Supper

Wife still not feeling strong. Last night my daughter made blueberry pancakes for our supper. Tonight for supper it was me and the two boys. They had grinders from Subway and I had broccoli in garlic sauce from the Hong Kong Star (#82 on their menu). Tomorrow I'm going to make a quasi-Mexican dish from one of our cookbooks called Recipes from the Flock.

Good Health

I had to leave work early to take my wife to see her doctor because of a severe case of food poisoning. I don't remember ever seeing her so weak. Mercifuly, the waits (doctor's office, lab and pharmacy) weren't long and everyone was pleasant and helpful.

This is not the first time that it has been remarkably apparent that one's health can change in an hour, a minute, a heartbeat. The circumstances of our lives are most certainly not under our control, no matter how many things we do to try to "manage" our lives.

How human and how silly to think that we, in our frailty, can somehow control our lives and destinies. But...it's a common enough belief none the less- maybe because the recognition of our inability to control our lives might lead one to admit that one must therefore rely on God, the only one who does have the power to control. The Lord be praised for his merciful Providence.

Lighthouse Keepers

It was October when we lived in Rose Island Lighthouse for a week as "keepers." The weather was interesting because the changes were frequent and sometimes sudden. Fog patches would sometimes hide the large suspension bridge (see photo), except for the concrete abutments extending below the bridge into the water and there would be sunshine and blue sky above the bridge. A few minutes later, after a change of wind direction, the entire bridge would "emerge" bathed in sunshine. Then, not long after, the entire bridge would disappear in fog.

At one time, although we couldn't see it because of a fog bank, a large ocean-going passenger ship had anchored just to the south of the island. Before the fog came in, the anchorage had been empty- just open water between us and the mainland. When the fog was swept away this skyscraper sized vessel just appeared- seeming almost "on top of us-" a good arm could have hit it with a baseball. She had anchored in the fog and we hadn't heard a sound.

Psalm

The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.

The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea- the Lord on high is mighty.

Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house for endless days, O Lord .

Misquamicut

We spent the morning at Misquamicut enjoying the surf and sea breeze. (It was Mom and Dad's day to do something together by ourselves.) The sun was a little too hot by mid-day; a few weeks from now it will be perfect.

After a simple lunch (and jump-starting the car) we did some bird watching at a nearby park. All we saw was a Belted Kingfisher, but the park was quiet and the time was enjoyable.

It Wasn't a Day in the Park

Spent hours today trying to solve a computer problem. We recently upgraded to a DSL connection, but something's gone kafluie (is that a word?) and we keep having to reboot to restore the connection. Aren't computers supposed to be time savers?

Autumn Campfire

We had some excellent fellowship tonight. G & J had us over for an early fall campfire in their backyard. Much has happened in their lives since the last time we were together and they are facing big changes. They are trusting God with their future through it all.

The best of the best is when Christians can be open and real with each other. It is so refreshing to hear believers talk of the challenges of life with honesty and without pretense. It gives us the freedom to do the same.

One of the ways scripture describes this is, "bearing one another's burdens." Notice the wording of that phrase- it presumes that there are burdens.

With their family moving to Wisconsin, we won't have too many chances for this kind of time with them in the days ahead, but we're thankful that the Lord brought them our way for a while. And whatever opportunities we have to stay in touch will be a blessing.

Lunch With Evan

We met at the Cozy Corner at 11:30, to beat the lunch crowd. My Spanish omelet was OK, not great, and he said his clam strip sandwich was good; the waitress was a little snooty. Hard to conceive he'll be 20 in less than a year- a young man, in every sense. I was so pleased he wanted to have lunch with me and that he is relaxed and comfortable when we're together.

I'm grateful to God that he's given me the wisdom to understand the importance of investing time into relationships, especially family. Having time to be together, away from the demands and issues that family life inevitably involves, allows us to experience the sweetness of being with a loved one- no decisions to make or problems to solve or work to do- at least for an hour. While driving back to work I had the realization and sensation that I care about him so much that it almost hurts.

Apologetics

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a conference on Christian apologetics with a friend. There were several world renowned speakers. Norman Geisler made the greatest impression on me- he certainly is one of the most intelligent people I have ever heard and he was humble- a rare combination.

The truth of Jesus Christ is certain- anyone who will inquire with an open mind will find satisfactory and reasonable answers. The problem is not the human mind- it is the human heart.

The Lord be praised that he opened my eyes- I couldn't, or wouldn't, myself.

The Great Thing

The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s “own” or “real” life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life- the life God is sending one day by day: what one calls one’s “real life” is a phantom of one’s own imagination. (C. S. Lewis)

Reunion

Yesterday we went to Dino's, an Italian restaurant in Worcester. We had dinner with my three cousins and an aunt and uncle and some other folks- about twelve of us. We haven't kept in touch even though we're not that far from each other. We last saw each other a little over a year ago at my cousin's wife's funeral.

I had contacted them all a couple of months ago and we were able to arrange a date for dinner- my cousin David did most of the legwork. Hopefully, we'll be able to do this on a regular basis and see each other at times other than just funerals.

They are all very sociable and easy to be with and they love to visit over food, like most Italian folks. When we left the restaurant about 5:00 we turned on the radio and got the bad news about the Red Sox losing to the Yankees by ten runs- for the second day in a row...what can you do?

The Rock (Pt. 2)

Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

A “double cure” for sin is what was (is) needed. A “double cure” is what was provided, although not much is said about that today in some circles.

Does the fact that I can never be a perfect husband release me from the obligation to strive to be a better husband? The relevant fact is, my wife would love me even if I weren't striving to be a better husband. That fact compels me to do all I can to be a better husband to her, pathetic though my efforts can be.

Shouldn't it be the same way with the Lord?

The Pulley

THE PULLEY
by George Herbert (1593-1632)

When God at first made Man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by--
Let us (said He) pour on him all we can;
Let the world's riches, which dispers'd lie,
Contract into a span.

So strength first made a way,
Then beauty flow'd, then wisdom, honour, pleasure:
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that, alone of all His treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.

For if I should (said He)
Bestow this jewel also on My creature,
He would adore My gifts instead of Me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:
So both should losers be.

Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to My breast.

It Was a Long Day, but Fun

We left after lunch (half a roast beef sandwich, corn on the cob, macaroni salad and iced tea), drove to the Mass Pike and took the Fenway Park/Prudential Center exit. Immediately off the exit we entered the Pru Center parking garage, where they offer $10 parking on game days if you have a ticket stub. Then we walked down Boylston St. and then over to Commonwealth Ave. and into and through the Public Gardens.

Then left onto Charles St. and right onto Cambridge St. where we found a Middle Eastern restaurant that we've enjoyed before (somewhat disappointing this time, though). After an early supper we grabbed a cab to the ballpark. Rob from Torrington met me there and he bought our extra ticket. (Him: "When we meet I'll be wearing a tee shirt that says "Jason Varitek" on the back and "33" on the front, khaki shorts and a floppy hat that says, "London." Me to him: "I'll be wearing a navy sweatshirt that says, "Connecticut" and a Sox hat with a red top and a blue brim.)

Into the park for finding seats and watching batting practice and the game.

Result: Red Sox 8, Devil Rays 6. Tim Wakefield had a rough outing, but the bull pen did it's job.

Got home about 1:15 am.

Fenway Tomorrow

Well...we'll be at Fenway again tomorrow- the last time this season. Could this be the season? Tens of thousands across New England (and the world?) have their fondest hopes and dreams invested again with the heroes of the Fens.

Even if this is not the year, there'll still be magic at the intersection of Lansdowne St., Yawkey Way and Brookline Ave., within a stone's throw of Kenmore Square. The Kenmore Sq. Uno's restaurant will be overflowing with the faithful and their energy.

Should we ever live elsewhere, will there ever be found baseball magic like that of the Hub? Frankly, I doubt it. Even the Bronx, with it's history and heritage, just doesn't have what the Boston fans have (they don't have the Boston fans, either).

For this game we have an extra ticket. I posted it on eBay and a fellow from Torrington is going to meet me at Gate A to buy it between 5:15 and 5:30. (The gates open two hours before gametime.) Like us, he wants to be there early to soak it all up.

It should be a good day.

Sunday at the Pond

Yesterday we spent most of the day at a campground at a local pond. It was a perfect early fall day. The sky and water, being mostly surrounded by trees, were beautiful. There were about 250 people there for a baptism and cookout. I think there were seven (all adults) who were baptized.

One woman joyfully spoke out about her new faith in Christ and her desire to repent. I think she had come via an outreach called Alpha. It was very quiet after she said it, but I think that many Kleenexes and handkerchiefs were needed.

Some of the “Alpha folks” have been through much hardship- dysfunctionality, addictions, etc. - not what most people would think of as “church-going folk.” How nice is was that they felt welcomed and how nice that they were made to feel welcome.

One of my favorite definitions of Christian is “a beggar telling other beggars where to find bread.”

Better Promises

My email moniker is "betterpromises."

"Why?" you ask, "What does it mean?"

"Good question," I reply, "it's from Hebrews 8:6, which says: 'But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.'"

"OK; but I don't get it," you say.

I try to explain, "I'm not an expert on this, but you see- Jesus' ministry is superior to the ministry of the High Priests who served at the Temple and the New Covenant is superior to the Old Covenant. Remember? He said, 'This is the new covenant in my blood.'"

A Little Knowledge

"A little or superficial knowledge of philosophy may incline the mind of man to atheism, but a further proceeding therein doth bring the mind of man back again." -Francis Bacon, The Advancement of Learning

Crown Prep

This morning at 8 I was at the dentist. From 8 to 9:30 he worked on a tooth that needs a crown. I'm not good with dental work, in fact, I had to change to this dentist because my previous one couldn't get me numb enough. For several years things were not good. This fellow was recommended by Debbie in the business office at work, and he is super. He's younger (30's) but is the best dentist I've ever had.

At this stage of life, a good dentist is a necessity- believe me.

CT Scan Update

It wasn't an MRI, it was a CT scan. More importantly, the results were good and we have a follow-up visit soon just to make sure. Yesterday was one of those scary days that most parents experience. Being the first week of classes at work it was very busy anyway. Prayer group today was interesting. One person is having a mariad of difficulties and not reacting well...the rest of us we able to share from our past experiences that have been trying before praying. I hope it helps. The key seems to be a willingness to yield to God- yielding one's life and accepting the circumstances that he sends our way. To resist or try to maintain "control" of circumstances that cannot be controlled (by us) is natural, but not the answer. Faith in God's promises is the only way.

Unscheduled MRI

Today we had to take my youngest son for an unscheduled MRI. No news yet; more later.

The Far Side of the World

I'm reading "The Far Side of the World," by Patrick O'Brien. It's one of the series about Capt. Jack Aubrey, a Royal Navy officer of the early 1800's. Parts of the book were used in a recent movie, but the vast majority of it were not in the movie. It is quite interesting if you like historical fiction and especially, detailed historical fiction.

There's quite a bit of nautical jargon that's not essential to the plot for the most part. I find it interesting and so I got a companion reference called, "Sea of Words," so I can get definitions for the nautical terms and also the other words that had particular meaning for that period of history.

I'm a slow reader so I only read 5-10 pages a night and it can take weeks and even months to finish a book. Maybe that's why I don't finish a book unless I like it a lot. It doesn't bother me a bit to put a book down after ten pages or ten chapters, if I decide I'm not enjoying it. Another reason it can take a while is that I'm usually reading 2-3 books at a time- going from one to another every few days.

Talking and Listening

"When you talk you only repeat what you already know, but if you listen you may learn something." -Amish Proverb

Reservations

Yesterday and today I made several calls to make hotel reservations for later this fall. My daughter has her turn to go on an "overnight" with me this year. Her choice was NYC and a visit to the Met (the museum, not the opera). I had tried for mid-October, but the place we wanted to say at was full. So we'll be going in mid-November. Even then the weather should be fine because November can be mild.

She also wants to go to a movie. New York is the only place I've been where people have a habit of reading in the theater while waiting for the movie to start- I always think of that when we discuss attending a movie in the city. (New Yorkers have another interesting behavior- carrying umbrellas in the snow. That doesn't happen anywhere else in the northeast, or anywhere in the US, as far as I know. It's kind of silly since snow doesn't usually get your clothes wet.)

Saturday Ramblings

The Red Sox have won ten in a row and are giving the Yankees fits- you could say that the "shoe is on the other foot," at least for now. It's still kind of muggy today although the last couple of days were perfect- 70's, dry and sunny. My oldest son is at work (he's a part-time EMT in a city about 45 miles away). My daughter went shopping this morning and is at work now at the local CVS. And my youngest son is chumming around with some neighborhood buddies. I got my part of the lawn mowed earlier this week, so I didn't have to do that today. It's a rare sort of Saturday since I don't have a long list of things to get done in the yard and house.

Wife and I took a walk around 7:30 am and then ate bagels and tea on the deck with the paper before the kids got up. There were two cukes ready for picking and we put a new bouquet of zinnias on the kitchen table. The previous bunch had lasted more than a week. At 11 I gave my youngest son his weekly guitar lesson- he's about to complete the first volume of the Mel Bay series. He's using the same book I used about 38 years ago, but for volume two I'll get him a new copy. My mother will be over tomorrow for lunch and we'll cook outside. She's bringing some cherrystone clams that I'll cook on the grill; everyone likes them, but me.

Some Things Just Don't Mix

This is an interesting thought from A.W. Tozer, called "Distinguishing What is Caesar's and What is God's."

"Then he said to them, 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Matthew 22:21). One thing must be kept in mind: We Christians are Christians first and everything else after that. Our first allegiance is to the kingdom of God. Our citizenship is in heaven. We are grateful for political freedom. We thank God for democracy as a way of life. But we never forget that we are sons of God and citizens of another city whose builder and maker is God.

For this reason, we must not identify the gospel with any political system or make Christianity to be synonymous with any form of government, however noble. Christ stands alone, above and outside of every ideology devised by man. He does not join any of our parties or take sides with any of our great men except as they may come over on His side and try to follow Him in righteousness and true holiness. Then He is for them, but only as individuals, never as leaders of some political faction.

The true Christian will be loyal to his country and obedient to those in authority, but he will never fall into the error of confusing his own national culture with Christianity. Christianity is bigger than any country, loftier than any civilization, broader than any human ideology.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

"Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)

This is a sober admonition. Christ set the example and we are to do as he did. How often "opportunities" go by unseen, never mind making the most of them. How many times each day do I have chances to do and be what Christ purchased me to be?

His patience with me is not deserved, but it is mine nonetheless- over and over again. This is humbling. It's his patience and love for me that makes me want to be what he wants me to be. The journey seems to be longer with each (small) step I take, as each step allows me to see how very far I have to go.