If you can imagine a January 4th and people comfortable wearing short sleeves? Well, today in the Woodlands was just such a day. It started a bit foggy, but the sun came ot nicely and it neared 80. BUT, they promised a cold front for tomorrow that will bring it nearer 40 degrees. Such drops in temperature seem to bring ‘cold’ weather too. And here is a little cure I heard to pass along. If you have a plugged ear because of a cold, just hop on the opposite leg and the clogged ear clears like magic. Just passing this bit along, like so much flotsam and jetsam that floats on the internet.
Christmas sales are a disappointment, and yet I read that Amazon, the internet retailer, said it shipped 6.3 millions pieces on December 15, compared to 15.4 million on its peak day last year. The figure is astonishing. I think of the logistics involved in moving that many packages from one place to another. We have gotten so used to this that we complain if something doesn’t work to suit us.
I lived when the local storekeeper loaded the stove ordered by a loving and caring husband for his wife into his own sled, hitched up old Dobbin, and delivered same himself in the snowy weather. Personal service, and it cost him comfort and time to spend with his own family. And he knew where his customer lived. The drivers who deliver today depend on their GPS, which directs them by voice, ‘turn left here and go 300 feet to“. So the trucks can roam far and wide and drivers do not need to know their routes and who lives where and what they do for a living .
So we celebrate Epiphany tomorrow. It is the day we remember the wise from the East finding the baby in the manger and bringing their gifts to worship the KING.
I am happy that the birth was like this, personal, one on one, Jesus came for ME. Believing that, living that faith, makes life personal and real. May God bless your daily living.
GPD 1/5/09
Monday, January 5, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Shade Tree Wisdom 1/2/09
Almost forgot, 09 it is already by God’s grace.
But here they came, dressed in the newest jogging clothes, walking briskly. Each armed with an LED flashlight, lighting the way, wishing me a Happy New Year.
It happens every year. They’re the first among the crowd keeping their New Year’s Resolutions, of course. Unfortunately, most of them will gradually disappear after a day or two days, a week at most, and forget that Resolution. But it does give one a chance to see the latest in fashion.
How about you? Still making firm resolutions for the new year, then sort of failing to keep them? Just don’t blame yourself, because it is a human failing, to make, then break, stuff like that.
You know what the answer is there, I know you do. You start small, with little things. Don’t try to change a life-style in one fell swoop (Got that in, didn’t I? fell swoop, I mean). No, changes begin little by little. That is, after all, how habits come. Like strands in a rope. One can easily break one or two, but keep adding other strands, and the rope becomes too strong to break.
St. Paul struggles with this, and he writes about it often. Read his works in Romans chapter 7, for example, or other letters where he keeps on encouraging his new members to grow in grace and in knowledge. And growth, strong growth, always takes time.
But I will keep doing what St. Peter said, “always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body.” 2 Peter 1,12.13.
And it is what most us of need, an encourager. That is what Barnabas did best, encourage.
May God bless your efforts to grow.
GPD 1/2/09
But here they came, dressed in the newest jogging clothes, walking briskly. Each armed with an LED flashlight, lighting the way, wishing me a Happy New Year.
It happens every year. They’re the first among the crowd keeping their New Year’s Resolutions, of course. Unfortunately, most of them will gradually disappear after a day or two days, a week at most, and forget that Resolution. But it does give one a chance to see the latest in fashion.
How about you? Still making firm resolutions for the new year, then sort of failing to keep them? Just don’t blame yourself, because it is a human failing, to make, then break, stuff like that.
You know what the answer is there, I know you do. You start small, with little things. Don’t try to change a life-style in one fell swoop (Got that in, didn’t I? fell swoop, I mean). No, changes begin little by little. That is, after all, how habits come. Like strands in a rope. One can easily break one or two, but keep adding other strands, and the rope becomes too strong to break.
St. Paul struggles with this, and he writes about it often. Read his works in Romans chapter 7, for example, or other letters where he keeps on encouraging his new members to grow in grace and in knowledge. And growth, strong growth, always takes time.
But I will keep doing what St. Peter said, “always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body.” 2 Peter 1,12.13.
And it is what most us of need, an encourager. That is what Barnabas did best, encourage.
May God bless your efforts to grow.
GPD 1/2/09
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Shade tree wisdom 1/1/09
And don’t forget to write 2009. And who would have thought I’d be here writing that very figure for the year. 2009, imagine.
But I am here because HE is faithful. Remember what the promise is in Psalm 139? v. 1 - 4?“1 A David psalm. God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. 2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. “
Since He is ever faithful, I look forward to what God may lay at hand for me to do, live, work, endure, or whatever, with sureness that He is ever there. The Psalmist also said, “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what Your hands have done”. Ps. 143, 5.
On the other hand, the years total up, so I am ever ready to speak with the two men on their way home to Emmaus, “Spend the night, the day is far spent, and night is near..”
In whatever way, may the Lord bless your lives in 2009, not only with His presence, but also with His word which you read daily, in hearing your prayers, and in rich and daily blessing.
GPD 1/1/09
But I am here because HE is faithful. Remember what the promise is in Psalm 139? v. 1 - 4?“1 A David psalm. God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. 2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. “
Since He is ever faithful, I look forward to what God may lay at hand for me to do, live, work, endure, or whatever, with sureness that He is ever there. The Psalmist also said, “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what Your hands have done”. Ps. 143, 5.
On the other hand, the years total up, so I am ever ready to speak with the two men on their way home to Emmaus, “Spend the night, the day is far spent, and night is near..”
In whatever way, may the Lord bless your lives in 2009, not only with His presence, but also with His word which you read daily, in hearing your prayers, and in rich and daily blessing.
GPD 1/1/09
Monday, December 29, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 12/29/08
Remember the song, I think in 1955 or so, that began, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”? Does that come o mind when you hear the angel chorus “Praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men”. Luke 2,14
It’s not the same peace. The song speaks of peace between men, neighbors, countries, factions, quarreling families, or whatever. The angels speaks of the peace we have, now, as His children. Paul says it very plainly, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with god through our Lord Jesus Christ?” Romans 5,1
That fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (53,6). “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
It is the very same peace that the Lord Jesus speaks about when He said on leaving them, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.: John 14,1.
The peace speaks about the rift that was torn between man and God when Adam and Eve left the perfect world, dissatisfied that God was doing what was best for them, and followed the devil’s tempting. That created a rift, tore them apart, and Jesus, by His coming, living, dying, and rising again, healed that rift by paying for the sins we are guilty of. So brining peace.
That is the peace the angels sing about.
Now, as we come to the end of this year, may I just close with words you have heard many times at Funerals “For as much as it has pleased Almighty god, in His wise providence, to take out of this world the soul of the departed, we therefore commit the body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change this vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body whereby He is able to subdue all things unto Himself.
May God the Father, who created this body,
May God the Son, who by His blood redeemed this body together with the soul,
May God the Holy Ghost, who by baptism has sanctified this body to be His temple,
Keep these remains unto the day of the resurrection of all flesh, Amen."
May the Lord ever bless all who remain in the faith.
GPD 12/29/08
It’s not the same peace. The song speaks of peace between men, neighbors, countries, factions, quarreling families, or whatever. The angels speaks of the peace we have, now, as His children. Paul says it very plainly, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with god through our Lord Jesus Christ?” Romans 5,1
That fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (53,6). “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
It is the very same peace that the Lord Jesus speaks about when He said on leaving them, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.: John 14,1.
The peace speaks about the rift that was torn between man and God when Adam and Eve left the perfect world, dissatisfied that God was doing what was best for them, and followed the devil’s tempting. That created a rift, tore them apart, and Jesus, by His coming, living, dying, and rising again, healed that rift by paying for the sins we are guilty of. So brining peace.
That is the peace the angels sing about.
Now, as we come to the end of this year, may I just close with words you have heard many times at Funerals “For as much as it has pleased Almighty god, in His wise providence, to take out of this world the soul of the departed, we therefore commit the body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change this vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body whereby He is able to subdue all things unto Himself.
May God the Father, who created this body,
May God the Son, who by His blood redeemed this body together with the soul,
May God the Holy Ghost, who by baptism has sanctified this body to be His temple,
Keep these remains unto the day of the resurrection of all flesh, Amen."
May the Lord ever bless all who remain in the faith.
GPD 12/29/08
Friday, December 26, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 12/26/08
Have you seen one yet?
A red swing hanging where you did not expect to see a swing hang?
They’re starting to be seen all over. It began when a professor of architecture assigned his class to dream up ”an urban intervention”. He challenged them to find something to make city dwellers take a fresh look at their surroundings. Something out of the ordinary that will evoke hindsight or thought of something else.
Andrew, - he doesn’t want his last name used - imagined red swings. His friends liked the idea, so they sold an old TV set for $25, and used the money to buy wood, rope and red paint. In the middle of a February night they launched the first salvo, hanging red swings in Austin, Texas. They developed a system for getting ropes slung over tree limbs. Each swing took about 15 minutes to hang.
UT employees quickly removed the swing dangling in front of Goldsmith Hall, evidently the school of architecture did not appreciate “urban intervention”.
Most of the swings were used, well used, and the project acquired a name – The Red Swing Project – and a website where interested people could suggest places to hang a swing, or donate the $2 cost of one.
Interesting, a swing on Harvard’s campus barely lasted two days.
New Orleans, on the other hand welcomed the swings. They are used wherever they are hung, something in this woebegone city actually works.
In Houston the Chronicle chronicled the swing hung on Menil Museum property. Ralph Ellis, manager of properties, was first inclined to take it down. You know managers of property are ever alert to suits. But then, it was nearing Christmas, and he did not wish to be a Grinch. The swing, known officially as Swing 054, is admired, and used.
So have you seen one? Just a simple red swing, reminding of a playground in our youth, or other joys of days long gone. Reminiscing is good for the heart, and the life. Sometimes it helps slow us down just a little bit, and maybe give a boost to the flagging spirit today. Often so surrounded by bad news, it needs to be reminded again “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.” And HE is indeed “The Prince of Peace”.
GPD 12/26/08
A red swing hanging where you did not expect to see a swing hang?
They’re starting to be seen all over. It began when a professor of architecture assigned his class to dream up ”an urban intervention”. He challenged them to find something to make city dwellers take a fresh look at their surroundings. Something out of the ordinary that will evoke hindsight or thought of something else.
Andrew, - he doesn’t want his last name used - imagined red swings. His friends liked the idea, so they sold an old TV set for $25, and used the money to buy wood, rope and red paint. In the middle of a February night they launched the first salvo, hanging red swings in Austin, Texas. They developed a system for getting ropes slung over tree limbs. Each swing took about 15 minutes to hang.
UT employees quickly removed the swing dangling in front of Goldsmith Hall, evidently the school of architecture did not appreciate “urban intervention”.
Most of the swings were used, well used, and the project acquired a name – The Red Swing Project – and a website where interested people could suggest places to hang a swing, or donate the $2 cost of one.
Interesting, a swing on Harvard’s campus barely lasted two days.
New Orleans, on the other hand welcomed the swings. They are used wherever they are hung, something in this woebegone city actually works.
In Houston the Chronicle chronicled the swing hung on Menil Museum property. Ralph Ellis, manager of properties, was first inclined to take it down. You know managers of property are ever alert to suits. But then, it was nearing Christmas, and he did not wish to be a Grinch. The swing, known officially as Swing 054, is admired, and used.
So have you seen one? Just a simple red swing, reminding of a playground in our youth, or other joys of days long gone. Reminiscing is good for the heart, and the life. Sometimes it helps slow us down just a little bit, and maybe give a boost to the flagging spirit today. Often so surrounded by bad news, it needs to be reminded again “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.” And HE is indeed “The Prince of Peace”.
GPD 12/26/08
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 12/23/08
The financial air is gloomy. The word is out. “We have to cut back this year”. The news is grim, it could not be any worse, and will I still have work in 2009? Or not? Yet, people are determined to make the best it, celebrate just the same, though more subdued than other years, fewer frills.
But Christian, hear this, familiar words to you:
“How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given,
So God imparts, to human hearts, the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear His coming’ but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls may receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” LSB 361,3.
Then think of the glorious end of it: “O come to us, abide with us, Our LORD, Immanuel”.
What a Gift this is. He comes, Jesus, as the Babe at Bethlehem. Born to give us life. Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8,12.
So, with that News ringing in our ears, Ruth and I wish you a blessed Christmas, join us as we sing:
O rejoice, ye Christians loudly,
For our joy has now begun.
Wondrous things our God has done.
Tell abroad His goodness proudly,
Who our race has honored thus,
That He deigns to dwell with us
Joy ! Joy beyond all sadness,
Christ has done away with sadness,
Hence all sorrow and repining,
For the Sun of Grace is shining.” LSB 897
GPD 12/23/08
But Christian, hear this, familiar words to you:
“How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given,
So God imparts, to human hearts, the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear His coming’ but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls may receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” LSB 361,3.
Then think of the glorious end of it: “O come to us, abide with us, Our LORD, Immanuel”.
What a Gift this is. He comes, Jesus, as the Babe at Bethlehem. Born to give us life. Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8,12.
So, with that News ringing in our ears, Ruth and I wish you a blessed Christmas, join us as we sing:
O rejoice, ye Christians loudly,
For our joy has now begun.
Wondrous things our God has done.
Tell abroad His goodness proudly,
Who our race has honored thus,
That He deigns to dwell with us
Joy ! Joy beyond all sadness,
Christ has done away with sadness,
Hence all sorrow and repining,
For the Sun of Grace is shining.” LSB 897
GPD 12/23/08
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Shade Tree Wisdom 12/18/08
Sort of drizzly and dreary these early mornings, and foggy with it. But then the sun comes out and it usually turns into a pretty nice day after all. It is tending to get warmer for the rest of the week, and then, on Sunday down to 40 again, a drop of some 40 degrees from Saturday. No wonder we feel it. Dan, stop giggling.
But the weather made me think of the North East which had a considerable damaging storm, leaving one and a quarter million without power. And work crews often had to work in stormy conditions, making the work slower and harder to do. Now you know, without power, stuff doesn’t work. So let’s continue to pray for their rapid recovery.
I rarely go to a mall these days, since I have reached the years when my wants are few and easily satisfied. But I had an errand for Christmas, and the other day I was on the ring road, so I thought I’d skip in quickly and get it out if the way. Lo and behold, I looked in vain for a parking space. All were taken, so I came away, errand undone. (P.S. I asked a friend to see if she couldn’t do this errand for me, and I pray she has better success than I did.)
And have you noticed, people seem to be friendlier these days. Maybe it is the time of year – No, not when we are aiming for the same parking space, then friendly flies out the window, doesn’t it? But in general, the air seems more pleasant. A study I read recently says if one says ‘hello’ to a stranger on the street, more often than not that stranger will return the greeting with a smile. I’ve experimented with this at church when the crowd sort of looks past others without seeing anyone. Say the name and a hello and see what happens. The same study also shows that a teacher who greets her class by name as they come into the room will have a class doing better work by some 37%. The pupils simply do better work because they feel they have been acknowledged. Simple, isn’t it?
And talk of friendly and helpful, I find in a grocery store people go out of their way to be helpful. Recently I was looking for an item and before I found it there were 4 shoppers helping me look, and rejoicing when we had success.
Soon we celebrate Christmas. The prophet Micah said, “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” Micah 4,3. He was foretelling the coming of the messianic age. The first stage is the birth of Christ. Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My Peace I give to you.. . .let not your hearts be troubled.” John 14,27. That is what we celebrate now, and we join in the angel chorus, “Peace on earth, good will to men”. Because His name is Jesus, who shall save His people from their sins.” That is what the peace consists of, peace with God because Jesus settled our sin account. Praise His Holy Name, and rejoice.
GPD 12/18/08
But the weather made me think of the North East which had a considerable damaging storm, leaving one and a quarter million without power. And work crews often had to work in stormy conditions, making the work slower and harder to do. Now you know, without power, stuff doesn’t work. So let’s continue to pray for their rapid recovery.
I rarely go to a mall these days, since I have reached the years when my wants are few and easily satisfied. But I had an errand for Christmas, and the other day I was on the ring road, so I thought I’d skip in quickly and get it out if the way. Lo and behold, I looked in vain for a parking space. All were taken, so I came away, errand undone. (P.S. I asked a friend to see if she couldn’t do this errand for me, and I pray she has better success than I did.)
And have you noticed, people seem to be friendlier these days. Maybe it is the time of year – No, not when we are aiming for the same parking space, then friendly flies out the window, doesn’t it? But in general, the air seems more pleasant. A study I read recently says if one says ‘hello’ to a stranger on the street, more often than not that stranger will return the greeting with a smile. I’ve experimented with this at church when the crowd sort of looks past others without seeing anyone. Say the name and a hello and see what happens. The same study also shows that a teacher who greets her class by name as they come into the room will have a class doing better work by some 37%. The pupils simply do better work because they feel they have been acknowledged. Simple, isn’t it?
And talk of friendly and helpful, I find in a grocery store people go out of their way to be helpful. Recently I was looking for an item and before I found it there were 4 shoppers helping me look, and rejoicing when we had success.
Soon we celebrate Christmas. The prophet Micah said, “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” Micah 4,3. He was foretelling the coming of the messianic age. The first stage is the birth of Christ. Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My Peace I give to you.. . .let not your hearts be troubled.” John 14,27. That is what we celebrate now, and we join in the angel chorus, “Peace on earth, good will to men”. Because His name is Jesus, who shall save His people from their sins.” That is what the peace consists of, peace with God because Jesus settled our sin account. Praise His Holy Name, and rejoice.
GPD 12/18/08
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