2016 odds and ends

So a little housekeeping first.

When I started this blog back up I was hoping to bring you weekly updates on Tuesdays.
As you can tell that has petered out a bit. The main reason is that I now work 40 hours a week and have no internet access (save at the library).

As I learn a new rhythm to life, I will find a consistent time to get these updates up for all (two) of you who wish to keep reading them. Until then we will just have to go with "whenever I can find time, and hopefully once a week at that"

Not only am I bailing on my schedule; this week's update is a series of thoughts, some connected, many not.

In Merry Christmas Charlie Brown, Linus drops his blanket (for the first and only time) when he quotes the words "Fear Not" spoken by the angles in Luke 2. Whether this is intentional or not it is still a pretty cool thing.

Trader Joe's has become a real job, but a good one. I don't always want to go into work in the morning, but I always enjoy myself when I do.

Abraham was a liar. 
His son Issac played favorites with his children.
Issac's son Jacob was a schemer, liar, and played favorites among his sons.
However, Issac's son Joseph shows forgiveness to his brothers (who were liars and schemers).

He breaks the pattern of selfishness found in this family. His actions keep his family safe and preserve the line of Abraham-the one to whom God had promised would become a great nation.


So where did Joseph learn forgiveness?

In Genesis 33 Jacob and his brother Esau (who had been harmed by the lies and schemes of Jacob) reconcile. Present at this event is Jacob's son Joseph.
The first moment in this family's history where peace and forgiveness are extended is one where Joseph is present for. This event will echo out in the actions of Joseph later in time.

My niece is pretty cool. She smiles and makes non-crying noises now. On Christmas Eve she was quiet and awake as I read How the Grinch Stole Christmas to her. She doesn't know this yet, but that is now our annual tradition.

The family enjoyed the gifts that I got them (Smash-Up) and it has been used several times since.

I got to see Star Wars VII on New Year's Day with my brother's mother-in-law (still not sure what that makes us, other than family)





--Serving Him alongside all of you, just from further away
--Jesse Letourneau