My $11,000 Home

Last night, while checking my iPhone's trusty and fun history app, I was stunned to learn how the USA took possession of my hometown, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

In the 1825 Treaty of St Louis, the Shawnee Nation ceded Cape Girardeau to the USA for $11,000. The USA also gave the Shawnees five years of unlimited access to a blacksmith shop, promising to provide all tools and 300 pounds of iron annually.

The transaction achieved not only a real estate purpose. "Moreover, peace and friendship between the two nations were renewed and perpetuated," according to Wikipedia.

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The Perfect Gift

I think Ruth has done it.  She has purchased for me the perfect gift, the present of a lifetime.  As you know I am cold all the time.  I think it's blood thinner, but the medical people say no.  My second explanation is the "Rabbit ears theory" (another blog for another day).

What has Ruth bought me?  Brace yourself.  An electric coat.  Yep you plug it in and its battery will run for six hours.  There's even a place where I can plug in my iPhone to recharge it.  Is this not the greatest gift idea you ever heard?

I have only one reservation.  I never thought of it till my grandson Caleb mentioned it.  He asked, "Will it short-circuit in the rain?"  Ooh.  Ouch.  Great question. I'll keep you posted.

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KJV

I have only the book of Malachi to read to complete my annual Bible reading discipline. This is, I think, my second time to read the entire King James Version. All other years since 1976 I have read the New American Standard or Holman Bibles.

I grew up with the KJV. It will always be "my" Bible, but I can see where it could be difficult for many. I struggled in some places to understand meanings, especially in the Minor Prophets and in places describing the Temple and sacrificial offerings.

I think I will return to the NAS for 2012, but let it be known, I fully understand the significance of the KJV. It stands alone in English history. It is by far the most important book ever written in our language. I'm grateful for its 400 years of influence.

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Pujols Is Gone

I'm sad.  Pujols will be a Cardinal no longer.  I'm not as devastated as you might think I would be.  I did not crumple to the ground in a fetal position and start sucking my thumb.

For one thing, I think he did what any of us would have done.  Could we turn down a quarter of a billion dollars to play baseball?  I doubt it.

I'm also glad he is going to the American League.  Being a designated hitter could extend his career by three or four years.  The pesky injuries that bother him from time to time will probably be less of an irritant.

Finally, I don't think anyone can be upset at Cardinals management.  A quarter of a billion dollars could have sunk our ship in the long run.

I feel it has worked out for the best all around. I will miss Albert, but wish him nothing but the very best.

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Turning 60

Later this month I will turn 60. I'm ready. I feel this next decade could be my most effective ten years in ministry. Maybe I've made enough mistakes along the way to keep me out of some future ditches.

I'm generally a bit pessimistic about life in general. I find that pessimists discover life to be full of pleasant surprises. But for right now, I actually feel optimistic. Scary.

Lauri Newlin, our Ladies Minister at Second, gave me a great quote someone shared with her once. "Be careful not to spoil the number of days God has given you by regretting they are so many." Amen.

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