Okay, here are all the states I've been. Some of these may be cheating a little bit. But I still claim them.
create your own visited states map
One thing that I want to be completely honest about. I never visited the UP when I lived in Michigan. I know, I am a loser. Just wanted to speak the truth.
So I tried to do this yesterday. Joy put a link up from her blog. But it wouldn't work. Then I tried later. Still nothing. Then today David had it on his blog, so I thought, I'll try it in IE (disgusting, I know) from the link he has. I don't think it had anything to do with the link on Joy's versus the link on David's. I think it was just the web page project. (I refuse to believe it wouldn't work because of Mozilla, because I tried it in IE yesterday and it wouldn't work.) It just wasn't happy yesterday.
My cousin had her baby yesterday! The baby was born around 11:30 in the morning. Her name is Kayla Jane. I can hardly wait to see her.
In Matthew 18, Peter asks the Lord how many times he should forgive his brother. The setting is Galilee, and Peter is the Lord's loyal disciple. In fact, Peter's great confession of Jesus as the Christ and Son of God is only two chapters back. But Peter, like many of us, wants to reduce the Christian life to a check list of virtues and rules.
"I have forgiven my brother 7 times. I am a good Christian."
Jesus, instead of encouraging Peter's list making, gave a resounding "No!" in the form of a parable. The problem with lists is the satisfaction that comes from knowing we followed them. We forget that it is really by God's grace and strength we succeed from day to day. We can't outgrow our need for God.
The Pharisees, Jesus enemies, tried very nearly the same trick in Matthew 19. This was in Judea after Jesus had left Galilee. But the same problem is in all men's hearts. They wanted Jesus opinion of divorce. They wanted to have a list to know when someone could divorce his wife. Jesus avoids their question and points to a higher principle. In fact, He points to Genesis' first marriage and to God the founder of marriage.
Jesus answer for us anytime we are about to make a list is to set our sights higher. It isn't enough not to commit physical adultery, we can't even do it in our hearts. If we are angry, we better not let it control us, because it isn't enough not to commit physical murder, we can't even do it in our imagination. We can't follow a list and be satisfied that we are accruing credit with God. All credit goes to God who is the sole redeemer and giver of the gift of grace to those who do not and cannot deserve it.
I would like to share a World web article with you about reading. It is very interesting and makes good points and good suggestions. It is very long (I exaggerate not.), but also thought provoking at points. Other times it is simply reminding us of what we as Christians already should know. If you have the time, I invite you to read it. (I suppose...the pun is intended.) This article was sent to me by my sister.
Thanks to Joy's perseverance and a stern exhortation from Stephanie yesterday, I present you with a Villanelle.
Let me turn, and never again walk this way.
Often too distracted and caught in the night.
O keep me Lord and these desires help slay.
When all darkness surrounds, let me see Your day!
Bind me by Your Word. Thus keep me in the fight.
Let me turn, and never again walk this way.
When prisoned by pain with all these nerves affray,
Afraid, alone, weak, I scream with all my might:
"O keep me Lord and these desires help slay!"
When caught in problems, general dissarray,
And I am lost, then Your love shines clear and bright.
Let me turn, and never again walk this way.
When confused by the World and tossed in its sway,
Surround me with Your love, and show me Your light.
O keep me Lord and these desires help slay.
When I would rather sit--dream my life away--
You show me that only dreaming is not right.
Let me turn, and never again walk this way.
O keep me Lord and these desires help slay.
"If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, then error will be. If God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendency. If the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will. If the power of the gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of this land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end."
~ Daniel Webster
I worked on this poem for a long time. Then I let it sit for a long time. Now I am publishing it. I might yet tweak it, but I am happy to let it be seen now.
Words to comfort and
to make well that which was lost.
See the crimson thread.
(Genesis 2:7, 20, 25)
Feeble dust formed, framed
red earth named and spirit life
now naked, shameless.
(Isaiah 14:12; John 8:44; Revelation 12:10; Ezekiel 28:14)
Fallen from heaven,
(Father of lies, accuser!)
annointed cherub.
(Genesis 3:4-6)
Moments eternal--
A poison bite and death bite--
All in a moment.
(Genesis 3:17-19, 21; Hebrews 9:22)
Death the curse, promise
dirt and work with blood and sweat.
Crimson drops atone.
(Genesis 4:1)
The mother of all
from new life aquired hope,
dashed quickly by innocent blood.
(Genesis 4:8)
Breath's vapor fades now
as red hot anger subsides.
Brothers now no more.
(Genesis 4:9-10)
Blood calls from the ground!
Can you hear the crimson drops
fall by the meadow?
(Genesis 4:11-14)
Wandering man marked,
you see not the crimson thread,
free to all who ask?
(Genesis 5:29; Genesis 7:16)
Promised rest from your
weary work rest in the ark
the hands of God shut.
(Genesis 9:12-13)
"In the tent of clouds
I place my bow, this is
My lovingkindness."
(Genesis 11:4; Genesis 8-9)
Disobedient name
seekers! Mixed and confusion,
who can fight God's Gate?
(Job 1:1; Job 38:1)
Hated eschewer,
Patient man, persecuted.
Hear now the Whirlwind!
(Job 38)
"Can man answer God?
Can he know all God's council?
Answer, if you can."
(Job 42:6, 10)
Retracting, he repents.
Dust, ashes his covering.
And God gives to him.
(Genesis 18:10-12; Romans 4:11)
A covenant made
father of all who believe
(aged princess laughing).
(Genesis 22:2)
Father's laughter must
be sacrificed on the mount.
Picture things future.
(Genesis 22:8)
See here the thread of
crimson through time and space:
God will provide a lamb.
(Genesis 32:26, 28)
As the day dawned bright,
a new name revealed to him:
"God strives, rules, and heals."
(Exodus 2:10; Exodus 20; Exodus 6:1-2)
The prince of Egypt
brought stones written by God's hand
after plagues freed slaves.
(Joshua 2:18; Joshua 2:21; Joshua 6:23)
Arrogance humbled,
afflicter is afflicted
saved by scarlet thread.
And running through all
(judges, prophets, priests and kings)
shadows things future.
(Matthew 3:1; Matthew 3:2)
Preaching man, baptist,
Calling now for repentance.
The LORD is gracious.
(Matthew 9:27-30; Matthew 15:30-31; Matthew 1:23)
And by His hand did
blind men see and the lame walked,
For God is with us.
(Matthew 26:39)
And in the garden
of the oil press, He prayed God's
(not His) will be done.
(Matthew 26:48-49; Matthew 26:42)
And knowing all things
yet was met with traitor's kiss,
but He did Your will.
(John 19:28; Mark 15:33-34)
Thirst, darkness, pain:
(His Father's back now has turned.)
What is this but hell?
(Romans 6:10)
Bloodied on that tree
dying to sin once for all,
leads captive a host.
(Mark 16:6; 1 Corinthians 15:55)
But He is not here.
Death is not victorious.
Just as He has said.
(Acts 1:9-11)
Returning like His
leaving in clouds with glory
majesty, power!
(1 Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation; Psalm 2:9)
Like a theif in night;
then tribulation and peace.
Peace by iron rod.
(Revelation 21:23)
There is a thread in
eternity; there is no
sun to shine nor moon.
(Revelation 21:23; John 20:26-28)
God is the light of
heaven, the Lamb is now our
reminder by prints.
Prints that were opened
by nails and bleeding for us:
this our crimson thread.
More pictures from snowy Virginia Beach. I have made them smaller so it will take less time to open them.
Neighbor's driveway from my backyard
falling snow, down, down
here today, gone tomorrow
life is a vapor.
It was a snowy evening for church tonight. I love the snow. We just don't see it enough in Virginia Beach.
We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn that it is God shaking them.
~ Charles C. West
__________________
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; {8} we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; {9} persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; {10} always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
So I wrote this poem on Simplicity today because I had gotten in touch with a good friend whom I had neglected to call back. This person, Q, wrote me back with a haiku:
"jbo"
by Q
man without a foot
doesn't like to make phone calls
please come out and play
This is particularly funny because I am not only uncomfortable on the phone, but am horrible about calling people even when I know I should. Bad, jbo, bad.
Jesu, joy of man's desiring
Holy wisdom, love most bright
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned
With the fire of life impassioned
Striving still to truth unknown
Soaring, dying round Thy throne
* These are the words I found by a quick search. I'm guessing they haven't been tampered with.
We went bowling again before everyone went his or her separate ways (Danielle to Spain, Christa to Greenville, etc.). Once again, the timing for me wasn't quite right. It was the Sunday night after my procedure. But that didn't stop me from hanging out, as it were, snapping a few pictures and having a great time.
Here's one of Danielle and Ryan. My dear friend, Danielle, is in Spain now. Pray for her as she ministers there. She will be helping a missionary couple. I met Ryan last year a little before Thanksgiving. He's pretty cool and has started attending our church.
I'm trying to catch up with some pictures I was supposed to post but didn't have the time or internet capability to post in the past. I'll do my best not to confuse you with all the "this was this day, and that was that day."
Joy is right. I've been subdued. I had the radiofrequency treatment January 8. Since then, I've been out of commission. It hasn't been pretty folks. This past Sunday I came home from church after playing the piano for the song service. I meant to take medicine and go back. But I sat down just for a second, and I knew I wouldn't be able to move again.
I am feeling a little better. Generally, if I don't move I don't feel too bad. And I've had a chance to work on some music and write some poetry and of course work on my novel. So there are benefits to being still. Especially the spiritual benefits. Beyond my personal study, I have been able to read some really good papers on some theological issues of today.
I just wanted to let you know that I am okay, and to explain my quietness.
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;"
Break these bones! I gladly will suffer for You.
Only remember my mortal frame, so lend
Me Your grace; my soul You surely will defend.
My comfort secured, seeing Your hope anew.
Someone stole tools off our driveway (our driveway extends all the way up past our house to the back yard where the garage is) in broad daylight in the middle of the afternoon.
My brother ran out of the house, calling out to the guy. He got a good look at him, and memorized the kids' license plate as they drove off. But the police said since it was an out of state plate, they couldn't find anything that matched their records. So, the policeman promised to drive around the neighborhood and look around.
How reassuring it is that in a neighborhood as good as ours, there are people who will steal right out there under the sun.
How reassuring to me that God doesn't let anything happen but by His Sovereign will.
I couldn't resist posting this. It's going around the Internet. Likely, I am the last to see it.
Stolen from jen,
Please post your recommendations for me to watch, read, listen to, blogcheck, do:
1. A movie.
2. A book.
3. A musical artist, song, or album.
4. A blogger not on my list.
5. Something to do in the next two months; something daring or adventuresome.
If I can keep track of things, I'll let you know what I think when I get done with it.
quiet minds, quiet hearts
open hearts, open mouths
finding what's worth keeping
shedding what's worth losing
seeing the eternal, singing it
knowing He could come
right
now...
come,
Lord
Jesus.
Here's another comment on The Passion of Christ from IMDB.com.
Gibson's Bizarre 'Christ' Cameo
Director Mel Gibson makes a bizarre cameo in his forthcoming film The Passion Of Christ - his hand is reportedly seen putting a nail into the palm of Christ.
The film, which has attracted controversy amid fears it would ignite tension between Christian and Jewish groups, has also encouraged a fierce following of internet fan sites, rife with speculation. Some sites have reported that a hand that appears during Christ's crucifixion scene is Gibson's own, with fans suggesting the star's deeply-held religious guilt is behind the unusual gesture. According to gossip site The Scoop, one claims the shot is "symbolic of the fact that he holds himself accountable first and foremost for Christ's death". Gibson's representative has not commented on the claims.
Well, that was an ordeal. When Mercutio said, "A plague o' both your houses!" in Romeo and Juliet I'm sure he meant the procedure I had today.
I won't go into the gritty details except to give some keywords:
four needles, shock treatment, grounded, vertebrae, X-rays, IV drugs, local anesthetic, hot, cold, pain, extreme pain, tired, 13:00-16:30 is a long time
Yes, I was conscious the entire time. They needed me awake to ask me questions, how nice for them.
I'm not bitter. Really. They were very kind and helped me through it. And now that I have pain medication for my back, I am thinking nice thoughts about them.
Well, this is it for my treatment. I will remain on my medication until we know if this procedure worked. And finally, a big thank you to Christa who waited patiently for me at the Hospital and who put up with my meanness until such time as I received my "drugs."
Thanks for your prayers.
My radiofrequency doodah is today at 13:30 at the Naval Hospital. Yea for me.
Your prayers are requested, roger. 10-4, over and out.
The sky is a big toaster strudel. What flavor is your sky?
~ Christa L. Bohannon (January 6, 2004)
Today's the day we are leaving for home. Virginia Beach that is. I've been away for three weeks and a day. I think I should very much like to sleep in my own bed. Not that beds/couches/floors weren't comfortable enough. There's something about coming home that you can't replace. It makes you wonder why you ever thought leaving would be so much fun.
Ben left this morning, so I am on my own for part of the day.
Christa is busily working at the Press. I thought we were leaving at 2h, but now it looks like 4h or later depending on her. She has the car. It doesn't matter. I am fine right here. I have plenty to do.
It takes about 7 and a half hours to get home from Greenville. Another road trip: and there was much rejoicing...Yea....
good day to you all.
Hear the bells ringing;
Hear the people singing.
Here is the Christ shining;
Here is the Spirit moving.
Fare, with people sitting;
Fare, with Saints staying.
Fair our God in promising;
Fair our God in keeping.
Two natures keep fighting;
Two forces keep dancing.
To nurture the winning,
To fight the losing:
Trust only the guiding,
Believe only the keeping,
Of God and His completing
Work.
We are leaving Texas today for the journey home. After a short stop in Atlanta to see my Uncle and his family, Christa and I are getting dropped off in Greenville.
I'll be staying until Tuesday afternoon with the Ideaman himself. Maybe I'll be able to see some of you South Carolinians that blog on Bensfriends.
grace and peace