Why should we settle for less?

Lester Ruth, Associate Professor of Worship and Liturgy at Asbury Theological Seminary, analyzed the top 70 or so contemporary worship songs used over the last decade. In a lecture at SBTS he says: "A rich doctrine of the Trinity can give us more reasons to love God, not less."

He asked a church musician why there was so little theological content in church music and was told "there's a fear among composers and churches that if a song sounds too theological it won't be worshipful."

It's a fascinating listen if you have an hour to spare, say, if you're waiting up for your husband to get home from work or something. for example.

HT: Challies, like usual.

My little pooper

Here's Paul in his Dodger blue (Aunt Jo's gift) -- No, Russell's allegiances haven't changed.





Here's a question for any mom's, etc., who may have wisdom on toddlers digestive health:

(warning: gross, unpleasantness to follow)

Paul is having like 4 - 5 POOPY diapers every day. I think he just has too much fiber in his diet. Any suggestions on foods for 1-year-olds that might stop him up a little? (Besides bananas, he's already eating one a day)

Thanks -- I'm off to change a diaper. again.

Yes, I know he needs a hair cut

Here's Phillip's piano recital piece. It's "Tarantella" by Paul Beaumont.
If you watch the whole clip you get the added bonus of a flash of his killer smile.
His teacher, Mrs. Ward, is fabulous.






btw: the recital was held at an assisted living home so the residents could enjoy the music (or, at least they provided a captive audience!).

John Calvin Bobble Head

I'd totally order one, but I'm not sure I want to patronize Calvin College.

HT: Challies

We've both got pretty great jobs.

Today I was a school bus driver, activities director, teacher, disciplinarian, host, chef, maid, and friend.

Today my husband planned and implemented strategies to rescue the state of California from financial disaster and protect the livelihood of millions of families.

That's the great thing about God's sovereignty: there's no hierarchy of calling. He chooses what we do. We just do what He puts before us - to His glory.

Oh, and I was involved in the agriculture industry today: I pulled weeds in my veggie patch! I feel so much better now.

Honor your Father and Mother

So, Mother's Day is still festering. I was moving on until I read Dr. Mohler's blog. He comes so close to calling for the abolition of this man-made, florist industry holiday, then he caves in and takes his wife and mother-in-law out to lunch anyway. Ugh.

I'm grateful every day that God made me to be a mother. It's my calling from Him, whether or not my efforts are appreciated.

The smile on His face is the only Mother's Day gift I need.

This one is nice too:

Taking pictures of Phillip's baseball game is tough. Between the lulls in action and his lack of enthusiasm I didn't have a lot of footage to work with:




Here we go, at least he looks like a ball player now:



Here's one of him thinking about swinging. Exciting stuff:



He really is having a good season of baseball. He's got a good swing and can really pound the ball when he gets a hold of one.

Fun with Grandma in the stands:




Grandpa's favorite way of waking up:



He even puts up with Woody.