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.