dual personalities

Category: Uncategorized

August 20, 2025

Way back Wednesday

by chuckofish

I was thinking about my grandkids going back to school on Monday and in particular Katie, who started Kindergarten. (I hear that she was a bit disappointed that she did not learn to read on the first day.) Anyway, I looked up my class picture from Kindergarten in 1961–there I am on the right with the bangs. I liked school. I had made it through Junior Kindergarten and learned the ropes. I have no doubt that little Katie will like school too–she has a long road ahead of her!

“I suppose identity depends on memory. And if memory is blotted out, then I wonder if I exist–I mean if I am the same person. Of course, I don’t have to solve that problem. It is up to God, if any.”

–Jorge Luis Borges

2 Comments
August 19, 2025

“‘Rando’ is a slang term for a person of no significance.”*

by chuckofish

There are still an amazing bounty of flowers still blooming in our flyover town. It must be all that rain we had in the spring. Long after the Daylilies in my yard are gone, Don’s garden is still pretty lush…

Meanwhile the twins started third grade and Katie started kindergarten. Sunrise, sunset. And I guess that means the summer is over…

This picture of the prairie girls reminds me of the conversation I had with Lottie about her recent trip to Oklahoma. I said, oh yes, they have great clouds in Oklahoma–big sky, big clouds. And she said (with a bit of a tone) well, their clouds are no better than our clouds here in Missouri! I stand corrected.

Here’s a wonderful reminder from John Piper about God’s provision for us.

We won’t endure on our own. God brings brothers and sisters in Christ into our lives to help us along the path to heaven. That’s actually one of the great themes in Bunyan’s famous allegory Pilgrim’s Progress. Faithful and Hopeful are the friends Christian needs, his fellowship, along his path to the gates of the Celestial City.

And I really like the new Zach Williams song, don’t you?

*Oliver in Only Murders in the Building

Mabel Mora – “I’m a stranger that lied to you a bunch. And you’re two randos that dragged me into a podcast.”

Oliver Putnam – “‘Rando’ is a slang term for a person of no significance.”

Charles-Haden Savage – “I used context clues, but thank you.”

Oliver Putnam – “You’re welcome.”

3 Comments
August 18, 2025

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?

by chuckofish

I spent a lot of time with my therapy dog Mr. Smith this weekend. Also daughter #1 and I went through more stuff. She also played DJ and we listened to old CDs, which we haven’t done in ages. (We bought an old LP at an estate sale on Saturday and that got us started.)

Don Williams is just the best for whatever ails you–I think even Mr. Smith mellowed out to his dulcet tones.

I went to church and Sunday School; the sermon was on Psalm 24.

I love that the Westminster Shorter Catechism answers the question, What is the chief end of man?, so clearly and concisely: to glorify God and enjoy him forever. That is what Psalm 24 is about. God is the creator and we are the worshippers–with clean hands and a pure heart.

Have a good week. Pet a nice dog, listen to some good music, worship God and enjoy Him forever. Feel the joy.

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

(Psalm 1:1-2)

2 Comments
August 15, 2025

Up to the stone wall

by chuckofish

It’s Friday again–do you have plans for the weekend?

Me neither. I have been reading some poetry. Here’s one:

A Time to Talk

When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don’t stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven’t hoed,
And shout from where I am, What is it?
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.

–Robert Frost (1974-1963)

And I thought this was actually funny…

1 Comment
August 14, 2025

Life flows in a clear stream

by chuckofish

The summer is drawing to a close. The boy and the twins took a last trip to the zoo before school starts and rode the train. I had lunch with my old friend and former administrative assistant and heard all about the goings on at the university. I took the Mini in for an oil change.

Katie starts kindergarten today! She met her teacher yesterday and wore her favorite dress which belonged to her aunt back in the day.

I am looking forward to September and the return (hopefully) to some semblance of my old routine.

Life goes on and I am grateful.

“I had turned away from the picture and was going back to the world where events move, men change, light flickers, life flows in a clear stream, no matter whether over mud or over stones.”

–Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim

4 Comments
August 13, 2025

Covenant

by chuckofish

Daughter #1 sent a photo of a rainbow yesterday evening and I ran outside to see…

As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.

(Ezekiel 1:28)

Awesome.

I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth.”

(Genesis 9:11)

For more on the rainbow as the sign of God’s covenant, read this.

1 Comment
August 12, 2025

Walk of life

by chuckofish

The twins came over yesterday morning so their parents could go to work (school doesn’t start until next week). Lottie and I did another Hobby Lobby craft. The bud said no thanks and brought up tubs of Lego from the basement to play with. Then they went upstairs and entertained themselves while I puttered around. Then we went to the Sunnyside cafe where they wolfed down dinosaur pancakes and bacon and read the hilarious riddles on the kids menu.

Then I took them to their Dad’s store where they are allowed to look at iPads. They are happy kids. Praise God.

In other news, I am re-watching all the seasons of Only Murders in the Building in preparation for the fifth season which begins in September. What can I say? I just love Charles, Oliver and Mabel and the plot twists and turns of the show. I love what the show says about friendship and loneliness and families. It is the best thing on TV.

We also want to mention that it is the birthday of Cecil B. DeMille (August 12, 1881 – January 21, 1959), legendary American filmmaker. Between 1914 and 1958, he made 70 features, both silent and sound films. He is acknowledged as a founding father of American cinema and the most commercially successful producer-director in film history. So we should all pick one of his films to watch. He made a lot of good ones.

It is also Mark Knopfler’s birthday. We have been fans for a long time.

Of course.

So watch a good movie, listen to some good music, praise God from whom all blessings flow.

2 Comments
August 11, 2025

Abide with me

by chuckofish

How was your weekend? Daughter #1 and I worked on the basement some more, keeping this…

…always in mind.

The sermon on Sunday was about Psalm 23, which we read, of course, at the OM’s funeral. The scripture reading was John 10:7-30, which includes: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” (Our pastor shared that with the OM on the night he died.) All the hymns were about the good shepherd and we sang On Jordan’s Stormy Bank I Stand, which is a favorite.

Never forget that God promises his presence no matter what our suffering is. His sheep are safe. My cup runneth over.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

3 Comments
August 8, 2025

Infinite serenity

by chuckofish

Well, it’s Friday again. The summer is winding down…Daughter #2 and her family are in Michigan…

…and the boy and his family are in Oklahoma.

I am looking forward to a quiet weekend after a very busy week. Tonight daughter #1 and I are venturing out to a special lecture by Mark Meynell, a Church of England priest, who is speaking at my church. I’m not sure what to expect, but we’ll see.

O GOD MOST HIGH, MOST GLORIOUS,

The thought of thine infinite serenity
      cheers me,
For I am toiling and moiling, troubled
    and distressed,
  but thou art for ever at perfect peace.
Thy designs cause thee no fear or care
    of unfulfilment,
  they stand fast as the eternal hills.
Thy power knows no bond,
  thy goodness no stint.
Thou bringest order out of confusion,
  and my defeats are thy victories:
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
I come to thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows,
  to leave every concern entirely to thee,
  every sin calling for Christ’s precious blood;
Revive deep spirituality in my heart;
Let me live near to the great Shepherd,
  hear his voice, know its tones, follow its calls.
Keep me from deception by causing me to abide
    in the truth,
  from harm by helping me to walk in the power
    of the Spirit.
Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities,
  burning into me by experience the things I know;
Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel,
  that I may bear its reproach,
  vindicate it,
  see Jesus as its essence,
  know in it the power of the Spirit.
Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill;
  unbelief mars my confidence,
  sin makes me forget thee.
Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut
    at their roots;
Grant me to know that I truly live only
    when I live to thee,
  that all else is trifling.
Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout,
    strong and happy.
Abide in me, gracious God.

–The Valley of Vision

Have a good weekend! Go to church!

1 Comment
August 7, 2025

Thursday reflections

by chuckofish

Today we remember John Mason Neale (1818-1866), Anglican hymn writer, who is remembered on the Anglican and Episcopal Church calendars today. He wrote some really good hymns, including one of my favorites, Jerusalem the Golden:

Jerusalem the golden!
With milk and honey blest;
Beneath your contemplation
Sink heart and voice opprest.
I know not, oh! I know not,
What joys await us there,
What radiancy of glory,
What bliss beyond compare.

This is an interesting article about the time a famous photographer came to St. Louis in the summer of 1926 and took pictures. St. Louis hasn’t changed all that much and neither has the weather.

Also this video about spiders from the John 10:10 Project is fascinating.

My grandchildren are all horrified by spiders, but I tell them that most of them are our friends and help keep down the insect population. Their webs are amazing!

In other news, I continue to check things off my to-do list, including selling the OM’s car. 🎉🎉🎉 This is a load off my heavily laden mind.

“Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” (Gen. 35:3)

Stop and reflect, our faith is strengthened by the difficult things God has brought us through. Trust God in the present as well as for the future. 

1 Comment