Joli yeux, sourire de pirate*
by chuckofish
It’s the shortest day of the year and this will be a short post.
I went to Lottie’s holiday dance recital and she did great.
You go, girl!
*Elton John, “pretty eyed, pirate smile”
dual personalities
December 20, 2023
This and that, here and there
by chuckofish
There were even bigger trucks and excavators by our house yesterday.
They are making good progress and hopefully will be movin’ on down the road by Christmas.
Today we toast Charles Ellsworth Grapewin (December 20, 1869 – February 2, 1956)–American supporting actor, best known for portraying Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz (1939). Charley also played Grandpa Joad in The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Jeeter Lester in Tobacco Road (1941) and my personal favorite, Gramp Maple in The Petrified Forest (1936) with Leslie Howard.
Born in Xenia, Ohio, he ran away from home to be a circus acrobat which led to work as an aerialist and trapeze artist in a traveling circus before turning to acting. He traveled all over the world with the P.T. Barnum circus. Grapewin also appeared in the original 1903 Broadway production of The Wizard of Oz, 36 years before he was featured in the famous MGM film version. From the stage he moved to silent movies at the turn of the 20th century.
He was great–always recognizable, but true to his character.
The Bible, as you know, is full of angels. They are God’s servants. They are not pretty androgynous beings with blond hair, but mighty warriors who will protect you when needed. Here is a helpful primer about angels and how Christians should view them.
I am winding up my Bible-reading plan for 2023 with the book of Revelation. Wonderful. I was just reading about the grapes of wrath. Again I say, make the Bible part of your daily routine. John Piper agrees.
And here’s a shot of Bob Dylan for your Wednesday:
You can laugh at salvation, you can play Olympic games
You think that when you rest at last you’ll go back from where you came
But you’ve picked up quite a story and you’ve changed since the womb
What happened to the real you, you’ve been captured but by whom?He’s the property of Jesus
“Property of Jesus”, Bob Dylan
Resent him to the bone
You got something better
You’ve got a heart of stone
December 19, 2023
From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee*
by chuckofish
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through our neighborhood…city workmen are starting a new street project which involves numerous large earth-moving vehicles and trucks moving earth in our own side yard.
Last week a row of mature trees was removed. Also very noisy and disruptive. We knew this project was coming, but, you have to admit, the timing is really special. C’est la vie.
I am not going to let this disrupt my happy Christmas mood and you shouldn’t either. Don’t let whatever is going on in your life that is annoying and causing you to sleep badly take your focus from what it is we are celebrating–the incarnation of our Lord and Savior!
Here’s an old reminder from Frederick Buechner to hang in there and trust God:
I REMEMBER SITTING parked by the roadside once, terribly depressed and afraid about my daughter’s illness and what was going on in our family, when out of nowhere a car came along down the highway with a license plate that bore on it the one word out of all the words in the dictionary that I needed most to see exactly then. The word was TRUST. What do you call a moment like that? Something to laugh off as the kind of joke life plays on us every once in a while? The word of God? I am willing to believe that maybe it was something of both, but for me it was an epiphany. The owner of the car turned out to be, as I’d suspected, a trust officer in a bank, and not long ago, having read an account I wrote of the incident somewhere, he found out where I lived and one afternoon brought me the license plate itself, which sits propped up on a bookshelf in my house to this day. It is rusty around the edges and a little battered, and it is also as holy a relic as I have ever seen.
–originally published in Telling Secrets
And this made me laugh. Now I want to go see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop. (Who knew that was a thing?)
*Charles Wesley
December 18, 2023
“O Daughter of Zion, shout aloud”*
by chuckofish
How was your weekend? Ours was dark and gloomy and rainy, but full of festive seasonal fun nevertheless.
We went to the Christmas concert Friday night–a packed house of Presbyterians, plus a few random Episcopalians I recognized and even a few Jewish Messiah lovers. I enjoyed it very much, but didn’t get home until 10 p.m.–way past my usual bedtime!
On Saturday I went to the funeral of an old 99-year-old friend at my old church. Shirley was quite the gal–a lifelong Episcopalian, Republican and Cardinals fan who went to spring training in Florida every year. She was also a professional woman who had enjoyed quite a long and successful career. The former rector came from Florida to speak along with the former President Pro Tem of the Missouri State Senate. He told the story of how Shirley was sad when she gave up her season tickets to the Cardinals at age 97, but that she had to admit that watching the games on her daughter’s big screen tv had its benefits–namely being able to see Nolan Arenado, “the most beautiful man ever,” up close and personal.
The service was 100% Rite I, but the interim rector kept lapsing into Rite II. C’est la vie. The lay readers were good, which would have pleased Shirley. She had been one herself for decades. I always felt so validated when she gave me a thumbs up after I read. The church was almost full–which said quite a lot about 99-year-old Shirley–but the singing was weak. Shirley, I daresay, is well out of the Episcopal Church and in heaven now.
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
–Job 19:25-27
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
After Mr. Smith went to the spa for his shampoo, daughter #1 came over and helped me decorate the tree.
We also watched the 1951 A Christmas Carol–the best version in my not so humble opinion.
The boy was in Kansas City with his family all weekend, so it was just the OM and I at church and a quiet Sunday afternoon.
Also, I did want to wish a happy birthday to my dual personality. Happy Birthday, sweet sister of mine!
I hope someone is cooking you a nice dinner and that my present arrived in time for you to open it today. I hope you watch a good movie, maybe Captain Blood (1935) or How to Steal a Million (1966). I will be toasting Fizzy Fuzz, Pompey, Pete, and Robert Preston!
Also, this meme made me LOL:
P.S. Many thanks to whoever sent the fruitcake from Texas–there was no card!
*Zechariah 9:9
December 15, 2023
“From now on call me Velvet Thunder”
by chuckofish
Ten days til Christmas! This weekend we will decorate our tree which the boy kindly set up in its stand. We’re movin’ now.
Tonight we are going to the Christmas concert at Central Presbyterian Church, which daughter #1 attends. The program includes the first part of Handel’s Messiah and a variety of Christmas carols. I am really looking forward to it.
Tomorrow is the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea party! On December 17, 1773, John Adams wrote, “Last night, three cargoes of tea were emptied into the Harbour. This is the grandest event which has ever yet happened since the controversy with Britain opened!” He also wrote, “The people should never rise without doing something to be remembered, something notable, and striking. The destruction of the tea is so bold, so daring, so firm, intrepid, and inflexible, and it must have so important consequences, and so lasting, that I can’t but consider it as an epocha in history.”
Don’t forget to celebrate appropriately.
In other news, we were saddened to hear that Andre Braugher, who starred as Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, has died. Nobody could say “punk” like Captain Holt. Of course, someone did a YouTube tribute and it’s pretty good even though the compilation does not include Cheddar:
Rest in peace, Andre. Love you, Captain.
December 14, 2023
With angelic host proclaim*
by chuckofish
Hello from daughter #2!
It should come as no surprise that I am enjoying the Christmas season with the girls. At 3.5 years old, Katie has been very invested in our decorations, Christmas stories, beloved movies, and other traditions. She makes everything more special, from buying an inexpensive wreath at the grocery store to unpacking generations-old ornaments. This year, she even picked out a few gifts and helped me pen the accompanying cards. (We discussed that, because it’s the thought that counts, it helps to write a thoughtful message about what you chose.)
For her part, Ida has enjoyed Christmas music and always amuses us with her dance moves, which center in her hips. She can’t help but dance, no matter how busy she is with something else (crawling, cruising, jail-breaking, wreaking general havoc). When we watched White Christmas, she stopped in her literal tracks when Bing Crosby sang his first note. (I have since heard multiple other accounts of children doing this!) Admittedly, she is still a big fan of The Beach Boys. (You may recall that when she was a wee babe, DN sang “Surfin’ I-D-A” to her, to much delight.)
With an older toddler, we have also been answering a lot of questions about Christmas. Some regard deeper themes — when learning “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,”* Katie asked, “Why do they say newborn king and not newborn baby?”
Others, not so much. At dinner:
Katie: “Mom, will you tell me to eeeeat, Katie, eat?”
Me: “Do you mean like Mrs. Claus says?” (I recognized the line from Rudolph.)
Katie: “Yes.”
Me: “Eeeat, Katie, eat!”
Katie: “Can you say it again but not with that tone?”
Gee whiz. This exchange then prompted a conversation about why Santa needs a round belly in the first place. Like a bowl full of jelly? — what is jelly? I mean, I’m really with her.
While we are on the topic of toddler philosophy, I’ll leave you with one more anecdote. As we plan our move to Illinois, we are trying to prepare Katie for big changes. Accordingly, she has many questions. The other night, she asked, “Will we take Ida’s walker to Illinois?” We said, yes, we will take all of our things to Illinois. “How?” (Great question.) We explained that we will put everything in a big, big truck. “Why not 3 or 4 small trucks?”
Indeed.
*Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, lyrics by Charles Wesley, 1739
December 13, 2023
Let nothing you dismay
by chuckofish
“Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster.”
–A Christmas Carol by Charles DIckens
Are you feeling a little like our friend Mr. Scrooge? Here’s a good message from the late, great R.C. Sproul: “Every generation has its abundance of Scrooges. The church is full of them. We hear endless complaints of commercialism. We are constantly told to put Christ back into Christmas. We hear that the tradition of Santa Claus is a sacrilege. We listen to those acquainted with history murmur that Christmas isn’t biblical…All this carping is but a modern dose of Scroogeism, our own sanctimonious profanation of the holy.”
So lighten up. Enjoy the season! Spread some cheer! Write some end-of-the-year checks to the Shriners and the Salvation Army and your local Christian radio station. Put some paper money in the red kettle at the grocery store. You’ll be glad you did.
And I hope you enjoy this rendition of God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, which is one of the oldest Christmas carols, originating in 16th-century England. The earliest known printed edition was published in 1760.
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joyFrom God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joyThe shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joyBut when to Bethlehem they came,
Whereat this infant lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joyNow to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth efface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.
December 12, 2023
Comfort, comfort my people*
by chuckofish
I hinted about something awhile ago and now I think it is official and okay for me to let you know that DN has been offered/accepted a job at the University of Illinois–Champaign-Urbana campus and that he and daughter #2’s little family will be moving there in the new year!
It is a mere 181 miles from St. Louis! We are so excited and happy and grateful.
Well done, Nate!
In other news, the world continues to go to hell in a hand-basket. In the meantime here are some excellent and timely reads on:
Why the HR mindset can’t condemn genocide;
and, yes, the moral rot starts at the top.
Well, as Anne says, in order “to sleep at night, and then to get through the day without descending into madness, I have to keep [current] events as they unfold very much at the periphery and not dwell on what I do see for very long. I have to keep moving, lest I be swept away on a tide of anxiety and horror.”
So look up, see the light, hug your family, read your Bible, go to church, and keep praying.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
*Isaiah 40:1
December 11, 2023
Veni emmanuel
by chuckofish
Another super busy weekend with a variety of events, several of which involved getting dressed up and socializing with people. But the weekend was dominated by the wee twins’ 7th birthday and their birthday party. Their parents rented one of the small movie theaters at the Galleria and invited 20 kids to watch Aladdin (1992) in their pajamas.
They got popcorn, candy and a drink and, of course, a special cookie.
I must say it was a pretty fun party. When Jasmine and Aladdin go on their magic carpet ride and sing “A Whole New World” all the girls in the back row, led by Lottie, burst into song and sang along. Several of the boys (down in front) got annoyed and said, “Be QUIET!” I was amused–funnily enough the boys were better behaved than the girls. I also enjoyed the movie–Robin Williams knocks it out of the ballpark. I had forgotten that it was the highest grossing film of 1992!
Later in the day the twins also came over to our house for a more sedate birthday gathering with a cookie cake and a few presents to open.
We also managed to go to church twice–once on Sunday morning and once Sunday evening for Lessons & Carols followed by a congregational meeting to vote for our senior pastor candidate. It was a full house and we blew the roof off singing–this congregation loves to sing! And we voted in the new pastor!
Among other Advent standards, we sang O Come, O Come, Emmanuel which I always associate with my earliest pageant experience at my school in kindergarten. We sang it in the dark with our little candle/flashlights. It made quite an impression. That old 13th century Plainsong is so sad and eery sounding. I never really understood the lyrics until recently though.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
There’s actually a whole lot I understand now that I did not before. I am so grateful for my new church. I am so grateful for Tim Keller and R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur and John Piper for pointing me in the right direction and for encouraging me to find a good church!
December 8, 2023
The soul in paraphrase
by chuckofish
Maybe nobody wants to hear any more about prayer, but here’s a great poem by George Herbert who, you will recall, was a poet and Anglican priest writing in the seventeenth century.
Prayer the church’s banquet, angel’s age,
“Prayer (1)” by George Herbert
God’s breath in man returning to his birth,
The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage,
The Christian plummet sounding heav’n and earth
Engine against th’ Almighty, sinner’s tow’r,
Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear,
The six-days world transposing in an hour,
A kind of tune, which all things hear and fear;
Softness, and peace, and joy, and love, and bliss,
Exalted manna, gladness of the best,
Heaven in ordinary, man well drest,
The milky way, the bird of Paradise,
Church-bells beyond the stars heard, the soul’s blood,
The land of spices; something understood.
dual personalities 