Friday Favorites:

"The conductor of an orchestra doesn't make a sound.  He depends, for his power, on his ability to make other people powerful."

Benjamin Zander
The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra



Chuck

T.O.T

A few years ago, while I was visiting the dentist, I asked his thoughts concerning the difference between the Electric Toothbrushes and the standard, manual type.  I was wondering if they were more effective in cleaning or had any other advantages.  His answer was simple; "It's all about T.O.T.!"  He explained that what is important is the amount of "Time On Tooth" no matter what style of brush was used.

I was reminded of that dental visit the other day when I was talking to someone about different methods of Bible reading and study.  It is all about Time in the Book.  In addition to the Book in book form there are e-Bibles, i-Bibles, audio-Bibles and my favorite, "onlinebible".  As this New Year begins set out to spend more Time in the Book. Chose a method, set apart and devote a specific time, determine a goal and get into the Book.  Devotional booklets are helpful, but they're not the Book.  Christian fiction is enjoyable for some, but they're not the Book.  Listening to Sermons online can be very beneficial, but they're not the Book.  More Time in the Book is the goal for this year.

Chuck

CBX

I'm heading home as I type today's blog. Currently sitting in traffic on the Cross Bronx Expressway allows me a good opportunity to type. There is never a good time to try to get out of New York. BQE or CBX; OBX or GWB it's all the same when it comes to traffic. You can't avoid the struggle, you have to go through it to get where you want be. Such is life, don't complain, don't honk, just drive.

"I press toward the mark..."


Chuck

Wired

Today's blog is on the road in Long Island. My first born male child asked if I could lend a hand running some network cables so here I am. We started out this morning at 4:45 and worked till 4:45 tonight. That boy of mine goes non-stop, he wore me out. I have always preached work ethics to my kids over the years and it looks like it stuck. If we work as unto the Lord it always produces good results. Another long day tomorrow so it's off to bed soon.

Good Night from NY,

Chuck

Do the Math

Let's talk about some numbers.  33 by 330 is the size of my lot here in our little, semi-rural borough.  Because our pre-Victorian (1817) home practically sits on the front street, we've got a bunch of real estate behind us.  125 feet is the length of my sidewalk.  I know because I laid & leveled every single block in it.  Subtracting 50+ feet for the house and the 5 feet of frontage and I end up Shoveling about 150 feet of driveway every time it snows!  No, I don't own a snowblower.  I had kid labor when the boys lived at home, and since they moved I am too cheap to part with the cash when sweat is free.

What I've been doing the last few snowstorms is to park my car at the entrance of driveway so after it snows I can clear a single path to it (250 ft.).  That leaves only about 10 feet of shoveling to get my car out, which of course is the basic goal.  I can deal with the rest of the driveway later.  Oh, I learned that after only 13 winters and I was having to shovel myself.  Identifying the goal then working smarter not just harder gets the job done, and saves a lot of time & energy in the process.

Chuck

It was Merry

Recap ...

* Wonderful services on Christmas Eve at NTBC.  Lots of kids in attendance.

* All the Grand Babies came to the house to open presents after church. 

* Oh, yes they brought their parents with them.

* Early morning visit from our three sons (6:50 am) to wish their mom a Merry Christmas.  Very Special!

* Joyce & I had breakfast at a local dinner. 

* Visited all three of our boys and their lovely families throughout the day.

* Dinner at E&R's new house. 

* Home at last and very tired.

* "and Counting" ... the many blessing of the Lord this Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas to those take the time to stop by "And Counting ..." and see what the Lord has allowed me to experience and share with you.  Thank you for being a part of my life and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of yours.

Chuck

Friday Favorites:

Orange Marmalade is my favorite spread for toast.  After some early morning shopping, complements of a Gift Card and a 30% off coupon, Joyce and I stopped at a local restaurant for a late morning breakfast.  Saving the last half a piece of toast for the end of the meal, my wife dug through the jelly carousel for a packet of their Marmalade for me.  She loves me and knows how to show it.  Technically speaking, what makes marmalade marmalade is the peels.  Orange "Zest" and some sugar boiled in with the juice and what ever else is needed to thicken it up makes a wonderful topping for that last piece of toast. 

We always keep a jar in the frig also, and I remind my dear wife when it starts getting a little low so that it ends up on the shopping list.  There are certain item that we shouldn't never run out of: Coffee, Orange Marmalade & Toilet Paper.  I wonder if any of these will be in my stocking tomorrow morning.

Merry Christmas-Eve Everyone!



Chuck

"S" is for Second

There are Second Helpings which I seldom decline.  The Second Amendment of the Constitution giving me the right to bear arms, and we're not talking about short-sleeve shirts either.  Second Degree Burns & Second Hand Smoke are not pleasant.  A Second Mortgage may get some work done around the house but a Second Interview may simply get some work.  Always playing Second Fiddle to some Second Rate can get old but that will all change after a Second Wind.

All of you, and I say that collectively in Second Person Plural, may be wondering what this Second Soliloquy of alphabetic excess is pertaining too.  Today I went for a Second Opinion on my right knee.  To cut right to the chase ... no cutting will be needed.  This doctor, who's name is virtually unpronounceable for this mono-linguist, said that my meniscus is not torn and all I really need is some PT and maybe an injection every now and then to help with the arthritis (the A-Word) that is developing. Amen to that!

Some Seconds are bad; some Seconds are good.  Like stealing Second Base and getting a runner in scoring position.  And some Seconds are even Better, like the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  This week we remember His First Coming as the Babe of Bethlehem, but soon we will experience His Second.  I hope you're prepared for that, because, when it occurs, there is No Second Chance.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  ... And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

(Revelation 19:11 & 16)


Chuck

Wordless Wednesday

Going Lunar

What do you think of my picture of last night's spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime, Lunar Eclipse?  "Lame" is the first word that comes to my mind.  I have always tried to catch major, stellar phenomenons and so getting up at 1:15 am and standing in the backyard, for nearly an hour, in the freezing cold, was no big deal.  As we were heading to bed last night, I asked my dear wife if she wanted to join me, to which she simple responded that I should take a picture for her to see the next morning.  This is it!  I had my iPhone at my side and with 4G, "Face Time" technology and millions of apps available at the touch of a button, nothing helps when you're trying to take a picture, at night, of an object 238,857 miles away, especially when it is moving into the inky shadows of a large planet.  There's no app for that!

Even if I was able to get a decent pic of this morning's occurrence, that photo would never compare to being an eyewitness.  Seeing the shadow slowly moving across the lunar surface or the sight of the full moon, veiled in pail orange, hanging in the darkened sky near the Seven Sisters and Orion can not be captured in a still shot.  Although seeing pictures of phenomenal events is exciting, nothing replaces the experience.  Such is the reality of life and especially the Christian Life.  Many believers read the Biblical accounts, or the biographies of great men & women of God.  We so easily follow the activities of many missionaries via letter or Facebook, and yet we need to set foot into the night and see the hand of God move across the surface of an object until it once again reflects the light of His glory. 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

Psalm 19:1

Chuck

Late for Christmas

The little stocking with the big question mark is from the Christmas of 1980.  Joyce and I were expecting the birth of our first child which was to happen the week before Christmas.  We had had one ultra-sound, which was not conclusive, but the speculation was a boy, yet we were not sure enough to put a name on it.  The due date came and went, and we rode through Christmas day without a name for this stocking.  Our son Charles Jr. was not born until the early afternoon of January 1st., a New Year's Baby, leaving me without a tax write-off for the year. 

Imagine being late for Christmas!  No, better yet, being late for your own birth.  No matter how much we plan and predict, our expectations are subject to greater forces.  God always has impeccable timing.  His only, begotten Son, Jesus, was born "in the fullness of time".  His clock is always accurate so that He knows exactly when to intervene in your life.  He knows when too much would destroy you and when not enough would not accomplish the desired results.  Although we often place question marks on the things that we don't understand, God always fills in the missing details at just the right time.


Chuck

Wonderful!

The NTBC Christmas Choir, with piano accompaniment, delivered a magnificent, seasonal cantata during the morning services.  Assisted by the Church's children in the assembling of a nativity set and joining in with the choir on the final songs, and with a continual backdrop of visual representations of the cantata songs, all added up to made this year's Christmas program spectacular.  I enjoy seeing so many different people included in the work of the ministry.  Adults and children serving side by side is always an added blessing to this preacher.


"... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Chuck

The Gift

Today was Christmas #1 for the Shorter Family.  We will have at least three before the end of the season.  Joyce's side of the family was today, my side of the family will be January 1st, and of course the BIG event on the 25th of December.  Food, Family and Fun are in abundance at each of these events in addition to Presents.  On several different occasions today a GB would ask me, "Pop Pop, when are we going to open presents?"  Or the less direct method, "Pop Pop, what are we going to do after dinner?"  Eat desert I would say.  To which they would press, "What are we going to do after desert?".  So the questioning would continue till I finally mentioned the presents. 

Although an official, card-carrying Grown-up, the Presents part of the Holiday is still a lot of fun.  Kids ripping & tearing, paper flying everywhere, bows being stuck on uncles' backs, and the inevitable wrapping-paper-wad fight are highlights of a typical Shorter Christmas gathering.  And of course I love to get presents too.  Today I received this coffee mug.  My dear niece Katelyn picked it out for me.  Apparently she was helping the sister of a friend with some hand-made pottery sales and spotted this mug and thought of her Uncle Chuck.  What a fantastic gift!  Move over Opus. 

Hand-made items are always very special.  They are touched by their creator and often bear a mark of that creation.  Just as we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.  We bear His likeness, and the texture of the precious hands that formed us.  God made you for a purpose, He crafted you into a vessel which is suitable for His use.  Consider the hands that have formed you and imagine what His hand-made creations are capable of achieving.

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 

(2 Timothy 2:21)


Chuck

Friday Favorites:

I just read this one today:

"The alternative to healthy disagreement is apathy"

Scott Belsky
Making Ideas Happen





Chuck

My Pen

I can only suppose that I am not the only one that feels this way about pens, so I don't hesitate to express this hang-up publicly.  I am very particular about using certain pens to do certain tasks.  I handwrite my daily devotional notes and when I do there is one style of pen that I use.   For at least the last two years I have been addicted to the BIC, ReAction Gel pen.  This wonderful writing implement has a thick, 0.7mm point, a comfortable, semi-soft, full-length grip, and excellent weight & balance.  It feels good and I get a 3-pack for less than 5 bucks.  I know that I can write my notes with anything, including the crayons which I keep in my office for when any grand-baby stop by to "Help" me.  But it seems awkward to use any other pen. 


If you also suffer from Kalamos-Neurosis stand-up and say so.  If there is a particular writing implement which you can not do without please feel free to list it here publicly.  Confession is good for the soul and the reality is that we all have hang-ups and peculiarities which make us unique and yet knit us together. 

Well I feel so much better now that I've gotten that out in the open.

Chuck

"Thy Word" Wednesday *

“He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold? He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.”
(Psalm 147:17-18)



Chuck

*Yes, I know that the norm for today is "Wordless Wednesday", but sometimes I just can't keep my mouth shut.

Burrrrr

Winter doesn't officially start till next week, so I guess we weren't officially freezin' cold today.  With wind chills in the single digits I attempted to kept my outside activities to a minimal, but I still had things to do, places to go, and people to see.  Oh, yes, and a dog to walk.  Today was a great day for Bible studies.  I started off by attending a prayer breakfast at the Army Reserve Center on Fort Dix, then a one-on-one study with a young man from Church.  We finished off the night with a Bible study at a local fire station (Good Message Bro. Jeff!).  Cold or Hot, the ministry goes on. 

Like the air temperature many believers fluctuate in their spiritual temperature.  They go from cold to hot, active to inactive.  But the best remedy for feeling cold is to keep moving.  So if your in the midst of a spiritual winter start jumping up & down, rub your hands together and warm-up to the fact that the Lord has plenty to do to heat things up.


Chuck

Ouch!

I've got a "Oblique Tear" in my "Discoid Medial Meniscus".  Also some "Moderate Joint Effusion" as well as a "Marrow Edema" because of a little "Bone Contusion".  Well, at least I know why my right knee hurts!  It'll be after the New Year before I need to decide what to do about it, but until then I suppose I have some options.  I could bemoan my mishap, park my Meniscus on the couch and  regain those 20+ pounds that I've shed since the summer.  Or I could suck-it-up, ignore the Dr's advice and start running again until I mess my knee up to the point where I can't even walk.  Or I could find some low-impact, cardiovascular activity that will give my knee some rest, keep my BP where it needs to be, and help maintain some weight lose.

When we have problems, far to often, we do dumb things.  Sometime we react with anger or pride.  Sometimes in ignorance or malice.  None of these will bring about the desperately needed healing nor will they put us back on our feet so that we can continue to make progress in our lives.  Information, patience, determination and a well exercised heart is the prescription for a full recovery. 


Chuck (220, but not for long)

Home, Sweet Home

 I've been gone all week.  It was enjoyable to teach at LVBBI because I love to teach (see Friday's Post).  It was enjoyable to spend a little time with some other preachers.  I was enjoyable to have hours of uninterrupted reading and study time.   And it was enjoyable to sleep in a room where you don't hear a single sound all night.  It was all enjoyable ... only for a little while.

It's really nice to be home.

Chuck

Friday Favorites:

This past week has been spent at the Lehigh Valley Baptist Bible Institute in Emmaus, PA.  My responsibility was to instruct a group of students concerning the Book of Hebrew.  I love teaching, it is my Favorite!  Whether here at LVBBI, or the 5th & 6th graders at a local Christian School, or the near by Community College, or a room-full of kids during Vacation Bible School, or back in my home church during any of the services, teaching is one of my favorite things to do.  There is great pleasure, no matter what the venue, the material or the audience, because the joy of teaching is in the receiving, when someone "Gets It"!  No matter if it's the finer points of the Seminal Headship Doctrine in reference to the Imputation of Sin, or how to find the Lowest Common Denominator, Getting It is Getting It. 

The greatest joy, though, comes when someone "Gets" the gospel.  When the eyes and mind have finally opened up to the truth of God's Word and they understand exactly what God had done for them through Jesus Christ.  To see someone's life transformed, to see the weight of the burden of sin lifted, to see peace flood in where there once was only turmoil and confusion, this is where the greatest pleasure of teaching is found.

Teaching changes lives and I am so humbled & thankful for the opportunity to take part in this process in any capacity that the Lord provides.


Chuck

P.S.  My thanks to Chris, Nat & Andy at LVBC for curing my laptop of that virus.  You guys are great!

Don't Bug Me!

Today's post will be short and to the point. My laptop has a "Malware" virus. That's right I've been infected. Maybe an email or some other way but I've got it. So I'm writing this post on my iPhone while I sit and watch the anti-virus software run. I'm sure there are plenty of spiritual applications that can be extracted from my present situation but right now I'm at a lose to be creative. It is true that when in the midst of an attack we tend to speak of blame before we seek for solutions.

Hoping for the best,


Chuck

Wordless Wednesday

Prophet's Chamber

That's what they call it, "Prophet's Chamber", and that's where I'm staying this week while I'm teaching.  It's comfortable and I have no complaints, I just have always felt uneasy about the term "Prophet's Chamber".  The scripture that the term is based on is found in 2 Kings 4, where the Shunammite woman suggests to her husband to make a "chamber" for the prophet Elisha.  May I make a few observations?  First - Wives are more observant to the needs of others and often come up with good ideas.  Second - Husbands are left to follow through on these suggestions and it often means a lot of work.  Third - If a couple can work through this situation (One making observations & suggestions and the other needing to make it happen) then they can be a great blessing to others.

I'm not a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, although I do work for a Not-for-Profit organization.  I also don't like the idea of sleeping in a "Chamber".  There has to be a better term!  But in reference to the "Chamber" that Mr. & Mrs. Shunammite furnished, they knew exactly what every preacher needed: a bed, a table, a stool and a candlestick.  And of course when ever the prophet stopped in, they fed him.  A place to sleep, an place to eat and a place to study; these are the basic necessities of "the Prophet" and these same things are greatly appreciated by this preacher.  Thank you

Chuck

What's it Werth?

Jayon Werth is now the "former Phillies Right-Fielder" after signing a seven year contract with the Washington Nationals.  The Nationals?!  That's right, the NL East, LAST place team of the 2010 season.  The price tag for his 7 years of playing baseball, 126-million-dollars.

Let's do the math:
126 mill / 7years = 18 mill per year
18 mill / 162 regular games (no post season) = $111,111.11 per game
$111,111.11 / 9 innings of playing each game = $12,345.67 (COOL Number!)

Being in last place leaves a team a few options.  They could hang their heads in defeat and be resolved to a dismal existence or they could invest in the future.  That's what the Nationals have chosen to do, offering Werth 66 million more then what the Phillies were willing to pay.  I hope they get their money's worth.  Investing in the future is essential for the existence of every entity, whether business, household or Church.  A ministry's investment in the future is not measured by dollars and cents though.  It is seen in the commitment that is made to evangelism, discipleship and engaging others in the work of the ministry.  Time and the treasured Word of God are our greatest assets to invest in the battle for the souls of men.  Never settle for last place.


Chuck

Great Escape

I lost my wife's dog today.  Only for about 5 minutes, but he was a lost dog, and I was a panicked husband.  "Oh, by the way sweetie, I can't find Coach!" is not what I wanted to say to my dear wife when she got back for the grocery store. 

When Joyce left to do some shopping she brought Coach outside where I was focused on doing some desperately needed yard work.  We don't trust him yet to roam the house alone, and she didn't want to lock the poor thing up in his box, so there we were, two guys doing yard work together.  Bonding time!  After we finished with the leaves, we turned our attention to the pond, scooping out leaves, cleaning the filter and Coach decided to hangout on the porch while I finished up.  When it came time to squirt down the filters I went up on the porch to turn the hose on and the dog was nowhere in sight.  PANIC!  As you know, we changed his name when we got him, so yelling Coach didn't accomplish anything, but I didn't think about that at the time.  Immediately I ran out front hoping not to find him in the street, but still nowhere in sight.  Back to the porch, I thought he might have found something to hide under and nap, which is what he does most of the time inside, but nothing.  That's when I heard leaves rustling in the neighbor's yard, and there he was.  He would have had to gone out front and down the sidewalk in order to get there. 
 

I've been working towards giving Coach more freedom by walking him in the yard off the leach, by letting him play outside without being on a lead, and now this.  He had no idea of the danger that he was in, the potential for getting lost and especially the risk of getting squished in the street.  Freedom is a precious gift which should never be abused, it doesn't also have a happy ending.

Chuck

Friday Favorites:

"Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goal."

Anon.

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah Everyone.  No, I'm not Jewish, but I do love Bagels & Lox, Gefilte Fish and Matzah Ball Soup.  Although I must admit, with my non-discriminating palate, I will eat just about anything.  But food is not the basis of faith, which is good because I had a Falafel last month in Philly.  Since the basis of faith is truth lets tell the truth about Hanukkah.  The one day of oil burning for eight days may be spurious but the reality of God delivering His chosen people is not.  Whether it be through Queen Esther from the hands of wicked Haman or by Judas Maccabeus from the brutality of Antiochus Epiphanes, God has always provided a deliverer.  Hanukkah & Christmas season provides an excellent opportunity to speak of the greatest deliverer ever known to mankind.  Jesus, the reason for the season, the Way, the Truth and the Life. 


Chuck

Wordless Wednesday

Mug of the Month

Since we were talking about coffee mugs the other day, I was reminded of an amusing practice from several years ago, "The Mug of the Month".  Several fellow employees of the Paul Mueller Co were involved in this activity on a regular basis.  We would bring in new mugs at the beginning of each month to use in the office.  This served two main purposes, first it built camaraderie among the participants but mainly it was a means of humorous distraction from the office environment.

Here are some other distractions:

1) Dead Fish Parties: Several of us would meet in a conference room about once a quarter for lunch.  The only requirement to attend was bring some type of dead aquatic creature, as long as it came in a can (i.e. sardines, clams ...)

2) Pepper Head Parties:  "Pepper Head" refers to someone who enjoys eating hot peppers, and the hotter the better.  This was normally an annual events and often included many of the Dead-Fishers.

3) Holiday Munchies:  Any Holiday would do.  Ground Hogs Day, April Fools Day, Birthdays and of course all the standard ones too.  My dear wife was  greatly appreciated in my office for her tremendous baking skills.  I think that's why they kept me on so long.

4) Comic Strips:  Posting comic strips with textual modifications would always draw a crowd to a cubical.  Favorites to modify and post were the Far Side & Dilbert.  "Where's Waldo" would show up now and then because we had a manager who looked just like Waldo.

This is just a glimpse of how we tried to keep our sanity in the work place, although that list doesn't sound like the product of mental stability.  In the office the goal was to fabricate a mechanism which would bind employees together to function as a synergy.  In Christ we don't need to fabricate anything, we need only to allow the commonness which we share to knit us together.  When the Spirit of God is quenched the bond is strained but when we are walking in the Spirit then being in "One Accord" becomes more than just a car joke.


Chuck

Puzzling

As professional grand-parents, my dear wife and I have plenty of items around the house for the grand-babies to play with.  There are blocks & books and trucks & ducks.  Yes, thats right, there is an assortment of yellow, rubber ducks.  The kids love them.  But one of the categories of amusements in the front parlor which gets a lot of attention are the puzzles.  We have several 24 piece, jumbo-size, easy-to-assemble, floor puzzles.  I grew up with puzzles and have always enjoyed them so I wanted to make sure my grand-kids had an opportunity to gain the same appreciation.

The process is simple, I sit on the floor and start working on a puzzle.  The GB say, "Hey, Pop-Pop, can I help?"  We begin by me handing them a piece and they put it where I tell them.  After a while, as they get older and more familiar with the puzzle, I hand them a piece and coach them into finding the right place for it.  Eventually they do the puzzle themselves and I just watch and enjoy what they are enjoying doing.

 Kids need guidance and direction and hands on  experience so that they will eventually do things on there own.  But life, as it is with a puzzle, has a right way and a wrong way of assembly.  A puzzle only goes together one way, and life only works one way, and that's God's way.  When things don't fit, look at the image on the box, and see how it's supposed to look and then correct what is in your hands until your puzzle is the same as the image.  If you have it right it doesn't need to be forced, it just falls into place. That just seems so simple.


Chuck (216)

Left Overs

Have you had enough turkey left overs?  Thursday, Friday and Saturday!  Today we ate Chinese Takeout.  I really do like turkey but it just seems that packing all our annual turkey eating into a few day is over doing it.  Many people do that with there religious life.  They pack all their churching into the holiday season and get their fill for the year.  There is not lasting benefit, just bloating.  No steady diet, just a deluge and then drowsiness.    

 
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1Peter 2:2-3)


Chuck

Twas the Month before ...

I love Thanksgiving and everything that goes along with it, including the extra pounds I've gained.  But now we are on a countdown to Christmas.  Every year there are some things that are always done the same. My dear wife already has plans for Christmas Eve with all the kids coming over after Church services.  We will be eating kielbasa and many other hor doeuves and opening up a gift or two.  Tonight we were at B&J's place to help start something new, we helped GB#1,2 & 5 decorate their tree.  We all had a blast.

Traditions old and new all add up to the memories which make the holiday season so special.  A few years ago I jokingly said I was going to start a new tradition with a jar of pickled okra.  I took it to a family dinner and told everyone it was a Christmas Okra.  Somethings don't catch on very easily.  But there are some traditions that ought to easy to maintain, like making it out to Church services, reading the Bible on Christmas morning, singing Happy Birthday to Jesus and remembering to be Thankful.  The world may have a difficult time keeping Christ in their Christmas but believers in Christ shouldn't.  With or without the pickled okra, Christmas is still about Christ.


Chuck

Friday Favorites:

For this week's Friday Favorite I present my favorite coffee mug.  I use this one most of the time I'm at the house.  The character is Opus of the Bloom County comic strip from many years ago.  I was a fan of that comic strip because of it witty political and social satire.   I even had a "Bill the Cat" tee shirt (Ack!).  Opus was taken in by Michael Binkley, as a stray dog, after losing track of his mother during the Falkland War.  It's a long story, but Opus eventually becomes Bill the Cat's running mate in the Presidential election. One of the reoccurring themes from Bloom County was Opus' trips to the meadow for a "Dandelion Break".  We all need that every now and then.  When the noise of this sin sick world begins to overwhelm us we need to, like Jesus once instructed His disciples, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while".  We all need a "Dandelion Break" every now and then.

Chuck

Stuffed

As you can see, I get the clean plate award.  Wow, what a great meal my dear wife put together, with some veggy help from DIL#2  and dessert assistance from Mom-Mom-Mom.  No matter what the menu, Stuffed Turkey or Gravy over rice, Thanksgiving is about sharing time with family and friends as well as recognizing the hand of God in our lives. 

  Rejoice evermore.
  Pray without ceasing.
  In every thing give thanks:
  for this is the will of God in Christ
  Jesus concerning you.
  (1Thess. 5:16-18)


Rejoicing and being thankful is easy when our plates are full of wonderfully delicious things, yet there are many times that we get a spoon full of unpleasantness.  But the command is unchanged, "In ALL things give thanks".  In the midst of all different types of circumstances we must learn to trust in His divine wisdom, mercy and care. 

I hope you all had as wonderful a Thanksgiving Day as we did.


Chuck

Wordless Wednesday

The Leash

One of the tasks of a dutiful dog owner is the walk.  We don't want to just cut the little guy loose in the back yard for two basic reasons.  One, it is not completely fenced in and secondly we would like to have some control over his deposit locations.  Come the warmer months the last thing I want is for the grand babies to be finding tootsie-rolls all over the yard.  So free range terrier is not  an option.  Plus walking is good for my heath and provides some owner - pet bonding. 

When it was time for Coach's afternoon stroll GB#3 happened to be at 52 and so I invited her to join us.  She was excited when I asked her if she wanted to walk the dog and was eager to grab the leash and head down the sidewalk.  That terrier pulled like most dogs do when the want to follow a scent and GB#3 held on for the ride.  The little dog was at one end of the leash, the little girl was in the middle and I held onto the end.  But she was thrilled that she was walking the dog.

I'm thrilled also, that no matter where life pulls me, that my Lord is always hanging on to the end of the leash.  I know that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me".
 
“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:13)

Chuck (218)

Slipping

I was told that there were three things that start to slip when you get older.  You can't see as well as you used too, and you can't hear as well as you used too.  Well that is just wonderful to have something exciting to look forward to as the years go by.  I tell everyone not to let the gray hair fool them, it's from "Pre-mature  Wisdom" and has nothing to do with aging.  Now what were we talking about?  Oh, right, three things that slip.  Now what was that third thing on the list? 

I forgot to blog, again.  It happened once in October then again yesterday.  What I've noticed is that they both happened on a Sunday.  What could possibly distract my attention that I would skip my daily visit to blog-o-rama?  I am occasionally reminded that preachers only work 2 days a weeks, and so maybe it's sheer exhaustion.  Standing and talking for a total of three hours in one day is a lot to ask of any human being.  Maybe I'm just detracted, my mind filled with the thoughts and needs of the congregation.  Or maybe I just forgot!  Like I forgot to take the garbage out to the curb for two consecutive weeks.  Or when I forgot to get over to the bank to pick-up the Church's night deposit bag, or to the laundromat to get my dry-cleaning.  Wow, I've been forgetting a lot of stuff.  I should take some of the herb that helps with memory, if I can only remember what it's call. 

So what do you do when you don't do something that you really wanted to do?  Do you just throw in the towel and convince yourself that it really wasn't that big of a deal to begin with?  You know, lie to yourself about your convictions and intentions.  Or .... do you throw aside the excuses and just keep moving forward.  There is still plenty of trash to take to the curb.

Chuck

Caved

I did.  I caved in,  I backed down.  I "changed my heart" (That's what GB#1 said) and so we are dog owners once again.  Just about 3 years ago our previous pooch, Caleb, was put to sleep, euphemistically speaking.  At age 16, and with several medical struggles, it seemed like the most humane thing to do.  Since then we have been "Pet-Free".  Now please note that the Lizard, Sunny, did not count in the "Pet-Free" equation.  Lizards are non-pets.  They don't do anything.  You don't "pet" them, walk them or wrestle on the living room floor with them.  They sit there and soak up the heat from a lamp and the only time they move is when there is food introduced into their environment.  (OK, yes, I know that that describes some people you may be acquainted with)  Watching Sunny eat crickets did provide a great deal of entertainment for the grand kids but you all remember that we buried the lizard a few months ago.  So we have been pet-free and lethargic-lizard-free for a little while now. 

My dear wife has been very patiently pushing me in the doggy direction for several months now.  I've had some good excuses about freedom to travel and no clean-up, which always seemed to be my job no mater who's animal it was.  She would send me e-mails, text messages and IM's with links to on-line doggy, "Re-Homing" opportunities.  Two weeks ago she even convinced me to stop at the pound and checkout  a terrier, which I did, but he already had 3 applications for adoption.  Oh Well!  But my DW did not allow that to discourage her from her heart's desire.  Next stop, Craigslist.com and voilà, a dog has appeared.  We are now the proud owners of a 5 year old Rat Terrier named Luigi, re-named Coach, and here I am, walking the dog with a plastic bag in one hand.

 

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10)  

It would serve us all well to be as persistent with our Lord in the things which we desire from Him.  He reminds us that "Ye have not because ye ask not ...".

Chuck & Coach

Friday Favorites:

"If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape one hundred days of sorrow."

Anon.

Smoke Out

Today, November 18th, is the American Cancer Society's 35th annual "Great American Smokeout".  This used to be a big event for me.  By the time I got out of high school I was smoking a pack a day and 2 packs a day by the time I was 20.  Being a draftsman meant I sat at a drafting table all day with a coffee cup and an ashtray as standard equipment.  I remember one year the "Smokeout" was the same day as our bowling league.  I was doing great all day, but when we bowled past midnight, I caught up every smoke I missed throughout the day.  I always said, "I can quit anytime!" but I never did.

After I was saved many things changed immediately, but the smoking was one of my holdouts.  All the "bad for your heath" warnings never worked.  All the "smells like an ashtray" insults never worked.  Then something finally got my attention, serving God.  The more I was involved in the ministry the more I wanted to be.  The desire to tell others about Christ was growing stronger and stronger but I was kept silent because of the smoke.  I knew that I couldn't be a good witness with clouds of smoke around my head.  One day as I was sitting at my drafting table, I took the pack out of my shirt pocket, wadded it up and through it in the garbage can.  That was it!  Wanting to serve God is a great motivator.

Chuck

Wordless Wednesday

The Date

Curried Chicken, Lemon Grass soup and Jasmin Tea.  That's what I had for lunch today, plus the company of my dear wife.  Today was a Date-Day.  One of those marketing packs came in the mail the other day and as we were flipping through all the advertisements for gutter-guards and carpet cleaners we spotted a winner.  The coupon for the Thai restaurant caught both of our attention.  We lifted our heads and looks towards each other, our eyes meet and we knew ... "It's a Date!"

After 31 years of marriage Joyce still looks forward to going out on a date (with me!).  Now please note that going out to lunch is different than going out on a date.  A date requires forethought and planning which generates anticipation whereas you can go out to lunch together anytime without forethought or intention.  I'm not against being spontaneity, but without picking a date it really isn't a "Date". 

Just a reminder ... God as chosen a date for His Son to return for His children.  Oh, what great anticipation.  What a tremendous day He has in store for us.  "I go to prepare a place for you ..."


Chuck

52

That is where I live, 52.  Some of the kids & grand kids started referring to our house by its number several years ago and it has stuck.  They don't say "My folks' house" or "My Parents' place", but they will say, "We're at 52".  I personally don't view that as impersonal, you see that's how you refer to iconic locations.  "Number 10" is where the British Prime Minister lives.  We don't say "The President's House" but "the White House" or 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Places make impacts, and a home is a big one.  President George W. Bush mentioned in his biography that his dad (#41) felt that he was successful because his children wanted to come home.  That should be the goal, to have such a loving, positive impact that, even when they are grown, that they always feel welcome and desirous to be back at 52.  Home should be an icon, it should represent Joy and Stability and unconditional Love.

Chuck

1980

When Joyce and I were married in 1979 we decided to have as many kids as we could as soon as we could.  Our plan was to have our children young so that we could enjoy our grand kids while we were still young.  Six grand kids by age 50 is a good deal.  The other benefit is that we are still very young when the nest empties out. 

December 31, 1980 was the last date that the Charles Shorter household was just two.  So when our son Eric and dear wife, Rachel, packed up their belongings last night and drove .6 miles down the road to their new home we were back down to two.  Wow, thirty years of fun and excitement, and now we're back to where we started!  This is going to be FUN!


Chuck

As For Me ...

Today was a great day to catch up on some well needed yard work.  60 degrees and sunny is a perfect combination for a mid-November, Saturday morning.  Whilst in the midst of my chores GB#3 joined me to Help.  "Pop Pop, where's my 'Leaf-Maker'?"  (Translation: 'Rake')  Three year olds view the world by what things do, not necessarily by what they are. 

When she stood looking at our garden flag I asked her what it said and she replied, "I Love You".  That's not what Joshua 24:15 says but it certainly is a part of what it means.  A great way to show your family how much you truly love them is to lead them in serving God.   

Chuck

P.S. - I noticed that yesterday's post is #100 ... and counting.

Friday Favorites:

"For it is always the person not in the predicament who knows what ought to have been done in it, and would have unquestionably have done it too."

Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol

Down Under

There's been a lot of work going on at my son Eric's house over the past few weeks.  Part of the fun and excitment has been a new kitchen, which has occupied a great deal of my attention and provided many firsts for my less than expert craftsmanship.  First laminate floor, First time setting cabinets, First Dishwasher installation, First Counter-top, First Sink cut-out (measure twice, cut once).  Although most of this was done in my kitchen just two years ago, someone else did the real work while I held the dummy-end of the tape.

Eric and I finished the counter-top work last night and wrapped it up for the evening.  Although it looked good on the outside, there was very little connected underneath.  The utilities that allow a kitchen to function are normally hidden from view.  The water, drains and electrical wires for a dishwasher may all be missing but you can still dress it up and make it look nice for a picture.

Many Christians, Churches & Preachers are often the same way.  They dress up what is seen by others while there is nothing connected behind the scenes.  There is no Holy Spirit power, no living water flowing, no drain removing the waist through confession of sins.  They look good but serve no useful purpose.   

Get out your tool bucket, open up the cabinet and crawl underneath.  Time to get connected.

Chuck

Wordless Wednesday

FIRE!!!!

These two are Jeff-D & Jeff-F.  They are Chaplain & Deputy Chaplain, respectively, of a local Township Fire Department.  Tonight was the kick off of a Bible Study that they will be conducting on a monthly basis at the different fire houses throughout the township.  Their desire is to minister to the spiritual needs of a group of men and women who are primarily un-churched.

One thing that Jeff-D mentioned tonight was that those who's lives are regularly place in dangerous positions, like firemen, are often least concerned about dying.  I suppose it is more of a defense mechanism, a device that hardens the heart.  Amazing that those who need the truth the most are less desirous to receive it.  These are the times when I am reminded even more of the need for divine intervention to break through the barriers and allow the light of the Gospel to shine in.

Chuck

The "B" Word

How many of you enjoy wearing a hospital gown?  Me neither.  But last week I had my 5-year colonoscopy and I promised you a picture.  Well this is it.  Everything went well and when I woke up they told me there was one small polyp removed which didn't appear to be of any concern.  Today I got the official call from the doctor's office with the pathology results: The "B" word (Benign) and not the "C" word.

Too many people that I know of have heard the "C" word lately. I hate that word, and what it does to lives.  I do believe that God will show Himself to be strong when we are weak, but this is one of those life-struggles that I hope I will never experience.

Today's blog is a Thank You to my LORD for a good test result today, a good Physical last month and a good Prostate biopsy a few months back (That was pre-blog).  The next time I hear the "C" word I hope it's about Cake.


Chuck

Fritters

Grand-Babies 1 & 2 joined GB3 for a sleep over at 52 one night last week.  The following morning they all invaded my second floor office (I ran out of lap for them all to climb up on) and they had the following request:  "Hey Pop Pop, will you make pancakes for us for breakfast?"  How could I refuse such a petition, so I sent them to find their Mom Mom and off to the kitchen I went.  As you can see from the picture we had fun with some apples.

I remember as a kid making shapes with pancakes on the griddle, I remember food coloring in sauces and jokes about eating elephants.  Food fun can make lots of memories for a kid which they will likely pass along, in one form or another, to their kids someday.  Everyday we are making imprints in the minds of our children or children's children which will transfer to another generation.  So be careful of what type of marks you leave.


Chuck

Compost

Do you use your Phone Book? 

We don't, and haven't for several years.  We look everything up on-line now a days.  If I want to find a business I Google it.  "Google" is a verb, right?  If I'm looking for a person I go to Superpages.com and search by city and last name.  Over the past few years the books have just sat around the house unused so this "Yellowbook" went right from the front porch to the recycle bin.  Worse thing is that I'll get the "Yellow-Pages" book soon, also several more at church, and they will all go right into the can also. What a waste of a few good trees.

Amazing how an icon of information has become almost obsolete.  Something to be reminded of when advertising or promoting anything for the Church.  What worked a decade ago is not reaching very many people today.  Times are changing, truth should never, but directing people to that truth must stay in tune with where they are likely to be looking.


Chuck