Have just finished reading Wm. Paul Young’s The Shack.
It is a good ‘read’.
It should be read by anyone wondering how there can be so much suffering and evil in the world while at the same time there is supposed to be a loving and caring God.
It does not say anything new.
It does present a powerful message in an easy to understand format.
The brilliance of the author lies in the way in which he says what he says.
Superb!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
STRONG WORDS
VP Dick Cheney is writing a book.
It will be an instant best seller and is being eagerly awaited.
b.o. has ordered/allowed his Attorney General to investigate alleged enhanced interrogation techniques of barbarian enemies of the United States.
The CIA is apparently being marginalized and demonized in the process.
Liberal commentators argue that democracies do not and should not carry out enhanced interrogation techniques, alleging that such techniques undermine the very goals democracies seek to achieve.
This in spite of the fact that evidence is mounting that such methods produce excellent results.
What to say about all this?
One useful thought is one written some years ago by a very wise European statesman: “Those who like sausage and politics should never watch either being made.”
This eminently true observation was echoed this past weekend at the funeral of Senator Ted Kennedy.
One of the sons jokingly mentioned that his beloved Dad found a way to include him in the crew of his racing sail boat, even though it was against the rules to do so and that Senators in the church that day would understand the ability of a Senator to circumvent the rules.
The eminent European spokesman was wisely pointing out that some pretty unpleasant things actually do go on in the higher realms of international policy making – nasty things are done certainly by the bad guys, and sometimes even by the good guys.
And if the good guys were not prepared to do the dirty work, then perhaps they were not the men/women for the job.
This is a given. This is a sine qua non. This is Diplomacy 101.
To argue otherwise is to be naive, ignorant, and frankly, to be out of touch with reality.
We have always believed that to be a national leader, in the arena of international relations, is to walk a very fine line indeed, for what is easy morality for the individual is by no means always easy morality for the leaders of nations.
Churchill once said that if necessary he would climb into bed with the devil if it would serve the interests of England.
Strong words.
Churchill was a strong leader.
There are not many Churchills.
It will be an instant best seller and is being eagerly awaited.
b.o. has ordered/allowed his Attorney General to investigate alleged enhanced interrogation techniques of barbarian enemies of the United States.
The CIA is apparently being marginalized and demonized in the process.
Liberal commentators argue that democracies do not and should not carry out enhanced interrogation techniques, alleging that such techniques undermine the very goals democracies seek to achieve.
This in spite of the fact that evidence is mounting that such methods produce excellent results.
What to say about all this?
One useful thought is one written some years ago by a very wise European statesman: “Those who like sausage and politics should never watch either being made.”
This eminently true observation was echoed this past weekend at the funeral of Senator Ted Kennedy.
One of the sons jokingly mentioned that his beloved Dad found a way to include him in the crew of his racing sail boat, even though it was against the rules to do so and that Senators in the church that day would understand the ability of a Senator to circumvent the rules.
The eminent European spokesman was wisely pointing out that some pretty unpleasant things actually do go on in the higher realms of international policy making – nasty things are done certainly by the bad guys, and sometimes even by the good guys.
And if the good guys were not prepared to do the dirty work, then perhaps they were not the men/women for the job.
This is a given. This is a sine qua non. This is Diplomacy 101.
To argue otherwise is to be naive, ignorant, and frankly, to be out of touch with reality.
We have always believed that to be a national leader, in the arena of international relations, is to walk a very fine line indeed, for what is easy morality for the individual is by no means always easy morality for the leaders of nations.
Churchill once said that if necessary he would climb into bed with the devil if it would serve the interests of England.
Strong words.
Churchill was a strong leader.
There are not many Churchills.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
THE FIVE JOYS
Cathy over at Breathless Expectations [link under favorite sites] has suggested that it is a good idea to close out each day with a consideration of five joys realized in the course of the day.
We feel that this is a superb idea and posted five ‘joys’ on her website last nite.
And today another few have occurred to me, this time three which were suggested by a character in Lonesome Dove – the TV special – the first one, not the greatly inferior second edition.
The three suggested ‘joys’ were voiced by Robert Duvall who played the fictional character Gus McCrae.
Fictional he was but so spectacularly realistic and full of life’s lessons that I used parts of the film repeatedly in my teaching unit on the Westward Movement.
Anyway, three ‘joys’ of the day as suggested by Gus McCrae [paraphrased]:
1 The smile of a pretty woman
2 a sunrise in the morning or a sunset at night
3 the taste of fine whisky
And today I would add:
4 a fine steak on the grill (the rain let up for a few minutes)
5 being able to watch the coverage of the Kennedy Funeral
Thanks, Cathy, for the idea of the five joys.
We feel that this is a superb idea and posted five ‘joys’ on her website last nite.
And today another few have occurred to me, this time three which were suggested by a character in Lonesome Dove – the TV special – the first one, not the greatly inferior second edition.
The three suggested ‘joys’ were voiced by Robert Duvall who played the fictional character Gus McCrae.
Fictional he was but so spectacularly realistic and full of life’s lessons that I used parts of the film repeatedly in my teaching unit on the Westward Movement.
Anyway, three ‘joys’ of the day as suggested by Gus McCrae [paraphrased]:
1 The smile of a pretty woman
2 a sunrise in the morning or a sunset at night
3 the taste of fine whisky
And today I would add:
4 a fine steak on the grill (the rain let up for a few minutes)
5 being able to watch the coverage of the Kennedy Funeral
Thanks, Cathy, for the idea of the five joys.
Friday, August 28, 2009
KENNEDY
The last of the four Kennedy brothers has died.
Joe Jr. went first - killed in the War.
John second - shot to death.
Robert next - shot to death.
And now Ted Kennedy - dead as a result of natural causes.
Four young men who, for better or worse, constitute what passes for royalty in the US.
Incredible that such a family, blessed by wealth and position and charm could rise so far and should suffer such heartbreak.
There is a lesson in the story.
Much to think about.
Joe Jr. went first - killed in the War.
John second - shot to death.
Robert next - shot to death.
And now Ted Kennedy - dead as a result of natural causes.
Four young men who, for better or worse, constitute what passes for royalty in the US.
Incredible that such a family, blessed by wealth and position and charm could rise so far and should suffer such heartbreak.
There is a lesson in the story.
Much to think about.
NORTHERN NOTES
Heavy rain in the Leelanau – no wind but steady rain falling.
Cozy in camp – very, very cozy.
We like cozy.
Second straight day on the Lake in Kayla Elise – lots of time to cruise and fish and eat and read and think and talk and ogle cottages.
No fish caught but quality time.
And then back to dock to cover vessel and back to camp for cocktails and dinner.
Rain put our grilled steaks off a day – but soup and salad is ok too.
And then time to monitor news sources and to ruminate on the world happenings.
Funeral going on for Senator Kennedy – an important American even tho beset with flawed personal and professional lives.
And the problems with CIA persecution – We never thought much of Leon Panetta before. His stock is going up at The Study – just as it is going down at the White House.
The CIA is being emasculated. Why? Started by Harry Truman who did worry about what it might become – why would b.o. take down one of our premier intelligence units?
Politics? You think? You mean like in the way he is out to close Gitmo?
b.o. health care efforts are in delightful decline. Praise the Lord.
The war in Afghanistan is not going well – even Iraq is showing stresses.
Dr. Krauthammer on Fox tonight called b.o. a liar and a coward, with reference I think to the CIA persecutions. Dear Wife observed that he probably would not be invited to the White House for a beer.
Cozy in camp – very, very cozy.
We like cozy.
Second straight day on the Lake in Kayla Elise – lots of time to cruise and fish and eat and read and think and talk and ogle cottages.
No fish caught but quality time.
And then back to dock to cover vessel and back to camp for cocktails and dinner.
Rain put our grilled steaks off a day – but soup and salad is ok too.
And then time to monitor news sources and to ruminate on the world happenings.
Funeral going on for Senator Kennedy – an important American even tho beset with flawed personal and professional lives.
And the problems with CIA persecution – We never thought much of Leon Panetta before. His stock is going up at The Study – just as it is going down at the White House.
The CIA is being emasculated. Why? Started by Harry Truman who did worry about what it might become – why would b.o. take down one of our premier intelligence units?
Politics? You think? You mean like in the way he is out to close Gitmo?
b.o. health care efforts are in delightful decline. Praise the Lord.
The war in Afghanistan is not going well – even Iraq is showing stresses.
Dr. Krauthammer on Fox tonight called b.o. a liar and a coward, with reference I think to the CIA persecutions. Dear Wife observed that he probably would not be invited to the White House for a beer.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
THANK YOU, ROBERT NOVAK
We were never big fans, but we used to see him on Crossfire and occasionally an article or two of his would come our way.
And then, with his death, we noticed a quotation of his, in so many words:
“Love your country but don’t trust your government.”
Like all such proclamations, there are times when they are more or less accurate admonitions.
Crises, emergencies, these might be times when one has to trust, perhaps trust blindly.
But when there is time to think it over, to discuss, to consider more than even two sides, then it might be the course of wisdom to reserve the automatic salute to what the government says or preaches.
Such is a time now.
b.o. is simply incredibly, unbelievably economical with the truth.
His snow-plow engine is piling the stuff up every loving day.
Death panels; b.o.’s statements regarding negative consequences of public option; b.o.’s efforts at bipartisanship; his professed understanding of American economy and culture and how to enhance/protect/preserve it; and the like – these and other instances should make it impossible for the thinking American to believe virtually anything the current President of the United States says about anything having to do traditional American life.
It is time “…not to trust.”
And then, with his death, we noticed a quotation of his, in so many words:
“Love your country but don’t trust your government.”
Like all such proclamations, there are times when they are more or less accurate admonitions.
Crises, emergencies, these might be times when one has to trust, perhaps trust blindly.
But when there is time to think it over, to discuss, to consider more than even two sides, then it might be the course of wisdom to reserve the automatic salute to what the government says or preaches.
Such is a time now.
b.o. is simply incredibly, unbelievably economical with the truth.
His snow-plow engine is piling the stuff up every loving day.
Death panels; b.o.’s statements regarding negative consequences of public option; b.o.’s efforts at bipartisanship; his professed understanding of American economy and culture and how to enhance/protect/preserve it; and the like – these and other instances should make it impossible for the thinking American to believe virtually anything the current President of the United States says about anything having to do traditional American life.
It is time “…not to trust.”
OUTSIDE THE CHURCH – HOW SWEET IT WAS
It was Saturday and it was early, 7:00am.
We got there at 7:15am and lots of others were arriving at the same time.
It was our first experience at a church garage/yard sale and it was to open at 8:00am.
I normally am just getting up at 8:00am.
Anyway, we of The Study teamed up with Dear Daughter and the Mom and Dad of her husband and rented a table. We also brought three tables of our own.
And we all three families lugged over enough stuff to fill the tables on top and under and on all four sides.
Unsold stuff would be picked up on Monday by the Salvation Army.
Families participating had the option of donating all proceeds to the Church or to giving over a percentage.
Now, Dear Wife and I hate garage sales. We don’t go to them or give them. Actually, I am the biggest hater.
But this time, we got behind the effort and we were right to do so.
Non-members were invited to participate and we had a joyous day of fund raising, fellowship, and a sense of doing worthwhile things together, with dear friends and with strangers.
Funds were to be divided between general fund; our priest candidate; our animal ministry; and other ministries which I cannot at this moment remember or even know about.
Lots of stuff was picked up by happy shoppers and the Salvation Army should find some good stuff on Monday.
And then afterwards, it was home to freshen up and then to head on out to a local Olive Garden where I was finally able to prove a claim I had been circulating for the last couple of years:
At said eatery, they have a wine tasting program whereby if you ask to participate, they will serve you one-ounce glasses of any wine on the menu for 25 cents – as many tastes as you request, and the tiny proceeds will go to a leukemia charity.
Now, what could be finer than that?
We arrived a bit later than usual – put in our name for a half hour wait – and there was my chance: I said to my six fellow diners, let’s go on in to the bar for a little wine tasting.
And the Dear Bartender produced many, many glasses and bottles and proceeded to allow us to contribute to charity for ca. 40 minutes.
Again, superb fellowship and even more outreach.
Since it was the birthday of Dear Wife, and since she was having a ball on this most unusual method of celebrating her Day, what more can I say?
How sweet it was!!!!
We got there at 7:15am and lots of others were arriving at the same time.
It was our first experience at a church garage/yard sale and it was to open at 8:00am.
I normally am just getting up at 8:00am.
Anyway, we of The Study teamed up with Dear Daughter and the Mom and Dad of her husband and rented a table. We also brought three tables of our own.
And we all three families lugged over enough stuff to fill the tables on top and under and on all four sides.
Unsold stuff would be picked up on Monday by the Salvation Army.
Families participating had the option of donating all proceeds to the Church or to giving over a percentage.
Now, Dear Wife and I hate garage sales. We don’t go to them or give them. Actually, I am the biggest hater.
But this time, we got behind the effort and we were right to do so.
Non-members were invited to participate and we had a joyous day of fund raising, fellowship, and a sense of doing worthwhile things together, with dear friends and with strangers.
Funds were to be divided between general fund; our priest candidate; our animal ministry; and other ministries which I cannot at this moment remember or even know about.
Lots of stuff was picked up by happy shoppers and the Salvation Army should find some good stuff on Monday.
And then afterwards, it was home to freshen up and then to head on out to a local Olive Garden where I was finally able to prove a claim I had been circulating for the last couple of years:
At said eatery, they have a wine tasting program whereby if you ask to participate, they will serve you one-ounce glasses of any wine on the menu for 25 cents – as many tastes as you request, and the tiny proceeds will go to a leukemia charity.
Now, what could be finer than that?
We arrived a bit later than usual – put in our name for a half hour wait – and there was my chance: I said to my six fellow diners, let’s go on in to the bar for a little wine tasting.
And the Dear Bartender produced many, many glasses and bottles and proceeded to allow us to contribute to charity for ca. 40 minutes.
Again, superb fellowship and even more outreach.
Since it was the birthday of Dear Wife, and since she was having a ball on this most unusual method of celebrating her Day, what more can I say?
How sweet it was!!!!
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