Personal

So, I'm reading through the Proverbs in the Christian Scriptures (they are the same ones that are in the Jewish Scriptures).  I just hit chapter 17. Try these on for size: ·  Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. (5) ·  Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. (6)  ·   Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends. (9) ·  It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom. (16) ·  Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they kep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.  (28)

Saturday we hit the thriving metropolis of Saskatoon.  Miraculously we were there just as one of our congregation headed into surgery, and back a few hours later just as the surgeon explained the results of the surgery.  That one has to see the credit go to God -- our timing could never have been that coordinated. For the rest of the day we did shopping -- for items our town does not have, or for the same items for cheaper.  We racked up a few hundred dollars. In the case of shopping we try to stay away from credit.  Over the years we have had mortgages, borrowed from relatives and used credit cards.  Overall, though, we still try to keep credit where credit is due. Which means a simple life is not a bad thing.  In today's Men of Integrity devotional Patrick Morley talks about a boat he wanted to buy -- a specialty boat.  He was ready to buy the boat but . . . I concluded that I shouldn't buy something just because I can, that denying myself the boat would be a good lesson in self-restraint and personal discipline. I love the scripture attached to this meditation - "If your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life" (Psalm 62:10).

A child comes into the local convenience store.  After carefully examining all of the shelves, she pronounces that they are missing a brand name chocolate bar.   With all the passion of a seven year old she implores the owner to get some. The owner sees an opportunity to make money, so next week there is a shelf section dedicated to the candy bar.  The child appears again.  This time the protest is over the need for a different chocolate bar.  The owner notes that none of the original bars are bought. Week after week the saga continues.  The owner gains well stocked shelves but the child has not bought one chocolate bar.  As though getting what she wants is to take away her enjoyment. One day the owner confronts the child at the door.  In his hand is the ultimate delectible treat.  He stretches his arm out to her.  She recoils.  "It's yours." "I don't want it!" "I'm not asking you to pay for it." "I still don't want it." The owner puts the treat back on the counter.  The young child disappears.  The last glimpse of her coat tail is accompanied by the words, "Somebody gives me somethin'.  That's no fun!"

Last night the Christmas tree appeared. Living in a new home, our first question was where to place the tree.  Our picture window views the fenced backyard.  Right in the middle of the three panes, and out a few feet from the wall, was a good position. We haven't had to worry about fake or real lately.  I carried a box from the basement storage and Jill, my wife, began the process of unpacking and assembling the tree.  After a few hundred lights were placed and tree ornaments affixed, the tree looks good. We fired up the string of lights, stood and admired!  We are ready for the holiday - and we still call it Christmas!