I have a terrible memory. Even so, I remember enough of what I do to realize that I’m always somewhat disappointed and underwhelmed by my past self. I feel as if the person I was 6 months ago was a much more immature person who said and did all sorts of ridiculous things. Now, the odd part is knowing that 6 months from now, I’ll scroll the archives of my blog (but not too far since I don’t post much) find this entry and gently shake my head and tut-tut.

It’s disillusioning.

There is at least a slight benefit though. If people think poorly of my opinions, just wait! I won’t be the same person in 6 months and I’ll have the class and sophistication to agree that I was wrong!

Rev. Rayburn preached on Mark 3:31-35 this last Sunday.

And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

It’s interesting to note that Christ mentions specifically the “doing of his will” as being what makes a person a member of His spiritual family. He doesn’t mention believing here but doing. It must have made an impact. Both of Jesus’s brothers, probably confused at the time that Jesus told them this, later understood and wrote fairly strong words that put the doctrine of grace into perspective.

James 2:14

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

Jude 3b,4

I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Interesting stuff… It’s neat to realize that the particular circumstances that led to the convictions that James and Jude held were probably the rather dramatic event in Mark 3. Yes, it’s inspired, but it somehow feels so much more human when you see these things.

Had some fun with Photoshop and thought I’d show the progression of work. It’s not very impressive (blending a picture into a background, but it was fun.

“Our earth is degenerate in these latter days, bribery and corruption
are common, children no longer obey their parents and the end of the
world is evidently approaching.” –Archimedes, 210 B.C.

Real Life Quote from Diane:
“It really doesn’t have to be square to the bejare, cohware, bare, cazare!”

NB: We’re not exactly sure what this means, but I believe the intent was that I was being too technical about something…

I spent most of the afternoon wandering around Boston. Overall — pretty nice. Here are some pictures.

The swan boats in the Public Gardens

Some office builds from the Boston Public Gardens

View of the downtown from the Charles River

House in Beacon Hill

Downtown shopping area

A church in Beacon Hill

Phone booths in Chinatown (complete with Chinese people!)