The walking is pleasant these mornings, often a slight breeze, and not too humid early on. And the report is that we are now ahead of the average for rainfall.
For us that is good, but for the lower valley and northern Mexico, too much. The Rio Grande has not been this high for 45 years. It has flooded homes on both sides at Laredo. The water reached the international bridge and that was closed to traffic. And, since this bridge to the U S is the busiest for international trade that arrives by land, and in a normal day that bridge crosses 12,000 trucks carrying merchandise, one can just imagine the result.
That water comes as a result of a tropical depression which followed hurricane Alex into the same area and brought moisture, rains to raise the level of the river more than ever in the past 45 years of recorded river gauges. So it stopped all traffic till the water recedes.
Meanwhile, over in the Gulf, the news is that the gushing well will finally be capped, perhaps even as early as Monday. Meanwhile, BP has been paying compensation for fishermen whose livelihood has been decimated. The problem lies in proving their income for the year which is now mostly lost. The company asks for proof, naturally, and many fishermen have always operated on a cash only basis, so they can offer no W2 forms or income tax statements as proof. They have been ‘flying under the tax man’s radar’, as it were. And fishermen who have paid their taxes resent a suggestion floated to just give them the money. One says, “I feel like, if you play, you gotta pay”.
That reminds me of the Psalm in which David asks the Lord, “Why do you stand far off, O Lord, and hide yourself in time of trouble”, Psalm 19,l. Then he gives the reason for his question when he talks about the person for whom “God is not in his thoughts.” V.4. Who says in his heart, “God has forgotten, He will never see it” v.11.
Because God does see. Paul reminds us, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap”. Gal. 6,7.
Longfellow : "Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small; Though with patience He stands waiting, with exactness grinds He all." "They Grind Exceedingly Small" was used as the title of a short story by Ben Ames Williams publishing in the Saturday Evening Post.
It gives us some reason to believe that God does have a hand in the history of our doings, whether we recognize it or not, because ever and again we seem to run into a truth the Bible offers us, and we ignore at our peril.
The truth that you and I cling to is this, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” So that I can say, “He died for me”.
GPD 7/10/10
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Shade Tree Wisdom 7/6/10
Here’s an insightful observation, one that understands how human nature works. It runs like this – it kept coming to mind and I did not remember who wrote it, so I asked Google and they said, “anon”.
Well, here’s the thought in verse:
But let me hazard a guess that all of those l.7 million who even stood in line, some overnight, to get their new phones already owned a perfectly good phone.
We are like that. All of us have stored stuff we replaced because something new came along, not exactly better, but the new trend this season, so “I’ve just got to have it”.
Content. To be content means to be satisfied, entirely satisfied, with that lies before me.
When Joshua had his farewell speech, he reminded the people, “I am going the way of all the earth; you know in your hearts and in your souls that not one thing has failed which the Lord your God has spoken to you, all are come to pass, NOT ONE THING HAS FAILED”. Joshua 23,14.
Joshua is an old man, and he tends to remember, and what he remembers fondly is that God is faithful to do exactly what He promised. Maybe he sees the waters of the Jordan pile up so they can cross the river on dry land, or sees the walls of Jericho falling, or all the other victories through the years. Not one promise failed. He suggests that is a record to trust.
St. Paul, in looking back over his life, writes to the Philippians, (4,11) “I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content”. He goes on, “I know what it is to be in need, and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” vv. 12-13.
That is why Paul also tells us to set our minds in Christ, who died for us to give us eternal life. That is a fine thing to remember, “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” That really is the secret of it all, a contented life.
GPD 7/6/10
Well, here’s the thought in verse:
"As a rule, a man’s a fool.
When it’s hot, he wants it cool,
When it’s cool, he wants it hot,
Always wanting what is not”.
So the report said Apple sold 1.7 million of their new iPhone 4’s in three days, and then discovered it had a glitch. Now, I am assuming the company tested and re-tested that phone before they put it for sale, still there was a glitch. Maybe easily fixed, maybe not, but disappointing.When it’s hot, he wants it cool,
When it’s cool, he wants it hot,
Always wanting what is not”.
But let me hazard a guess that all of those l.7 million who even stood in line, some overnight, to get their new phones already owned a perfectly good phone.
We are like that. All of us have stored stuff we replaced because something new came along, not exactly better, but the new trend this season, so “I’ve just got to have it”.
Content. To be content means to be satisfied, entirely satisfied, with that lies before me.
When Joshua had his farewell speech, he reminded the people, “I am going the way of all the earth; you know in your hearts and in your souls that not one thing has failed which the Lord your God has spoken to you, all are come to pass, NOT ONE THING HAS FAILED”. Joshua 23,14.
Joshua is an old man, and he tends to remember, and what he remembers fondly is that God is faithful to do exactly what He promised. Maybe he sees the waters of the Jordan pile up so they can cross the river on dry land, or sees the walls of Jericho falling, or all the other victories through the years. Not one promise failed. He suggests that is a record to trust.
St. Paul, in looking back over his life, writes to the Philippians, (4,11) “I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content”. He goes on, “I know what it is to be in need, and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” vv. 12-13.
That is why Paul also tells us to set our minds in Christ, who died for us to give us eternal life. That is a fine thing to remember, “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” That really is the secret of it all, a contented life.
GPD 7/6/10
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Shade Tree Wisdom 7/4/10
What does July 4th mean to you? I remember from my youth, the 4th was always the end of school year picnic. A day to join friends at the church grounds. To play, to relax, to enjoy games and eat large lunches.
The day ended all too soon because people had to go home to do their evening chores. Because most of the people were dairy farmers, and when you have cows, you have morning and evening milking to do, besides the care of other live stock. And the day meant a day free from farm work. The first crop of hay was cut and safely in the barn, the corn was ‘laid by’ (a term meaning it was tall enough now not to need any more cultivating), and the grain, oats, rye, barley and wheat, was not yet ready to harvest.
So it as an excellent time for such a day away. Sure, we had firecrackers. Not many, because they cost money, and money most of us didn’t have much of. And yes, mothers did worry about ‘blowing off your fingers’, but there were no laws about it. And it was a time we really enjoyed freedom; of speech, for worship, from many regulations. I keep telling my grandchildren when I reached my 16th year all I needed to do was send my name to Madison, the State capital, together with a quarter, and back came from driver’s license. No test of any kind. And the first car I drove was a Model T. I never owned a car till I had been graduated from the Seminary. No, my Dad did not supply a convertible for high school graduation.
Today, how different. Many more people, and many of them do not know Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, and don’ t care. We still enjoy freedom of worship, and are free to speak of our faith, but, as Pastor Espinosa pointed out in his sermon this morning, we are running into the tyranny of the majority. And Satan loves that. We practice tolerance. Sadly, this has been turned up-side-down by so-called social arbiters, who seem to think they alone have the right to say what is out of bounds. They ought to learn what one of the critics of the Reformation, Voltaire, who persecuted Christianity, said. “I disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.” So we shall continue to pray for this land.“So shall our prayers arise, To God above the skies;On Him we wait.Thou who art ever nighGuarding with watchful eye, To Thee aloud we cry,God save the State. 965 LSBGP7/4/10
The day ended all too soon because people had to go home to do their evening chores. Because most of the people were dairy farmers, and when you have cows, you have morning and evening milking to do, besides the care of other live stock. And the day meant a day free from farm work. The first crop of hay was cut and safely in the barn, the corn was ‘laid by’ (a term meaning it was tall enough now not to need any more cultivating), and the grain, oats, rye, barley and wheat, was not yet ready to harvest.
So it as an excellent time for such a day away. Sure, we had firecrackers. Not many, because they cost money, and money most of us didn’t have much of. And yes, mothers did worry about ‘blowing off your fingers’, but there were no laws about it. And it was a time we really enjoyed freedom; of speech, for worship, from many regulations. I keep telling my grandchildren when I reached my 16th year all I needed to do was send my name to Madison, the State capital, together with a quarter, and back came from driver’s license. No test of any kind. And the first car I drove was a Model T. I never owned a car till I had been graduated from the Seminary. No, my Dad did not supply a convertible for high school graduation.
Today, how different. Many more people, and many of them do not know Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, and don’ t care. We still enjoy freedom of worship, and are free to speak of our faith, but, as Pastor Espinosa pointed out in his sermon this morning, we are running into the tyranny of the majority. And Satan loves that. We practice tolerance. Sadly, this has been turned up-side-down by so-called social arbiters, who seem to think they alone have the right to say what is out of bounds. They ought to learn what one of the critics of the Reformation, Voltaire, who persecuted Christianity, said. “I disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.” So we shall continue to pray for this land.“So shall our prayers arise, To God above the skies;On Him we wait.Thou who art ever nighGuarding with watchful eye, To Thee aloud we cry,God save the State. 965 LSBGP7/4/10
Friday, July 2, 2010
Shade Tree Wisdom 7/2/10
No, I didn’t go for my usual morning walk this morning. It was raining, and I no longer enjoy walking in the rain. One tends to get wet! The last time I remember doing so and enjoying it was when I was still at home and had been on the ‘back 40’ cultivating a field of corn. I had just finished when it began to rain, you know, one of those slow, gentle warm midsummer Wisconsin rains. So, since I was some distance from the home, I got down and walked along with the team enjoying the much-needed summer rain.
The news says we lucked out with Hurricane Alex as far as damage is concerned. It has probably blown itself out in the mountains of Northern Mexico. Our area got rain, lots of rain, but here in The Woodlands it was mostly a much needed moisture for early summer. They say they hope July 4th will be dry so tourists will come to the island in large numbers since much of their business happens during such holidays.
In my reading I came across a paragraph about “Hail To The Chief”. It told how it was to be used as an announcement when the president appears at any function. This source says it was first used for that purpose, that is, to announce the entering of the President, for President James Polk. Since he was small of stature and rather homely, he was often overlooked when he entered a room. This infuriated his wife, Lucy, who ordered that song to be played whenever he arrived. To that was added a flourish of drums to open a pathway for him.
True or not, today it has become custom so to use it. The music was first set to the epic Poem by Sir Walter Scott, “The Lady of the Lake”, which really described the demise of a Scottish Chieftain betrayed and killed by his arch enemy, King James V.
At any rate, I remember that my Lord Jesus entered a city riding a donkey, “Shout daughter of Jerusalem, see, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey”. Zechariah 9,9. That prophecy of Zechariah was fulfilled as St. Matthew reports in chapter 21, 1 – 5. And it led then to the cross, then the Resurrection. That story says to me that my sins are now fully paid for, I have been declared righteous by God. And for that, I am grateful and thankful. Because that is God’s free gift to His Baptized children.
GPD 7/2/10
The news says we lucked out with Hurricane Alex as far as damage is concerned. It has probably blown itself out in the mountains of Northern Mexico. Our area got rain, lots of rain, but here in The Woodlands it was mostly a much needed moisture for early summer. They say they hope July 4th will be dry so tourists will come to the island in large numbers since much of their business happens during such holidays.
In my reading I came across a paragraph about “Hail To The Chief”. It told how it was to be used as an announcement when the president appears at any function. This source says it was first used for that purpose, that is, to announce the entering of the President, for President James Polk. Since he was small of stature and rather homely, he was often overlooked when he entered a room. This infuriated his wife, Lucy, who ordered that song to be played whenever he arrived. To that was added a flourish of drums to open a pathway for him.
True or not, today it has become custom so to use it. The music was first set to the epic Poem by Sir Walter Scott, “The Lady of the Lake”, which really described the demise of a Scottish Chieftain betrayed and killed by his arch enemy, King James V.
At any rate, I remember that my Lord Jesus entered a city riding a donkey, “Shout daughter of Jerusalem, see, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey”. Zechariah 9,9. That prophecy of Zechariah was fulfilled as St. Matthew reports in chapter 21, 1 – 5. And it led then to the cross, then the Resurrection. That story says to me that my sins are now fully paid for, I have been declared righteous by God. And for that, I am grateful and thankful. Because that is God’s free gift to His Baptized children.
GPD 7/2/10
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/30/10
A soft, cooling breeze for the walk this morning, and I thought of the breeze that will soon be making landfall around Brownsville in South Texas later today when Alex is projected to come to Texas and northern Mexico. The Houston area is on the ’dirty’ side of the storm, so it can expect heavy rains and winds, but nothing really major.
This is the last day of the month, And the day the first storm of this season makes landfall.
The area is busy making preparation for the season, buying batteries, some buy generators, board for windows, water, and other supplies. Galveston has closed some beaches, and they warn, “When the beach is closed, we remind you no one is to be there, for we have NO patrols, NO lifeguards, No help of any sort.” Because such storms cause major surge in water and much higher waves than normal.
But June 30 also reminds us that the year is now half gone, and time for some questions. Have you done what you planned to do? Have you grown in grace and in faith, as St. Peter urges us, “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ”. Are you a stronger person than when the year began? Have you survived unexpected hardships and unseen calamities in your life? What lesson did you take away from that experience?
I offer this as your theme:
GPD 6/30/10
This is the last day of the month, And the day the first storm of this season makes landfall.
The area is busy making preparation for the season, buying batteries, some buy generators, board for windows, water, and other supplies. Galveston has closed some beaches, and they warn, “When the beach is closed, we remind you no one is to be there, for we have NO patrols, NO lifeguards, No help of any sort.” Because such storms cause major surge in water and much higher waves than normal.
But June 30 also reminds us that the year is now half gone, and time for some questions. Have you done what you planned to do? Have you grown in grace and in faith, as St. Peter urges us, “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ”. Are you a stronger person than when the year began? Have you survived unexpected hardships and unseen calamities in your life? What lesson did you take away from that experience?
I offer this as your theme:
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in
The land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give
You the desires of your heart.
Commit thy way unto the lord, trust also in Him,
And he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37, 3-5.
The land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give
You the desires of your heart.
Commit thy way unto the lord, trust also in Him,
And he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37, 3-5.
GPD 6/30/10
Friday, June 25, 2010
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/25/10
Had a nice rain last night, and today the outlook is for more possible thunder showers, probably later this afternoon. Always welcome here. But this early summer the weather seems to be either too much, or not enough. Rains and floods here, wind storms and tornados there.
It always reminds me that God still is there, doing the weather, as He always has.
But my attention is drawn to an article in the paper billed as “the world’s longest horse race”, or “The greatest horse race in the world”. It is the Mongol Derby, a race 1,000 kilometers, that’s 630 miles long, and takes at least ten days.
The article tells us that a Phinehorst native (that’s in Texas), is one of the 16 representing 5 countries who qualified for the second Derby, which starts August 7. He is one of the first 3 Americans ever selected to run the race. His name is Justin Nelzen and he is a Farrier by trade who trains and races horses in such endurance contests.
For this race the horses are furnished, each contestant is assigned 25 horses, and each contestant is given 3 days of training. The Derby course traces one of Genghis Kahn’s supply and courier routes that emperor used. Every 30 miles a Mongolian family serves as host and the station where the rider selects a fresh mount. Part of the task is to select a mount with stamina, over-all health and disposition. Another challenge is that these horses, little larger than pony-sized, have 8 speeds, rather than the familiar four most horses have. You know, walk, canter, trot and gallop. So riding them is not as smooth as an Arabian steed, or a Tennessee Walking Horse, offers. And riders do not get to “test drive” their mounts, they ride what they select.
Well, he will know in August if he races successfully, but I am sure no sports sheet will cover the event, so we won’t know how he makes out. And we won’t lose any sleep over it either, will we now?
And why do I spend time with this? Maybe to let us remember that there are many things going on in other parts of the world, or even next door, that we know nothing about, and it doesn’t seem to make life either harder or easier. In short, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding."
May God bless your day.
GPD 6/25/10
It always reminds me that God still is there, doing the weather, as He always has.
But my attention is drawn to an article in the paper billed as “the world’s longest horse race”, or “The greatest horse race in the world”. It is the Mongol Derby, a race 1,000 kilometers, that’s 630 miles long, and takes at least ten days.
The article tells us that a Phinehorst native (that’s in Texas), is one of the 16 representing 5 countries who qualified for the second Derby, which starts August 7. He is one of the first 3 Americans ever selected to run the race. His name is Justin Nelzen and he is a Farrier by trade who trains and races horses in such endurance contests.
For this race the horses are furnished, each contestant is assigned 25 horses, and each contestant is given 3 days of training. The Derby course traces one of Genghis Kahn’s supply and courier routes that emperor used. Every 30 miles a Mongolian family serves as host and the station where the rider selects a fresh mount. Part of the task is to select a mount with stamina, over-all health and disposition. Another challenge is that these horses, little larger than pony-sized, have 8 speeds, rather than the familiar four most horses have. You know, walk, canter, trot and gallop. So riding them is not as smooth as an Arabian steed, or a Tennessee Walking Horse, offers. And riders do not get to “test drive” their mounts, they ride what they select.
Well, he will know in August if he races successfully, but I am sure no sports sheet will cover the event, so we won’t know how he makes out. And we won’t lose any sleep over it either, will we now?
And why do I spend time with this? Maybe to let us remember that there are many things going on in other parts of the world, or even next door, that we know nothing about, and it doesn’t seem to make life either harder or easier. In short, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding."
May God bless your day.
GPD 6/25/10
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Shade Tree Wisdom 6/22/10
Summer is here, and we are happy? It will be hot, but predictions are that it may be wetter than usual, so it will not be so bad, though the predictions also speak of much hurricane activity.
That is as may be. (Now there’s a phrase often used, but what does it really mean?)
The news is that we had a guest speaker for our worship service this Sunday past. He is the President of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, the Rev. James D. Cerdenola. I imagine he is in the states in connection with the Synodical meeting this July in Houston.
His sermon text came from II Kings chapter 23 where King Josiah found the Book. The text reads that he called all the leaders together “and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the Lord.” II Kings 23,2. The same story in the Chronicles reports that he tore his clothes in dismay when he saw how far the people had drifted from the way God wanted them to walk.
Because when people do not read the Book, they tend to ask the wrong questions. And the question they ask then is “What must I do?” Instead, the question ought always be, “What did GOD do?” That is the question we ask when we read the Book. What did God do for my salvation. And the Book always tells me that He has done it all. There is no need for me to add anything to my salvation.
That, Pastor Cerdenola said, is the reason for the many kinds of religions in the word today. People do not read he Bible, nor do they regard it as God’s divinely inspired Truth, and so they drift from His way always because they are asking the wrong question.
The only way of salvation is written clearly, there for all to read, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will direct hearts to see and hear it to their eternal blessing.
GPD 6/22/10
That is as may be. (Now there’s a phrase often used, but what does it really mean?)
The news is that we had a guest speaker for our worship service this Sunday past. He is the President of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, the Rev. James D. Cerdenola. I imagine he is in the states in connection with the Synodical meeting this July in Houston.
His sermon text came from II Kings chapter 23 where King Josiah found the Book. The text reads that he called all the leaders together “and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the Lord.” II Kings 23,2. The same story in the Chronicles reports that he tore his clothes in dismay when he saw how far the people had drifted from the way God wanted them to walk.
Because when people do not read the Book, they tend to ask the wrong questions. And the question they ask then is “What must I do?” Instead, the question ought always be, “What did GOD do?” That is the question we ask when we read the Book. What did God do for my salvation. And the Book always tells me that He has done it all. There is no need for me to add anything to my salvation.
That, Pastor Cerdenola said, is the reason for the many kinds of religions in the word today. People do not read he Bible, nor do they regard it as God’s divinely inspired Truth, and so they drift from His way always because they are asking the wrong question.
The only way of salvation is written clearly, there for all to read, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will direct hearts to see and hear it to their eternal blessing.
GPD 6/22/10
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