:00.002-07:00

oooohhh! AAAAAHHHHHH!

yes I'm a dork but I'm salivating over this. Only in my dreams....

Hermeneia on CD-ROM
All 38 published volumes
CD-ROM with case, includes brochure with system requirements, installation instruction, technical support contacts, and notice of future publications.
Hermeneia

Fortress Press, 2006
English

ISBN: 0800661990
List Price: $1,000.00
Your Price: $850.00
www.eisenbrauns.com/wconnect/wc.dll?ebGate~EIS~~I~CDWHERMEN

Cactus Bart

2008-10-31T22:46:00.003-07:00

Cactus Bart is a friends neighbors outlaw cactus-
yes- I'm friends with an outlaw cactus

Do the test

2008-10-24T09:57:00.001-07:00

Hoover Dam

2008-10-18T22:16:00.001-07:00

This is the Arizona side of what will be the highest arch bridge in the US. It's the new Hwy 93 bypass of Hoover Dam. I couldn't frame it so that you could see the impressive scope of this bridge. It's big. Security was tight for the dam too, which after I thought about it made sense. I'm not sure why they didn't want dogs near the dam. We took the dam tour.

the Garden plot

2008-10-18T21:43:00.002-07:00

The boys and I headed out to the garden plot today. Jim the resident caretaker was kind enough to till a row for our collard greens. We also mulched in our tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. We've already got some peppers on the plants.

Johnny Cash

2008-10-08T14:06:00.004-07:00

Our library has a lot of kid friendly DVDs. We were watching Little House on the Prairie the other night and a preacher got in a bad wagon wreck in the middle of nowhere and in the middle of the night. Johny Cash took him in and fixed him up. I wasn't paying much attention but heard his voice and looked up to see who it was.

Speaking of Johnny Cash, I'd love to have this. Although I might not be able to get Ring of Fire out of my heard while listening.

The Garden Plot

2008-10-04T14:30:00.005-07:00

The Shed

Our plot- strawberry, tomato, jalapeno, (collard greens are next)

The whole plot

The donkey ignored us

We've got another small raised bed for herbs and are going to have some row crops

Ekranoplan

2008-09-27T10:35:00.003-07:00

the Ekranoplan
this would be cool to have as a commuter vehicle.

This technology was developed by the Soviets during the Cold War.

driving the ekranoplan

Life in The Valley

2008-09-17T12:07:00.004-07:00

Three months out of the year living in the Phoenix valley is like living in Death Valley. Ten months out of the year it is a paradise resort.

Yeah, I know- one of those months is kind of both.

fall has arrived

2008-09-17T12:07:00.003-07:00

Fall has arrived, the weather has turned. You can feel it when you go out in the morning. - the boys thought I needed a hat and scarf. It's going to be 100 today!

churches

2008-09-15T19:05:00.002-07:00

I had the privilege of worshiping with the Phoenix URC church recently. It was great to see another committed Reformed church with a high view of Scripture. They sang psalter tunes I hadn't sung since my days at PRPC in St. Louis. Our family enjoyed worshiping there. Every church has its own culture and identity and it's great to see the diversity of the body of Christ. The church was warm, welcoming and generally encouraging. My favorite comment- "That was different than what we are used to hearing." Since it was said with a warm smile and firm handshake, I'll take that as a positive.

Big L Ranch

2008-09-08T23:28:00.005-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa were here this week! Grandpa helped build The Big L Ranch.

These were taken by our #2 child- took about 260 shots

Hiking in Arizona

2008-09-04T23:00:00.002-07:00

I was thinking about hiking the other day. A few months ago a friend and I went hiking in a wilderness canyon- rare in that it has water year round. It was twelve miles off the main dirt road- took an hour to get to the trail head. Surprisingly we met two other groups of people. Part of the attraction of this hike is the cliff dwelling in the canyon. The access to the dwelling is rather steep, my friend and I decided it was too steep and outside our comfort zone. We went down to the stream to eat lunch in view of the dwellings. While we were eating by the stream, one of the groups we had met went up to the cliff dwelling. The lady and two men climbed up into the structure- they were probably in their sixties- they obviously had different comfort zones than us. We had a good laugh about that. The other group we met was a group of men out for a hike like us. As we were talking something seemed odd to me- then I noticed- they were all armed. Each man had a pistol on his hip in plain view. I see this sort of thing a lot out here in Arizona. I like Arizona.

Humilty

2008-08-30T17:30:00.004-07:00

We are going to go through this book for our small group. It should be a good discussion type book. The author has a funny line in the forward about how stupid he was to start writing a book about humility- but by God's grace he made it through.

Rocket

2008-08-27T15:14:00.003-07:00

* Flies to 300 meters (1000 feet)!

The Alpha III is an E2X Starter Set. More people have started with this timeless rocket than any other in the history of the world! Suitable for ages 10 and up. Features a bright molded one piece fin unit and nose cone and engines for two fantastic parachute recovered flights.

How the Alpha III works is: 1.) Electrically ignited rocket engine provides rocket lift-off. 2.) Rocket accelerates and gains altitude. 3.) Rocket continues to climb during coast phase. 4.) Model reaches peak altitude. Ejection charge activates recovery system. 5.) Recovery system is deployed. 6.) Rocket returns gently to Earth! Replace the engine, igniter and recovery wadding and be ready to launch again!

Complete starter set includes: Alpha III model rocket kit, Electron Beam electrical launch controller, Porta-Pad II launch pad, two model rocket engines, recovery wadding, complete instructions, rocketeer's guide, reusable carrying case and safety code/full one year warranty.

Yes- It's good to have boys!

Here's my card

2008-08-26T09:52:00.006-07:00

So I've finally broken down and ordered business cards. I'm rather sheepish about it. Someone in the church was kind enough to put it together and send the file off to the printer. I've been asked several times if I have one- and been able to say no. No longer. There has got to be some sort of business card etiquette that I've been missing out on for years now. I get handed cards often enough but rarely at my request. I'm sure there is some article out there detailing the business card exchange ritual. If you know of one- point me to it- or write one and send it to me. There has got to be some protocol that distinguishes you from the cold call timeshare salesman that just happens to be in the area and wanted to drop his card off. Maybe not- oh well, here's my card.

2008-08-21T09:13:00.003-07:00

I usually don't like stuff like this but these are funny- so indulge me

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming..
-- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids...
-- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns
-- Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

It's fun to see the world through inexperienced eyes- even if these are made up you cold totally see some kids saying stuff like this.

My favorite is the date that is turning sour- run home and play dead- call the newspaper- make sure you show up in the dead columns. It's good to be married.

(HT:J. Meyers)

cleanliness is next to...

2008-08-12T11:22:00.003-07:00

Employee Takes Bath At Xenia Burger King
Burger King Corp. said, "We have sanitized the sink and have disposed of all other kitchen tools and utensils that were used during the incident. We have also taken appropriate corrective action on the employees that were involved in this video.

Additionally, the remaining staff at this restaurant is being retrained in health and sanitation procedures."

see the story here

At first I thought that this was from The Onion. But no, this whole news segment is just one big and beautiful piece of Americana. At least they threw out all the utensils and sanitized the sink, twice. And the staff was retrained.

C.S. Lewis

2008-08-08T13:35:00.003-07:00

I got a kick out of the book dedication for "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

My dear Lucy,

I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand a word you say, but I shall be

your affectionate Godfather,

C.S. Lewis

Brett Favre

2008-08-06T22:22:00.001-07:00

Will someone please explain this Brett Favre thing to me? I probably need Ellen Monroe (resident AR sportologian)to splain me some real sports politic.

Backyard Ballistics

2008-08-04T23:03:00.004-07:00

Today we got back at the projects listed in this awesome book. We made a rocket out of a two liter plastic Coke bottle,bicycle pump, rubber stopper, copper tube, wire coat hanger, a sports needle with a 6 x 6 wooden launch pad- thank you Ace Hardware. The book says you can achieve a launch of 70 ft. Ours went consistently 30 to 40. With some tinkering and modification I think we can get close to 60 or 70.

We've got the material for a serious water balloon launcher.

Next project? Maybe this:

Glory to God

2008-08-02T10:33:00.003-07:00

Whenever a baby is born in our congregation we put a rose out in the Narthex to announce that a baby has been born and to give glory to God for the birth of another Covenant child. This is #3's rose at our house. Vicki couldn't go to church that first Sunday so it was nice to be able to bring this home. Throughout the week the rose has been a nice reminder that we belong to an extended family in Christ. Our church has been great and really cared for us well. It's good to have a church home.

Great City

2008-08-02T10:00:00.003-07:00

Son #1, "How do you spell Louis?"
Vicki, "What?"

legos are fun

Overworld: The Life and Times of a Reluctant Spy

2008-08-01T15:46:00.007-07:00

So, this was an interesting read. While Vicki was being induced/in labor I read a book (in a very supporting sort of way). I picked that section of the library because I've always wanted to know about the CIA and intelligence community of the U.S. I picked this particular book because I standing by it when Vicki called and informed me that a slot had opened up at the hospital for us to induce labor and that we could go have the baby now. So I grabbed a couple of books from this section at random, checked them out, grabbed the boys and left to get Vicki.
It was a quick read and good basically for an intro. I think it must be really hard to write a book about yourself without sounding like you think you're awesome. As the sub-title suggests (the life and times of a reluctant spy) this guy thinks he is reluctantly awesome. It was the right book for our hospital stay.
It piqued my interest in and remind me to start reading about the Middle East.

Three Cups of Tea

2008-07-30T12:28:00.006-07:00

David Oliver Relin and Greg Mortensen’s Three Cups of Tea

Haji Ali’s Lesson –

When the porcelain bowls of scalding butter tea steamed into their hands, Haji Ali spoke, “If you want to thrive in Balistan, you must respect our ways,” Haji Ali said, blowing on his bowl. “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything, even die,” he said, laying his hand warmly on Mortenson’s own. “Doctor Greg, you must make time to share three cups of tea. We may be uneducated. But we are not stupid. We have lived and survived here for a long time.”
“That day, Haji Ali taught me the most important lesson I’ve ever learned in my life,” Mortenson says. “We Americans think you have to accomplish everything quickly. We’re the country of thirty-minute power lunches and two-minute football drills. Our leaders thought the ‘shock and awe’ campaign could end the war in Iraq before it even started. Haji Ali taught me to share three cups of tea, to slow down and make building relationships as important as building projects. He taught me that I had more to learn from the people I work with than I could ever hope to teach them.” P. 150

Context: Mortenson had been turning into the tough taskmaster, and the authority of the village took him aside to say, we are grateful for the bridge you built, and the work you’re doing to build our first school, but you must do one thing more for us. “Anything,” Greg agreed. He took Mortenson’s plum line, his level, account book, and then walked back down to Korphe, locking them in a cabinet with his most cherished possessions. Then, as Haji’s wife made tea, he mouthed Arabic prayers and shared the paragraphs above.

This is one of those common grace principles. Community matters. People matter. They matter more than tasks. We build and accomplish great exploits for people. We create and are at our greatest when we image God in this way- we accomplish in relationship.

Jesus is the best example of this. He spent three years eating and drinking with his disciples. He cared for them. He told them the truth and it was only in the context of his relationship with them that they were able grasp who he is. He taught them what real work is and what it means to love and believe and to serve. Jesus taught them what sacrifice is.

I think it is important to be able to point out good traits and "godly" things where ever they are exhibited in humanity. They are good because it is God who sets the standard. But, we are at our best and accomplish truly great exploits only when we live in Jesus' way and live for God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

(Vicki, thanks for the quote)

2008-07-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

IT'S A GIRL!!!

Eggplant Yum!

2008-07-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

nothing is safe

legomation 2

2008-07-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

The hedgehog turns traitor and lets them in

2008-07-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

Eight more days

first movie

2008-07-10T22:33:00.006-07:00

Our hurried first attempt at stop motion movie making- we'll have to use clay next. We had fun making the star wars guys use the force.

Samuel Rutherford

2008-07-10T14:59:00.003-07:00

I've been reading a book from last Saturday's book crawl, Letters of Samuel Rutherford. You can read some quotes here.

the book crawl

2008-07-05T19:03:00.004-07:00

What a great Saturday! I went with a friend and we did an East Valley book crawl. We visited all the good books stores in Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale. I love walking into book stores and seeing row after row of books. I like the way book store smell. I've been really surprised at the theological books we've run across- I got a great deal on a Hosea commentary this time through.

2008-06-26T12:08:00.002-07:00

This was a while ago- but my sons got to drive a bulldozer. Man, I wish I would have been able to do that.

They've also been in excavators and dump trucks- I'm glad they like heavy equipment because I really do to. I've never been on anything as big or as cool as the excavator but I love operating big machinery. It's relaxing. I know that is probably cause I don't have to do it 60 hrs a week. I've spent considerable time on a largish tractor and find brush hogging acres of field a peaceful experience. This fascination with farm equipment and big machinery is surely because I grew up in the city and suburbia.

praise God for doctors

2008-06-16T18:41:00.004-07:00

We made a trip to the hospital last night and they invited us to stay the night! How hospitable...
Seriously though - everything is fine. Baby and Vicki are healthy. The doctor said, "You need to lay around more and work less. Do not vacuum." What a prescription. I think Vicki has some sort of in with her doctors. The last example of this was when we were about to go camping as a family, we had a doctor's appointment and the doctor said, "You need to stay home and scrapbook." I'm just waiting for the day that some doctor tells me, "Kelley, the only thing that will fix this is fly fishing." Or, "You really need to get a new shotgun and go shoot some clays - that should clear these symptoms right up." I'm not holding my breath.

Thank you to all our friends who helped out, offered to help and have been praying. Thanks be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who gives us peace and security in Christ.

theology of life

2008-06-04T22:05:00.002-07:00

It is so easy to get distracted. So easy to get out of whack spiritually. So easy to get discouraged about the culture we are part of but can't seem to conquor. When this happens to Christians we end up bitter and antogonistic. There's a difference between diagnosing the gloom and being snippy about it. What we need is fellowship. More than a sense of community, rather, real communion in community. The answer to this is sitting down and listening. The answer is sitting down and eating with one another. We need to be part of one anothers lives in a way that is beyond the sense of belonging or community or anything like it. There must be participation in our life together. The Lord's Supper is this way. In this sacrament we get closer to what we need. We sit and listen to God's Word. We sit and eat at God's table and eat what He has to offer. We get close to one another and most importantly close to the Lord.

Wind Chimes

2008-06-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

I've never had wind chimes before. Never even thought about being a wind chime owner. But now that I have them, I really like them. Thanks for the great birthday present Gigi. I was thinking that I wanted a fountain in the back so that when we sit out on the patio in the evenings we'd have some ambient noise- don't need a fountain now- just some wind.

swamp cooler

2008-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah that's right- we've got a swamp cooler. It makes the desert spring very enjoyable. All that stuff that desert dwellers say about "It's a dry heat!", it's just something we tell ourselves to help get through the summer. Although I will say that 105 in the desert is better than 95 in the humid South. oh- and I love Craigslist- and wife who finds cool things on said list.

If you ask nice I'll post picture of the swamp cooler... It's a wonder to behold.

look out- the golf era has begun!

2008-05-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

Riding Giants

2008-05-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

Saw this movie- pretty amazing footage, especially of Laird Hamilton. Rated PG-13 for language. Go figure, surfers who cuss. In reality it was only one old dude who used all the foul language. He was famous and instrumental in the sport and culture of surfing getting established. From his interview sections in the movie you could tell that no amount of editing could have cleaned up his part. The story of Laird Hamilton being adopted was really cool too.

Beowulf

2007-11-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Finished reading Beowulf. What a great epic poem. Beowulf is The Hero who is self-sacrificing, noble, forthright and true. A bit proud by our standards, but true. And strong, really, really strong even when he must be Seventy or Eighty fighting the dragon. Sure he's an idealized hero and at the same time has rough edges but its good to read about a hero. A hero who knows his place under Heaven and trusts the Lord God Almighty with his life and for his time to die. I had forgotten all the faith references . These were Christianized Danes and Geats and Shieldings and the poet reflects their belief in this poem and lore. You also see all kinds of source material for J.R.R. Tolkien. I wonder if the movie accurately reflects Beowulf or includes his faith.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

We had a great thanksgiving day with friends. We had it all - food fellowship and fun. After the huge dinner we broke out the potato cannons. yes- I said cannons, plural. When we got to the house I sheepishly asked if they would be interested in fireing off the spud gun we had just made "for the boys" using the plans we found in a great book. Turns out they have the book too and had just made the spud gun themsleves. After a while of bombarding their back lot (and the neighbors once or twice) we ran out of ammo and had to go on a potato run- on sale for a dollar a bag! There is something that is satisfying about a loud bang and a projectile flying really far! Yes- I'm thankful for that.

Ministry

2007-11-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

Rev. Tim Keller giving the message Gospel Centered Ministry.

bullet at 5000 frames per second

2007-11-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

Bullet At 5000 Frames Per Second

OK- I'm sure something theological could be said about this.

This is just cool

simple and unaware

2007-11-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

Trying to bring some humor to a serious topic, I used this video last Sunday (sans music) to describe the simple young man who lacks judgement in Proverbs 7:7 and 7:22. Reminds me of a scene straight out of Road Runner. We go blindly into folly. When I first saw this video I was laughing out loud. Growing up we had a deck and the squirrels would chew it to bits. Wish we had one of these.

(HT: JJM)

His Excellency

2007-11-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Just read His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis. George Washington was a fascinating character. His biographer indicates that he was always aware of and concerned about what posterity would think of him. In later years he went back and edited his diary from the French and Indian war, presumably to polish his record. At the same time he was a fearless leader and also the one man who could in reality unite the colonies before and after the war with the British. He was a pragmatist and one of the few men of social rank among his peers to die wealthy- most others, especially his fellow Virginian land owners were in debt. Lot's of other interesting stuff. For instance Jefferson and Washington had a great falling out later in their relationship, Hamilton seemed to want to militarize the whole continent and out Napoleon- Napoleon on this side of the Atlantic. Reading this book and learning of all the intrigue and political maneuvering that took place amongst the colonial leaders reminds me that there is nothing new under the sun. Also reminds me that these were just men, very flawed, often good, often admirable, but men. Good book

Birthday Fun

2007-11-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

a friend bought our son a book for his birthday. I'm excited- find out why here. Did I mention I'm excited?

theater in the ancient church

2007-10-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

Both Augustine and Chrysostom had nothing but invective for the theater of their day. They were both alive in the late 4th century and very early 5th century AD. Augustine likens the emotional highs and low and empathy to a kind of false self stimulation. Chrysostom condemns theatre too. He comments that men walk away with images emblazoned in their minds that cause them to sin. He uses colourful language to describe this. There is no misunderstanding his concerns.

I wonder what the modern parallels could be for us. I'm sure that we could all come up with probable comparisons. I guess they weren't playing "The Sound of Music" at the Constantinople theatre in the 390's.

Riches and Job

2007-10-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

working through mark and am thinking about the rich young ruler and Job. Wondering about the comparison. We don't have a final outcome with the young ruler so I guess we can't do to close a comparison. More of a speculation maybe. Although some treat him walking away as a final outcome. The disciples and people of their day seemed to see riches as a blessing. We see them the same way today. It's hard to argue that riches don't change life and in general for the existential better. Wealth does seem to open up individual contengency and feedom. But what if that is stripped from you. Job goes through this and is miserable but maintains his confession- to Gods glory. With the rich young ruler Jesus looks, loves him- and then points to the thing in his life that he is least willing to give up and says -essentially- 'that's mine too'. Hopefully those in the church don't value, or cling to, something so much as to prevent their entrance into the kingdom. I wonder how often we see things that might be close. Job's confession in trial was, "I know that my redeemer lives." I wonder what the rich young ruler's response to those trials would have been. Obviously riches and the abuse or veneration of what God has given is a great example used here by Jesus. That ruler seemed to have it all together. We have to be diligent that the riches that are so often a blessing don't become a curse to us. Just another example of the need to keep gospel perspective in life.

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recommended reading list

Overworld: The Life and Times of a Reluctant Spy

Three Cups of Tea

Eggplant Yum!

legomation 2

first movie

Samuel Rutherford

the book crawl

praise God for doctors

theology of life

Wind Chimes

swamp cooler

look out- the golf era has begun!

Riding Giants

Beowulf

Thanksgiving

Ministry

bullet at 5000 frames per second

simple and unaware

His Excellency

Birthday Fun

theater in the ancient church

Riches and Job