the glory and the horror

Merry Christmas to all our readers! Drop us a note so that we know what you’re up to!

For all the Scots, care of the Simpsons:

Willie: “Brothers and sisters are natural born enemies! Like Englishmen and Scots! And Welshmen and Scots! And Japanese and Scots! And Scots and other Scots! Lousy Scots! They ruin Scotland…”

Skinner: “You Scots sure are a contentious people.”

Willie: “You just made an enemy for life!”

We’ve made it to Colorado, albeit after 2 hour delay at DFW yesterday. Apparently, the plane was coming from Chicago, and not so quickly.

It’s nice to be between rotations, truly without something hanging over my head. Except for those thank you notes. I’ve always got more to write. But in terms of school, it’s nice to not have another presentation or call looming only a few days ahead.

It’s been warmer in Denver so far than it was in Dallas when we left.

And by the way, a scathing critique of “prissy protestantism” brought to my attention by someone at rmfo.net.

According to I Corinthians 10:6-14 (ESV):

6Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

I don’t like proof-texting, but off the top of my head, I can’t come up with any other passage that either contradicts or supports the idea spoken of in verse 13, namely that “with the temptation he will also proivde the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Does that mean that in all circumstances, there is a non-sin option? If so, this seems to suggest that we’re never forced into a situation where we must choose from options that are all sins.

Sunday was a most recharging and enjoyable day. We got to spend lunch and a good part of the afternoon with the invigorating and refreshing Mike, Kristen, Kate, and almost-born Lexi, as well as a wonderful dinner with some family.

It was a welcome change of pace to be able to just spend time with people we care about, talking about life, catching up on what has been going on, and all with people we really don’t get to see all that often. The last time we saw Mike and Kristen, Kate wasn’t even born yet. We spent a great afternoon eating, talking, and playing.

We then met up with Kathleen’s uncle and aunt, and had a wonderful time catching up with them. We got the chance to see her cousin in Boston, and now her uncle and aunt here in NC. It just seems to be working out nicely. The conversation was great, and it was nice to just get to spend time with them and share stories.

We ate so much, I didn’t really need to eat breakfast or lunch Monday.

A fascinating story found on BBC News about the sketchy history of medicine in London, and the blind eye turned to body snatchers.

Things are starting to come together over here slowly, but surely.

It appears that it did not quite work as planned. Hmmmm.

A French team of surgeons did a face transplant. Not the entire thing, but a good chunk of the mouth and nose.

It was also done against the advice of the French National Consultative Ethics Committee, says the BBC article.

I don’t know enough yet, but I’m sure that there will be more to come on this one.