2008 will be one of the longest years of our lives. It is a leap year, having 366 days, and tonight will be given a leap second. At 11:59:59 tonight an extra second will be added on to the astronomical clock to keep our calendar closely aligned with Earth’s slowing spin on its axis. If you have a few extra chores you need to finish before 2009, this is your chance.
I read an item in the paper I hope Jake and Millie never hear about. It would offend them. The paper said it is natural for dogs to have stinky feet. I agree with this, but feel sorry for the unlucky guy who did the research. Evidently this canine problem is made worse by much bathing. It disrupts the natural bacterial ratio on the skin. Once a month is the suggested bathing regimen to help dogs with smelly feet. Does this mean my feet will smell better if I shower only once a month?
What are your New Years resolutions? Mine are to read the entire Bible, lose weight, and be a better dog owner. I’m 33% optimistic about my chances of success.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Casey's Party is Over
It’s a sad day. My Cowboys went down in ignominious, yea downright embarrassing, defeat yesterday. Their season is over. No play-offs this year.
I’m reminded of two songs. One, Casey at the Bat. It was a sad day in Mudville when Casey struck out. My Cowboys are now of his ilk. Two, Turn Out the Lights; the Party’s Over. Don Meredith used to sing this on Monday Night Football when it was obvious the game was lost. I feel we should all sing a chorus of it over the Cowboys this year.
I guess I should change my NFL affections to another team. Maybe Kansas City. Uh oh. I don’t think so. They won only two games all season. Maybe St. Louis. No way. They also won only two games this year. Maybe Chicago. Nope. Ingested too much anti-Chicago sentiment when I lived in St. Louis. Detroit? No. They lost all 16 games this year.
I’m truly in a quandary. Maybe I should stick with the Cowboys but then have as my second and third favorites whatever teams are winning big that year. Hey. That’s a workable plan. I think I can do this. “Cowboys plus two” is my new football motto.
I’m reminded of two songs. One, Casey at the Bat. It was a sad day in Mudville when Casey struck out. My Cowboys are now of his ilk. Two, Turn Out the Lights; the Party’s Over. Don Meredith used to sing this on Monday Night Football when it was obvious the game was lost. I feel we should all sing a chorus of it over the Cowboys this year.
I guess I should change my NFL affections to another team. Maybe Kansas City. Uh oh. I don’t think so. They won only two games all season. Maybe St. Louis. No way. They also won only two games this year. Maybe Chicago. Nope. Ingested too much anti-Chicago sentiment when I lived in St. Louis. Detroit? No. They lost all 16 games this year.
I’m truly in a quandary. Maybe I should stick with the Cowboys but then have as my second and third favorites whatever teams are winning big that year. Hey. That’s a workable plan. I think I can do this. “Cowboys plus two” is my new football motto.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Breakfast Variety
My son-in-law Nathan gave me a very thoughtful Christmas present: a box full of breakfast goodies: salsa, pickles, lemons, Granny Smith apples. I’ve been indulging myself out of it the last three mornings.
John and I are still competing, on a race to 200 pounds. Did I say race? I would be more accurate to say slow crawl. I think I’m winning at this point, but not by much. I’ll keep you posted.
Ben Pilgreen will preach all our services this morning. His dad is in town. I look forward to meeting him. I’ve heard a lot of great things about him. One thing is for sure: he raised a fine son.
Humor helps. Gifts I could have bought Jake and Millie for Christmas. Absorbent Piddle Pads (to absorb you know what) cost only $15. Automatic Aerosol Deodorizer costs $40. Clean Away Stain Remover, which removes everything your dog leaves behind (and I do mean everything), is only $8. Next year I will encourage Jake and Millie to write a letter to Santa Paws. Sorry. I couldn’t resist.
John and I are still competing, on a race to 200 pounds. Did I say race? I would be more accurate to say slow crawl. I think I’m winning at this point, but not by much. I’ll keep you posted.
Ben Pilgreen will preach all our services this morning. His dad is in town. I look forward to meeting him. I’ve heard a lot of great things about him. One thing is for sure: he raised a fine son.
Humor helps. Gifts I could have bought Jake and Millie for Christmas. Absorbent Piddle Pads (to absorb you know what) cost only $15. Automatic Aerosol Deodorizer costs $40. Clean Away Stain Remover, which removes everything your dog leaves behind (and I do mean everything), is only $8. Next year I will encourage Jake and Millie to write a letter to Santa Paws. Sorry. I couldn’t resist.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Continued
After time with Nathan, Rebekah, Ian, and Lilly Ruth, the five of us headed to St. Louis to spend two hours celebrating Christmas with my family. We had a houseful at Mom and Dad’s. We sang carols in two languages, English and American Sign Language. As always, we read the Christmas story in Luke 2. Dad chooses who gets to read it. This year he chose Caleb. Way to go, Dad.
We had a huge meal, loved on each other a lot, and then the five of us headed home. We couldn’t stay longer because John had to work the next day. We arrived home at 9:30 p.m., exhausted and exhilarated. I think we are all content with this year’s Christmas.
Humor helps. Double meaning headlines. Include your children when baking cookies (ouch!). Something went wrong in jet crash, expert says (he’s probably right). Police begin campaign to run down jaywalkers (overreaction?). Safety experts say school bus passengers should be belted (a bit too harsh, don’t you think?).
We had a huge meal, loved on each other a lot, and then the five of us headed home. We couldn’t stay longer because John had to work the next day. We arrived home at 9:30 p.m., exhausted and exhilarated. I think we are all content with this year’s Christmas.
Humor helps. Double meaning headlines. Include your children when baking cookies (ouch!). Something went wrong in jet crash, expert says (he’s probably right). Police begin campaign to run down jaywalkers (overreaction?). Safety experts say school bus passengers should be belted (a bit too harsh, don’t you think?).
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas 2008
I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine was. Having 2542 attend on Christmas Eve got things going the right direction. It is impressive to see that many candles burning at one time. We individually shine for Jesus like a spotlight, but collectively we shine like a floodlight.
On Christmas morning Ruth, John, Caleb, Sam and I left the house at 9:30 a.m. We drove to celebrate Christmas with Nathan, Rebekah, Ian, and Lilly Ruth. At the height of the festivities, Ian, who was totally surrounded by a pile of toys, dropped one of his figurines, and said, “Where’s my toy?” We all looked at the mountain of toys around him. Rebekah broke the silence. “You will have to be more specific.” We all cracked up.
The Christmas gift of the year was to me from Rebekah. She had my first year of blogs transcribed into a book, fully illustrated with pictures she collected. I had to fight with all my might to keep from crying out loud. I was totally stunned. I read it on the way to St. Louis. It was a holiday stroll down memory lane. I’ll share more Christmas thoughts tomorrow.
On Christmas morning Ruth, John, Caleb, Sam and I left the house at 9:30 a.m. We drove to celebrate Christmas with Nathan, Rebekah, Ian, and Lilly Ruth. At the height of the festivities, Ian, who was totally surrounded by a pile of toys, dropped one of his figurines, and said, “Where’s my toy?” We all looked at the mountain of toys around him. Rebekah broke the silence. “You will have to be more specific.” We all cracked up.
The Christmas gift of the year was to me from Rebekah. She had my first year of blogs transcribed into a book, fully illustrated with pictures she collected. I had to fight with all my might to keep from crying out loud. I was totally stunned. I read it on the way to St. Louis. It was a holiday stroll down memory lane. I’ll share more Christmas thoughts tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Race to 200
My son and I are racing toward 200. Having lost a lot of weight, he’s down to 218. Having found a lot of the weight he lost, I’m up to 214. We are going to race downhill till Super Bowl Sunday. Have we made a wager? No. We are both too competitive to need anything like that to motivate us. The game is on. Someone who weighs less than 200 said they are also heading toward 200 at breakneck speed (not good).
It’s Christmas Eve. Tonight we will have the largest single service crowd we’ve had all year here at Second. I never have fully understood the Christmas Eve service mystique. We never had Christmas Eve services in my boyhood church. It’s a tradition that never caught hold deep inside me.
Humor helps. Caleb and Ruth gave Jake and Millie their Christmas presents early. The dogs now have huge cushiony dog pillows to sleep on. This not only provides comfort but also allows them to sink down into the pillows and stay warmer. I think Jake and Millie said thanks, in their own doggy way.
It’s Christmas Eve. Tonight we will have the largest single service crowd we’ve had all year here at Second. I never have fully understood the Christmas Eve service mystique. We never had Christmas Eve services in my boyhood church. It’s a tradition that never caught hold deep inside me.
Humor helps. Caleb and Ruth gave Jake and Millie their Christmas presents early. The dogs now have huge cushiony dog pillows to sleep on. This not only provides comfort but also allows them to sink down into the pillows and stay warmer. I think Jake and Millie said thanks, in their own doggy way.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Birthday 57
Today I am 57, three times older than when I proposed to Ruth on my nineteenth birthday. On birthday 16 I got my drivers license, and left the house on my own for the first time. I left with $40 I had made preaching that year, and came home with 40 cents, plus Christmas gifts for my parents, sister, and brother. The Lord’s Supper picture I bought for Mom and Dad still hangs in their living room.
On birthday 34 Ruth and I started a church. John and Rebekah worked hard to help us get that work started. They were 11 and 9. I date the beginning of their years of working in church from that event. On birthday 43 John and Jana were wed at East Side Baptist Church in Fort Smith AR. What momentous event will take place today? We’ll see. I can tell you this for sure. I am, of all men, most blessed. Living with Ruth is an everyday birthday gift.
We had all the grandchildren at our house last night. Life is good. We watched the movie Wall-e. It is a classic movie about the importance of friendship.
Humor helps. True gaffs from 2008. A man tried to rob a bank using his thumb and finger to simulate a gun; he failed to keep his hand in his pocket. Detectives asked the men in a lineup to repeat, “Give me your money or I’ll shoot.” One of the men immediately shouted, “That not what I said!”
On birthday 34 Ruth and I started a church. John and Rebekah worked hard to help us get that work started. They were 11 and 9. I date the beginning of their years of working in church from that event. On birthday 43 John and Jana were wed at East Side Baptist Church in Fort Smith AR. What momentous event will take place today? We’ll see. I can tell you this for sure. I am, of all men, most blessed. Living with Ruth is an everyday birthday gift.
We had all the grandchildren at our house last night. Life is good. We watched the movie Wall-e. It is a classic movie about the importance of friendship.
Humor helps. True gaffs from 2008. A man tried to rob a bank using his thumb and finger to simulate a gun; he failed to keep his hand in his pocket. Detectives asked the men in a lineup to repeat, “Give me your money or I’ll shoot.” One of the men immediately shouted, “That not what I said!”
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Music Music Music
Christmas music will fill the air today at Second. We have three identical services this morning (8:00, 9:30, 11:00) in which we will celebrate the birth of God. I have been allotted ten minutes to preach in each service. I can’t promise absolute compliance with this limit, but I will be close. Merry Christmas.
In the past decade, one of my biggest sports disappointments has been my beloved Dallas Cowboys. It seems they are once again fading at the end of the season. My regard for the Cowboys goes all the way back to Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, etc.
My mother-in-law got me hooked on the Cowboys. Tom Landry reminded her of her dad. She became fascinated with Staubach. She mispronounced his last name. She called him Starbuck. He was always a super-hero to her. After he retired, whenever the Cowboys didn’t do well, she would repeat the same line over and over, “They need Starbuck back.”
One of my prize possessions is the Dallas Cowboys garbage can she bequeathed me. It sits proudly next to my study desk at home. When I look at it, I think of Mrs. Huey, and of Dallas Cowboys glory days gone by. They need Starbuck back.
In the past decade, one of my biggest sports disappointments has been my beloved Dallas Cowboys. It seems they are once again fading at the end of the season. My regard for the Cowboys goes all the way back to Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, etc.
My mother-in-law got me hooked on the Cowboys. Tom Landry reminded her of her dad. She became fascinated with Staubach. She mispronounced his last name. She called him Starbuck. He was always a super-hero to her. After he retired, whenever the Cowboys didn’t do well, she would repeat the same line over and over, “They need Starbuck back.”
One of my prize possessions is the Dallas Cowboys garbage can she bequeathed me. It sits proudly next to my study desk at home. When I look at it, I think of Mrs. Huey, and of Dallas Cowboys glory days gone by. They need Starbuck back.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
56 and 363/365
Today I am 56 and 363/365 years old. I love to do these kinds of things to mathematicians, since I am one myself. We do love to play with numbers.
I had a healthier breakfast today: a Granny Smith apple (my favorite apple) and two big dill pickles (I love pickles). Here in a little while I will take Ruth out for lunch. It will probably be a more balanced meal.
Tonight Ruth and I will take the moonlight tour at Wilsons Creek battlefield (it was postponed last week due to high winds). We will then spend a quiet evening with friends to celebrate Christmas.
I am working on sermons. I always hear them beckoning me in the background. They are the ever recurring craft of my trade.
Humor helps. Actual double meaning headlines. Enraged cow injures farmer with ax. Plane too close to ground, crash probe told. Miners refuse to work after death (the nerve). Juvenile Court to try shooting defendant (Let a jury decide). Stolen painting found by tree (Trees are our friends). Two sisters reunited after 18 years in checkout counter (They obviously did not use the self-help line. It’s faster).
I had a healthier breakfast today: a Granny Smith apple (my favorite apple) and two big dill pickles (I love pickles). Here in a little while I will take Ruth out for lunch. It will probably be a more balanced meal.
Tonight Ruth and I will take the moonlight tour at Wilsons Creek battlefield (it was postponed last week due to high winds). We will then spend a quiet evening with friends to celebrate Christmas.
I am working on sermons. I always hear them beckoning me in the background. They are the ever recurring craft of my trade.
Humor helps. Actual double meaning headlines. Enraged cow injures farmer with ax. Plane too close to ground, crash probe told. Miners refuse to work after death (the nerve). Juvenile Court to try shooting defendant (Let a jury decide). Stolen painting found by tree (Trees are our friends). Two sisters reunited after 18 years in checkout counter (They obviously did not use the self-help line. It’s faster).
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Condo
I am well. Ruth and I went to a condo in Branson. I read, rested, wrote, plus edited sermons. It was good to be away with my sweetie. This is as alone as I can do. If I’m by myself, I’m lonely. If I’m with Ruth, I’m alone. Figure that one out.
John is still eating oats for breakfast. He has even increased the amount a bit. My weight continues to rise. I have regained twenty of the fifty pounds I lost. The way I scarf food you would think I’m a starving man. Right now, if I see it I eat it. Food likes me. It sticks around once I invite it into my life. What’s the old saying? One second on the lips, one lifetime on the hips (or something like that).
I have a mountain of stuff waiting for me on my desk. Whenever I’m gone on vacation, don’t you think it would be only fair if all my workload also went on vacation? It seems the world goes along quite well without me. Depressing.
Humor helps. True story. A foot patrolman was assigned to guard an intersection where a snapped electric wire had fallen due to ice. For five hours, the man stood guard, with the temperature being nineteen degrees below zero. When a utility truck arrived, a lineman got out and started laughing. “Officer, congratulations. You have successfully guarded a frozen kite string all night.”
John is still eating oats for breakfast. He has even increased the amount a bit. My weight continues to rise. I have regained twenty of the fifty pounds I lost. The way I scarf food you would think I’m a starving man. Right now, if I see it I eat it. Food likes me. It sticks around once I invite it into my life. What’s the old saying? One second on the lips, one lifetime on the hips (or something like that).
I have a mountain of stuff waiting for me on my desk. Whenever I’m gone on vacation, don’t you think it would be only fair if all my workload also went on vacation? It seems the world goes along quite well without me. Depressing.
Humor helps. True story. A foot patrolman was assigned to guard an intersection where a snapped electric wire had fallen due to ice. For five hours, the man stood guard, with the temperature being nineteen degrees below zero. When a utility truck arrived, a lineman got out and started laughing. “Officer, congratulations. You have successfully guarded a frozen kite string all night.”
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Bad Weather Coming?
The Magi and I are ready to preach. The star is guiding, Bethlehem is beckoning, and the congregation is ready (I hope). This morning’s sermon should be fun.
Is bad weather really coming, or are we being set up for another letdown? Either way, I’m prepared. I have several sermons in my briefcase to edit, and lots of books to read at home. After the holidays, I have to preach on money and missions. Both topics require research. A storm might actually help me in this regard.
Humor helps. Wacky but actual headlines. Caskets found as workers demolish mausoleum (imagine that). Poison Control Center reminds everyone not to take poison (Whew! This warning came just in time. I’ve been admiring the rat poison box lately.). Agents raid gun shop, find weapons (You don’t mean it!). Statistics show teen pregnancy drops off significantly after age 25 (Wow. Brilliant.).
Is bad weather really coming, or are we being set up for another letdown? Either way, I’m prepared. I have several sermons in my briefcase to edit, and lots of books to read at home. After the holidays, I have to preach on money and missions. Both topics require research. A storm might actually help me in this regard.
Humor helps. Wacky but actual headlines. Caskets found as workers demolish mausoleum (imagine that). Poison Control Center reminds everyone not to take poison (Whew! This warning came just in time. I’ve been admiring the rat poison box lately.). Agents raid gun shop, find weapons (You don’t mean it!). Statistics show teen pregnancy drops off significantly after age 25 (Wow. Brilliant.).
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Bagwell Light Show
I took my grandson Sam to see a synchronized lights/music display last night. He loved it. It’s the Bagwell families’ two-house display on Cambridge, just off Lustre north of Battlefield Road. The whole scene is riveting and flawless, with only one drawback: traffic. It was congested, to say the least.
As I was leaving I saw a huge stretch limo pulling into line to see the show. I always wonder who is in those things–the President, Secretary of State, Superman, Batman, Larry Boy, etc. I’ve never been in a stretch limo. Must be nice.
I’m getting myself all pumped up to ring the Salvation Army bell at 11 a.m. Tonight Ruth and I are taking the candlelight tour at Wilson Creek Battle Field, and then heading to the Pilgreens for supper. What a day. I love it.
Humor helps. Actual headlines. Alton attorney accidentally sues himself. County to pay $250,000 to advertise lack of funds (tax dollars at work). Volunteers search for old Civil War planes (we thought the Wright brothers flew first). Army camouflage vehicle disappears (duh?).
As I was leaving I saw a huge stretch limo pulling into line to see the show. I always wonder who is in those things–the President, Secretary of State, Superman, Batman, Larry Boy, etc. I’ve never been in a stretch limo. Must be nice.
I’m getting myself all pumped up to ring the Salvation Army bell at 11 a.m. Tonight Ruth and I are taking the candlelight tour at Wilson Creek Battle Field, and then heading to the Pilgreens for supper. What a day. I love it.
Humor helps. Actual headlines. Alton attorney accidentally sues himself. County to pay $250,000 to advertise lack of funds (tax dollars at work). Volunteers search for old Civil War planes (we thought the Wright brothers flew first). Army camouflage vehicle disappears (duh?).
Friday, December 12, 2008
Grand Germs
Grandparenting is wonderful. We share life, love, toys, and time with grandchildren. We also share their germs. Ruthie is under the weather a bit, but she doesn’t mind. She feels it’s a small price to pay to be a grandmother. Can you catch a cold from a dog?
Tomorrow I will ring the Salvation Army bell at the mall. It’s one of the most fun things I do at Christmastime. I love to open doors for people, and crack jokes. I especially like it when someone recognizes me and says with shock, “Dr. Marshall?” What a hoot. They act surprised to see me in this role.
It’s Friday. Sunday is fast approaching. Sermon work is calling me. Pray for me this weekend.
Humor helps. A pharmacy student used a sample pill bottle label as a bookmark in his chemistry textbook; the label read, “May cause drowsiness”. Scientists have finally figured out what’s wrong with mankind. The left half of our brains has nothing right in it; the right half has nothing left in it.
Tomorrow I will ring the Salvation Army bell at the mall. It’s one of the most fun things I do at Christmastime. I love to open doors for people, and crack jokes. I especially like it when someone recognizes me and says with shock, “Dr. Marshall?” What a hoot. They act surprised to see me in this role.
It’s Friday. Sunday is fast approaching. Sermon work is calling me. Pray for me this weekend.
Humor helps. A pharmacy student used a sample pill bottle label as a bookmark in his chemistry textbook; the label read, “May cause drowsiness”. Scientists have finally figured out what’s wrong with mankind. The left half of our brains has nothing right in it; the right half has nothing left in it.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Millie Bit Ruth
I was in Jefferson City the last two days for the Executive Board Meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention. I’m appreciating the state convention more. There are at the Baptist Building a lot of dedicated people doing a good job serving our Lord. Dr. Tolliver is to be commended for his effective leadership of them.
One major highlight of the meeting was Dr. Kenison’s Missouri Baptist Children’s Home report. The Home will have over 700 children in its facilities to provide Christmas presents for. Dr. Kenison said Missouri Baptists have always been abundantly generous in meeting the Christmas needs of the children under the watch care of the Home. Hurray. Way to go, Missouri Baptists.
Millie bit Ruth. It was an accident. Ruth decided to give Jake and Millie left over ham. They enjoyed the first bite so much that they went berserk, jumping, barking, yelping, lunging at Ruth’s hand to get more ham. Millie got too close. No damage, though. No broken skin. Just two deliriously happy dogs and one very happy wife, glad she could bring Christmas cheer to Jake and Millie. Huh?
One major highlight of the meeting was Dr. Kenison’s Missouri Baptist Children’s Home report. The Home will have over 700 children in its facilities to provide Christmas presents for. Dr. Kenison said Missouri Baptists have always been abundantly generous in meeting the Christmas needs of the children under the watch care of the Home. Hurray. Way to go, Missouri Baptists.
Millie bit Ruth. It was an accident. Ruth decided to give Jake and Millie left over ham. They enjoyed the first bite so much that they went berserk, jumping, barking, yelping, lunging at Ruth’s hand to get more ham. Millie got too close. No damage, though. No broken skin. Just two deliriously happy dogs and one very happy wife, glad she could bring Christmas cheer to Jake and Millie. Huh?
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