Christmas Truck

Check out this Christmas truck. I've now seen everything!

Christmas Merries

Merry Christmas from the Weis'
Billye, Jenna, Melissa, Ted, Valerie, David, and Christopher

Merry Christmas

"Annunciation to the Shepherds"
William Blake
1809

Christmas Eve

"The Nativity at Night"
Sint Jans Geertgen
1484-1490

Unique Christmas Trees

Check out these unusual and unique Christmas trees!

Advice about What Matters Now

I love good advice. It's stimulating. It broadens your horizons. It may just be the word you need now.

Seth Godin has compiled an ebook entitled, "What Matters Most" that features 70 authors from various fields giving 70 words of wisdom. Each entry is short, succinct, and fascinating.

Particularly interesting is Dave Balter's "Dumb" entry (p. 43) about what makes dumb smart, Dave Ramsey's "Momentum," (p. 27) where he shares the formula for lasting success, and Derek Siver's "Passion," (p. 51) on finding it in everyday moment.

This is a great ebook that stimulates personal reflection.

The Turning Tide on Abortion?

Pro-lifers have always argued that abortion is a grievous act that not only takes the life of a human being (Psalm 139), but also brings with it enormously negative psychological and spiritual consequences. Now, that reality is being acknowledged in a surprisingly candid article by pro-choice advocate Jennifer Senior in New York magazine.

In "Just How Pro-Choice is America, Really?" Senior explains how the nation has consistently opposed abortion since Roe vs. Wade, how advances in technology have fortified the pro-life arguments, and--most importantly--how difficult it is for many pro-choicers to emotionally come to terms with this gruesome procedure.

As the Congress debates whether to permit abortion coverage as part of the monstrosity of nationalized health care, may Senior's article persuade more pro-choice advocates like Abby Johnson to decide, "I can't do this anymore."

HT: Albert Mohler and Vitamin Z

The Who Concert Tragedy 30 Years Later

Typically, if you asked me what I was doing 30 years ago, I couldn't tell you, but I could today because this is the 30th anniversary of the Who concert tragedy in Cincinnati.

I was a high school senior attending the show with my friend Janet. We went out to eat beforehand, arrived late before the show's start, and entered the coliseum through a different set of doors than the one where the deaths occurred.

Janet and I had no idea what happened until after the show. The concert went on as normal because the Who wasn't even told what happened until afterwards. Officials were concerned that if the show was cancelled, a riot would have started.

As we were walking out, someone approached us and said, "Did you hear a bunch of people got killed tonight?" I said, "Really? Wow!" I turned to my friend and said, "Did you hear that? He must be drunk." Outside the coliseum on the plaza, television trucks of the local stations were filming departing concert goers with their big flood lights. I said to my friend, "They must be here because the Who is so famous."

It wasn't until we got in the car, turned on WEBN, and heard the dire concern of the disc jockey's voice, that we finally realized what happened. The announcer said, "If you've been at the show, please call your family right away and let them know you're safe." So we drove to a phone booth and called our families. My mother was worried sick. My younger sisters were crying. And that's when it finally dawned on this shallow teenager that we were at a spot of a tragedy.

Initial reports described the deaths as a stampede, implying that fault rested with the concert goers. But further investigation would show that the real fault rested with coliseum officials who didn't open up a sufficient number of doors for a sold out crowd.

WVXU has produced and an excellent radio special and the Cincinnati Enquirer has lots of stories and links about this tragic day, 30 years later.

A Pre-Halloween Story

This is a story I told my elementary aged daughter when she said her friends were teasing her for not being a witch on Halloween.

Once upon a time, in the throne room of heaven, there were two little angels. One of them, from the kingdom of light, always lived there. The other, from the kingdom of darkness, was a demon angel, and happened to wander by.

The little angel from the kingdom of darkness yelled, "I know what I'm going to dress up as when I go down to earth to see the children on Halloween night!" The angel who lived in the throne room sighed and thought, "I know. I know. He'll probably be a witch, or a monster, or maybe a wrapped up mummy."

And then the demon angel boasted, "And I got the idea from all of you!"

This declaration troubled the little angel of light and also made him curious because the little angel wore the very same costume every year. It's not that the little angel wasn't creative, it's just that he enjoyed his costume that much. He so much enjoyed showing his costume to the children of the earth. What was the little angel from the kingdom of light on Halloween? He was a voice--a still small voice that liked to whisper the quiet assuring words of God's love, peace, and presence.

The demon angel then cried out, "This year for Halloween, I'm going to be a loud voice! I'm going to going to be the loud voice that accuses people, teases people, and makes people scared. No doubt, they'll listen to me! Because they won't be able to ignore my big loud sounds!" And then the little demon angel proudly said, "Thanks for the idea angel goody two shoes. Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Now this bit of news was truly worrisome. And the little angel thought about the children of earth and wondered, "Will my small voice still be good enough?

My Stock Phrase

Whenever people call into Dave Ramsey's popular financial advise radio show, their first question is often, "how are you?" and Dave's always answers, "Better than I deserve." It's a great stock phrase.

A stock phrase is a witty saying used often. It gets people thinking and spices up a conversation. Best of all, it doesn't take much effort on your part because its your standard line.

So here's my stock phrase. I've been using it for several years. It frequently gets a reaction. Whenever people ask, "What do you know?" or "How are you?" I reply:

"I'm fine, because God still loves me."

Yes, if you know me, be amazed, God still loves me. If you don't know me that well, trust me on this one.

John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 testify to God's persistent, never ending love toward all people. God loves because he created us. God loved us by sending his son Jesus to cover over our sin guilt. God loves us by offering the free gift of salvation. God loves us by giving us a new life in Christ. And still loves us when we trip up, mess up, and screw up.

God still loves me. And you too.

Tree House

Mr. Non-Builder here, who is fortunate to make a living with his mouth instead of his hands, actually built a tree house for the kids this past weekend.

The project started long ago with the persistent pestering of my daughter Valerie (pictured in center). For months, she begged for a tree house. When she found a free pile of old barn wood, the project was underway.

I did get some much needed help! Thanks to Jerome (for wood), Jeff (for circular saw and level), Jake (for 4 1/2 hours of help and advise), and Mark at Rice County Builders (for help and advise on the ladder).

Yes, I am proud of myself. And the kids are excited.

Links to the Intergoogle 8/8/09

10 ways parents can help children get involved in the arts.

A good interview with pro-life advocate and thoughtful author Scott Klusendorf

Chuck Colson writes why same-sex marriage and religious liberty can't coexist--just look at how the courts are deciding such cases already.

Fighting to keep slavery out of Kansas--again. An article exposing the 2009 version of slavery.

I'm seeing U2 in Norman, OK in October. Can't wait! The stage will be incredible. Here's the set list for the first night of the tour--June 30 in Spain.

Check out this new topical search vehicle: Alltop

Take a minute and watch how AAA baseball player Josh Womack swings a bat.

Evangelism Or Vandalism?

Spiritual Battle Quote

"Being a Christian does not mean there is no more battle. It means we have a strategic point of attack in the battle. The battle position of the Christian is victory, joy, and abundance. The Lord expects us to do no more than to welcome His assistance."

Corrie ten Boom
Don't Wrestle, Just Nestle
p. 50

An Afternoon at Prairie Dunes CC

After walking in the gallery at the 2002 women's US Open and the 2006 men's Senior US Open at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas, it was my great privilege on Thursday afternoon to actually play the course myself.

Pictured is yours truly getting ready to tee off the famous # 8 hole. After hitting a perfect tee shot and approach shot just short of the green, I ended up taking a 6. That's Prairie Dunes. The right touch is required around the greens, which are protected by rising inclines.

My score? 102. Worst score of the year, but definitely the best experience!

Thank you Milt and Kevin for the opportunity!

Mike Roe and Michael Miller

About 30 people came out Wednesday night to see, in the words of Mike Roe, "the only concert in town" featuring Roe and opening act Michael Miller.

$299 in free will offerings was given to the family of Gavin Schlatter, a seven year old boy dealing with a long term illness.

Roe performed songs from his new release, "We All Gonna Face the Rising Sun," a collection of obscure, old-time gospel songs. He also played tunes from the latest 77s release and material from the Lost Dogs.

And in the "most unusual moment of the evening," Michael Miller was nearly arrested by Little River's police officer, when he entered the Senior Center to arrest a Michael Miller--just not the Michael Miller who came to perform.

My thanks to the Congregational Church and Linda Miller for making the evening a reality!

Michael Roe Benefit Concert July 29

Singer, songwriter, and versatile guitarist Michael Roe, along with opening performer Michael Miller, will perform a benefit concert on Wednesday evening, July 29, 7:30pm, at the Sr. Center stage, 220 Main St., Little River, Kansas.

The free will offering will benefit the family of Gavin Schlatter, a seven year old boy suffering from a long term illness.

Roe (The 77’s, The Lost Dogs) is an autumnal, bluesy, introspective kind of guy who is a master on any guitar put in his hands. Vocally and stylistically he spans the years from Chuck Berry, to Elvis Presley, to Johnny Cash, to Neil Young, to Art Garfunkel.

His new release, "We All Gonna Face the Rising Sun" pays tribute to the raw old-time gospel performers from the turn of the century, like Blind Willie Johnson, Charlie Patton and Lead Belly. "I listened to hundreds of songs to come up with these," he says of the 11 tracks on Rising Sun. "It's one thing to like a song, but quite another to feel it, and to feel like I can pull off performing it with some kind of authenticity."

Roe can cover any genre and any style without skipping a beat. He is an all-things-to-all men guitarist/vocalist for the rootsy, collaborative group the Lost Dogs. Regardless of the hat he is wearing, Michael Roe has, over the course of his 25+ years as a national recording artist, delivered well-crafted songs and lyrics to his audience.

Michael Miller is out on the road supporting his second album, "I Made You Up." Bringing together a peculiar mixture of influences ranging from songwriter Steve Forbert to Supertramp to David Bowie, Miller lures listeners with stories of ordinary lives in familiar and far away places. "I just love getting lost, literally, in strange lands, hanging with the locals, the natives, and seeing how they live. It's sort of like soul mining. I get to go dig for beauty and truth in other people's backyards and the discoveries and treasure-finds typically end up in my songs in some way."

Michael Roe has carved out a body of work that is broad, deep, well regarded and much acclaimed. On a personal note, I've been a fan of Mike's for more than 20 years. I'm pleased to welcome him back to small town America.

Earlier, this show required the purchase of tickets, but the Little River Congregational Church has graciously covered the expenses of the performers.

Go Tom Watson!

Tom Watson is nearly 60 years old, yet after three rounds he's leading the British Open, one of the world's most prestigious golf tournaments.

Watson, a Kansas native, played in the 2006 US Senior Open at Prairie Dunes Country Club in nearby Hutchinson. I snapped this photo of Watson on # 2 during a practice round.

If Watson can win the Open on Sunday, it would be one of sports' astounding feats. Go Tom!

History Repeats Itself

Check out this cartoon that was created during President Franklin Roosevelt's time.

It was inspired by painting "The Sower" from J.F. Millet (1814-1875).

Does not history repeat itself?

My Rote Prayer

The other day my wife and I were praying with one of our kids before bed. The kids still say the rote, "Now I lay me down to sleep" and so to teach them to pray beyond that, my wife invites the kids to go further by prodding them, "Say something special."

Valerie, my middle child, then said a short prayer that I often say with the kids at breakfast. The kids have heard this prayer from me regularly, but yesterday was the first time I actually heard one of the kids say it themselves. It goes something like this. Call it Ted's rote prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for this brand new day. Thank you for all the things we're going to see, do, and learn. Help us to love you and obey you. Help us to love and obey our parents and our teachers. (A sentence about any particular need). We pray in Jesus name, Amen."

And that's my prayer for you today.