A New Favorite Quote

Over the weekend, Caroline said that I should drop everything and read Roald Dahl's book, Danny the Champion of the World, immediately. Fortunately, I only waited a day before I got around to it. Here's a great quote from the book: "Ah yes, my darling, there is a whole world of sound around us that we cannot hear because our ears are simply not sensitive enough."

Wonders Abound

From the train platform at Del Amo station, I observe a man in a tree. He stands on a slender branch, a modern halberd extending from his hand. A chainsaw dangles from a rope, but he is unfettered. The man tests his weight on a branch, then steps blithely without the use of his hands. He is hatless, crewless, and ladderless — a long row of trees in his path. When the train comes, I consider letting it pass to watch his artistry for another moment.

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Isaac and I are on the road outside of Pasco, Washington, in the cab of a 24 foot truck. His father’s ’68 Mustang is behind us on a car carrier. There are sun-drenched vineyards to our left and to our right. With the windows down, the smell of grapes is intoxicating.

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We are poolside, craning our necks to witness baptisms at Fountain of Life Covenant Church. It is one of those days when the pain and sadness that surround us — envelop us — separate like clouds and the rays of the sun warm us to the core. Today, the kingdom of God is palpable. John is in the water with Chef Mike and his brother, Rudy, in their oversized white robes. Mike came to faith and then invited his brother to “come and see.” Here they are in the pool being baptized, first Mike, then Rudy. When they are done, they hug John, and then they dive into the water and swim and splash toward the deep end of the pool. Lucas, age 4, smiles and says, “It’s just like the Olympics!"

Politics, Politics, Politics!

In case you’ve been preoccupied with the elections, as I have, Real Clear Politics is a great site. The site features the most recent articles on the election. They also include links to news articles and opinion pieces from many perspectives. For example, the site has links to these two headlines: Barack Obama for President - Washington Post and A Liberal Supermajority Would Move the Nation Far to the Left – Wall Street Journal. I don't usually click on the links to Karl Rove's opinions, but it's good to be exposed to a range of opinions.

Another great site, in case you grow tired of the Main Stream Media, is the blog God's Politics, which features Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, and friends.