So, I took German in college for an easy A to raise my GPA. Sounds silly, yet insane at the same time, but I pulled it off. My prof Doug, who I had for both semesters, taught us this particular song to help us remember the prepositions, to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb:
Durch, für, gegen, ohne, um;
Ohne, um;
Ohne, um.
Durch, für, gegen, ohne, um;
Ohne, um, entlang.
Which is through, for, against, without, around (around the corner) and around (around the perimeter of the lake).
I had that in my head for the better part of thirty minutes this morning. Annoying yes, but effective just the same.
Tomorrow I'll tell you about my weekend baby-sitting.
Get some rest.
R
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
November Second
So, C and I voted this past Saturday, fulfilling our democratic, God-given opportunity/obligation. Of course I'd prefer Bush to win, but I'm not going to trumpet his cause here. Both candidates have their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, I support Bush's war on terrorism, including the regime change in Iraq, but I don't support how he has catered to big business as well as tax cuts that help the upper class more than middle & lower class families. What I want, nay even need, is for the election to be decidedly in the favor of one candidate, both in popular and electoral vote, with margins in each state no less than 20,000. I don't want any controversy. I don't want either party complaining about voter fraud or anything else. God knows who He wants in the White House. I don't, but I'm at least going to vote and I'll still pray for the President and his Cabinet, whoever it may be. I know this is a pivotal election. It will determine the course of the next twenty to forty years due to the retirements of four Supremes.
That's my two cents.
Have a nice day.
And may God bless America.
That's my two cents.
Have a nice day.
And may God bless America.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Tipping
Okay, so I'll start this rant by mentioning that I was a waiter/server on and off for three years at a joint called Italiani's in the DFW metroplex. Enjoyed it thoroughly. If you take pride in your work and do things well, you should make out like a bandit. Now, why, oh why, when your livelihood depends on it, would you just lollygag through your shift and not do the things necessary to earn serious coin?
Apparently there is this unwritten rule that, once a waiter, you are expected to tip 20% because you know that this is how they get by. Well, I say Whoa Hoss! Just wait a minute. Some of these people aren't busting their humps like I did, so why should I give them an automatic large tip simply because I was one of them? Now, I know they have nothing to do with how long a dish comes out of the kitchen once they order it. And always keep them informed if something isn't going according to planned. If you show them you're on top of the situation, they're less likely to complain, which means better tip for you. But there is a science to timing a meal. If they order an appetizer, you wait three to five minutes and put in their entree request, that way they get their main course when they're done with the app, if not only a minute or two later. If you do err, it's better to err on being a little late, because no one likes to get their meal when they haven't yet finished their salad or appetizer. And always, ALWAYS, do a quality check two to three minutes after they get their food, whatever portion it is. A pet peeve of mine is the two extremes: either they ask you how your food is when you haven't had a bite yet, or they don't ask at all. Also, don't wait for the drinks to be gone. As soon as the cup is half empty, or half full for you "positive-thinking types," get them a new beverage. The only caveat would be tea drinkers, who usually like to maintain a certain sweetness ratio, so filling up their glass when it's half empty upsets the balance. To end the meal, if a dessert tray is available, and seriously, why wouldn't restaurants have one available, bring it out to the table and let them see what they're missing. Don't just ask them if they'd like a dessert. That way, if you bring it out you can always propose a piece to go.
Moreover, I know there will be the inevitable slow time when you're standing around a little bit and those times when you do need to take a breather. But just don't stand around. Patrons peruse the restaurant and if they see you just standing around and not checking out your section whilst conversing with coworkers, they're more apt to slight you. And if you smoke, waft it off a little bit before going to your tables. Always have a smile on your face and try to make a little small talk during your short time. And if you had a great time with them, ask them their names and do your best to remember. And finally, your best selling point, ask them to come back and ask for you. You'd be surprised at how many people did just that. They feel like they connected with you and they felt cared for.
So, follow these simple steps and a 20% tip will be yours. If you mess up on a few of these things, it'll probably be closer to 15%. If you look like you just don't give a hoot, don't be surprised to find yourself with 10%. And remember, it was your fault. You're in charge of making your money. If you don't suggestively sell (i.e. "Would you like a glass of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay or a Spinach-Artichoke Formaggio to start off with?" instead of "Would you like an appetizer? and my personal favorite "You want some alcohol?") and don't pay attention to what's going on in your section, you're liable to wind up on the short end.
Alright, so this is really it. If you get a table with all waters, no appetizers and cheap entrees or a family with three kids, don't let them see you frustrated, and don't be frustrated. Yes, that means you'll by default get a little lower tip. But show them love. They have friends who they'll tell about your restaurant and you. Make sure they're telling good things.
Apparently there is this unwritten rule that, once a waiter, you are expected to tip 20% because you know that this is how they get by. Well, I say Whoa Hoss! Just wait a minute. Some of these people aren't busting their humps like I did, so why should I give them an automatic large tip simply because I was one of them? Now, I know they have nothing to do with how long a dish comes out of the kitchen once they order it. And always keep them informed if something isn't going according to planned. If you show them you're on top of the situation, they're less likely to complain, which means better tip for you. But there is a science to timing a meal. If they order an appetizer, you wait three to five minutes and put in their entree request, that way they get their main course when they're done with the app, if not only a minute or two later. If you do err, it's better to err on being a little late, because no one likes to get their meal when they haven't yet finished their salad or appetizer. And always, ALWAYS, do a quality check two to three minutes after they get their food, whatever portion it is. A pet peeve of mine is the two extremes: either they ask you how your food is when you haven't had a bite yet, or they don't ask at all. Also, don't wait for the drinks to be gone. As soon as the cup is half empty, or half full for you "positive-thinking types," get them a new beverage. The only caveat would be tea drinkers, who usually like to maintain a certain sweetness ratio, so filling up their glass when it's half empty upsets the balance. To end the meal, if a dessert tray is available, and seriously, why wouldn't restaurants have one available, bring it out to the table and let them see what they're missing. Don't just ask them if they'd like a dessert. That way, if you bring it out you can always propose a piece to go.
Moreover, I know there will be the inevitable slow time when you're standing around a little bit and those times when you do need to take a breather. But just don't stand around. Patrons peruse the restaurant and if they see you just standing around and not checking out your section whilst conversing with coworkers, they're more apt to slight you. And if you smoke, waft it off a little bit before going to your tables. Always have a smile on your face and try to make a little small talk during your short time. And if you had a great time with them, ask them their names and do your best to remember. And finally, your best selling point, ask them to come back and ask for you. You'd be surprised at how many people did just that. They feel like they connected with you and they felt cared for.
So, follow these simple steps and a 20% tip will be yours. If you mess up on a few of these things, it'll probably be closer to 15%. If you look like you just don't give a hoot, don't be surprised to find yourself with 10%. And remember, it was your fault. You're in charge of making your money. If you don't suggestively sell (i.e. "Would you like a glass of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay or a Spinach-Artichoke Formaggio to start off with?" instead of "Would you like an appetizer? and my personal favorite "You want some alcohol?") and don't pay attention to what's going on in your section, you're liable to wind up on the short end.
Alright, so this is really it. If you get a table with all waters, no appetizers and cheap entrees or a family with three kids, don't let them see you frustrated, and don't be frustrated. Yes, that means you'll by default get a little lower tip. But show them love. They have friends who they'll tell about your restaurant and you. Make sure they're telling good things.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Feminist Movement Moving Backwards?
So, C and I generally watch the Today show on NBC in the mornings while we eat our breakfast to keep abreast of the national news, but we'll hop around during commercials. I flipped over to ABC with Diane Sawyer and she was interviewing this group of women who are trying to make progress for women in corporate America. It's a good thing. Anyhow, they mentioned stats such as only 8 women are heads of Fortune 500 companies, which is quite a disparate number to be sure and should be remedied. They also said that women hold 2/3rds of the buying power in America. Which is a nice stat. However, my immediate question was "And how do they do this? Mostly with their husband's money, right?" Anyhow, they didn't back up their statistic, so I remain skeptical. The two talking heads of this group were saying that today they are going to "buycott," refusing to make any purchases today to show corporate America just how important they are, yada yada yada. Here's the kicker: the group's name is "85 Broads." Seriously. I'll just let you digest that for a few moments.
Y'know, I'm no marketing genius, but methinks myself a thinking man. And I'm thinking, if I'm wanting respect, not only from the masses, but especially from large businesses, I'm not gonna have a name like 85 Broads. I can just see it now. Business X has a job opening for a C-level executive and have narrowed their choices via résumé to two candidates. One is self-represented and the other represented by 85 Broads. Who would you pick? I mean, it'd be like a male photographer trying to get a job at SI and he's a member of 121 Pervs or 75 Chauvinists. He wouldn't be taken seriously at all. They'd say thank you for your time and they'd blacklist him, right? Right?! It's like that country song "One step forward and two steps back."
Hey, I'm all for women in the workplace. They make their sacrifices just like the men do. And C and I have talked about this a little bit already since we're gonna have our first child next March. I told her I wouldn't mind, I'd even encourage her, that when our kids are all in school and if she's bored sitting around the house, to take a job, part-time or full. My problem is when people are working so they can maintain a certain lifestyle, such asto continue to get their expensive hair stylings and drive their expensive cars and buy fancy clothes. Meanwhile, the kids are at a daycare or preschool be taught by a person who might or might not have the same moral values they have and would want to instill in their children.
As has been said in Grace's youth ministry: "Every decision has a price-tag." What are your decisions costing you? Money? Status? Integrity?
Y'know, I'm no marketing genius, but methinks myself a thinking man. And I'm thinking, if I'm wanting respect, not only from the masses, but especially from large businesses, I'm not gonna have a name like 85 Broads. I can just see it now. Business X has a job opening for a C-level executive and have narrowed their choices via résumé to two candidates. One is self-represented and the other represented by 85 Broads. Who would you pick? I mean, it'd be like a male photographer trying to get a job at SI and he's a member of 121 Pervs or 75 Chauvinists. He wouldn't be taken seriously at all. They'd say thank you for your time and they'd blacklist him, right? Right?! It's like that country song "One step forward and two steps back."
Hey, I'm all for women in the workplace. They make their sacrifices just like the men do. And C and I have talked about this a little bit already since we're gonna have our first child next March. I told her I wouldn't mind, I'd even encourage her, that when our kids are all in school and if she's bored sitting around the house, to take a job, part-time or full. My problem is when people are working so they can maintain a certain lifestyle, such asto continue to get their expensive hair stylings and drive their expensive cars and buy fancy clothes. Meanwhile, the kids are at a daycare or preschool be taught by a person who might or might not have the same moral values they have and would want to instill in their children.
As has been said in Grace's youth ministry: "Every decision has a price-tag." What are your decisions costing you? Money? Status? Integrity?
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Getting Political
So, I'm listening to some liberal talk radio. And this guy starts going on about how the Administration has used the media against the Democrats/Liberals.
Wait for it...
Wait for it...
So, we have liberal media complaining about the media. I mean, that's downright funny. How many media outlets are Republican/Conservative in nature? I can probably count them on one hand (Fox the primary outlet); most assuredly on two. That's gotta take the cake.
Y'know, I'm not sure how this election will turn out. I'm gonna do my part and vote. It's all in God's hands after all, right? He sets up kings and deposes them. Maybe He only needed W in office for four years, and He's giving America John Kerry.
Realistically, I'm a yellow-dog Republican. I'm gonna vote them into office 99% of the time because they are anti-abortion and anti-gay marriage. Their values traditionally line up much closer with mine. I don't really know that much about Kerry, but I'd like to know what he thinks. Not just what the party line is, but what he truly, in his heart of hearts, thinks will work at home and abroad. To be honest, I think he emboldens the terrorists, and shows a lack of foreign policy know-how. Don't get me wrong, W didn't know much when he got into office, but the man was smart enough to surround himself with people who knew what they were doing. Sure, he may not be the best orator in American history, but the man has principles and sticks to his guns. Sure, I don't agree with his big-business policies, but when have the rich really wanted to give themselves a pay cut? About the 10th of Never. And sure, he didn't act quickly enough when those Swift-Boat ads came out. You'd think he'd be above a dirty campaign. But America doesn't understand clean. They understand comparison. They understand sleaze. They understand situational ethics and relativism.
Wait for it...
Wait for it...
So, we have liberal media complaining about the media. I mean, that's downright funny. How many media outlets are Republican/Conservative in nature? I can probably count them on one hand (Fox the primary outlet); most assuredly on two. That's gotta take the cake.
Y'know, I'm not sure how this election will turn out. I'm gonna do my part and vote. It's all in God's hands after all, right? He sets up kings and deposes them. Maybe He only needed W in office for four years, and He's giving America John Kerry.
Realistically, I'm a yellow-dog Republican. I'm gonna vote them into office 99% of the time because they are anti-abortion and anti-gay marriage. Their values traditionally line up much closer with mine. I don't really know that much about Kerry, but I'd like to know what he thinks. Not just what the party line is, but what he truly, in his heart of hearts, thinks will work at home and abroad. To be honest, I think he emboldens the terrorists, and shows a lack of foreign policy know-how. Don't get me wrong, W didn't know much when he got into office, but the man was smart enough to surround himself with people who knew what they were doing. Sure, he may not be the best orator in American history, but the man has principles and sticks to his guns. Sure, I don't agree with his big-business policies, but when have the rich really wanted to give themselves a pay cut? About the 10th of Never. And sure, he didn't act quickly enough when those Swift-Boat ads came out. You'd think he'd be above a dirty campaign. But America doesn't understand clean. They understand comparison. They understand sleaze. They understand situational ethics and relativism.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Birthday weekend & Baby
So, I had a birthday this weekend. My folks--mom and stepdad--came down Friday night and most of Saturday. Partly because of my b-day and partly to spoil the grandbaby. Had a good time. Played football on Saturday at 11AM, the exact time Texas-OU was kicking off. We won the game. My stats were a PAT and a tackle and bruised abdomen and ribs. Ran a slant right into a defender and neither of us really saw each other until it was too late. Lemme tell you, that's the most scared I've been in a while, trying to get air into my lungs. Now I understand why NFLers come out of the game after "having the wind knocked out" of them. Not only do you need to recoup the O2, but you're gonna be sore. And sore I am. Anyhoo, as you know, OU beat Texas 12-0 to end the faint hopes for a national title, but I won't go there right now. My mom continues to be generous for the baby. Whenever God blesses you through someone, make it a point not only to be thankful, but to ask for them to be blessed on account of their graciousness. This works for friends and family, but it also works for employers. If God's blessed you with a good, steady job with a boss that is sensitive to your needs, pray for work to keep coming in, for God to bless your boss for taking care of you. After they left to go back to Watauga, we went to see some friends. Played some Tony Hawk on PS2. I'm an übercompetitor as many close friends and family know, especially C. So I want to do good. But I can't figure out how to do anything, so I monkey around for a while. Then Rocky goes for the 2-player mode and we play Slaps. Basically, you ride around and try to slap each other. High Comedy. Then, we let C and Sunee have a go of it. Highest of High Comedy! Both husbands rooting on their wives to lay the smack down on the other wife, the wives getting into it and C coming out victorious. Good times, good times. Sunday we were in the nursery. I helped out in 6-12 months. It's amazing that even as young as 3-6 months, you can tell which kids are high maintenance and which aren't (read: mommy doesn't put me down so as soon as you do I'm gonna cry until you pick me up, even if you've got 2 other kids that need to be held too). Well, I got this one little not-high-maintenance guy to sleep. The dad comes in after second hour to get him for the feeding, but I've put him to sleep. He looks at me agog, telling me how surprised he is because his boy doesn't let anybody do that. Makes me proud. I'm getting a hang on this kid stuff. My favorite phrase "put him/her down". Now, I know it's meant as an idiom for getting the kid to sleep, but it reminds me of what you do to Rover when he's too old and has problems. After church, we go over to C's parents' place for my birthday dinner and hung out with her family until 4:30-ish. Then we came home to have some time to ourselves. If you aren't married, you'll understand and better appreciate time alone when you've got one night to yourselves during the week. Plus, major props/kudos/thanks to C for being überwife this weekend. She baked us feather-light muffins for breakfast on Saturday, made hamburgers for lunch on Saturday, made tuna melts for dinner on Saturday and made a cake for my birthday for Sunday. She rocks!
Best birthday ever because it's my first as a father. Now, don't get confused. Since my wife is pregnant, I am therefore a father. Just because the baby ain't out of the womb yet doesn't mean I'm not a dad. That event is still another 5 months away--and closing fast by the way. I have enjoyed talking to the baby and listening to it slosh around in C's tummy. Looking forward to two weeks and two days when we get to sex the baby. Then we can start calling him/her by it's name instead of "it". Gets old after a while. Got word from the hospital and the bloodwork came out normal for the baby. So, we rejoice that things are so far, so good, but we keep praying for our baby's continued healthy development, as well as C's health and for our child's salvation at an early age. Honestly, my prayer life has been slack this year, but a child will enable to you find so many things to pray for. Amazing.
I'd rant longer, but it's time to go home and get ready to go out for my birthday dinner with C. What a gal.
Best birthday ever because it's my first as a father. Now, don't get confused. Since my wife is pregnant, I am therefore a father. Just because the baby ain't out of the womb yet doesn't mean I'm not a dad. That event is still another 5 months away--and closing fast by the way. I have enjoyed talking to the baby and listening to it slosh around in C's tummy. Looking forward to two weeks and two days when we get to sex the baby. Then we can start calling him/her by it's name instead of "it". Gets old after a while. Got word from the hospital and the bloodwork came out normal for the baby. So, we rejoice that things are so far, so good, but we keep praying for our baby's continued healthy development, as well as C's health and for our child's salvation at an early age. Honestly, my prayer life has been slack this year, but a child will enable to you find so many things to pray for. Amazing.
I'd rant longer, but it's time to go home and get ready to go out for my birthday dinner with C. What a gal.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Cell phones and rain
Okay, so I was getting my mail yesterday and the dude next to me starts talking. Listening, I determine that he is not talking to me, but it doesn't sound like he's talking to himself. I give you the "hands-free" phenomenon. You'll be standing in line at the grocery store, got your windows rolled down sitting at a light, or getting your mail, and the person in front of or next to you starts seemingly talking to themselves. Still confuses me at first, but then I get that they're on their cell. It's gonna take some getting used to, but I'd much rather be freaked out than be run off the road.
I'll leave you with this final thought. Something so pure and wonderful that there must be a God, the Creator of the universe: the smell of rain.
I'll leave you with this final thought. Something so pure and wonderful that there must be a God, the Creator of the universe: the smell of rain.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Potpourri
Listening to KLOVE right now. Deejay says "There are a myriad of opportunities..." I'm all for using big words. It's good to increase your vocabulary. One exceptional way to do this is through completing crossword puzzles, whether print or online. However, with the enjoyment of using big words, there is the responsibility of correct utilization. The above line is best stated thusly: "There are myriad opportunities..." It's like the verb for "to do" in Spanish. It's implied. So you can call someone a milquetoast or a sycophant, but you better know that it means to be timid/walked on or to be a yes-man/flatterer, respectively. And know how to spell them as well. For example, I was quite impressed when my friend Kev correctly used the Latin phrase "non sequitur" in conversation. I was like, "Now there's a smart man."
Makes me think of the whole your/you're debacle. When reading a letter or an article, nothing makes me think less of the author than incorrect spelling. Now, I'm not the best grammarian, but I expect correct spelling and usage. That's what spell check/grammar check is used for! Your is possessive, as in your car, your wife, your zit. You're is the contraction of you and are, which expects an adjective to follow, as in you're annoying, you're ostentatious, you're cute.
Makes me think of the whole your/you're debacle. When reading a letter or an article, nothing makes me think less of the author than incorrect spelling. Now, I'm not the best grammarian, but I expect correct spelling and usage. That's what spell check/grammar check is used for! Your is possessive, as in your car, your wife, your zit. You're is the contraction of you and are, which expects an adjective to follow, as in you're annoying, you're ostentatious, you're cute.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Preachers, Comedians or Regurgitators?
So, what is it with preachers these days? I understand they need to keep the "audience" attentive so they may be taught. The first problem is the use of the word "audience" to describe the congregation at any church. This is not exclusive to preachers, but has affected worship leaders as well. Audience connotes entertainment. Are preachers called to entertain the flock? No! Pastor-teachers as described in the Bible are to lead the flock they've been given. Teachers are kept to a much higher standards than those who listen. James says in 3:1 "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
So why is it that so many pastor-teachers (PTs) have resorted to one-liners and anecdotes to keep the listeners attentive? Is it because you think we need a few laughs on Sunday morning to wake us up? Is that what they teach in Seminary these days? Anecdotes are necessary at times to relate a vague piece of Scripture to our lives. Other times it just seems like they're reaching, begging for a laugh. They'll tell the joke and do the dramatic pause to wait for the laughter. And what happens? The congregation responds and affirms that the PT is funny. Does he need that affirmation? Is he insecure enough that he needs the chortles of the stoic masses to validate his sermon?
Also, I'm glad that God has given wisdom to men to interpret His Word and to help us apply it to our lives. Our church has made it a point that the job of the pastoral staff, as well as the Elders and Sunday School teachers, is to equip us saints to study the Word and to spur us on to maturity in Christ so that we will be able to more effectively understand God's will and to be able to minister better in our sphere of influence. We are blessed, nay spoiled, to have such excellent teaching from the pulpit each Sunday from Matt, such caring and mature Elders to help lead us, and gifted teachers to help us apply the Word to our life stage. Grace is famously a Bible church, meaning that our main focus is on the Word of God and the expository teaching thereof. Everything funnels into that, so that Worship in Song--after all, worship includes singing and hearing of the Word--men's and women's ministries, youth and children's ministry, and missions are all based in what we get from the Word. I enjoy this greatly, because, many pastors today, even a former Grace associate pastor and the pastor of a church I visited a couple of weeks ago, like to tell us what others have said about God's Word. Again, many of these authors have been blessed with incredible wisdom and insight from the LORD. The former Grace pastor spent most of his time telling stories and reading quotes from books. However, I don't come to church for story time. I could go to a bookstore to get that.
I find it very hard to follow along with both the jokers and storytellers, which are often one in the same. I even find myself getting a little angry about it. "What a waste of a Seminary degree" I think to myself. This does not mean that these men are bad people. Far from it. These men have excellent character and engaging personalities. It's as if someone said, "Hey, you're a great talker; you should try the pastorate!" The point is this: I don't want you to spend the majority of your time telling jokes. I want you to spend the majority of the time on the Word of God. The aforementioned recently visited pastor spent about 10 minutes of his 45-minute "teaching time" on the Word. The rest was spent telling jokes and anecdotes and mentioning the Redskins-Cowboys game 4 times. I came away filling so unfulfilled I couldn't wait to get back home to hear Matt, who, although he throws the occasional joke or story in his sermon, spends 90% of his message time on the Scriptures.
So why is it that so many pastor-teachers (PTs) have resorted to one-liners and anecdotes to keep the listeners attentive? Is it because you think we need a few laughs on Sunday morning to wake us up? Is that what they teach in Seminary these days? Anecdotes are necessary at times to relate a vague piece of Scripture to our lives. Other times it just seems like they're reaching, begging for a laugh. They'll tell the joke and do the dramatic pause to wait for the laughter. And what happens? The congregation responds and affirms that the PT is funny. Does he need that affirmation? Is he insecure enough that he needs the chortles of the stoic masses to validate his sermon?
Also, I'm glad that God has given wisdom to men to interpret His Word and to help us apply it to our lives. Our church has made it a point that the job of the pastoral staff, as well as the Elders and Sunday School teachers, is to equip us saints to study the Word and to spur us on to maturity in Christ so that we will be able to more effectively understand God's will and to be able to minister better in our sphere of influence. We are blessed, nay spoiled, to have such excellent teaching from the pulpit each Sunday from Matt, such caring and mature Elders to help lead us, and gifted teachers to help us apply the Word to our life stage. Grace is famously a Bible church, meaning that our main focus is on the Word of God and the expository teaching thereof. Everything funnels into that, so that Worship in Song--after all, worship includes singing and hearing of the Word--men's and women's ministries, youth and children's ministry, and missions are all based in what we get from the Word. I enjoy this greatly, because, many pastors today, even a former Grace associate pastor and the pastor of a church I visited a couple of weeks ago, like to tell us what others have said about God's Word. Again, many of these authors have been blessed with incredible wisdom and insight from the LORD. The former Grace pastor spent most of his time telling stories and reading quotes from books. However, I don't come to church for story time. I could go to a bookstore to get that.
I find it very hard to follow along with both the jokers and storytellers, which are often one in the same. I even find myself getting a little angry about it. "What a waste of a Seminary degree" I think to myself. This does not mean that these men are bad people. Far from it. These men have excellent character and engaging personalities. It's as if someone said, "Hey, you're a great talker; you should try the pastorate!" The point is this: I don't want you to spend the majority of your time telling jokes. I want you to spend the majority of the time on the Word of God. The aforementioned recently visited pastor spent about 10 minutes of his 45-minute "teaching time" on the Word. The rest was spent telling jokes and anecdotes and mentioning the Redskins-Cowboys game 4 times. I came away filling so unfulfilled I couldn't wait to get back home to hear Matt, who, although he throws the occasional joke or story in his sermon, spends 90% of his message time on the Scriptures.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Baby news
C went to the doctor Wednesday and it took her a while to get a good heartbeat with the doppler because the baby was moving around so much. C has been feeling some weirdness in her tummy, but she wasn't sure if it was the baby moving or just her stomach gurgling. So, it's a great sign. I've put my ear to her tummy a few times to hear the baby sloshing around in there and it's fun. We'll get to sex the baby during her next visit! She's gaining weight at about 0.5 pounds per week, just as she's supposed to. So, we're very thankful for God continuing to knit our little bundle together in C's womb. I'm excited about it.
Also, thanks go out to the many woman who have given clothes, toys and furniture. Special props to the grandmothers, who, this being the first grandchild on either side, are going expectedly nuts with doting. My mom has been gracious enough to buy several things, while C's mom has been sewing up a storm for the bedding and 'silkies', etc. And we can't forget Grampa C who is making our cradle.
Just another example (our wedding being the first) of how wonderfully God has provided for us through the many people in our lives. If I didn't mention you, I'm sorry. But you will receive your reward.
Thanks,
R & C & Baby
Also, thanks go out to the many woman who have given clothes, toys and furniture. Special props to the grandmothers, who, this being the first grandchild on either side, are going expectedly nuts with doting. My mom has been gracious enough to buy several things, while C's mom has been sewing up a storm for the bedding and 'silkies', etc. And we can't forget Grampa C who is making our cradle.
Just another example (our wedding being the first) of how wonderfully God has provided for us through the many people in our lives. If I didn't mention you, I'm sorry. But you will receive your reward.
Thanks,
R & C & Baby
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