E-Harmony and Thanksgiving

There I was filling out the “relationship profile” on E Harmony (not sure I'll use the service though, really) ; “Do you consider yourself attractive? (No), Is it important that your mate be attractive? (Yes), Are you afraid of doorknobs? (Decline to state). I came across this question which caused me to pause; Name 3 things that you are thankful for. My answer was:

The Outdoors: It reminds me that beauty and truth exist, inspires awe, and grounds me in perspective.
Friends: They make me laugh. They are my GPS on the road of life.
My daughter: She’s a blast!

The phone call came last week. My dads’ wife inviting the kid and I over for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is usually spent at my sisters’. Sis and hubby have different plans this year. No Thanksgiving at their house. Mixed feelings about going to dad and Ethels’.

The initial greeting we receive at my dad’s generally goes something like this, “Dillo, good to see you. Too bad about McCain and that moronic, unqualified moose hunting running-mate of his. We saved you and Hailey a seat---just go ahead and move that “We’re Pro-Choice” paperwork out of your way. Hey everybody, Dillo finally arrived. He voted for McCain.”

All of that said, I have three goals for Thanksgiving Day this year. I usually respond with sarcasm to the political and religious barbs. I want to respond with grace and honesty, because the barbs hurt and make me angry. I want to honor the holiday. So Hailey and I (hopefully) will take some time out to note the many ways we’ve been blessed; and to give thanks. Finally, I want to have an attitude of thankfulness. Each moment is filled with blessing and opportunity for awe.

Anyhow, off to dads’ tomorrow afternoon. I’m bringin my own coffee too. That’s one of the other difficulties this year; instant coffee and (only) diet sodas. Rough life. Overall, looking forward to the celebration and the family time.

Conversations With My Mom: On Aging

I talked with my mom tonight about getting old. We also talked about the invincibility of youth; how when you are young you think nothing bad can befall you.

" (During the war) I used to like to stay outside and watch the Russian bombs in Riga. My parents felt differently. They would come and drag me into the cellar.

One time, we were on a train, going somewhere, to nowhere. The train had red crosses on the top of it. Filled with refugees---the wounded.

I was laying down in the forest with this girl. I didn't really know her that well. She was a well established (well versed, well known--that's the gist of it) pianist. The Americans bombed the train. The bullet went straight out her hand and through her wrist......Maybe some 0f the trains with red crosses on them were'nt really what they said they were....this one sure was.

Even that didn't affect me. It was sad.

When you're older you have a different perspective. More fears."

Trick or Treat Plus...

Peace out, dude!


Party at the Pumpkin Patch

Game Over-Fitting Southpark Clip

"Hailey, daddy loves you. Just remember that. He always loves you."



H/T Hot Air

A Cynics' Hope

"And all the powers of darkness

Tremble at what they’ve just heard

‘Cause all the powers of darkness

Can’t drown out a single word
When all God’s children sing out

Glory, glory, hallelujah

He reigns, He reigns

All God’s people singing

Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns."

The Newsboys song blared from my car radio as I raced to work. Much needed perspective post-election morning.

I hope I'm wrong. I hope Dennis Prager is wrong. I hope we're not going to see significant socialism established here. As anti-semitism increases world-wide, will we continue to stand with Israel? I hope that our free speech isn't restricted. I fear an increase in secularism will lead to persecution of those who worship the God of the Bible.

I hope that the church doesn't remain complacent. That whether prosperity or difficulty comes, that she would wake-up. That radical selfless love, bold integrity, and an unflinching sharing the good news of Christ would be evident to all.

Ultimately though, my hope remains in the God that is "blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him, It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding."