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

 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.

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!)

 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.

I had the privilege this week to produce a two-part feature on a new ministry outreach tool for reaching out to our non-English speaking neighbors called "The Manna Project".


I have posted the features on my audio blog and would encourage you to take a listen.

From Hebrews 4

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Finger Fatigue, 2007

The last week has been full of late nights with a paintbrush, roller, ceramic tiles and mortar.  One of my meditations and muses during these hours of labor has been on Exodus 31.  While I'm no Bezalel (nor Aholiab for that matter), I pray that God will fill me with wisdom, understanding and knowledge so that my home will be a place where my wife, my children and our neighbors encounter God.  


From Exodus 31

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:

“See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.  And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.

Pot Roast, courtesy of www.beefretail.org

Through the rhythms of my life there are things that cause a strong emotional response when I see them, hear them, feel them or think of them.  I have often refered to these things as being "of my soul."  Here's a list of a few of them:

1. Fall is the season of my soul (season I met my wife, 3 years later proposed to her, the time of year my first two children were born, falling leaves, pumpkin patches, etc.).

2. Northumbrian pipes and celtic/folk/Eastern sea-board accordian are instruments that speak to my soul (Kathryn Tickell, Flook, River Dance, Alten, etc.).

3. Savory meats (Beef stew, potroast, etc.) are comfort foods that not only fill my stomach but heal my spirit.

4. "Daddy, can we throw a ball for a while" are words that evoke generations of father and son spirit healing rhythm.  (, , , , , ...Dad, I've been thinking...")

5. John Michael Talbot's music has brought great healing and meditation, and also reminds me of playing Chess with my father on the living room floor.

From Psalm 107

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
         And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
 
For He satisfies the longing soul,
         And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Taffy Puller

A collegue asked today how I was doing...

Well, let's see I thought to myself.  Pamela and Robin have been sick for the last week.  I'm painting the house and hoping to tile this week.  Preparing for small groups at church.  Teaching, producing, serving...

"Like taffy" I replied...

I just hope I'm sweet once the pulling is through...

From James 1

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 

My thanks to Fletch for sending these excellent photographs along.  He has captured the essence of these magnificent birds.  The composition of these photographs demonstrate the monochromatic nature of their lives and the endless search for carion.  The dominant analogous color scheme of beige, tan and sand draws the viewer into these tragic lives.

 
Walk This Way, 2007 by Fletch

Gull #2, 2007 by Fletch

From Deuteronomy 28


“The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them; and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth.  Your carcasses shall be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and no one shall frighten them away.  The LORD will strike you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors, with the scab, and with the itch, from which you cannot be healed.

I received a letter from the Office of the Secretary of State of IL Saturday.  It starts off:

Dear Friend

Recently you made a decision to be part of a life-saving team.  By joining the tissue donor registry...

Today, nearly 5,000 people in Illinois are waiting for organ transplants to give them a second chance at life...


While my eyes continued down the page, my mind went another direction...something like this:


"...so Mr. Butler, we ask that you continue to drive recklessly."

From Proverbs 17


A friend loves at all times,
      And a brother is born for adversity.

Driving Mutts Daisy, 2007

This photo [snapped at a local gas station recently] is a perfect reminder of the past few days...

1. We went to the circus (where we saw trained poodles)

2. We went "Star Chasing" (actually it was the moon we were looking for...)

3. And school has started for me again; therefore, we're too tired to trust our senses ("Did you just see what I saw?")

What a great end to summer.

From Psalm 95

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
         Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
         Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

 For the LORD is the great God,
         And the great King above all gods.

p.s. don't forget to place your guess for the mystery machine by September 1!

In one of my courses this year I am going to do a short series of lectures on blogging and how the church can use this technology as an effective tool for ministry [both inside and outside the traditional church ministries].  One website that I found online that has some great resources for pastors interested in technology and internet related materials is Cory Miller of Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.

I recently interviewed Cory for a segment on MBN's Prime Time America.  After the interview he then interviewed me via email for a short blog he was writing for pastors on the topic of preparing for a media interview.  [For a link to that article, you can click here]

One of the things that he mentioned in our interview that I particularly appreciated was the importance of the church [and each of the members of the Body of Christ] not using a blog as a way of airing a ministry's dirty laundry, repaying a personal vendetta against someone in the church or as a way of slandering a ministry or fellow believer.  Most of us have seen examples of this and understand the collateral damage it can produce. 

It was a great reminder of being careful in what I say about those with whom I disagree and for truth and mercy to be present in all I write.

From Proverbs 3

My son, do not forget my law,
     But let your heart keep my commands;

For length of days and long life
      And peace they will add to you. 

Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
      Bind them around your neck,
      Write them on the tablet of your heart, 

And so find favor and high esteem
      In the sight of God and man.

Facing the Giants Publicity Photo

For the level of interest I have in films and film making, I really don't watch many films.  Its partly due to the lack of films I can watch with my family that don't suffer from the Frankfurt Aesthetic (see Geoffrey Botkin).  This evening however, my whole family sat down to watch Facing the Giants, newly released on DVD.  While there are a number of things that some critics may point out about the story or the acting, I can not be more excited about this film.  Their use of humor, the organic use of scripture throughout the piece, the development of character and the fact that it is done by a church.

Beside the Frankfurt Aesthetics, another thing that we are careful about in our home is not just the appropriateness of the story, but also the appropriateness of the film making process.  We believe that actors shouldn't participate in behavior on screen that would be discouraged off-screen.  So at the end of this movie, Elliot crawled into the chair next to me and said:

"Daddy, that was a GREAT movie...there wasn't any adultery...they didn't kiss [the actors] and they didn't lay down together..." 

I agree Elliot, it was a great film.  May God richly bless their efforts as they continue to make films for His glory.

From Psalm 78:

Give ear, O my people, to my law;
         Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

 I will open my mouth in a parable;
         I will utter dark sayings of old,

 Which we have heard and known,
         And our fathers have told us.

 We will not hide them from their children,
         Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD,
         And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

One of the things I love doing as a family is an "Unplanned Family Outing." 

On Saturday night we called some friends we hadn't seen for "1000 years" and asked if we could pitch a tent in the middle of the night on their lawn so we could try and catch the Perseid Meteor shower.  They live in central Illinois and we thought if we got away from the city lights that we could see the showers.  After they remembered who we were, they said sure.

The Careys (minus three), 2007

Unfortunately, once we got there it was overcast and we couldn't see any objects in the sky except for clouds.  So, we were graciously invited in to sleep in the airconditioned accomodations of thier home.  It is such a delight to catch up with good friends.

After breakfast, they took us over to their horse barn and gave the kids some horse-care and riding instruction.  The kids had a blast!  [Though, I have to try and convince Aelsa again that there is no way we can have a horse in our back yard!]  Sarah (pictured below)  was so patient with the boys and Star, a highly awarded horse, was great with Aelsa.

Brushing Sarah, 2007

Headed to Pasture, 2007
 

The rest of the afternoon was full of trampoline horse-play for the kids, while Pamela made jewelry with the ladies and I went with Mr. Carey to paint a bathroom.

We are so grateful for the testimony of faithfulness of these dear saints, and am so thankful for thier hosting of our latest UFO.  They are greatly loved.

From Romans 15

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Karina Faith, 2007

There is a family that we've started to get to know that gave birth in July to a baby girl with a agressive tumor on her face.  Her story has made news here in Illinois due to the unusual surgical procedure she underwent while partially delivered by C-Section.

 The Geaschel Family

This dear couple have seven other children and live in Western Illinois, but have had to uproot their lives while doctors here in Chicago try to figure out the best approach to dealing with the tumor.  There has been one delay after another in this process and it looks like little Karina and her mother may have to stay in the hospital until at least the middle of September.  

Our heart breaks for these sweet people, and it makes any of the delays or inconveniences in our lives insignificant.  Please join us in praying for this family.

From Luke chapter 6:

“ Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.


Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
      

Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.

Sunday was a big day for us.  Our first born was baptised on the shores of Lake Michigan.  God's grace was so evident throughout the entire day, beginning with beautiful weather and safety for all our guests. 

We hosted a luncheon on the lake before hand and had a delightful time of fellowship with people from our church, a couple other homeschool families and even some family from out of town.  During lunch, one gentlemen who went jogging by pointed to the sky and said, "See what happens when God's people get together?"  

Sundog, 2007

It was fun to consider the promises of God while looking at the "rainbow" in the sky.  The scripture passage that we chose for the service was one that Aelsa has memorized this year.


"For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted Him, and has given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly ones, and of earthly ones, and of ones under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Phil 2:5-11. 

Witnesses, 2007

One of the highlights of the service was Alesa's testimony,  I had been working with her for the last few days on it, but I was the only one beside her that knew what she was going to say.  It was beautiful.

A Grandfather's Prayer, 2007

We were so grateful that my parents could be at the baptism as they prepare to head out of the country for a few years.  Dad prayed for Aelsa after her testimony:

"As Aelsa is publically demonstrating her faith in Jesus Christ for her salvation and her commitment to following You, I pray that her heart would be fully yours and that she would live in loving obedience to your Spirit.  That she would understand, along with all the saints the fullness and the greatness of your love which surpasses knowledge.  That she would join herself with your people as a part of your Body, the church, so that she can know the fullness of a God and be rooted and grounded in love.  And that she would be sent into the world as one who has the ministry of reconciliation as she witnesses of your great love and grace through Jesus Christ.

We pray, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ will live in the power of His resurrection and faithfully look for Him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and forever."

Pastor and Grandfather, 2007

 In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, 2007

 Dead in Trespasses, 2007

 Raised in Christ, 2007

Generational Blessing, 2007

After the baptism, Dad blessed her with a prayer based on Colossians...

"Our Father who is in heaven how blessed is Your name in all of the earth!

In You alone can we trust.  In You alone do we find life, and life eternal, through Jesus Christ.  You are faithful and true, and in You there is no weakness or deficiency. 

How we praise You for Your love and mercy towards us and for Your salvation in Christ Jesus.  We praise you that in Him we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places.

I pray for my precious granddaughter, Aelsa, that she would be especially blessed as a woman of integrity, love, and grace - that she would endure faithfully to the end, through Your lavish grace which You pour out on all of Your children. 

May she be blessed with a life that is filled with peace and joy that comes from abiding in You.  We pray she be blessed with a humble spirit that seeks You with all of her heart. and she would be blessed by finding  her satisfaction and joy in serving You, and others, in love. 

May she be blessed with a gentle and meek spirit that impacts all around her with Your love and grace so that the reality of Christ Jesus will be seen in her. 

I pray that she would be blessed with discernment and be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so that she will walk in a manner worthy You.  That she would then please You in all respects; bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in her knowledge, and love of You. 

May she prosper in every way as her soul prospers in You and may she actively seek out Your Kingdom and Your righteousness above all else.

Lord Jesus Christ, we know that You are able to keep Aelsa from stumbling and to make her stand in the Father’s presence as one who is blameless - and that You will do that with great joy.  With her, we now declare Your glory, and majesty, and dominion, and authority, both now in our lives, and also forever more, Amen."

After the service, we had those present sign her Baptism Certificate as witnesses of her vows, promising to uphold her as a community of faith.  I hope that the certificate will be "Stones of Rememberance" for generations to come.

For a short video clip, Three for Thee.

[I apologize for the odd formatting of this post.  I am experiencing problems with the blog interface] 

Another highlight of our recent visit to Rhinelander was the time spent with Grandpa learning some gun safety and getting to do a little target practice with his .22 riffle.  Elliot concentrates...

Doing this with the kids reminded me of my first trip to Rhinelander when dating Pamela.  During that visit she taught me how to shoot the same .22 -- I had never really shot a gun before that.  So I thought maybe Aelsa needed a little time on the shooting range too...who knows, but some day she might need the skills to protect herself or, like her mother, capture the heart of some young man (maybe both).

We even gave Robin a chance, though his arms weren't really long enough, so he just shot a few toward the target...

Thanks Grandpa!

From Psalm 64

 1 Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation;
         Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
 2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
         From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
 3 Who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
         And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words,
 4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
         Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.
         
 5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter;
         They talk of laying snares secretly;
         They say, “Who will see them?”
 6 They devise iniquities:
         “We have perfected a shrewd scheme.”
         Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.
         
 7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow;
         Suddenly they shall be wounded.
 8 So He will make them stumble over their own tongue;
         All who see them shall flee away.
 9 All men shall fear,
         And shall declare the work of God;
         For they shall wisely consider His doing.
         
 10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him.
         And all the upright in heart shall glory.