I learned this morning that our cousin Roy passed away.
He is in Heaven now with lots more than you and I.
He touched so many people in his life. He was a trooper.
Roy developed Spinal Meningitis when he was 3 months old. This crippled him, but he was able to walk with braces as a child. The disease did affect his speech but never his mind. He had a Beautiful mind. He was smart. He loved to laugh. He loved coming to church and on the days he came, the church was a little better. When he came we always sang his favorite Hymn, "When We All Get To Heaven."
So here's to you buddy!
"He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God." Acts 3:8
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
the Nose Knows
Smelling.
What a fine art it is.
I do not know what I would do if I couldn't smell.
Of the 5 senses, it ranks right up there with the best of them (but so do all the rest).
Do you ever think of your favorite smells?
Here are some of mine…
(in no particular order)
1 – fresh cut grass
2 – the smell of a long driving rain
3 – bleach after it gets on my hands. That long lingering waft is so pleasant
4 – gas (I am talking about the fuel – although…) but not if it gets on me – then I hate it.
5 – gumbo and stew that is almost ready to eat
6 – the green of a tomato plant
7 - dirt
What a fine art it is.
I do not know what I would do if I couldn't smell.
Of the 5 senses, it ranks right up there with the best of them (but so do all the rest).
Do you ever think of your favorite smells?
Here are some of mine…
(in no particular order)
1 – fresh cut grass
2 – the smell of a long driving rain
3 – bleach after it gets on my hands. That long lingering waft is so pleasant
4 – gas (I am talking about the fuel – although…) but not if it gets on me – then I hate it.
5 – gumbo and stew that is almost ready to eat
6 – the green of a tomato plant
7 - dirt
Gonzo's Connect the Classics
today is Wednesday, but when you read this play like it is Monday - music Monday...
Gonzo’s Connect the Classics
On one of the local New Orleans radio stations, WKBU – Bayou 95.7, there is a show called Gonzo’s Connect the Classics.
Basically, listeners call in and request the play list. The only rule is that whatever song the listener requests, the first letter of the song must be the same as the last letter of the song playing. If the song playing ends with an “E” then it is considered a wild card and any song can be played. I don’t really listen to this station (I do like the type of music they play) but Joel in our shop has it on often. It is a pretty cool idea and sounds fun.
So in the spirit of this show, I give you Wade’s Connect My Classics.
Why? You might see a song on here that sounds interesting….you might listen to it….you might like…….then again, you might not.
I will start with a song I have been listening to a lot lately (I will not use any “E” wild cards. For game purposes I will only capitalize the first and last letters of the song title (the band – in case you want to look up – will be in parentheses)
Help I’m alivE (Metric) – Everlasting frienD (Blue October) – Done stealiN (Carolina Liar) – Near wild heaveN (REM) – Nyc’s like a graveyarD (The Moldy Peaches) – DizzY (Jimmy Eat World) – You’re beautifuL (James Blunt) – Lost my minD (Matthew Sweet)….
Ok this isn’t as exciting as I thought it would be….I guess the concept works better on a radio show with actual listeners calling in…….oh well…
Gonzo’s Connect the Classics
On one of the local New Orleans radio stations, WKBU – Bayou 95.7, there is a show called Gonzo’s Connect the Classics.
Basically, listeners call in and request the play list. The only rule is that whatever song the listener requests, the first letter of the song must be the same as the last letter of the song playing. If the song playing ends with an “E” then it is considered a wild card and any song can be played. I don’t really listen to this station (I do like the type of music they play) but Joel in our shop has it on often. It is a pretty cool idea and sounds fun.
So in the spirit of this show, I give you Wade’s Connect My Classics.
Why? You might see a song on here that sounds interesting….you might listen to it….you might like…….then again, you might not.
I will start with a song I have been listening to a lot lately (I will not use any “E” wild cards. For game purposes I will only capitalize the first and last letters of the song title (the band – in case you want to look up – will be in parentheses)
Help I’m alivE (Metric) – Everlasting frienD (Blue October) – Done stealiN (Carolina Liar) – Near wild heaveN (REM) – Nyc’s like a graveyarD (The Moldy Peaches) – DizzY (Jimmy Eat World) – You’re beautifuL (James Blunt) – Lost my minD (Matthew Sweet)….
Ok this isn’t as exciting as I thought it would be….I guess the concept works better on a radio show with actual listeners calling in…….oh well…
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Movie roller coaster...on the up swing!
Frost/Nixon and Evening and In The Valley of Elah
We do Netflix. We like it. But the movies are like a roller coaster. The ones on our queue all seem good (based on previews), but this isn’t always the case. We have been going through some “2 0r 3” movie spurts. We will get 2 or 3 “bad” or “so-so” in a row. But then, we will get 2 or 3 great movies in a row.
The last 3 movies we watched were on the “delightful” hill of the roller coaster.
In The Valley of Elah – starring Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron.
Evening with Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Toni Collette and Claire Danes.
Frost/Nixon with Michael Sheen and Frank Langella.
The Tommy Lee Jones movie wasn’t as good as the other two, but it was worth the time.
Evening – we actually saw this twice. When I put it on the queue I didn’t realize we had seen it already, but I am glad we watched it twice. It was worth it.
This may go down in the “chick flick” category but probably not. A dying mother recounts her past love. Watch it for your self.
Frost/Nixon – this movie caused me to research. I love when a movie does that to me. I will also end up (who knows) spending money on amazon because of this movie. I was a kid when all of this went on. And even though I wrote a speech in college about how good of a President and man Richard Nixon was, I did not know this interview actually took place. Maybe my research was biased back then.
You can form your own opinion if I ever find the copy of the speech. It did work on the class. I persuaded them that he was indeed a good man and a good president. I would have loved to see Frost/Nixon on Broadway.
At least do yourself the favor and watch this movie.
Check out In The Valley of Elah on imdb.com http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478134/
Check out Evening on imdb.com http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765447/
Check out Frost/Nixon on imdb.com http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870111/
We do Netflix. We like it. But the movies are like a roller coaster. The ones on our queue all seem good (based on previews), but this isn’t always the case. We have been going through some “2 0r 3” movie spurts. We will get 2 or 3 “bad” or “so-so” in a row. But then, we will get 2 or 3 great movies in a row.
The last 3 movies we watched were on the “delightful” hill of the roller coaster.
In The Valley of Elah – starring Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron.
Evening with Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Toni Collette and Claire Danes.
Frost/Nixon with Michael Sheen and Frank Langella.
The Tommy Lee Jones movie wasn’t as good as the other two, but it was worth the time.
Evening – we actually saw this twice. When I put it on the queue I didn’t realize we had seen it already, but I am glad we watched it twice. It was worth it.
This may go down in the “chick flick” category but probably not. A dying mother recounts her past love. Watch it for your self.
Frost/Nixon – this movie caused me to research. I love when a movie does that to me. I will also end up (who knows) spending money on amazon because of this movie. I was a kid when all of this went on. And even though I wrote a speech in college about how good of a President and man Richard Nixon was, I did not know this interview actually took place. Maybe my research was biased back then.
You can form your own opinion if I ever find the copy of the speech. It did work on the class. I persuaded them that he was indeed a good man and a good president. I would have loved to see Frost/Nixon on Broadway.
At least do yourself the favor and watch this movie.
Check out In The Valley of Elah on imdb.com http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478134/
Check out Evening on imdb.com http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765447/
Check out Frost/Nixon on imdb.com http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870111/
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Attacked!
I was cutting the yard today and went around the back where the Avocado tree is and I saw one on the ground. I didn't think too much about it because we have had about 6 fall so far this year. We still have at least 70 in the tree. Probably more.
Before I could turn around to grab the avocado on the ground I saw another one, then another one, then one more and so on and on and on, etc...you get the picture.
I was mad.......21 were on the ground. That is just the ones we could see. Most of them had bite marks or pecks on them.
Birds?
Squirrels?
I don't know, but this means WAR!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
the Shedding Locust and the Hungry Lizard
On the same day, while sitting on the deck, we were treated to some awesome nature. A Locust trying to find a good spot to shed and a lizard eating something with wings took time out of their busy shedding and feasting to STRIKE A POSE.
note: I am looking for the empty locust shell but have yet to find it.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
From Leslie to Sam...Phillips stays the constant
Music Monday (on a Sunday)
Did you ever hear of or listen to a young Christian music singer from the 80's named Leslie Phillips?
I listened to a lot of her music and enjoyed it. Especially her 1985 LP, Black and White in a Grey World. This album had the perfect mix of true spiritual tunes to melodic inquisitional hits. Songs moved me like "When the World is New", "Your Kindness" and the title song. Prior to that, she had 2 LPs that were pretty good too. After the 1985 album, Phillips recorded The Turning where she met her future husband T. Bone Burnett. I didn't keep up with Leslie Phillips much after the Black and White in a Grey World record.
One day in 1994, I heard a song by a female singer named Sam Phillips. The song was "I Need Love." I liked it straight away. I couldn't get the voice out of my head. That voice sounded so familiar. I would hear the song periodically on the radio but eventually I didn't really think about it anymore (the voice - I mean).
One day in early 2000, I was going through some old CD's and came across Recollection (a "best of" record by Leslie Phillips. I listened to a little of it and it hit me. Sam Phillips sounded a lot like Leslie. I did some research and yes, they are one in the same.
So I started digging a bit and looking to see why Leslie was Sam now and not Leslie. The song "I Need Love" sounded like it could be a Christan type song. It sounded 50/50. My research took me to a few different stories.
Leslie was tired of Myrrh (the Christian label) records trying to label her as a Christian Cyndi Lauper. she was not agreeing with of the road "the Church" was heading.
Who really knows, expect her.
One thing I know is, that regardless of Leslie or Sam, the music of the lady Phillips was, is and hopefully always will be great.
The music is the constant.
I enjoy breaking out the old Leslie tunes as well as the newer Sam songs.
You may have also seen her on one of the Die Hard movies. You may have also heard her doing some songs for and appearing on an episode of Gilmore Girls.
Check some out for yourself. I will tell you this, the song "I Need Love" is one of my favorites.
Here are some links for you to enjoy and get to know Leslie and Sam a little better.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_White_in_a_Grey_World
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martinis_and_Bikinis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Phillips_(musician)
http://www.samphillipsmusic.com/
Did you ever hear of or listen to a young Christian music singer from the 80's named Leslie Phillips?
I listened to a lot of her music and enjoyed it. Especially her 1985 LP, Black and White in a Grey World. This album had the perfect mix of true spiritual tunes to melodic inquisitional hits. Songs moved me like "When the World is New", "Your Kindness" and the title song. Prior to that, she had 2 LPs that were pretty good too. After the 1985 album, Phillips recorded The Turning where she met her future husband T. Bone Burnett. I didn't keep up with Leslie Phillips much after the Black and White in a Grey World record.
One day in 1994, I heard a song by a female singer named Sam Phillips. The song was "I Need Love." I liked it straight away. I couldn't get the voice out of my head. That voice sounded so familiar. I would hear the song periodically on the radio but eventually I didn't really think about it anymore (the voice - I mean).
One day in early 2000, I was going through some old CD's and came across Recollection (a "best of" record by Leslie Phillips. I listened to a little of it and it hit me. Sam Phillips sounded a lot like Leslie. I did some research and yes, they are one in the same.
So I started digging a bit and looking to see why Leslie was Sam now and not Leslie. The song "I Need Love" sounded like it could be a Christan type song. It sounded 50/50. My research took me to a few different stories.
Leslie was tired of Myrrh (the Christian label) records trying to label her as a Christian Cyndi Lauper. she was not agreeing with of the road "the Church" was heading.
Who really knows, expect her.
One thing I know is, that regardless of Leslie or Sam, the music of the lady Phillips was, is and hopefully always will be great.
The music is the constant.
I enjoy breaking out the old Leslie tunes as well as the newer Sam songs.
You may have also seen her on one of the Die Hard movies. You may have also heard her doing some songs for and appearing on an episode of Gilmore Girls.
Check some out for yourself. I will tell you this, the song "I Need Love" is one of my favorites.
Here are some links for you to enjoy and get to know Leslie and Sam a little better.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_White_in_a_Grey_World
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martinis_and_Bikinis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Phillips_(musician)
http://www.samphillipsmusic.com/
Saturday, July 18, 2009
What Am I...
the quick version
What am I.....
reading: Elyon by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill (yes - still reading it - it is a great book, but I am reading other things as well)
Anabaptist Preaching - David B. Greiser and Michael A. King
The BIBLE - I am reading it from start to finish, but I am taking my time and actually thinking about what I am reading.
Sad about: The stupid Dodgers - lost 2 in a row since the All Star break
Watching: Frost/Nixon - pretty good so far. I had to do a persuasive speech in college and I chose to try and persuade the class that Richard Nixon was a good president. I actually persuaded many of them. I will try to dig up that speech...it is probably junk.
Listening to: too much to list
eating: Mexican cornbread and lots of it
Thinking about: too much to type
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Cronkite: we really did lose the best news anchor ever.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obit_walter_cronkite
http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=cronkitewal
What am I.....
reading: Elyon by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill (yes - still reading it - it is a great book, but I am reading other things as well)
Anabaptist Preaching - David B. Greiser and Michael A. King
The BIBLE - I am reading it from start to finish, but I am taking my time and actually thinking about what I am reading.
Sad about: The stupid Dodgers - lost 2 in a row since the All Star break
Watching: Frost/Nixon - pretty good so far. I had to do a persuasive speech in college and I chose to try and persuade the class that Richard Nixon was a good president. I actually persuaded many of them. I will try to dig up that speech...it is probably junk.
Listening to: too much to list
eating: Mexican cornbread and lots of it
Thinking about: too much to type
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Cronkite: we really did lose the best news anchor ever.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obit_walter_cronkite
http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=cronkitewal
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday Quote
"I don't want to get out of the bed" Wade Cortez
on a more serious note: Here is a cool quote from William Blake
"To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour." William Blake
on a more serious note: Here is a cool quote from William Blake
"To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour." William Blake
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
When Every Song is Good
For me, when I come across a record where every song is good, I get keyed up. This occurrence does not happen every day, but it does happen. When I say all songs are good, I mean good. I don’t mean 4 or 5 or great, a few are good and the rest are so-so.
I mean all songs are REAL GOOD.
Thanks to Sirius Satellite radio (which I don’t have anymore – I had a free trial when we bought the car), I was “turned on” to a few bands I have never heard of.
Two of which had recent albums that rank in the above-mentioned category.
Joining the likes of 10,000 Maniacs’ In My Tribe from 1897; Matthew Sweet’s 1995 release 100% Fun; Cocoon Crash, the 1998 album by K’s Choice; and Third Eye Blind’s self titled 1997 record Third Eye Blind are two splendid 2008 records.
Coming To Terms by Carolina Liar and Only By The Night by Kings Of Leon are two of my favorite records of all time and they are new. I first heard “Show Me What I’m Looking For” by Carolina Liar and loved the song immediately. The song “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon (don’t worry – don’t let the title fool you into thinking it is a vulgar or bad song) sort of struck me the same way, but not as much.
I downloaded the 2 records plus Kings of Leon’s previous 3 releases on Rhapsody.
Coming To Terms instantaneously became one of my preferred records to listen to.
As much as I like “Show Me What I’m Looking For” (I actually quoted part of the lyrics in a message at church), I enjoy some of the other tunes on the record even more. “Done Stealin” and “When You Are Near” are top-notch tunes.
Only By The Night by Kings of Leon was also enjoyed immediately but not all of the songs hit me like the Carolina Liar record. It took me a few listens to the Kings of Leon record to realize “Man – all of these tunes are great as well.” I will say that the previous 3 Kings Of Leon records do not strike me the Only By The Night. They aren’t bad, but I think Kings of Leon (3 brothers and a cousin) hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 9th with this record.
You can feel free to check out these records for yourself. They might not be your taste and then again they might.
So, if you check them out, let me know what you think.
The question remains: Will any songs from the 2 records make Wade’s Top 100 of all time?
Will the albums themselves make Wade’s Top 100 Albums of all time?
Only time will tell.
http://www.carolinaliar.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Liar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_of_leon
http://www.kingsofleon.com/
I mean all songs are REAL GOOD.
Thanks to Sirius Satellite radio (which I don’t have anymore – I had a free trial when we bought the car), I was “turned on” to a few bands I have never heard of.
Two of which had recent albums that rank in the above-mentioned category.
Joining the likes of 10,000 Maniacs’ In My Tribe from 1897; Matthew Sweet’s 1995 release 100% Fun; Cocoon Crash, the 1998 album by K’s Choice; and Third Eye Blind’s self titled 1997 record Third Eye Blind are two splendid 2008 records.
Coming To Terms by Carolina Liar and Only By The Night by Kings Of Leon are two of my favorite records of all time and they are new. I first heard “Show Me What I’m Looking For” by Carolina Liar and loved the song immediately. The song “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon (don’t worry – don’t let the title fool you into thinking it is a vulgar or bad song) sort of struck me the same way, but not as much.
I downloaded the 2 records plus Kings of Leon’s previous 3 releases on Rhapsody.
Coming To Terms instantaneously became one of my preferred records to listen to.
As much as I like “Show Me What I’m Looking For” (I actually quoted part of the lyrics in a message at church), I enjoy some of the other tunes on the record even more. “Done Stealin” and “When You Are Near” are top-notch tunes.
Only By The Night by Kings of Leon was also enjoyed immediately but not all of the songs hit me like the Carolina Liar record. It took me a few listens to the Kings of Leon record to realize “Man – all of these tunes are great as well.” I will say that the previous 3 Kings Of Leon records do not strike me the Only By The Night. They aren’t bad, but I think Kings of Leon (3 brothers and a cousin) hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 9th with this record.
You can feel free to check out these records for yourself. They might not be your taste and then again they might.
So, if you check them out, let me know what you think.
The question remains: Will any songs from the 2 records make Wade’s Top 100 of all time?
Will the albums themselves make Wade’s Top 100 Albums of all time?
Only time will tell.
http://www.carolinaliar.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Liar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_of_leon
http://www.kingsofleon.com/
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I Finally Found the BEST Turtle Soup in the New Orleans Area
We ate at Broussard's (in the French Quarter) last night. On our two previous visits I wanted to get the turtle soup (I like to try the turtle soup almost everywhere we go) but I also can't stay away from the Louisiana Bouillabaisse (an awesome entree chock full of fresh seafood). I figured two "soup" type dishes (plus they have so many other great choices) in one sitting ....blah blah blah....last night I did it. I had my appetizer plus the Bouillabaisse plus the Turtle soup.
I found the BEST turtle soup in the New Orleans area. It was so full of big chunks of real turtle meat (not veal like some places use for their turtle soup) and onions and peppers and carrots and celery and a thick broth that could be eaten over rice. I could have eaten 12 bowls of it, but I had to save room for my Bouillabaisse (the best dish - ever!).
Prior to the Broussard's turtle soup experience, I thought Bull's Corner in LaPlace had the best turtle soup.
My little brother said he liked the turtle soup at Grand Isle. So I may have to try it.
Do yourself a favor, go eat at Broussard's (even if you don't eat the turtle soup).
http://www.broussards.com/
I found the BEST turtle soup in the New Orleans area. It was so full of big chunks of real turtle meat (not veal like some places use for their turtle soup) and onions and peppers and carrots and celery and a thick broth that could be eaten over rice. I could have eaten 12 bowls of it, but I had to save room for my Bouillabaisse (the best dish - ever!).
Prior to the Broussard's turtle soup experience, I thought Bull's Corner in LaPlace had the best turtle soup.
My little brother said he liked the turtle soup at Grand Isle. So I may have to try it.
Do yourself a favor, go eat at Broussard's (even if you don't eat the turtle soup).
http://www.broussards.com/
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Revisiting Independence Day...on NPR's All Things Considered
On July 4, we were listening to NPR on the way home from shopping. Two stories on that day's All Things Considered program were quite interesting.
One story was about a book based on Tadeusz Kosciusko. The book about this Revolutionary War Hero was written by Alex Storozynski. He was interviewed on the program. It sounds like it would be an interesting read.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106273848
The other interesting story was about the WASPs from WWII. I had no idea what these ladies did and what they meant to our country. It is ashamed how they were treated back then and that it took this long for them to be honored.
Read more for yourself.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106273051
Here are more links to the 2 stories:
http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/wasp/
http://peasantprince.com/
enjoy the links.
One story was about a book based on Tadeusz Kosciusko. The book about this Revolutionary War Hero was written by Alex Storozynski. He was interviewed on the program. It sounds like it would be an interesting read.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106273848
The other interesting story was about the WASPs from WWII. I had no idea what these ladies did and what they meant to our country. It is ashamed how they were treated back then and that it took this long for them to be honored.
Read more for yourself.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106273051
Here are more links to the 2 stories:
http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/wasp/
http://peasantprince.com/
enjoy the links.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday Quote
"Do you realize today is 7-8-9?"
Joel Western - asked the question today July 8, 2009.
Joel Western - asked the question today July 8, 2009.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Waiting for the Bird ... got the Turtle
Waiting for the Bird … got the Turtle
We have some Awesome Birdhouses in our backyard.
Our Uncle built them and we painted them.
It has been almost a year since they have been up and no birds.
About 3 weeks ago I saw a little brown bird hopping up and about in the oleander. Then it hopped up on the “A” frame birdhouse. It stayed there a while and checked it out. Then it flew away.
We watched for the bird every day. Then about one week ago it (I assume it – or a bird that looked just like it) flew to the same house and perched on the hole. It jumped in. A few seconds later it jumped out and flew away.
Is it moving in?
We haven’t seen it since, but we do see at least 2 pieces of grass (or something) in the house.
We wonder…. Do the nicely painted houses intimidate the birds?
Do they think the rent will be too high?
I was expecting the place to be full. We do have an equal opportunity back yard. The squirrels, the hawks and owls, the mocking birds and doves, the mosquito hawks and mosquitoes, the lizards and geckos, and the bugs, bees and wasps all enjoy it.
So why do we not have birds in the houses?
The question will linger until we do.
The turtle is back though.
We saw a little turtle a while back and boom - yesterday – it was back by the back door. We fed it and put some water out. It snooped around the food and walked under the deck.
Cool little turtle. I hope it stays.
We have some Awesome Birdhouses in our backyard.
Our Uncle built them and we painted them.
It has been almost a year since they have been up and no birds.
About 3 weeks ago I saw a little brown bird hopping up and about in the oleander. Then it hopped up on the “A” frame birdhouse. It stayed there a while and checked it out. Then it flew away.
We watched for the bird every day. Then about one week ago it (I assume it – or a bird that looked just like it) flew to the same house and perched on the hole. It jumped in. A few seconds later it jumped out and flew away.
Is it moving in?
We haven’t seen it since, but we do see at least 2 pieces of grass (or something) in the house.
We wonder…. Do the nicely painted houses intimidate the birds?
Do they think the rent will be too high?
I was expecting the place to be full. We do have an equal opportunity back yard. The squirrels, the hawks and owls, the mocking birds and doves, the mosquito hawks and mosquitoes, the lizards and geckos, and the bugs, bees and wasps all enjoy it.
So why do we not have birds in the houses?
The question will linger until we do.
The turtle is back though.
We saw a little turtle a while back and boom - yesterday – it was back by the back door. We fed it and put some water out. It snooped around the food and walked under the deck.
Cool little turtle. I hope it stays.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Music Monday etc
In an effort to be better organized (and to promote the upcoming Wade's Top 100 Songs and albums of all time) I have decided to dedicated Mondays to music (at least for the most part).
With this Monday blog i hope I can accomplish the following:
1-introduce new (either brand new or stuff you haven't heard before) music to you.
2-get feedback on music that you like.
3-get feedback (good or bad) on music I may suggest to you.
4-broaden the mind (mine and yours) through music.
With this first installment, I will quickly list a few cool band/artists that you might enjoy:
These are bands/artists that I have been listening to more than others (both Christian and secular)(both old and new):
Third Day
Carolina Liar
Adele
Alkaline Trio
Blue October
Kimya Dawson
Counting Crows
James Blunt
Katie Melua
Kings of Leon
Matt and Kim
Meat Puppets
Refreshments
Sigue Sigue Sputnik
Styx
Switchfoot
The Fray
The Mighty Stef
The Pogues
XTC
Hope you find the time to look some of these up and give a listen.
Future Music Monday installments:
Quick album reviews.
Quick song reviews.
Future concerts.
Music stories.
With this Monday blog i hope I can accomplish the following:
1-introduce new (either brand new or stuff you haven't heard before) music to you.
2-get feedback on music that you like.
3-get feedback (good or bad) on music I may suggest to you.
4-broaden the mind (mine and yours) through music.
With this first installment, I will quickly list a few cool band/artists that you might enjoy:
These are bands/artists that I have been listening to more than others (both Christian and secular)(both old and new):
Third Day
Carolina Liar
Adele
Alkaline Trio
Blue October
Kimya Dawson
Counting Crows
James Blunt
Katie Melua
Kings of Leon
Matt and Kim
Meat Puppets
Refreshments
Sigue Sigue Sputnik
Styx
Switchfoot
The Fray
The Mighty Stef
The Pogues
XTC
Hope you find the time to look some of these up and give a listen.
Future Music Monday installments:
Quick album reviews.
Quick song reviews.
Future concerts.
Music stories.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
GOD IS AWFUL
(The following is part of a message I told to Des Allemands Mennonite Church on March 1, 2009. The message was not my own but God's)
Isn’t God awful?
And if our churches today are not awful, they should be.
When you walk through the doors of some churches you can tell they are awful. Some churches you can’t tell at all.
Now, before you click off of this blog – let me explain the words I just wrote. This thought is not all mine. In fact, I didn’t realize the use of a certain word until I read a devotional back in February. The devotional was taken from Marva Dawn’s book titled “Talking the Walk.”
Back when Marva Dawn was in High School, she insisted on using the word AWE-FULL in an assignment. She spelled A W E dash F U L L. She was trying to “describe something so exalted as to arouse reverence.” The teacher said she should use the word’s common spelling and its usage to reflect something dreadful. In her book, Marva went on to say that if her and the teacher would have looked in the dictionary, the first definition of the word is “inspiring awe; highly impressive.”
Not until the second, third or fourth definition (depending on what dictionary you are reading) does the negative meaning show up.
Being intrigued, I looked at a few dictionaries and sure enough:
AWFUL – spelled A W F U L is there and it means “inspiring awe” and “very great” and “Highly impressive.”
So I bought into and sharing with you the idea:
And I say again, ISN”T GOD AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I don’t think we can discuss an Awful God without looking at some of the magnificent words inspired by Him.
I love the way that Hebrews Chapter 12, verse 18 through 29 lays it out and breaks it down for us... Whoever translated the original author’s words and divided the words into scripture verses had a God given knack to do so.
Hebrews Chapter 12 is preceded by chapter 11 “The Faith Chapter” as I like to call it.
Then chapter 12 starts with instructions to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Then it proceeds with talk of Discipline. And then this leads us into the Hebrews’ (the people) knowledge of the Old Testament and it gives many examples.
Verses 18 through 29 are separated in such a way where they move and flow like a well thought out movie or poem.
The first groups of verses – 18 – 21 – are like an example of the past. They parallel our childhood. When our parents and their’s before them maybe talked about how times were harder when they were kinds – walking to school in the snow etc. – This pattern will go on and on in ours and our children’s lives.
In the Hebrews text. The people spoke to did not come to the mountain burning with fire. A sight so terrifying that Moses said “I am trembling with fear.”
Then we move into a feeling of wonder and beauty and the reality of what they can expect.
Mount Zion, Heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the Living God, thousands and thousands of Angels. To God – the judge of all men. – to Jesus – the mediator.
AWFUL
French Monk, Bernard of Clairveux, said “I have seen a fraction of God’s glory, and it is awesome.”
The third section of our text is reminiscent to a warning, and in my opinion a declaration.
The warning - “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks.”
The declaration – “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the Heavens.”
The last element of our passage; the Blessed Assurance with a little reminder.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)
Isn’t God great!?!
Isn’t God powerful!?!
Shouldn’t we be in AWE of Him?
God IS so powerful and great, but as C.S. Lewis said, “The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men.”
Isn’t God awful?
And if our churches today are not awful, they should be.
When you walk through the doors of some churches you can tell they are awful. Some churches you can’t tell at all.
Now, before you click off of this blog – let me explain the words I just wrote. This thought is not all mine. In fact, I didn’t realize the use of a certain word until I read a devotional back in February. The devotional was taken from Marva Dawn’s book titled “Talking the Walk.”
Back when Marva Dawn was in High School, she insisted on using the word AWE-FULL in an assignment. She spelled A W E dash F U L L. She was trying to “describe something so exalted as to arouse reverence.” The teacher said she should use the word’s common spelling and its usage to reflect something dreadful. In her book, Marva went on to say that if her and the teacher would have looked in the dictionary, the first definition of the word is “inspiring awe; highly impressive.”
Not until the second, third or fourth definition (depending on what dictionary you are reading) does the negative meaning show up.
Being intrigued, I looked at a few dictionaries and sure enough:
AWFUL – spelled A W F U L is there and it means “inspiring awe” and “very great” and “Highly impressive.”
So I bought into and sharing with you the idea:
And I say again, ISN”T GOD AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I don’t think we can discuss an Awful God without looking at some of the magnificent words inspired by Him.
I love the way that Hebrews Chapter 12, verse 18 through 29 lays it out and breaks it down for us... Whoever translated the original author’s words and divided the words into scripture verses had a God given knack to do so.
Hebrews Chapter 12 is preceded by chapter 11 “The Faith Chapter” as I like to call it.
Then chapter 12 starts with instructions to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Then it proceeds with talk of Discipline. And then this leads us into the Hebrews’ (the people) knowledge of the Old Testament and it gives many examples.
Verses 18 through 29 are separated in such a way where they move and flow like a well thought out movie or poem.
The first groups of verses – 18 – 21 – are like an example of the past. They parallel our childhood. When our parents and their’s before them maybe talked about how times were harder when they were kinds – walking to school in the snow etc. – This pattern will go on and on in ours and our children’s lives.
In the Hebrews text. The people spoke to did not come to the mountain burning with fire. A sight so terrifying that Moses said “I am trembling with fear.”
Then we move into a feeling of wonder and beauty and the reality of what they can expect.
Mount Zion, Heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the Living God, thousands and thousands of Angels. To God – the judge of all men. – to Jesus – the mediator.
AWFUL
French Monk, Bernard of Clairveux, said “I have seen a fraction of God’s glory, and it is awesome.”
The third section of our text is reminiscent to a warning, and in my opinion a declaration.
The warning - “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks.”
The declaration – “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the Heavens.”
The last element of our passage; the Blessed Assurance with a little reminder.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)
Isn’t God great!?!
Isn’t God powerful!?!
Shouldn’t we be in AWE of Him?
God IS so powerful and great, but as C.S. Lewis said, “The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men.”
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