"That beautiful season the Summer! Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Wade's reply: "I wonder if he wrote this while waiting for the A/C guy in a hot house (like I am doing now).
and......
"GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!" LSU baseball fans everywhere.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Bob Marley in Sunday School
Bob Marley in Sunday School
Our Sunday school lesson on June 21, 2009 was based on 1 Corinthians chapter 13. In yet another timely letter from the Apostle Paul, this one is written to the Corinthian church during a time of discord. The church’s members seem to be in a disagreeing time in their lives.
Paul writes to them about many things including Chapter 13’s LOVE theme.
I have always enjoyed this passage from 1 Corinthians. I particularly take pleasure in Paul’s words about love.
In verses 4 through 7, he puts it so precise.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. “
As the lesson stated, Paul didn’t just list the things love is. He also listed the things that love is not. This, in my opinion is the most delightful parts of this passage.
Another wonderful part of this passage is the first 3 words of verse 8: “Love never fails.”
You can’t get more “right on” than that.
Every marriage counselor in the world should have this on his or her wall. It should be placed on a plaque behind the counselor where the people getting counseled can’t miss it.
Paul’s finishes this thought in a great way. In verse 13 he says: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
As usual in the Sunday school class, we had fantastic discussions on the lesson. The curriculum we use, Gather Round, is so well written. It always provided us with basic questions and thoughts. Then more thoughts and questions seem to arise from those.
One of the questions the lesson asked was “What does love in action look like?”
I honestly feel we could have spent the entire class on that question alone.
The class had so many awesome thoughts and answers on this question. I feel that love in action looks like so many things. From doing the simplest thing for another to meeting together to “saving the world” That is love in action.
During the discussion someone brought up one love. My mind immediately went to Bob Marley and his song “One Love”.
Love in action can be reflected in some of the lyrics to this song.“One Love! One Heart!Let's get together and feel all right.Hear the children cryin' (One Love!);Hear the children cryin' (One Heart!),Sayin': give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right;Sayin': let's get together and feel all right.”
Those lyrics, to me, embody Love in action. Love in action when people get together and talk or dance or sing or eat or whatever. People getting together to learn and laugh. The fact that the people are getting together and showing a love for each other is astounding. It “feel all right”. And it is love in action.
Our Sunday school lesson on June 21, 2009 was based on 1 Corinthians chapter 13. In yet another timely letter from the Apostle Paul, this one is written to the Corinthian church during a time of discord. The church’s members seem to be in a disagreeing time in their lives.
Paul writes to them about many things including Chapter 13’s LOVE theme.
I have always enjoyed this passage from 1 Corinthians. I particularly take pleasure in Paul’s words about love.
In verses 4 through 7, he puts it so precise.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. “
As the lesson stated, Paul didn’t just list the things love is. He also listed the things that love is not. This, in my opinion is the most delightful parts of this passage.
Another wonderful part of this passage is the first 3 words of verse 8: “Love never fails.”
You can’t get more “right on” than that.
Every marriage counselor in the world should have this on his or her wall. It should be placed on a plaque behind the counselor where the people getting counseled can’t miss it.
Paul’s finishes this thought in a great way. In verse 13 he says: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
As usual in the Sunday school class, we had fantastic discussions on the lesson. The curriculum we use, Gather Round, is so well written. It always provided us with basic questions and thoughts. Then more thoughts and questions seem to arise from those.
One of the questions the lesson asked was “What does love in action look like?”
I honestly feel we could have spent the entire class on that question alone.
The class had so many awesome thoughts and answers on this question. I feel that love in action looks like so many things. From doing the simplest thing for another to meeting together to “saving the world” That is love in action.
During the discussion someone brought up one love. My mind immediately went to Bob Marley and his song “One Love”.
Love in action can be reflected in some of the lyrics to this song.“One Love! One Heart!Let's get together and feel all right.Hear the children cryin' (One Love!);Hear the children cryin' (One Heart!),Sayin': give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right;Sayin': let's get together and feel all right.”
Those lyrics, to me, embody Love in action. Love in action when people get together and talk or dance or sing or eat or whatever. People getting together to learn and laugh. The fact that the people are getting together and showing a love for each other is astounding. It “feel all right”. And it is love in action.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Winning without Manny
I will admit it. When I first heard about Manny Ramirez being suspended, I was upset. But shortly after that I realized that my Dodgers are pretty darn good.
I thought about the players and staff and how they play. Then I made the prediction that the Dodgers would be at least 12 games in first place (in the N.L. Western division) when Manny returns. He only has about 16 games or so until he comes back and as of last night, we are 8.5 games in front (thanks to a one run loss). Driving home from work yesterday I was listening to NPR and I heard this about how the Dodgers are winning without Manny.
Check it out: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105545367
I thought about the players and staff and how they play. Then I made the prediction that the Dodgers would be at least 12 games in first place (in the N.L. Western division) when Manny returns. He only has about 16 games or so until he comes back and as of last night, we are 8.5 games in front (thanks to a one run loss). Driving home from work yesterday I was listening to NPR and I heard this about how the Dodgers are winning without Manny.
Check it out: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105545367
Saturday, June 13, 2009
What am I... Saturday 6-13-09
What am I...
reading: I am still reading Lunatic (it has been a busy week - not much reading time) but I only have about 10 pages left. On deck - Elyon Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill, Boneman's Daughters by Ted, Anabaptist Preaching (part of a speaking class I am taking through Eastern Mennonite University in Lancaster (PA) (AWESOME class), The Little Prince and Medieval Warfare.
watching: We watched Revolutionary Road with the Titanic twins - Kate and Leonardo - it was "ok". That's it. We have been watching DVD's by Jeanne Robertson. This lady is FUNNY and CLEAN. Imagine that. You have to check her out. http://www.jeannerobertson.com/humor_store.htm
listening to: At this Very Moment I am listening to Randy Travis' Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship and Praise and Worship and Faith LPs on the Rhapsody. I am not a huge Randy fan but I do like these 2 records. He mixes some good ole' time hymns and worship songs in his Randy Travis way. Really good. Most of the week I have been listening to a MP3 disc in my car with some of my all time favorite records on it (by the way - the research for "wade's top 100" is back on...look for it to hit the blog in a few months). On this mp3, I have records by For Squirrels, Matthew Sweet, REM, The Refreshments, Cranberries, Third Eye Blind...just to name a few.
anxious about: LSU begins play today in the College World Series. Yes, I am nervous. I know what happens will happen, but when I watch LSU sports (especially BIG games) my stomach hurts. They have the best team of the 8, but whoever gets to the CWS deserves it and can win it.
excited about: LSU in the CWS. Also, and I apologise for not mentioning it earlier, 3 blogs that I have linked. If you want some great reading, click on all of the blogs in the upper right of the screen. You won't be disappointed!
sad about: Calvin Borel not winning the Belmont last week, but very happy for Kent Desormeaux.
thinking about: Always thinking about New York City.
reading: I am still reading Lunatic (it has been a busy week - not much reading time) but I only have about 10 pages left. On deck - Elyon Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill, Boneman's Daughters by Ted, Anabaptist Preaching (part of a speaking class I am taking through Eastern Mennonite University in Lancaster (PA) (AWESOME class), The Little Prince and Medieval Warfare.
watching: We watched Revolutionary Road with the Titanic twins - Kate and Leonardo - it was "ok". That's it. We have been watching DVD's by Jeanne Robertson. This lady is FUNNY and CLEAN. Imagine that. You have to check her out. http://www.jeannerobertson.com/humor_store.htm
listening to: At this Very Moment I am listening to Randy Travis' Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship and Praise and Worship and Faith LPs on the Rhapsody. I am not a huge Randy fan but I do like these 2 records. He mixes some good ole' time hymns and worship songs in his Randy Travis way. Really good. Most of the week I have been listening to a MP3 disc in my car with some of my all time favorite records on it (by the way - the research for "wade's top 100" is back on...look for it to hit the blog in a few months). On this mp3, I have records by For Squirrels, Matthew Sweet, REM, The Refreshments, Cranberries, Third Eye Blind...just to name a few.
anxious about: LSU begins play today in the College World Series. Yes, I am nervous. I know what happens will happen, but when I watch LSU sports (especially BIG games) my stomach hurts. They have the best team of the 8, but whoever gets to the CWS deserves it and can win it.
excited about: LSU in the CWS. Also, and I apologise for not mentioning it earlier, 3 blogs that I have linked. If you want some great reading, click on all of the blogs in the upper right of the screen. You won't be disappointed!
sad about: Calvin Borel not winning the Belmont last week, but very happy for Kent Desormeaux.
thinking about: Always thinking about New York City.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Rude
Rude
Do you ever go out in public and people are rude?
I am not talking about the general public – they get be as rude as they want to be. I am talking about the people at the places you are spending money at. The grocery stores, the restaurants, etc.
In my line of work, I deal with vendors and such. They really have some rude people out there. Not to put a monetary value on things, but we aren’t buying a 3.99 happy meal from these folks. We are spending BIG bucks. Have you checked the price of a Tire lately (a truck – BIG truck – not a car)? They are not cheap.
My vent is why be rude. Why let me get through 98% of what I need and then decide to say “Wrong department, I’ll transfer you.”
Sometimes I wish I could be rude and get a way with it. But then again, that would be rude.
Do you ever go out in public and people are rude?
I am not talking about the general public – they get be as rude as they want to be. I am talking about the people at the places you are spending money at. The grocery stores, the restaurants, etc.
In my line of work, I deal with vendors and such. They really have some rude people out there. Not to put a monetary value on things, but we aren’t buying a 3.99 happy meal from these folks. We are spending BIG bucks. Have you checked the price of a Tire lately (a truck – BIG truck – not a car)? They are not cheap.
My vent is why be rude. Why let me get through 98% of what I need and then decide to say “Wrong department, I’ll transfer you.”
Sometimes I wish I could be rude and get a way with it. But then again, that would be rude.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday Quote(s)..on Monday
I have been reading up on nature and the wonders of it lately. On my desk at the office I have one of those Planet Earth calenders. It is full of great information and some cool quotes. I wanted to share these with you. Here 3 that I thought were good.
"All my life through, the new sights of nature made me rejoice like a child." Marie Curie
"Every individual has a place to fill in the world, and is important." Nathaniel Hawthorne
"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here is one more:
"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Happy Monday!
"All my life through, the new sights of nature made me rejoice like a child." Marie Curie
"Every individual has a place to fill in the world, and is important." Nathaniel Hawthorne
"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here is one more:
"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Happy Monday!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Power of "The Rose"
The Power of The Rose
One of my favorite people to watch in movies or on TV is Bette Midler. She just has that thing about her. Her songs, however, aren’t my favorites. She does have some good original tunes out there and I do like some a lot. She has done some good cover classics and The Divine Miss M from 1972 was a pretty good album.
So why am I writing about a Bette Midler song? The other night I had the Rhapsody going on the laptop and various tunes were playing on it. I cam across a Michael Sweet (do you remember Stryper?) album where he does a bunch of cover tunes. He does some old Stryper ballads along with a Billy Joel tune and some other great classic hits. One of the other tunes he covers on this record is Bette Midler’s The Rose.
So we are sitting there listening to it and I pull up the lyrics. I do have to tell you while reading the lyrics I was blown away. I’m not some glamorous boo-hoo sap. And I have heard this song numerous times. But hearing it here and reading the words did something.
I just have to share that the lyrics to this song are breathtaking. The words are artistic and strong. They are picturesque. The song portrays love in so many ways with just a few words. So read these words, but do one better. Listen to the song while reading the words. I guarantee you will be singing. And you will probably think about the song more than you may have in the past.
Or you might not.
The Rose
Some say love, it is a riverthat drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razorthat leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,and you its only seed.
It's the heart afraid of breakingthat never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of wakingthat never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dyin'that never learns to live.
When the night has been too lonelyand the road has been too long,
and you think that love is onlyfor the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winterfar beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose.
One of my favorite people to watch in movies or on TV is Bette Midler. She just has that thing about her. Her songs, however, aren’t my favorites. She does have some good original tunes out there and I do like some a lot. She has done some good cover classics and The Divine Miss M from 1972 was a pretty good album.
So why am I writing about a Bette Midler song? The other night I had the Rhapsody going on the laptop and various tunes were playing on it. I cam across a Michael Sweet (do you remember Stryper?) album where he does a bunch of cover tunes. He does some old Stryper ballads along with a Billy Joel tune and some other great classic hits. One of the other tunes he covers on this record is Bette Midler’s The Rose.
So we are sitting there listening to it and I pull up the lyrics. I do have to tell you while reading the lyrics I was blown away. I’m not some glamorous boo-hoo sap. And I have heard this song numerous times. But hearing it here and reading the words did something.
I just have to share that the lyrics to this song are breathtaking. The words are artistic and strong. They are picturesque. The song portrays love in so many ways with just a few words. So read these words, but do one better. Listen to the song while reading the words. I guarantee you will be singing. And you will probably think about the song more than you may have in the past.
Or you might not.
The Rose
Some say love, it is a riverthat drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razorthat leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,and you its only seed.
It's the heart afraid of breakingthat never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of wakingthat never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dyin'that never learns to live.
When the night has been too lonelyand the road has been too long,
and you think that love is onlyfor the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winterfar beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Hope = Life
Hope = Life
I feel the waters flowing over and in me.
Life.
Breathing deep and feeling your existence within me.
Love.
I am nurtured and cared for.
I am growing and benefiting others.
The sun is high and I start to feel a wither.
But I have enough life where I will not fall.
A day passes and no rains fall.
The sun is hot again and I droop more.
The surface around me is tightening.
I am starting to feel the struggle.
I pray for the life giving rain.
The sun is high and shining again.
And again I feel more deflated.
Where is my rain?
Where is my life?
Where is my love?
I feel wet drops.
I have hope.
I feel life.
But it doesn’t last and the sun dries all of the wetness.
Despair.
My surface is hard and crumbly.
I can’t breathe.
I am losing my hope.
My face is almost on the ground.
I close my eyes and almost let go.
It is getting dark, but it is still day.
I smell the rain.
I smell life.
My hope is restored.
Did I really lose it?
It rains.
I have hope.
I have life.
May 2009
I feel the waters flowing over and in me.
Life.
Breathing deep and feeling your existence within me.
Love.
I am nurtured and cared for.
I am growing and benefiting others.
The sun is high and I start to feel a wither.
But I have enough life where I will not fall.
A day passes and no rains fall.
The sun is hot again and I droop more.
The surface around me is tightening.
I am starting to feel the struggle.
I pray for the life giving rain.
The sun is high and shining again.
And again I feel more deflated.
Where is my rain?
Where is my life?
Where is my love?
I feel wet drops.
I have hope.
I feel life.
But it doesn’t last and the sun dries all of the wetness.
Despair.
My surface is hard and crumbly.
I can’t breathe.
I am losing my hope.
My face is almost on the ground.
I close my eyes and almost let go.
It is getting dark, but it is still day.
I smell the rain.
I smell life.
My hope is restored.
Did I really lose it?
It rains.
I have hope.
I have life.
May 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Monday Monday
It is Monday. Actually it is less than 4 hours from Tuesday.
Well, the weekend came and went. Mini Kiss did not give us nightmares (see Post from Sat. 5/30/2009). We stayed for about 5 songs. I was happy to hear Detroit Rock City. The music was real good. The vocals were OK.
Now I am ready to see Mini Flogging Molly or mini Social Distortion.
Monday...what to write......?
Actually there is a cool publishing company you should check out. My wife and I were chatting over the weekend and I mentioned that when I get to 50 poems and 3 or 4 short stories, I will compile and try to sell. The only problem is, my stuff "aint" that good.
She told me about this publishing house she heard about on NPR.
So, I checked them out. They basically publish your books for you and you sell them.
Check out the page at http://www.hangingloosepress.com/
Don't tell anyone but I am actually listening to the Jonis Bros. as I write this. I actually have my Rhapsody on and a mix of things are on.....I aint all Jonis, but they actually have some cool songs.
Hope everyone's Tuesday is just dandy.
Well, the weekend came and went. Mini Kiss did not give us nightmares (see Post from Sat. 5/30/2009). We stayed for about 5 songs. I was happy to hear Detroit Rock City. The music was real good. The vocals were OK.
Now I am ready to see Mini Flogging Molly or mini Social Distortion.
Monday...what to write......?
Actually there is a cool publishing company you should check out. My wife and I were chatting over the weekend and I mentioned that when I get to 50 poems and 3 or 4 short stories, I will compile and try to sell. The only problem is, my stuff "aint" that good.
She told me about this publishing house she heard about on NPR.
So, I checked them out. They basically publish your books for you and you sell them.
Check out the page at http://www.hangingloosepress.com/
Don't tell anyone but I am actually listening to the Jonis Bros. as I write this. I actually have my Rhapsody on and a mix of things are on.....I aint all Jonis, but they actually have some cool songs.
Hope everyone's Tuesday is just dandy.
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