I was thinking about missing my granddaughters and what I would like to tell them. It brought to mind a memory from my childhood.
I grew up in S.Ft.Mitchell Ky, a suburb of Cincinnati. The local Catholic church, Blessed Sacrament, was large. Originally it was all white plaster. During my youth, the inside was painted. I sang in the boys choir from the time I entered school until the 6th grade.
There was also a 1-8 school. I went there 1-6. Latin School was an accelerated program of 4 yrs that replaced 7-12.
During my youth, the school was significantly expanded to handle the children of the "baby boom". The teachers were Benedictine nuns, though lay women were added to the staff to handle the doubling of classes during the 1950s. The convent was next to the church, attached by a short walkway.
The "maintenance person" was Mr Barczak. He lived with his family in a tree-shaded large house behind the church parking lot. He and his family were "displaced persons" from Poland -- what today we would call refugees. (For a story called The Displaced Person, see the works of Flannery O'Connor, a famous GA author. It was made into a movie in 1977.)
While working around the church and school, he would sometimes be accompanied by several of his children. What brought this story fragment to mind is that he would talk to his children. I don't think he was just "baby sitting" them -- I think he was rearing them. This is what I miss about my grandchildren -- simply talking to them. At the moment we are distant figures in the other's lives. Intimacy grows out of immediacy, both in presence and in presence of mind. With just the latter, groundedness is missing.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
diet
Two cannibals were sitting around the campfire talking. One of the cannibals said, "You know, I just don't like my brother-in-law." To which the other replied, "Then just eat the noodles." - Ed Buckner
I can see Sharyn doing this
LIVING STONES
Joe died. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral.
As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Susan turned to her oldest and dearest friend. "Well, I'm sure Joe would be pleased," she said.
"I'm sure you're right," replied Joan, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. "How much did this really cost?"
"All of it," said Susan . "Thirty thousand."
"No!" Joan exclaimed. "I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?"
Susan answered, "The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The refreshments $500. The rest went for the memorial stone."
Joan computed quickly. "$22,500 for a memorial stone? My goodness, how big is it?"
"Two and a half carats."
That humorous story serves as a reminder to us that there are many different kinds of stones -- from granite to diamonds -- which are of varying value. People all around the world are agreed that a stone of granite is not very valuable, while a diamond gemstone is of great value. Sometimes, though, a stone can have great value, but not be appreciated by some people.
In 1Pt 2:4, Jesus is described as a "living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious." In 1Pt 2:6, Jesus is referred to as "a chief cornerstone", the most important stone in any building. But he was a stone "which the builders rejected" and is viewed as 'a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." (1Pt 2:7,8)
Peter uses these Old Testament concepts (as Jesus himself did) to point out that, while Jesus was chosen by God, he was rejected by men. He was not the kind of Messiah they were expected, so they stumbled over him. It was the same stone, but Jesus was viewed by some as a very valuable stone and by others as a worthless rock.
The application of this passage to us as Christians is found in Peter's description of us as "living stones, [who] are being built up a spiritual house." (I Peter 2:5). Peter is writing this epistle to Christians who are suffering persecution, and are getting discouraged because this world is making life hard for them even though they are doing what is right.
Peter's point is that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can expect no different treatment than he received. We are living stones who follow "the stone," a stone that was rejected by men. We shouldn't be surprised when the same thing happens to us. Our responsibility, as living stones, is simply to continue to live in a way that will bring honor and glory to God. Some will appreciate our effort, some will not, but, in the end, all that matters is that we are "chosen by God" just as Jesus was.
"Father, there are times when we get so very discouraged. There are times when it seems that, the harder we strive to serve you faithfully, the more difficult life becomes. Help us to remember that we are followers of Jesus and that we can expect nothing different from what Jesus received while he was on this earth. Father, we ask your blessing as we seek to live in a way that glorifies you. In Jesus' name, amen."
Joe died. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral.
As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Susan turned to her oldest and dearest friend. "Well, I'm sure Joe would be pleased," she said.
"I'm sure you're right," replied Joan, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. "How much did this really cost?"
"All of it," said Susan . "Thirty thousand."
"No!" Joan exclaimed. "I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?"
Susan answered, "The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The refreshments $500. The rest went for the memorial stone."
Joan computed quickly. "$22,500 for a memorial stone? My goodness, how big is it?"
"Two and a half carats."
That humorous story serves as a reminder to us that there are many different kinds of stones -- from granite to diamonds -- which are of varying value. People all around the world are agreed that a stone of granite is not very valuable, while a diamond gemstone is of great value. Sometimes, though, a stone can have great value, but not be appreciated by some people.
In 1Pt 2:4, Jesus is described as a "living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious." In 1Pt 2:6, Jesus is referred to as "a chief cornerstone", the most important stone in any building. But he was a stone "which the builders rejected" and is viewed as 'a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." (1Pt 2:7,8)
Peter uses these Old Testament concepts (as Jesus himself did) to point out that, while Jesus was chosen by God, he was rejected by men. He was not the kind of Messiah they were expected, so they stumbled over him. It was the same stone, but Jesus was viewed by some as a very valuable stone and by others as a worthless rock.
The application of this passage to us as Christians is found in Peter's description of us as "living stones, [who] are being built up a spiritual house." (I Peter 2:5). Peter is writing this epistle to Christians who are suffering persecution, and are getting discouraged because this world is making life hard for them even though they are doing what is right.
Peter's point is that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can expect no different treatment than he received. We are living stones who follow "the stone," a stone that was rejected by men. We shouldn't be surprised when the same thing happens to us. Our responsibility, as living stones, is simply to continue to live in a way that will bring honor and glory to God. Some will appreciate our effort, some will not, but, in the end, all that matters is that we are "chosen by God" just as Jesus was.
"Father, there are times when we get so very discouraged. There are times when it seems that, the harder we strive to serve you faithfully, the more difficult life becomes. Help us to remember that we are followers of Jesus and that we can expect nothing different from what Jesus received while he was on this earth. Father, we ask your blessing as we seek to live in a way that glorifies you. In Jesus' name, amen."
If I could have done this, I might still be married
LOVING SOMEONE YOU CAN'T STAND
Doctor: "I see you're over a month late for your appointment. Don't you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What's your excuse?"
Patient: "I was just following your orders, Doc."
Doctor: "Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order."
Patient: "You told me to avoid people who irritate me."
Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option of avoiding people who irritate, people who hurt us, people who offend us. In fact, sometimes those who irritate us the most are found right in our home (or in our church building). So how should we deal with them?
Milton Jones has written a wonderful book entitled "How to Love Someone You Can’t Stand" which I highly recommend (you can find it at Amazon.com). In this book, Jones lists six godly principles which are derived from Rm 12:
(1) Manage Your mouth -- Bless and don't curse (Rm 12:14)
(2) Put yourself in the other person's place and try to understand their feelings, thoughts and position (Rm 12:15)
(3) Never, never, never take revenge (Rm 12:17)
(4) Plan ahead to do something beautiful (Rm 12:17)
(5) Don't just win the war, win the peace (Rm 12:18)
(6) Make room for God (Rm 12:19)
The bottom line is that we do not overcome evil with evil by retaliating and seeking to "get even". The only way to overcome evil is with good (Rm 12:21). It is never easy to respond to those who do us wrong in a way that is godly, but it is only by following the example of Jesus Christ that we can truly have an influence on the world around us.
"But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps..." (1Pt 2:19-20)
Doctor: "I see you're over a month late for your appointment. Don't you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What's your excuse?"
Patient: "I was just following your orders, Doc."
Doctor: "Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order."
Patient: "You told me to avoid people who irritate me."
Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option of avoiding people who irritate, people who hurt us, people who offend us. In fact, sometimes those who irritate us the most are found right in our home (or in our church building). So how should we deal with them?
Milton Jones has written a wonderful book entitled "How to Love Someone You Can’t Stand" which I highly recommend (you can find it at Amazon.com). In this book, Jones lists six godly principles which are derived from Rm 12:
(1) Manage Your mouth -- Bless and don't curse (Rm 12:14)
(2) Put yourself in the other person's place and try to understand their feelings, thoughts and position (Rm 12:15)
(3) Never, never, never take revenge (Rm 12:17)
(4) Plan ahead to do something beautiful (Rm 12:17)
(5) Don't just win the war, win the peace (Rm 12:18)
(6) Make room for God (Rm 12:19)
The bottom line is that we do not overcome evil with evil by retaliating and seeking to "get even". The only way to overcome evil is with good (Rm 12:21). It is never easy to respond to those who do us wrong in a way that is godly, but it is only by following the example of Jesus Christ that we can truly have an influence on the world around us.
"But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps..." (1Pt 2:19-20)
Memorial Day
EAGLE BASE, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Army News Service, May 22, 2002) -- It was raining "cats and dogs" and I was late for physical training. Traffic was backed up at Fort Campbell KY, and was moving way too slowly. I was probably going to be late and I was growing more and more impatient.
The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque. My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck, getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time.
All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again, the car in front of me stopped. A soldier, a private of course, jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove. I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for who knows what kind of prank. Horns were honking.
I waited to see the butt-chewing that I wanted him to get for making me late. He was getting soaked to the skin. His BDUs were plastered to his frame. I watched-as he ran up to one of the memorial plaques, picked up the small American flag that had fallen to the ground in the wind and the rain, and set it upright again. Then, slowly, he came to attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off.
I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know, taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures. That simple salute -- that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag -- encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said, "I will never forget. I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I am an American soldier."
I thank God for examples like that.
And on this Memorial Day, I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.
- Capt. John Rasmussen chaplain with Multinational Division North in Bosnia.
The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque. My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck, getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time.
All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again, the car in front of me stopped. A soldier, a private of course, jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove. I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for who knows what kind of prank. Horns were honking.
I waited to see the butt-chewing that I wanted him to get for making me late. He was getting soaked to the skin. His BDUs were plastered to his frame. I watched-as he ran up to one of the memorial plaques, picked up the small American flag that had fallen to the ground in the wind and the rain, and set it upright again. Then, slowly, he came to attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off.
I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know, taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures. That simple salute -- that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag -- encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said, "I will never forget. I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I am an American soldier."
I thank God for examples like that.
And on this Memorial Day, I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.
- Capt. John Rasmussen chaplain with Multinational Division North in Bosnia.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
do I know you?
Two men were sitting next to each other at a bar. After a while, one guy looks at the other and says, "I can't help but think, from listening to you, that you're from Ireland." The other guy responds proudly, "Yes, that I am!"
The first guy says, "So am I! And where about from Ireland might you be?" The other guy answers, "I'm from Dublin, I am."
The first guy responds, "So am I! Sure and begorra. And what street did you live on in Dublin?" The other guy says, "A lovely little area it was. I lived on McCleary Street in the old central part of town."
The first guy says, "Faith and it's a small world. So did I! So did I! And to what school would you have been going?" The other guy answers, "Well, now, I went to St. Mary's, of course."
The first guy gets really excited and says, "And so did I. Tell me, what year did you graduate?" The other guy answers, "Well, now, let's see. I graduated in 1964."
The first guy exclaims, "The Good Lord must be smiling down upon us! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same bar tonight. Can you believe it? I graduated from St. Mary's in 1964 my own self!" About this time, Vicky walks into the bar, sits down, and orders a beer. Brian, the bartender, walks over to Vicky, shakes his head, and mutters, "It's going to be a long night tonight." Vicky asks, "Why do you say that, Brian?"
"The Murphy twins are drunk again." - Michael B. Wright, Tampa FL q.gcfl
The first guy says, "So am I! And where about from Ireland might you be?" The other guy answers, "I'm from Dublin, I am."
The first guy responds, "So am I! Sure and begorra. And what street did you live on in Dublin?" The other guy says, "A lovely little area it was. I lived on McCleary Street in the old central part of town."
The first guy says, "Faith and it's a small world. So did I! So did I! And to what school would you have been going?" The other guy answers, "Well, now, I went to St. Mary's, of course."
The first guy gets really excited and says, "And so did I. Tell me, what year did you graduate?" The other guy answers, "Well, now, let's see. I graduated in 1964."
The first guy exclaims, "The Good Lord must be smiling down upon us! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same bar tonight. Can you believe it? I graduated from St. Mary's in 1964 my own self!" About this time, Vicky walks into the bar, sits down, and orders a beer. Brian, the bartender, walks over to Vicky, shakes his head, and mutters, "It's going to be a long night tonight." Vicky asks, "Why do you say that, Brian?"
"The Murphy twins are drunk again." - Michael B. Wright, Tampa FL q.gcfl
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
where's your tail?
A blond was trimming her lawn with a weed whacker and accidentally cut off the tail of her cat who was hiding in the grass. She rushed her cat along with the tail over to Walmart. Why Walmart? Walmart is the largest retailer in the world! - Larry q.gcfl
Thursday, May 7, 2009
website ratings
AT&T - 8 - good at allowing you flexibility in making a payment, especially at setting the date. confusing at showing pending payments in an too subtle format
Discovercard - 9.5 - very good at allowing you flexibility in making a payment, especially at setting the date. very good at showing pending payments in an easy-to-understand format.
my note to them
I may have said this b$efore but I like the current state of your website. I like the way I can schedule payments -- it is easy to use.
And I really like the way you show pending payments -- very user friendly. I say this from the point of view of having worked now 48 yrs in IT in one role or another -- the last 14 with a financial services company.
Keep up the good work.
Discovercard - 9.5 - very good at allowing you flexibility in making a payment, especially at setting the date. very good at showing pending payments in an easy-to-understand format.
my note to them
I may have said this b$efore but I like the current state of your website. I like the way I can schedule payments -- it is easy to use.
And I really like the way you show pending payments -- very user friendly. I say this from the point of view of having worked now 48 yrs in IT in one role or another -- the last 14 with a financial services company.
Keep up the good work.
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