humanum 2014

lord Jonathan Sacks' speech, in defense of the traditional family. he gets my vote for oration of the year. in fact, he also gets my vote for gentleman of the year. as i gush to anyone willing to listen, here is one courteous restrained logical eloquent position statement that is poetry and exegesis to boot. 

which is a welcome change from the militant declarations of rights that make their points decibel by ramming decibel that define much of public discourse today.

things i want to say, on your birthday

keep the faith. remember the Lord in the days of your youth, and in the days to come, when joys will shower you and pains will carelessly toss you.

work hard. easy victories are easy. there is a special reward for those who toil for their success. work hard and strive to be excellent. there is a cheaper way, but this other will make you richer, in ways that matter. 

don't get jaded. values are malleable creatures. they are formed pure and easily get modulated or sullied. remember the source of your values is our unchanging Father of light, and resist the temptation to a lower standard. 

give back. as you have already begun, to our immense gladness and gratitude. continue to do so, in whatever manner you can. it is a blessing to give, and a blessing to be able to. 

and i am certain that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ returns.

- phil 1:6

happy birthday, son. we give thanks for you.

sobering thoughts

so she said to him, my father, if you have given your word to the LORD, do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth...

- judges 11:36

words of bravado and pride. words of weakness and vanity. words that are not mine to say.

words said that cannot be unsaid.

lessons from abroad

1. goat cheese is white.

2. old cheese is great with port.

3. port tastes wonderful.

4. sun-dried tomatoes are worth the hype.
clearly, the focus was food.