Francis Schaeffer

As a philosopher of the 1970s, Francis Schaeffer understood the human condition and taught that history does follow a pattern. In his book True Spirituality he explains that faith is not a leap in the dark but the belief and trust in something known. Further, that faith is lived out in a moment by moment trust in the character of God as evidenced by Christ's death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.

Art 101

After much wishing and hemming and hawing, I finally got started on something frozen in my mind for quite some time.  Many years ago, a book called How Great Thou Art came to my attention.  It's a basic book on drawing and beginning at the beginning.  So, yesterday I began with drawing a straight line -- over and over for at least 6 pages.  It's straighter and my control is a little better.

So I'm underway and enjoying the experience immensely!

God, the Creator, made man after His image -- so, I need to exercise my brain and learn another avenue of being creative and emulate Him by His Spirit!

2010 - 365 Posts

In a new year bloggers have resolved to 365 posts on their favorite topic.  Me, well, I can't stand that kind of pressure, nor can I think of a topic that I know either know enough about or be willing to research on a daily basis.  Maybe my ambivalence is because I am a Jack of all trades and as the adage goes "a master of none."

My life is one of constant diversity and curiosity with varying interests that might be conducive to this type of writing:  1) the needle arts including cross stitch, embroidery and knitting; 2) a new / old hobby:  art, both old masters and my own doodles;  3) entertainment venues -- books, movies, museums, etc.; 4) cooking as portrayed in the Julie and Julia movie [but I'm more a Betty Crocker kind of gal]; 5) history, European, British and US; 6) pictorial record of family, friends and acquaintances; and last but not least, 7) Scripture, including daily readings; faith and practice; Bible commentaries; and apologetics.

There have been very few commitments in my life.  One is my family, we were all together for the first time in 7 years this Christmas; my Faith in Jesus Christ -- which is actually the first priority; and my work, which is payment for having fun and being responsible at the same time.  So I guess we'll see which topic comes out on top for this year.

Brit Hume and Ann Coulter

Ann Coulter defends Brit Hume's First Amendment Rights, not for being a reporter, but for being a Christian!  When I was growing up in the USA, I never believed that it would become necessary to defend people's rights to say what they believe.  That's right, I grew up in the 60's when college students expressed their right to free speech, ya know - Berkeley, Haight Ashbury and all those riots where buildings were burned and police pelted with bricks.

I guess I missed the headlines where Christians have held guns to the heads of others, while forcing them to accept the faith or die by the sword.  So why don't Christians have the same rights as the hippies of the 60's? What have they done to need defending?  Christians committed the crime of violating the political correctness directive of "I'm Okay, You're Okay."  They erred by speaking the truth about man's condition.

What is man's condition?  Man is a sinner in need of redemption.  See, Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  None of us is able to be 100%, infallibly perfect; and without that level of being set apart from sin, we cannot stand in God's presence.  Why?  Because God cannot tolerate any speck of sin.  So He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins.  Those very sins Jesus carried for us (See Isaiah 53) to provide the redemption needed to enter God's presence and live. The truth cannot be tolerated.

What is truth?  Pilate, the Roman Governor, asked Jesus Christ that very question when condemning Christ to death.  Jesus Christ said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by Me."  John 14:6.

So thank you Brit and thank you Ann for your willingness to be counted among those of us who love freedom and more than that love our Redeemer.  See Ann Coulter's article at:  http://www.anncoulter.com/cgi-local/printer_friendly.cgi?article=349

Woolly End Renovations

Today started another renovation project at "Woolly End" House.  The whole indoors is dusty and messy from the tear out of the carpet and the beginning of installing real wood floors, 2 3/4, 4 and 5 inch boards, tongue and groove.  Of course there was the proverbial "discovery" of an anomaly that the original wood floors in the dining room and kitchen were 1/8 of an inch higher than the new floor, requiring another visit to Home Depot for a 1/8 inch underlayment.  But we are underway and halfway through the install of the living room at this writing.  Numerous obstacles have arisen like the stone fireplace trim was not quite 3/4" above the subflooring, some of the lumber was warped, etc., etc.  Normal stuff.  It may be months before we are truly finished but we are started!

My Favorite Sergeant - Jonathan Fiore

Jonathan was promoted to sergeant this past week (effective July 1).  When he was a groomsman in a military wedding this weekend, I took some photos of him in his uniform and his medals!  We're proud of him.

Branch B. Rickey

Speaking of Baseball, Commissioner Selig has announced his retirement effective 2012.  As a result of that announcement, several names will be mentioned as his potential successor.  One of those, Brian Ross, Sr. Editor, of Minor League Baseball News postulates in his article that the President of the Pacific Coast League, Branch B. Rickey, who is commonly called "Branch Rickey, III," is an apt candidate.  Brian's assessment of Branch, as a great visionary and good for baseball, is one in which I heartily agree.  Branch's reputation is one of honor, integrity and grace; his values -- truth, excellence and fair play; and his training, from his grandfather and father's knees -- teething on baseball, weaning on history and learning compassion, equity, and dependability towards his fellowman (and woman).

I have been blessed to call him my "boss" and to be considered his colleague and right-hand in his work as the President of the Pacific Coast League.

Minor League Baseball News - MLB Commissioner

2009 Baseball Winter Meetings - Indianapolis

Baseball held its Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana December 7-10, 2009.  What an amazing choice -- northern city, with skywalks connecting the hotels, shopping, restaurants.  A clean city with a dusting of true winter but most enjoyable for the variety of venues close in to the Convention Center. 

Two highlights for me were the Indianapolis Art Museum with its juried paintings, sculptures and glass exhibits which include a Monet, several Gaugins, a Remington and two Chihuly vases.  My favorite by far was the Benson painting, Sunlight.  A woman standing and shielding her face from the sun bathed in white light.

The second was the Soldiers Memorial where toy soldiers stood guard over the light strewn monument.  At night the buildings to either side had a pyramid of green rectangles topped with golden stars.

St. Petersburg

The Pacific Coast League held its Fall Meetings in St. Petersburg, Florida in mid-October.  Minor League Baseball University, held at MiLB Headquarters, and the PCL GM Seminar, held at the Renaissance Hotel, were the two integral parts to the continuing education process.  Each club in the 16 team league led a 10 - 15 minutes segment on a topic of interest.  Some of the ideas included a mug club, reading program for kids, crisis management, etc.


Frank accompanied me on this trip and we were able to spend an extra day visiting the gulf coast, as well as Frank and I under the Banyan tree, seeing the sailboat races, posing for pictures in my new straw fedora and Frank loving the sea.

The Best Letter Carrier

Nicke made her debut as an "official" letter carrier for All Hallows Eve -- quite the hit with some of the "regulars."