musing when I should be sleeping

Had a 1st season Monk re-run (man, I knew that show had gone more for the comedic lately, but seeing this episode really underlined how far they'd drifted!) on while I was doing some work tonight. When it was over, Frankie & Johnny started. I hadn't seen this underrated movie in a long time, so even tho it was edited for TV, decided to watch. Some random thoughts:

• I need to listen to more Debussy. Really don't think I know more than Clair de Lune and whatever they used for the Wings theme song (two Shaloub shows in one post...that's a record).
• Possibly the least comedic romantic comedy I can think of. Probably not the best follow-up to Pretty Woman for Garry Marshall.
• I think this was the first time I saw Nathan Lane. Dang, he's funny! Oh, imdb tells me I saw him first in Joe Versus the Volcano, but I've repressed every memory of that film.
• There's a lot of subtle work in this show. Don't normally think of Pacino or Lane as subtle, or even Elizondo.
• The supporting cast does excellent work, easy to be overlooked and not give it your all with Pacino and Pfeiffer headlining things.
• While she's made better movies, maybe even had better characters...don't know if I've been more impressed with a Pfeiffer performance.
• The ache of loneliness permeates this movie. Probably the greatest detraction from the comedy. Does a great job showing how empty people can be. Particularly in the final David E. Kelly-esque montage.

Why I need to travel more

I've never seen this. Am told it's "a must see. . . American excess combined with American too-much-time-on-your-hands, with a delightful, though thoroughly useless, result."

Stimulating Reading

Say what you will about Doug Wilson (and many have, do, and shall)...the guy is a stimulating writer--not always in the way he intends, I'm sure. I mention this, for two reasons, many of my friends will be made uncomfortable by the fact I'm complimenting him--good. It pays to be that way every now and then.

Secondly, two of his posts today are well worth reading a couple of times. First, is The Apostle Paul. Nice snapshot biography of Paul...it's a keeper. The other is Not on the Ballot about the elections many of us have the chance to participate in tomorrow. A lot of it has nothing to do with anyone who reads this space, because none of us live in Moscow, ID. But there's some points well worth making/chuckling at/both.

For those who are readers of this blog residing elsewhere, it is quite possible that there is an election near you (except for you international readers), and so you too have an opportunity to get out there and vote against the Dumb Stuff. And when the Dumb Stuff seems overwhelming, just remember the two different approaches David could have taken with Goliath. The first is the counsel of despair. "He is so big! I can't win." The second, the counsel of faith, is: "He is so big! I can't miss." Lots of Dumb Stuff out there in a balloting booth near you -- you can't miss. Figuring out how to vote is like trying to hit a cow on the rear end with a canoe paddle.

Politics is not our savior, but it is important for us to be engaged in the political process. We only contend that we should be engaged in it with a right sense of priority and balance. In other words, we should be involved in the life of the community, including voting, for the same reason that we rake the leaves in our yard. It is the responsible thing to do. But we are to do it with full awareness that the state is not god, and we, the whispering voices of demos in the state's ear, are not god either. When I consider the religious fervor of those whose closest brush with the numinous is to put up lots of yard signs, I am reminded that only Jesus Christ is Lord.

The election is tomorrow. And on Wednesday, the day after the election, Jesus will still be Lord. It turns out that His name is not ever going to be on the ballot.

A Reevaluation

Had some downtime this weekend, not enough energy to do/watch/read something productive, so the Mrs. and myself watched an episode of But Can They Sing?.

First, I hope I can spare some of you readers the pain: you always have something better to do than to watch this. For your own sake,for the sake of your children, for the sake of the nation--don't watch this thing.

Secondly, having seen the feedback given by the coaches/judges on this show. I've come to reevaluate American Idol's Paul Abdul. She is a harsh, cruel b*tch, bent on destroying dreams and crushing hopes.

Rejoice in the Lord

The Christian religion is no morose system, stifling every spring of cheerfulness in the heart, or converting its waters into those of Marah. It lifts the spirit out of the thrall and misery of sin, and elevates it to the enjoyment of the divine favour, and the possession of the divine image; nay there is a luxury in that sorrow which weeps tears of genuine contrition. Therefore, to mope and mourn, to put on sackcloth and cleave to the dust, is not the part of those who are in the Lord, the exalted Saviour, who guarantees them “pleasures for evermore.” Such joy is not more remote from a gloomy and morbid melancholy, on the one hand, that it is, on the other hand, from the delirious ecstasies of fanaticism, or the inner trances and raptures of mystic Quietism. -- John Eadie

Hey, it's not supposed to bend that way

sigh...Apparently it's been to long since I've had a post containing the words: doctor, ER, or pain.

So last night, after most of the crew has been sent home I'm doing the typical hustle when he get a rush of cars in the drive-thru. And since the new manager they just transferred in can't seem to bother doing anything, I was hustling a little more than normal. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I was bagging an order, taking one, and trying to start a basket of fries, and I was keeping myself from falling on the floor as my ankle bent in a way not matching original specifications, and my leg slipped out under me (for the record, I dropped no food). An off-duty manager catching up on paperwork told me he heard "popping." The manager who had been busily standing there, was forced to move while the off-duty guy compelled me to sit down and put my foot up.

After a few, I get up, foot's sore and stiff, but eh, whatever,

So I finish my shift a couple hours later, come home put my foot up and try to do some Greek homework. Before long, that soreness became really intense pain, I start shivering uncontrollably. But, I was able to get a good deal of homework done before I threw in the towel, went through the drive-thru and picked up a injury report (did you know fries don't come with that?).

Took the ER forever, given I seemed to be half of the patient populace, but they finally got me drugged-up and x-rayed. Nasty sprain. Should be back up and around like normal in a couple of weeks. Finally get home and only then get to sleep.

Now why do I go into this much detail? Why not simply say, "Sprained my ankle at work last night. Ow. Ow. Ow. Thank heavens for Vicodin!" So you, too, can appreciate the bitter irony that's been boring a hole in the back of my skull all day. When I temporarily regain consciousness mid-morning, I get this email from my Greek professor saying I need to be "more diligent with your time."

Since my friends have been going on about the fun of Prednisone over at Sea Salt & Vinegar, I figure I better throw in my review of Vicodin--like when I took it this summer--I'm woozy, tired, and semi-coherent. This time, at least, it's taking care of most of the pain. Anyhow, if this post isn't as semi-amusing as I think it is, I blame it on the pills.

nip/tuck

opg.org gets a major (and much needed) facelift! Great work, guys!

Narnia Controversy

I've long thought that the idea of reading The Chronicles of Narnia in chronological order is plain silly. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was the first, and needs to be read first. Prequels, like The Magician's Nephew, demand a knowledge of the "quels" they're "pre-" to. As I've been reading the series with my kids over the last few months (we step into The Last Battle today), I've become even more convinced that Lewis told them in the right order when he wrote them, not when he talked about it later.

John Miller over at National Review Online makes the case wonderfully. Mostly by quoting the two books vying for first read. He's right, it's Wardrobe all the way.

Lewis put the matter more succinctly in a letter toward the end of his life: "An author doesn't necessarily understand the meaning of his own story better than anyone else."

Lewis of course understood the meaning of Narnia. But a wise expert is not the same thing as a final authority — and on the question of which Narnia book should come first, Lewis was utterly wrong.

Triumph of the Lamb

The United Reformed Church in Boise held their annual conference this weekend. Dennis Johnson, prof at WTS-Escondido and author of Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation, was this year's speaker.

attendance was typically small--which I find odd for a decent sized church that invites a few others. I counted people from at least 3 congregations there, and there were 28 of us Saturday morning. Still, it was worth it.

Friday night, however, was the first time I stopped moving in a few days. I'm guessing I was conscious for about 1/4 - 1/3 of it. In a crowd that small, am sure that he was very aware of it. ugh.

The lectures Saturday were pretty good, fairly interesting...even if I didn't agree with some of the interpretation. He gave the most fair and accurate description of the postmill position I've ever heard from an amiller.

All in all, well worth the time. Next year, they're planning on Robert Godfrey speaking. I'll drink a couple of gallons of coffee that afternoon so I don't have a repeat of this one ;)

Smallville episode 5.5 "Thirst"

Worst. Episode. Ever.

Of the making of lists there is no end

Ye Olde Crusty Curmudgeon has linked to Time Magazine's list of 100 Best English Language Novels written during the magazine's existence. Like Ransom, I've read 14 of the 100, tho' I think his list commends him more highly for taste and overall piety than mine.

Animal Farm - George Orwell Really enjoyed this book, haven't re-read it as often as I'd imagined I would. The essay I had to write on it in 10th Grade was the first time I can remember working a joke into something I wrote. All downhill from there. :)
The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler My favorite Chandler book, can't remember how many times I've read it. Some absolutely classic lines...a novel that defined a genre.
The Day of the Locust - Nathanael West I don't understand why this novel and West aren't talked about or taught more. At the same time, I don't remember many novels that featured more depraved and bleaker characters. Which probably answers my question.
The Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck I hated this book, truly. 'Tho the 3rd time I read it, I appreciated Steinbeck's work more, I really, really, really hated it. I will force my kids to read it, because it's one of those things you have to have read. But, I won't blame them for begrudging the experience.
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald When I first read this book, I held it in about the same esteem as the previous entry, but it grew on me. Don't know that I can say I'd pick it up again, but I wouldn't mind--and would probably enjoy--doing so.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis Goes without saying that I agree with this one.
Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov Bring on the hate mail: I love this book. I love Nabokov's use of language, the way he makes you sympathize with this scumbag of a narrator and then with a word or two makes you recoil in horror that you've done so. One of the all time best opening lines, IMHO. Absolutely lyrical.
Lord of the Flies - William Golding You can't fine a better depiction of total depravity by any extra-canonical writer. Sadly, that's the best I can say for the book
The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien Again, genre defining. Must read.
Neuromancer - William Gibson This book, this author, rocked my world. Always a joy to read. Ransom's probably right, Snow Crash is better. But you couldn't have gotten SC without this.
Snow Crash - Neal Stephenson I personally enjoyed Stephenson's The Diamond Age more, and think it shows a more mature author. But you can't beat the pacing, the style, the language.
The Sound and the Fury - William Faulkner You could sentence me to a lifetime of Faulkner reading, and I wouldn't complain too much. I would probably have selected other titles by him for the list, but can't knock this one.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee When I compile my list of best/favorite novels this one competes with the next on the list for the top spot, and usually ends up winning. I tried to get my daughter named Scout once upon a time. Come to think of it, I think I lobbied for Harper, too. Anyway, Great book. Must, must, must read. And then re-read.
White Noise - Don DeLillo ummm, hello. Look at the top of the page! Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

The English Major in me reacts somewhat defensively to my poor showing on the list: I have started a handful of the others, and for one reason or another didn't finish. Have read other works by authors that made the list. A few (not that many) are on my "must read before death" list--I even own some of those. But on the whole, Time would consider me an Philistine. But that's okay, I've been a Newsweek reader for almost 2 decades now anyway, so they'd think me suspect from the get-go :)

Belated birthday

You may have noticed that I've begun occasionally noting significant birthdays. Yesterday was one of the more important ones (to me, anyway). On Oct 23 in Chillicothe, Ohio, Archie Goodwin entered this world--no doubt with a smile for the pretty nurses--and the face of American literature was destined to change.

I drank a glass of milk in his honor.

New Narnia Trailer!

This is a must see. Downloaded the QuickTime file a couple times, but couldn't get it to work. But was able to watch it a few times--actually, all six of us crowded around my monitor to watch it twice. Dec. 9th is too far away!!!

Oh, yeah, and a new Goblet of Fire trailer and scene are up, too. Fans need to check out the scene. Really looking forward to this one, too. Just not as much.

Good point

Over at Reformation 21's blog, this week they're talking about signs of a healthy church. One post that came out of left field for me, but rang so true, was Carl Trueman pointing to a sense of humor as a sign of a healthy church.

Humour speaks of perspective, and of realizing how insignificant are our own endeavors for the kingdom, of how ridiculous we -- and everyone else -- appears in the context of God's great design. The individual, congregation, or movement which has lost the ability to be self-deprecating about itself and humorous about life in general has lost perspective.

He adds a well-aimed and much needed shot at joke telling in the pulpit, so he's not suggesting that churches become yuck-fests.

But he's right, a sense of humor does speak of perspective and does become the man/church of God. But you gotta hit it right, while trying to avoid being drier than dust we've got to be careful we don't go too far (for some reason I can't help but think of Moscow, ID when I say that)

I really should know better

Just re-read the two pieces from the Oct 17^th Newsweek on Mormonism (hey, thought we weren't supposed to call them that anymore!): The Mormon Odyssey and 'Solid, Strong, True'.

Ugh. Utter puff-pieces. Their look at the new Odd Couple revival in the same issue pulls fewer punches.

They come close to actually making the story interesting, and showing a little skepticism regarding Smith's claims (note they only use one version of the First Vision) in one paragraph. One.

Because of Mormonism's unique theology, some of which challenges early Christian creeds, many Christian denominations don't consider the LDS Church to be Christian. "There is no rightful claim by historic Mormon doctrine to the name Christian, because they deny almost every one of the major fundamental doctrines of Christendom," says Norman Geisler, founder of the Southern Evangelical Seminary. But for Latter-day Saints, who believe in the Jesus Christ of both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, the cold shoulder from other denominations is baffling. "I am devastated when people say I am not a Christian, particularly when generally that means I am not a fourth-century Christian," says Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

"Fourth-century Christian." Oy. Someone's been reading Dan Brown. (yeah, yeah, oversimplification, I know)

You never see Newsweek exercise this much "blind faith" in the source documents, theologians when discussing the Resurrection, the Virgin Birth, etc.--as they will do in a month or so just in time for that one holiday (you know, the one with all the family movies). Disgusting.

Phew!

Joe's not going anywhere. I can't say that means as much this year as it would've a couple years ago, but I can't imagine anyone else running that team. Given what he had to work with this year, he did do a great job. Ultimately it was the guys on the field who failed.

(hey! I said the drop in sports posts is on the horizon--not here yet)

Last Weekend

a quick follow-up to a previous entry.

I went to Colville, WA again, exhorted from Philippians 1 (am) & 2 (pm). And once again, it was a encouraging and edifying (and relaxing!) experience for my wife and myself. It was a new and demanding thing for me to do two services, but I felt a greater liberty and better command of the material than I'm used to. Not exactly sure why, but I'm sure not complaining. There's a lot I could rave about...the scenery, the oodles of deer everywhere you turned, or the hospitality. But the thing that I found most significant was the singing in the congregation. Some good voices, some decent, some neither. But they were serious about it, they sang out in joy, in faith, in praise. There was no doubt that these people took that aspect of the service seriously, and used it as an opportunity to glorify the Lord. Not to stumble and mumble through the song just as a way to get to the next item on the bulletin.

I'm firmly convinced that what we do in worship and how we do it says a lot about the God we worship. And yeah, I know you can't put the emphasis on the external, it's the heart hat matters, blah, blah, blah. Whatever. At the end of the day when your belief has to impact how you live. And we're called to sing praises. Therefore we need to sing praises. Not mark time. And you don't do that by running off to the latest and greatest Marantha! tune or Calvary Chapel ditty. You do that by using the words and music in front of you as a channel for your heart. Great singing is an indication of great love of a great God. I'll let you fill in the blanks for yourself what mediocre singing indicates.

Anyway, I found that aspect both a challenge and an inspiration to keep making a joyful noise to the Lord (and, am I ever so glad it's a joyful noise, not a beautiful sound I'm supposed to make!)

Should also note along these lines, I'm set for pulpit supply again. This time in the URC church here in Nampa on Oct. 30. Should be very interesting. Colville is at least OPC, I know the pastor, had a pretty good idea what the church and service would "feel" like. The URC is a foreign body really, in a way, tho' it'll be a shorter drive than the one to my home church, I'm probably going to feel further away than I did in Washington. Still, looking forward to it. Probably going to dust off something I've already done, rework it a bit, and see if I get better with practice :) (I'm honestly not holding out much hope for that)

World Series is a comin'

...which means a drastic drop in sports-related posts is on the horizon (and 75% of my 10 readers cheer).

How about those Sox? That pitching was a sight to behold! Those four guys in the picture (and their coach) deserve every accolade and $$ they can get from this (if you grant that throwing a tiny little ball at a man with a stick is worth millions of dollars). My only regret is not being able to see El Duque during the ALCS, other than a few shots of him in the bullpen before he was sat down...watching him work the end of the last Division Series game against Boston was wonderful. Hats off to Ozzie for letting those pitchers shine.

As much as I hate to say it, I'm glad the Yankees fell to the Angels. Watching Buehrle, Garcia, Garland and Contreras chip away at the bombers would've been too disheartening.

Now, I know very little about the National League. Maybe if I let myself spend more time on baseball (already spend too much) I'd get to know it better. But I've really appreciated what I've caught of the NLCS. I'm pulling for the 'stros--would love to see Pettitte get another shot on the big stage. Tonight's game was a great one--tough playing throughout. Good stuff, and then watching that crowd go crazy after the homer put them up 4-2...wow. You could almost imagine Roy Hobbs taking a practice swing or two.

And then Pujols. Wow. That's a series crushing blow. Or at least it can be. Sure, the Astros still lead this sucker 3-2. But if they're not careful, that one pitch, plus that one hit, can be the end of them. Anyone remember game 4 of the 2004 ALCS? That killed the Yankees. For their sakes, I hope the Astros can rebound in St. Louis.

At this moment

I'm NOT taking my mid-term for Hermeneutics. Why is this noteworthy? Because the rest of the class is taking it RIGHT NOW. Actually started about a half-an-hour ago.

I've yet to receive the exam, and the prof is off in New Zealand. No body at the seminary knows where the exam is, but they told me they'd look and send it to me if they found it. I checked with my mentor thinking, maybe they'd sent it to him. Nope.

I blew off Greek quizzes, lost sleep, grouched at my kids, for this thing. And they don't even have the decency to get it to me!

"Be angry and do not sin," I believe Paul said. Working really hard on the "not sinning" part right now, but got the former covered really well.

oh well, at least it gave me something to blog about.

UPDATE: About 8 minutes before the test was supposed to end, it showed up in my inbox. 11 minutes after that, I noticed it. Very unimpressed.

ALDS Game 5

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

One More Thought

As much as I was against the trade for the Big Unit. I'm very glad he'll be on the mound tonight.

GO YANKEES!

Awfully quiet this week

1. Very brain dead after working my posterior off (really, it's not there any more) for my Greek Mid-Term (and here).

2. On Monday, instead of the one sermon I'd been mulling over, I was asked to do two. Never wrote two in a week before. Still haven't, come to think of it--but I'm close.

Add those to together and you end up with very little time to hopefully entertain you here. More next week maybe, and the week after is Fall Break. So I'll either sleep for 7 days straight or post a novel here :)

Great Moments in Science

This man deserves something for just having the idea--not sure what he deserves, but something.

Yeah, cuz I need more stress in my life

Okay, Yanks down by two in the bottom of the 8th with Leiter pitching (?!?!?!), gets to ya a bit. Even with yesterday's win.

But there's always something to make you feel better.

Don't Worry, Folks. It's only temporary

Had a couple of minutes to spare this morning, and needed to do something totally irresponsible and meaningless. So we have the "Postseason Template" that we'll hopefully be able to keep up for the whole month of October.

GO YANKEES!

Quote of the Day

"Now, the example of Christ is living legislation--law embodied and pictured in a perfect humanity. Not only does it exhibit every virtue, but it also enjoins it. In showing what is, it enacts what ought to be. When it tells us how to live, it commands us so to live." John Eadie

I was wrong...proud to admit it

Yankees clinched the title...sweet.

Season's Over

Calling it right now, mid-6th inning. Yankees are not in the playoffs this year. Sox win the AL East.

At the bottom of the slippery slope

First Trio "Married" in The Netherlands

h/t Michelle Malkin

REYKJAVIK? Really?!?

Okay, doing that whole gvisit thing for a couple weeks now. No real surprises to be found...basically, my friends read this thing. But today found a couple of strange entries. Hong Kong, Reykjavik and Camden, NJ. To those readers/visitors, say Hi sometime, would like to know how/why you stumbed upon this spot. :)

Who needs the Bambino?

This is the first pitch of Wednesday's game at Fenway.

Am pretty sure the Sox just ceded the moral authority to win the AL East. For proof, I offer the fact that following that pitch, Toronto (78-80) beat up on the defending champs 7-2 in the last week of the season.

Distracted by a Shiny

Haven't been spending as much time over there as I once did...haven't been there in weeks, honestly. But townhall.com has a new look.

For the record the reason I haven't been there recently is I haven't had time (like I haven't had time for 97% of the stuff I used to do online), not a reflection on townhall itself. Content there looks good as always. If you have the time to spend, I highly recommend spending some there.

To live is Christ

Early in his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages them not to worry about his imprisonment in Rome (and all that led up to that) because he can see the man behind the curtain, so to speak. He can see the Hand of Providence moving through his circumstances so that the gospel is being advanced in them. And he can therefore rejoice in them. Christ is being magnified in that advance and will be honored in what comes next--whether it's his execution or it's his release. Paul will rejoice in either of those, because Christ will be honored in his life or in his death. Why? Well for starters, to him, "to live is Christ."
As I was studying this recently, I was struck by the words of John Eadie,

Might not the sentiment be thus expanded? For me to live is Christ--the preaching of Christ is the business of my life; the presence of Christ the cheer of my life; the image of Christ the crown of my life; the spirit of Christ the life of my life; the love of Christ the power of my life; the will of Christ the law of my life; and the glory of Christ the end of my life. Christ was the absorbing element of his life. If he traveled, it was on Christ's errand; if he suffered, it was in Christ's service. When he spoke, his theme was Christ; and when he wrote, Christ filled his letters.

Hendrickson isn't as poetic, but it does leave us a trail through Paul's thought, (just for ease of use, I threw his proofs down below so you can just scroll down to look at them).

to derive one's strength from Christ (Phil. 4:13), to have the mind, the humble disposition of Christ (Phil. 2:5-11), to know Christ with the knowledge of Christian experience (Phil. 3:8), to be covered by Christ's righteousness (Phil. 3:9), to rejoice in Christ (Phil. 3:1, 4:4), to live for Christ, that is his glory (2 Cor. 5:15), to rest one's faith on Christ and to love him in return for his love (Gal 2:20).

And as wonderful as all that is, how that union, that identity is something we all would desire, long for...we need to remember the end of Paul's line: and to die is gain. It only gets better brothers and sisters. We can't lose sight of that.
__________________________
Phil. 4:13: I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Phil. 2:5-11: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Phil. 3:8: Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Phil. 3:1: Finally, my brothers,[a] rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
Phil. 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
2 Cor. 5:15: and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
Gal. 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Oh, I'm gonna waste a lot of time here...

Whether you need some Alanis lyrics, a Hobbit name, a fake Rush album, a random medical term, or something useful...The Generator Blog is the place for you.

What? No trilogy?

So last night we read the first part of the parable of the Prodigal Son--the part featuring the prodigal himself. Tonight we read the part of the snotty older brother. Afterwards, Frodo pipes up, "So tomorrow we read about him going in to the party?"

Am not really sure what bothered him about the negative answer--the fact that the story didn't end the way he expected, or that the brother didn't get his dad's point.

A Barefaced Truth

Okay, small confession here. I don't really look like my profile picture anymore. When I sold my soul to that stupid clown, I had to shave my goatee. I hadn't done that in years and had really no plans to ever do that. But I was allowed to keep the 'stash. Never really liked the look, and whenever I have a few days off (like I did last week) I grow as much of my goatee back as I can.

But all good things have to come to an end, so minutes before reporting for duty last night I grab the clippers. Bzzzzt, bzzzzzt, bzzzzt "AAH!" The Scribbler comes running in to see what mortal wound I'd just received. Then she burst out laughing. Lost in thought and rushing too much, I'd chopped off a good-sized section of my moustache. Really had no choice at that point and rid myself of the whole thing.

At the moment, I actually think it looks better. Scribbles says it makes me look "less child-molestery" (one co-worker agrees with that adjective). The Princess doesn't like it tho'. Will probably keep it for a few days at least, probably longer ('til my next vew days off anyway). Still, it's going to be a little scary going out into the real world like this...I mean, Spike gets more sun than this lip has for last decade.

Lifting a Pint for Sam

Patriot Samuel Adams was born this day in 1722. Adams was one of the men behind the Boston Tea Party, was a delegate to the Contintental Congress 1774-1781, signed the Declaration of Independence, and served as Governor of Massachusetts (1794-1797). When he wasn't showing more political courage, backbone and conviction than every elected person currently in Washington, D. C., he brewed beer. From what I understand, he was a far better politician than a brewer. It's in this connection that most people know about him today (I don't even want to think about how many college freshman know what the Boston Tea Party is...), his name is now attached to a very fine beer (not a great one, mind you), but one worthy of the name.

Here's a few gems of wisdom from his pen:
If Virtue & Knowledge are diffus'd among the People, they will never be enslav'd. This will be their great Security.

If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsel or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands of those who feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you. May posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.

It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds.

shhh!

Yeah, it's been quiet around here lately. Got home from the OPC's Presbytery of the Northwest meeting a few hours ago. So most of last week was trying to get ahead of things so I could go, and most of next week will be spent catching up on those things I didn't get ahead on.

Will do what I can to say something interesting(-ish)

I failed ye scruvy dogs!

I remember reading last week that today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and I've rattled off two posts with narry a landlubber, avast or aye--I'm such a bilge rat.

Sorry mateys, will try to do better next year.

Here's what the two posts should've looked like:

If you enter this, please be use t' referral ID 90292, which will do you no good whatsover, but would be a nice thin' t' do anyway.

and

Can't help but be struck at how much Paul talks about t' day o' Jesus Christ here--outside o' date-settin', etc., how prominent be t' thought o' that day in sermons, books, etc.?

But what reallly caught me eye this mornin' was that even tho' Paul was aye or confident that God will finish t' good work he started in t' Philippians, he prayed for it. He prayed that they would love more, so they'd be pure and blameless. So they'd be holy. We pray for others t' be saved, or t' be healed, or t' be safe and cared for. But how often do we pray that God would make someone holy? "Oh Lord, please sanctify Jim" or "Father, make Susie holy." I'm not sayin' that travel mercies, new jobs, positive medical results, and t' rest aren't important. But isn't livin' unto starboardeousness more important?

I've heard many take Robert Murray M'Cheyne's prayer for themselves, "Lord make me as holy as a pardoned sinner can be." Wouldn't a great part o' bein' that holy come out in us prayin', "Lord make Bill, Mary and James as holy as pardoned sinners can be, too"?

Praying for Holiness

doubt I have much new or profound to say here, but anyway...

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:9-10 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Can't help but be struck at how much Paul talks about the day of Jesus Christ here--outside of date-setting, etc., how prominent is the thought of that day in sermons, books, etc.?

But what reallly caught my eye this morning was that even tho' Paul was sure or confident that God will finish the good work he started in the Philippians, he prayed for it. He prayed that they would love more, so they'd be pure and blameless. So they'd be holy. We pray for others to be saved, or to be healed, or to be safe and cared for. But how often do we pray that God would make someone holy? "Oh Lord, please sanctify Jim" or "Father, make Susie holy." I'm not saying that travel mercies, new jobs, positive medical results, and the rest aren't important. But isn't living unto righteousness more important?

I've heard many take Robert Murray M'Cheyne's prayer for themselves, "Lord make me as holy as a pardoned sinner can be." Wouldn't a great part of being that holy come out in us praying, "Lord make Bill, Mary and James as holy as pardoned sinners can be, too"?

September Giveaway

If you enter this, please be use the referral ID 90292, which will do you no good whatsover, but would be a nice thing to do anyway.

Follow-Up

Well, the JWs didn't show. Which is okay, becuase I have a splitting headache and really aren't in the mood to deal with them. On the other hand, it's pretty annoying, because I did use study time to get semi-ready for them.

...and now you know, the rest of the story. Even if it's dull.

Something I've Never Done Before

Since about 16 minutes (or less) into the commercial-free pilot, I've been a huge Alias addict. Shameful, I know. But the way they tell a story--no matter how wacky the story is--is just enjoyable. Yet somehow--don't ask me how--I've never seen a season-finale of the show. Don't think I've missed more than one or two other episodes, but every season-finale. Until now.

Over the summer, I've found a minute or two here or there to catch up on the last few episodes of the season, and took a study break this afternoon to watch the Season Four finale.

Just like the others, so I surmise by filling in the dots from other episodes and things here and there online, it wraps up most of the season's storylines, has a significant character death or two, and leaves you saying "WHAT?!!?! NO! Just five more minutes!" When the closing credits start.

It hasn't been exactly easy this summer to not accidentally stumble across details about the finale. No matter how hard I tried, couldn't escape rumors about Michael Vartan's exit from the show...and those rumors inevitably contained phrases like "car wreck" and/or "double agent." Okay, fine. So I know something's up with Vaughn--and nobody who's hung around the Bristow family for any amount of time could imagine that he'd be unscathed by all the deception and crossed alliances and whatnot. And being Syd's fiance doesn't exactly guarantee you a decent life expectancy.

Even if knowing something about that, it didn't ruin the show for me--Jack was great--punching Sloane (should be a recurring motif for every episode next season) and the little torture scene were great ways to remind us he's not just a suit. Irina popping Elena was nice--few deserved it on this show more (other than Sloane). 'Course that doesn't mean she won't be back next year. The Syd/Nadia fight was only ho-hum--and I'm all for family values, but c'mon Arvin! Bullet in the brain. Nadia needed to die (1. Couldn't trust that one shot to free up Syd enough to get the job done, and 2. DUDE she's a boring character), just not sure I can get through all the distraught sister stuff next year, while they try to save her. Best moment was when Marshall called his wife, runner-up, the conversation right before that when Marshall and Weiss talk about being left of all the safety measures being given the President, etc.

But I still remember "double agent" and "car wreck" when we enter the denouement, and I know we'll get both of them. But this is how good the show is: I was so caught up in Vaughn's confession that I was surprised when the car was hit and yelled, "WHAT?"

So, come Sept. 29, I'll be back. Syd's preggers, we get the new agent on the block, we get to find out what rumor about Vartan's employment was right...and we get to have a few Rambaldi-free episodes (but I doubt that we've heard the last of that guy). Should be a great ride.

A Rare Moment When I can be Proud of my Senator

from Sen. Craig's website:

Earlier today, Idaho Senator Larry Craig introduced the "Home School Non-Discrimination Act" (HONDA) of 2005. The legislation would clarify several existing federal statutes which inadvertently discriminate against home schools or home schoolers.

"All too often, federal laws relating to education have left out the millions of children across the nation who benefit from home schooling," Craig said. "These students are some of our nation's best and brightest. Many of them consistently score at the highest levels of achievement tests and go on to succeed at the best colleges and universities in the United States. Unfortunately, despite their talents and achievements, these students may be denied services or privileges available to other students because of oversights in federal law. This bill would rectify such situations."

It's not everything that's needed, but it's a nice step.

Kidney Kid Update 9/7 (just written late)

Oops. Forgot this. Saw the Kidney Kid's specialist on Wednesday--good visit all around. Got some concrete advice on his diet, which isn't nearly as restricted as we thought it was from the vague statements he'd given us before, like "limit X." Well, how much is limited? And he was so distracted with things like making sure the kidney was actually working, he'd not get around to answering. But we must've asked at the right time this visit, because he sat right down and wrote a little list for us. Phew.

As for the kidney--everything's looking good. At this age the best indicator of kidney function is growth, and he's doing fine there (sure, he's the size of Owen when Owen was half his age...but hey, just keep thinking Gary Coleman, and the kid's doing fine). As an aside, the KK just shot his father a look that could've gone with a "What you talkin' about, Willis?" line. The blood levels are good--his creatinine, which is what most eyes are on, had actually gone down. This was fantastic news, as the doc had pretty much concluded that he had leveled off and would only get worse from here on out. We got a new factoid this time--doc crunched some numbers and said his kidney was functioning at 51% of what it should be at 18 months (+/- 5%). As bad as that sounds, the doctor was very pleased with that number.

Other than that, he's jabbering up a storm and climbing everything he can think of. We've never had such a climber before--kid's just fearless. Dad figures he knows he's got this chronic illness and figures he has nothing to lose. Mom figures her husband need to spend a little more time in reality. The Kid is spending more and more energy trying to be one of the gang with his older siblings, and frequently succeeds. Frodo has taken to spending a good deal of his free time just hanging out with his youngest brother, it's very fun to watch the two of them.

Oh yeah, lastly, we have another baseball fan in the house. One of his favorite things to do is check out mlb.com on his daddy's lap. And last Friday while everyone else was excited about the game, he lifted his arms above his head and yelled "Yankees!" Truly, a proud moment.

So that's the state of the kid. Thanks for your interest and prayers--they're working.

Mixed emotions

Don't know whether to laugh, cry or be scared at this post from The Corner.

Obviously, the answer is all of the above. Just can't be seen in public doing them all at once or I'll get locked up.

Firm Principle

came across this as I was preparing for Sunday School this week, quoted in the monumental King and Webster Holy Scripture: The Ground and Pillar of our Faith:

Let this be a firm principle: No other word is to be held as the Word of God, and given place as such in the church, than what is contained first in the Law and the Prophets, then in the writings of the apostles; and the only authorized way of teaching in the church is by the prescription and standard of his Word.
From this also we infer that the only thing granted to the apostles was that which the prophets had had of old. They were to expound the ancient Scripture and to show that what is taught there has been fulfilled in Christ. Yet they were not to do this except from the Lord, that is, with Christ’s Spirit as precursor in a certain measure dictating the words. For by this condition Christ limited their embassy when he ordered them to go and teach not what they had thoughtlessly fabricated, but all that he had commanded them [Matthew 28:19-20]…Yet this, as I have said, is the difference between the apostles and their successors: the former were sure and genuine scribes of the Holy Spirit, and their writings are therefore to be considered oracles of God; but the sole office of others is to teach what is provided and sealed in the Holy Scriptures. We therefore teach that faithful ministers are now not permitted to coin any new doctrine, but that they are simply to cleave to that doctrine to which God has subjected all men without exception. - John Calvin (emphasis added)

How hard is that? And yet how often is it done?

Game 3 - Close one!

Where was God?

'nuff said.

Game 2 - OUCH!

glad I was in a meeting...

Looking for some recommendations

Moving this back up to the top, so I can get some more (well, any) ideas...

Started reading to my kids daily a few weeks ago--it's not like I was horribly delinquent or anything, we read together individually frequently, and corporately during family worship. But now we've gotten in the habit of me reading to all of them after lunch every day. Pretty sure if I stopped there'd be some sort of revolt.

So here's my problem, we've been working through the Chronicles of Narnia--and in a few weeks here, we'll be done. And I have no idea where to go next. I have a few ideas, but think they require a few more circles 'round the sun for all concerned. So, speak up folks, click that "Comment(s)" link below and give me some ideas for what would appeal to the 3-7 year range (probably weighted towards the 6-7 range, but interesting enough to keep the 3 yr old's attention)

Thanks in advance!

Game 1

The Truth Hurts...

Taking a quick work/study break to keep my head from exploding and eyes from shutting down so I check a couple of sites to read up on the Yankees/Sox matchups this weekend. Ken Rosenthol over at FOXSports. His analysis--sadly, spot on--starts with these body blows:

Good thing the Yankees host the Red Sox this weekend. They needed to get away from an even peskier nemesis, the low-budget, last-place Devil Rays.
Don't laugh, the defending world champion Sox aren't much better off, unless their secret plan was to see how far they could go with the worst bullpen in the American League.

MLB's Probable Pitchers page gives me a little hope--but I'm very glad I'm a Sabbatarian, so I don't have to watch Randy Johnson get beat up on the 11th.

Not really sure I chose the right subject to read up on to keep my head from exploding....

Ack!

How could I forget the Calvinist Gadfly on the previous post?

New Blogs

• Scribbles...3 notes here:
1. Hopefully promoting it a tad will force the owner to post something.
2. It looks horrible in Mozilla, I don't know why, I'm still working on fixing that. Not my top priority however.
3. By virtue of the fact that she's the most wonderful person on earth, this is my favorite blog (even with the aforementioned template and infrequent posting problems). Sorry, cent, Doc, Norris, tired, etc.
• girlfriday the rare event of someone I know in Real Life(TM) entering blogdom

drool

best pic on the 'net yet of Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor.

The complete gallery from The Latino Review. The profile-ish pic of supes is the least attractive thing I've seen from this film, but I think (hope?) I will get over it when I see Routh in action.

Overclocking Yourself

from Tom's Hardware Guide is this handy-dandy guide to caffinated beverages.

On the whole, I knew all this already. But it's useful to see it layed out in the format we're all so used to reading now. Plus, anyone who went to this amount of trouble to provide this incredibly important service for mankind needs to be read.

Twiddling my thumbs

Good day, long day. Church picnic/outdoor worship service today, followed by dinner with some family. As soon as we got home, everybody else crashed. So it's just me. Really bored now--not tired enough to sleep, only books I can think of reading are for homework, so scratch that. And evidently, I have little to say.

humbug.

Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood?

Today was apparently Cult Day in our subdivision (nobody sent me the memo). A couple of nice-looking young elders sent out from Salt Lake City parked infront of our house before knocking on a few doors around the neighborhood, but they skipped me for some reason. :<

But an hour or so later, the JWs dropped by to hand me some literature. The same man (different women) has come by twice before this year, but with too much time between visits to really accomplish much (either way). But it sounds like they'll be coming back in a couple weeks to have an actual conversation.

Rats. If it'd had been the LDS guys making an appointment, I wouldn't have had to study much, but I'm very rusty on JW thought. Time to brush up on article use in John 1, eh?

mystery

just wish I had some clue what this movie will be about....

another problem with working the night shift

I don't know why, I just can't watch baseball on videotape--unless it's a years old game. So I don't videotape big games (or little ones) while I'm at work. But man...reading about this game makes me wish I'd have made an exception last night.

Not wagging my finger at others

Really, I'm not.

I just can't help but find it interesting/sad (probably more of the latter) that so many Christian bloggers out there are pointing to all sorts of charity-type groups in the wake of Katrina other than the Church.

Sure, when it comes to diaconal work in the U.S., the Church is in even worse shape than it is doctrinally. But that doesn't mean it's not the right way to do it--and the state of diaconal work won't improve unless we start doing it right. So rather than pointing to the Red Cross or anyone else, I'll simply point here and also note what the PCA is doing. Look up your own denomination and do it right.

Not the worst movie I've ever seen, but it's close

Okay, okay, okay. I should've listened to centuri0n and Gary (who claims to never read this, but I know he checks the RSS feed to this at least thrice daily) and avoided Napoleon Dynamite. But I'd heard so many good things about it, and I'm always game for a quirky, independent comedy, so I went for it.

It was just so pointless. There were a couple of funny moments, true, but that's about all I can say for it. Oh, wait, one more positive note: LaFawnduh didn't turn out to be a guy in drag. That's it.

The movie made me yearn for the tight plot of Linklater's classic Slacker (and its comparatively well-rounded and well-developed characters). I couldn't force myself to care for the main character one wit...nor any of his less sympathetic family. Pedro was a nice guy, I could've spent a little more time with him. Deb was, um, well, she was there and had a nice smile.

I am seriously considering launching recall efforts against every single one of the Idaho legislators that voted for the resolution commending the film/filmmakers.

At this point about 95% of America has watched this film, but if you're one of the few that haven't...skip it. No, run from it.

oookay

So a couple months ago we have a power outage, not a big one, but lasted a few minutes. A day or so later, I realize that our stereo is dead. I think back, and realize that the last time the display flashed at me was before the outage. So I chalk it up to a faulty surge protector, lament that the fairly new stereo was gone, but shrug it off. Fully intending on getting around to pulling it apart to rescue the CDs trapped inside. On the whole, not a biggie, 95% of the music I listened to was over my computer speakers anyway--sounded as good as the stereo, too.

Fast-forward to today, another power outage while I'm at work. I come home and my stereo is blinking at me. Naturally, the first thing I do is rescue my CDs, just in case.

So here's my question for those more familiar with such things (which has gotta be pretty much anyone)--How strange is that? What happened there? Do I trust this thing again?

School days, school days, Dear old golden rule days.

Am excited and a little nervous today. Both classes start tomorrow. Incidentally, I now have the 3rd best argument against distance education: a 9:30 am class there (a decent time to get underway) equals a 7:30 am class here. Especially bearing in mind that I usually get off around 2 am. Bah.

The last of my textbooks arrived today, A Preparatory Grammar to New Testament Greek by Sid Dyer. Scanned through the first few chapters and found the following under "Accent Marks."

Some grammarians emphasize the rules of accentuation. The student's time, however, is better spent on more important matters.

Wonderful. Glorious. Never saw the points of accent marks once I was taught that they were added to the NT texts, and therefore couldn't get myself to learn them last time I took at shot at Greek.

Am very excited this term to be digging into more, um, seminarial type of work. Not that I had anything against the stuff I did last you, but Philosophy and Logic don't do as much to remind me about the nature of the work as these classes do, y'know? As a reminder for the old tymers/plug for the newbies, over there under "my sem blog" is where I'm supposedly trackign my progress through Greenville Seminary for those who don't want to read all the blather about my kids, TV shows I'm addicted to (btw, am now very hooked on Battlestar Galactica), etc. Usually the posts here and there aren't variations on each other like the last few there have been. I aim to do a better job of logging stuff over there this year.

Sometimes Spam can be a good thing

Aeons ago, I signed up for an e-newsletter for Sixpence None The Richer. Well, I guess I did, I don't really recall doing so, but it makes sense. Ever since I heard their cover of "Bouquet" on I Predict A Clone and started harassing my local Christian Knick-Knack store for their album (which, naturally wouldn't be released for months), I've been a semi-rabid 6p fan. Taylor's right, they did get the song better than he did/could've. The Fatherless and the Widow was overplayed in my CD player. This Beautiful Mess broke my heart and made me want to dance (I limited that to the privacy of my own dorm room). I'll stop the meander there, suffice it to say that Leigh Nash probably has the most beautiful female voice I've ever heard, and I could probably listen to her sing anything with near-rapturous joy (up to, and including, sermons by Charles Finney).

ANYway, today I get this piece of Spam from that list telling me about Nash's new website and a place to listen to some demos from her upcoming solo work. Great stuff. Just spent some nice, calm minutes listening to these demos, sipping a near perfect cup of coffee (been awhile since I managed one of those). Time stopped, my blood pressure lowered to a healthy level, I relaxed, and all was well with the world. Then the four tracks were over, coffee cup empty, and whatever had captured the attention of all the kids ended too, and the Real World^TM resumed. Sigh. Still, those few minutes probably enabled me to make it through the next day or two.

And for the record, I wasn't ignoring the kids...they were all intent on something that would probably only make sense to them.

P. S. This trip down amnesia lane caused me to stumble on this nice interview with Steve Taylor, which led me to the site for his new movie. Despite Smitty on the soundtrack and in the film, could be good, and my nigh-unto-dying allegiance to Taylor will get my butt in a theater seat. Check out the trailer.

New little button

Added a button for the ESV over to the right there. Not just because it's my default translation (and this blog's, for that matter), but figured I owed them a click or two. Last week I sent them a pesky little question, and when I send such questions to big companies (or little ones), I figure hearing back from them in an day is good customer service--by the end of that business day is great. Well, they got back to me in less than 30 minutes. It was a lengthy, detailed answer, and open for follow ups. Tip of my cap to them. Click on through there, folks. If you haven't tried the ESV yet, it's worth your time.

Post-Late Shift Meanderings Inspired by a Couple of Mystery Writers

Don't know how many of you have ever looked over to the right under "Noteworthy Blogs" and clicked on "A Writer's Life." If you have, it's taken you to the blog of Lee Goldberg--a writer of detective fiction and TV shows (some of which I wouldn't watch if you paid me, but he's also worked on some of my favorites--including two of the best episodes of A&E's Nero Wolfe--as show that never should've been cancelled becau--but I digress). Reading blogs by writers takes me back to the time when my major hope was being a professional writer, when I could--and would--spend hours talking about technique and characters, not for the purpose of analyzing, but for the purpose of learning how to do the same thing. For a variety of reasons--some good, some showing a deficiency in my character--that hope has gone the way of the dodo--for example, using a phrase like that. But reading Goldberg's blog (and others) takes me back to that. Give him a read sometime, he's clever, he's incisive, and he has some interesting perspective on writing/publishing/TV.

If you do start reading Goldberg, it'll take you no time at all to realize two of his biggest pet peeves are fanfic (see here for an example) and Publishing on Demand Services portraying themselves as legitimate means of being a published author (see here for a great example). The fanfic thing doesn't do much for me, but the POD stuff resonates with me for reasons I won't bother going into.

Wow. That's a long introduction to what I wanted to blog about (too much fluff, another reason I've given up on being published). Goldberg today linked to an email exchange that writer Joe Konrath posted on his site between a POD company and himself after he'd signed a book deal with an actual publisher. Not only is the cluelessness of the POD employee hilarious, but the content of Konrath's proposals is laugh inducing. Best yet, it's educational--great look at how POD's work.

Bible Trivia

Well, not really, but it felt like it.

Just took my Old Testament Survey Entrance Exam. (again) Last year I just barely failed, so they wanted me to take it again, rather than go through all the hassle of having a distance student take this class. Pretty sure I did better--left 2 questions unanswered and there were about 6 questions I guessed at, but the rest I felt pretty confident about (if not downright cocky--"name the prophet swallowed by the great fish").

Sure hope I pass this time, I feel more confident about it than my NT test--and I passed it. Surely that counts for something, right?

Still, not entirely sure how knowing the name of David's last surviving son off the top of my head will serve me in a future pastorate, y'know? A lot of it was useful information, stuff that seems relevant, but much of it was "Daily Double" level of Jeopardy kind of info.

Hey Kelly!

Tried to respond to your email from a couple days ago, but was having some trouble with your address. Sent several versions...not sure if the last one went through. If you didn't get a reply, send me another email, will ya?

I'm lovin' it

The Associated Press is running a story about people losing weight at McDonald's.

Inspired by the documentary "Super Size Me," Merab Morgan decided to give a fast-food-only diet a try. The construction worker and mother of two ate only at McDonald's for 90 days _ [sic] and dropped 37 pounds in the process.

Later, the story reads:

Morgan, from Raleigh, thought the documentary had unfairly targeted the world's largest restaurant company, implying that the obese were victims of a careless corporate giant. People are responsible for what they eat, she said, not restaurants. The problem with a McDonald's-only diet isn't what's on the menu, but the choices made from it, she said.

"I thought it's two birds with one stone _ [sic] to lose weight and to prove a point for the little fat people," Morgan said. "Just because they accidentally put an apple pie in my bag instead of my apple dippers doesn't mean I'm going to say, 'Oh, I can eat the apple pie.'"

Read the whole thing for more, including someone else losing weight and making a documentary about it...

Note the words I threw into bold there...personal responsibility? What is this gal thinking? This is America! It's somebody else's fault!!!

Footnote to the á Brakel posts

1. So why did I post all that stuff from The Christians Reasonable Service? Few reasons...Was looking for something totally different when I stumbled on it, and I really liked that chapter. Said some stuff I think needs to be focused on more.
2. I like when the old Reformed systematicians, don't sound at all like the stereotypes projected on them (either by critics or devotees)
3. Figured/hoped someone would appreciate it (thanks, rozie!)
4. Was/am pretty busy and wanted to find a quick and easy way to keep the posting going 8-)

Exhortation to Stir up Love Toward Jesus

from The Christians Reasonable Service by Wilhelmus á Brakel

It can be deduced from the foregoing what it is that stirs up love, and what is to be observed to that end.

(1) You must believe that He loves you and acknowledge every true grace to be evidence of His love toward you.

(2) You must continually separate yourself from everything and only find delight and satisfaction in love toward Jesus.

(3) You must surrender your all to Jesus, without holding anything back, and offer yourself and all that you have to Jesus, declaring a willingness to do without it for His sake.

(4) You must declare Jesus' beauty and preciousness to others, to the end that they also would begin to love Jesus—and that He thus shall be loved by many.

(5) You must joyfully wear His livery, being desirous for everyone to know that you have Jesus as your Lord. Furthermore, if anyone were to do anything toward Jesus which would be disadvantageous, he will have us with soul and body as his opponent, and we shall defend His honor with all that we have.

(6) With tender carefulness you must be on guard against that which displeases Him and endeavor to please Him, to be conformed to Him, and to resemble Him in His nature.

(7) You must take time to delight yourself in mutual love, and if some estrangement has occurred and darkness has come, you must endeavor to restore familiarity.

(8) You must yearn, and stir up this yearning time and again—to depart and be with Christ—doing so by continually reflecting upon what will be above and how sweet it will be to always be with the Lord. Amen.

Guards Against all that Impedes the Exercise of Love Toward Jesus

from The Christians Reasonable Service by Wilhelmus á Brakel

Henceforth be diligent in maintaining, increasing, and frequently stirring up this love. To that end you must be on guard for some matters, and despise others.

First of all, be on guard against ignorance. Knowledge begets love, and one must therefore strive to increase in the knowledge of Jesus. Those who have but little knowledge are generally very deficient and unstable in love. If the Lord comes to them in an extraordinary manner, it goes well, but if that ceases, their love immediately becomes more faint. However, those who by the Word have become more acquainted with Jesus in all that pertains to Him, are more able to view Him from nearby and to become enamored with Him. Their love is more steadfast—also when such sweet encounters are not experienced so sensibly.

Secondly, be on guard against partial love. If the world and all that is in it is still desirable and attractive to the eye and the heart, and if you are still so set upon your own will, honor, and delight, the love for Jesus cannot be very strong. Jesus wants to have the heart for Himself. If the enemy gains entrance, Jesus departs; and if He departs, your love will become weaker. Therefore, do not halt between two opinions. If you wish to love the world and to be loved by her, then love it in its entirety and let go of Jesus. If, however, you wish to love Jesus and be loved by Jesus, then love Him and Him alone and let go of the world. Pay no attention to it any longer.

Thirdly, be on guard against a lack of fellowship. Love wants to be maintained. If we are too far from the fire, we shall become cold. The very closest of friends will become estranged due to lack of fellowship. Such is also the case here. Jesus wants to be sought for and perceive that His friendship is of great value to us. Jesus wants to be waited on and to have time made available for mutual manifestations of love. You must therefore frequently endeavor to speak to Him and to tell Him again what your heart's disposition toward Him is, while in an intimate manner expressing your desire toward Him, and your grief that you cannot love Him more. That stirs up love.

Fourthly, be on guard against unbelief. If we readily doubt our portion in Jesus, if we have no confidence that He loves us, if we are actively contradicting all arguments that He has manifested love toward us, readily acquiescing in arguments to the contrary—yes, searching them out as if it were a masterpiece to conclude that Jesus does not love me and that I do not love Jesus—then, you will be incapable of exercising love and receiving love in return. Be on guard therefore neither to quarrel against love, to hold Jesus' love suspect, nor to deny the graces which are evidences of Jesus' love, for that is the direct way to cause Jesus to depart.

Fifthly, be on guard against willful sins. Jesus is holy, delights in holiness but hates ungodliness. He has compassion with daily weaknesses and improprieties, and will not withhold the manifestation of His love for that reason. However, willful sins are committed against love—and then Jesus will withhold His love and His Spirit will be grieved. And when Jesus withholds His love, you will also not be able to love Him. Willful sins will render you incapable of exercising love. The conscience will be troubled, you will lose your freedom, and you will not dare to approach in prayer. You have ruined too much and there has come too great a separation. At times it will take much effort before a loving disposition will be restored.

Sixthly, be on guard against fearfulness, that is, to be in some measure ashamed to confess Him. You wish to exercise love in secret, but do not wish this to be known by others. One is ashamed of Him for fear of harm or shame, and thus withdraws himself. If you enter into situations requiring that love toward Jesus, His honor, and His cause be manifested, you then hide and dare not say, “This is my Beloved, yea, this is my friend.” Jesus readily perceives this and it displeases Him. It is the cause that Jesus will hide Himself from you and it is evidence that you have but little love—love which is very much diminished by such conduct.

A Different Jesus?, pt. 5

Chapter 3: Why a Restoration?, continued

Well, it's been awhile (long while, actually) since I blogged on this book, so if you want to review where we've been:

• A Different Jesus?, pt. 1
• A Different Jesus?, pt. 2
• A Different Jesus?, pt. 3
• A Different Jesus?, pt. 4

Should also remind everyone that this isn't a formal review, D.V., that's to come, this is just what occurs to me as I read through this...thing.

So we're working through Chapter 3, and he's detailing the apostasy that happened following the death of the apostles, the "loss or corruption of divine authority and true doctrine."

Millet recounts this "interfaith dialogue" that he was involved in, during which he kept hearing the phrase "traditional Christianity." This was describing Protestant and Catholic beliefs in contrast to LDS beliefs. As the thought about that phrase, he began to think that the theological differences over which Evangelicals debate in-house are pretty similar in importance to the differences between LDS and Evangelicals. Amongst these "not exactly insignificant issues" that can be found "under the evangelical umbrella" are: Open Theism; Arminianism vs. Calvinism (shows up on his list under various forms several times); Days of Creation; Eschatology; Charismatic Gifts; Gender Roles in the Church; Annhilationism vs. Hell; that sort of thing. First of all, not sure that all of those really are in-house debates (e.g., Open Theism). Secondly, many of these really are secondary issues that don't even come close to the level of importance as the issue that is the core difference between Christianity and LDS belief: Who is Jesus?

He does offer this great quotation, which seems to stab at the heart of this whole "we're all Christians, after all" idea that this book seems to be driving at. From Ensign magazine:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a remodeled version of another church. It is not an adjustment or a correction or a protest against any other church.

Thaaat's right, Millet. It's not the same church. It's either the Church which "has been from the beginning of the world, and will be to the end thereof...and this holy Church is preserved or supported by God against the rage of the whole world; though it sometimes for a while appears very small, and in the eyes of men to be reduced to nothing" (Belgic Confession XXVII) or it's the Church that Christ couldn't preserve following the deaths of the apostles which had to be started again from scratch--like an Etch-a-Sketch drawing.

Okay, that's all for this time. In the next installment (not going to say "tomorrow"--obviously can't necessarily keep that promise), we'll get into his definition of the idea that the LDS church is "the only true and living church."

Weekend Wrap-Up

This weekend, my lovely Mrs. and I flew up to Colville, WA for a day and a half. What? Never heard of Colville? Not surprised. We were brought up there by Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, a nice little church ministering in this nice little town. I had been asked by their pastor to come up in June, but that's when I got uber-sick, so we had to scratch that trip.

Turns out that this particular weekend was the big community festival, and the local pastor's association was apparently putting a lot of pressure on all the churches in town to cancel their services, so everyone could attend the big worship service type-thing at the festival. Emmanuel, was one of the few churches in town that didn't buckle to the ecumenical/municipal spirit. Which put me in the enviable spot as being one of the main competitors to the mush-fest's "Keynote Speaker" (not preacher, not minister, but Keynote Speaker), Frank Peretti. Not that he was quaking in his boots, if anything, he was probably a little glad that he didn't have to face the hard stare of the frozen chosen as he entertained the gathered masses. :)

But that's not important, just somewhat amusing. The service went well, SDG. Despite having me as a song leader (those poor, poor people), and me giving my first exhortation since April (so I was a bit rusty), I think it was an edifying and encouraging time for everyone. I know it was very encouraging to me, it's one thing to fill in for a minister with people who really have no choice, they're stuck with you; it's quite another to be asked to come. Had the chance to spend time with a few of the families afterward, which made for a very pleasant Lord's Day. Pretty near everyone in the congregation thanked me for coming, and more than one said they'd hoped I could come back. I hope I can.

The area around Colville was just gorgeous, it was nice to be in awe of the sheer number of trees and deer everywhere rather than the sheer number of Chevron stations like I am here. But the best I could do was a 24.0 kpbs dial-up connection while I was there, so y'know, it's a trade-off.

All in all, between the people and the environment (little better, IMHO, of small towns in the PNW)...one of the more refreshing weekends I've had in awhile.

The Blessedness of Those who Love Jesus

oops...this one should've been first.

from The Christians Reasonable Service by Wilhelmus á Brakel

How blessed are you who love Jesus, for God loves you! “He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father” (John 14:21); “For the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me” (John 16:27). The Lord Jesus loves you: “He that loveth Me...I will love him” (John 14:21). If you are loved by God and the Lord Jesus, They will accomplish in you all that proceeds from eternal love. Would God then not behold the beloved of His soul, deliver them from all that would harm them, and provide for them in all their necessities? “Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and Thy glory above all the earth; that Thy beloved may be delivered: save with Thy right hand” (Ps. 108:5–6); “For so He giveth His beloved sleep” (Ps. 127:2). The rendering of the Statenvertaling differs significantly from the KJV. It reads as follows: “Het is alzo, dat Hij het zijnen beminde als in de slaap geeft.” Literally translated this reads, “He gives it to His beloved as during their sleep.”

Oh, how great is that good which the Lord will give to His beloved! “I...will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21); “We will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23); “That I may cause those that love Me to inherit substance” (Prov. 8:21). God's heart is inclined toward you, God's eye is upon you, God's hand is for you, and all discomforts come upon you in love (Rev. 3:19)—all things must work together for you for good (Rom. 8:28). All that is subservient to your salvation and can satisfy you is intended for you (1 Cor. 2:9). Of you it may be said, “Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy
help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!” (Deut. 33:29). The very zenith of your felicity is love itself and the privilege to love eternally—without end to remain satisfied with the immediate manifestations of love, and the mutual enjoyment of love with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Exhortations to Increase in Love Toward Jesus

from The Christians Reasonable Service by Wilhelmus á Brakel

Love is imperfect here, and we are therefore continually in need of exhortations. Therefore you who desire to become more abundant in your love toward the Lord Jesus, consider these matters:

First, consider Jesus in His preciousness. After the bride had described Him from His head to His feet, she concludes, “His mouth is most sweet: yea, He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem” (Song 5:16). According to His divine nature He is the brightness of His Father's glory and the express image of His person. He possesses all divine perfections to an infinite degree. According to His human nature He is perfectly holy. He who delights in holiness must find delight in Him. As Mediator He is crowned with honor and glory, and He is most benevolent, friendly, compassionate, and loving. Grace and love are poured out upon His lips, and He is full of grace, truth, righteousness, and benevolence, so that He is simultaneously majestic and lovely. If there is therefore anything that will beget and stir up love within you, it must be the Lord Jesus—that is, if He would but reveal Himself to you and you could but behold the King in His beauty.

Secondly, love begets love. Jesus, however, loves you with the greatest love imaginable. Since He is love, He can therefore love those that are not loveable, and delight Himself in blessing His beloved ones. His love toward you is an eternal love, and thus without beginning and without end; it is a most intimate and vehement love. Meditate for a moment upon all in which he manifests His love toward you.

(1) He came into the world for your sake, assumed your nature, and became like unto you in all things, sin excepted. He even took upon Himself the form of a servant. He thus put Himself in your place, became your Surety, took your sins away from you, took them upon Himself as if He had committed them, and bore the punishment due upon your sins. “Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it” (Eph. 5:25).

(2) How He has been despised and what griefs He has borne! Everything was against Him; God was angry toward Him, and poured upon Him His righteous wrath against your sin. Go to the manger and follow Him to the cross. Behold Him there in His utmost distress and anxiety, and imagine that in His deepest sorrow He were to address you as follows: “Look at Me, My elect, My beloved. Love to you brought Me into this condition. My love is so great that I would be willing to suffer a thousand times more before I would allow you to perish.” In love He paid your ransom, accomplished eternal redemption for you, reconciled you with God and established peace between Him and you, and led you to Him as a reconciled Father.

(3) You are still bound upon His heart. He continually thinks upon you, prays for you, is your Advocate with the Father, and His eye is upon you to preserve you.

(4) Consider in what a lovely manner He has drawn you to Himself. For your sake He sent the gospel to the locality where you were to be born, and when your time came He called you, allured you, and, while knocking, stood before your heart waiting for you to open to Him. When you were averse to His way and disobedient, He bore you with longsuffering, He regenerated you, illuminated you, gave you a heart that fell in love with Him so that you yourself sought Him and ran after Him.

(5) How frequently He has spoken to your heart! How many kisses of love has He given you! How frequently has He comforted you in your sorrow, delivered you in your perplexities, and encouraged you in your discouragements! With how much longsuffering has He borne with your weaknesses! Time and again He has manifested His goodness to you, as if you had not sinned against Him at all!

(6) He will at last bring you unto Himself into heaven in order that you may be eternally with Him. There He will glorify you; there He will cause you to rejoice; there He will cause you to be perfect in love. He will thus be with you eternally and you with Him, to eternally satiate you with love. Meditate upon this, and believe this, for if this cannot stir up your heart to love in return, you are indeed void of love. Therefore stir up your love.

Thirdly, there is joy in love, and the heart of man is inclined toward joy. There is no joy in the world for you. That which is most delightful grieves you when Jesus has departed. You will have to acquiesce in a song I once made about the month of May:

How sweet is the time of songs and flowers,
in which animal and man rejoice!
Yet it is nothing but sorrow to me
as long as I miss the love of Jesus.
But if He would but speak to my soul,
“Thou art Mine and I am Thine eternally,”
And cause my sinful life to disappear—
then it is for me the time of songs and flowers!

If the soul may sit in the shadow of the love of Jesus, and if her love sweetly issues forth to her Beloved, she has a heaven full of joy, and only then is she in her element. Then she wishes that this love would never be disturbed—just as the bride expressed it, “I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till He please” (Song 2:7). Jesus rejoices in the expressions of His love to you. “As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee” (Isa. 62:5). Likewise a loving soul also rejoices in the expressions of her love to Jesus, and in the sensible enjoyment of Jesus' love toward her. “The King hath brought me into His chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in Thee...the upright love Thee” (Song 1:4).

Fourthly, consider attentively how Jesus is the object of the love of the Father, the angels, and believers.

(1) The love of the Father goes forth to Jesus; God loves Him. “For the Father loveth the Son” (John 5:20); “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5).

(2) The holy angels love Him, rejoice in beholding Him, worship Him reverently (Heb. 1:6), and are ready to serve Him (Matthew 4:11)—as seen at His birth, in His suffering, and at His resurrection. At His coming unto judgment they will accompany Him with joyful willingness and love.

(3) Believers on earth love Him, their hearts go out after Him, and He is the focal point of the passions of their love. “Therefore do the virgins love Thee” (Song 1:3). The bride continually has the word Beloved in her mouth. Just consider how each believer mourns when Jesus is absent; how they long for His coming to them; and how delighted they are when they may sweetly enjoy His fellowship. All their asking, crying, and weeping is for Jesus. In Jesus only do they find all their satisfaction. What beautiful expressions we find in the meditations of believers! “It is much better for me to die for Jesus than to rule over the world—My love is crucified—If you were to cut my heart in a thousand pieces, on each piece you would find the name Jesus written with golden letters—Lord Jesus, I love Thee more than my possessions, than my loved ones, and than myself—Money must perish (with all those who love possessions more than fellowship with Jesus for one day),” etc. Shall the heart of each believer bring forth a flame of love, and shall your heart then also not be set aflame? Come, join yourself to all who love Jesus, and say with them, Jesus, sweet Jesus—Jesus is the most eminent of all who I can find delight in. Jesus, if Thou dost desire to have me, I desire to have Thee and desire none other than Thee. To all creatures I say, “No!” If Jesus were to ask you, “Lovest thou Me?” would you then not answer, “Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee”? Therefore hold fast to this and continually immerse yourself in this love. Let it give you wings to render you fit to run your course with joy. Let the love of Jesus compel you to live a life pleasing to Him, in order to glorify Him here, and patiently wait until He takes you to be eternally with Himself.

A little perspective here, pal?

Okay, I'm not crazy about the new Daily Show set. But this guy...uhh...buddy? Take a pill. Get some fresh air. Talk to a girl. Something. Anything. Before long, it'll be too late and you'll turn into someone pathetic like...

um....


err....

uh.....

okay. Can't think of anyone else right now...you're officially at the bottom of the ladder.

H/T: Blogger Buzz

Medical Update

Well, figured I'd file an update on those medical terms I've learned this summer. Got some test results yesterday that eliminated Transient Ischemic Attacks and Atypical Migrane. In their place I got a shrug. Whatever it was that made the doc think about those was, and I quote, "scary but not dangerous." He can tell me many things it wasn't (including a brain tumor--BRAIN TUMOR?!?! I didn't know that was on the table!!!), but no idea what it is. If it happens again, he'd like me to get to an ER pronto so they can run some tests on me.

Great. Just great. Answers would've been nice. This is where my physician friend reminds me "It's called the practice of medicine." grrrr

The whole Plantar Fasciitis thing...ugh. Still a factor. Even with chemical intervention by my podiatrist, feet still hurt. Wonder if I can use a stool in the pulpit this week....

Suddenly, I have a weekend free

I'm standing at the kitchen counter, minding my own business, spreading peanut butter onto bread and Frodo comes up to me. "Daddy, I know who's going to win the debate."

"What debate?" I have no idea what he's talking about, what debate could a six year old be thinking of? Leo and Donny debating pizza topping?

"'Is the Bible true?'" As if I had asked the world's dumbest question. How'd he know about that? Probably reading over my shoulder way too often...I wonder what else he reads that I don't know about. "I know who's going to win!"

"Okay, who's going to win?"

Confidently, he shouts, "The Dividing Line!" Which I take as a reference to Dr. White.

"Okay," I say with a smile, "Why do you say that?"

"Because. 'Is the Bible True?'" He pauses here for a moment, as if to say "Hel-LOOO!" and then he continues, "Yes. So they win. So you don't need to go to the debate."

With that settled, he marches out of the kitchen.