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When you say you are going to have a hot dog – what do you think of?

A pale thin tube of mushy meat, colored some shade of brown?

I guess I’ve always had a broad stroke definition when I think of hot dogs.  Anything in a cylindrical shape that can go between the two lips of a hot dog bun – that’s my definition.  That would include smokies, sausages, wieners, and much more. 

Too broad a definition?

At least, if I want to point out what we are having for supper.  To include such a broad definition means that all one’s expectation for that pale tube can be quickly dashed when a wholesome delicacy is placed on the table.  Especially if you serve a smokie instead of a wiener.

Have I been serving cultured meat under the misleading label of hot dog?  Am I perhaps dashing the hopes of others by bringing forth a chicken hot dog, when whole beef would be appreciated?

For my offenses, I apologize!

I challenged some people to try and rhyme the name of my wife, “Cynthia”.  One taker has come forward – Vi Warman.   Her entry is amazing!

I have a big conundrum

That’s working on my mind.

Maybe you can help me

This puzzling thing to find

 

There’s something I am wondering

Since my cousin married your aunt,

Does that make me your cousin?

Or maybe your Great Aunt.

 

But since it doesn’t matter,

We are  the best of friends

We’ll be friends forever,

Until our journey ends.

 

Ron gave me quite a challenge,

But there’s something I am sure

He beats me well in knowledge

But I’ve passed his age and more.

 

It’s been really nice to know you,

Both Ron and Cynthia

Now, “sinth we know ya betta,

I’d liketa comein thee ya.”

 

I hope I’ve won the challenge

Do you have more to say?

If you agree the I have won,

It’s your turn now to pay.

 

A loving hub from each of you

Would be so very kind.

No better friends than both of you

In this old world I’d find.

 

Thank you very much

Vi

I was told to read the Gospels of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Christian Scriptures).  I would see Jesus as a tolerant, all inclusive, accepting one. 

I liked the epistles that Paul and Peter and James and John wrote.  They were straightforward advice.  No mush and gush.

I decided to read the Gospels again and get an insight on Jesus’ inclusiveness and acceptance.  The Gospels disappointed me.

Jesus was not nice.  Or accepting of all sorts of things.  He was messy and opinionated.  And winsome and attractive.  He started with crowds.  He called down destruction on his religion’s home town.  He disliked the religious leaders.  His famous sermon on the mount basically says none of us can be perfect like God, but he tells us we should be.  His last week of life he alienated all sorts of people.  Only some women and a few men were willing to stick with him at his crucifixion. 

A much more tolerant, loving Jesus would be easier to handle.

I have a brother-in-law, Tim Barton, who preaches and ministers at the Canby Alliance Church in Canby, Oregon (www.canbyalliance.org).  He sends out his sermon notes every week.  This week he’s beginning sermons on mental health.  Good stuff.  Here is quote from part of his sermon that I pulled out regarding a prophet from the Old Testament who struggled with debilitating mental health issues.

Remember, Elijah had run away from his calling. Deserted the people God sent him to. God’s grace covered his failure. God hadn’t given up on Elijah even though Elijah had given up on himself. Phil Ryken, “His life still had a kingdom purpose. So does ours: not matter how discouraged we are today, God still has a bright plan for our tomorrow.”

Last thought – Elijah’s tree and Jesus’ cross.

Over 100 years ago the German preacher F. W. Krummacher compared Elijah’s broom tree to the cross where Jesus died. I end with his eloquent, insightful, and encouraging words, “Listen. As often as it will seem to you as if it were enough, as if the burden of life is no longer to be borne, do as Elijah did. Flee, you, too to the silence of solitude, and I will show you a tree, and there you will cast yourself down. It is the cross. Yes, a tree covered with thorns and barbs that pierce the soul, girded about with nails that wound the heart and cause pain and suffering. But this tree also has a scent that refreshes the soul. In the presence of the cross you no longer think of complaining about the greatness of your sufferings. For the love of God in Jesus Christ for you poor sinner will soon draw all your thoughts and reflections away from everything else. Under the cross our complaining will soon be absorbed in the peace of the Lord.”