July
July 23, 2004
Growing up in California made me a Californian---but, seriously
it's hard for me to think that now living in Washington makes me
a Washingtonian---this is just home to me.
But I don't feel like a Washingtonian.
Now, yesterdays' blog may
have been confusing---as it sounded as if we were in California.
Since California's not in the real world anyway, how can one be
very sure about anything when discussing the country of
California. It's sort of like the whole place is a cinema
or something. Well, maybe a sinema. What with
all the make-believe and the guhlie-men and the Terminator plays
the governor---or would that be better stated reversed.
Oh, the remarkable and the hard to believe---it's infinite and
surreal. I remember a few years back when my son
glanced over at a driver in a red Dodge Viper convertible... at
the Saddleback church in Lake Forrest. I've always
wondered if the man heard Michael's exclamation: "Ahhhh...
suffering for Jesus!"
I do need to make a stop in
Sacramento or San Francisco or something, as it seems that when
we got married , I neglected to go to the Social Security
Admin.'s office to have my name changed. Now, one would
think that since we seem to have every piece of paper we have
ever received/written, we would be able to find the necessary
document for this name change---but no, of all the papers we
could be missing, wouldn't you know that it is our marriage
license we're missing. So---this sudden discovery:
this wouldn't be so ridiculous if we hadn't filed taxes every
year or if I hadn't been employed in the early years, or that we
were audited one year or at the very least, if we hadn't sent in
11 forms for birth certificates and social security numbers for
our children in addition to numerous other government documents
over the years. Anyway, it came up this year that that
little task hadn't been completed by the naive bride 26½ years
ago---I had more important things on my mind---I was setting up
an apartment in So. San Francisco... and it *was* in California,
dontchaknow---besides, I had gone to the DMV---what more need I
do, I must've thought. Poor Wes, if it's not
one thing, it's ten others. The sunshine and the prospect
of lots of it makes it worth it all, I s'pose...
July 22,2004 One
of the things I love best about being in California is *great*
mexican food! My sister in law's cooking and the sunny
days---waking up in the morning, looking out and *not*
wondering: uh, is it raining today? No! wake up, look out,
ah it's... sunny! But---it sure isn't home anymore---it's
the most familiar place in the world to me---and I used to think
I'd be happy to live there again---but it's not anymore.
AI
bizarre metamorphosis takes place when people go to
california---and I'm not sure, but it seems that the heat makes
money evaporate and it is so easy to assume a worldly mindset
and brokenness over sin seems to nonexistent! The trap of
bigger-better-more. All
that said, I so love the refreshing sunshine, the wind and the
water, and freeways(!) that drivers use for driving, beaches for
sand castles, iced tea and laughter with the family, (and this
is scriptural, now) "Not that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content [especially if the state is california]." Phi 4:11 (KJV-ps
translation). Then the deep down comfort that it's not home
to me anymore and soon we'll return to the beautiful Northwest:
home-sweet-home!
Oh... and my sister in law's cooking! Dreaming of Carne
Asada... and other things...
Salsa and Dip Recipes: Salsa Fresca
Ohmy,
the matter of
Sandy Berger's lapse in judgment is incredible!
Doesn't it sort of just boggle the mind that a former national
security advisor would "inadvertently" remove legal
documents---and then admit that some documents were
"inadvertently discarded." Hey, now don't you feel safe
with this level of competence in the upper echelon of
government---past or present?? Makes you wonder what
Clinton wrote in his recent biography, My Life.
What seems alarmingly sad is that
Former president Clinton
called the controversy a "non-story," and then is quoted,
"I wish I knew who leaked it. It's interesting timing," he
said. No matter the seriousness of the incident, no matter
that vital information was mishandled---and worse, why?!?
Pathetic that getting caught or concerns over another
"conspiracy" is foremost in the mind of one of the most
influential men in America. But then, evasion seems to be
his broadening preoccupation in life.
July 21, 2004
Go ahead...
Skip today's blog if you love cats.
If there is one thing I hate (okay---hate is rather
strong and so I will attempt to refrain from using this word to
describe personal intolerance in the future) on this earth, I think for
certain, it is cats. I cannot count the ways in which they
annoy me. Additionally, and sadly (for me) my family loves these rodents---the
more the merrier, in fact! To further compound this
pitiful situation: we
have more kittens---lots more.
I'm pretty sure that
Kittens/Cats/rodents are the gardener's number one
irritation---certainly, above weeds and thistles, even! I
will even concede that I prefer moles to cats and moles are
absolutely disgusting to me. So... cats. I wouldn't
mind if outdoorsy types distributed this weeks copies of
Food Chain Today
newsletter to
all our neighbors and let them know that dinner's on the porch!
Okay---that's a graphic as I ought to get here... this is a
family page, after all. (Levity... levity---and, to give
you an idea of the irriatation, that annoying paw print pattern
above---well, it's almost as annoying as cats themselves!
Almost.)
My
midwife is coming for a lunch/tea party today. Our
daughter-in-law will also be here, (as both friend and current
"client") bringing tasty salads for our luncheon.
Now, this is going to be the first time we'll be getting
together for simply visiting. Since I am still in a
mid-wife crisis (as it
seems I'll never be preparing for the next series of monthly,
then weekly visits to see her), this will be an odd new occurrence.
It would be a shock to me now were I to be in need of midwifery
care
again---though for nearly 26 years, this has pretty much been my
biennial expectation and condition! So... the mid-wife
crisis continues. Last night all the remaining baby
blankets were put away, along with some other items that will no
longer have a prominent place in our room. One benefit
about having children spanning this many years, though---I'll
never fret over what to do with an empty nest.
July 20, 2004
A few days ago I wrote about that article by
Annie Jacobsen of the Women's WallStreet. I knew
that incident warranted a bit more attention than the story was
receiving---I mean, surely since I posted it on my blog (O, that
was just for hype since I wrote about blogging yesterday and it
not being for personal gain or spotlight or aggrandizement)!
So, the story's made its way to the talk shows and national TV.
Now,
Annie's written some more about this past week, her
experience and what's transpired in the meantime.
Pictures
remind us of why this is an important story.
Airplanes-turned-bombs(!!) were flown into huge office
buildings---think of the absolute precision, the spot-on
accuracy and perfect self-control required to pull off such a
feat. Think of the dastardly evil intentions and
masterminding that took place months---years prior to that day.
Some pictures are worth a million words---and not a dime or a
billion dollars could be assigned to their value. This
one,
"Falling Man" by Richard Drew, is one such photograph.
Why are the lessons from that day so difficult to grasp?
While
watching a "Gaither Homecoming Video" the other night, one of
the children called out, "There's Guy Penrod!" and little Ami
quickly come back with: "Na-awww, that is Jesus!" So, when
our family recovered, they continued watching and singing along
with the video.
I had the
nicest note from Roger Bennett of
Legacy-5.
O, what an
incredible journey-to-health he is traveling. I had
written to encourage him and to thank him for journaling this
passage in his life. His faith and gracious, grace-filled
outlook is so refreshing.
July 19, 2004
Why blog? Community... sharing ideas, encouraging
others---it's sure not a "for personal gain" type deal! I
was reading some dialogue between a few who were debating the
issue of blogging and why people blog. Apparently Doug
Wilson had negatively commented on blogging---about bloggers in
general. His comments triggered others to react with their
own pretentious
pontification---then, they just like one they're criticizing.
Some mock the "faux intimacy" of the
net ---[and I am *strictly* talking of
straightforward-honest-aboveboard-moral communications here] ---
and yet we have seen legitimate friendships form "over the net"
and become legit face to face friendships. One such
friendship formed several years ago over the net with one in
Iowa (then to Colorado) with a few face-to-face visits has led
to these same friends literally moving here this week to
fellowship with us here in Washington. That's where I see
the huge benefit of the net, of blogging, and the ease of
communication. Friendship---genuine friendship.
I know of a couple of sweet marriages that had their beginnings
on the net. Amazing. 'Course... you know, I *still*
have this *HUGE* caution against ANY illicit communication and
boy, is there a FINE LINE! A very fine line!
Oh, what trouble is brought
on by the tongue! If Cheney's comment to a senator on the
Senate floor wasn't bad enough (and it was---but is a comment
made by millions every day, I suppose), Now Arnold
Schwarzenneger's gotten himself into a tangle by a comment he
made about legislators who were
acting like girlie-men. It's sure amazing how petty
everyone's gotten and yet wouldn't/don't scrutinize their own
words with the same analysis or without bias. We were
reading in our family Bible time---a continuation of the passage
the children read yesterday in Proverbs. The tongue, no
man can tame. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of
life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked." And
righteousness: "In the lips of him that hath understanding
wisdom is found..." (these form Proverbs 10)
We listen to Washington
Mutual commercials on the radio... and smile... wamoola.
Our son works for WaMu in Seattle and alerts us to new
Wamu commercials/films. Our favourites are "Debra" and "Jenn"
(films are sometimes slow loading). These have added material
for the many conversations around our home... as they often
contain old "movie" lines; so, now, we're often quoting Jenn...
and gesturing: ".... no."
July 18, 2004
This is the day
which the LORD hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118.24
We praise the LORD for His
faithful watchcare and provision and protection over our
daughter, our friend, Sean and Jim & Kelli and their family
caravanning home to Washington over the last three
days---arriving home Saturday night! Today will be filled
with many activities, adjustments, unloading and settling in.
We're thankful for all the ways in which the LORD demonstrated
His mercy and graciousness to them and His "going before" to
meet all their needs. I was amazed at their good
timing---especially knowing the very slow speed they'd
have to have over the different ranges and mountain passes.
I'm still marveling... and smiling. Kathryn became
very proficient using (I believe this is the particular one they
used) the
mapping software ---which, I am discovering, is pretty
incredible!
I've been wondering
about that flight... and some other
things about air transportation. Apparently, all
passengers must remove their shoes---except those wearing
orthopedic shoes, in which case, the passenger's shoes need not
be removed during screening. So... you think
terrorists know this? :-s So... those 14
Syrians had been hired as musicians to play at a casino in the
desert. It'd be pretty easy to find out if they really did
play there---I mean if they discovered that the men originally
flew on one-way tickets, and returned on one-way tickets, that'd
be pretty easy to discover---and what exactly was in the
McDonalds bag. The writer gave a plausible
explanation---bomb building materials---or practice materials or
whatever could be used to turn a plane into a bomb that could
kill a whole lotta people. But then, how about this:
perhaps too much of what's in McDonald's bags kill people---but
it's a relatively slow death. I wonder if they said yes
to: do you want that super-sized?
July 17, 2004
This
article might make you think twice about your next airline
flight! I listened to part of an interview between Annie
Jacobsen and John Carlson and was impressed by her candor and
congenial manner. While she could've exhibited, in a
tirade, anger or fear about her flight, she calmly describe the
circumstances she witnessed and shared her thoughts on the whole
situation. After reading her article, I knew she had good
reason to to be alarmed, good reason to report her experience to
the authorities and she has very good reason to be suspicious in
the future. It's a
chilling article about just what goes on in the skies and
the potential for terror on that or any other day. There
are
several such stories---hard to know what to believe
anymore---what's true, what's conspiracy, what's political,
what's a lie. Now, I imagine that there are many who would
be tempted to think that Annie's story is just one more in the
plethora of stories or individuals advancing the fear and
hysteria or fueling the racial strains or promoting racial
profiling. But I'm just wondering... given what we know,
post 9/11, given what she described: what would I have thought?
How would I have reacted to the circumstances? How would
you have reacted?
I guess we'll just have to
see how all this plays out. One thing I do know, and on
this I place all my hope, all my trust and all my faith: The
Lord is on the Throne, the King of the Universe is my LORD and
Saviour: nothing escapes His gaze and nothing happens without
His permission---everything sifts through His fingers. I
believe God would not have us to live in a spirit of fear---if
we love Him, we will obey Him and as it says in 1John 4.18 "There
is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because
fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Well, it seems that
Boeing's going to add a whole bunch of jobs... my fatalist
side says: great, more jobs=double the future lay-offs; double
the strike potential. My optimistic side says: great, more
jobs equals more spending in this region, more services, more
resulting jobs, more apartments-----------Uh-Oh------wait: more
t-r-a-f-f-i-c. Lots more TRAFFIC!
And while we're perusing
the news...
Tim Berners-Lee has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
He was knighted in recognition for the far reaching phenomena
and benefit of the Internet through his invention World Wide
Web. I wonder what life would be like today without the
internet---surely communication, knowledge and productivity
would be nothing compared to what it is today---However, one
industry, to be sure, would not have flourished as it has and
that's the pornography mill---the dark side of the internet with
its intricate pipeline and instant ability to pump sewage into
every home equipped with on-line computers with just a simple
click of a button---and in many cases, no click is needed as
multiple screens cascade before the viewer's eyes.
Weakening resolve, desensitizing the conscience and plunging to
immorality to new depths as never before. Internet
pornography is daily destroying men's lives, their families,
their wives, women's lives and homes, children's
futures---Pornography is no respecter of persons---it matters
not: gain or loss, poverty, wealth, appearance, talent,
knowledge, ability---none of these things matter in internet
pornography. It's a ravenous monster leaving an enormous
swath of destruction all over the world and only death in its
wake. Kin to this dark side is the ability to communicate
"incognito" and carry on illicit relationships shrouded in
seeming secrecy. The damage done from both
pornography and internet relationships is inestimable and
the consequences are fathomless. The proliferation has
made the p-rnography industry an enormous multi-billion dollar
business. The big lie: children are resilient and
they get along fine when families are destroyed as a sure
consequence of internet pornography and cyber affairs.
But determination and
resolve to yield to God ---only--- can allow for the good of the
internet, the benefit of information, the value of communication
and the blessing of friendship. Today, in fact, we will
welcome home our friends---our friends who are moving here to
start a new life, a new life in a fellowship of believers, a new
chapter---in part, because my friend Kelli subscribed years ago
to a daily Bible study I used to send over the internet.
It's amazing what God will use to draw us to Himself and to draw
believers together as family. There is "great gain" to be
found on the Internet, to be sure.
Run filters. Use
"pop-up" smashers. Guard and guide your children's
internet use! PLEASE, Do not give in to the
temptations present every day on the net because like a net
you'll be scooped up and entangled (snap!) just like that!
July 16, 2004 I was trying to locate a good map of Idaho---found a good source
here at:
worldatlas.com. We had a great chance to talk to
our daughter last night; she called from Wyoming where they'd
decided to stop for the night. The little caravan is doing
well---nearly washed away in buckets of rain, but made good time
the rest of the way to Buffalo---the town---we're praying they
don't have any encounters with buffalo or deer or any other
problems. [I just had a reader send
a note regarding the advertising on or generated at this site--worldatlas.com---I
run such tight filters that I didn't notice ANY advertising
---so, this is FYI---beware of advertising if you do not
have tight "security" filters and/or pop-up ad smashers /filters on
your computer.]
Well,
it looks like
Martha
Stewart faces
5 months in federal prison and 5 months of house-arrest and
a few large bills for conspiracy, making false statements and
obstruction of agency proceedings; this, from the "suspicious"
sale of stock in ImClone, a biotech company. she
reportedly said to the judge, before her sentencing, "I ask that
when you judge me, you remember all the good I've done."
Pending an appeal, it might be a year before she has to
actually "do the time" for this "crime."
I couldn't help but make
comparisons to That Day... in That Day, many will be saying
"...when you judge me... remember all the good I've done."
Titus
3.5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Well,
it sure seems to be a boggled mess on the US presidential
campaign trail. It's becoming more and more like a
gigantic web. Actually, it's probably more like another
gigantic web of innuendos, double-speak, half truths, out-n-out
lies and a whole lotta gibberish alongside all the other
enormous webs of political deceit and destruction. I
marvel at the comments made on *both* sides of the political
river. One candidate argues that there needs be *change*
in Washington---mygoodness, that's where he's *lived* for a
gazillion years! (I get these extreme exaggeration techniques
from them!) Then another one said at one time he'd *never*
accept the offer to be the running mate and boy, is he running
now! Running on a platform that's a shifty as a deck out
on the Pacific. Then we've got those who *seem* to have it
together... well, it sure seems interesting.
Speaking of
webs... Consider this as a possible definition of faith:
The spider spins a web
and yet begins with no thread.
More
in the: Hhmmmmm... category: Obesity may now be
considered a "disease." According to
this article, "The
question isn't whether obesity is a disease or a risk factor,"
said Medicare administrator Mark McClellan. "What matters is
whether there's scientific evidence that an obesity-related
medical treatment improves health," he said.
Treatment... *successful treatment* will improve health, but
whether treatments are successful depends on people's
determination, not government programs or insurance's increased
coverage of so-called- treatments. I'll tell ya this: I
know of one very very successful treatment: elimination of
white food!
O, but the mind! The will to abstain from all those
things... and then doing it!
July 15, 2004
The Northwest trek begins today. Only this time, we're not
going to be tracking Kathryn's flight on the computer screen.
We'll be "prayin' 'em home" as they drive. A van pulling a
trailer, the blazer pulling a trailer and a small
truck---forming a relatively slow-speed caravan to their new
home---a new life---a new adventure---here in the Northwest.
Bittersweet; I'm sure, for them today as they say good-bye to
family and friends. The friends here are so looking
forward to their arrival and to what the LORD is doing and will
do in and through them. Lately I've been thinking that
Jim's doing something other men only dream of doing: gathering
his family, pulling up stakes and settling in a brand new area
with lots of prospects, lots of potential with nothing
"concrete" but a safe-solid place to land and a bunch of
"brothers" cheering him on. We say, praise the Lord.
I'd
rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the
way.
Edgar Guest |
This Day's Thought
- To subscribe, visit
www.thisdaysthought.org
This is a
local weather cam... interesting! This is for you,
Kathryn!
Well... looks like the debate is going to linger on. With
nearly a 50/50 split, the Senate blocked the passage of the
Marriage Amendment. In a roll call vote, the measure was
defeated 50-48. Interesting that the two who missed
the vote were Kerry & Edwards. Either they're cowards or
they demonstrated their disregard for the family and marriage.
This way, in their bid for election, they've got nothing to
answer to---except their absence on an important measure.
It seems that Santorum "got it" when attempting to defend the
measure: "It's not about hate, it's not
about gay bashing," Santorum continued. "It's simply about
what's doing the right thing for the basic glue that holds
society together." This measure is about the
preservation of marriage *not* "gay" bashing or whatever other
group seeking to redefine marriage. Pretty soon... as my
friend wrote some time back, people will want to marry their pet
or many pets or whatever. The explosion of immoral
behaviour will likely be stunning.
In the same article, I was amazed at the comment by Nancy
Pelosi: "...regardless of how members feel
on the issue, Congress is "wasting the public's time when we
have important business to deal with." More
important business to deal with? When judges are making a
mockery of the judicial process and are sidestepping rulings and
when the moral fabric of our nation is decaying... more
important business to deal with? Ah, right. This, I
say tongue in cheek: Ms. Pelosi did say that the vote
"is a
procedural vote one where the vote of Senator Edwards will not
make a difference."
Wonder if she'll regret
saying that?
I received in reply to my
letter, as I expected, a form letter from the office of Maria
Cantwell, one of our Senators here in Washington State.
Her reply, in part: "... I oppose a
constitutional amendment banning gay marriage because I believe
it is wrong to amend our Constitution to limit the rights of any
Americans. Further, I believe that marriage laws should continue
to be decided at the state level." The irony of
this is that no matter what's decided at the state level,
judicial tyranny and the proliferation of rogue judges, make
laws effectual and escalates the decline of morality under which
our society is already collapsing.
I knew, as there is no true
Republican or conservative representation in this state, that
our voice wouldn't be heard or represented. Still, I wrote
her a letter explaining the far reaching effects of the demise
of the family----I don't that federal laws and God's divine
institutions are mutually exclusive; there are, I believe, dire
consequences to laws that are counter to His design and the
effects of poor legislation will be devastating to our culture.
July 14, 2004
The day draws nigh for the vote on the Federal Marriage
Amendment by the Senate.
It's interesting
how many angles are being played on this one. I think it's
important for our Constitution to reflect this addition because
of the times in the history of our country where there was room
for debate over what constitutes marriage. The
implications of so called "gay" marriage are astronomical!
But this isn't about "gay marriage," it's about marriage.
The Bible gives a very clear, a very concise and a very precise
definition of marriage and therefore anything deviation is not
marriage. Civil Unions are not marriages---yet the
ramifications to such legal "unions" would/will have devastating
and eternal consequences. It seems that support for
the Amendment is not as strong as required for its passage---Senators
are giving absurd rationale for their opposition. The
issue's generated
all sorts of articles, commentaries and news links.
And... the consequences are already coming to pass in so called
"gay-marriage" as a couple, married in May, have filed for
divorce. How careless, selfish, egocentric and
shortsighted are all who would defy God's design. O, God
save our pitiful souls.
My mom sends me catalogues and online links to garden supply &
seeds/plant companies---one such is
Gardener's
Supply Company. I love looking at the
ideas---it's always encouraging to me to see what *can* be done
in the yard---but sometimes discouraging to me is the revelation
of what's *not* being done or how things really don't look all
that healthy here in the yard---or that our quasi landscaping
job is sorely lacking! We have different friends whose
yards are like lush parks and one has roses that could take
first prize year after year. But, for me, tending
the garden the LORD's given me is my first priority... the
little plants are growing and that's what's most important right
now. I try to give them all the tender-loving-care they
need. I try to read to them, talk to them, listen, prune
back any waywardness, keep them clean and well watered and of
course, well fed! Speaking of which---it's mealtime and
the little plants are starving!
Missing Kathryn...
July 13, 2004
Steve Sconce got off all
right yesterday from Sea-Tac... but not without first spending
some last hours here packing, dumping, resorting and repacking
with the Rogne's (missionaries who will join the Sconce's in PNG
next month!) and saying farewell for now to friends and then, to
his sweet surprise, his parents, who drove from Eastern
Washington to say good-bye to their son who will return to PNG
via London, HongKong and Australia! It will be another
week before he actually sees his own family there. With many
"one last thing's" added to his carry-on, a violin and a
backpack and two large and heavy Rubbermaid Bins duct-taped
shut, he made his way though "Check-in" and down the concourse
at Sea-Tac. These "good-byes-for-now" are always hard.
My surprise couldn't have been greater when I picked up the
phone here at home to greet the caller... to hear Crystal's
voice (in PNG)! Then, O, the blessing of technology: to
call Wes (had already left the airport) who called Steve's
brother's cell-phone and to have them call Crystal back in PNG!!
O! Technology! Wes had the number in his call log...
remembered having received the call the other day and associated
it with Steve's brother Matt. How grateful we are for the
good things the LORD has allowed us to have---the good that can
be done with His provisions! Even in all this,
there is a measure of sadness. One Day, there will be no
more tears, no more sorrow and the LORD will wipe all the
sadness from our eyes... In the Day... What a Day... what a
Glorious Day that will be.
A
lot of comings and going's! We're so missing our Kathryn,
but we're so grateful for her opportunity to go help friends
pack their home in preparation to move here to the Northwest.
They'll be driving this way starting Thursday. Another
friend is flying down to drive with the family, one of the
vehicles/trailer back here. It'll likely take three
days! Upon their arrival, there will be many to help
unload and get them settled in.
The
Federal Marriage Amendment
comes up for a vote tomorrow or the next day. It is, in reality, just a
exercise in futility. For with the inclusion of
doublespeak, the Amendment is weak and written in such a manner
as to be interpreted any number of ways---especially with the
presentation of
two versions of the Amendment being presented.
That oughtta send up some red flags! Arrogance of [for]
power eliminated genuine purpose. I suppose not all
politicians are disingenuous, nor are all intending to speak in
such a misleading manner to gain position or notoriety in
Congress. It's a mockery and to be sure, a complete
disconnect with morality to say one thing (fully intending
allowing for another) and to appear genuinely concerned for the
state of marriage and the future of our society and to yet
propose alternatives to such an important piece of legislation
reveals the double standard. This
doublespeak is really indicative of the true position of
each who endorse both marriage *and* civil unions which has
gained some popularity in the wake of Kerry's national campaign.
Senator
Sam Brownback seems to have an inkling of the importance of
marriage--of family.
But
it is God who sets up Kings and brings down nations and it is
God who designed and instituted marriage between one man and one
woman. He does not recognize or sanctify man's
deviation from His design. So, in reality, no matter what
is accomplished in the Senate, no matter what is done to counter
the action, no matter what is said or implied, no matter how
many words are exchanged in debate over this "issue,"
nothing will change what God has said and/or originally
instituted. Nothing will stand against the preparation of
the LORD.
This
land is my land... This land is your land... If
regulations and building permits and installation permits and
licenses and permits and insurance and permits and taxes and
permits and fees and permits don't kill home"owners", then
bewilderment just might! And their exasperation---if it
doesn't lead to total apathy---just might lead sane men to
commit insane acts! In King county (Seattle & vicinity)
there is talk, of a new law, known as the "65-10
Rule" being
proposed by the county to call "...for landowners to set
aside 65 percent of their property and keep it in its natural,
vegetative state. According to the rule, nothing can be built on
this land, and if a tree is cut down, for example, it must be
replanted. Building anything is out of the question..."
So,
then... if one is to buy a piece of land and then of that piece
of land to have use of only a portion, perhaps the magnanimous
thing to do is to pay property tax on the inhabited portion and
allow the other portion of the exploited home"owners" land to
just freely exist.
It's
a thrill to participate in the lives of believers who allow a
"coming alongside" and an openness for fellowship. So much
of life is artificial---pretense and show. But just
because that's normal doesn't mean we need to live or be like
that. It takes courage to risk transparency and it takes
boldness to challenge it in others---but more, it takes a
willingness to expend the required energy and loyalty is not
without cost. In our indifferent culture, that sort of
behavior is intimidating and puts people off. Now, I've
never been skydiving though I watch skydivers every day.
And sometimes I think that loving people is like jumping out of
a plane and risking the consequences of that jump: it'll either
be graceful with a smooth landing or treacherous with a crash
landing. The outcomes depend on who's packed the parachute
and who's guided the flight, the jump and the timing of the
opening of the chute.
July 12, 2004 Our
daughter flew to Colorado to help friends pack and move here to
the Northwest. Our home fellowship has been so encouraged
by their desire to be obedient to the LORD, for their huge step
of faith to move here---and to trust the LORD completely for His
provision of home, employment, etc., etc. What's
been interesting is Jim's comments that they've moved (in the
past) for job relocations and for family but never for genuine
fellowship---to live near believers with whom they want to share
their lives. There have been so many ways in which the
LORD has obviously worked and provided. I suppose this is
one of the reasons we wanted to send Kathryn down to help them.
Additionally, another friend is flying down to drive one of
their vehicles/trailers up here. This has been another
great blessing to us all as we've watched this gracious act of
mercy and kindness---as a response to our friend's step
leap of faith!
July 10, 2004
We sure had a wonderful time with the friends and family
gathered here last night for the 8th annual "KlaHaYa Days
party" here in our yard. Every year is a delight to us as
we see people talking and laughing together---many who only see
one another a few times a year! This annual gathering
always seems to have a new thread running alongside the old and
familiar. The Lord's be very very gracious to us and we're
extremely aware of His merciful kindness to and on us.
O---without the LORD... where would we be today? I shudder
to think! We did miss friends who weren't able to be with
us---and of course, many asked about the ones not here or how
were things with this or that family. It's a sweet time of
both looking forward and reminiscing. We had a bit
of a damper on the party---literally! It sprinkled for a
bit and we earnestly prayed for a clearing and the LORD saw fit,
I suppose, to grant that request---because it was a very very
pleasant evening after that!
Our special guest was not
with us as he'd made plans and there was a conflict with the
timing. So---I am sorry that the friends and family didn't
get the opportunity to hear from Steve about the work in Papua
New Guinea. We *did* have some more things brought for the
gathering of gifts to give him to take back to PNG. I
believe we've now gathered every single thing on the list.
I'm so grateful to the LORD and to each one for their
generosity. I do know that the family will be so thrilled
and so thankful for the blessings of all these things.
Laura
sewed 4 dresses and other friends added things that
were needed and some gave money which I used to buy the items on
the list and the *used* champion juicer is just great! We
will be giving him all the items and he'll carry them in 2
Rubbermaid bins --- the bins themselves will be useful to them
there in PNG!
For her graduation celebration,
Kathryn received the original Magnetic Poetry
from her Grandmother and Poppy |
Daniel celebrates his 25th birthday |
commemorating Kathryn's graduation has been quite
significant to us and we've sure been grateful to those
who've joined us in celebrating this event. My mother
is exceedingly proud of Kathryn and, I suppose, rightfully
so; she's been surely her most devoted fan since Kathryn's
infancy. Since Kathryn loves to read, loves
words---poetry, writing, etc., etc. my mom bought her
magnetic poetry
for graduation and she added other word sets in order that
Kathryn might more fully enjoy it.
Much more to write...
little time to write it!
There's
much that could be written about these days in our
family---in our country---in the world... but wisdom tells
me that when one is emotional *and* tired, the better part
is the choosing to reflect rather than account for any or
all of these or to emotionally pontificate on things that
are relatively unimportant in the larger scheme of things.
I just continue to reflect on the multitude of thoughts that
come from this verse: (Acts 20.24) But
none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear
unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and
the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to
testify the gospel of the grace of God.
July 9, 2004
The KlaHaYa
Days are here in our little town! We've been getting
ready and are so looking forward to having a gathering here.
We're looking forward to the guests and the fellowship...
honouring Kathryn for her graduation and really, just being able
to spend time with family and with old and new friends---plus,
taking lots of pics! ;-) We'll sure miss the special
friends who cannot be with us this year. I'm sorry for the
others who won't be able to see them, too and for Kathryn who
looked forward to sharing the time with them. Ah.. how our
years are sprinkled with disappointments! O, how they
cause us to grow and to consider the times we *do* have. I
sure know that when disappointments come we really feel
stretched and tend to question everything. But God.
But God, who is rich in mercy... So we really attempt to
value the time---redeem the time, because not only are the days
evil as the Word says, they're short, too!
On
the horizon... the vote on the
Federal Marriage Amendment is set for July 12. Some argue that the
government has no business dealing in the matters of marriage
and family choice or it's not a matter that ought to be up for
debate or public opinion. Interesting all the trouble
brewing over the same-sex marriages and yet we know this is
nothing new. At the inception of the
Republican Party in America in 1856 one of the planks in the
platform read:
"Resolved: That the Constitution confers upon
Congress sovereign powers over the Territories of the United
States for their government; and that in the exercise of this
power, it is both the right and the imperative duty of Congress
to prohibit in the Territories those twin relics of
barbarism--Polygamy, and Slavery." I wonder what
today's twin relics would be?
I'm thinking we've got parallel
situations today---our country sure has veered off course and
what is being demanded (in ss marriage/family/rights/etc), is in
my opinion, is as bad or worse. In all of this I continue
to remember something I shared a few months back---First: God is
sovereign and second: Marriage is ordained by God and no matter
what people believe about what they're doing, it's either right
in God's eyes or it is *not* right in God's eyes.
His Word is clear and His establishment from the beginning is
unmistakably obvious.
YAKIMA
—
Jude Doty has spent the past 15 years whittling his life
philosophy down to a motto: home birth, home school and home
business. To live by those words, he says, is his right. To
fight for them is fundamental.... It's an incredible
story---especially in light of the fact that many homeschooling
families home educate so that there will be the freedom to
apprentice or train their children in the way they should go...
and the way often includes: work. Real work. I'm not
thinking that some of the ways this dad's going about the work
are necessarily right and were I to be in his position, I think
I'd sure pull in on some of the safety issues---but,
nonetheless, I'd still fight for the right to train up the boys
how I see the Lord leading and I'd sure be very firm in the
conviction to do so.
July 7, 2004 Every
now and then there's a work or a ministry or a person we're led
to support or recommend. We do this as the LORD leads and
share as the LORD prompts us to. A woman I've come to
respect and admire is Nancy Campbell and the ministry of
Above Rubies. It's interesting that I came to
read about her a number of years after the fall of a most
favourite magazine, Gentle Spirit. I wondered if there'd
ever be another "gentle spirit" mag or something near enough to
it! I think between the Above Rubies magazine and the
Crowned with Silver magazine, there's a real close similarity to
the old GS. O,
Crowned with Silver is sure a good publication (and site)
and what a blessing it is for women just starting out on the
road of motherhood. With all the contradictions being
thrown at mothers today---all the attempts to destroy the
calling and the home, these magazines are such a gift to wives
and mothers! I so encourage the support of these magazines
and the ministry of Nancy Campbell. I don't think anyone
can deliver a message to women quite like Nancy! Sweet
words! O, that sisters would get a hold of the truths of
the Word.
It's
a risky thing to hold an opposing view to a popular trend or
practice, but riskier is to voice the view. It's nothing,
really, to hold strong opinions or beliefs---unless they become
or begin with conviction; then, there is nothing one can do to
hide or suppress deep convictions. Deep convictions dictate behaviour and behaviour is noticeable---especially if the
convictions have passion behind them---and more, when the LORD
has done a work!!
In the body of Christ
there are so many factions and divisions. So many forms
and traditions. Sometimes it seems what's happening is not
remotely close to the patterns given in the Bible for believers
to follow---to emulate. Lately, I've mulled over and over
what it is to be a Christ follower; what is it to walk with God?
Is it or can it be defined by an organization or denomination or
a hobby or a club or even a culture? No---it cannot be, it
mustn't be! Walking with God is a daily decision to
yield to Him, to deny self, to listen to His Voice and to obey
Him. He is not a man that He could lie---and because He is
Truth, He is fully trustworthy and utterly faithful---He
absolutely cannot fail. But He is so often missed in the
ordering of the day, the schedule or the program---Christ, our
Head, is often the last thought to the planning or the
decisions. It seems that to stop and consult Him might
perhaps throw off the course (perish the thought!) and sadly, it
seems that were one to mention Jesus, then perhaps the stifling
effect would ruin the production or the program---thus, to truly
be a disciple of Christ, one has to decide: go with the flow?
go with the status quo? go with the crowd, the trend, the
program? Or, walk with Jesus. Period. Wherever
He leads, whatever He says, whenever He calls, however He does
it: just walk with Him. It's just Jesus. All the
weights of the bag are His.
But what about a purpose?
Well, what about a purpose? Is it possible to walk with
Christ everyday without walls, without structures, without
programs, without institutions, without a guidebook---with only
the Bible as the guide?
I think so.
Must one be 'purpose
driven' in order to walk with Christ? Or does being
'purpose driven' take you somewhere else? It's awkward
to hold a view that's contrary to trends and traditions---but it
sure is refreshing! And contrary to what the enemy
attempts to convince, there are many believers who've come to
the very same conclusion and that is that the Church has sure
departed from the original intent for the life of the body of
Christ. When a man or a woman walks with Jesus---that must
be all that matters. All the contentions, all the
divisions are surely not of the LORD---but they are of the
enemy---the same enemy who attempts to keep Christians busy,
busy, busy---divided, divided, divided---isolated, narrow and
exclusive. This is not how the body of Christ ought to
be--- not at all. I understand why there is division---I
used to promote it myself! I understand why there's
suspicion and skepticism---I used to be suspicious or skeptical
of anyone who held positions that differed from mine. I
didn't start out that way, I grew into that pattern of thinking.
I was not so much rooted and grounded in the Word as I was
rooted and grounded in the church---read: institution.
So rooted and grounded that original thought or personalized
revelation of/from the Word didn't exist.
Now, lest you think I am
now ragging on the institution---I am not---truly I am not---I
am simply attempting to shed light on the fallacy that the
institution *is* the church. The *body* is the church.
The building is not the church and what goes on there isn't
church. The building is a nice place for a bunch of people
to congregate, yes, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the
congregation will function or is functioning as a body
there---they will *be* there, yes and that may be all. The
body, to be a body, must function and mere association
does not mean *living* as a body anymore than going to a dinner
table means eating a dinner meal. There is so much the
"church" is settling for... by default. By default,
traditions have replaced the original plan and intent---and by
default, traditions are keeping generations of believers from
truly experiencing the exchanged life---the joy of living daily
in the light of the Word, with Christ as the Head and in genuine
fellowship with believers.
I am coming to realize many
things about walking with Christ... You know, walking with
Christ has nothing to do with "form" and who or what we know.
Take for example the first question asked when you discover a
person is a "Christian." Oh? Where do you go to church?
And if/when they give a favorable answer: First ________
whatever or First Street Community Church or whatever, that's an
acceptable answer and often is *enough* of an answer for us to
just be satisfied and end our line of questioning and often the
entire conversation! But... what about asking a
person what the LORD's doing in their life or How's He been
working in/through them lately or where are they reading in the
Word and what's God saying to them in it? Now... that
might be too personal---but is it? Really? It
ought not be for people who love the LORD and are part of the
*same* body of Christ. We are all His children if He is
our LORD. Why the offence at the questions, then? If
we know Him---we want to talk about Him and *all the more* if
it's with a brother or sister!! But the walls preclude
that and the walls divide and separate the body. Oh---this
ought not be so!
There are so many
deceptions, so many diversions and misconceptions in the church.
Sad... nearly nineteen hundred years of sliding away from the
original pattern to patterns that are now
exactly opposite of the original design. What is
accepted and expected is so opposite of the original design and
the marvelous blessing the LORD had (has) planned for His
children!
July 6, 2004
The fireworks are still lighting up the skies around our home,
the thick smoke creating a hazy skyline. It was a blessing to
hear the different tributes to soldiers continuing to risk and
lay down their lives for freedom---for the pursuit of life,
liberty and happiness. As I was searching for
"Independence Day" traditions, I came across this site:
American Family Traditions (fyi: this is *not* a
Christian site* ---new age---) and read some interesting
information regarding some of our countries' historic documents.
Well, on that site there are numerous descriptions
of aspects of American life---not through a believer's lens, but
a picture, nonetheless. An ever present theme is freedom!
The
Freedom Tower is set to begin construction in New York.
The planned tower (the first of possibly five towers) is
brimming with symbolism and commemorative effects in its design.
The cornerstone, made of "garnet-flecked" granite from the
Adirondack Mountains, is inscribed: "To honor and remember those
who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and as a tribute to
the enduring spirit of freedom. July Fourth, 2004."
Freedom... it is for Freedom that Christ died for us---John
8.32: And
ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Galatians 5.1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith
Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with
the yoke of bondage."
Judicial
Forum has a section called "Morality Check," and what a
*reality* check it is! This, from them on some current
happenings in California and the continued erosion of the well
established---since time immemorial---from the foundation of the
world. The non birth mother could claim co-parent status
if the parent was presumed or viewed to be the father.
Okay---but, this
woman is surely not the father. Worse, there is a
battle over the custody of the child because the two women are
no longer partners. All this twisted logic is made
possible by the
Uniform Parentage Act of California. But in a cursory
reading of the "Act," it sure looked clear to me that references
to "fathers were all *male* definitions. Oh, the LORD gave
us the uniform parentage act from the beginning of creation.
Men created to be men, women created to be women---that they
should leave their father and mother and be joined together.
A very simple plan---a very very good plan---that the enemy
through man[kind] has determined to confuse and destroy.
more later...
July 5, 2004
The Federal Marriage amendment... it'll probably not be
surprising to you who'll vote in opposition to the amendment,
but you may be surprised to see who's undecided. Here's a
list. There are many under the "big tent" endorsing the
amendment---this, to me, isn't a "religious" appeal, it's
failure would truly
have a cultural consequence or redefinition of our society---and
with the destruction of marriage and family, this society and
nation *will* fall.
July 4, 2004
Happy 4th of July!
It's Independence Day in America!
I have been
receiving this by email and wanted to share it with you in
case you haven't seen it! The 2004 Floral
Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains
the proper Flag dimensions as described in Executive Order
#10834. This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first
Floral Flag to be planted with 5 pointed Stars
comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in
diameter; Each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is
estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants with
4-5 flower stems each for a total of more than 2 million
flowers.
You can drive by this
flag on V Street south of Ocean Avenue in Lompoc,
California, approximately 2.5 hours north of Los Angeles.
The field where the flag is planted is part of a 9+ mile
stretch of flower fields that go all the way to the ocean.
The flowers are grown by seed companies. It's a beautiful
place close to Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Well,
I didn't receive any calls from the above seed companies or
growers. I guess my wild flowers were not quite up to par
since one of the little guys thought they all looked like weeds!
And you know the rest of the story! Guess *this* garden
won't soon be photographed from the planes that continually fly
over our yard. So, you'll not be receiving emails from
around the world boasting pics of the most spectacular garden of
2004 (or any other year, for that matter!). We do
try---and the weeds do try us, too! So far, the
raspberries are the only things producing a volume worth
mentioning. We continue working in the garden, digging
around and attempting to stay on top of things. We did
find a buried shovel. Guess hope springs eternal! If
we can't grow vegetables, maybe we can grow tools!
Heaven knows we need some more tools! I mean if we're
going to be digging stuff up... especially whole rows of wild
flowers, then, let's get a tool in every boy's hand---odds are
they'll eventually get even the real weeds!
ami and her nephew ;-)
America... the home of the free because of the brave.
July 3, 2004 We have been trying to get the garden in order, get the weeds
under control and work a bit further on more "permanent" raised
beds. So, I had the boys use cedar posts to fix an herb bed to
contain the weeds... the uh... herban sprawl. So, now the 4' x
16' "box" is in and I need to transfer the weeds---or rather,
the herbs, to it. One of my little boys helped me, too! He
pulled all the weeds out of the long row where the wild flowers
(not yet in bloom) are were planted. Now the row is all
clean. Really... all clean!
My son Timothy sent this to me:
He was looking forward to this moment all day long,
after 6 days of labor and it finally arrived---Visiting
Day!! The man with the keys arrived to swing open the
large, heavy doors. The cold gray hall springs to life
in the warm glow of light. He could hardly control his
emotions. The families began to arrive. He peers from
the corner of the room longing for the 1st glimpse of
his loved one. He lives for the weekends. He lives for
these visits.
As the cars arrive, he watches intently. Then, finally,
she arrives--his bride, for whom he would do anything.
They embrace, eat a light lunch and reminisce how things
used to be. At one point, they break into singing, with
interruptions of laughter and applause.
But all to soon it is over. A tear comes to his eyes as
his bride departs. Then the man with the keys closes the
heavy doors. He hears the key turn in the lock marking
the end of a special day. There he stands, alone again.
He knows that most of his visitors will not contact him
again till next week. As the last car pulls away from
the parking lot, the Creator of the universe retreats
into loneliness as He waits until next Sunday--Visiting
Day.
So much to read... so much to write. O, for time... sweet time.
July 2, 2004
I received a note from Vision Forum about the upcoming National
Center for Family Integrated Churches Conference:
Uniting Church and Family.
I got to thinking... Church and Family---these are not mutually
exclusive---the church *is* a family! We're coming to see the
reality of this more and more as we live with, or "walk with"
other believers in Jesus. A family is related by a common
father. The family of God has God as its Father---in a
Christian home, a little church, the head of the family is the
father---Christ is his head---the head of the church is Christ!
And... Christ is the head of every believer. What an awesome
reality and what a joy to anticipate what God will do when
believers yield to His authority and Headship!
July 1,
2004 Today's our son Daniel's 25th birthday!
Mygoodness, a quarter century! How time has passed so quickly!
Wes and I were riding back on the ferry from
Edmonds to Kingston
and we saw the little strip of beach
where we used to take Daniel and Michael to play with their
Tonka-trucks... twenty years ago, or so. We thought the
beach looked smaller than we had remembered it.
Everything was bigger in those days and the days were longer and
the years passed by so slowly. In those days... Now that little boy is a man and those Tonka-trucks and
little-boy toys have been replaced by better things a home and
family: a wife and little children of his own.
We sang a rousing round of "Happy Birthday" to Daniel---on a
recorded message :( He's gone camping for his birthday, so we'll celebrate it next
week. I hope to be able to make his favourite cake: German
Chocolate and Ice Cream from Costco.
Vanilla is his favourite!
Speaking of VANILLA(!) yikes! The recent
huge jump in price is sure a shock! We're looking into
buying beans and making our own by
buying vanilla
beans online. There are so many
companies selling beans and vanilla and we've looked into
buying them on eBay, too!
More later! So much to do around our home!
We sure enjoyed attending the Northwest House Church Conference and
hearing a special guest, Beresford Job (and his family), from
England. He has a site: House-Church.org
which sheds a great deal of light on the original New Testament
churches and what have become "traditions of men" today.
More extensive links to various aspects of beliefs and the life
of the body of Christ in the present day can be found at
The New
Testament Restoration Foundation website. So
many topics ... so many articles
... so little time! There's so much available for the
encouraging and equipping
of the saints:
In-Depth Studies
("Equipping the Believer with a Theological Foundation")
website. |