God's Beautiful World

Went down to La Jolla with the family yesterday.   It was gray and gloomy until the sun dropped below the clouds; then we enjoyed the splendor of a Pacific sunset.  So refreshing.  After dark we ate at a taco shop, then went home and watched a cowboy movie wherein the bad guys got swift justice.  A good day. 

A Clue That Something Might Be Wrong

When devotion to one's "deity" requires one to sew explosives into one's underpants, perhaps it might be time to seriously question one's religion.  After hours of thinking things through, this guy elects to go ahead with setting fire to his crotch in order to murder hundreds of people? Really?

And, did I miss it, or are "moderate" Muslims everywhere not publicly condemning Mr. Underpants Suicide Bomber?

Thank God for Bryan San Miguel

Here is Bryan playing one of his guitars to accompany our kids.  He also plays mando, fiddle, and banjo, and has taught a bunch of other people to play instruments as well. He meets with our teens every Wednesday to teach them to serve the Lord with music and instruments.  He first learned to play guitar so he could sing to his wife at their wedding.  He is a great man and a dear brother.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Bryan, Rhanda, and Ben closed out our concert with "How Deep the Father's Love," a modern hymn by Townend and Getty:

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Christmas Merriment

The Prospect Avenue Bluegrass Band (in one of it's various forms) performing at our church Christmas party this past Sunday. (L-R) Bryan, Timmy, (behind Timmy is Justin on bass) Jake, Wyatt, Jameson, (and love-of-my-life) Toni. That's a bunch o musical talent in one place.

Toni's Boys

We got up at zero-dark-thirty to get Ben to the airport.  (Everyone has hat hair except Ben.)  He had a full travel day, 6 hours by plane and 5 by car.  We pick him up again this Thursday.  Yay!