Today in faculty meeting, I was a bit underwhelmed by the proceedings…so I took out a piece of paper and began a list of words and phrases that followed a stream of consciousness; beginning with what was immediately in front of me…a cup of Earl Grey Tea.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I was thinking of my beloved–and most connections are in some way shared with her…I know that many (maybe most) of the connections will not be obvious, but they are logical, I promise. Maybe I’ll post another entry that explains the list…or you can ask Pamela about them.

Earl Grey Tea
Captain Jean Luc Picard
Inner Light
Whistle
Flook
Old Towne School of Folk Music
Violin Lessons
Edith Fridley
Tow Truck
IKEA
Cinnamon Rolls
Butter
Shortbread
Bagpipes
Amazing Grace
Slave Coast, Ghana
Luke 4:18 - 19
Tambourines
Dancing
November 15, 1992
Breakers Retirement Home
Blouses and Buttons
Wedding Cake
1 Corinthians 13
The Bond of Perfection
Faith, Hope and Charity Stained Glass Window (somewhere in England)
Hard Cider
“A Punch” (translated: A puncture)
Rebels
Drums by James Boyd
The kid’s bedtime
9:30 pm “coffee-house”
Spanish tutor
Curfew
Mr. J’s
Sauerkraut
Best friend’s dinner table
Boxing
Paul Rader
NIU
Articles on tape (read by Pamela with surprise messages from the kids sprinkled in)
$1.45 with an empty tank and toll-booths
Chicago Ave
“Every heartbeat bears your name…”
Quilts and paintbrushes
Hi-Fi and Banjo
Black and White TV
Star Trek
“Earl Grey, Hot.”

I am grateful for my bride who has traveled so many of these life paths with me. The memories are sweet, the company is sweeter.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

- Lego

Let’s Interlope by EBENIM PUBLISHING

Are you fed up with the sham and charade of the “Christian” dating game? Are you uncertain as to the Biblical veracity of “Kissing Dating Goodbye?” Are you concerned about where to find a good wife for your sons?

Ebenim Publishing announces the unveiling of its new booklet: Let’s Interlope–a truly Biblical model for finding a wife from the book of Judges. This highly acclaimed booklet will bring clear, scriptural understanding to this emotional topic.

You’ll learn from Judges 21 these important principles:

1. How vineyards are the key to a happy marriage,
2. How catching a mate may be easier than you think,
3. How dancing can be the key to your future.

For less than the price of premarital counseling, you to can own this important booklet that will transform your views of finding a wife.

From Judges 21

Then the elders of the congregation said, “What shall we do for wives for those who remain, since the women of Benjamin have been destroyed?” And they said, “There must be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin, that a tribe may not be destroyed from Israel. However, we cannot give them wives from our daughters, for the children of Israel have sworn an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the one who gives a wife to Benjamin.’” Then they said, “In fact, there is a yearly feast of the LORD in Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.”

Therefore they instructed the children of Benjamin, saying, “Go, lie in wait in the vineyards, and watch; and just when the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, then come out from the vineyards, and every man catch a wife for himself from the daughters of Shiloh; then go to the land of Benjamin. Then it shall be, when their fathers or their brothers come to us to complain, that we will say to them, ‘Be kind to them for our sakes, because we did not take a wife for any of them in the war; for it is not as though you have given the women to them at this time, making yourselves guilty of your oath.’”

And the children of Benjamin did so; they took enough wives for their number from those who danced, whom they caught. Then they went and returned to their inheritance, and they rebuilt the cities and dwelt in them.

 1 Hear my cry, O God;
         Attend to my prayer.
 2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
         When my heart is overwhelmed;
         Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
         
 3 For You have been a shelter for me,
         A strong tower from the enemy.
 4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
         I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.  Selah 

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.

Robes, courtesy of Library of Congress

We were reading from Mark chapter 2 and 3 today when the pharisees are trying to find fault with Christ--and finding it in Jesus' seemingly cavalier attitude regarding their laws.  

All through chapter two Jesus is seen upsetting the Pharisees by forgiving sins, by not encouraging his disciples to fast,  by  walking through the fields--eating heads of grain, and finally, the quietus, healing a whithered hand on the Sabbath.  After which, the Pharisees are seen rushing off to the Herodians to plot against Jesus.

This provided an opportunity to talk about the various things the Pharisees wouldn't allow on the Sabbath.  After awhile, Elliot offered a very profound addition that the Pharisees SHOULD have introduced into their many laws...

I don't think they should be plotting on the Sabbath...

Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

Smiley, courtesy of Photobucket.com

From Job 2

Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”

One of the childhood experiences that most kids share is the delight of a "snow day."  The moment when we realize that school is canceled may be the first time many of us feel euphoria.  This is yet one more thing my kids don't really get to experience as homeschoolers...yet, like most other benefits of home education and family unity, we get something that may be even better. 

When we were in Rhinelander, WI, this Christmas, we got 8 inches of snow.  So after lunch on Christmas day, we headed over to the golf-course and had a snow day that was more about family than freedom.  Grandpa Baker was the Grand Marshall for the afternoon.

The Pusher, 2007

Not all the cousins were sure they wanted to join in--the hill at the golf course is a little steep; but eight years with our own hesitant one has given Pamela plenty of experience in convincing.  After an "aunt-pulled sleigh" and a few successful trips down the hill, everyone was glad they came.   

"was that so bad?", 2007

Sleds were a little hard to come by, so Grandpa's ice-fishing sledge was brought along and it proved it could hold precious cargo just as well as fishing supplies!

All Smiles, 2007

One of our favorite comic strips as newlyweds was Calvin and Hobbes...15 years later, the faces say it all.

Where's Hobbes?, 2007

I know the galant thing would have been to sit in the front... 

Mouthful, 2007

Some of my favorite pictures of Pamela over the years have been taken in Rhinelander...I've got one more.

A Moment, 2007

From Psalm 51:

Make me hear joy and gladness,
         That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

 

 
(All but the last photo are courtesy of Ken Smoll, my brother-in-law...Ken, thanks so much for capturing the day for us all!)

REALLY BIG Tobacco, 2006

Last year while I was in Boston I drove by this sign.  I don't get it, and I'm not sure if I want to. 

OPTION 1: Do hippos prefer filtered or do they wrap thier own? 

OPTION 2: Is hippo on the menu of this fine dining establishment?

OPTION 3: Is it possible that hippos are really good cooks? 


From Job 41

Out of his mouth go burning lights;
      Sparks of fire shoot out.

 Smoke goes out of his nostrils,
      As from a boiling pot and burning rushes.

 His breath kindles coals,
      And a flame goes out of his mouth.

"What's Around the Corner?"     2007

From Matthew 6

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 

“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.   Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

This past week I had the privilege of producing a 3-part series on a new book by Stacy McDonald and Jennie Chancey entitled: Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God, published by Vision Forum Ministries.  Its an encouraging read on recapturing a biblical vision for the home.

If you'd like to take a listen, visit my audio blog.

From Titus 2

 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Waltham Watch Gears, 1904

Waltham Watch Face, 1904

Recently my Grandmother Butler stopped through Chicago on her way to MN.  She came bearing gifts for the kids and a small jewelry box for me.  Upon inspection, the box contained this pocket watch which she said had belonged to her grandfather Andrew F Skinner (b. 1851, d. 1947).  She didn't know how long he owned it, nor did she think that it worked, but she thought I might appreciate it in light of family history.  After a heart-felt expression of gratitude, I set it aside as we talked about other things.  The boys came by, picked it up, inspected it for a moment and wound the mechanism...and it ran!  Three days later, it is still running.

It made me contemplate what in my life can I hand down that will still work 100 years from now?  My first thought was something like "Not much..."

Then my wife reminded me of our vision for our family and our desire for cross generational faithfulness in service to Christ, love of the Father and life from the Spirit.  So that, even if nothing of our current earthly treasure survives the years, God's work--for His glory--will be a testimony to generations to come.

May this watch be a Ebenim that reminds me of what God has called me to for those who follow.

From Psalm 89

1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;
         With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
 2 For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever;
         Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

Paul Simpsonized, 2007

My friend Fletch from Mangotimes directed Pamela and I to a website that analyzes a photograph and creates a Simpsons characture.  While not as close of a match as his, its a fun diversion...I wonder if the Flanders' house is for sale...


From Matthew 22:

And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”

 John Robinson, courtesy of pilgrimjohnhowlandsociety.org

Last year I produced a short feature for Prime Time America on John Robinson, Pastor to the Pilgrims (click here to listen).   As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I thought I would come back to the writings of Rev. Robinson on a topic that I am particularly thankful for this year: the friends in my life that God has used to encourage me and challenge me to become a better man of God. 

Here are a few thoughts from Robinson's essay on friendship:

As God hath established fellowships and communities of men to procure their mutual good, and to fence them the better, on every side, against evil; so sin and wickedness being the greatest and only absolute evil, Christians are most bound by virtue of their association, to help, and assist, within the bounds of the callings in which God hath set them, their brethren, and associates against it: according to that of the philosopher; he that bears with the vices of his friend makes them his own...

We are wisely to judge before, but freely to credit after, the knot of friendship is tied: yet so as we try the wisdom, secrecy, and faithfulness of our friends in smaller matters, before we trust them in greater; as men use to try, whether their vessels will hold water, or no, before they put wine in to them.  And, albeit, that Christian love, “ which is the bond of perfection, and first fruits of the Spirit,” Col. iii. 14, be due to all Christians from all; yet are not all fit friends for all, of that fellowship. Gal. v. 12. David, notwithstanding the many worthies in his kingdom, had specially “ Hushai, the king's friend,” 1 Chron. xxvii. 33: and so had our Lord, whilst he lived upon earth, specially John, among all the twelve, “ the disciple whom he loved.” John xiii. 23. This special affection to one above the rest in Christ, was holy, yet human...

Wealth maketh many friends, and poverty trieth them; as the wind shows which clouds have rain in them, and which not And so, though the rich have the more friends, yet the poor's better appear to be faithful, in giving testimony that they love their friends for God, and the persons themselves: which to know is not a small privilege, that poor men have above others, who can hardly discern whether their persons or riches be loved.

“A friend,” saith the wise man, “ loveth at all times: and a brother is born for adversity,” Prov. xvii. 17. He saith not, a friend is born for prosperity, though it be one end of friendship, that we might have with whom to communicate, and rejoice in a prosperous state of things; but for adversity, this being the more principal end, specially in our sinful and sorrowful state, for which God hath linked men together in all societies; which the wiser sort of the heathen have seen by the dim light of nature, and that it appertains, specially, to the office of a true friend to ease his friend's grief by speech, to afford him counsel in doubtful cases, to drive away sadness by his cheerfulness, and to refresh him with his very presence.

Happy Thanksgiving.

 I learned a few things today.  Having one tooth pulled is not much fun.  Having two teeth with high-bone density is less fun.  Having three teeth pulled--well, lets just say that I have another reason why I know that it is not good for man to be alone. 

The rememberance of the tenderness of my wife brings tears to my eyes.

Does it really need a caption?

Anyone who has mounted a tank to a toilet without the aid of another has an additional reason why it is not good for man to be alone...

Miles of Tile, 2007

We've been a little pre-occupied lately.  Sorry for not posting.  Working on floors, cabinets, shelves...but musing all the while about the things I would say, if I would take the time to say them.

I hope to have something to say soon.

Tonight, I heard a quote that summarizes it well.

"Some of us are in the season of fruit, while others are in the season of root, but God is in it all to His glory." - Isreal Houghton, Front Row Live, Moody Church

Last night, I awoke in the middle of the night and couldn't get back to sleep.  So I got up and prayed for friends and family for a little while and then did some searching in the scriptures for the word HOPE.  I noticed at least three different uses of the word.

1. The Hope that comes through God's Word -- as we know His Word and meditate on it, God will fill our doubting hearts with His Hope (Psalm 119, 130, 131).

2. The act of placing our hope in God, as the only source of hope -- there are many things we can put our trust in or place our desires for completion and wholeness in, but only God will fill that void for us with hope (Psalm 31, 33, 42, 146).

3. The promise of Hope that comes through the work of God in our lives through His spirit -- that it is a grace of God to not only give us His Spirit to fill our lives with good fruit, but also to bring Hope when going through various trials (Romans 8, 2 Thessalonians 2).


From Psalm 119:145 - 152

 145 I cry out with my whole heart;
         Hear me, O LORD!
         I will keep Your statutes.
 146 I cry out to You;
         Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
 147 I rise before the dawning of the morning,
         And cry for help;
         I hope in Your word.
 148 My eyes are awake through the night watches,
         That I may meditate on Your word.
 149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
         O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.
 150 They draw near who follow after wickedness;
         They are far from Your law.
 151 You are near, O LORD,
         And all Your commandments are truth.
 152 Concerning Your testimonies,
         I have known of old that You have founded them forever.