Monday, May 31, 2010

Waye, Wayne, Go aWay!

I remember reading an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition and some of the details of their wintering over in northwest Oregon, not too far from where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
The men were distressed and complaining about the fact that living where there was so much rain and humidity, their buckskin clothing literally rotted off their bodies. And fish; they were sick and tired of eating fish, which though plentiful in the Columbia, made for a one-flavor kind of diet. They longed for venison...meat...any kind of meat; anything but fish.
There are echos in there of the children of Israel and their less-than-scenic-route journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Though manna was promised, plentiful, healthful, and always on time, they got sick and tired of it and hungered for the flesh pots of Egypt, where there were onions, leeks, and garlic.
I'm wondering if, in the time of trouble soon to break on an ususpecting world, if the people of God will grow tired of their "sure" bread and water or if they too will complain and hope for a "cheeseburger" rather than giving thanks for the food God will supply. And my response to that bit of "wondering?" Probably so.
Perhaps (a favorite word of mine) the time to exercise control over food and cravings is now. (I'll have a vegeburger; hold the cheese and mayo, please). e.c.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Lift Up The Hands That Hang Down

Yesterday we went for a short walk after the sun had gathered enough strength and courage to find its way through the clouds. Walking past one lovely home I saw a woman and said to my wife, "Wait." We turned back and entered the property. The woman  was trying to start the motor of a machine used to wash winter's waste off the decks. She was startled when I spoke to her as she wasn't expecting company.
It turned out she was the sister of the couple that owned the home. Tragedy struck a few weeks ago when, at age 52, the husband, her brother in law, died of a massive heart attack. The wife found him sitting on the couch, feet up on the coffee table, TV remote control in one hand, dead.
Of course, the whole family is devastated. We had spoken to them last summer and learned they were believers. The wife is devastated and searching for answers. I tried to encourage the woman and repeated the words of Paul where he describes the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead. The return of Jesus is the hope of all Christians and we wait for the eternal life He will bring as a gift to all who love Him.
We assured the woman that we would pray for her sister; for strength to navigate these dark waters. Many, many people have been left behind, alone; left to wonder what to do and where to go; to hope that they are not really alone. Speaking of wondering, I am wondering what more there may be to share with this woman that she can give to her sister so that both might be encouraged. What should one say to those who grieve?
Give praise to the Lord while it is called Today and the breath of life remains. e.c.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Writers Cramp

Nothing of note today...I have a headache. Just letting people know I'm still alive...I think ><<<<<<<> it's supposed to be a fish. e.c.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ten Fingers...and counting

Take a few seconds and count on both hands...thumb-to-thumb...the places, events, and crises of all stripes that are going on in the world as you read this.....(waiting).....Did you run out of fingers? I did. Now tell me with a straight face that the sum and significance of these things tell us something other than that the coming of Christ is nearer than when we first believed.
I'm reading the book of Deuteronomy and finding great blessings. "Why would anybody want to read that?" you may (rightly) ask. The answer is easy and it is simple. Deuteronomy chronicles the teachings Moses gave the people prior to  their crossing over into the Promised Land; a literal land where the Israel's children were to live. We are waiting to leave this "Egypt" where we remain in bondage to our weak human natures, cross over spiritual Jordan into our heavenly home where we shall find rest; not just for a day (Sabbath) but for eternity.
He is coming soon! Lift up your heads for our redemption draweth nigh...and nigher...if there is such a word.
Blessings. e.c.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Emphasizing The Obvious

I've been told that I have the uncanny ability to both discern and emphasize the obvious. I knew that. Seventh-day Adventists know the book of Daniel; probably better than most...or at least they are supposed to...or ought to. Whichever.
That vague introduction aside, here is the point; Speaking through Daniel, God is proving His (ancient) point again. It has to do with kingdoms (read nations) seeking a common cause as a basis for sustained union.
The fractured parts of the Roman Empire tried welding themselves together with  the seed of men (intermarriage) and that didn't work. Over the centuries some wars were nothing more than family feuds. Daniel wrote; "As you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay."
The European Union, so called, is another attempt (essentially by the same Roman Empire remnants) to put the pieces together again. But, not knowing God, His Word, nor the futility of their efforts, the European Union and its common monetary unit (the Euro)  seems to be "Humpty-Dumptying" before our eyes. The nation that pulled the trigger on this mess was Greece which cheated and slid into the EU even though they were bankrupt before seeking admission. But they "cooked the books" and fed false financial information to the then EU admissions committee and and made it through the door. Well, Greece is not a particularly welcome partner just now seeing what their economy has done to the EU per se and particularly the Euro. The tsunami of that mess has reached all the way to Wall Street. The nervousness on Wall Street and the vagaries of the stock market are a straight-line result of the fragility of the EU. Interestingly, Spain and Portugal are not far behind Greece and Germany has taken on the task of trying to save the Euro all by itself. Can Germany do that?
Speaking of money in general, the money verse that follows is, for Adventists of all stripes (those who love the second coming of Christ...in whichever church), Daniel writes; "And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed..."  [Daniel chpt. 2: vss. 43 and 44].
"Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" [Revelation 22:20
Conclusion: God is always on time, on target, and spot on. His word never fails.This is a good day to make our salvation sure and certain in Jesus Christ. e.c.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

A Good Person

During a recent conversation about righteousness, salvation, etc., someone said, "All you have to do is be a good person." Does such a person exist? Well, the answer is "Yes," and it is "No."
If one is of the world and thinks like the world they would answer, "Yes" because it is possible to live having ever stolen, committed adultry...but it is not possible to live in the presence of a Holy God in the strength of self. However, if one's mind lives on a level higher than that of the things of the world, they would anser, "No" because they realize the inherent weakness of human nature so that we, like Paul, do '...what we don't want to do and don't do what we want to do..." [Romans chpt. 7] 
The parable of the Parisee and the Publican illustrates these two classes which are really the only two that exist in the church. One will bring an offering or make some kind of sacrifice which they believe will put them in good standing with God. The problem is that they do not offer themselves.
The other class (represented by the Publican) may bring an offering, but their greatest offering is that of themselves, which they do not in a sense of gaining favor with God but as a seeker of mercy. Cain and Abel represented these two classes from the beginning of time both on the earth and in the "church." Cain brought the fruit of his (presumed) good works and they were rejected by God. Abel, in obedience to God, brought a sacrifice not of his works but of blood as a sign of his sinfulness and his need of mercy. Abel received mercy and forgiveness. And as Cain hated Abel so do Pharisees hate Publicans.
I don't know any good people, really. I have known people who think they are good and "...are in need of nothing. Not knowing that they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." [Revelation chpt. 3]
Confession: these ideas were stolen from COL pages 154 and 155. It's better to read the original, actually. e.c.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Epilogue

The idea for writing Humphry The Church Mouse as an apologue (allegory) came to me in early 2000. The writing went quickly. Over the years I have (sort of) searched for an audience, thinking it might be a read-to-me illustrated book for children; a little like, but certainly no comparison with other such allegories (Gulliver's Travels comes to mind). I have submitted it as a gift and had it declined for reasons unrelated to the story per se. So, I decided just to put it "out there" and not worry about copywrite, illustrations, etc. If it sets anyone thinking, that will be a reward; and if not.......it's not my burden.
Now you know the rest of the story.
Blessings. e.c.`

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse--page 10 of 10 (at last)

Humphry stood tall for a mouse...tall and straight
With no hint of revenge....no shred of hate
He said, "I forgive you for killing my Mom and my Dad
I pity you Rat! I feel really sad."

"You had the chance to rule Mouseville with love
To listen to God and learn from above
But no; your pride took hold and wouldn't let go
You chose the evil and ruled from below."

Rat didn't argue or protest one word
Because he knew it was truth that he heard
Rat and Cat were put in Dark Hole that day
Forever and ever they were gone; far away.

Humphry burned the gold hat and buried Rat's ring
Then declared Mouseville free; "God is our King!"
Street names were changed from hatred to love
All Mouseville followed the True God, above.

Churches were built where all Mouseville could go
To worship each Sabbath...to study and know
That God gave... His Only... Begotten Son
So none need miss Heaven...no...not one!
Tomorrow, Epilogue. e.c.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse--page 9 of 10

Little did they realize what lay ahead
Usually arrested a mouse and fed
Old Orange-cat while it drooled and slurped
'Till it swallowed poor mouse, grinned, and then burped.

Faster and faster they sped across town
Suddenly a crowd, and they had to slow down
They turned right around in swift retreat
These scaredy-cat-rats knew they were beat.

All in a line, but one at a time
They cowered before Rat and said, "I resign!"
The mice are too many; we'll never survive
So we're getting out now while we're still alive."

It was then king Rat began quaking and shaking
He knew his hold on Mouseville was breaking
The sound of the crowd grew louder and then
Someone was knocking on the door to his den.

"N-n-nobody's home," said Rat, in a squeeky-weak voice
Humphry answered, "Come out Rat! You haven't a choice!"
"J-j-just a minute, " said Rat, stalling for time
And Humphry said, "Come out now and pay for your crimes!"

"You bullied and frightened all the town mice
Not once were you ever gentle or nice
You forced us to kneel and kiss your brass ring
You want to be worshipped; that's evil, wicked king."

"Mouseville will never ever obey you again
We now understand. We know it's a sin
Because God alone is worthy of praise
Your crummy gold hat has seen it's last days.

"It's time to surrender; time has run out
Your reign is ended! It's over! No doubt!
You and Orange-cat will be put in Dark-Hole
Where you will have time to search your dark souls.

Outside, Humphry heard the lock turn..."Click"
Slowly and slowly the door opened a bit
There they stood...at last...face to face
Humphry could feel the evil...no goodness...not a trace.
Tomorrow the denouement: the final unraveling of the mystery. e.c.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Humphry the Church Mouse--page 8 of 10

Cousin Meanie spied Humphry and shouted, "Look out!"
Everyone ran and hid round abouts
Humphry hardly noticed that the little mouse boys
Were playing with his ball, his bat, and his toys.

A cheery smile spread across Humphry's face
He waved a happy "Hello" and didn't give chase
They stared at Humphry like he'd risen from the grave
But the first thing he did was say he forgave.

"I forgive everyone who took all my stuff
I don't need it...besides I have enough
See, in life, it's not stuff that matters
You can keep that!" He said to the batter.


"I have so much to tell you...so much to share
There's a God in heaven...a King who really cares
King Rat, I know, is lawless and evil
He's ruined Mouseville! Rat works for the Devil."

"Mouseville has suffered too long from Rat's rule
He's the king of terror...the prince of cruel
His friend, Orange-cat, also must go
The Love of God should rule our souls."

"Help me rally all the mice in this town
Take away Rat's ring! Take away his gold crown
When king Rat learns we know what's right
He and Orange-cat will run away...take flight."

All Mouseville gathered 'round Humphry to listen
To the Good News...it was love they were missing
Someone in front said "I think he's right"
Humphry finished..."God is Truth...His Word is our light.

News of the noise had reached Rat's ears
He began to feel little itchings of fears
His nose and whiskers began twitching much faster
He said in a stutter"T-t-terrible...d-d-disaster!"

But Rat was not one to give up with ease
So he called his police, crying "St-St-Stop this disease!"
So with helmets donned and sirens blaring
All four sped off with bravado and daring.
What will happen to Rat and Orange Cat? e.c.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse--page 7 of 10

"Me? You want me to go where?
They won't listen; they don't care!
How do you expect just one little mouse
To reach every home and teach in each house?"

"Leave that to Me" the voice again said
"Your task is to share the Ten Words you have read
At just the right time and just the right hour
Tell them to others; I'll be your power."

Humphry took a deep breath and nodded his head
"Yessssssss" Humphry said, "I'll go ahead"
One last time the still-voice came through
"Little friend, I'll never leave nor forsake you."

So Humphry climbed slowly high up to the steeple
Leaving was hard, especially the people
He packed his belonging...a two toothed comb
And started that day to make his way home.

Humphry left That City and began walking East
Back to Mouseville for a war with the Beasts
The Orange-colored cat that lived in the cage
And old king Rat who lived in a rage.

The sun went down and it tried to get dark
But the light inside Humphry, a million small sparks
Was Light to his path and Warmth to his heart
Because he knew God would quench Rat's fiery darts.

Just at sunrise Humphry saw the mean sign
"Stay Away! Not Welcome! This town is Mine"
It was signed at the bottom, and read, King Rat
Next to a picture of his ring and gold hat.

"Sorry Rat" Humphry heard himself say
"Some may be frightened, but I'm here to stay
God sent me here for a very big reason
It's over king Rat! It's open-Rat-season."

With hardly any sleep and a very small meal
Humphry took up his task with courage and zeal
The very first house he came to that day
Uncle Adolph and kids were outside to play.
Tune in again tomorrow! Just 3 pages to go. :>) e.c.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse--page 6 of 10

IV   Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. You have six days in 
       which to do your work, but the Seventh day is a day of rest
       dedicated to Me. On that day no one is to work - neither you, 
       your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who 
       live in your country. In six days, I, the Lord, made the earth, the
       sky, the sea, and everything in them, but on the Seventh day, I
       rested. That is why, I, the Lord, blessed the Sabbath day and
       made it holy.

V    Respect your father and your mother so that you may live a
       long time in the land I am giving you.

VI   Do not commit murder.

VII Do not commit adultery.

VIII Do not steal.

IX   Do not accuse anyone falsely.

X    Do not desire another man's house, do not desire his wife, his
       slave, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns.
       *From, The Good News Bible, Thomas Nelson, Pub.

When Humphry reading the Words that God said
He was humbled, but thankful for all he had read
Kneeling right there on little mouse knees
He asked, "Forgive me Lord, forgive my sins; please.

Opening his eyes, the day seemed much brighter
Sadness was gone, life's burden much lighter
His eyes opened wide at the hope of living
In this town, where people lived love and forgiving.

Humphry thought, "Yes! I'll live here right to the end."
When a still, small voice said, "My little friend;
Return to Mouseville in just a few days
Take them My Words; teach them My ways."

Tomorrow-Humphry goes "home." e.c.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse--page 5 of 10

What had happened to Humphry was terribly mean
But deep inside where love should live, it seemed
That...knowing Humphry, I can only suggest
All things would somehow work out for the best.

The saying goes that church mice are poor
'Cause there's hardly a crumb a poor mouse can store
But those who feel Humphry had a bad deal
Never counted crumbs at an after-church meal.

One night he thought out loud, ""Is it true?
I should love everybody; not just a few?
Surely king Rat would loudly deny
"Love everybody? Harumph! It's a lie."

"I've heard (Humphry thought) words about living
The preacher said some Commandments were given
On a stone, Moses wrote amidst thunder and fire."
It was then Humphry knew king Rat was a liar.

Our mouse awoke one cool, fall day
Planning to go outside to play
Hurrying along the shiny church floor
He saw, "Ten Commandments" just over the door.

"Hmmmm,"  he mused, "Forget about play
I want to know what these Ten Words say"
And for the first time ever he studied and read
All the Commandments, God long ago said.

The Ten Commandments

I     Worship not God but Me

II    Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven,
       or on earth or in the water under the earth. Do not bow down
       to any idol or worship it because I Am the Lord your God
       and I tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate 
       Me and on their descendents down to the third and fourth 
       generation. But I show My love to thousands of generations
       of those who love Me and obey My Laws

III   Do not use My name for evil purposes, for I, the Lord your
       God will punish anyone who misuses My name.
More anon. e.c.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse--page 4 of 10

Too tired to eat, Humpry slept all day long
When he was awakened by the sounds of song
"Jesus loves me this I knowooo
For the Bible tells me sooo!"

He wondered aloud; "Who is Jesus? Where does He live?"
What does it mean when they say, "He forgives"
Whoever was speaking used new-nice words
Not like in Mouseville that Humphry had heard.

"Love our God with all your heart
He will give you a new-life start
No mean words or stealing others's things
A life of love God's Spirit will bring."

The preacher closed with prayer and singing
Then the big bells began swinging and ringing
So loud was the sound the church began quaking
But Humphry held on 'till the steeple stopped shaking.

The lone little mouse made his home in the steeple
In spite of the bells, in spite of the people
Humphry knew his long search had ended
When the church this small mouse befriended.

On Wednesday's the meetings ended at eight
He heard every word and never was late
Friday's meeting was over at seven
Ending with prayer to "Our Father in Heaven..."

Each Sabbath church opened just before nine
All the people came...rain or shine
Curiosity soon got the best of our mouse
Closer and closer he came in God's house.

At first the "Words" seemed sort of strange
But Humphry was aware of a quiet little change
He came to That City with sad heart and attitude
But began feeling little feelings of gratitude.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse--page 3 of 10

Someone screeched, "Forget mom and dad!"
They were too good for Mouseville; so good, so bad
It's time you learned to fib and disobey
To swear, steal, and cheat when you play!"

Humphry cried all the way out of town
The other mice smirked, none wore a frown
Humphry paused, then began walking West
Some sorry souls whispered, "He's gone!. We've been blest!"

Darkness crept in and brought along cold
Where will he sleep? He's just seven years old!
"I miss my Mommy and hugs every night
I miss my Daddy; he did what was right."

Humphry determined to find a new town
Where most people smiled and few ever frowned
Where all the people did lots of good things
Where no king Rat made them kiss his old ring.

A new city where mice loved the law
The happiest town anyone ever saw
A place without any fat Orange-cats
Humphry would find it and that was that.

Just at sunrise he saw a big sign
It read; "Welcome! That City; Welcome, Mousekind
The streets of That City wore curious names
IAmTheWay Avenue, and IWillNeverLeaveYou Lane.

BONG! BONG! Big bells began ringing
"Aaaaamazing Grace" Humphry heard people singing
Startled, he ran real quick through the first open door
Ran up all the stairs to the very top floor.

Humphry hid in a corner away from the people
At the top, tip top, of a white church steeple
This little mouse didn't know he's be living
In a house for Jesus...about love and forgiving.

He tried to stay awake and listen
The lonely little mouse shed tears that glistened
In streams of sunlight that warmed the steeple
"Maybe," he sighed, "This town has good people."
Page 4 tomorrow. e.c.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse--page 2 of 10

Statues of the king stood all over town
A carved-sort-of-smile, a carved-sort-of-frown
One statue read; "All your coins for the king, if you please"
Another said; "Always remember, who keeps the keys"

Mouseville, a town without any order
Was full of crime from border to border
"Remember my law!" raged Rat, waving his hat
"There is no law--not one--and that's that!!

Years before, Rat named the streets
Angry Alley, Dirty Tricks-n-no Treats
Boredom Boulevard, Awful Avenue
Vengeance Valley and I'll Get You Too

One gray day Humphry was playing
When four of Rat's guards rushed by, not saying
A word they crashed and smashed the door to his house
Took his parents to prison; Poor Humphry! Poor Mouse!

One grayer day later the headlines read
"Two...Very...Dangerous...Mice...Dead!"
The paper said they were spreading disease
They refused to bow to the king on their knees

It seems his parents had angered the king
They snickered at his hat and wouldn't kiss his ring
The king raged nine times then raged again
And threw Mom and Dad into Orange-Cat's den

Humphry was orphaned, that was a fact
So he packed his mitt, the ball and bat
He was alone in the world with nowhere to stay
The neighbors all chanted "Go Away! Go Away!

His aunts and uncles told Humphry to leave
What happened next is hard to believe
Uncle Thor took his mitt, ball and bat
While some mean cousin stole his ragged old cap

Auntie Alena mewed "We love you Humphry"
"Oh, by the way, your coat looks so  comfy
The relatives emptied his house that night
And fought over everything that was in sight

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Humphry The Church Mouse...An Apologue (written in 2000..page one of ten)

Humphry was born a poor little mouse
He lived with his parents in a poor little house
Brothers and sisters were grown up and away
So Humphry played by himself every day.

Poor little Humphry didn't have many toys
Not lot's of stuff like other mouse boys
One faded, ragged, old baseball cap
A worn out mitt, a ball and a bat.

He lived in a town known hardly at all
It wasn't too big, it wasn't too small
West of Oshkosh, East of Kalamazoo
A poor mouse in Mouseville hadn't much to do.

Whenever he went outdoors to play
Some grouchy grownup would usually say
"Go home Humphry! Keep off my grass!
Take home the ball lest you break someone's glass.

Mouseville was not like other mouse-towns
Where most mice wore smiles and few wore frowns
Mouseville was ruled by old king Rat
Who wore a brass ring and a gold-colored hat.

Everyone bowed when they met king Rat
They kissed his brass ring and praised his gold hat
"What a beautiful, wonderful hat, oh king!
Praise king Rat! Let all kiss his ring!"

A smile would ooze from one side of his face
And he's say, "You may praise, mere mouse, the king of this place"
Everyone in Mouseville feared king Rat
He held the keys to the Orange-colored cat.

Whoever happened to anger king Rat
Was thrown the same day to the Orange-colored cat
Who pounced on the mouse with furious delight
While old king Rat half-smiled at the sight.
more tomorrow. e.c.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Conditions...Part II

There are conditions  by which we receive the Holy Spirit. Fernando Chaij lists five: 1. To feel the need of the Spirit and to pray for His presence, 2. To experience first the early rain, 3. To be willingly used and guided by the Spirit, 4. To eliminate dissensions and misunderstandings, 5. To surrender self.
Writing under the last section EW is quoted. She says, "No man/woman can empty himself/herself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak un-Christlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul."
"It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advancing step heavenward it is to be renewed." [COL 150, 160]
Think of it this way; "He/She that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall shall abide under the shadow of the Amighty" [Psalms 91:1]
Have a blessed Sabbath rest in Christ. e.c.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Conditions

For morning worship we are reading, "Preparation For The Final Crisis," written by Fernando Chaij in 1966. Today's post, taken from that little book is about the Holy Spirit; our need of Him and how we must prepare our hearts to receive Him.  Be blessed and revived.
"It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men...If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit...The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who serve Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the daily baptism of the Spirit every worker should offer his petition to God." - AA pg. 50.
"The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to bestow it." Ev pg.701
"Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to  us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions." DA pg. 672
"If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy Spirit is a matter little thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Whenever minor matters occupy the attention, the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking though offered in infinite plentitude.
Since this is the means by which we are to receive power, why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and preach concerning it?" AA pg. 50
"The Holy Spirit will come to all who are begging for the bread of life to give to their neighbors." 6T pg. 90, ChS pg. 252
More anon. e.c.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Addendum to Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

By Frances Romero Wednesday, May. 05, 2010

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1986906_1986905,00.html?iid=moreontime#ixzz0n6wSZLIh



Source: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1986906_1986905,00.html?iid=moreontime

"Despite what some people inaccurately think, Cinco de Mayo does not mark Mexican Independence Day (that would be Sept. 16). The holiday, rather, commemorates the 1862 battle of Puebla that Mexico fought and won against the advancing French army, led by Emperor Napoleon III. Mexico was still occupied by the French a year later, but the Puebla victory came to symbolize unity and pride for what seemed like a Mexican David defeating a French Goliath. Today the holiday is celebrated in the town of Puebla, but it's not an obligatory holiday in the country.

Still, that doesn't really explain why the day is so popular in the U.S. Cinco de Mayo started to come into vogue in 1940s America during the rise of the Chicano movement. And much like every other holiday in existence, it became commercialized — in this case, by the alcohol companies trying to tap into the Hispanic market. Thus was born a day of drinking tequila while wearing a stereotypical sombrero. So much for supporting Mexican pride and nationalism."



Read more: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1986906_1986905,00.html?iid=moreontime#ixzz0n6uxhsJa

It's May 05.....so?

"Norway celebrates country and constitution on May 17th, which is like a Norwegian Independence Day. In Norwegian, this day is called "Syttende Mai" (May 17th), or Grunnlovsdagen (Constitution Day). "
So I'm waiting for 17 May; a day of celebration for all the Sons of Norway; a.k.a., the Vikings.
Born in and of the Northland, surrounded by towering mountains and deep fjords, my great grandmother came to America on a sailing ship...by herself...at age 15. She made her way from New York  to Yellowstone Park where she worked as a maid in the Yellowstone hotel. Everyone called her "Bonnie." While at the hotel she met and married a man (Pop Main) who was a chef. He worked some of the finest restaurants across the nation and ended up as a chef at the Olympic Hotel in Tacoma, Washington. I vaguely remember him. I was told that he had a temper; perhaps that was because he was one-half Spaniard.
The story goes that one day while at home he was sharpening a kitchen knife on one of those long, steel, sharpening shanks (I have his) when the cat walked by purring and wavering it's erect tail. Well, the cat was Manx'ed on the spot. (If you don't get it, don't ask me to explain further).
Pop Main and Bonnie were prolific. After my grandmother was born (third from youngest) Bonnie went to visit Norway...for two years...and when she returned my grandmother only spoke Norwegian. Perhaps that long visit was a 19th century version of birth control.
On both sides of the family there is Norwegian blood; 100% paternal and 50% maternal. Probably I should buy some dried cod, soak it in lye water, change the water several times, and then boil it and serve it up to all my enemies. Lutelisk, we call it, and such an odor you have not known since Rotefisk (it means "rotten fish") or ( Durian (a tropical fruit that smells so bad it is fobidden in hotels).
On the plate, Lutefisk is like a blob of soggy jello; one has to be sober and have a steady hand to keep it there. Rotefisk is opened outside and under water because the tin can bulges at the ends from the fermentation process and literally explodes.
Bonnie Main (widowed many years) and Lud Christiansen (never married and took care of his widowed mother) were good friends and drinking buddies. One day coming home from the tavern, Lud was carry a gallon jug of beer. We lived on high bank property and there were about 15 steps from the street to the porch. Lud was almost to the top when he fell and rolled all the way to the sidewalk. Hugging the gallon of beer like a sweetheart, he swayingly stood up and yelled, "...she ain't broke..."
The question is, if I were to celebrate Norwegian Independance Day, what would I do? I don't drink. I hate Lutefisk....I know...I'll put up the Norwegian vimple (a 6' long penant-like flag I brought from Norway) and stand there celebrating. Of course, my (mostly) English wife will have no idea what I am doing and I'll have to explain the whole thing. Probably I'll just look at the vimple. e. Christiansen (son of Christian).

Monday, May 3, 2010

Polluion of Mind and Body

The Sabbath School lesson last week focused on the environment; a timely topic. Of greater importance in these times (not to diminish pollution of our oceans, rivers, air, and food) are A Mind and Body Pure:
Paul writes "Finally , brethren, whatsoever things  are  true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things  [are] just, whatsoever things  [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things  [are] of good report; if [there be] any  virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think  on these things." [bracketed words are those added by translators]
and...
"Whatsoever thererfore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Though the earth is waxing old as a garment we are admonished to "...keep ourselves unspotted from the world."  God will deal with those who are destroying the earth for profit. e.c.