Because the word-verification system made it hard for my mom to
comment on my blog, I removed it. Whoa -- I started seeing spammy
comments that seldom made it through when the captcha was operating. So
now my blog is set to require my approval of any comments before they
appear online.
Yowza! My mailbox is filling up with
spam. There are more ad-comments submitted than real comments. Most of
them try to flatter me into approving their comments. And the English
is atrocious. It can be funny how bad it is.
Some examples:
~I like what I see so i am just adhering to you.
Band-aids?
~Hello! Your article rocks as well as becoming a
respectable amazing realize!??
Well, who'd want a "realize" which isn't respectable?
~It is the best time to make some plans for the
future and it is time to be happy. I have read this put up and if I may I wish to recommend you few fascinating
issues or advice.
A put up?
And I see he has only a few fascinating issues to recommend.
~Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as
long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours.
So
this one has proper English. But the link being advertised later in
the comment had nothing whatsoever to do with anything I write about.
Do some people fall for this line?
~I thіnk thiѕ iѕ among the such a lot impoгtant
info for me.
Huh?
~Preserve up the terrific works men I've
incorporated you fellas to my private blogroll.
Huh? again.
~I personally experienced a number of intricacies
employing this website.
I became asking yourself when your website hosting is OK?
I have no idea what it is to "experience intricacies." And there's no telling what word "became" was confused for.
The spam-for-smut annoys me. But some of the rest of it can be a hoot.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Sad Children
As I was checking out of the grocery store today, a woman was sitting nearby, holding a sobbing child. A couple of people inquired if there were anything they could do to help, but the response was a gentle and caring "Thank you, but she's just having a bad day." I assumed the little girl was having a tantrum because mom didn't buy the cookies she wanted, or it was getting to be naptime and the child was having a meltdown. You know -- nothing to be concerned about. Something that all parents cope with.
By the time my groceries were loaded into the car and I'd returned my cart, the sniffling preschooler and the woman were walking out to their car parked next to mine. Turns out the child wanted her mommy! And the woman was assuring her that she'd "see Mommy after she's done working."
We think it's normal and acceptable for mommies to leave their children to go to work. Yes, sometimes it's necessary. But the child's tears should teach us something.
By the time my groceries were loaded into the car and I'd returned my cart, the sniffling preschooler and the woman were walking out to their car parked next to mine. Turns out the child wanted her mommy! And the woman was assuring her that she'd "see Mommy after she's done working."
We think it's normal and acceptable for mommies to leave their children to go to work. Yes, sometimes it's necessary. But the child's tears should teach us something.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Valentine's Day
So, I anticipate seeing Facebook posts and blogposts about the wonderful dinners y'all ate and the fun things you did to celebrate. Our Valentine's Day solidifies the proof that we are aging and practical fuddy-duddies.
I was planning to take Andrew* to urgent care, but was lucky to find our doctor had an opening in the morning. This was followed by a trip to the pharmacist. Gary had a bad day at work. I fell asleep mid-afternoon reading schoolwork with Maggie. Supper was beans and cornbread. No chocolate, no cake, no cookies, no treats -- we can't being doin' sugar when we're still fighting off the germies. (When will this end and we're no longer treading on the edge of the cliff?)
We did, however, go to our dance class. Dancing. For Valentine's Day. At least that 50 minutes of the day sounds decidedly romantic. Truth be told, it was more exercise than beautiful dancing. But we'll go with romantic. It sounds better that way.
* Footnote: Nasty ear infection. It's improving, and he probably will have managed to avoid a ruptured eardrum.
I was planning to take Andrew* to urgent care, but was lucky to find our doctor had an opening in the morning. This was followed by a trip to the pharmacist. Gary had a bad day at work. I fell asleep mid-afternoon reading schoolwork with Maggie. Supper was beans and cornbread. No chocolate, no cake, no cookies, no treats -- we can't being doin' sugar when we're still fighting off the germies. (When will this end and we're no longer treading on the edge of the cliff?)
We did, however, go to our dance class. Dancing. For Valentine's Day. At least that 50 minutes of the day sounds decidedly romantic. Truth be told, it was more exercise than beautiful dancing. But we'll go with romantic. It sounds better that way.
* Footnote: Nasty ear infection. It's improving, and he probably will have managed to avoid a ruptured eardrum.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Vote Next Tuesday
Next Tuesday (February 19) is the primary for Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice.
1) There's a clear difference in the candidates.
2) The court is currently divided 4-3, with the "4th" being the seat that's contested this spring. This election will determine the court majority.
3) Pat Roggensack (the incumbent) has voted in a more conservative, "strict constructionist" direction. Her opponents are more of the "big government" variety.
VOTE on Tuesday!
Put it on your calendar.
Or go "early vote" this week.
Vote Roggensack.
(PS: Katie, you've also got a primary for Assemblyman. We'll bring the paper's interviews with the candidates to church. Although newspaper comparisons seldom give me the information I want.)
1) There's a clear difference in the candidates.
2) The court is currently divided 4-3, with the "4th" being the seat that's contested this spring. This election will determine the court majority.
3) Pat Roggensack (the incumbent) has voted in a more conservative, "strict constructionist" direction. Her opponents are more of the "big government" variety.
VOTE on Tuesday!
Put it on your calendar.
Or go "early vote" this week.
Vote Roggensack.
(PS: Katie, you've also got a primary for Assemblyman. We'll bring the paper's interviews with the candidates to church. Although newspaper comparisons seldom give me the information I want.)
Friday, February 08, 2013
Update
I miss Gary. He's been in Illinois 11 days of the last month. His dad fell a week ago and had repair-surgery last weekend. Today he moved into the nursing home for therapy. Gary was there to help with the transition and to get more detail-stuff wrapped up.
Snow, snow, snow. As tired as we've been recently, I am SO thankful for the snow-blower.
I whipped up two Real Meals [whole foods; made from scratch] this week, things that were quick and easy, and earned two nights full of compliments from the satisfied diners. Oh no, I'm building up their expectations again ....
I love sitting down and reading Anne with Maggie. It's so pleasant and I wish there weren't so many responsibilities that get in the way. Maggie has been doing much more, though, to help with chores and projects recently.
When you're regularly in a public place (uh, that would be at work) you get spoiled by the warmth. Then 67 feels mighty cold at home.
I'm ready for July.
Snow, snow, snow. As tired as we've been recently, I am SO thankful for the snow-blower.
I whipped up two Real Meals [whole foods; made from scratch] this week, things that were quick and easy, and earned two nights full of compliments from the satisfied diners. Oh no, I'm building up their expectations again ....
I love sitting down and reading Anne with Maggie. It's so pleasant and I wish there weren't so many responsibilities that get in the way. Maggie has been doing much more, though, to help with chores and projects recently.
When you're regularly in a public place (uh, that would be at work) you get spoiled by the warmth. Then 67 feels mighty cold at home.
I'm ready for July.
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Rotten Potatoes
That distinctive odor. I can smell it in the pantry as soon as it starts. So you grab the bag of potatoes, dump them all out, and find the one that's starting to decay.
So does anybody know how to avoid getting a bag with a rotten potato? I look the bags over before I choose one to put in my grocery cart. My nose theoretically could sniff it out, but when I'm in the produce section by the potatoes, I always smell rotten ones. How do you know which bags are clean and which have an on-their-way-to-putrid specimen?
So does anybody know how to avoid getting a bag with a rotten potato? I look the bags over before I choose one to put in my grocery cart. My nose theoretically could sniff it out, but when I'm in the produce section by the potatoes, I always smell rotten ones. How do you know which bags are clean and which have an on-their-way-to-putrid specimen?
Monday, February 04, 2013
Glorifying God
Glory.
Big shiny powerfulness?
Mighty awesomeness?
Pastor's always saying that God's glory is in His love, in His self-sacrifice, in His condescension for the sake of saving us. Jesus is always talking about "His hour" to be glorified, and it turns out to be His suffering, death, and resurrection.
And there's the wrestling within me: Is His glory really about His suffering and death? Isn't it about whoopin' the devil and triumphing in the resurrection and ascension? Isn't His death just something to "get past" on the way to real glory?
But look at what happens a few weeks later. The disciples are out fishing and they see Jesus on the shore. They bring the boats back to land and eat breakfast with Jesus. Then Peter and Jesus go for that little walk and have that little chat: "Simon, do you love Me?" And the story ends with Jesus description of what would happen to Peter near the end of his life. And then,
"This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God" (John 21:19).
Excuse me?
Peter's death would do what?
Glorify God?
Hmmm. Puts a new spin on what "glory" is, huh?
Big shiny powerfulness?
Mighty awesomeness?
Pastor's always saying that God's glory is in His love, in His self-sacrifice, in His condescension for the sake of saving us. Jesus is always talking about "His hour" to be glorified, and it turns out to be His suffering, death, and resurrection.
And there's the wrestling within me: Is His glory really about His suffering and death? Isn't it about whoopin' the devil and triumphing in the resurrection and ascension? Isn't His death just something to "get past" on the way to real glory?
But look at what happens a few weeks later. The disciples are out fishing and they see Jesus on the shore. They bring the boats back to land and eat breakfast with Jesus. Then Peter and Jesus go for that little walk and have that little chat: "Simon, do you love Me?" And the story ends with Jesus description of what would happen to Peter near the end of his life. And then,
"This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God" (John 21:19).
Excuse me?
Peter's death would do what?
Glorify God?
Hmmm. Puts a new spin on what "glory" is, huh?
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Knots in the Neck
Those pains in the neck? I'm too tall; our back massager cannot reach them. As I sat reading to Maggie, I tried contorting into weird positions, slumping down, anything so that the massager could hit parts of my neck. I kept wishing there was a way to make it work.
And the next night, I walk into Aldi for produce and, lo and behold, they had a neck massager. Not only Aldi-priced, but clearance priced. Less than the co-pay for one doctor/chiropractor visit. I nabbed it. It was a hasty decision. I detest hasty decisions! But boy oh boy, that little contraption sure does help.
And the next night, I walk into Aldi for produce and, lo and behold, they had a neck massager. Not only Aldi-priced, but clearance priced. Less than the co-pay for one doctor/chiropractor visit. I nabbed it. It was a hasty decision. I detest hasty decisions! But boy oh boy, that little contraption sure does help.
Saturday, February 02, 2013
"You Will NOT Believe the Day I Had at Work"
"Bear one another's burdens" really has a lot more to do with forgiving one another's sins than it does with psycho-social "support." And yet, today I am befuddled as to what people do when they live alone.
It was "one of those days" at work. Boring and slow for three hours. And then, wham! Bam! Ka-phlooey! In the midst of the frenziedonslaught rush of the final half-hour, I had two naughty customers, asking for complex and/or not-kosher transactions.
The whole drive home, I was thinking of how Gary wasn't there to TALK TO about it. I told myself that I shouldn't regale Maggie with all the gory details. After all, she had to listen to way more than she bargained for when I arrived home from work on Thursday. But I couldn't help spilling it all onto Maggie. And then Katie came over to visit, and I rehashed some of it.
Gary comes home from work and often has to spill his day too.
This seems like a normal thing. But what happens if you go home and there's nobody there to TELL? Does it sit and eat away at your insides? Do you phone a friend or your mom? Do you tell the dog?
It was "one of those days" at work. Boring and slow for three hours. And then, wham! Bam! Ka-phlooey! In the midst of the frenzied
The whole drive home, I was thinking of how Gary wasn't there to TALK TO about it. I told myself that I shouldn't regale Maggie with all the gory details. After all, she had to listen to way more than she bargained for when I arrived home from work on Thursday. But I couldn't help spilling it all onto Maggie. And then Katie came over to visit, and I rehashed some of it.
Gary comes home from work and often has to spill his day too.
This seems like a normal thing. But what happens if you go home and there's nobody there to TELL? Does it sit and eat away at your insides? Do you phone a friend or your mom? Do you tell the dog?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Non-Dairy Brownies
If you can't have butter, and if you're trying to turn cocoa powder into fudgy brownies, this worked superbly!
13x9" recipe
1.5 cups white flour
2 cups sugar
10 Tbsp cocoa
1 tsp salt
1 cup coconut oil or olive oil (solid, not melted)
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup nuts (if you're not allergic to them)
recipe for 28-35 sq-inches
(I used a a small serving dish for veggies.
A 6" skillet would also work.)
3/8 cup flour (that is, 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp)
1/2 cup sugar
2.5 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil or coconut oil
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
Put all ingredients into a bowl. Mix.
Beat for another 3 minutes.
Bake a 13x9 at 350 for 30 minutes,
or the tiny pan for about 25 minutes.
Katie, even Dad liked these ... even with the coconutty taste. The texture is just as nice as when made with butter. They're not crumbly. They're not dry. Maggie told me not to eat the whole pan. I didn't -- not the whole pan. I'm still thinking I should give this recipe a try with chilled olive oil, but that experiment hasn't happened yet.
Update from the following day:
We experimented with olive oil instead of coconut oil. The brownies turned out even better! I measured the olive oil, poured it into a small bowl, and then refrigerated it until it was a soft solid. The brownies had a lovely fudgy texture, but without the coconut taste of yesterday's experiment.
13x9" recipe
1.5 cups white flour
2 cups sugar
10 Tbsp cocoa
1 tsp salt
1 cup coconut oil or olive oil (solid, not melted)
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup nuts (if you're not allergic to them)
recipe for 28-35 sq-inches
(I used a a small serving dish for veggies.
A 6" skillet would also work.)
3/8 cup flour (that is, 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp)
1/2 cup sugar
2.5 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil or coconut oil
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
Put all ingredients into a bowl. Mix.
Beat for another 3 minutes.
Bake a 13x9 at 350 for 30 minutes,
or the tiny pan for about 25 minutes.
Katie, even Dad liked these ... even with the coconutty taste. The texture is just as nice as when made with butter. They're not crumbly. They're not dry. Maggie told me not to eat the whole pan. I didn't -- not the whole pan. I'm still thinking I should give this recipe a try with chilled olive oil, but that experiment hasn't happened yet.
Update from the following day:
We experimented with olive oil instead of coconut oil. The brownies turned out even better! I measured the olive oil, poured it into a small bowl, and then refrigerated it until it was a soft solid. The brownies had a lovely fudgy texture, but without the coconut taste of yesterday's experiment.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Babushkas
I think those Russian women had it figured out. They got old and wore their babushkas. Who would see their thinning hair turning grey? It was covered by the ever-present scarf. They didn't have to figure out what to do with their old-lady hair.
Somehow, I suspect wearing a head scarf at work would not be part of "professional attire."
(Can you guess that I'm still trying to figure out whether to let the hair grow long again, keep it as is, or try something even shorter?!!)
Somehow, I suspect wearing a head scarf at work would not be part of "professional attire."
(Can you guess that I'm still trying to figure out whether to let the hair grow long again, keep it as is, or try something even shorter?!!)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
The Devil's Temptation of Jesus
Pastor pointed out this morning:
In Luke 4, the devil quotes Psalm 91 to Jesus, saying that He can jump off the roof of the temple because, after all, the angels will guard Him and keep Him safe. But then, later in chapter 4, when the folks of Nazareth are all hacked off at Jesus for preaching gracious words and decide to throw Him off the cliff, He just walks away from them. How? Who knows? But the angels did guard Him in all His ways lest He dash His foot against a stone.
In Luke 4, the devil quotes Psalm 91 to Jesus, saying that He can jump off the roof of the temple because, after all, the angels will guard Him and keep Him safe. But then, later in chapter 4, when the folks of Nazareth are all hacked off at Jesus for preaching gracious words and decide to throw Him off the cliff, He just walks away from them. How? Who knows? But the angels did guard Him in all His ways lest He dash His foot against a stone.
Saturday
Maggie and I decided to take Gary to Discovery World before our membership runs out. I love the aquarium there.
Things I noticed:
~ I hate how tired I get at museums these days. The kids and I used to enjoy spending a whole long luxurious day at a museum. Now, two hours and I'm done.
~ When we walked past the heat sensor, my nose was blue. Seriously? Maggie's and Gary's noses were, y'know, alive and warm. My nose showed as blue (thus, COLD) as my glasses. Gary put his hand on my nose and said, "Oh, wow, your nose IS cold!" Also, my finger with nerve damage and poor circulation showed bluer than the rest of my fingers.
~ We went in "the Hive" (which shows 3-D images-in-motion of different things) to see the Roman Colosseum. The narrator explained how, with these computer models, it's better than being there in real life. The reasoning that a) we can replicate what it was like originally instead of what it is now, and b) we're not adding wear-&-tear to the ruins that remain. Okay, I see the point. But c'mon, "better than being there in real life"???
~ I spent more time noticing women's hair styles than I spent investigating science.
~ Children at the museum seem more well-behaved on Saturdays (with their parents) than on weekdays (with their school classes).
While downtown, we used a gift certificate to eat at Buca di Beppo. Phenomenal food! What surprised us was the decorating. So many pictures of Italian guys, singers and ball-players and actors and the pope. But also photos of women that we were embarrassed to see: boobs, boobs, cleavage, and boobs. Yikes! The grievous part of the dining experience was that we left our doggie-bags on the table. Argh! That food was so awesome, and we didn't bring the leftovers home. Woe!
I fell asleep on the couch by 8:00. When I crawled into bed, I set the alarm for 7:15 "just in case." I knew I'd be up early. I wasn't; the alarm woke me. We had to skip first service and go to late. Maggie caught the stomach-ick that has been going around; she was up sick through the night and stayed home from church.
As nice as our day together was, I'm thinking that it was more than our bodies were ready to take.
That's pitiful.
Things I noticed:
~ I hate how tired I get at museums these days. The kids and I used to enjoy spending a whole long luxurious day at a museum. Now, two hours and I'm done.
~ When we walked past the heat sensor, my nose was blue. Seriously? Maggie's and Gary's noses were, y'know, alive and warm. My nose showed as blue (thus, COLD) as my glasses. Gary put his hand on my nose and said, "Oh, wow, your nose IS cold!" Also, my finger with nerve damage and poor circulation showed bluer than the rest of my fingers.
~ We went in "the Hive" (which shows 3-D images-in-motion of different things) to see the Roman Colosseum. The narrator explained how, with these computer models, it's better than being there in real life. The reasoning that a) we can replicate what it was like originally instead of what it is now, and b) we're not adding wear-&-tear to the ruins that remain. Okay, I see the point. But c'mon, "better than being there in real life"???
~ I spent more time noticing women's hair styles than I spent investigating science.
~ Children at the museum seem more well-behaved on Saturdays (with their parents) than on weekdays (with their school classes).
While downtown, we used a gift certificate to eat at Buca di Beppo. Phenomenal food! What surprised us was the decorating. So many pictures of Italian guys, singers and ball-players and actors and the pope. But also photos of women that we were embarrassed to see: boobs, boobs, cleavage, and boobs. Yikes! The grievous part of the dining experience was that we left our doggie-bags on the table. Argh! That food was so awesome, and we didn't bring the leftovers home. Woe!
I fell asleep on the couch by 8:00. When I crawled into bed, I set the alarm for 7:15 "just in case." I knew I'd be up early. I wasn't; the alarm woke me. We had to skip first service and go to late. Maggie caught the stomach-ick that has been going around; she was up sick through the night and stayed home from church.
As nice as our day together was, I'm thinking that it was more than our bodies were ready to take.
That's pitiful.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Recent Doings
Three days in a row at home.
Oh, it's a beautiful thing!
After two and a half months of working extra days every week, we made a trip to Illinois to visit parents. The next week was Christmas shopping, Christmas decorating, and napping to ward off the impending illness. The next week was Christmas and all the fun of visitors and extra Services. The next week was the exhaustion of defeating the ice dams. The next week I expected to be driving to Illinois again and arranged all plans around that. But the trip was delayed by a day, so Gary traveled by himself.
While there, his mom passed away. He was blessed to have had the opportunity to talk to her, reminding her of her baptism and the forgiveness that Jesus bestows on her, and to thank her for all she did for him, especially bringing him to the Lord. He helped his dad with arrangements for a couple of days, came home for two days, and then we all turned around and traveled back for the funeral. I was very thankful that my brother drove over with my mom. (It gave my mom a chance to meet Mandy. That girl gets enthusiastic thumbs-up from everybody in the family! We thinks she's dandy!)
Paul started his new job in MinnesOta. I haven't heard yet how it's going. It's nice hours: full-time days, Monday through Friday.
Maggie and I have cleaned nearly the whole house this week. It's about time, given the neglect it's endured. We also finished (!) the laundry. Well, "finished" for a couple of hours.
I cooked a Real Meal four nights in a row. I was beginning to suspect I was no longer capable of real cooking. But oh, the deliciousness was delicious. Mmmm hhhmmmm.
I made two batches of soap this week. Of course, with curing time they won't be ready for use until end of summer. But hey, I've been putting off this task for over a year, so I'm pleased that I finally have some bars sitting and drying.
We still haven't succumbed to the germies floating about the city and the family. Between sick tummies and terrible colds, it's nasty out there. We're not exactly well, but we're still functioning. It probably helped that I slept in several days this week, skipping chapel.
Maggie has exercised every day for the last week. This is fantastic!
Andrew started his new semester this week. He's half-time at school and working as many hours as he can get.
It's amazing how little effort, time, and money it took to fix the shower-head that was spritzing water all over the bathroom walls and ceiling. Really? Why did it take me so long to make a repair that was so simple?
Next up: more proofreading for CCA, shampooing carpets, a visit to the Social Security office for Maggie, and seeing if the "Christmas cards" can make it in time to be valentines.
Oh, it's a beautiful thing!
After two and a half months of working extra days every week, we made a trip to Illinois to visit parents. The next week was Christmas shopping, Christmas decorating, and napping to ward off the impending illness. The next week was Christmas and all the fun of visitors and extra Services. The next week was the exhaustion of defeating the ice dams. The next week I expected to be driving to Illinois again and arranged all plans around that. But the trip was delayed by a day, so Gary traveled by himself.
While there, his mom passed away. He was blessed to have had the opportunity to talk to her, reminding her of her baptism and the forgiveness that Jesus bestows on her, and to thank her for all she did for him, especially bringing him to the Lord. He helped his dad with arrangements for a couple of days, came home for two days, and then we all turned around and traveled back for the funeral. I was very thankful that my brother drove over with my mom. (It gave my mom a chance to meet Mandy. That girl gets enthusiastic thumbs-up from everybody in the family! We thinks she's dandy!)
Paul started his new job in MinnesOta. I haven't heard yet how it's going. It's nice hours: full-time days, Monday through Friday.
Maggie and I have cleaned nearly the whole house this week. It's about time, given the neglect it's endured. We also finished (!) the laundry. Well, "finished" for a couple of hours.
I cooked a Real Meal four nights in a row. I was beginning to suspect I was no longer capable of real cooking. But oh, the deliciousness was delicious. Mmmm hhhmmmm.
I made two batches of soap this week. Of course, with curing time they won't be ready for use until end of summer. But hey, I've been putting off this task for over a year, so I'm pleased that I finally have some bars sitting and drying.
We still haven't succumbed to the germies floating about the city and the family. Between sick tummies and terrible colds, it's nasty out there. We're not exactly well, but we're still functioning. It probably helped that I slept in several days this week, skipping chapel.
Maggie has exercised every day for the last week. This is fantastic!
Andrew started his new semester this week. He's half-time at school and working as many hours as he can get.
It's amazing how little effort, time, and money it took to fix the shower-head that was spritzing water all over the bathroom walls and ceiling. Really? Why did it take me so long to make a repair that was so simple?
Next up: more proofreading for CCA, shampooing carpets, a visit to the Social Security office for Maggie, and seeing if the "Christmas cards" can make it in time to be valentines.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Fish Recipes
Thawed tilapia. What to do with it for dinner? Yowza -- I hit the jackpot with an online recipe. I used 2# of fish and cooked it in two 10" skillets. It's quick, easy, healthy, and so delicious that I'm wishing I could make it again tomorrow!
To start, grab a pint of canned tomatoes and drain the juice off for some other use; or chop a few tomatoes. Chop a couple of onions too. Then sprinkle a spice mix on both sides of the fillets. (I used Emeril's Essence. Next time I'll reserve Maggie's fillets to be seasoned with salt and pepper only.) Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in each skillet. Cook fillets in the hot oil for about 45-60 seconds per side. Gently lift fillets and toss the onions and tomatoes underneath. Lower heat to low-medium, cover skillets, and cook for about 3 minutes. Pour in enough coconut milk to make a nice sauce (about 1 cup per skillet), heat through until fish flakes and sauce is somewhat thickened and, well, saucy. Serve over a small amount of rice.
Our other fave fish recipe is for salmon. Meghan turned us onto this. For each 4-oz salmon fillet, you'll combine about 1/2 Tbsp each of butter and mustard with 1 tsp of honey. In another bowl you'll combine 1.5 Tbsp each of bread crumbs and finely chopped pecans with 1/2 tsp chopped fresh parsley. Salt & pepper the fillet; brush with honey-mustard; sprinkle with bread crumbs & pecans. Bake at 400 for about 10 minutes or until fish tests done by flaking it with a fork.
I also want to try another of Meghan's recipes. My only problem with this one is thinking ahead far enough to do the marinating.
To start, grab a pint of canned tomatoes and drain the juice off for some other use; or chop a few tomatoes. Chop a couple of onions too. Then sprinkle a spice mix on both sides of the fillets. (I used Emeril's Essence. Next time I'll reserve Maggie's fillets to be seasoned with salt and pepper only.) Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in each skillet. Cook fillets in the hot oil for about 45-60 seconds per side. Gently lift fillets and toss the onions and tomatoes underneath. Lower heat to low-medium, cover skillets, and cook for about 3 minutes. Pour in enough coconut milk to make a nice sauce (about 1 cup per skillet), heat through until fish flakes and sauce is somewhat thickened and, well, saucy. Serve over a small amount of rice.
Our other fave fish recipe is for salmon. Meghan turned us onto this. For each 4-oz salmon fillet, you'll combine about 1/2 Tbsp each of butter and mustard with 1 tsp of honey. In another bowl you'll combine 1.5 Tbsp each of bread crumbs and finely chopped pecans with 1/2 tsp chopped fresh parsley. Salt & pepper the fillet; brush with honey-mustard; sprinkle with bread crumbs & pecans. Bake at 400 for about 10 minutes or until fish tests done by flaking it with a fork.
I also want to try another of Meghan's recipes. My only problem with this one is thinking ahead far enough to do the marinating.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Moses and Elijah
Moses and Elijah both struggled with doubts. "I don't want to be doing this, Lord." "I've had enough of this; these people don't want to listen to me; how about I quit now?" Or "How about You just kill me now?" Okay, sure, they both had the problem of "hearers" who refused to listen to them. But even more, they suffered with their own unbelief, hating it, and yet incapable of freeing themselves. And what help is there for that?
Oh. Yeah. Talking to Jesus about His suffering and death that was approaching.
Oh. Yeah. Talking to Jesus about His suffering and death that was approaching.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Holier Holiness
Cleaning my room today, I found a note
from an Advent sermon. I don't know
if it's a quote from somebody famous, or
just a distillation of what Pastor was saying
that day. Either way, it's sweet to think on.
The holier real holiness is,
the closer it draws near to sinners.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Violence
This two-minute video has been spreading around Facebook. I finally watched it. Maggie caught me crying over it.
To direct and defend our president and all in authority;
To watch over and help all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation;
To grant all women with child, and all mothers with infant children, increasing happiness in their blessings;
To strengthen and keep all sick persons and young children:
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Quote
We rarely get enough of what we don't need to make us happy.
Little boys and their Legos.
Little girls and their Barbies.
Grown-ups and their money.
Women and their shoes.
Men and their tools.
Hangin'-out-with-friends time.
Sometimes even a Christian's "level of sanctification."
"We rarely get enough of what we don't need to make us happy."
Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus
can my heartfelt longing still. ...
What to me may seem a treasure
but displeasing is to Thee,
oh, remove such harmful pleasure;
give instead what profits me.
Let my heart by Thee be filled.
Make me Thine, Lord, as Thou wilt. (TLH 348)
(From p. 15
of A Little Book on Joy
by Matt Harrison.)
Little boys and their Legos.
Little girls and their Barbies.
Grown-ups and their money.
Women and their shoes.
Men and their tools.
Hangin'-out-with-friends time.
Sometimes even a Christian's "level of sanctification."
"We rarely get enough of what we don't need to make us happy."
Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus
can my heartfelt longing still. ...
What to me may seem a treasure
but displeasing is to Thee,
oh, remove such harmful pleasure;
give instead what profits me.
Let my heart by Thee be filled.
Make me Thine, Lord, as Thou wilt. (TLH 348)
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Haircut
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| Same ol' long hair pulled back in a ponytail/bun. |
 |
| I like the back! |
 | |
| I think the bangs are too short. | (And boy, it's weird how my profile makes me look so much like my mom but also like a cousin on my dad's side.) |
 |
| The front of the new haircut. |
I haven't cried yet. That's a good sign, right? Considering what I was anticipating? Yup.
The War Against the Ice-Dams
On those days before Christmas when it was raining, how often did I thankfully say, "At least we don't have to shovel it"?
Well, maybe that didn't turn out as well as I'd thought at the time.
So it turns out that the pre-Christmas rain, snow, slush, goo, froze into several inches of packed snow and ice on the roof and in the gutters. A week later when it snowed, I could roof-rake the new snow down. But not those inches of ice. Underneath the snow-ice were, in places, several inches of solid ice, just threatening to be ice-dams with the first thaw, diverting thawed snow into the attic instead of having it drip into the gutters or off the roof.
So it had to go.
Except on days I had to be at "work" [ha ha ha ... the place where I go to rest up] I spent hours daily on the ladder, with a hoe, hacking off small slices of snowpack, trying desperately to be gentle enough to Not Touch The Shingles while being vicious enough to crack the ice that needed to come down.
I'm trying to think of a part of my body that didn't ache from the work. Not figurin' it out...
BUT you can see the results over the front door: several feet of roof that had been cleared and then sat in the sun for a couple of days. Woo hoo!!!
And yesterday, with the warm weather, no ice dams! No icicles! (Now we just hope that the clean-up efforts didn't cause a different set of roof problems.)
Well, maybe that didn't turn out as well as I'd thought at the time.
So it turns out that the pre-Christmas rain, snow, slush, goo, froze into several inches of packed snow and ice on the roof and in the gutters. A week later when it snowed, I could roof-rake the new snow down. But not those inches of ice. Underneath the snow-ice were, in places, several inches of solid ice, just threatening to be ice-dams with the first thaw, diverting thawed snow into the attic instead of having it drip into the gutters or off the roof.
So it had to go.
Except on days I had to be at "work" [ha ha ha ... the place where I go to rest up] I spent hours daily on the ladder, with a hoe, hacking off small slices of snowpack, trying desperately to be gentle enough to Not Touch The Shingles while being vicious enough to crack the ice that needed to come down.
I'm trying to think of a part of my body that didn't ache from the work. Not figurin' it out...
BUT you can see the results over the front door: several feet of roof that had been cleared and then sat in the sun for a couple of days. Woo hoo!!!
And yesterday, with the warm weather, no ice dams! No icicles! (Now we just hope that the clean-up efforts didn't cause a different set of roof problems.)
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Consternation over Hair
What we see tells us a lot about who that person is.
So, I've lost a lot of hair over the past year or two. A lot. My ponytail looks thin like a rat tail. My bun is tiny and flat. My hair looks scraggly when it's down. I need a haircut. Not 6" trimmed off. But a completely different haircut. A haircut that works with old-lady hair.
And I don't want one! [waaaaahhhh!]
Everybody says, "It's just hair."
Everybody says, "You can always grow it back."
Everybody says, "It will be fine."
But my boring hairstyle that I've had for 20+ years says something about who I am. It reveals who I am just like my refrigerator door and the contents of my bookshelves.
Okay, so gazillions of American women change their hairstyle and their hair color every few months or every couple of years. That's great. But it's not me. So I'm, like, having this identity crisis over the upcoming appointment for the haircut, fully anticipating a week or more of mourning.
And everybody thinks I'm silly.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
The Amazing, Lovely, Awesome Fireplace
Papa made her a fire.
Life was good again.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
The Trailers at the Movie
I really like living in LalaLand. I don't want to notice the degradation of society. I can't change the world. So I pretend not to notice.
We went to a movie last weekend. Before it started were ads for five movies. Every single one of them was twisted. Every. single. one. Every one was about the apocalypse. Or gaining power to take over the world to destroy and conquer. Witches. Zombies. The attempt to annihilate mankind. Or fighting for survival after everything else has been annihilated.
1) THAT's what we, as a society, watch for entertainment? For fun? Oy!
2) I couldn't figure out why they would choose those kind of movie trailers to accompany the Hobbit movie. Well, that should have been a clue as to the action-focus of the movie we were about to see.
PS: It seems that world domination was often a part of movies from years past [I'm thinking of Lex Luther here], but it was always recognized that Good Guys had to stop the ones who want to take over the world. I think we've changed: the quest for power (which used to be recognized as bad) is now seen as perfectly acceptable and normal.
We went to a movie last weekend. Before it started were ads for five movies. Every single one of them was twisted. Every. single. one. Every one was about the apocalypse. Or gaining power to take over the world to destroy and conquer. Witches. Zombies. The attempt to annihilate mankind. Or fighting for survival after everything else has been annihilated.
1) THAT's what we, as a society, watch for entertainment? For fun? Oy!
2) I couldn't figure out why they would choose those kind of movie trailers to accompany the Hobbit movie. Well, that should have been a clue as to the action-focus of the movie we were about to see.
PS: It seems that world domination was often a part of movies from years past [I'm thinking of Lex Luther here], but it was always recognized that Good Guys had to stop the ones who want to take over the world. I think we've changed: the quest for power (which used to be recognized as bad) is now seen as perfectly acceptable and normal.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
The Hobbit
And now for something completely different ...
I suspect I may be the only one, but I didn't like the movie. It was definitely an ACTION movie. And I don't like action movies. I'm thinking Anthea will enjoy it. :-)
The Lord of the Rings had lots of action, lots of battle scenes, ... but it seemed like there was more story than in Hobbit.
Andrew and Maggie told us that it was such a good film that Gary and I would have no problem staying awake to the end of the show, even if we attended a 7:00 movie. (Yes. I know that makes us sound like old fuddy-duddies who go to bed ridiculously early. So ... sometimes the truth hurts. And embarrasses.) Even though we went to a 3:30 showing, I was bored 3/4 of the way in, and forcing myself to stay awake. All that slashing, fighting, lopping off heads, running, stabbing, and more escaping -- it was getting old.
That said, the arkenstone was magnificent, as was much of the scenery. Bilbo was marvelously cast and played, as perfect as Samwise in the LotR. I still love Gandalf. The dwarves' singing (particularly the night in the Shire before they headed off on their quest) sends shivers down the spine. And I tried to convince my mathematical brain to enjoy some of the escape scenes, where the choreography reminded me of complex Rube Goldberg machines.
So there were bright spots. But I have no desire to head back to the theatre for another showing, and I doubt I'll be talked into seeing Part 2 and Part 3.
I suspect I may be the only one, but I didn't like the movie. It was definitely an ACTION movie. And I don't like action movies. I'm thinking Anthea will enjoy it. :-)
The Lord of the Rings had lots of action, lots of battle scenes, ... but it seemed like there was more story than in Hobbit.
Andrew and Maggie told us that it was such a good film that Gary and I would have no problem staying awake to the end of the show, even if we attended a 7:00 movie. (Yes. I know that makes us sound like old fuddy-duddies who go to bed ridiculously early. So ... sometimes the truth hurts. And embarrasses.) Even though we went to a 3:30 showing, I was bored 3/4 of the way in, and forcing myself to stay awake. All that slashing, fighting, lopping off heads, running, stabbing, and more escaping -- it was getting old.
That said, the arkenstone was magnificent, as was much of the scenery. Bilbo was marvelously cast and played, as perfect as Samwise in the LotR. I still love Gandalf. The dwarves' singing (particularly the night in the Shire before they headed off on their quest) sends shivers down the spine. And I tried to convince my mathematical brain to enjoy some of the escape scenes, where the choreography reminded me of complex Rube Goldberg machines.
So there were bright spots. But I have no desire to head back to the theatre for another showing, and I doubt I'll be talked into seeing Part 2 and Part 3.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Mugs
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| Gary with his TARDIS mug. |
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| Mandy showing off the disappearing/reappearing TARDIS. |
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| Dr Who? Why, Doctor Matt, of course. Accompanied by the Supreme Empress Dictator of Life, the Universe, and Everything. |
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Christmas Pictures
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| Rachel and Alia (early in the day) |
 | |
| Zoe borrows an FS hat |
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| The fire is captivating! |
 | |
| Pirate Paul has a Polly Parrot on his shoulder. Squawk! |
 | |
| Evidence that little girls were here! Horses on parade, headed to dinner. |
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| End of the day meltdown. "But I don't WANT to go home! I want to stay at Nanna's and Papa's!!!" |
Humble Cattle
The English translation of "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come" used to read:
... that Thou dost choose Thine infant bed
where humble cattle lately fed.
I noticed this year that the new translation goes:
... that You should choose to lay Your head
where lowly cattle lately fed.
Lowly. Humble. It's the same thing.
But somehow we've turned "humble" into something to brag about, something to admire, something to work toward, something for which we [oxymoronically] pat ourselves on the back.
In the modern definition of "humble" it must sound mighty queer to anthropomorphize the cattle by suggesting that they possess the quality of humility. But that's NOT what humility is!
... that Thou dost choose Thine infant bed
where humble cattle lately fed.
I noticed this year that the new translation goes:
... that You should choose to lay Your head
where lowly cattle lately fed.
Lowly. Humble. It's the same thing.
But somehow we've turned "humble" into something to brag about, something to admire, something to work toward, something for which we [oxymoronically] pat ourselves on the back.
In the modern definition of "humble" it must sound mighty queer to anthropomorphize the cattle by suggesting that they possess the quality of humility. But that's NOT what humility is!
Someday I'm going to have to
tell the story of the Humble Girl.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Family Pictures
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| Gary and Zoe |
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| Katie and Maggie |
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| Mandy and Paul |
 | |||
| the kids |
front row:Philip, Maggie, Katie, Mandy, Paul
back row:Andrew, Nathan, Rachel, Matt
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| the whole family |
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| Alia, Katie, Zoe, Nathan |
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| Susan and Gary |
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| Rachel and Matt |
New Year's Treats
So what does it mean when you go to the grocery store to buy goodies to celebrate the new year, and come home with --
brussels sprouts to roast
fresh salsa
avocados
shrimp
spinach turnovers
cauliflower to steam & butter
mushrooms, cucumbers, and tomatoes?
I think we must be old farts.
Old farts who OD-ed on treats last weekend.
brussels sprouts to roast
fresh salsa
avocados
shrimp
spinach turnovers
cauliflower to steam & butter
mushrooms, cucumbers, and tomatoes?
I think we must be old farts.
Old farts who OD-ed on treats last weekend.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
A Few Christmas Pictures
Really, Katie?
It's something that Doctor 11 enjoyed.
And no, they're not really fish sticks. They're cookies designed to look like fish sticks. Even though my tastebuds told me this was quite the yummy snack, my brain just couldn't cope with the looks of it.
[shudder] Fish fingers and custard. [shudder]
By the way, notice 11's sonic screwdriver also on the tray. And it just so happens that on the back of the table is the box for Gary's "Disappearing Tardis Mug" from Paul and Mandy. Combine that with timeshares for Gary and Maggie, in ownership of a brand-spankin'-new Dr Who lunchbox, and sonic screwdrivers for Matt and Rachel, and we shall call this a very merry Dr-Who Christmas.
"I'm goin' on a picnic and I'm taking ....
FRENCH-FRIED FROG LEGS, eggs, dandelion greens, carrots, bananas, and apples."
[Whew. Good thing nobody had heard of fish fingers and custard back then.]
So it takes three adults to dress one child in snowsuit, mittens, and other outdoor paraphenalia. And Katie can accomplish this feat quicker than the three of us put together.
Matt and Katie taking the girls sledding down the "hill" in the backyard. Isn't the light gorgeous off the snow when twilight is approaching?
Okay, so there are other pictures. Tomorrow or the next day I'll try to post pictures from the weekend. But first there are chores to catch up with. It's been a very nice few days. Plenty of chance to soak up God's Word at church, and plenty of time to hang out with my dear kiddoes.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Impossible
So when the rich young ruler comes to Jesus and then goes away sad (Mt 19, Mk 10, Lk 18) and the disciples ask, "Well, who then can be saved?" Jesus answers, "With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Interesting how that's so much like what Gabriel told Mary. "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" "With God nothing will be impossible."
Forget "easy" things like Elizabeth's getting pregnant.
With God,
not even the salvation of arrogant sinners
is impossible.
Interesting how that's so much like what Gabriel told Mary. "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" "With God nothing will be impossible."
Forget "easy" things like Elizabeth's getting pregnant.
With God,
not even the salvation of arrogant sinners
is impossible.
"You shall call His name JESUS
for He shall save His people from their sins."
Friday, December 21, 2012
Words That Are Often Confused
During the recent election I kept hearing a radio ad for a certain politician. The ads contrasted the status quo of one candidate with the new ideals and energy of the opponent. The candidate talked about the "10th-century ideals" of the other party. Would the electorate accept or reject liberal ideals in the aftermath of the recession?
Do they mean ideals? Were they saying what they meant? Or were they confusing "ideal" with "idea"? After all, there are similarities between the words. An ideal is, after all, one kind of idea. But somehow I think somebody thought "idea" is sometimes spelled with a silent-L. (Pssst. It's not.)
When people are in a coma, they do not lose "conscienceness." Your conscience is your moral compass. It pricks when you've done wrong. "Conscious" means you're aware; it's what you are once you've come out of that coma. Besides, one is a noun and the other is an adjective.
There also seems to be confusion out there in the big wide world about losing things. I understand why: when something is loose (like the screw that holds your eyeglasses together) you may lose the item. When you're talking about clothing or the twist-tie on the bread or how your car tire is attached to the axle, loose is the opposite of tight. When you're talking about freedom versus captivity, loose is the opposite of bound. (See, it's not that different from the opposite of "tight.") But lose is the opposite of win, or the opposite of find. "Loose" rhymes with "goose," but "lose" rhymes with "ooze." Yes, the single-O or double-O doesn't change the vowel sound in those words; the number of O's changes the S-sound from ssss to zzzzz.
Shall we all recite the quote together?
"I do not think that word means what you think it means."
And thus concludes my current rant about spelling.
Do they mean ideals? Were they saying what they meant? Or were they confusing "ideal" with "idea"? After all, there are similarities between the words. An ideal is, after all, one kind of idea. But somehow I think somebody thought "idea" is sometimes spelled with a silent-L. (Pssst. It's not.)
When people are in a coma, they do not lose "conscienceness." Your conscience is your moral compass. It pricks when you've done wrong. "Conscious" means you're aware; it's what you are once you've come out of that coma. Besides, one is a noun and the other is an adjective.
There also seems to be confusion out there in the big wide world about losing things. I understand why: when something is loose (like the screw that holds your eyeglasses together) you may lose the item. When you're talking about clothing or the twist-tie on the bread or how your car tire is attached to the axle, loose is the opposite of tight. When you're talking about freedom versus captivity, loose is the opposite of bound. (See, it's not that different from the opposite of "tight.") But lose is the opposite of win, or the opposite of find. "Loose" rhymes with "goose," but "lose" rhymes with "ooze." Yes, the single-O or double-O doesn't change the vowel sound in those words; the number of O's changes the S-sound from ssss to zzzzz.
Shall we all recite the quote together?
"I do not think that word means what you think it means."
And thus concludes my current rant about spelling.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Reading Challenge
Reading Challenge
Get a list of book suggestions from your friends. From those suggestions choose between five and ten books that you will read in 2013. Make a list of the books that you will read and a few alternates.
And the other instructions can be found on Jane's site.
My list:
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
Anne of Avonlea (these two with Maggie)
Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Love Divine by Alan Kornacki
Mitford's Out to Canaan by Jan Karon
Christ Have Mercy by Matt Harrison
The list that someone else made for me:
Lutheran Catechesis by Bender
Old Testament Catechesis by Bender
New Testament Catechesis by Bender
Bible Stories for Daily Prayer by Fabrizius
Alternates:
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Luther, the Reformer by James Kittelson
The Right to Be Wrong by Seamus Hasson
On Being a Theologian of the Cross by Forde
Luther on Vocation by Wingren
Well, I've never before set up a reading challenge for myself. Many of my friends do so annually. I am jealous. But Jane has devised a teeny-tiny reading challenge (possibly just to encourage me, because she loves me). I may not be up to the challenge; I may fail. BUT I have a shot at it -- unlike most reading challenges which are entirely out of the realm of possibility. Unless I want to quit homeschooling, quit cooking, quit cleaning, quit choir, quit gardening, and quit editing. And I don't wanna quit those things. So Mini Reading Challenge, here I come!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Gorgeously Appareled
1. The color of our purple paraments is rich and beautiful!
2. When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent some of his disciples to question Jesus about whether He was the Messiah promised in the Scriptures. Jesus responded, and then talked to the crowds about John. "What did you go out to see?" He said, “Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in
luxury are in kings’ courts” (Luke 7).
1+2 = The guy reading that Gospel to us on Sunday was "gorgeously appareled" in a purple chasuble.
Given the context of what Jesus was talking about, the gorgeous apparel kind of shook me up there for a moment. But I guess when we are in the Divine Service, we are living in luxury; we are in the King's court.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Another Marilla Thing
Having recently been on the receiving end of some good-natured teasing about "being bipolar," I'm pondering this section of what Maggie and I read today. How does a person moderate herself? And what does it do when we try to change someone's nature, another's or our own?
From chapter 22 of Anne of Green Gables:
For Anne to take things calmly would have been to change her nature. All "spirit and fire and dew," as she was, the pleasures and pains of life came to her with trebled intensity. Marilla felt this and was vaguely troubled over it, realizing that the ups and downs of existence would probably bear hardly on this impulsive soul, and not sufficiently understanding that the equally great capacity for delight might more than compensate. Therefore Marilla conceived it to be her duty to drill Anne into a tranquil uniformity of disposition as impossible and alien to her as to a dancing sunbeam in one of the brook shallows. She did not make much headway, as she sorrowfully admitted to herself. The downfall of some dear hope or plan plunged Anne into "deeps of affliction." The fulfillment thereof exalted her to dizzy realms of delight. Marilla had almost begun to despair of ever fashioning this waif of the world into her model little girl of demure manners and prim deportment. Neither would she have believed that she really liked Anne much better as she was.
And...
does this have anything to do with what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12 about the thorn in his flesh and being "exalted beyond measure by the abundance of the revelations"?
From chapter 22 of Anne of Green Gables:
For Anne to take things calmly would have been to change her nature. All "spirit and fire and dew," as she was, the pleasures and pains of life came to her with trebled intensity. Marilla felt this and was vaguely troubled over it, realizing that the ups and downs of existence would probably bear hardly on this impulsive soul, and not sufficiently understanding that the equally great capacity for delight might more than compensate. Therefore Marilla conceived it to be her duty to drill Anne into a tranquil uniformity of disposition as impossible and alien to her as to a dancing sunbeam in one of the brook shallows. She did not make much headway, as she sorrowfully admitted to herself. The downfall of some dear hope or plan plunged Anne into "deeps of affliction." The fulfillment thereof exalted her to dizzy realms of delight. Marilla had almost begun to despair of ever fashioning this waif of the world into her model little girl of demure manners and prim deportment. Neither would she have believed that she really liked Anne much better as she was.
And...
does this have anything to do with what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12 about the thorn in his flesh and being "exalted beyond measure by the abundance of the revelations"?
Monday, December 17, 2012
Make-Up
Not like I wear make-up very often. But I did want to look a little special for Gary's Christmas party at work on Saturday. I might've spent a whole minute-and-a-half applying make-up that day. Maybe even two minutes!
So Sunday afternoon my eyes started itching. By bedtime they were beginning to be goopy. This morning I headed off to work looking as if I'd been crying for hours. After many trips to the bathroom to wash my eyes today, the redness has subsided and the itchiness is nearly gone.
Good-bye make-up.
I can't wear earrings anymore.
Pretty shoes are impossible.
My hair is thinning.
And now make-up is off-limits too.
I guess it's time for any remnants of vanity to be destroyed, eh?
Time to embrace the aging frumpiness....
So Sunday afternoon my eyes started itching. By bedtime they were beginning to be goopy. This morning I headed off to work looking as if I'd been crying for hours. After many trips to the bathroom to wash my eyes today, the redness has subsided and the itchiness is nearly gone.
Good-bye make-up.
I can't wear earrings anymore.
Pretty shoes are impossible.
My hair is thinning.
And now make-up is off-limits too.
I guess it's time for any remnants of vanity to be destroyed, eh?
Time to embrace the aging frumpiness....
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Yesterday's Tragedy
Customers began coming in to the bank, asking if we'd heard the news. We hadn't. All through the afternoon, it seemed that people who hadn't heard would hop into their car, head out to do errands, turn on the radio, and come into the bank and have to say something. They couldn't just hear the news and go on; it was imperative that they express their horror to someone.
What troubles me is that I wasn't surprised. Saddened, indeed! But not shocked.
Yet nights will bring their sadness
and rob our hearts of peace,
and sin in all its madness
around us may increase.
But still one Star is beaming
whose rays have pierced the night:
God comes for our redeeming
from sin's oppressive might. (LSB 337)
What troubles me is that I wasn't surprised. Saddened, indeed! But not shocked.
Yet nights will bring their sadness
and rob our hearts of peace,
and sin in all its madness
around us may increase.
But still one Star is beaming
whose rays have pierced the night:
God comes for our redeeming
from sin's oppressive might. (LSB 337)
Friday, December 14, 2012
A Beautiful Synod, Warts and All
It would be cool if Pastor Esget were more a friend than a friendly acquaintance to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed the brief times I've had opportunity to spend with him. I love reading what he writes and the rare chances to listen when he speaks. He's been on sabbatical recently, and he wrote about his visits to different congregations, in particular an Orthodox church and a mega-church.
He said of the sermon at the Orthodox church: "With only the slightest alterations, the sermon could have been heard in any Baptist or Methodist church."
He summarized his visits to the two congregations thusly: "I was in awe of the organization, money, screens, facilities, and volunteer power at McLean Bible Church. I was filled with joy by the beautiful choir, chants, incense, icons, and sense of culture at St. Nicholas. But in neither place did I hear a single word of Gospel preached."
And he reflected on the experience: "I wouldn’t trade Lutheranism in general or Immanuel in particular—despite all the problems which it would take volumes to list—for the treasures of those places. The Word of God lives at St. Nicholas on account of the liturgy. I trust that the people at MBC are, to some extent, reading the Scriptures. But one of the things this sabbatical reenforced for me is how wonderful it is to be part of the Missouri Synod, where for all her hideous warts and defects the Gospel still is preached."
Amen.
And thank You, Jesus.
He said of the sermon at the Orthodox church: "With only the slightest alterations, the sermon could have been heard in any Baptist or Methodist church."
He summarized his visits to the two congregations thusly: "I was in awe of the organization, money, screens, facilities, and volunteer power at McLean Bible Church. I was filled with joy by the beautiful choir, chants, incense, icons, and sense of culture at St. Nicholas. But in neither place did I hear a single word of Gospel preached."
And he reflected on the experience: "I wouldn’t trade Lutheranism in general or Immanuel in particular—despite all the problems which it would take volumes to list—for the treasures of those places. The Word of God lives at St. Nicholas on account of the liturgy. I trust that the people at MBC are, to some extent, reading the Scriptures. But one of the things this sabbatical reenforced for me is how wonderful it is to be part of the Missouri Synod, where for all her hideous warts and defects the Gospel still is preached."
Amen.
And thank You, Jesus.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Current Events
Gary has been teaching a college class for the local satellite of Concordia University. It's been quite the challenge time-wise. It's his first time teaching this class, which means he has to read the textbook and figure out what's wrong in it so that he can remedy the problems while teaching. Then there's the to-be-expected teaching and grading. As has occurred before, students comment that they learn more about writing from him (in theology class) than they learned from their writing profs; he takes his grading duties seriously. One more class, and then we will get to see him occasionally again!
This week was the first time since October where I was scheduled at work for my 2.5 days and nothing else. I was looking forward to three days in a row of housework, homeschooling, cooking, Christmas prep, and catching up on projects. Didn't happen.
Gary's mom had a relatively minor stroke this weekend. After five days in the hospital, she will be moving to rehab. We drove down to see her this week. While there, we drove over to see my mom too. Boy, that was a nice visit! (Sorry, Mom, there were other little things I wanted to do and didn't get to. But the chatting time was a joy!) Another happy surprise was arriving home to find that Maggie had mopped, had cleaned bathrooms, and had done laundry.
Looking like quite the idiot today, I mowed. In December. In Wisconsin. The mower hadn't been drained of oil and gasoline last time it was used. So I turned it on and let it idle. In an attempt to hurry the consumption of fuel, I took the machine out in the yard where the grass was longest and mowed. So far there has been no sign that the neighbors reported me to the authorities for mental instability.
I've done a little Christmas shopping. Not much. I wonder when it will happen. I expect the tree will go up sometime next week. In non-Christmas activities, today I dusted the guts of the computer, hung up the bikes from the garage ceiling, and hunted up the snow shovels and snow blower. I did not, however, get around to repairing the wash machine; I may regret this soon. Only 794 items left on this week's to-do list...
Andrew keeps coming home with stories of clients who appreciate him and think he's wonderful. (Smart clients.) Also, he finished his fall semester today.
Maggie and I are reading Anne of Green Gables. It's amazing how closely the movie sticks to the book! What's also amazing (in a less salutary fashion) is the gross number of misspellings in my copy of the book. It's a fun story -- and made even funnier sometimes by the typos. (For example, sometimes "Marilla" is spelled "Manila" and sometimes even "Mania.")
Paul has a job offer. It's not the job he really wants; he's still waiting to hear back from the other company. I don't envy him having to decide what to do. I keep praying that God will make the decision simple for him and that He will guide Paul to the better job (even if a different job has certain attractions to it).
I managed to burn the green beans tonight. What a mess in the cast-iron skillet! It required so much scrubbing that the skillet will need serious re-seasoning. Maggie is excited because that means pancakes.
There's more to say, but it's past bedtime. I miss my writing time. But hey, I also miss my sleeping time.
This week was the first time since October where I was scheduled at work for my 2.5 days and nothing else. I was looking forward to three days in a row of housework, homeschooling, cooking, Christmas prep, and catching up on projects. Didn't happen.
Gary's mom had a relatively minor stroke this weekend. After five days in the hospital, she will be moving to rehab. We drove down to see her this week. While there, we drove over to see my mom too. Boy, that was a nice visit! (Sorry, Mom, there were other little things I wanted to do and didn't get to. But the chatting time was a joy!) Another happy surprise was arriving home to find that Maggie had mopped, had cleaned bathrooms, and had done laundry.
Looking like quite the idiot today, I mowed. In December. In Wisconsin. The mower hadn't been drained of oil and gasoline last time it was used. So I turned it on and let it idle. In an attempt to hurry the consumption of fuel, I took the machine out in the yard where the grass was longest and mowed. So far there has been no sign that the neighbors reported me to the authorities for mental instability.
I've done a little Christmas shopping. Not much. I wonder when it will happen. I expect the tree will go up sometime next week. In non-Christmas activities, today I dusted the guts of the computer, hung up the bikes from the garage ceiling, and hunted up the snow shovels and snow blower. I did not, however, get around to repairing the wash machine; I may regret this soon. Only 794 items left on this week's to-do list...
Andrew keeps coming home with stories of clients who appreciate him and think he's wonderful. (Smart clients.) Also, he finished his fall semester today.
Maggie and I are reading Anne of Green Gables. It's amazing how closely the movie sticks to the book! What's also amazing (in a less salutary fashion) is the gross number of misspellings in my copy of the book. It's a fun story -- and made even funnier sometimes by the typos. (For example, sometimes "Marilla" is spelled "Manila" and sometimes even "Mania.")
Paul has a job offer. It's not the job he really wants; he's still waiting to hear back from the other company. I don't envy him having to decide what to do. I keep praying that God will make the decision simple for him and that He will guide Paul to the better job (even if a different job has certain attractions to it).
I managed to burn the green beans tonight. What a mess in the cast-iron skillet! It required so much scrubbing that the skillet will need serious re-seasoning. Maggie is excited because that means pancakes.
There's more to say, but it's past bedtime. I miss my writing time. But hey, I also miss my sleeping time.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Lord Does Not Change
The Israelites kept wandering from the Lord.
They certainly deserved His punishment.
They deserved to be abandoned by Him.
But what does Malachi preach to them?
I am the Lord;
I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)
"Therefore."
"Therefore."
No matter what we deserve, He does not change.
He remains merciful.
He remains faithful to His promise.
He is the Lord, the God of the promise of salvation.
And He does not change.
They certainly deserved His punishment.
They deserved to be abandoned by Him.
But what does Malachi preach to them?
I am the Lord;
I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)
"Therefore."
"Therefore."
No matter what we deserve, He does not change.
He remains merciful.
He remains faithful to His promise.
He is the Lord, the God of the promise of salvation.
And He does not change.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Daniel's Service to Nebuchadnezzar
Pastor commented recently in Bible class about how Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego served the Bad Guy. They were faithful Jews/Christians, even though they were civil servants in Babylon. Pastor said it was something to ponder with regard to our vocation as citizens.
After he pointed this out, I went and checked out the dating. Wow -- Daniel was nabbed the first time Babylon came in and overran Jerusalem. According to the stories in Chronicles and the first chapter of Daniel, those bright young men would have been taken, oh, say, 15-20 years before the temple was destroyed and the whole country was stomped on. And while Daniel faithfully prayed for God's will and for right worship and for faith among his countrymen, he was a government official serving the king who was destroying Judah. It looks like Daniel was helping Nebuchadnezzar who was sent by God to punish Israel. How weird would that be?
I think maybe there is something to ponder there.
After he pointed this out, I went and checked out the dating. Wow -- Daniel was nabbed the first time Babylon came in and overran Jerusalem. According to the stories in Chronicles and the first chapter of Daniel, those bright young men would have been taken, oh, say, 15-20 years before the temple was destroyed and the whole country was stomped on. And while Daniel faithfully prayed for God's will and for right worship and for faith among his countrymen, he was a government official serving the king who was destroying Judah. It looks like Daniel was helping Nebuchadnezzar who was sent by God to punish Israel. How weird would that be?
I think maybe there is something to ponder there.
Monday, December 10, 2012
What Shall We DO?
In Luke 3, in the story of John's preaching and baptizing, we hear three times that different groups of people come and ask him, "What shall we do?" And John gives such a "boring" answer. He doesn't come up with a big ol' list of meritorious works. He didn't suggest the things Tetzel advised. He certainly doesn't come up with the kind of answers that tv preachers do. He basically says, "Just keep doing your job. But don't steal. Don't lie. Don't bully. Oh, and if you have plenty, share with those who have nothing." Nothing flashy. Just do what God's given you to do, where He's put you. And it won't earn you anything. It's just what you do...
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Luke 3:20
At the end of the story about John the Baptist preaching repentance, we hear that Herod had been rebuked by John for the shenanigans with Herodias and "for all the evils which Herod had done." So Herod threw John into prison, adding this evil above all to the other evils he had done.
When you think of all the scandalous things that went on in the palace, all the abuses of authority, those little words "above all" make quite a statement. Lock up the preacher and refuse to hear him? Luke seems to think that's worse than the adultery and all the other sins Herod committed? It's almost like an object lesson in the preeminence of the First Table of the Law.
When you think of all the scandalous things that went on in the palace, all the abuses of authority, those little words "above all" make quite a statement. Lock up the preacher and refuse to hear him? Luke seems to think that's worse than the adultery and all the other sins Herod committed? It's almost like an object lesson in the preeminence of the First Table of the Law.
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Wasted Time?
I just spent a chunk o' time setting up my 2013 files in the computer for the budget and photos. If the Mayans are right, I just wasted the last hour.
Friday, December 07, 2012
And I Know Them
My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them,
and they follow Me, ... (John 10:27)
Pastor pointed out on Sunday: "I know them."
Even though He KNOWS us, He still calls us to be His own.
Even though He KNOWS us, He remains faithful.
And because He KNOWS us, He knows how desperately we need to be saved.
So He gives us eternal life and allows no one to snatch us out of His hand.
and I know them,
and they follow Me, ... (John 10:27)
Pastor pointed out on Sunday: "I know them."
Even though He KNOWS us, He still calls us to be His own.
Even though He KNOWS us, He remains faithful.
And because He KNOWS us, He knows how desperately we need to be saved.
So He gives us eternal life and allows no one to snatch us out of His hand.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Jesus' Assessment of Us
In the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays,
"You gave them to Me,
and they have kept Your word....
For I have given to them the words which You have given Me;
and they have received them,
and have known surely that I came forth from You;
and they have believed that You sent Me." (John 17:6, 8)
Really?
The disciples had kept God's Word?
And they knew for sure that Jesus came from the Father?
And they believed that God had sent Him?
And they received His Word?
Sometimes I think, "Hey, were You looking at the same set of stories I'm lookin' at?"
Arguments about which of the apostles was the greatest.
Arguments over money being wasted on anointing oil for anoint Jesus.
Questions about Jesus' preaching.
Rejection of His words about going to Jerusalem to suffer.
The desire for their leader to kick Roman butt.
And on top of this, Jesus knew that He was about to be betrayed, and that Peter would deny Him, and that all His followers would abandon Him before the night was over. And yet, He says, "They have kept Your word." In spite of who they were, He says, "They received My words." Even though they seemed to be chock-full of unbelief, He says, "They have believed that You sent Me."
And here's the wonder of wonders --
He says the same about me.
He says that I believe in Him, that I cling to His Word.
That's what He declares me to be.
That's how He sees me.
And that is (slowly) what He forms me to be.
It's a wonder!
"You gave them to Me,
and they have kept Your word....
For I have given to them the words which You have given Me;
and they have received them,
and have known surely that I came forth from You;
and they have believed that You sent Me." (John 17:6, 8)
Really?
The disciples had kept God's Word?
And they knew for sure that Jesus came from the Father?
And they believed that God had sent Him?
And they received His Word?
Sometimes I think, "Hey, were You looking at the same set of stories I'm lookin' at?"
Arguments about which of the apostles was the greatest.
Arguments over money being wasted on anointing oil for anoint Jesus.
Questions about Jesus' preaching.
Rejection of His words about going to Jerusalem to suffer.
The desire for their leader to kick Roman butt.
And on top of this, Jesus knew that He was about to be betrayed, and that Peter would deny Him, and that all His followers would abandon Him before the night was over. And yet, He says, "They have kept Your word." In spite of who they were, He says, "They received My words." Even though they seemed to be chock-full of unbelief, He says, "They have believed that You sent Me."
And here's the wonder of wonders --
He says the same about me.
He says that I believe in Him, that I cling to His Word.
That's what He declares me to be.
That's how He sees me.
And that is (slowly) what He forms me to be.
It's a wonder!
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Probably My Favorite C. S. Lewis Quote
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.
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