Air Hockey

Simple concept--try to knock the puck into the opposite goal using the paddle (mallet). I love how fast paced this can get. This can really bring out my competitiveness! I want to have my own air hockey table someday. That would be so much fun!

Horchata

This is a rice based drink that also has vanilla, cinnamon, and almond flavors. It is a popular Mexican beverage. I am always excited when I can find this in a grocery store.

The Bourne Identity

I love suspense movies like this. Matt Damon’s character can’t remember who he is and tries to piece things together, eventually realizing he is part of a special CIA program. I totally dig movies that have to do with government agencies like CIA and so on (even though they might not be shown in the best light sometimes).

Apples to Apples

This is a great party game. Each player gets cards dealt that are nouns—famous people, places, etc. The players take turns being the judge. The judge picks a card containing an adjective and the other players pick a card from their hand which they think the judge will think is a good match to the adjective card. The cards are mixed up so the judge doesn’t know who gave what card and then picks what he or she thinks is the best match. It’s really hilarious sometimes. And it’s not just about picking a card you think fits well—it’s about knowing how the person acting as judge thinks. It’s a lot of fun.

Genesis 50:20

20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Joseph had a lot of bad stuff happen to him—he was despised by his brothers, thrown into a cistern, sold, wrongly accused, imprisoned. Yet Joseph can speak these words that God intended what happened to him for good. God brings good out of all the crap in our lives. We don’t always know why things happen to us. We don’t always know why we have to go through difficult times. But we can know God is there always, that He loves us, and that He makes good things happen.

Big Business

This is comedy starring Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin about identical twins who get mixed up after they’re born in the hospital. Years later, they all end up at the Plaza Hotel and there are some hysterical moments especially when they see each other for the first time and others see all of them together and get freaked out.

flambeau@darkcorp.com by Don Hawkins

In its format, this is very much like the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Though this is modernized. In this book a demon e-mails another demon, instructing him how to mess with a guy, tempt him, get him to fall from faith, and cause others to stumble. He instructs the demon in using criticism, manipulation, gossip, sarcasm, lying, flirtation etc. I think books like this are useful in helping people to understand how the devil is always at work messing with people and using their points of weakness and insecurity. It is dangerous to not acknowledge how the devil is constantly at work.

Large Catechism, Fourth Commandment--Martin Luther

"We must, therefore, impress this truth upon the young (Deuteronomy 6:7) that they should think of their parents as standing in God's place. They should remember that however lowly, poor, frail, and strange their parents may be, nevertheless, they are the father and mother given to them by God. Parents are not to be deprived of their honor because of their conduct or their failings. Therefore, we are not to consider who they are or how they may be, but the will of God, who has created and ordained parenthood."

Golden Retrievers

I love Golden Retrievers because they are such warm, affectionate dogs. My friend Michal used to have a Golden Retriever named Sam, and after being around that dog and seeing how affectionate and playful he was, I have always thought it would be cool to have one.

Groundhog Day

A holiday based on whether an animal sees his shadow (meaning six more weeks of winter) or doesn't (which means spring weather). I love minor, quirky holidays, what can I say! And Groundhog Day is fun for me because I always remember the Groundhog Day party I had a few years ago. I found a place online that sold Groundhog Day napkins, cups, and balloons, and had friends come over to eat, play games, watch the movie Groundhog Day, and watch the clip of Phil. I think we did some Groundhog Trivia too with prizes. It was a fun time.

Unbelief in Seeking How Quote--Justin

"It is a manifest sign of unbelief to seek the how of divine matters." --Justin

Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee ice cream is so delicious! It's really good too with a little chocolate sauce on it.

The Two Natures in Christ "Scripture and Church Fathers Show Mystery of Hypostatic Union"--Martin Chemnitz

Chemnitz speaks of giving a partial explanation of the hypostatic union of the two natures in Christ:

"But when we draw from God's Word the knowledge which is revealed in Scripture concerning this mystery, knowledge which in this life is necessary and sufficient for salvation, we must understand that many things will remain which are incomprehensible and ineffable to us in the weakness of this life. It is useful for us to keep this fact in mind so that we may repress our natural curiosity."

I love that Chemnitz is so honest about saying when it comes to God, there's just a lot we can't figure out, and we shouldn't push it. Trying to explain things that we can only have a limited understanding of leads to all sorts of problems.

Snow

Though I don't like driving in snow, I do like to see some occasionally. It's so beautiful and bright when there is snow on the ground and on the trees. And it's kind of fun to have a snow day once in awhile if you don't have to go out. It's fun to stay in and have a laid back day. Well, except for shoveling the snow. And really I don't even mind that.

Large Catechism, Third Commandment (Daily in the Devil's Kingdom)--Martin Luther

"Let me tell you this, even though you know God's Word perfectly and are already a master in all things: you are daily in the devil's kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). He ceases neither day nor night to sneak up on you and to kindle in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against these three commandments and all the commandments. Therefore, you must always have God's Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. But where the heart is idle and the Word does not make a sound, the devil breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware (Matthew 13:24-30). On the other hand, the Word is so effective that whenever is it seriously contemplated, heard, and used, it is bound never to be without fruit (Isaiah 55:11; Mark 4:20). It always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devoutness and produces a pure heart and pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8). For these words are not lazy or dead, but are creative, living words (Hebrews 4:12). And even though no other interest or necessity moves us, this truth ought to urge everyone to the Word, because thereby the devil is put to flight and driven away (James 4:7)."