SABBATH
Vacation is over and Monday is looming. This is a day of rest right? I don't feel rested. I don't feel particularly inspirational. I don't feel like writing. So I won't.
It's so easy to get back into decision making mode.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Saturday, November 29, 2003
THEY GROW UP...AND UP
The girls were in and out this weekend.
They spent the better part of the day here before driving up the road to introduce Tiffany's boyfriend to her dad for the first time. I had met the boyfriend before, but stepdads are an easy sell I think.
Although meeting stepfathers and fathers can't be tops on most boyfriend's lists of things to do, this kid doesn't seem too intimidated. With good reason, he's intelligent and seems comfortable around people. He also casts a loooong shadow.
The boy is tall, there is no missing that. I figure if things keep working out, I'll get to know him better over time. That's the case with most things I suppose.
The girls were in and out this weekend.
They spent the better part of the day here before driving up the road to introduce Tiffany's boyfriend to her dad for the first time. I had met the boyfriend before, but stepdads are an easy sell I think.
Although meeting stepfathers and fathers can't be tops on most boyfriend's lists of things to do, this kid doesn't seem too intimidated. With good reason, he's intelligent and seems comfortable around people. He also casts a loooong shadow.
The boy is tall, there is no missing that. I figure if things keep working out, I'll get to know him better over time. That's the case with most things I suppose.
CLOGGING UP STARBUCKS
Last night, Amy and I went to have coffee and work crossword puzzles at the local over-priced coffee saloon. It was crowded, so we did our usual team work of Amy ordering the coffee and me reconnoitering for seats. One table was empty, but as I started laying claim to it I noticed a pair of leather clogs underneath. I was struck by the oddity of that, and wondered if someone had left their footwear behind to save the table.
I have been out of my depths at various times at Starbucks, learning to comprehend peculiarities like ordering a tall drink if you want a small one. It took me a long while before I was comfortable with the general ambiance of the place much less at ease with paying 5 bucks for coffee. Now my mind drifted to Boaz and the kinsman redeemer in the book of Ruth and I wondered if perhaps this shoe thing was some Java Jungle ritual with which I was also unfamiliar.
I couldn't hesitate for long, the place was still packing in people all eying seats but not having the advantage of Amy and my teamwork skills. I decided that shoe-saving was a distinct foul. I marked our territory properly...with crossword puzzles, pens and my butt in one on the seats. Then I waited to see if anyone would challenge my actions.
No one did. When Amy came back I mentioned the clogs and she began scoping out the other customers, looking for anyone barefoot among the baristas, but everyone appeared to have their feet covered.
Finally a waitress came along and said, "Oh those shoes are still here? They've been here since I came in." She took them away.
I'm left without answers but with another tale to tell. The story of shoeless Joe?
Last night, Amy and I went to have coffee and work crossword puzzles at the local over-priced coffee saloon. It was crowded, so we did our usual team work of Amy ordering the coffee and me reconnoitering for seats. One table was empty, but as I started laying claim to it I noticed a pair of leather clogs underneath. I was struck by the oddity of that, and wondered if someone had left their footwear behind to save the table.
I have been out of my depths at various times at Starbucks, learning to comprehend peculiarities like ordering a tall drink if you want a small one. It took me a long while before I was comfortable with the general ambiance of the place much less at ease with paying 5 bucks for coffee. Now my mind drifted to Boaz and the kinsman redeemer in the book of Ruth and I wondered if perhaps this shoe thing was some Java Jungle ritual with which I was also unfamiliar.
I couldn't hesitate for long, the place was still packing in people all eying seats but not having the advantage of Amy and my teamwork skills. I decided that shoe-saving was a distinct foul. I marked our territory properly...with crossword puzzles, pens and my butt in one on the seats. Then I waited to see if anyone would challenge my actions.
No one did. When Amy came back I mentioned the clogs and she began scoping out the other customers, looking for anyone barefoot among the baristas, but everyone appeared to have their feet covered.
Finally a waitress came along and said, "Oh those shoes are still here? They've been here since I came in." She took them away.
I'm left without answers but with another tale to tell. The story of shoeless Joe?
HAIR SHIRT
Being the owner of three dogs, one of which sheds enough hair to knit a full sized poodle, I sympathize with this guy. I also have empathy for the license examiner, for having to admit to wearing a shirt made of polyester.
Being the owner of three dogs, one of which sheds enough hair to knit a full sized poodle, I sympathize with this guy. I also have empathy for the license examiner, for having to admit to wearing a shirt made of polyester.
Friday, November 28, 2003
WORK THE ETHICS
I was fascinated to read the various reports on the President's trip to Baghdad and see journalists and pseudo-journalists scrambling to try to find a way to portray it in a negative light. I've been a broadcast reporter for nearly 30-years and believe me there is no group of people more full of their own self importance outside of Hollywood anywhere on Earth than journalists- thank God.
This was the blurb that got me from a story syndicated from the Washington Post:
Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism, criticized the White House correspondents who made the trip without spilling the secret. "That's just not kosher," he said. "Reporters are in the business of telling the truth. They can't decide it's okay to lie sometimes because it serves a larger truth or good cause."
Huh? First off, what reporter lied? If reporters don't report, is that lying? What nonsense.
There are so many scenarios when reporters don't report facts for the greater good it's silly even to debate it. We don't report names of murder victims, car accident fatalities, and others until their families have been notified out of a sense of decency. We don't report the names of rape victims, we don't do stories on suicides, and we withhold the names of children accused of crimes for much the same reason. War correspondents (Geraldo Rivera being the exception) don't report our troop positions. We don't report bomb threats - unless actual devices are found - because it will only result in panic and more bomb threats. There are technologies used by law enforcement agencies which reporters have been made aware of by police, but the existence of those devices is not reported because to do so would only give an advantage to criminals.
To charge that reporters lied by not disclosing the exact whereabouts of this country's leader when to do so would have only have ruined a wonderful opportunity to inspirit the troops risking their lives to preserve the very freedoms these self appointed ethics experts rely upon - not to mention that it could have put our President, our troops and quite possibly our nation at risk - is a sickening and thinly veiled attempt to cloak a liberal agenda behind heretofore unseen and unpracticed journalistic principals.
Yes, the public does have a right to know, but the public also knows what's right.
That's no lie.
I was fascinated to read the various reports on the President's trip to Baghdad and see journalists and pseudo-journalists scrambling to try to find a way to portray it in a negative light. I've been a broadcast reporter for nearly 30-years and believe me there is no group of people more full of their own self importance outside of Hollywood anywhere on Earth than journalists- thank God.
This was the blurb that got me from a story syndicated from the Washington Post:
Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism, criticized the White House correspondents who made the trip without spilling the secret. "That's just not kosher," he said. "Reporters are in the business of telling the truth. They can't decide it's okay to lie sometimes because it serves a larger truth or good cause."
Huh? First off, what reporter lied? If reporters don't report, is that lying? What nonsense.
There are so many scenarios when reporters don't report facts for the greater good it's silly even to debate it. We don't report names of murder victims, car accident fatalities, and others until their families have been notified out of a sense of decency. We don't report the names of rape victims, we don't do stories on suicides, and we withhold the names of children accused of crimes for much the same reason. War correspondents (Geraldo Rivera being the exception) don't report our troop positions. We don't report bomb threats - unless actual devices are found - because it will only result in panic and more bomb threats. There are technologies used by law enforcement agencies which reporters have been made aware of by police, but the existence of those devices is not reported because to do so would only give an advantage to criminals.
To charge that reporters lied by not disclosing the exact whereabouts of this country's leader when to do so would have only have ruined a wonderful opportunity to inspirit the troops risking their lives to preserve the very freedoms these self appointed ethics experts rely upon - not to mention that it could have put our President, our troops and quite possibly our nation at risk - is a sickening and thinly veiled attempt to cloak a liberal agenda behind heretofore unseen and unpracticed journalistic principals.
Yes, the public does have a right to know, but the public also knows what's right.
That's no lie.
ODDS AND ENDS
We hit the stores this morning. Amy and I have traditionally surged out the door at 6 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving to get the early bird specials at various stores. If we stick to the plan to buy only the items with mail in rebates making them "free" or the drastically reduced items designed to get you in the store, we do pretty well. Today we got a couple of 99 dollar office chairs for 19 bucks each, and a large microwave oven for 59 dollars. The chairs were a bit of an extravagance, but it's nice to have matching furniture. The microwave was a necessity. It has replaced the one we've been using which has a crack in the door. every time I nuked something I feared I was also cooking my kidneys.
The rest of the shopping was restricted to gadgets, all with rebates making them free sans tax.
This is one gadget we didn't buy. The digital sundial, for the person in your life who still thinks the Y2k bug might hit.
====
Weekend time waster: Listen to some of the emergency calls made to police in England. I especially liked the one from the woman calling to report a dead pigeon.
We hit the stores this morning. Amy and I have traditionally surged out the door at 6 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving to get the early bird specials at various stores. If we stick to the plan to buy only the items with mail in rebates making them "free" or the drastically reduced items designed to get you in the store, we do pretty well. Today we got a couple of 99 dollar office chairs for 19 bucks each, and a large microwave oven for 59 dollars. The chairs were a bit of an extravagance, but it's nice to have matching furniture. The microwave was a necessity. It has replaced the one we've been using which has a crack in the door. every time I nuked something I feared I was also cooking my kidneys.
The rest of the shopping was restricted to gadgets, all with rebates making them free sans tax.
This is one gadget we didn't buy. The digital sundial, for the person in your life who still thinks the Y2k bug might hit.
====
Weekend time waster: Listen to some of the emergency calls made to police in England. I especially liked the one from the woman calling to report a dead pigeon.
Thursday, November 27, 2003
PERSPECTIVES
Amy is up and about, I'm appreciative for the prayers and care we've received.
I had a more elaborate post in mind today, but Amy is cooking sausage stuffing. The girls are coming down later and my hunger is likely to supersede my wisdom.
Yesterday was a tough day, but as I sat in the hospital waiting room I started reading the bible I have on my palm pilot (you can only play so much Tetris). It's an odd translation, but it was free for downloading. Anyway, I was electronically thumbing through it and came across the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Something struck home.
Who is it you identify with in that story?
I've identified with the folks who hurriedly passed by the beaten man more often than I would care to admit. What hit me is that I've never really identified with the man who was beaten and robbed.
I have had hard days...even hard years. I've been hungry, but never starving. Even when I was at my poorest financially, had I swallowed a tiny portion of my pride I could have found food and refuge with any number of friends and relations.
It struck me that if the vast majority of people on this planet were to read that story for the first time, the character they would most likely identify with would be that beaten man. Their lives are routinely hard, and they are accustomed to being overlooked.
This hasn't been the easiest year for Amy and me, but we are warm, sheltered, clothed and fed. We are surrounded by an abundance of love. We may have little money, but we are rich.
And we have so very much for which to be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
Amy is up and about, I'm appreciative for the prayers and care we've received.
I had a more elaborate post in mind today, but Amy is cooking sausage stuffing. The girls are coming down later and my hunger is likely to supersede my wisdom.
Yesterday was a tough day, but as I sat in the hospital waiting room I started reading the bible I have on my palm pilot (you can only play so much Tetris). It's an odd translation, but it was free for downloading. Anyway, I was electronically thumbing through it and came across the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Something struck home.
Who is it you identify with in that story?
I've identified with the folks who hurriedly passed by the beaten man more often than I would care to admit. What hit me is that I've never really identified with the man who was beaten and robbed.
I have had hard days...even hard years. I've been hungry, but never starving. Even when I was at my poorest financially, had I swallowed a tiny portion of my pride I could have found food and refuge with any number of friends and relations.
It struck me that if the vast majority of people on this planet were to read that story for the first time, the character they would most likely identify with would be that beaten man. Their lives are routinely hard, and they are accustomed to being overlooked.
This hasn't been the easiest year for Amy and me, but we are warm, sheltered, clothed and fed. We are surrounded by an abundance of love. We may have little money, but we are rich.
And we have so very much for which to be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
THANKS, THE LINE STARTS HERE
I'm dashing this out, as I wolf down a sandwich before heading back to the hospital where I brought Amy this afternoon for what we thought was going to be a routine procedure, the insertion of another PICC line. It didn't go as planned. Apparently the line hit a nerve, she was having discomfort, numbing and the like in her arm after it was inserted. I didn't like that...Amy didn't like that...the doctor didn't like that.
So, right about now, they should be pulling that newly inserted line out and inserting another "central" line. It'll be a little awkward, going into her jugular rather than her arm, but it seemed the logical, safest and most expedient approach. Plus, now Amy is sedated, which was long overdue in this ordeal.
I've come to expect unexpected complications in this ongoing saga, and as I waited at the hospital today a few thoughts crossed my mind on the frustrations, and fears balanced against the sum total of our lives.
I'll share those when I have the time to write them, and that will be appropriate...it will be Thanksgiving.
For the record: If you're reading this Wednesday afternoon/night- A small prayer for no further complications would be welcome and that wouldn't mess up my Thanksgiving thoughts at all.
I'm dashing this out, as I wolf down a sandwich before heading back to the hospital where I brought Amy this afternoon for what we thought was going to be a routine procedure, the insertion of another PICC line. It didn't go as planned. Apparently the line hit a nerve, she was having discomfort, numbing and the like in her arm after it was inserted. I didn't like that...Amy didn't like that...the doctor didn't like that.
So, right about now, they should be pulling that newly inserted line out and inserting another "central" line. It'll be a little awkward, going into her jugular rather than her arm, but it seemed the logical, safest and most expedient approach. Plus, now Amy is sedated, which was long overdue in this ordeal.
I've come to expect unexpected complications in this ongoing saga, and as I waited at the hospital today a few thoughts crossed my mind on the frustrations, and fears balanced against the sum total of our lives.
I'll share those when I have the time to write them, and that will be appropriate...it will be Thanksgiving.
For the record: If you're reading this Wednesday afternoon/night- A small prayer for no further complications would be welcome and that wouldn't mess up my Thanksgiving thoughts at all.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
BEAUTY AND THE BLEST
I had a conversation with my friend, Roy, yesterday. Roy is in his 70's and has lived a colorful life. He has done many things, from heading the liquor control board in Waco, to being a railroad cop, to helping build churches. He has wonderful stories to tell. I look forward to hearing more of them.
During our talk, we ventured into a discussion about a popular televangelist based here in San Antonio. He heads a mega-church and a lucrative worldwide teleministry.
At one time Roy and his wife went to that mega-church. During one sermon, the Pastor spoke of a family he had passed on the highway. The family was driving a beat up old clunker car; it was rusted, and belching smoke. There were a bunch of kids in the back seat, and the car was barely making it down the highway. The Pastor made mention that on the back there was a bumper sticker that read, "God is great".
I wasn't there, but to Roy it sounded like the Minister was mocking that family. The Pastor said essentially that if the family were on the right track with God they would be blessed and wouldn't be barely making it down the road .
That particular Minister and his church are a story unto themselves. I don't begrudge folks who attend such churches. If that's what brings you to God...great. It's not for me. It wasn't for Roy either. He stormed out that day and never went back.
The conversation started me thinking about the nature of being blessed.
I thought about the bible stories of Jacob demanding and even stealing blessings. I thought about the popular interpretation of the Prayer of Jabez and how that turned into a financial blessing for at least one author.
I thought of the biblical blessing our Pastor ends most services with, "May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the Lord turn his countenance toward you and bring you peace."
Then I came home to read this interesting story.
I have no idea if this is some elaborate ruse, or if it's indeed a medical and or spiritual miracle. What I'm most intrigued by is the idea that this Swami believes he is blessed because he doesn't eat or drink and he lives in caves.
If God were to suddenly speak to me and say, "Michael, I'm going to bless you. You'll now get to live in caves without food or water" in all honesty, I would ask for clarification.
This has been a hard year. But we've been blessed. Some blessings were only discovered through pain. I guess that's how it works sometimes.
I suppose blessings are often in the eye of the beholder and that's the beauty of it.
I had a conversation with my friend, Roy, yesterday. Roy is in his 70's and has lived a colorful life. He has done many things, from heading the liquor control board in Waco, to being a railroad cop, to helping build churches. He has wonderful stories to tell. I look forward to hearing more of them.
During our talk, we ventured into a discussion about a popular televangelist based here in San Antonio. He heads a mega-church and a lucrative worldwide teleministry.
At one time Roy and his wife went to that mega-church. During one sermon, the Pastor spoke of a family he had passed on the highway. The family was driving a beat up old clunker car; it was rusted, and belching smoke. There were a bunch of kids in the back seat, and the car was barely making it down the highway. The Pastor made mention that on the back there was a bumper sticker that read, "God is great".
I wasn't there, but to Roy it sounded like the Minister was mocking that family. The Pastor said essentially that if the family were on the right track with God they would be blessed and wouldn't be barely making it down the road .
That particular Minister and his church are a story unto themselves. I don't begrudge folks who attend such churches. If that's what brings you to God...great. It's not for me. It wasn't for Roy either. He stormed out that day and never went back.
The conversation started me thinking about the nature of being blessed.
I thought about the bible stories of Jacob demanding and even stealing blessings. I thought about the popular interpretation of the Prayer of Jabez and how that turned into a financial blessing for at least one author.
I thought of the biblical blessing our Pastor ends most services with, "May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the Lord turn his countenance toward you and bring you peace."
Then I came home to read this interesting story.
I have no idea if this is some elaborate ruse, or if it's indeed a medical and or spiritual miracle. What I'm most intrigued by is the idea that this Swami believes he is blessed because he doesn't eat or drink and he lives in caves.
If God were to suddenly speak to me and say, "Michael, I'm going to bless you. You'll now get to live in caves without food or water" in all honesty, I would ask for clarification.
This has been a hard year. But we've been blessed. Some blessings were only discovered through pain. I guess that's how it works sometimes.
I suppose blessings are often in the eye of the beholder and that's the beauty of it.
Monday, November 24, 2003
THE DIRT ON THANKSGIVING
I spent the day shoveling dirt. Yes, I'm on vacation, when I am not on vacation I spend the day shov...well, it's different.
We've been working on a new building at the church and topsoil has to be spread in order for it to meet inspection. It's a job I'm capable of doing, and I had the time. However now it's time for a nap and ibuprofen, not necessarily in that order.
=========
Our Thanksgiving plans have at least been cleared up a little with two words from Amy's doctor, "Permission denied". He's not letting her travel, so that resolves that issue. It will be weird, Amy and I have never spent Thanksgiving anywhere else since we've known each other. It's also a terrible year not to be with my Aunt, who lost her Mom and her Aunt this year. However we've made tentative plans to have "Thanksgiving-The Lost days" with her in a few weeks, and this is merely a bump in the road. We'll get over it.
Now we must only decide with whom to spend the day or if we want to have a quiet Thanksgiving at home. I really have no preferences, as long as there's a TV nearby so I can watch the Dallas game. Well, I guess I don't want to spend the day with folks who aren't at least moderate Cowboys fans, and I do want to eat.
I'm so easy to please.
That decision can be delayed until after more pressing matters are attended to, such as the aforementioned nap.
I spent the day shoveling dirt. Yes, I'm on vacation, when I am not on vacation I spend the day shov...well, it's different.
We've been working on a new building at the church and topsoil has to be spread in order for it to meet inspection. It's a job I'm capable of doing, and I had the time. However now it's time for a nap and ibuprofen, not necessarily in that order.
=========
Our Thanksgiving plans have at least been cleared up a little with two words from Amy's doctor, "Permission denied". He's not letting her travel, so that resolves that issue. It will be weird, Amy and I have never spent Thanksgiving anywhere else since we've known each other. It's also a terrible year not to be with my Aunt, who lost her Mom and her Aunt this year. However we've made tentative plans to have "Thanksgiving-The Lost days" with her in a few weeks, and this is merely a bump in the road. We'll get over it.
Now we must only decide with whom to spend the day or if we want to have a quiet Thanksgiving at home. I really have no preferences, as long as there's a TV nearby so I can watch the Dallas game. Well, I guess I don't want to spend the day with folks who aren't at least moderate Cowboys fans, and I do want to eat.
I'm so easy to please.
That decision can be delayed until after more pressing matters are attended to, such as the aforementioned nap.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
LIL' FEET
I spent a few minutes taking pictures of some of the kids at church today, with my little BenQ camera that I repeatedly wash and yet it still seems to work. I was going through some of the shots - emailing them to parents and to some of our church members who couldn't be with us today - when I noticed something that always makes me smile.
Those feet on the end, in the pink socks, belong to my Pastor's youngest daughter. She's always shoeless. She likes to kick off her shoes as soon as she enters the church. She frolics both inside and out in her stocking feet, often running on her tip toes. I love that she's so comfortable in God's house to take off her shoes.
I wish more of us were.
Psalm 40:2
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
I spent a few minutes taking pictures of some of the kids at church today, with my little BenQ camera that I repeatedly wash and yet it still seems to work. I was going through some of the shots - emailing them to parents and to some of our church members who couldn't be with us today - when I noticed something that always makes me smile.
Those feet on the end, in the pink socks, belong to my Pastor's youngest daughter. She's always shoeless. She likes to kick off her shoes as soon as she enters the church. She frolics both inside and out in her stocking feet, often running on her tip toes. I love that she's so comfortable in God's house to take off her shoes.
I wish more of us were.
Psalm 40:2
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
WORDS TO WALK BY
You have to look closely to see them. Scripture references, etched into concrete.
You have to look closely because they've been covered up.
Wet cement is a temptation...even for adults.
As we were finishing construction of our church, one of the workers, a very devout and vocal believer, decided it would be appropriate to leave a mark in the wet cement outside the front door to the sanctuary. He used his finger to write bible passage references upon our church doorstep.
Our church was a group project; this worker was something of a personal project for our church builder. He didn't do particularly great work. He had lived a hard life but had found salvation, and thanks to our builder, he had found work. He wanted very much to combine the two.
The builder had him cover over the words with fresh cement, but he didn't do a particularly great job so, if you know they're there, you can see portions of them.
I know at least one member of our church who rubs her shoe on that spot when she enters, hoping to gradually uncover the writings. I sort of hope she succeeds.
The path to our church has paved over good intentions.
You have to look closely to see them. Scripture references, etched into concrete.
You have to look closely because they've been covered up.
Wet cement is a temptation...even for adults.
As we were finishing construction of our church, one of the workers, a very devout and vocal believer, decided it would be appropriate to leave a mark in the wet cement outside the front door to the sanctuary. He used his finger to write bible passage references upon our church doorstep.
Our church was a group project; this worker was something of a personal project for our church builder. He didn't do particularly great work. He had lived a hard life but had found salvation, and thanks to our builder, he had found work. He wanted very much to combine the two.
The builder had him cover over the words with fresh cement, but he didn't do a particularly great job so, if you know they're there, you can see portions of them.
I know at least one member of our church who rubs her shoe on that spot when she enters, hoping to gradually uncover the writings. I sort of hope she succeeds.
The path to our church has paved over good intentions.
Friday, November 21, 2003
WANDERING THOUGHTS
It's Friday. I am off all next week. Is there really anything more that needs to be said?
Our plans for next week are all akimbo and right now that feels sort of good. We'll either go to Dallas for Thanksgiving or accept one of several offers from friends to join them. My time is completely unstructured. Much will be dictated by how Amy is feeling and what her passel of physicians recommend.
Is there a proper word for a group of doctors?
The only one that comes to my mind is foursome.
=============
My mind is already wandering... Did you see this story?
I'm intrigued by the line, "the ancients apparently believed chiseling Scripture into monuments debased sacred words". That reminds me of something that happened at our little church. I'll write about that tomorrow, after I get a picture.
Gee, just like that I've suddenly made plans for my unstructured time. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
It's Friday. I am off all next week. Is there really anything more that needs to be said?
Our plans for next week are all akimbo and right now that feels sort of good. We'll either go to Dallas for Thanksgiving or accept one of several offers from friends to join them. My time is completely unstructured. Much will be dictated by how Amy is feeling and what her passel of physicians recommend.
Is there a proper word for a group of doctors?
The only one that comes to my mind is foursome.
=============
My mind is already wandering... Did you see this story?
I'm intrigued by the line, "the ancients apparently believed chiseling Scripture into monuments debased sacred words". That reminds me of something that happened at our little church. I'll write about that tomorrow, after I get a picture.
Gee, just like that I've suddenly made plans for my unstructured time. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
NO HELP BOOK BOBBY AND THE MCGRIDDLE
Every so often, when I have nothing better to do, I delve into the web records to see what things have brought people to my website. Our web server tracks the most common phrases put into search engines that lead here. Bar none, the most popular phrase that comes up is still "McGriddle Recipe". You'll have to cruise through the archives to figure that one out, I'm afraid to mention it anymore since by now there have to be legions of hostile web surfers raging with disappointment upon arriving here only to discover the secret McGriddle recipe does not dwell within.
I'm more curious though about another recent search string: "book bobby love schwinn old man 3rd floor".
What do you suppose that means? Is there such a thing as a book bobby? I think I mentioned a schwinn bicycle once. I have no idea what link I have to anyone's 3rd floor and I don't want to dwell on the fact that search engines refer folks here who type in the words, "old man" in any context.
I guess I should be thankful though. Another phrase that got a hit this month was: "Christian husband no help with kids household dogs".
Really.
Ouch!
I think I'll go unload the dishwasher.
Every so often, when I have nothing better to do, I delve into the web records to see what things have brought people to my website. Our web server tracks the most common phrases put into search engines that lead here. Bar none, the most popular phrase that comes up is still "McGriddle Recipe". You'll have to cruise through the archives to figure that one out, I'm afraid to mention it anymore since by now there have to be legions of hostile web surfers raging with disappointment upon arriving here only to discover the secret McGriddle recipe does not dwell within.
I'm more curious though about another recent search string: "book bobby love schwinn old man 3rd floor".
What do you suppose that means? Is there such a thing as a book bobby? I think I mentioned a schwinn bicycle once. I have no idea what link I have to anyone's 3rd floor and I don't want to dwell on the fact that search engines refer folks here who type in the words, "old man" in any context.
I guess I should be thankful though. Another phrase that got a hit this month was: "Christian husband no help with kids household dogs".
Really.
Ouch!
I think I'll go unload the dishwasher.
FEEL FREE TO KISS MY RING
We have a winner!
The Superblessed Christian Blog Awards are out!
I know, if you're like most people you've reacted to that announcement by saying, "Huh? The what?".
Actually, I mentioned some weeks ago that I was mysteriously included among the nominees . What do you know, I won! Well sort of...it was a tie.
I think the panel of judges - which I believe is just Ganns, who runs Superblessed - couldn't decide between this blog and What in Tarnation.net for the honor of "Most Humorous Christian Blog", so that means the vast amount of prize money will be split two ways.
I'm not upset by that at all. Even if my eldest stepdaughter were not a math teacher I'd be able to discern that half of diddly squat is still...um.. diddly squat.
Nonetheless, it's this blog's first award and, I might be so daring to predict, most likely its last.
Surely good taste will prevail in future years.
We have a winner!
The Superblessed Christian Blog Awards are out!
I know, if you're like most people you've reacted to that announcement by saying, "Huh? The what?".
Actually, I mentioned some weeks ago that I was mysteriously included among the nominees . What do you know, I won! Well sort of...it was a tie.
I think the panel of judges - which I believe is just Ganns, who runs Superblessed - couldn't decide between this blog and What in Tarnation.net for the honor of "Most Humorous Christian Blog", so that means the vast amount of prize money will be split two ways.
I'm not upset by that at all. Even if my eldest stepdaughter were not a math teacher I'd be able to discern that half of diddly squat is still...um.. diddly squat.
Nonetheless, it's this blog's first award and, I might be so daring to predict, most likely its last.
Surely good taste will prevail in future years.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAZE
Suddenly our holiday traditions are in a state of flux. During every year of our marriage, in fact even when we were engaged, Amy and I have gone to Dallas for Thanksgiving. My Aunt, a saintly woman who served as my guardian during a few of my rebellious teen years, lives in Dallas, and Thanksgiving is the time that we've set aside to make sure we visit her.
Amy's health is in a state of flux this year though. It's looking increasingly like we might not be able to make the trip. That's weighing on me today.
Nothing is decided yet. Amy has more doctor appointments on Monday and those will likely determine our course.
I'm not sure what to pray for quite honestly. Part of me wants to maintain our tradition, but another side of me wouldn't resist the prospect of not having to travel, not having to kennel the dogs, not having to pay for a motel room, not getting caught up in the bustle.
I think I'll just keep it simple...and pray that I remember I have much to give thanks for, even in times of turmoil.
However it works out, that is not going to change.
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Suddenly our holiday traditions are in a state of flux. During every year of our marriage, in fact even when we were engaged, Amy and I have gone to Dallas for Thanksgiving. My Aunt, a saintly woman who served as my guardian during a few of my rebellious teen years, lives in Dallas, and Thanksgiving is the time that we've set aside to make sure we visit her.
Amy's health is in a state of flux this year though. It's looking increasingly like we might not be able to make the trip. That's weighing on me today.
Nothing is decided yet. Amy has more doctor appointments on Monday and those will likely determine our course.
I'm not sure what to pray for quite honestly. Part of me wants to maintain our tradition, but another side of me wouldn't resist the prospect of not having to travel, not having to kennel the dogs, not having to pay for a motel room, not getting caught up in the bustle.
I think I'll just keep it simple...and pray that I remember I have much to give thanks for, even in times of turmoil.
However it works out, that is not going to change.
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
SLUMBERING THOUGHTS
For the record, I like naps. This is not a startling observation I suppose, especially not for anyone who knows me. I just woke up from a wonderful nap, but now I'm a little pressed for time to write something prior to church tonight. Speaking of stuff not being startling information, Monica Lewinsky has had a revelation.
Who would have thought that publicizing your sleazy image worldwide would be an impediment to a meaningful relationship?
For the record, I like naps. This is not a startling observation I suppose, especially not for anyone who knows me. I just woke up from a wonderful nap, but now I'm a little pressed for time to write something prior to church tonight. Speaking of stuff not being startling information, Monica Lewinsky has had a revelation.
Who would have thought that publicizing your sleazy image worldwide would be an impediment to a meaningful relationship?
TASTES GREAT-LESS FILLING
I love the line in this story that reads, "I'm doing it for the prestige, the glory and the attention."
The attention? Really? Who would have guessed?
Buddy, you've said a mouthful.
I love the line in this story that reads, "I'm doing it for the prestige, the glory and the attention."
The attention? Really? Who would have guessed?
Buddy, you've said a mouthful.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
2 SIMPLE RULES
I've been seeing a lot of tips on various blogs about how to blog. It's all good information I suppose. I don't write this blog in hopes of getting a big audience. I do that enough in radio. I write this blog for me. It's probably 80 percent mental therapy, and 20 percent ego. If I were to come up with rules for blogging here's what they'd be.
1. Don't blog about blogging
2. Write well.
I've been seeing a lot of tips on various blogs about how to blog. It's all good information I suppose. I don't write this blog in hopes of getting a big audience. I do that enough in radio. I write this blog for me. It's probably 80 percent mental therapy, and 20 percent ego. If I were to come up with rules for blogging here's what they'd be.
1. Don't blog about blogging
2. Write well.
GET A ROOM
The feud between Dallas Cowboy's coach Bill Parcells and his former underling Bill Belichick got a lot of play before Sunday night's game between the Cowboys and the Patriots.
I guess they've made up.
I'm just thankful this photo was in the paper days before today's ruling from the Massachussetts Supreme court on gay marriage.
The feud between Dallas Cowboy's coach Bill Parcells and his former underling Bill Belichick got a lot of play before Sunday night's game between the Cowboys and the Patriots.
I guess they've made up.
I'm just thankful this photo was in the paper days before today's ruling from the Massachussetts Supreme court on gay marriage.
ZAPPED!
I'm not quite sure how to take it. I was almost finished writing a post about recognizing what's in the wind, and sometimes letting it carry you along, when the power blipped for half a second. ZAP! Computer reboot. That thought is toast.
Oh well, rather than reconstruct, I think I'll let it mellow in my mind a bit.
Amy had a rough night. This afternoon should be spent on other things. Maybe that's where the winds are meant to carry us today.
I'm not quite sure how to take it. I was almost finished writing a post about recognizing what's in the wind, and sometimes letting it carry you along, when the power blipped for half a second. ZAP! Computer reboot. That thought is toast.
Oh well, rather than reconstruct, I think I'll let it mellow in my mind a bit.
Amy had a rough night. This afternoon should be spent on other things. Maybe that's where the winds are meant to carry us today.
Monday, November 17, 2003
STEALING JESUS
Christmas is rapidly approaching and that means one thing...people will start stealing Jesus.
My Pastor noted last year that there are an abundance of stories each year about people stealing the baby Jesus from various church manger scenes.
This season I think I'll keep track. If you run across a stolen Jesus story, Email Me a link or a copy of it.
Maybe I'll come up with a stolen Jesus counter.
However I'm not going to rush to judgement. The baby Jesus will have to have been stolen, not just misplaced.
I don't want to get caught in the same trap as I did with my razor.
Christmas is rapidly approaching and that means one thing...people will start stealing Jesus.
My Pastor noted last year that there are an abundance of stories each year about people stealing the baby Jesus from various church manger scenes.
This season I think I'll keep track. If you run across a stolen Jesus story, Email Me a link or a copy of it.
Maybe I'll come up with a stolen Jesus counter.
However I'm not going to rush to judgement. The baby Jesus will have to have been stolen, not just misplaced.
I don't want to get caught in the same trap as I did with my razor.
HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY...
Anyone who reads this blog knows I'm a dog lover. Anyone who enters our house knows it... there is a certain "Eau de Mongrel" that makes it readily apparent.
Our dogs provide us with great amusement
However after reading this story
I have to admit, another image came to mind.
Three dogs...47 grand per dog...
Okay...I better not dwell on this one.
Anyone who reads this blog knows I'm a dog lover. Anyone who enters our house knows it... there is a certain "Eau de Mongrel" that makes it readily apparent.
Our dogs provide us with great amusement
However after reading this story
I have to admit, another image came to mind.
Three dogs...47 grand per dog...
Okay...I better not dwell on this one.
Sunday, November 16, 2003
FACE IT
Saw this at The Living Room.
Another time waster.
Create your face
This is the best I could do.
Saw this at The Living Room.
Another time waster.
Create your face
This is the best I could do.
RAZORRECTION
Well, now I feel silly. My stolen razor wasn't stolen at all. Amy had used my car to pick up some friends at the airport the other night and last night they called to mention they'd found an electric razor in their driveway after she drove away.
Part of me is relieved that there is not a thief wandering around my area stealing old electric razors. Part of me is ashamed for assuming the worst.
I have to admit I'm also partially disappointed since finding the razor negated a perfectly good blog post.
I guess now I'll have a razor for the car and one for the house.
Every morning as I cut away my measly beard I should use those razors to remember that no matter what I lose, in truth, I always have an abundance.
Proverbs 3:13-14
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
Well, now I feel silly. My stolen razor wasn't stolen at all. Amy had used my car to pick up some friends at the airport the other night and last night they called to mention they'd found an electric razor in their driveway after she drove away.
Part of me is relieved that there is not a thief wandering around my area stealing old electric razors. Part of me is ashamed for assuming the worst.
I have to admit I'm also partially disappointed since finding the razor negated a perfectly good blog post.
I guess now I'll have a razor for the car and one for the house.
Every morning as I cut away my measly beard I should use those razors to remember that no matter what I lose, in truth, I always have an abundance.
Proverbs 3:13-14
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
Saturday, November 15, 2003
FROM THE WHERE ARE THEY NOW FILE
One thing I'm often asked in the news business is "Hey, you remember that story about ______? Whatever happened to them?"
As a result of that, one of my regular brainstorms is to go back through our old stories and find out what happened to some of those people since those events.
I mention that because I saw this story in the New Yorker. If you ever saw the old movie "Deliverance" you'll find it interesting. If you never saw the movie, it will make no sense whatsoever.
One thing I'm often asked in the news business is "Hey, you remember that story about ______? Whatever happened to them?"
As a result of that, one of my regular brainstorms is to go back through our old stories and find out what happened to some of those people since those events.
I mention that because I saw this story in the New Yorker. If you ever saw the old movie "Deliverance" you'll find it interesting. If you never saw the movie, it will make no sense whatsoever.
A CLEAN SHAVEN GETAWAY
Didn't have time to write anything the past couple of days. On Thursday, I got off work, cleaned the church and then assumed my role as lackey for Amy as she worked some computer miracles for a client. Friday, I drove directly from my office to the offices of another of Amy's clients. Spent the entire day there. By the time we got home, time slipped away.
I mention this only because I was robbed of my electric razor.
I had left it sitting on the passenger seat of my car in a parking lot. Yes, the car was unlocked, but who steals cheap, used, electric razors? It never crossed my mind.
The other morning I was driving into the office and began a somewhat familiar process of reaching around trying to figure out where in the car my razor was when I realized it was gone!
Memo to thief:
First off: Ewwww. Why would you want my yucky old razor?
Second: It's not magic.
You have to recharge it.
Come back by, I'll give you the cord you need. I'm sure by now it's run out of juice. You stole a well worn, unchargable, electric razor.
Hopefully, you're not thinking of thievery as a career.
I suppose it was a silly crime of opportunity. Someone walked by my car, saw the razor and realized the car was unlocked. That's all the thinking that went into it.
I don't have much of a beard. I can go for days without shaving, and no one would really notice. I've tried to grow a beard on several occasions and always gave up due to embarrassment.
What the thief took from me was more important than my razor. He - I'm assuming this nefarious criminal is a he, because if it's a woman that's even weirder - stole time.
I shave while I drive to work, so until I replaced the razor I had to get up a few minutes earlier to shave. If you don't think a few minutes is that big of a deal, why do you hit the snooze bar?
I already bought a new razor. It's another cheap one. It's all l I need. I'm going to keep it in my car too.
But I'll lock the car doors, to keep the time bandits out.
Didn't have time to write anything the past couple of days. On Thursday, I got off work, cleaned the church and then assumed my role as lackey for Amy as she worked some computer miracles for a client. Friday, I drove directly from my office to the offices of another of Amy's clients. Spent the entire day there. By the time we got home, time slipped away.
I mention this only because I was robbed of my electric razor.
I had left it sitting on the passenger seat of my car in a parking lot. Yes, the car was unlocked, but who steals cheap, used, electric razors? It never crossed my mind.
The other morning I was driving into the office and began a somewhat familiar process of reaching around trying to figure out where in the car my razor was when I realized it was gone!
Memo to thief:
First off: Ewwww. Why would you want my yucky old razor?
Second: It's not magic.
You have to recharge it.
Come back by, I'll give you the cord you need. I'm sure by now it's run out of juice. You stole a well worn, unchargable, electric razor.
Hopefully, you're not thinking of thievery as a career.
I suppose it was a silly crime of opportunity. Someone walked by my car, saw the razor and realized the car was unlocked. That's all the thinking that went into it.
I don't have much of a beard. I can go for days without shaving, and no one would really notice. I've tried to grow a beard on several occasions and always gave up due to embarrassment.
What the thief took from me was more important than my razor. He - I'm assuming this nefarious criminal is a he, because if it's a woman that's even weirder - stole time.
I shave while I drive to work, so until I replaced the razor I had to get up a few minutes earlier to shave. If you don't think a few minutes is that big of a deal, why do you hit the snooze bar?
I already bought a new razor. It's another cheap one. It's all l I need. I'm going to keep it in my car too.
But I'll lock the car doors, to keep the time bandits out.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
A PATIENT LOOK
"It always opens up"
That's one of the catch phrases of my father in law, passed along to me by my wife. Amy says it when we're waiting for traffic to clear enough to get across a busy street and she can see I'm starting to lose my patience. Her Dad says it all the time.
Today was a long day. I had a meeting with the TV folks - my periodic meeting to say the same thing I say at every meeting. It actually went well and I left with some optimism. However the talking dragged on until early afternoon and I was dragging by the time I got home. I arrived to find Amy with the home health care nurse and the news that she was going back to the doctor immediately. Another infection has set in and the nurse thought Amy might need to be readmitted to the hospital.
Rhonda was here, our friend who has been having many struggles of her own as of late. Rhonda offered to drive Amy to the doctor so I could squeeze in some sleep and we talked as Amy got ready. At one point Rhonda said, "You know it's been tough lately, I have a hard time at times like these finding the good in situations, but I know there must be a good side."
I agreed...albeit somewhat numbly.
Amy has been tethered to an IV food source for weeks. She has been feeling lousy for a long time. Lately, the bad days seem to outnumber the good and, in all honesty, it is taking a toll on her and me.
I slept a little while, then Amy called and told me she wasn't being admitted to the hospital. The IV feedbag was coming out for several days, and IV antibiotics were going in for a couple of hours. I'll go pick her up in an hour or so.
So, we've had a little setback in one sense, but it's being addressed. Amy may not be feeling great, but she will have several badly needed days where she won't be tied to any form of IV. That means, to some extent, our lives are going to return to normal...if only until Monday.
I know there must be a good side.
There is...and if you're patient...it always opens up.
PSALM 42:6
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
"It always opens up"
That's one of the catch phrases of my father in law, passed along to me by my wife. Amy says it when we're waiting for traffic to clear enough to get across a busy street and she can see I'm starting to lose my patience. Her Dad says it all the time.
Today was a long day. I had a meeting with the TV folks - my periodic meeting to say the same thing I say at every meeting. It actually went well and I left with some optimism. However the talking dragged on until early afternoon and I was dragging by the time I got home. I arrived to find Amy with the home health care nurse and the news that she was going back to the doctor immediately. Another infection has set in and the nurse thought Amy might need to be readmitted to the hospital.
Rhonda was here, our friend who has been having many struggles of her own as of late. Rhonda offered to drive Amy to the doctor so I could squeeze in some sleep and we talked as Amy got ready. At one point Rhonda said, "You know it's been tough lately, I have a hard time at times like these finding the good in situations, but I know there must be a good side."
I agreed...albeit somewhat numbly.
Amy has been tethered to an IV food source for weeks. She has been feeling lousy for a long time. Lately, the bad days seem to outnumber the good and, in all honesty, it is taking a toll on her and me.
I slept a little while, then Amy called and told me she wasn't being admitted to the hospital. The IV feedbag was coming out for several days, and IV antibiotics were going in for a couple of hours. I'll go pick her up in an hour or so.
So, we've had a little setback in one sense, but it's being addressed. Amy may not be feeling great, but she will have several badly needed days where she won't be tied to any form of IV. That means, to some extent, our lives are going to return to normal...if only until Monday.
I know there must be a good side.
There is...and if you're patient...it always opens up.
PSALM 42:6
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
COMMENTS
Each day I sit in a small booth alone, and talk to myself. I know other people are listening.
I'm not officially insane. It's radio.
I don't get a lot of feedback in broadcasting. An occasional angry call from someone who is confused, and the regular remarks from friends of "Hey, I heard you on the radio today." That's usually the extent of it.
In truth, I get much more enjoyment getting comments on this blog.
The radio stations I work for reach conservatively tens of thousands of people every day. By the time this blog is read by ten thousand people my typing fingers will have decayed to dust. Yet today I woke up in a funk and when I sat down at the computer to start work there were comments! It made my day.
Why do I get such joy from responses here? Maybe it's because I get to write whatever I want here, and I don't have quite as much freedom on the radio.
Or maybe I simply like to revel in the concept of sharing my insanity.
Each day I sit in a small booth alone, and talk to myself. I know other people are listening.
I'm not officially insane. It's radio.
I don't get a lot of feedback in broadcasting. An occasional angry call from someone who is confused, and the regular remarks from friends of "Hey, I heard you on the radio today." That's usually the extent of it.
In truth, I get much more enjoyment getting comments on this blog.
The radio stations I work for reach conservatively tens of thousands of people every day. By the time this blog is read by ten thousand people my typing fingers will have decayed to dust. Yet today I woke up in a funk and when I sat down at the computer to start work there were comments! It made my day.
Why do I get such joy from responses here? Maybe it's because I get to write whatever I want here, and I don't have quite as much freedom on the radio.
Or maybe I simply like to revel in the concept of sharing my insanity.
JESSICA
I've been thinking about Jessica today.
Not that Jessica. Not the one who is doing tearful TV interviews, and releasing a book. Not the one selling her story on Veteran's day.
I'm thinking about little Jessica. A child. The niece of close friends who has been hospitalized for two months. Jessica has spina bifida and has lived her short life in a wheelchair. She comes to our church every once in a while. The last time she visited, she helped take the offering. It was a big moment.
A couple of months ago Jessica started developing sores. They were deep and devastating. The best medical minds couldn't stop them from spreading. The sores wouldn't heal. The battle for her tissue raged out of control. Jessica put up a fight. Doctors aided her in battle. They took no prisoners in an urgent fervor to block the expansion of this horrifying invasion. At one point portions of bone had to be cut away to save others. It appeared she might lose a leg.
In this war zone, Jessica has been virtually alone. Unable to comprehend all that is happening to her. Incapable of understanding why she is in pain, why she has been sent off to Dallas where the best doctors were available. Why her Mommy and Daddy seemed panicked and why she only gets to see them one or two days a week when they drive 300 miles one way to be with her.
Our church family has been involved in this war too. We strapped on the only armor we have, prayer...and we prayed.
This weekend I learned that that the tide seems to finally have turned. Jessica is getting better.
Now I'm saying prayers of thanksgiving.
No one will see Jessica on TV or buy her book...but hers is a story of courage too. And of a Hero.
I've been thinking about Jessica today.
Not that Jessica. Not the one who is doing tearful TV interviews, and releasing a book. Not the one selling her story on Veteran's day.
I'm thinking about little Jessica. A child. The niece of close friends who has been hospitalized for two months. Jessica has spina bifida and has lived her short life in a wheelchair. She comes to our church every once in a while. The last time she visited, she helped take the offering. It was a big moment.
A couple of months ago Jessica started developing sores. They were deep and devastating. The best medical minds couldn't stop them from spreading. The sores wouldn't heal. The battle for her tissue raged out of control. Jessica put up a fight. Doctors aided her in battle. They took no prisoners in an urgent fervor to block the expansion of this horrifying invasion. At one point portions of bone had to be cut away to save others. It appeared she might lose a leg.
In this war zone, Jessica has been virtually alone. Unable to comprehend all that is happening to her. Incapable of understanding why she is in pain, why she has been sent off to Dallas where the best doctors were available. Why her Mommy and Daddy seemed panicked and why she only gets to see them one or two days a week when they drive 300 miles one way to be with her.
Our church family has been involved in this war too. We strapped on the only armor we have, prayer...and we prayed.
This weekend I learned that that the tide seems to finally have turned. Jessica is getting better.
Now I'm saying prayers of thanksgiving.
No one will see Jessica on TV or buy her book...but hers is a story of courage too. And of a Hero.
Monday, November 10, 2003
EXPERIENCING NEW FRIENDS
I have to give our new friend Tim credit.
Amy has been running a fever the past several days, and her PICC line started looking a little strange so we got the home health nurse to drop over Sunday afternoon. She determined the PICC line (which runs very close to Amy's heart) was infected so it had to be removed and replaced.
I had invited Tim over to watch the Cowboys and when he showed up, the nurse was here. She had already removed the infected line. I explained to Tim what was going on, and that we were waiting for another line to be delivered so the nurse could implant it.
Amy and the nurse went about their business, while Tim and I watched the game. Before long the PICC line delivery man arrived and the surreal aspects of the afternoon started sinking in. Most folks get deliveries of pizza during football games... we were getting medical supplies. The delivery guy didn't bat an eye when we asked if he remembered the free cheesy bread, but he did draw the line at promising the next delivery would be within 30 minutes or it would be free.
Around halftime, the procedure took place. Amy stretched out on the couch in our makeshift medical room, and a piano bench served as an extension for her arm so the nurse could run the line in.
I went in to watch, without a thought Tim joined me. We stood there as this wonderful nurse inserted a line into a vein in my wife's arm and threaded it blindly into an artery in her chest. There was blood.
I'll admit I was nervous.
The nurse tried to apologize for saying a small prayer to Jesus but we assured her prayers were welcome, and appreciated. Hers weren't the only ones being said.
There were no complications. The blood was quickly cleaned up and Amy was moving about soon afterwards.
I've known Tim for only a month or two but I have to wonder how I'd react if I was invited over to someone's house to watch a football game, even if I knew them well, and found myself front and center for a medical procedure.
Tim didn't bat an eye.
Then again, how many halftime shows have you watched that you really remember?
I have to give our new friend Tim credit.
Amy has been running a fever the past several days, and her PICC line started looking a little strange so we got the home health nurse to drop over Sunday afternoon. She determined the PICC line (which runs very close to Amy's heart) was infected so it had to be removed and replaced.
I had invited Tim over to watch the Cowboys and when he showed up, the nurse was here. She had already removed the infected line. I explained to Tim what was going on, and that we were waiting for another line to be delivered so the nurse could implant it.
Amy and the nurse went about their business, while Tim and I watched the game. Before long the PICC line delivery man arrived and the surreal aspects of the afternoon started sinking in. Most folks get deliveries of pizza during football games... we were getting medical supplies. The delivery guy didn't bat an eye when we asked if he remembered the free cheesy bread, but he did draw the line at promising the next delivery would be within 30 minutes or it would be free.
Around halftime, the procedure took place. Amy stretched out on the couch in our makeshift medical room, and a piano bench served as an extension for her arm so the nurse could run the line in.
I went in to watch, without a thought Tim joined me. We stood there as this wonderful nurse inserted a line into a vein in my wife's arm and threaded it blindly into an artery in her chest. There was blood.
I'll admit I was nervous.
The nurse tried to apologize for saying a small prayer to Jesus but we assured her prayers were welcome, and appreciated. Hers weren't the only ones being said.
There were no complications. The blood was quickly cleaned up and Amy was moving about soon afterwards.
I've known Tim for only a month or two but I have to wonder how I'd react if I was invited over to someone's house to watch a football game, even if I knew them well, and found myself front and center for a medical procedure.
Tim didn't bat an eye.
Then again, how many halftime shows have you watched that you really remember?
ANOTHER FINE MESS
Friday night, Amy and I were invited to the law offices where she used to work, for a wine tasting. Since Amy has been hooked up to her IV food source, I find myself seeking out opportunities for us to get out when she's untethered (in all honesty it shouldn't take a lingering medical problem for me to think this way). Noting that this event was being held at her old office, and I could tell Amy wanted to go, plus the realization that Amy had been feeling better recently all combined to quickly convince me to attend. The fact it was free admittedly played a large role too, since that also dovetails nicely into our current budget.
It was a pleasant enough time, although Amy started to fade and fell victim to the temptation of foods we knew she wouldn't tolerate.
The folks at this office are nice people. They are, for the most part, wealthy people. I don't attend many events where they serve rack of lamb. Actually, this was the first I've ever attended. The wealth is on display, from the office furniture, to the fancy foods, to the wines which were excessively expensive .
These things I could see readily.
It wasn't a very large crowd, and I managed to speak with most of the folks in attendance. Almost all of them work together constantly, yet I saw very little true communication. I certainly didn't have any conversations that I would call meaningful. When the talk did venture into territories more personal, or even simply more thoughtful, I found our fellow guests drifting away.
This was an occasion for display not depth.
A time to marvel at life's fineries, talking up tannins and the subtleties of lamb.
I came away full...and hungry for something more substantive.
Friday night, Amy and I were invited to the law offices where she used to work, for a wine tasting. Since Amy has been hooked up to her IV food source, I find myself seeking out opportunities for us to get out when she's untethered (in all honesty it shouldn't take a lingering medical problem for me to think this way). Noting that this event was being held at her old office, and I could tell Amy wanted to go, plus the realization that Amy had been feeling better recently all combined to quickly convince me to attend. The fact it was free admittedly played a large role too, since that also dovetails nicely into our current budget.
It was a pleasant enough time, although Amy started to fade and fell victim to the temptation of foods we knew she wouldn't tolerate.
The folks at this office are nice people. They are, for the most part, wealthy people. I don't attend many events where they serve rack of lamb. Actually, this was the first I've ever attended. The wealth is on display, from the office furniture, to the fancy foods, to the wines which were excessively expensive .
These things I could see readily.
It wasn't a very large crowd, and I managed to speak with most of the folks in attendance. Almost all of them work together constantly, yet I saw very little true communication. I certainly didn't have any conversations that I would call meaningful. When the talk did venture into territories more personal, or even simply more thoughtful, I found our fellow guests drifting away.
This was an occasion for display not depth.
A time to marvel at life's fineries, talking up tannins and the subtleties of lamb.
I came away full...and hungry for something more substantive.
WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN
When the movie "Bruce Almighty" came out, I remember on several occasions seeing the commercials while watching Spurs games with Christian friends and remarks being made along the lines of, "That looks blasphemous...and funny" or "I feel bad for wanting to go see that movie." Some of my friends were uncomfortable with the idea behind the film, and even more uncomfortable with their attraction to it.
I still haven't seen it.
That's not a theological statement, I haven't seen any movies lately except Seabiscuit. Amy and I rarely go to movies, and we got out of the rental frenzy some time ago when I realized I was renting movies on Netflix just because I wanted to make sure I got my money's worth.
Bruce Almighty is on my mind today because I read where Egypt's media censors have banned the film from being shown there. Egyptian authorities don't like the idea that the movie seems to indicate that everyday people might be able to perform the acts of God. They say it degrades God.
Quite honestly, part of me applauds them for that...I wish we all held God more sacred.
Part of me wants to see the movie too.
When the movie "Bruce Almighty" came out, I remember on several occasions seeing the commercials while watching Spurs games with Christian friends and remarks being made along the lines of, "That looks blasphemous...and funny" or "I feel bad for wanting to go see that movie." Some of my friends were uncomfortable with the idea behind the film, and even more uncomfortable with their attraction to it.
I still haven't seen it.
That's not a theological statement, I haven't seen any movies lately except Seabiscuit. Amy and I rarely go to movies, and we got out of the rental frenzy some time ago when I realized I was renting movies on Netflix just because I wanted to make sure I got my money's worth.
Bruce Almighty is on my mind today because I read where Egypt's media censors have banned the film from being shown there. Egyptian authorities don't like the idea that the movie seems to indicate that everyday people might be able to perform the acts of God. They say it degrades God.
Quite honestly, part of me applauds them for that...I wish we all held God more sacred.
Part of me wants to see the movie too.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
THE ILLUSTRATED WORD
This site is hoping to illustrate every passage of the Bible. It's called Flaming Fire. At least that's what it says. I haven't really been able to get most of the illustrations to show up. Perhaps I'm impatient and it's very slow loading. In any case, they still have a long way to go, but it will be interesting to watch the progress.
This site is hoping to illustrate every passage of the Bible. It's called Flaming Fire. At least that's what it says. I haven't really been able to get most of the illustrations to show up. Perhaps I'm impatient and it's very slow loading. In any case, they still have a long way to go, but it will be interesting to watch the progress.
Friday, November 07, 2003
Thursday, November 06, 2003
HALFISH
I see a lot of ICTHUS symbols on cars. They're everywhere. Little metallic ones, or sometimes decals. Passing declarations of Christianity.
I don't have one.
I always knew the fish symbol represented a Christian, but it wasn't really until I started teaching Sunday school to children that I even understood the history behind it. In all honesty that's why I became a Sunday school teacher. I grew up unchurched, I figured if I taught kids, I could learn too.
I adore the origins of this simple symbol and my imagination runs wild about how it was used long ago. Upon meeting someone on the road, early Christians - often fearing persecution and perhaps not even speaking the same language - would draw out half of the ICTHUS symbol in the dirt. If the person they encountered completed the drawing they knew they were with a brother or sister in Christ.
This had to be a wondrous occurrence....an instant sense of relief. Complete strangers immediately put at ease. A blazing flash of trust. Bonded to each other by God right where they stood. No questions asked.
When I learned about the origins of ICTHUS I knew I couldn't put a metallic fish on my car.
What I really want is this:
A half ICTHUS.
I don't want to be a drive-by Christian.
I crave the engagement of those times of old. Two strangers suddenly fused in faith, casting their theologies aside and knowing that despite many differences, what is truly important is that we are on the same path. A path etched upon common ground.
Unshakeable...solid...Holy ground.
Really does anything more need to be said?
Psalm 25:4
Show me your ways, O Lord , teach me your paths
I see a lot of ICTHUS symbols on cars. They're everywhere. Little metallic ones, or sometimes decals. Passing declarations of Christianity.
I don't have one.
I always knew the fish symbol represented a Christian, but it wasn't really until I started teaching Sunday school to children that I even understood the history behind it. In all honesty that's why I became a Sunday school teacher. I grew up unchurched, I figured if I taught kids, I could learn too.
I adore the origins of this simple symbol and my imagination runs wild about how it was used long ago. Upon meeting someone on the road, early Christians - often fearing persecution and perhaps not even speaking the same language - would draw out half of the ICTHUS symbol in the dirt. If the person they encountered completed the drawing they knew they were with a brother or sister in Christ.
This had to be a wondrous occurrence....an instant sense of relief. Complete strangers immediately put at ease. A blazing flash of trust. Bonded to each other by God right where they stood. No questions asked.
When I learned about the origins of ICTHUS I knew I couldn't put a metallic fish on my car.
What I really want is this:
A half ICTHUS.
I don't want to be a drive-by Christian.
I crave the engagement of those times of old. Two strangers suddenly fused in faith, casting their theologies aside and knowing that despite many differences, what is truly important is that we are on the same path. A path etched upon common ground.
Unshakeable...solid...Holy ground.
Really does anything more need to be said?
Psalm 25:4
Show me your ways, O Lord , teach me your paths
AUCTIONING HOMESTAR
I noticed Joey is auctioning off his Homestar Runner costume on Ebay.
I guess he is learning something in college.
I noticed Joey is auctioning off his Homestar Runner costume on Ebay.
I guess he is learning something in college.
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
WRESTLING
I'm writing under a deadline. Amy wants to get to the church early tonight and make a few stops before hand so she gave me that look when I sat down to write. The look most husbands are familiar with I suppose. It conveys disbelief, dismay, and a certain amount of doubt that I'll be able to do what I set out to accomplish, and still meet the commitments which lay before us in a timely manner.
It's been that type of day. I didn't sleep well, and so of course I was confronted with a crush of events at work, post election stories, a major drug bust, a convenience store robber shot by a police officer. In between there were confused coworkers, stories that needed rewriting, and some unnecessary friction created by folks who should have better things to do. These are things I wrestle with regularly though. In the end I usually find no matter the outcome, I am no worse for wear. Such was the case today. I survived it.
As I sit down to write, Amy is wrestling with Klondike - the big black dog as he has come to be known by children of our friends. Actually she is trying to wrestle away a scrap of cloth Klondike has snagged and is coveting in a manner designed to create jealousy among our smaller dogs. His plan worked. There is havoc aplenty.
The scrap of cloth is actually a piece of some of my old boxer shorts we cut up for dust cloths. There is really no way to adequately describe the din of dogs barking punctuated by the voice of the woman you love saying, "Let go of Dad's underwear!". These pictures can only hint at the cacophony of craziness.
It's been that type of day.
Moments ago, Amy lost the wrestling match. Klondike overpowered her. He snatched the piece of cloth with all his might and swallowed it whole.
Today I wrestled the problems at work and came away victorious, but sometimes you simply have to admit it when you're overmatched. In those cases, like the instance of the eaten undies, I take comfort in remembering that this too shall pass.
I'm writing under a deadline. Amy wants to get to the church early tonight and make a few stops before hand so she gave me that look when I sat down to write. The look most husbands are familiar with I suppose. It conveys disbelief, dismay, and a certain amount of doubt that I'll be able to do what I set out to accomplish, and still meet the commitments which lay before us in a timely manner.
It's been that type of day. I didn't sleep well, and so of course I was confronted with a crush of events at work, post election stories, a major drug bust, a convenience store robber shot by a police officer. In between there were confused coworkers, stories that needed rewriting, and some unnecessary friction created by folks who should have better things to do. These are things I wrestle with regularly though. In the end I usually find no matter the outcome, I am no worse for wear. Such was the case today. I survived it.
As I sit down to write, Amy is wrestling with Klondike - the big black dog as he has come to be known by children of our friends. Actually she is trying to wrestle away a scrap of cloth Klondike has snagged and is coveting in a manner designed to create jealousy among our smaller dogs. His plan worked. There is havoc aplenty.
The scrap of cloth is actually a piece of some of my old boxer shorts we cut up for dust cloths. There is really no way to adequately describe the din of dogs barking punctuated by the voice of the woman you love saying, "Let go of Dad's underwear!". These pictures can only hint at the cacophony of craziness.
It's been that type of day.
Moments ago, Amy lost the wrestling match. Klondike overpowered her. He snatched the piece of cloth with all his might and swallowed it whole.
Today I wrestled the problems at work and came away victorious, but sometimes you simply have to admit it when you're overmatched. In those cases, like the instance of the eaten undies, I take comfort in remembering that this too shall pass.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
THE T IN TIME
The clues are becoming less subtle. I ache a bit more in the mornings when I get up. I have to take my glasses off to read stuff close up. Those were the signs I was expecting, but now new evidence of aging or perhaps maturity has crept into my life without fanfare..
I've become a tea drinker.
I've never been a hot tea drinker...ever.
In South Texas everyone drinks iced tea, if you don't you get deported, but hot tea? I've always thought the only guys who drink hot tea are English. Really the only man who ever looks cool drinking hot tea is that Star Trek Captain and I suspect that's only because he has a gizmo that produces tea out of anti-matter or whatever, "Tea. Hot. Earl Grey."
A few weeks ago, while wrestling with nasty green invaders in my lungs and throat suddenly hot tea seemed like a good idea. I don't know why, but it did. So I made a cup...and fell in love. Now I'm slurping it down like I've won a reward challenge on "Survivor."
I've made many a bad cup of coffee, but tea seems like it was made for me. Drop in the bag, add hot water. Leave it alone and then take out the bag. It's virtually impossible for even me to screw up! Why did it take me so long to discover this?
What else have I been missing?
I was in World Market the other day and realized there are a multitude of teas to try. It was then I saw my future.
This decrepit fat man behind a walker blissfully wandering the aisles of teas, periodically spouting to no one in particular gleeful phrases like, "Orange Pekoe!".
That's if I can read the labels without my glasses of course.
The clues are becoming less subtle. I ache a bit more in the mornings when I get up. I have to take my glasses off to read stuff close up. Those were the signs I was expecting, but now new evidence of aging or perhaps maturity has crept into my life without fanfare..
I've become a tea drinker.
I've never been a hot tea drinker...ever.
In South Texas everyone drinks iced tea, if you don't you get deported, but hot tea? I've always thought the only guys who drink hot tea are English. Really the only man who ever looks cool drinking hot tea is that Star Trek Captain and I suspect that's only because he has a gizmo that produces tea out of anti-matter or whatever, "Tea. Hot. Earl Grey."
A few weeks ago, while wrestling with nasty green invaders in my lungs and throat suddenly hot tea seemed like a good idea. I don't know why, but it did. So I made a cup...and fell in love. Now I'm slurping it down like I've won a reward challenge on "Survivor."
I've made many a bad cup of coffee, but tea seems like it was made for me. Drop in the bag, add hot water. Leave it alone and then take out the bag. It's virtually impossible for even me to screw up! Why did it take me so long to discover this?
What else have I been missing?
I was in World Market the other day and realized there are a multitude of teas to try. It was then I saw my future.
This decrepit fat man behind a walker blissfully wandering the aisles of teas, periodically spouting to no one in particular gleeful phrases like, "Orange Pekoe!".
That's if I can read the labels without my glasses of course.
Monday, November 03, 2003
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY
My wife and kids get a real kick out of Homestarrunner. The Internet cartoon is increasingly popular. I'll be the first to admit that it's one of those things that seemingly every member of my family relishes, and I merely tolerate. Kind of like Monty Python or euchre.
No one is more of a Homestarrunner fan than my stepson, Joey. Hence, his Halloween costume.
A junior in college and he's dressing up as a cartoon character for Halloween. Thank God for the constants in life.
My wife and kids get a real kick out of Homestarrunner. The Internet cartoon is increasingly popular. I'll be the first to admit that it's one of those things that seemingly every member of my family relishes, and I merely tolerate. Kind of like Monty Python or euchre.
No one is more of a Homestarrunner fan than my stepson, Joey. Hence, his Halloween costume.
A junior in college and he's dressing up as a cartoon character for Halloween. Thank God for the constants in life.
TIME LINE
I crossed a time line today. I suppose it's one of those points that most every person crosses eventually in their life.
My new boss was introduced today. He is 29.
Most of my adult life my immediate superiors have always at least been my age, and usually quite a bit older. I've had bosses who were 29 before...but that was when I was 17 or 20. I've never had a boss who still a suckling when I was graduating high school.
I only met him for a second early this morning as he was brought through the newsroom by one of my other, more properly aged, bosses. The immediate buzz in the office was, "Is he old enough to drive? Does he shave yet?"
Later, I had the opportunity to spend more time with him and see how he handled himself. He stood before the entire staff and took our questions. He's sharp, very focused, obviously driven and blunt.
I was impressed, and that's good -- first impressions do count.
However, I'll have to see how he stands up to the test of time.
I crossed a time line today. I suppose it's one of those points that most every person crosses eventually in their life.
My new boss was introduced today. He is 29.
Most of my adult life my immediate superiors have always at least been my age, and usually quite a bit older. I've had bosses who were 29 before...but that was when I was 17 or 20. I've never had a boss who still a suckling when I was graduating high school.
I only met him for a second early this morning as he was brought through the newsroom by one of my other, more properly aged, bosses. The immediate buzz in the office was, "Is he old enough to drive? Does he shave yet?"
Later, I had the opportunity to spend more time with him and see how he handled himself. He stood before the entire staff and took our questions. He's sharp, very focused, obviously driven and blunt.
I was impressed, and that's good -- first impressions do count.
However, I'll have to see how he stands up to the test of time.
Sunday, November 02, 2003
A TIME AND PLACE
Cowboys, chaos, children and Cincinnati chili. The components of Sunday afternoon. It was nice.
My littlest dog is competing for my attention now, jumping in my lap with a rag in her teeth. She growls to convey her insistence that I grab hold of the rag's other end and play tug of war.
Amy is calling from downstairs. Our guests have left and now we have a few moments to ourselves before the realities of Monday begin to poke over the horizon.
There is a time to write...this is not one of them.
Cowboys, chaos, children and Cincinnati chili. The components of Sunday afternoon. It was nice.
My littlest dog is competing for my attention now, jumping in my lap with a rag in her teeth. She growls to convey her insistence that I grab hold of the rag's other end and play tug of war.
Amy is calling from downstairs. Our guests have left and now we have a few moments to ourselves before the realities of Monday begin to poke over the horizon.
There is a time to write...this is not one of them.
Saturday, November 01, 2003
GOOD NIGHT
Just got back from attending my first Spurs game of the season. I was able to take a new friend who's going through a tough time. Amy graciously watched his three kids. The Spurs looked a little ragged. My conversations with my new friend were also a bit forced at times. His divorce papers come in Monday. New job. New apartment. Many new adjustments.
I have faith in the Spurs.
I have faith in God and that He will use me to help this new friend.
The Spurs won, without my help.
But tonight I hope Amy and I helped the team that needed us most.
Just got back from attending my first Spurs game of the season. I was able to take a new friend who's going through a tough time. Amy graciously watched his three kids. The Spurs looked a little ragged. My conversations with my new friend were also a bit forced at times. His divorce papers come in Monday. New job. New apartment. Many new adjustments.
I have faith in the Spurs.
I have faith in God and that He will use me to help this new friend.
The Spurs won, without my help.
But tonight I hope Amy and I helped the team that needed us most.
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