Laurinda Wallace's Blog, page 7
September 24, 2013
September Reads
sWho doesn't need...well want a new cookbook? I recently received a new one by Lorilyn Roberts for review. Geared toward homeschooling families, it's also an excellent resource for families on the go and working moms who need kid pleasing, but easy family dinners.
Here's my review: Food for Thought: Quick and Easy Recipes for Homeschooling Families is one to add to your shelf. Lorilyn shares not only family friendly recipes, but it’s seasoned with inspiring quotes from Christians past and present. The recipes are easy to follow and the ingredients are easy on the budget. Busy families can have home cooked nutritious meals with the bonus of sitting down to enjoy it together. Some of the best times in family life are spent in the kitchen and the young cooks section of the book gives moms some great recipes to share with their children. You’ll find yourself reaching for this book on a regular basis when you’re planning meals or need supper in a hurry.
If you're looking for new devotional readings for the fall let me recommend By Faith Alone. Author Carol Round shares her down to earth musings on faith and real life situations.
Here's my review: Carol Round’s By Faith Alone takes the everyday experiences of life and puts them in the light of Scripture. The conversational style of each reading is understandable and immediately applicable to the Christian’s daily walk. We all need encouragement on the journey and this book is filled with practical insights that challenge us to walk worthy of our calling. By Faith Alone is a fine devotional read and one worth getting or giving.
September 21, 2013
The Castile Knapper
It's always fun to have family members who have a bit of notoriety because of interesting pursuits. My husband's cousin, Ken Wallace is one of those. Ken is an artist who works in stone as a flintknapper. Flintknapping is the ancient art of shaping tools and weapons from pieces of stone. Knapping was part of the survival skill set of Native Americans. Arrowheads, knives, hatchets, and more were shaped from raw pieces of flint or chert.
Ken knapping at the Wallace ReunionKen became interested in this process back in 1985. One of his favorite pastimes was searching fields for arrowheads, both of which are pretty plentiful in Western New York. Freshly plowed ground in rural areas often yields many different types of arrowheads since the Iroquois were the original residents of what are now corn fields and cow pastures. Fascinated with how the Iroquois made their weapons and tools, Ken started to try and recreate them. He says a lot of trial and error were involved in the early years to imitate the arrowheads he'd found while hiking. Eventually he perfected the technique and has made hundreds of projectile points, tools, and other interesting creations from stone and antler bone. He believes his technique is very close to those used by Native Americans. His arrowheads and other points are dead ringers for those early arrowheads.
His process is called percussion flaking which uses primitive tools to shape the arrowheads. Hammerstones, antler billets, and wooden billets are his primary tools to strike flakes off a core piece of flint. He uses an antler tine and pushes against the edge of the flint to shape or notch the object. An arrowhead can usually be created in a half hour. Larger and more complex pieces can take a couple of hours. Ken wants some aesthetic quality in the objects, so he says that Native Americans were probably faster. However their goals were utilitarian and focused on survival.
Flint, as you might guess is the most common stone used. You're probably imagining an arrowhead with its chipped surface attached to an arrow shaft. Flint and chert have quartz-like properties and flake easily for shaping into useful objects. The stone, because of its layers sharpens up nicely into a deadly point, easily bringing down game. It's also pretty effective against your enemies in battle too. No wonder it was the stone of choice. Obsidian is another type of stone that's popular with knappers and the finished product is quite showy.
Ken's expertise has landed him some interesting speaking engagements and he founded the Letchworth Stone Tool Craftsman Show. Back in 1990, he began inviting fellow flintknappers and friends over for a "knap-in" at his home on Labor Day weekend. It quickly outgrew his backyard and relocated to Letchworth State Park. The show recently celebrated 24 years and is now a huge three-day show drawing people from all over the United States. He also has a popular YouTube channel called Paleoman 52 which features videos of his projects, hikes, and knapping tools. Here's a link to a recent video posted by Ken.
Ken's passion for knapping has only increased over the years and he told me that he's "in it for the long haul." Just as a sculptor carefully chooses the right stone, Ken does the same thing, albeit on a smaller scale. He likes to experiment with other materials and knapped a striking blue blade from a piece of glass. Be sure to check it out on YouTube.
The preservation of the past, and the desire to create something beautiful from the ordinary are all in a day's work for the flintknapper of Castile.
Ken knapping at the Wallace ReunionKen became interested in this process back in 1985. One of his favorite pastimes was searching fields for arrowheads, both of which are pretty plentiful in Western New York. Freshly plowed ground in rural areas often yields many different types of arrowheads since the Iroquois were the original residents of what are now corn fields and cow pastures. Fascinated with how the Iroquois made their weapons and tools, Ken started to try and recreate them. He says a lot of trial and error were involved in the early years to imitate the arrowheads he'd found while hiking. Eventually he perfected the technique and has made hundreds of projectile points, tools, and other interesting creations from stone and antler bone. He believes his technique is very close to those used by Native Americans. His arrowheads and other points are dead ringers for those early arrowheads. His process is called percussion flaking which uses primitive tools to shape the arrowheads. Hammerstones, antler billets, and wooden billets are his primary tools to strike flakes off a core piece of flint. He uses an antler tine and pushes against the edge of the flint to shape or notch the object. An arrowhead can usually be created in a half hour. Larger and more complex pieces can take a couple of hours. Ken wants some aesthetic quality in the objects, so he says that Native Americans were probably faster. However their goals were utilitarian and focused on survival.
Flint, as you might guess is the most common stone used. You're probably imagining an arrowhead with its chipped surface attached to an arrow shaft. Flint and chert have quartz-like properties and flake easily for shaping into useful objects. The stone, because of its layers sharpens up nicely into a deadly point, easily bringing down game. It's also pretty effective against your enemies in battle too. No wonder it was the stone of choice. Obsidian is another type of stone that's popular with knappers and the finished product is quite showy. Ken's expertise has landed him some interesting speaking engagements and he founded the Letchworth Stone Tool Craftsman Show. Back in 1990, he began inviting fellow flintknappers and friends over for a "knap-in" at his home on Labor Day weekend. It quickly outgrew his backyard and relocated to Letchworth State Park. The show recently celebrated 24 years and is now a huge three-day show drawing people from all over the United States. He also has a popular YouTube channel called Paleoman 52 which features videos of his projects, hikes, and knapping tools. Here's a link to a recent video posted by Ken.
Ken's passion for knapping has only increased over the years and he told me that he's "in it for the long haul." Just as a sculptor carefully chooses the right stone, Ken does the same thing, albeit on a smaller scale. He likes to experiment with other materials and knapped a striking blue blade from a piece of glass. Be sure to check it out on YouTube. The preservation of the past, and the desire to create something beautiful from the ordinary are all in a day's work for the flintknapper of Castile.
September 17, 2013
Grasshopper Season
The arrival of the horse lubber grasshopper signals the change of season from summer to fall in southern Arizona. The large, brightly colored grasshoppers appear in September with equally large appetites. Last year they managed to turn my iris into coleslaw. They munch on everything from flowers to foliage to seed pods.
bugguide.netThe oddly colored insect with its bright greens and yellows is one of the largest grasshoppers.They sport pink coloring under their wings. The markings on their face resemble a bridle hence their Latin name, Taeniopoda eques (eques - horse rider). The bright colors warn predators that they don't taste good and may be poisonous. That's always a plus if you're a bug. Their size is a bit daunting and they can reach a length of 2.5 inches.
It's common to see battalions of horse lubbers marching across country roads this time of year and being crunched under tires of passing vehicles. It's sort of like the lemmings jumping into the sea. Because of their size, they don't fly all that well and make a clicking sound when they try.If you're walking through the grass, these monster grasshoppers scatter, jumping every which way. I don't like that at all. It's kind of creepy. They prefer the southwest as their habitat, and are common in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Horse lubbers have attitude, and if disturbed they may drop to the ground and hiss. They've even been known to snap their forewings. Great--don't you think? Just what we need, an angry grasshopper of large proportions. Fortunately, I haven't observed this particular behavior since I do my best to avoid them. They'll be with us throughout the fall however, finally succumbing to the cold in November.
Photo by Robert Shantz
It seems that the high desert always has interesting critters and everything is a little bigger, a little more unusual, and sometimes a little meaner. Hopefully we won't be the subject of a news report about grasshoppers taking over southeast Arizona. But it might make a good sci-fi movie -- The Invasion of the Horse Lubbers. Catchy right?
bugguide.netThe oddly colored insect with its bright greens and yellows is one of the largest grasshoppers.They sport pink coloring under their wings. The markings on their face resemble a bridle hence their Latin name, Taeniopoda eques (eques - horse rider). The bright colors warn predators that they don't taste good and may be poisonous. That's always a plus if you're a bug. Their size is a bit daunting and they can reach a length of 2.5 inches. It's common to see battalions of horse lubbers marching across country roads this time of year and being crunched under tires of passing vehicles. It's sort of like the lemmings jumping into the sea. Because of their size, they don't fly all that well and make a clicking sound when they try.If you're walking through the grass, these monster grasshoppers scatter, jumping every which way. I don't like that at all. It's kind of creepy. They prefer the southwest as their habitat, and are common in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Horse lubbers have attitude, and if disturbed they may drop to the ground and hiss. They've even been known to snap their forewings. Great--don't you think? Just what we need, an angry grasshopper of large proportions. Fortunately, I haven't observed this particular behavior since I do my best to avoid them. They'll be with us throughout the fall however, finally succumbing to the cold in November.
Photo by Robert ShantzIt seems that the high desert always has interesting critters and everything is a little bigger, a little more unusual, and sometimes a little meaner. Hopefully we won't be the subject of a news report about grasshoppers taking over southeast Arizona. But it might make a good sci-fi movie -- The Invasion of the Horse Lubbers. Catchy right?
September 14, 2013
Author Adventures
The last four weeks have been filled with actual author events. Starting in New York on August 17 with an author tea at Silver Lake and wrapping up today with the Sierra Vista Library celebration. Events have spanned the country! In between were two radio interviews on local stations in Sierra Vista and Bisbee. Since this is my first foray into the public arena with books in hand, it's been a little exciting. Here are some observations from this flurry of activity.
1. It's fun to meet flesh and blood readers since I work in the virtual realm most of the time.
2. Who knew that I might actually be an interesting radio show guest?!
3. Sometimes books go like hotcakes and other times, not so much.
4. There's still a little bit of awe about meeting an author. "You're a real author?" (Comment from young boy at today's event.) It is possible I didn't look like one, so I could be mistaken about this.
5. It's hard to predict just how many books you'll need for any given event.
6. Meeting other writers is encouraging. You can also commiserate on the challenges of marketing.
7. It's great to have family and friends come out to support you. Especially those who help set up and tear down.
I've connected with some really nice people who've hosted these events and scheduled radio interviews. They've gone out of their way to make it fun and engaging. They've also provided excellent refreshments! You have to keep up your strength after all.
Ready to go - Sierra Vista Library Event
Good friend and fellow author, Diane helping schlep the booksHere are a few tips for authors getting ready for a book signing, etc.
1. Have something people can take with them like bookmarks, brochures, or business cards. Even if they didn't buy a book today, they may tomorrow if the information is in hand.
2. Have a sign up for your e-newsletter. Don't have one? Think about putting one together. It's an invaluable tool in building a fan base.
3. Attractive signs and display. Put your best foot forward. It doesn't have to be complex, but it has to be inviting. Look professional. Acrylic sign holders (8 1/2 x 11) are a good investment.
4. Keep a bottle of water handy whether you're inside or outside. Talking makes you thirsty.
5. Make sure you have extra pens.
6. Keep smiling and have fun.
1. It's fun to meet flesh and blood readers since I work in the virtual realm most of the time.
2. Who knew that I might actually be an interesting radio show guest?!
3. Sometimes books go like hotcakes and other times, not so much.
4. There's still a little bit of awe about meeting an author. "You're a real author?" (Comment from young boy at today's event.) It is possible I didn't look like one, so I could be mistaken about this.
5. It's hard to predict just how many books you'll need for any given event.
6. Meeting other writers is encouraging. You can also commiserate on the challenges of marketing.
7. It's great to have family and friends come out to support you. Especially those who help set up and tear down.
I've connected with some really nice people who've hosted these events and scheduled radio interviews. They've gone out of their way to make it fun and engaging. They've also provided excellent refreshments! You have to keep up your strength after all.
Ready to go - Sierra Vista Library Event
Good friend and fellow author, Diane helping schlep the booksHere are a few tips for authors getting ready for a book signing, etc.1. Have something people can take with them like bookmarks, brochures, or business cards. Even if they didn't buy a book today, they may tomorrow if the information is in hand.
2. Have a sign up for your e-newsletter. Don't have one? Think about putting one together. It's an invaluable tool in building a fan base.
3. Attractive signs and display. Put your best foot forward. It doesn't have to be complex, but it has to be inviting. Look professional. Acrylic sign holders (8 1/2 x 11) are a good investment.
4. Keep a bottle of water handy whether you're inside or outside. Talking makes you thirsty.
5. Make sure you have extra pens.
6. Keep smiling and have fun.
September 11, 2013
Second Chances
Tonight, I'll be teaching a women's Bible study at our little church on the border. We're studying the book of Jonah. It's a familiar Sunday School Bible story, many of us have heard over the years. It's easy to focus on the "great fish" and there have been innumerable debates over the actual "great fish" that swallowed Jonah. However, the fish is a minor player in this book.
The real focus of the four short chapters is the dialogue between God and Jonah. God begins the conversation with Jonah, who's a well known prophet in Israel. He tells him to go to Nineveh, a great city in Assyria and tell them that God's judgment is coming. Now the Assyrians were Israel's archenemies, despised and hated by any self-respecting Israelite. There was a reason for this. The Assyrians were unspeakably cruel and wicked. Israel had been captured, plundered, and massacred by these people. Judgment for the Assyrians was probably music to the prophet's ears.
If you read the first chapter of Jonah, you won't find that Jonah says anything about this assignment. Instead, he acted out in a passive aggressive manner and ran away. His actions spoke louder than any words.
When the perfect storm slammed into the ship on which Jonah is attempting his escape, he had plenty to say. Admitting that he's on the run from God and the storm is all his fault, Jonah told them to throw him overboard. If he drowned at least he wouldn't have to go to Nineveh, but as you know, God had other plans. The "great fish" was just waiting for Jonah to hit the water. After that, Jonah got a second chance.
I'm so glad our God gives second chances, and sometimes many more. Even when we deliberately run away from what He wants us to do. Even when we deserve His harshest judgment, He acts in mercy and grace. Another prophet--Jeremiah had this to say:
The real focus of the four short chapters is the dialogue between God and Jonah. God begins the conversation with Jonah, who's a well known prophet in Israel. He tells him to go to Nineveh, a great city in Assyria and tell them that God's judgment is coming. Now the Assyrians were Israel's archenemies, despised and hated by any self-respecting Israelite. There was a reason for this. The Assyrians were unspeakably cruel and wicked. Israel had been captured, plundered, and massacred by these people. Judgment for the Assyrians was probably music to the prophet's ears.
If you read the first chapter of Jonah, you won't find that Jonah says anything about this assignment. Instead, he acted out in a passive aggressive manner and ran away. His actions spoke louder than any words.
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Jonah 1:3 NIV
When the perfect storm slammed into the ship on which Jonah is attempting his escape, he had plenty to say. Admitting that he's on the run from God and the storm is all his fault, Jonah told them to throw him overboard. If he drowned at least he wouldn't have to go to Nineveh, but as you know, God had other plans. The "great fish" was just waiting for Jonah to hit the water. After that, Jonah got a second chance.I'm so glad our God gives second chances, and sometimes many more. Even when we deliberately run away from what He wants us to do. Even when we deserve His harshest judgment, He acts in mercy and grace. Another prophet--Jeremiah had this to say:
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
September 7, 2013
It's Creepy
Recently I threw out a question to Face Book fans asking which classic movie they considered the creepiest. They had five choices: Gaslight, Psycho, Night of the Hunter, Cape Fear, and Cat People. Gaslight and Cape Fear came out on top, although many hadn't seen all five movies. I find that the classics have better creep factor than today's movies which tend to use special effects to cover up a weak plot and no atmosphere.
Atmosphere is really what it's all about when it comes to a creepy movie. It's that feeling you get, a little prickle at the back of the neck. You know something bad is going to happen, but you can't pinpoint when. There's a bit of mental imbalance to the plot which makes it that more unpredictable. Then it happens and you jump! Personally, I love a good scare, but I'm not into horror or slasher films. The scariest movies in my book aren't about being graphic, it's the "creep factor." Only a strong plot and excellent acting can make it happen. The filmography-angles, shadows, etc. are crucial. All take place in benign settings, which up the ante as well.
Gaslight - 1944 with Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, and the debut of 18-year old Angela Lansbury. An emotionally fragile Paula Alquist (Ingrid Bergman) meets the charming Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer). He whisks her back to England after years in Italy to soothe her anxieties from witnessing the murder of her mother years earlier. The term "to gaslight" someone came from this movie, and if you haven't seen it, please do. A suspenseful, psychological thriller, you won't be disappointed.
Cape Fear - 1962 with Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen. Gregory Peck made this movie right after the blockbuster hit, To Kill a Mockingbird. An atmospheric Southern film, Cape Fear is all about being stalked. Peck plays another attorney, Sam Bowden who's trying to protect his family from a convicted rapist (Robert Mitchum), Max Cady. Bowden testified against Cady eight years earlier, and now he's out for revenge. You'll find yourself gripping the arms of the chair in the last 20 minutes.
Robert Mitchum - The Night of the Hunter
The Night of the Hunter
- 1955 with Robert Mitchum, Shelly Winters, and Lillian Gish. This movie is bit more obscure for most people, but is in the top three for me. Robert Mitchum plays a preacher gone way bad in this movie designated in 1992 as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in its National Film Registry. If you aren't scared watching The Night of the Hunter, you may not be breathing.
There are a few more that should be in top ten and here they are: Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte with Bette Davis, Shadow of a Doubt with Joseph Cotten, Village of the Damned with George Sanders, and The Innocents which is based on Henry James' short story, The Turn of the Screw. The most recent movie that gave me a good scare was a Harrison Ford film, What Lies Beneath. It was made in 2000.
So what scares you? I'd love to know. Leave a comment and let me know.
Atmosphere is really what it's all about when it comes to a creepy movie. It's that feeling you get, a little prickle at the back of the neck. You know something bad is going to happen, but you can't pinpoint when. There's a bit of mental imbalance to the plot which makes it that more unpredictable. Then it happens and you jump! Personally, I love a good scare, but I'm not into horror or slasher films. The scariest movies in my book aren't about being graphic, it's the "creep factor." Only a strong plot and excellent acting can make it happen. The filmography-angles, shadows, etc. are crucial. All take place in benign settings, which up the ante as well.
Gaslight - 1944 with Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, and the debut of 18-year old Angela Lansbury. An emotionally fragile Paula Alquist (Ingrid Bergman) meets the charming Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer). He whisks her back to England after years in Italy to soothe her anxieties from witnessing the murder of her mother years earlier. The term "to gaslight" someone came from this movie, and if you haven't seen it, please do. A suspenseful, psychological thriller, you won't be disappointed.
Cape Fear - 1962 with Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen. Gregory Peck made this movie right after the blockbuster hit, To Kill a Mockingbird. An atmospheric Southern film, Cape Fear is all about being stalked. Peck plays another attorney, Sam Bowden who's trying to protect his family from a convicted rapist (Robert Mitchum), Max Cady. Bowden testified against Cady eight years earlier, and now he's out for revenge. You'll find yourself gripping the arms of the chair in the last 20 minutes.
Robert Mitchum - The Night of the Hunter
The Night of the Hunter
- 1955 with Robert Mitchum, Shelly Winters, and Lillian Gish. This movie is bit more obscure for most people, but is in the top three for me. Robert Mitchum plays a preacher gone way bad in this movie designated in 1992 as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in its National Film Registry. If you aren't scared watching The Night of the Hunter, you may not be breathing.There are a few more that should be in top ten and here they are: Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte with Bette Davis, Shadow of a Doubt with Joseph Cotten, Village of the Damned with George Sanders, and The Innocents which is based on Henry James' short story, The Turn of the Screw. The most recent movie that gave me a good scare was a Harrison Ford film, What Lies Beneath. It was made in 2000.
So what scares you? I'd love to know. Leave a comment and let me know.
September 5, 2013
Worship Alone
I wish I had a dollar for every time a pastor has said from the pulpit that "Preparation for Sunday morning worship begins before you get to church." Ha! Easier said than done. Isn't Sunday morning when the kids won't cooperate? They watch TV and don't get dressed. Someone spills red Kool-Aid on their white shirt. You and your husband have an argument about what you're doing after church. Suddenly all the Bibles in your house have disappeared.
Sunday mornings get out of hand quickly and by the time you reach the church parking lot, you're exhausted. You're thinking about dinner and what you have to do later in the day. What if the preacher goes overtime and the roast burns? Then what if Mrs. XYZ takes over the Sunday School class again, and hogs the whole discussion?
All sorts of distractions run through our minds and many times I've found myself singing a worship song while thinking about a dozen things other than worship. The common theme through all the muddled thoughts is that we're thinking about ourselves. The ongoing battle of self vs. God is the bottom line. What makes it so difficult to focus on God for an hour or so on Sunday morning?
As with many of the spiritual disciplines we neglect spending time learning how to worship. Brother Lawrence in his book The Practice of the Presence of God says, "That the end we ought to propose to ourselves is to become, in this life, the most perfect worshipers of God we can possibly be, as we hope to be through all eternity."
"To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God." William Temple
Church becomes another activity, an obligation to keep. We wouldn't want to be talked about because we weren't there. But then again, staying home in pajamas with a cup of coffee is so enticing. Worship is about relationship, not religion and that begins in private. Jesus spent much time alone with His Father. Isaiah saw the glory of God--alone. "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord high and exalted..."Isaiah 6:1.
Richard Foster writes in Celebration of Discipline "The divine priority is to worship first, service second." This is why Jesus told Martha in her busyness of service that Mary had chosen the better part." It was about the relationship, not the doing.
So how do we begin to prepare for corporate worship during the hectic week? Here are three things that will help you start.
1. Time alone in the Word and in prayer throughout the week. A relationship with the living God cannot grow unless we're willing to spend time with Him. As you keep business appointments, keep a daily divine appointment.
2. Music - sing hymns, worship songs, psalms throughout the day. In the car, at home, in the shower. God inhabits our praises. Our minds and hearts are turned to him in praise. It doesn't matter if you can carry a tune or not. Just sing or make a joyful noise. If you're an instrumentalist, play for Him. Private worship gives you great freedom to "get down" and get some joy on.
3. Practice the presence of God. Turn your thoughts to Him, experience Him in every activity. Brother Lawrence said "The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees." He is present in the ordinary, we only need to recognize the One who never leaves us nor forsakes us.
Corporate worship should be filled with expectancy and excitement as we come together to express our love, thankfulness, and contrition in concert. Not an obligation or another activity, but loving God with all of hearts, minds, souls, and strength.
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. John 4:23
Sunday mornings get out of hand quickly and by the time you reach the church parking lot, you're exhausted. You're thinking about dinner and what you have to do later in the day. What if the preacher goes overtime and the roast burns? Then what if Mrs. XYZ takes over the Sunday School class again, and hogs the whole discussion?
All sorts of distractions run through our minds and many times I've found myself singing a worship song while thinking about a dozen things other than worship. The common theme through all the muddled thoughts is that we're thinking about ourselves. The ongoing battle of self vs. God is the bottom line. What makes it so difficult to focus on God for an hour or so on Sunday morning?
As with many of the spiritual disciplines we neglect spending time learning how to worship. Brother Lawrence in his book The Practice of the Presence of God says, "That the end we ought to propose to ourselves is to become, in this life, the most perfect worshipers of God we can possibly be, as we hope to be through all eternity."
"To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God." William Temple
Church becomes another activity, an obligation to keep. We wouldn't want to be talked about because we weren't there. But then again, staying home in pajamas with a cup of coffee is so enticing. Worship is about relationship, not religion and that begins in private. Jesus spent much time alone with His Father. Isaiah saw the glory of God--alone. "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord high and exalted..."Isaiah 6:1.
Richard Foster writes in Celebration of Discipline "The divine priority is to worship first, service second." This is why Jesus told Martha in her busyness of service that Mary had chosen the better part." It was about the relationship, not the doing.
So how do we begin to prepare for corporate worship during the hectic week? Here are three things that will help you start.
1. Time alone in the Word and in prayer throughout the week. A relationship with the living God cannot grow unless we're willing to spend time with Him. As you keep business appointments, keep a daily divine appointment.
2. Music - sing hymns, worship songs, psalms throughout the day. In the car, at home, in the shower. God inhabits our praises. Our minds and hearts are turned to him in praise. It doesn't matter if you can carry a tune or not. Just sing or make a joyful noise. If you're an instrumentalist, play for Him. Private worship gives you great freedom to "get down" and get some joy on.
3. Practice the presence of God. Turn your thoughts to Him, experience Him in every activity. Brother Lawrence said "The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees." He is present in the ordinary, we only need to recognize the One who never leaves us nor forsakes us.
Corporate worship should be filled with expectancy and excitement as we come together to express our love, thankfulness, and contrition in concert. Not an obligation or another activity, but loving God with all of hearts, minds, souls, and strength.
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. John 4:23
August 31, 2013
Going to the Fair
Walking into the fairgroundsThere's nothing like a good old-fashioned county fair. If you want a classic, it has to be the Wyoming County Fair, commonly known as the "Pike Fair." Since the fair is held in Pike, NY it makes perfect sense. When we travel back East to NY in August, the fair is a must. As with many county fairs in the northeast, the Wyoming Co. Fair has been around a long time--since 1843. It moved around to different towns until it was permanently settled in the village of Pike some years later. That was because it had empty potato storage barns, which were perfect for housing the livestock and vendors for a week.* Historical note: Pike is no longer a village, but a hamlet. It became unincorporated in 2009.
The hogsThe fair hasn't changed since I was growing up in another hamlet--East Koy, just about 3-4 miles away. While other county fairs charge a stiff admission price, no admission fee has ever been charged as far as I know. The rides have changed a bit over the years, but the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel remain popular fixtures.
Eating BBQ
The BIG tractorFairs are really all about celebrating agriculture, and Pike Fair does that with aplomb. Whether it's a prize pumpkin, jam, chicken, hog, or cow you'll find it at the fair. There's nothing like walking the livestock barns--the smell of sawdust, hay, and manure filling the air. Cows are mooing, pigs squealing, and some horse is snorting its irritation with the whole deal. There are the 4-H competitions with dogs, horses, and livestock. The school exhibits--paper mache castles, waxed leaves, drawings in every media covering the display boards.
Then the big guns appear for the ever popular tractor pulls on Friday and Saturday nights. The roar of astoundingly huge tractors engines entertain the masses with their equally astounding power.
Walking the fairway is a veritable feast for the senses. The ring of the bell when someone on the fairway scores in the ring toss. The music of the merry-go-round and the thrum of the crowd. The smell of fried dough, cotton candy, and burgers waft along with the crowds. You must check out all the vendors in the business buildings and see what free gizmo they're giving away. Be sure to stuff it in your bag, so you can toss it out at home. Why do we feel the need take free stuff we'll never use?
The fair is where you meet up with people you haven't seen in years. In fact, most of our time was catching up with old friends in between eating chicken BBQ and walking the grounds. It's a one-stop visiting opportunity. The vendors are the same year after year, predictably stationed in the same space. You know where everything is and the familiarity is comfortable. There's that home-like feel as you enter--the tractors and cars at the entrance, the VFW or Letchworth Band Boosters hotdog and burger stands, the merry-go-round that's been in the exact same spot for endless years. The one David and I rode as kids, as did our daughters, and our grandsons. Nice memories.
Washing "You Know What" off the shovel.
The Iconic Rhode Island Red
Cow BarnWe stroll back to the car with our treat of powdered sugar coated fair waffles. Until the next time--good old Pike Fair.
August 30, 2013
Engaging Conversation
E. M. Bounds said in his book, Power Through Prayer "We do not seek God with ardor and diligence. No man gets God who does not follow hard after him, and no soul follows hard after God who is not after him in early morn."
His statement is just as current today as when it was published in 1906. This powerful little book is directed to pastors, but Power Through Prayer should be on every Christian's shelf, read and re-read.
Edward M. Bounds was born in 1835 and died in 1913. A Missouri attorney at the beginning of his career, he felt the call to ministry and was ordained as a Methodist pastor in 1859. He didn't support slavery, but served as a chaplain in the Confederate army and spent time as a POW during the war. After his release at the end of the Civil War, he returned to Franklin, Missouri to the pastorate and eventually became an itinerant preacher. Toward the end of his career he was the Associate Editor of The Nashville Christian Advocate. A man who was passionate to know God and share the message of the gospel, I encourage you to read more about his life at the links at the end of this post.
Bounds was addressing questions that are relevant today. Why is prayer such a neglected aspect of the Christian life? Why is our praying so weak, meaningless, and ineffective? These questions aren't new, they're recorded in Scripture and years of church history.
"The act of praying is the very highest energy of which the human mind is capable; praying, that is, with the total concentration of the faculties. The great mass of worldly men and learned men are absolutely incapable of prayer." Samuel Taylor Coleridge
"I ought to spend the best hours in communion with God. It is my noblest and most fruitful employment, and is not to be thrust in a corner." Robert McCheyne
Daniel's example of prayer morning, noon, and evening stand as a testimony to his reliance on God and his constant desire to be in conversation with him. His life was one of absolute trust in God. How else could he have interpreted dreams, faced the lions, or been given the high honor of writing down the prophecies yet to come? His life was filled with astounding events and visions. He was passionate for the divine relationship. Jacob wrestled with God in prayer. Moses argued with God. David cried out for forgiveness. Jesus prayed in agony as He faced death on the cross.
God desires an ongoing relationship with us. To be intimately involved in all the details of our lives. As incomprehensible as that is, He does. His children, purchased with the blood of His Son have the privilege of engaging in a constant conversation with Him. A conversation requires two. We must show up to have the conversation. We tend to think of prayer as the "give me" list. As I've learned, it's WAY more than that. And it needs to start when I wake up, not later in the day when it's more convenient.
The Heavenly Father speaks to us through His word.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT
We must be reading and studying Scripture - not a token glance, but real time in the Scripture. God reveals the truth about ourselves and who He is. Everything we need to live life here and prepare for heaven is in His Word. We have it at our fingertips today - on our phone, e-reader, computer, and the Bible on the shelf. Yet we neglect that as well--no time is our usual excuse. We seem to have time for so many other things though.
Prayer is talking with God--plain and simple.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 - Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Jesus told the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 NLT
They were not prepared for the events to follow. They fell asleep, they ran away, lied, and hid from the authorities. Those 11 men lost out on the help available to them by doing nothing. We're like the disciples, avoiding the hard work of prayer. Excuses: 1. It takes too much time 2. I'm tired. 3. I don't feel like it. 4. I don't know what to say. 5. The kids are __________(fill in the blank). So,we're unprepared for the events happening in our lives. We wonder how we'll make it through.
E.M. Bounds warns, "If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, he will be in the last place the remainder of the day."
What would our lives look like if God was consistently first in our thoughts and efforts throughout the day? What are we missing when we neglect to kneel at His throne of grace? He extends the invitation for that conversation you can have with no one, but Him. He's the one who can do something about the problems, give us wisdom, receive our thanks, forgive our sins, and lavish amazing love on our lives.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:12 NLT
More information on E.M. Bounds. His books are available at Amazon or CBD.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bounds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_McKendree_Bounds
His statement is just as current today as when it was published in 1906. This powerful little book is directed to pastors, but Power Through Prayer should be on every Christian's shelf, read and re-read.
Edward M. Bounds was born in 1835 and died in 1913. A Missouri attorney at the beginning of his career, he felt the call to ministry and was ordained as a Methodist pastor in 1859. He didn't support slavery, but served as a chaplain in the Confederate army and spent time as a POW during the war. After his release at the end of the Civil War, he returned to Franklin, Missouri to the pastorate and eventually became an itinerant preacher. Toward the end of his career he was the Associate Editor of The Nashville Christian Advocate. A man who was passionate to know God and share the message of the gospel, I encourage you to read more about his life at the links at the end of this post.
Bounds was addressing questions that are relevant today. Why is prayer such a neglected aspect of the Christian life? Why is our praying so weak, meaningless, and ineffective? These questions aren't new, they're recorded in Scripture and years of church history.
"The act of praying is the very highest energy of which the human mind is capable; praying, that is, with the total concentration of the faculties. The great mass of worldly men and learned men are absolutely incapable of prayer." Samuel Taylor Coleridge
"I ought to spend the best hours in communion with God. It is my noblest and most fruitful employment, and is not to be thrust in a corner." Robert McCheyne
Daniel's example of prayer morning, noon, and evening stand as a testimony to his reliance on God and his constant desire to be in conversation with him. His life was one of absolute trust in God. How else could he have interpreted dreams, faced the lions, or been given the high honor of writing down the prophecies yet to come? His life was filled with astounding events and visions. He was passionate for the divine relationship. Jacob wrestled with God in prayer. Moses argued with God. David cried out for forgiveness. Jesus prayed in agony as He faced death on the cross.
God desires an ongoing relationship with us. To be intimately involved in all the details of our lives. As incomprehensible as that is, He does. His children, purchased with the blood of His Son have the privilege of engaging in a constant conversation with Him. A conversation requires two. We must show up to have the conversation. We tend to think of prayer as the "give me" list. As I've learned, it's WAY more than that. And it needs to start when I wake up, not later in the day when it's more convenient.
The Heavenly Father speaks to us through His word.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT
We must be reading and studying Scripture - not a token glance, but real time in the Scripture. God reveals the truth about ourselves and who He is. Everything we need to live life here and prepare for heaven is in His Word. We have it at our fingertips today - on our phone, e-reader, computer, and the Bible on the shelf. Yet we neglect that as well--no time is our usual excuse. We seem to have time for so many other things though.
Prayer is talking with God--plain and simple.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 - Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Jesus told the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 NLT
They were not prepared for the events to follow. They fell asleep, they ran away, lied, and hid from the authorities. Those 11 men lost out on the help available to them by doing nothing. We're like the disciples, avoiding the hard work of prayer. Excuses: 1. It takes too much time 2. I'm tired. 3. I don't feel like it. 4. I don't know what to say. 5. The kids are __________(fill in the blank). So,we're unprepared for the events happening in our lives. We wonder how we'll make it through.
E.M. Bounds warns, "If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, he will be in the last place the remainder of the day." What would our lives look like if God was consistently first in our thoughts and efforts throughout the day? What are we missing when we neglect to kneel at His throne of grace? He extends the invitation for that conversation you can have with no one, but Him. He's the one who can do something about the problems, give us wisdom, receive our thanks, forgive our sins, and lavish amazing love on our lives.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:12 NLT
More information on E.M. Bounds. His books are available at Amazon or CBD.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bounds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_McKendree_Bounds
August 24, 2013
The Bisbee Massacre - Western Justice
If you missed this historical potboiler, read on. This is the Bisbee Massacre, revisited.
The wild West is alive and well where we live. Tombstone is an easy drive for an afternoon of strolling the boardwalks, getting some BBQ, and chatting with cowboys, gunslingers, and "soiled doves." Every self-respecting American knows about the gunfight at the OK Corral. We've romanticized it in film for decades. Personally I enjoy the 1993 version with Val Kilmer and Kurt Russell. There are quite few tales of violence and western justice in our area that are not as well known as the OK Corral incident. Bisbee, which snatched the designation of county seat in Cochise County after the Tombstone silver ran out has some tales of its own. Since winter is upon us and a story is always good by the fire, sit a spell while I tell you the about the Bisbee Massacre.
Main Street, Bisbee, AZOn a cold December night in 1883, five outlaws rode into Bisbee and commenced robbing the largest mercantile in town with the goal of snagging the Copper Queen Mine's payroll of $7,000. The Phelps Dodge Mining Company's payroll, however hadn't yet arrived. Once they realized that their plan had been foiled due to bad timing, the scene turned downright ugly. The two outlaws in the store began robbing customers of jewelry, cash, and anything else of value. They forced one of the store owners to open up the safe and they grabbed what little cash was there. They also stole a watch and more cash from the other store owner before leaving. The three who stood guarding the entrance outside lost their cool and began shooting wildly-one shot going through the store's window and killing a customer, J.C. Tappenier. Deputy Tom Smith came charging up the street and was immediately shot dead in his tracks. Another shot took down a man entering his office, while another bullet went through the wall of a boarding house, killing a pregnant woman. The last victim was a man who was shot in the leg as he attempted to flee from the scene. It all happened in less than five minutes.
Amazingly the five outlaws rode leisurely out of town and quickly disappeared. Sheriff Ward in Tombstone was telegraphed and two posses formed to hunt down the killers. Deputy Sheriff William Daniels commenced questioning residents about the murderous rampage. John Heath, the unsavory owner of a sleazy saloon in Bisbee intimated that he probably knew the culprits and could help out. Weeks later the five outlaws were apprehended. Two were in Mexico, another in Deming, New Mexico, and two were still in Arizona. Once interrogations began, the murderers spilled the beans that John Heath had masterminded the robbery. Heath readily admitted his guilt under some intense questioning. It didn't take long for trials to begin. Mr. Heath insisted he be tried separately much to the dismay of Bisbee citizens. They were even angrier when he received a life sentence in Yuma prison rather than hanging. This was on February 20, 1884. An outraged mob of more than 50 decided to rectify the perceived miscarriage of justice and descended upon the Tombstone jail on the 22nd of February. They dragged the convicted murderer into the streets and quickly lynched him at the corner of Toughnut and First Streets, using a telegraph pole as the gallows. The coroner's jury verdict reflected the mood of the public at the time stating "We the undersigned, a jury of inquest, find that John Heath came to his death from emphysema of the lungs--a disease common in high altitudes--which might have been caused by strangulation, self-inflicted or otherwise." As you might guess, the other five were convicted and promptly hanged.
There you have it. A not so nice story of the Old West that happened just a few miles away from Casa Wallace and well over a century ago. Bisbee has reinvented itself into a place full of antique shops, art galleries, and great restaurants. It's a bit quirky and you might feel like you've stepped back into the 60s, but it's a good place to watch the world go by with an excellent cappuccino at the Bisbee Coffee Company or a fabulous breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club. Although outlaws on horses are a thing of the past, you still get a sense of that pervasive independent spirit, a true sign of a western town.
The wild West is alive and well where we live. Tombstone is an easy drive for an afternoon of strolling the boardwalks, getting some BBQ, and chatting with cowboys, gunslingers, and "soiled doves." Every self-respecting American knows about the gunfight at the OK Corral. We've romanticized it in film for decades. Personally I enjoy the 1993 version with Val Kilmer and Kurt Russell. There are quite few tales of violence and western justice in our area that are not as well known as the OK Corral incident. Bisbee, which snatched the designation of county seat in Cochise County after the Tombstone silver ran out has some tales of its own. Since winter is upon us and a story is always good by the fire, sit a spell while I tell you the about the Bisbee Massacre.
Main Street, Bisbee, AZOn a cold December night in 1883, five outlaws rode into Bisbee and commenced robbing the largest mercantile in town with the goal of snagging the Copper Queen Mine's payroll of $7,000. The Phelps Dodge Mining Company's payroll, however hadn't yet arrived. Once they realized that their plan had been foiled due to bad timing, the scene turned downright ugly. The two outlaws in the store began robbing customers of jewelry, cash, and anything else of value. They forced one of the store owners to open up the safe and they grabbed what little cash was there. They also stole a watch and more cash from the other store owner before leaving. The three who stood guarding the entrance outside lost their cool and began shooting wildly-one shot going through the store's window and killing a customer, J.C. Tappenier. Deputy Tom Smith came charging up the street and was immediately shot dead in his tracks. Another shot took down a man entering his office, while another bullet went through the wall of a boarding house, killing a pregnant woman. The last victim was a man who was shot in the leg as he attempted to flee from the scene. It all happened in less than five minutes.Amazingly the five outlaws rode leisurely out of town and quickly disappeared. Sheriff Ward in Tombstone was telegraphed and two posses formed to hunt down the killers. Deputy Sheriff William Daniels commenced questioning residents about the murderous rampage. John Heath, the unsavory owner of a sleazy saloon in Bisbee intimated that he probably knew the culprits and could help out. Weeks later the five outlaws were apprehended. Two were in Mexico, another in Deming, New Mexico, and two were still in Arizona. Once interrogations began, the murderers spilled the beans that John Heath had masterminded the robbery. Heath readily admitted his guilt under some intense questioning. It didn't take long for trials to begin. Mr. Heath insisted he be tried separately much to the dismay of Bisbee citizens. They were even angrier when he received a life sentence in Yuma prison rather than hanging. This was on February 20, 1884. An outraged mob of more than 50 decided to rectify the perceived miscarriage of justice and descended upon the Tombstone jail on the 22nd of February. They dragged the convicted murderer into the streets and quickly lynched him at the corner of Toughnut and First Streets, using a telegraph pole as the gallows. The coroner's jury verdict reflected the mood of the public at the time stating "We the undersigned, a jury of inquest, find that John Heath came to his death from emphysema of the lungs--a disease common in high altitudes--which might have been caused by strangulation, self-inflicted or otherwise." As you might guess, the other five were convicted and promptly hanged.
There you have it. A not so nice story of the Old West that happened just a few miles away from Casa Wallace and well over a century ago. Bisbee has reinvented itself into a place full of antique shops, art galleries, and great restaurants. It's a bit quirky and you might feel like you've stepped back into the 60s, but it's a good place to watch the world go by with an excellent cappuccino at the Bisbee Coffee Company or a fabulous breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club. Although outlaws on horses are a thing of the past, you still get a sense of that pervasive independent spirit, a true sign of a western town.
