Sunday, July 27, 2008

I didn't last a day




Less than one day into ICAD and I'm already wearing my soccer sports slides with skirts - pitiful isn't it?




But such is life - I never did do very well with the heels worn by the drug company reps and the Europeans!






All I can say is it's going to be a long, long week!

74 comments:

NaNcY said...

i would not last an hour..sitting down!

lorenzothellama said...

Sandles are much nicer, cooler and don't root (as Simon would say) your Achilles tendon like high heels do. I hate high heels and prefer to slop about in flip flops (or thongs, Simon again) or my MBTs or my lovely Merrils!

Two posts up since I last visited. Well done you!

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

I tried regular sandals today and they blistered the bottom of my feet in like an hour - so I changed back - maybe it will be flip-flops tomorrow because even the slides hurt now!

simon said...

yes I have a ballerina friend who just broke her ankle wearing European "killer" boots in Paris whilst stepping off a tram...


Hey Donsands:- Even if you are a global warming skeptic surly you must agree that if we can reduce our consumption ( i.e greed..and America is No1 in the greed/consumption stakes) then that is a good thing??

I would prefer to take global warming seriously, reduce consumption, be kinder to the environment, than to say "oh.. its nonsense" therefore I am entitled to drive My F150 pick up or Hummer, eat 10 cheese burgers, 4 Krispy Kream donuts, super size coke and have a shot of insulin to steady my diabetic body whilst I burn all the coal I can to keep the lights burning and house warm.... .....

Ted M. Gossard said...

I have to wear these real heavy clods which do protect my ankles which is good, and do provide some support for my heels, even though I got them at Payless, or at least on sale cheaply somewhere.

But I do sympathize with you, especially if you have to be heavy on your feet all day. Blisters can be a pain then, and hopefully you'll heal soon.

Simon,
I think you put it well. I do think we're cutting back over here, though we need to do so more. Not just more drilling, but we need to explore other sources of energy. If McCain can even dream of getting my vote (if I vote for a candidate for president at all), he's going to have to say more than just drill more. Which is a change in his position, maybe reflecting a change of mind, and not just political.

But I think Don is right to be sceptical to some extent, as those on the left over here can talk a good talk and walk a lame walk. :)

simon said...

hey thanks Ted.. We can ALL do more to be less greedy

Al Gors home was tested and apparently he was sprung using enough power for 4 average homes...

Like Jesus he should walk the walk- not just talk the talk....

donsands said...

" ..then that is a good thing??" Simon

I try to be moderate in things I do. And I try to live within my means, but...
"the flesh is weak", but at least the Lord made my spirit willing.

There are 30% of the top scientist that disagree with the 56% of scientist, who agree with global warming is being caused by humans.

The greatest cause of GHG are Volcanoes.
I'm reading and learning. Most people simply listen to people on TV, like Gore, and say to themselves, "Wow! I didn't know that."
Similar to people who listen to politicians, and faith healers, and also those crazy WWF, or WWE wrestling people.

I love to hear the truth spoken, and also the facts.

Have a good evening.

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

OK now Simon - you just need to back away from the Krispy Kremes! Those are Southern favorites from my childhood (if you don't believe me, check my hips - they may still be there!)

Poor ballerina!!!!!! How awful that must be - I hope she heals well AND quickly!!!! Last time I broke a foot it was 6 months - crutches, surgery, wheelchair, etc before it ever healed. Now it just has a bunch of metal holding one of the bones together! Hopefully she is young and strong and will heal quite quickly!

lorenzothellama said...

Krispy Kremes? You should all be eating lentils.

Seattle Boy said...

The difficulty with trying to form an opinion about controversial topics like global warming based on the popular media is that they are not unbiased. They have a sensationalist slant and aim to give the public what they want to hear. They take a stance and create "camps" into which individuals become identified for the most arbitrary of reasons. Once identified in a particular "camp" (e.g. believer or sceptic) one becomes as entrenched as supporters of the Seattle Seahawks or the Columbus Redsox. Or Christians or Muslims.

The only way out of this conundrum is to forsake the popular media and go back to the original reports of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). May I respectfully suggest that you all cast aside your present opinions (which may amount to no more than prejudices) and read the report in its entirety. You can find it here.

Thank you.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Seattle Boy,
Great report I'd imagine, but over 200 pages! Can you give us a summary of what it says? I think the general scientific consensus is that humans probably contribute signficantly to what's going on.

And though I'm leaning towards Obama, with the possibility of not voing for either him or McCain, I do like what I read McCain said recently. If he is wrong on humans contributing green house gases to global warming, with such global intitiatives, at least we could leave earth to future generations, or the next generation, a cleaner planet. Good in that, certainly.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Simon,
You're welcome!
Yes, I guess Al Gore has been cleaning up his act, a bit. His case and scenario is on the extreme end of that, of course, and it's kind of like a populist take on what most scientists agree is a matter of concern.

I do tend to be a bit mixed on this, myself, but would readily concur that we need to clean up the planet. Why should pregnant women have to worry about eating certain fish? Does not speak well for human stewardship of the earth, for sure, surely.

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

No Llama - Krispy Kremes were made by God Himself, I promise - they melt in your mouth (well, when they are hot they do) and cause euphoria!

Lentils, on the other hand, not sure where they came from - not bad for sure - but compared with KKs - oh my gosh! How could one ever compare.

Now you're making me wonder how long it's been since I've even had a KK!

simon said...

oh! I do not eat krispy Kreams URGH YUK oh!!!!!!

Don sands- thank goodness for you! you are weak?- jesus was not. 40 days and nights without food or water- thats a tough guy in the physical...AND spiritual


Susan- yes she is on calcium supliment and has plates and screws in the ankle so it is serious!

Seattle Boy said...

Mr Gossard: You make my point for me very eloquently. The report, being so long and technical, is a document that may properly be understood by those appropriately trained, with a suitable knowledge and background, especially in mathematics. The popular media may pick out bits here and there, not necessarily untrue, but out of context, in order to make some point (for or against).

The report doesn't reach a firm decision, it deals in probabilities (as usual in science). It concludes that there is a probability of 0.9 (i.e. 90%) that man-made greenhouse emissions are responsible for the observed climate change. Obviously, there remains a 10% likelihood that they are not responsible.

By any standards that is high level of confidence in scientific terms. How would you feel about getting into plane for which engineers judged there was a 10% likelihood of it surviving the flight?

Seattle Boy said...

We have an unlimited supply doughnuts on board but not Krispy Kremes.

lorenzothellama said...

I find Seatle Boy's remarks brilliant, if a tad arrogant.

Well done S.Boy. I am very interested to know what other delicacies you have on board apart from doughnuts?

Susan: What are Krispy Kremes exactly, apart from being made by God?! Can you describe one.

Seattle Boy said...

Mr Gossard, Oh Obama will get my vote. If McCain thinks that Pakistan and Iran share a common birder (as he claimed in a recent interview) there is no way he knows anything about foreign policy. He seems to me to be an ignorant warmonger.

donsands said...

"It concludes that there is a probability of 0.9 (i.e. 90%) that man-made greenhouse emissions "

I've read where volcanoes are the major cause for GHG's, and humans are 10% the cause.

Who's telling the truth here? Gore is quite the politician, but a scientist?

I'll not trust some of these political agendas, whether they be left-wing, or right.

I have to put all my trust in Jesus Christ, and His death and resurrection; for He is strong, and all authority in heaven and earth are His.

Seattle Boy said...

Donsands: You are absolutely right not to trust the politicians. Please read the IPCC report in its entirety and then you will be able to speak in an authoritative manner.

Personally, I have found JC somewhat untrustworthy.

simon said...

isnt afganistan the border?

I would not vote for obama. it would reduce.. I dont trust him....

Ted M. Gossard said...

Simon,
I have to say at this point that I'm not enthused for either Obama or McCain. May be partly me, but also seeing as many years of politics here of which I'm weary of. And I think both the religious left and religious right have unfounded hope in politics. It has its limits.

Of course I'm opposed to abortion, but there is going to have to be a bipartisan effort, I think, if over here we're to cut back and hopefully completely out, abortions. And a change of heart, really, in our nation.

But I can't just vote on one issue, nor even on that issue can I think that rhetoric over supreme court justices and overturning Roe v Wade so as to turn it back to the states, is enough. It isn't.

But there is way too much confidence and waste of time, as I see it, over allegiance to political parties here. But that is changing. Both need to be held accountable, and both need change- as I see it. Sorry to sound so gloomy here, but with Don Sands I agree, my hope is in the Lord, not in America or any politician.

But we've sure gotten off the foot wear issue. And I'm glad to be out of my heavy clod work shoes for awhile, since I'm off from work for at least a few days- a needed vacation.

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

Hah - Lorenzo - it is a fried donut, light as a feather, glazed in some kind of spun sugar - best when eaten hot. They originated in the south when I was a young girl - the only thing good about them is the taste - they cannot possibly be good for anyone - but they certainly taste good once in a while when fresh and hot!

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

Oh Simon - it's the foot that's held together with screws - not the ankle! Please don't tell them about all the othe pieces and parts I've had repaired!

Ted M. Gossard said...

One time I bumped something heavy which fell onto a rubber boot and mashed the steel toe into my foot.

I couldn't hardly walk after that, but persisted in going to school and back to work and foolishly didn't even take the time to go to the doctor. Had pain for years over that, but not sure what they could have done, anyhow.

Did get some prayer for healing on it, and it seemed to help at least, or initially take it away, because I noticed at times the pain was intense.

Now it seems it's gone.

So that's my own little misadventure aboiut feet.

Cripsy Cremes okay with good coffee. I'm not a fan of them; too much sugar. Give me dunkin' donughts over them, any day. Though I try to avoid eating anything like that, regularly. Even I can have a weight problem, or at least at the wrong place.

lorenzothellama said...

There seems to be several ways of spelling doughnuts in America.

Seatle Boy spells it the way I do,
you Susan spell it donut and Ted spells them donught.

Is this one of the words that can have many spellings. I think Homer Simpson spells them donut, but I could be wrong.

Estelle des Chevaliers said...

I like doughnut French toast - it keeps my body in trim.

Litl-Luther said...

I'm with Don and Ted. What a waste to put hope in politicians, whether the name be Obama, Osama, McCain or what have you, they will disappoint. There is only One leaderer who will bring a government of pure righteousness: Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7). Seattle boy, respectfully, you haven't found Jesus yet if you found Him to be untrustworthy. He remains ever faithful.

But as for our governments, where do we begin?! They may bear more guilt than even oil companies. Maybe you guys read one of the articles recently such as "Americans hit brakes on driving". They drove 9.6 billion miles fewer in May, which is a record for any summer month. However, the really interesting tidbit I want to point out from the article is the result of the cut back on driving is "jeopardizing the federal fund for highway construction and repairs."

In other words, the government needs us to buy our SUV's, Hummers and F-250 pickups. They need us to keep sucking the earth dry of oil. Could it be that the government is keeping fuel efficient vehicles and electric cars off the market just to keep plenty of taxes rolling in? Could be!

Estelle des Chevaliers said...

I think you have a point on the tax thing. Our government has only a half-hearted approach to stopping smoking because the taxes on tobacco are so fruitful.

Sorry to intrude on another point, but isn't your argument about Jesus a bit circular? "You can't trust Jesus because I don't know him; and you don't know Jesus so you cant trust him". For "know" do you mean "indoctrinated" perhaps?

What about the bulk of the world's population who, by virtue of the circumstances of their birth, simply don't have an opportunity to "know" Jesus because, by accident of birth, they are raised in, say, a Muslim society. Does jesus care about them?

I don't think the Chinese would trust Jesus after their recent tragic disasters of they were told that Jesus really loves them all.

lorenzothellama said...

Hello Estelle. Nice to see you around again. How was Monpellier?
Did you have any nougat to keep your impeccable figure trim?

Estelle des Chevaliers said...

Hello Mme Llama! Yes, I have been up and down like a whore's drawers (ooops! Did I really say that?) this summer. Got caught up in one of those gypsy caravan pilgrimage events near Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, my engine over heated. Nice to get home for a bit. God, it's clammy, I need a gin...

Litl-Luther said...

Hi Estelle,
No. What I mean is that even when we are faithless, Jesus remains faithful, because He cannot deny Himself. (2 Tim. 2:13). What that means is Jesus cannot go against His own character. Besides being holy, just, merciful, and several other attributes of His character, He is also “faithful,” which means it is IMPOSSIBLE for Jesus to be untrustworthy. He is the definition of trustworthiness! And for someone to say Jesus is untrustworthy proves that person has never known Him! Jesus is faithful. Period. And all who know Him know He is faithful.

Also, I’m not talking about indoctrination. I’m talking about actually knowing Him like a close friend. Jesus is a person; He is alive, and I know Him personally. And those who truly have known Jesus know exactly what I’m talking about.

Oh boy, the Muslims: First off, there are no “accidents of birth”. Each human being was born exactly where God predetermined they would be born (Acts 17:26). You phrased your question as if people “deserve” to know Jesus. But Jesus represents mercy, and God owes mercy to no one. No one “deserves” to know Jesus nor receive God’s mercy. Some people receive justice, which amounts to condemnation for sinners. And some people receive grace, which amounts to salvation for sinners. I praise God He chose to give me mercy, not justice. You might not like what I just said, but that is how it is. God owes mercy to no one.

The Chinese: There are probably no people on earth trusting Jesus more than the Chinese! The Church there is growing incredibly (I believe it is up to 80 million Christians now!). The Chinese government’s persecution of the Church has been a blessing for the Church, strengthening their faith. I’m confident the believers in China have continued to trust the Lord Jesus, despite whatever tragedies have come or will come.

BTW: I mean no offense. It is just my way to be straightforward.

Estelle des Chevaliers said...

Oh Lord, Little Luther, you have gone right over my head with all that. I was taught that baby Jesus died on the cross to save us all.

Are you one of these who thinks we are either elected or not? An Arminian or something?

"You might not like what I just said, but that is how it is. God owes mercy to no one".

What would you say to that Mme Llama? It's not a question as to whether I like it; more to the point, do I believe it?

Estelle des Chevaliers said...

"Each human being was born exactly where God predetermined they would be born (Acts 17:26)."

I have been thinking about this. May I make sure I understand what you really mean. Do you mean that God (somewhere along the line) "predetermined" that half the world (or more) would be born Muslims (or tootsies or hootoos or whatever) knowing he would thereby deny them the opportunity to know Jesus? And thereby, apparently, deny them salvation? What kind of God is that, for God's sake?

lorenzothellama said...

Oh Estelle how interesting you have been to Saintes Maries de la Mer. That is the home of the patron saint on Gypsies, Sarah the Black. Rumour has it she came over from Palestine with the three Marys who waited by the cross. She was black by the way. You must have been caught up in her saint's day, when all the gypsies arrive to pay homage to her as her statue is carried through the streets.

Little Luther you have gone right over my head too. Only this morning at Mass the priest said that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. I expect you know which passage I am quoting from. (Incidentally I chose that particular passage for one of the readings at my mother's funeral). Anyway, I am sure that means Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, Shintu, the confused like Estelle and me, the unbelieving like Maalie, and all the other religions in the world.

Like Estelle, I'm off for a gin.

Estelle des Chevaliers said...

Lorenzo, yes, I was down in the Camargue for a week with all those bulls and lovely horses. I did do a bit of trekking through the étangs on a beautiful white stallion, bareback. I was so elated I just wanted to strip everything off "au naturelle" and ride off naked into the sunset. Goodness knows it was warm enough.

lorenzothellama said...

Glad to hear you have an all over tan Estelle!

donsands said...

"Only this morning at Mass the priest said that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God."

Amen. "..I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, ...Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to seperate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 8:38-39

A human has to be in Christ to be never sepreated from God. What does it mean to be in Christ?
That is the question before us all.

Litl-Luther said...

Hi Estelle,
The passage from Acts I referred to showing that God determined where people would be born, is followed up in the very next verse that He did this for the express purpose that they would seek Him and find Him. It is not saying He determined these things to keep them away; He did it to bring them to Himself. I quote:

"He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:26-27)

Hi Lorenzo,
I have to agree with Don, the text you referred to (Romans 8:39) shows that it is those who are “in Christ” which will never be separated from the love of God. Those who have submitted their lives and hearts to Jesus as their Savior and Lord are in Him and cannot be separated from God's love. God’s love can only be found by those who find Christ, and it is to them that the love of God can never be taken away. That passage says nothing about unbelievers. It is a promise exclusively for genuine believers in Jesus.

Estelle des Chevaliers said...

Little Luther, I'm still not sure if I get your point. You said "It is a promise exclusively for genuine believers in Jesus."

God is either omnipotent of not. If so, he knows in advance ever since the Big Bang that some babies are going to be born into communities or cultures where they will never have the opportunity to ever know about, let alone believe in, Jesus because they will be indoctrinated from babyhood into their own religion (for example, Muslim). It follows that God has predetermined that the majority will burn in hell because he arbitrarily decided that he would put some in a position where they would never "find Christ and know his love", as you put it.

Anyway, I am off for a bit more horse-riding for the next few days so good luck to all. I will pray to the sun for a nice tan.

Estelle des Chevaliers said...

I have just noticed I haven't said anything about the topic of this blog, how rude of me!

I *love* wearing high-heeled shoes! They make me feel like a princess. In fact I used to call them "princess shoes" when I was little and I used to plonk around the house in my mums pretending I was a princess.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Lorenzo the Llamma,
Donught was a typo. DONUGHT, unless my mind is playing tricks on me!

Ted M. Gossard said...

NO! DOUGHNUT. Now that's it!!!

Ted M. Gossard said...

Actually, DOUGNUT! I think....

Ted M. Gossard said...

Actually doughnut, or donut!

Ted M. Gossard said...

I got on here in and in between eating breakfast along with reading the thread to say

Halfmom, AKA, Susan- you have received an award over at my blog.

lorenzothellama said...

Have you been on the gin Ted? All those different spellings! No wonder us poor English get muddled with the American spelling!

Litl-Luther said...

Hi Estelle,
You should probably direct your question to someone else at this blog (maybe Ted for instance) because I'm a firm believer in Predestination—yes, in fact, double predestination. I believe some are predestined to eternal life and some predestined to eternal condemnation. I'm a 5-point Calvinist. So my convictions on the matter may offend many at this blog—some Christians and non-Christians alike....But if no other Christian wants to take over and respond to Estelle's reasonable questions, I'll be happy to do so.

Ted M. Gossard said...

To deny God’s judgment is in danger of making God to be Something/Someone less than good. God is good, therefore he must judge evil. God does this obviously in the world, in history, but also beyond that- for we know that in the world it often does seem that the good guys lose and the bad guys win- though their days are numbered. So if God exists and is great and good, God will judge all that is against his goodness and his intention in creation.

I take it as axiomatic that God loves all he has created, every human being, and I believe it is a superficial and mistaken reading of Scripture to think God creates some to be damned forever (which for many means, most) and others (the fewer, most seem to take it) to be blessed forever. The vast majority of Christians don't believe that, nor does Scripture itself teach it.

I do believe though, that the more we hear of Jesus, the more in danger we are, if we don’t listen so as to really hear, and then respond in faith. God in Jesus became one of us for our salvation, by Jesus' death and resurrection for us. We must receive this salvation in Jesus as a gift.

Ted M. Gossard said...

("good guys and bad guys"- just a saying that has a bit of truth. We see it plainly in the problem of Hilter and "The Final Solution."

Like N.T. Wright wrote, and I'm going by memory here: But the line of good and evil does not run between us and them, but it runs across each of us!

The point being we all have evil as well as good (in a certain sense) in us, and in what we do.

Just a sidenote, not to detract from the main point of what I was trying to say in the previous comment.)

Ted M. Gossard said...

I want to add to this that in no way do I mean that Lit'l Luther and others who disagree with me have a superficial faith. No possible way! I feel superficial in comparison, honestly. Though it's not good to try to compare ourselves with others.

donsands said...

"God creates some to be damned forever"

No.

Adam sinned. And we are all sinners, every human who is born. God had no obligation to come and save any of us.

We are born in sin, and then live lives of rebels here on earth, even though the universe declares the glory of God, we want nothing of Him.

However, the lord came to earth, and from His heart of mercy and love saved these rebels who hated Him, and would not have Him rule over them.

The great king shall return some day, and those whom have disregard His absence and sinned and hated, and lived for their own pleasures shall receive judgment, and those who have bowed the knee to this King of kings, will be told, "Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter in to the blessings of heaven and the presenc eof Christ and love, joy, and peace like you've always dreamt of, but never known."

simon said...

Krispy Kream dough-nuts are cooked in pig fat Lorenzo, don't try one....

Litl-Luther said...

I don't know him, but I love Ted. He has a great heart, is so humble and is a true brother of mine in the Lord. There is nothing superficial about his faith. I would gladly stand by his side because he is my genuine brother in Christ.

And, Don, you blew me away with your last comments. It is awesome and awe inspiring—full of true. Amen! I agree completely agree brother!

Litl-Luther said...

Lady Godiva, I mean Estelle, I can’t picture you wearing high-heeled shoes as you ride bareback throughout the countryside. …But maybe they serve as spurs?

lorenzothellama said...

Estelle doesn't need spurs. At least not with horses! All she has to do is murmer to the horse and they do just what she wants!

Urgh! pig fat. Better than llama fat though.

L.L. Barkat said...

But they both come in black. Isn't that nice? : )

Ted M. Gossard said...

My mother used to go to get lard in a nearby town when I was a boy. Pig fat, of course, which she cooked in.

Crispy Cremes don't compare to Dunkin'Donuts (and Dunkin'Donuts coffee is rated high, as well! if my recollector is recollecting recollectively.

But I actually like a Crispy Cremes once in awhile, along with a good cup of black coffee.

lorenzothellama said...

Well all this doughnut eating is very bad for your cholesterol, especially if it is cooked in lard!

How about some gently sauteed tofu in olive oil with lentils and alfalfa?

Susan: Hello ... HELLO ... are you there???

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

My goodness - what's a girl to do when work calls her away and her blog threatens to run amuck! Thank you all so much for seeing to things while I have away working. Thank goodness the meeting is now over and with yesterday's (horrible) dissertation defense, life is a bit more manageable! Perhaps I'll even be able to put up a new post soon.

A couple of notes:

LL - yes, black is so very helpful for basic camo so that hopefully people only see black and never notice that I'm not wearing proper shoes!

Lorenzo - I can't spell for the life of me - never could. I have heard it said that it is a truly non-creative mind that can think of only one way to spell a word. If that is true, then I must be creative indeed! As to the donuts - they are fried, so I think that fact alone gives them the death knell - but...... tofu belongs in hot and sour soup and nowhere else! well, maybe snuck in some of my Chinese food, but that is positively all, well, maybe....

Estelle - lovely recipe - sounds like a winner of a company brunch. Bareback on a sweaty horse with no blanket - and not clothes - oh, my memories of South Georgia humidity and riding come crashing back to me - and make me glad to at least lovely horse blankets - and trousers! Also, this blog never seems to stay on topic; so, as long as everyone is playing nicely together - well, as nicely as some are able - I just let it flow along. I am grateful for your comments and will be glad to answer any questions you would like me to if you are not satisfied with the theology already presented. But, since there is such an abundance of it - I'll wait for your questions - I'm afraid my theological friends can be a bit over my head ocassionally - and since I'm not a 5 point Calvinist, nor am I what I think they call an Armenian, all you get is my own personal perspective as I understand it from scripture.

Seattle Boy Faithfulness first requires faith.

Simon where did you go - I want to compare painful joints with you. I'm thinking if we combine out bodies we might have a whole healthy one. Are you game? I just need a few of your vertebrae and perhaps a bit of a kidney - you can have my liver and the rest of the joints, well, the ones that are in good repair now.

Ted oh Ted, there is just no one quite like you! I never have figured out why anyone would drink black coffee - perhaps my personality just needs some sweetening so my love of latte just takes over when I'm around coffee! Or, perhaps it is that Southern heritage - where we bring children up on coffee milk before moving them along to cafe au lait!

nancy I'm not sure I did make it an hour one day - and they were white sandles no less with lovely leather insoles - and I had a blister the size of a quarter. Maybe I just have weird feet!

Don Sands - I appreciate your theology and sentiments, but I do have a question for you - do you ever tell jokes? You must admit, sometimes LLuther is pretty funny!

LitlLuther how is Samuel doing? What of Jaya and Mary? You are obligated to leave at least one update for every blog I post - that leaves you free to have at least 10 or more theological comments to one personal one, but I must insist on my baby, mom and sister updates!

I think that is it for the moment. I wish you all a good night - the poor sad puppy is pitifully looking at me and begging to play - at least that's what I think he means WHEN HE BRINGS ME MY OWN SHOES!!!! ARGHHH!! I wonder if he will ever learn - he's certainly not quick at a few things!

Litl-Luther said...

Hey Susan,
Samuel is doing great! He hardly ever cries. He's getting bigger and much more alert, looking around, laughing, making different sounds and all. It is very cool.

Jaya, Mary, Samuel and I all went away on an “elders and worship team” church retreat this last weekend. It was the first time we've gotten away as a family. Samuel really seemed to enjoy the new surroundings and all the people wanting to hold him. Jaya and Mary are both doing very well. Thanks for asking. ...I bet you didn't realize I work for NBC, did you? Today was the first day of the semester at the college where I teach (Nepal Bible College). Things are beginning to get pretty busy around here for me, but I'm enjoying it.

PS: I'm glad you appreciate my humor. Not everyone does.

Craver Vii said...

Ladies' shoes, Krispy Kremes (r.i.p.), global warming documentation, double predestination... my head is spinning!

RIP is an exaggeration, because I do not think they closed ALL their locations, just all the ones close to me! There is only ONE (75th & 59), and it's about eight miles away. They're so light. Euphoria is an excellent description, Halfmom! Like all good things though, moderation is the key.

donsands said...

"do you ever tell jokes?"

Did you hear what the fish said who bumped his head? "Dam".

Pretty lame joke teller am I. And Luther(Triston), has some good stories over the years for sure.

Litl-Luther said...

Nepalese people tell a joke which seems to be able to bridge both national and cross-cultural borders. Remember, this is a Nepalese joke, not mine:

There were four men in a boat on a lake here in Nepal: An American, a Japanese, a Nepali and an Indian. The American wanted to impress the others, so he pulled out his wallet, rummaged through all the cash, removed a 20 dollar bill and threw it in the lake, saying, “I don’t need this money; I’ll have so much more money to make once I get back to my country.” The Japanese tourist wanted to get one up on the American, so he took his camera off his neck (Side note: Notice even people on this side of the world recognize Japanese tourists by cameras around their necks!). The Japanese man took his camera into his hands, looked at it and then threw it in the lake, saying, “I don’t need this camera. By the time I get back to Japan a newer and better advanced model will be available. We are the technology capital of the world after all! Well the Indian and Nepali weren’t sure at first what to do….but then the Nepali man had an idea. So he picked up the Indian in his arms and threw him in the lake, saying “There are so many Indians in my country; I don’t need this one. There will be even more once I get home.

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

Actually Don - that's not bad. I, personally, am about the worst joke teller ever! I always forget the punchlines!

Glad the fam is doing well LLuther - can't wait to see new pictures! The joke was pretty funny too!

Craver - yes, I know the location well - but did they close the one on 53 between Maple and Ogden? PS - I loved you "reformed" small group comment - way to go!!

Ted M. Gossard said...

Yes, Susan. Black coffee.

I actually used to drink coffee with this and that creamer in it- but then heard some of that creamer stuff may not be good for you, so I developed an acquired taste for coffee black. But for the most part, I think it's true that you really can taste it, I mean the true flavor of coffee, that way!

Glad your hard and/or unpleasant work on the doctoral dissertation is finished. And that your dog seems to be having a good time, and the run of the house! He seems to like your company. Dogs can be fun that way. Our Cleo gets so terribly excited to see us with her shrill bark and running back and forth, jumping on us.

Craver Vii said...

I went through a season where I smoked fine cigars. That changed the way I tasted things, and my favorite thing after a cigar was a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and fresh black coffee. While I no longer smoke, I can still appreciate a good, black coffee from time to time.

Litl-Luther said...

I agree. Black coffee is the only way to go. Creamer? We don' nee no stinkin’ creamer!

I smuggle several pounds of dark roasted Starbucks in my luggage each time I return to Kathmandu.

Seattle Boy said...

"Faithfulness first requires faith".

Yeh, I know about. Slavish and prejudiced adherence to mythological explanations about the way things work that have no corroboration with the real world.

Litl-Luther said...

Lorenzo,
Just for you: New pictures of Samuel at my site. I've even uploaded an invitation to his dedication. I hope you can make it. :)

Ted M. Gossard said...

Lit'l Luther,
I realize I'm not Lorenzo, but I have to say I don't think we'll be able to make it, though it would be great to be there. But thanks for the invitation! And nice pics over there. He looks like he'll be big like his daddy.

Susan,
I tagged you, a new one as you can see.

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

LitlLuther - He is adorable!!! Wish that I could be there for his dedication! That will be a great joy for you and Jaya - have you already dedicated Mary or will you do it with Samuel?

Seattle Boy - "no corroboration" - perhaps you are just blind. Maybe a little mud and spit would relieve that problem of yours.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Don,
Well spoken.

I believe God owes no person anything, but that he chooses in his grace in Jesus to reach out to all. But I just can't answer all the questions that come to mind on that. But certainly the point you make is important and true.

Litl-Luther said...

Susan,
At this point Mary needs to dedicate herself to the Lord. She's 11; it's about time for her baptism.

Yes. I'm the proud poppa of the most adorable son in the world!