Duck Season has opened

Always be sure to wear orange while hunting Ducks.


Levi finished his hunters safety course this morning with the field day. Congratulations Levi, and let's go hunt some (Oregon) Ducks!

Harmon Killebrew quote

A few years ago, I was reading an issue of Modern Reformation magazine on the importance of fathers in the lives of children, and saw the following quote from baseball legend, and fellow Idahoan, Harmon Killebrew:

“My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass"; "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys."

While my baseball memorabilia collection has shrunk considerably over the years, one of my prized possessions is still the ball he personalized for me. Thanks "Killer" for the ball, and the great reminder of importance of fathers in the lives of their children. May us men renew our interests this Father's Day.

Porch Update II

I finally got off my butt and bought the trim for our new windows and got it put up. And, we're getting a little bit closer to having the porch done- it's taking on a little more character. Lord willing, the Zoo Keeper will finish by the beginning of June.

Porch update

Well, the Zoo Keeper has been trying to fit time into his busy schedule for working on our porch, and I am happy to report that he is getting closer to finishing! Today, he installed the rails and we are very pleased with the work thus far. He still needs to do some work on the gable, finish the railing (dress ups, painting, etc.), stain the deck, add the hand rail and stain, and then build the steps. We've also started to look at colors for a fresh paint job once he's done (if we have any money left over, Lord willing!).
We're also discussing what we want to do in the future as far as the exterior of the house. While we will probably leave the front of the house stucco, we will probably add new siding to the rest of the house. We're also discussing adding rock to the bottom part of the front (opposite the porch). This, of course, is all conditioned upon having the money to do such work. Hopefully, we will be blessed with another nice tax return next year so we can continue on this face lift and scream in unison, "Move that bus!!"

New Sandra McCracken Tunes

I received an email today which is promoting the soon to be released Sandra McCracken CD. For those of you who may not know who this lady is, she is the wife of one of my two favorite recording artists, Derek Webb (of Caedmon's Call and solo fame). Not only has Mrs. Webb recorded some great solo stuff, she has also written some great stuff which has been included on Caedmon's Call, Indelible Grace, and the City on a Hill CDs. You can listen to some samples of her Folky/Americana brand of music at the following site:
https://www.noisetrade.com/sandramccracken#

Good Stuff!

Hard Work

Imagine my surprise when I can home today to find out that "Hider-Man" got to help Mr. Zoo-Keeper as he was working on our front porch area.

Good thing the Zoo-Keeper was able to have some help with that heavy piece of equipment!!

J. has been doing some work around here for us, and things are now and will be looking different out front.

This is just the beginning stage of our project-tomorrow the steps and stoop will be gone!

We will soon be able to conduct class outdoors on our new deck. The kids are looking forward to it (as is mom!)- well at least Hider-Man and Mom are. Bed Bug thinks she'll need the sound of the "chain-saw" in order to focus (some neighbors were running one today as the kids worked out in the front yard).


Tonight, after we finished our history lecture and discussion, Levi took to working on his math assignment and his "Gulliver's Travels" reading assignment for tomorrow so that he can help Jason with breaking out the concrete. Do we have a future jack-hammer operator? Better start eatin' the potatoes, boy!

Perpetual Adolescence

There has been for some time now an alarming trend with the males in our culture-it is called Perpetual Adolescence. As the father of two "teen-aged" boys (I despise that term, it's nothing more than an invention of Madison Avenue), I am particularly disturbed about this problem, and need to be constantly reminded that they are prime candidates for this attack on young men. Our culture seems to feed the monster, so much so that we now have "boys" who are in their late 20s/early 30s who fail to grow up into mature men. Don't believe me? Just turn on the television or visit the big screen, and you will see what I mean; it's as ubiquitous as the buffoon husband/dad that Hollywood likes to portray. We in Christ's church should be very concerned about this, as it is just as prevalent within as it is without. Could this be linked to the great numbers of our youth who are leaving the church once they are out of high school? How do we combat this? I suggest we begin by discipling them as we are commanded to by our King. There's at least one church who seems to be taking steps to do just this, and after listening to this study, I've been convicted of my own failings as a father in the discipleship of my own sons. For anyone interested in reading further on the subject, there's some very good material available to help in this process and with implementing family worship to help further nurture our children.
Future Men- Douglas Wilson
Standing on the Promises- Douglas Wilson
Thoughts for Young Men- J.C. Ryle
The Case for Family Worship- George Hamond
A Good Start- Charles Spurgeon
Family Practice- R.C. Sproul Jr.
The Family- B.M. Palmer and J.W. Alexander
The Family Worship Book: A Resource Book for Family Devotions- Terry Johnson
Wise Words: Family Stories That Bring the Proverbs to Life- Peter Leithart

There's a plethora of other titles, but these are all ones that I have read and have found helpful. Any other suggested titles would be appreciated...

Of course, if it's controversial and applies to the church, then you know Al Mohler will take it head on during his radio show. Dr. Mohler speaks on this very subject on his radio program and blog:
http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2009-03-20
http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2009-04-13
http://www.ralbertmohler.net/blog_read.php?id=836

Quote of the Year

I was reading an article on the Idaho Statesman's website tonight about the local "Tea Party" that took place today, and read what has to be one of the top quotes of the year thus far:
“The first tea party was a protest of taxation without representation. This tea party is a protest of taxation with misrepresentation.” (Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis)

The nationwide Tea Party events providentially took place the week before our homeschool studies the original tea party and the events surrounding it; we'll have to check out some of the rallies on youtube...

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" Movie Review

We recently watched one of the most powerful movies I have seen in quite some time. "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas", based upon a novel by John Boyne, is set in World War II and tells the story of a young boy whose father has moved the family from Berlin to the countryside, so that he may assume his role as commandant of a concentration camp. Lonely and restless from boredom, Bruno leaves their property (against his parents orders) and happens across what he thinks to be a "farm". Here, he meets a boy whom he befriends. The boy, Shmuel, is wearing what Bruno believes to be "striped pajamas" (hence the title) and is confined not to a farm, but the concentration camp. What follows touches on many elements of our humanity-child innocence, brotherly love, and human depravity. I won't give away any more, but will however mention two biblical allusions to watch for in the movie: Peter's denial of Christ and the sharing in suffering that we are called to. I don't know if this movie was in wide circulation, but if you get a chance to rent it, do so!

Jr. to the Braves?

According to today's Atlanta-Journal Constitution, my beloved Atlanta Braves have an interest in none other than "Junior"- that's Ken Griffey Jr. Eight years ago, I would have been thrilled to see the future Hall of Famer join the Braves, but I must confess that at this stage of his career, I would rather see the "Kid" return to where it all began in Seattle. Sentimental? Perhaps, but I just hate seeing the greats of the game bouncing from team to team. In my humble opinion, Griffey has always been associated with the M's, despite the seven or eight years spent in Cincinnati. Then, seeing Mr. Griffey in a ChiSox uniform last year was like, well, seeing Michael Jordan in a Washington Wizards uniform. It just wasn't right!! There's something right about seeing a Cal Ripken, Tony Gwynn, etc... staying with one team for the entirety of their careers. Just as it was "right" to see Tom Glavine return to the Braves before the 2008 season, so I think it would be for Junior to return to Seattle. Ken, if you by some strange work of God's providence read this, please do not finish your career anywhere else but Seattle. With the image of Major League Baseball and its stars having taken a major blow in recent years, the game needs something "good" like this reunion to take place so that we have something positive to talk about. Oh, and memo to the aforementioned Mr. Glavine: Tom, please forgo any temptation to sign with the Washington Nationals or any other major league team- you're a Brave and should retire a Brave. Don't try to hang on longer and in doing so spoil your brilliant career.

When A Choice Is Not Celebrated

Having watched the NBC Dateline special tonight about Nadya Suleman, the California mother who recently gave birth to octuplets, I am dumbfounded how hypocritical the left (media) is. Let me preface this by saying that I believe that these children are in need of a father in their everyday lives. For as much as I admire this woman for wanting a large family and seeing that children are a blessing from God-which she acknowledged- I can't understand why she doesn't feel the need for a husband to be a father to these children. That being said, what caught my interest (not only on this program but in the media in general) is that those in our culture who are so steadfast in championing the rights of a woman are not standing up and applauding the choice of this woman. Where are the feminists? Why aren't they shouting out their praise for her desire to bring these children into the world sans a husband? Another head-scratcher is the outcry about this woman having all those children and yet having no income. Yes, it is causing a hardship on her and her family, and it is therefore causing her to receive tax payers dollars to support those children. Heck, if I'm really honest, I have to admit I don't like the irresponsible doling out of taxpayer dollars that our government continues to practice. However, we as a society are twisted when we will be outraged at this, and yet say "amen" to the "Mexico City policy" which President Obama overturned, allowing the U.S. to fund overseas organizations that promote and/or perform abortions. Finally, and the real "kicker", towards the end of the interview, Ann Curry makes the comment, "People are not trying to judge you. [Which is a lie] What they're trying to do is, it seems, trying to speak up for your children, who can't speak up for themselves. Your children cannot say, "What are you doing, Mom? What are you doing? My life, my future, is being affected by your decision." This kind of statement when coming from the media is deemed appropriate, and yet that is the argument that those who are pro-life are ridiculed over. We're not "concerned"- no, we're just "looney" or "intolerant." I pray that the Lord will provide a husband to this woman and father for her children. I pray that God would be gracious towards Ms. Suleman and her fourteen children.. Perhaps the American public who have bought into the lie of "choice" will see their own hypocracy tonight.

Baseball Stat Geek, or Christian Apologist?

My friend Rick recently loaned me some issues of the Baseball Research Journal and in one particular issue from 1985 was an interview with Bill James-baseball writer, historian, and statistician. In this interview, a discussion takes place concerning James' research and how people get upset with his evaluations. I found the following quotes very interesting in light of our postmodern society: James "The search for truth is a matter of finding the evidence and understanding it...But if a statement is true it's true-whether the person making the statement is an amateur or a professional doesn't matter...who you are doesn't have a thing to do with the validity of what you're saying." BF: "What you're talking about here, essentially is an objective truth." James: "...I'm not trying to convince anybody. I'm just showing what my research reveals. 'Look, here are the facts; this is what they mean.' Anybody who wants to believe it, I'm happy. But I don't have to convince any one individual, which is a lot more relaxing for me..." I think we Christians would do well by having that same mindset when we are engaged with unbelievers about our faith. A) Christianity is true, based on a historical person and an historical event. B) Just because we are not the cultural elitists doesn't mean the good news we proclaim is invalid. C) We can be confident that the lost will not come to faith because of our convincing them, but because salvation is a gift of grace from God, and apart from the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit no one would desire Christ.

Can I Get An Amen?!

I'm not one who generally likes hearing pastors get really worked up and loud while they're preaching, but after listening to the latest online sermon by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, I've got to say- I love the passion that this man exhibits in the pulpit! In preaching on 1 Peter 1, Mr. Driscoll gives hope to those who are enduring trials in their lives, pointing us not to health nor wealth, nor does he encourage us to "try harder", but rather to look to Jesus- the author and perfector of our faith. Words of caution: Just because your life doesn't seem to be collapsing doesn't mean you're not in the middle of a trial.

The Need for Christian Charity in the Midst of Economic Crisis

The latest issue of World Magazine has a short little article on Christian Charity (or lack thereof) and its witness to an unbelieving world. In the midst of the problems on Wall Street and Main Street, my prayer is that the body of Christ will give even more to the those who are truly in need and thus not only show mercy and compassion, but that it may also open the door for evangelism. One of our favorite charities is Blood: Water Mission. They can also be found on myspace. For local ministries, we are greatly encouraged by the work of Lifeline Pregnancy Crisis Center. May God richly bless the work of these two groups, and the countless others who are sharing the gospel of Christ in word and deed.

Salary Arbitration

Nowhere but in professional sports can someone's performance be so atrocious, yet still receive (on average for a first time eligible player) a salary increase that is five-fold. Case in point: In 2008, my beloved Atlanta Braves' right fielder, Jeff Francoeur, posted career-lows in batting average (.239), home-runs (11), and slugging percentage (.359), and in doing so collected a salary of $460,000. Granted, he is a good right fielder, who has won a gold glove and has led the majors in outfield assists since his major league debut. But, he has a tendency to be a rally killer who can not (or will not) take a walk. It got so bad last summer, that the Braves sent him to the minors to try to make the necessary adjustments at plate that needed to take place. Three days later, Francoeur was recalled, only to continue in the mire. And so despite his wretched performance in 2008, Mr. Francoeur is arbitration eligible, which means he will receive at least some kind of (very large) salary increase. The Braves have appearantly offered "Frenchy" $2.8million, while he is asking for $3.95million. I'm sure Mr. Francoeur is a classy guy, and I sincerely hopes he can find his way at the plate again, but I must say that I can only hope that my employer would be so generous to me should my work performance go into the tank...

Servants or Slaves?

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article entitled "In Hard Times, Houses of God Turn to Chapter 11 in Book of Bankruptcy", in which the author points out the alarming trend of churches that, having taken on huge amounts of debt in order to purchase buildings, now find themselves filing for bankruptcy and, in some cases, facing foreclosure. What I find particularly troubling is not only the fact that this is happening, but that the body of Christ has put themselves in the position where they are carrying large debt. Sadly, the best defense I've read or heard is that the Bible does not prohibit borrowing and lending. True, Scripture does not condemn these actions as sinful. I would argue, however, that these principles are speaking to the individual or family- not to the corporeal body of Christ. We see that the Lord has put a higher standard on the leaders in the church (1 Timothy 3; James 3:1), and so any argument that the church should be able to borrow (as is permissible for the individual) does not hold water. The church of Christ has been called to proclaim the freedom that Christ brings from sin and bondage. As a matter of fact, one of the promises of God to His people was that in their obedience they would not have to borrow (Deut. 28:12). On the flip side, one of the covenant curses would be slavery to their debtor (Deut. 28:44). Please also see Deuteronomy 15:6.
Perhaps the greatest example we have in Scripture for the building of houses of worship comes in 1 Chronicles 29, where we see the covenant people of God being exhorted by King David to support his son in the building of the house of Yahweh. The chronicler reports that the people "rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD." (1 Chron. 29:9 ESV; see also Exodus 25 and Exodus 36:1-7). Likewise, we see this same joy in 2 Corinthians 8-9. Many in the church at Macedonia were enduring a "severe test of affliction", yet they helped in the relief of the saints by giving out of the one thing they did have-joy (coming from the grace of God)- despite the extreme poverty they were experiencing. In Acts 4, once again the work of God is being done out of the giving of His people-not through a third party. Not to sound redundant, but I think it is the biblical norm for the work of God to be done through the generous gifts of His people.
Two other comments on the church and large debt. First of all, the work of the church. As I noted above, the primary purpose of the body of Christ is to proclaim the liberty Christ offers. However, we are also called to care for the widow, orphan, and the needy. In normal (economical) times, the church has a hard enough time doing so- just take a look at the intrusion of the state and federal government in this area! In this economical meltdown, many assemblies are having a hard enough time paying their mortgage, let alone funding mercy ministries. I think that the restrictions placed upon the work of the church by building debt is a huge factor that, sadly, determines much of what she does. Unfortunately, I think this is often overlooked.
Second, in regards to the ECCU. My question in regard to this is this: IF a church has a loan through this organization and they end up being forclosed on, what kind of witness is this to the world?! Will the ECCU file a judicial forclosure? This is clearly forbidden by Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:1-11). Another problem with the ECCU lending to church bodies: interest. Yahweh makes it clear in passages such as Deuteronomy 23:19 and Exodus 22:25 that His covenant people were not to charge interest to their brothers. While the New Testament does not directly address this issue, I think it is safe to assume that the theme of giving out of love renders the idea of charging believers (or the church, as an "institution") interest unbiblical.
Forgoing the temptation to borrow a large amount of money for acquiring property will undoubtedly put the church in a difficult position. How will it handle growth as the Gospel prospers? Is she just "throwing away" money by renting? I believe that by being obedient unto her Lord, we can be a strong witness to the world, as evident in our uncompromising position on biblical mandates: unity (which can be exhibited by renting from other churches of a different stripe), love (provisions for widow, orphan, needy), and freedom from slavery. Perhaps we might even learn to give sacrificially, trusting in the God who purchased us with the blood of His only Son.