Near Autumn

Another long while since posting. I suppose most of the energy in this realm goes to tweeting now, not that there's much responsiveness there. And I spend very much less time on the laptop, using the phone instead. Inconvenient to tap out missives and ridiculous to think I'd dictate them.

Same old, same old. This evening had a craving for good ice cream. Baskin & Robbins just about gone locally but I did find one and headed over. Thought to sit in a patio at a Starbucks down the road but that's gone now too. Friday night treat. 6 bucks a pint!

Continue taking pictures but not so much with the heat. Did get upstate to Prescott and found a decent hostel for $25 a night. Got the tailgate fixed for to sleep in the camper but it broke again. Cooling off slowly.

So glad the A/C has held up but the summer storms have done in the roof. Need a good patch as I can't afford to replace. Up in the air about selling and moving to either Oregon or some senior housing here. Saw the house value @ $185,000. With my savings and Social Security, I could live on that a long while.

Breakfast with the church fellowship tomorrow. Getting to know people. They me. 

Blame Trump

Been a long while since posting. Seems all the energy has gone into tweeting. Have not been going out much. Praise God the A/C keeps on going. One more month of heavy duty use.

Spend most of the day in my easy chair perusing the internet and occasionally kvetching. Have some like-minded followers. Always a challenge marshalling the language concisely but know I get redundant.

At church presently, the pastor preaching on believing Jesus. Very slow going socially... have not made any close friends, though some of Facebook familiarity.

It's been so hot. Not taking many pictures. Would love to take some in the sanctuary, the congregants rapt. Saved in the truth.

Ludicrous news online about different truths. Rudy Giuliani having to speak for POTUS who says he did not say something one of the co-conspiritors says he did. Comey lies? But I'll bet the Donald did express something of mercy toward General Flynn. Comey spins it maliciouly, I'm sure.

Well, in the pew as I am, I will pray for the President.

Heavenly Father: thank you for your many blessings including Mr. Trump's taking office. Lord, be with him and his administration. Smite his enemies. I ask this in Jesus' name.

A good service this morning, Brother Dan holding forth - a bulwark. Believe Moses, believe Jesus. We chuckled about the notorious 'patriarchy'. Writing this up after evening service. Assistant pastor Nathaniel an exquisite preacher.

Alone, Not

Out for coffee and computing, noted eucalypti.
Most lovely. Was alone. Was not. I need friends.

I see, my Lord.

Another matter came together.

The description of the icon noted the asymmetrical aspect of Christ Pantokrator's visage saying that it indicted Jesus' dual nature as God and man.

I looked deeper and with a little bit of artistic exposure knew that faces are so - asymmetrical. But more than that, that is derived from the initial zygotic bifurcation after conception. Profound.

Then there's this which pertains to the fact that a human zygote is a human being... is it a person? God knows.

Cryogenic Effect

Patience, Fortitude... equanimity.

It was 116° today. Spent most of the day indoors, online. Relaxed.
Had a decent nap. A/C working fine; praise God. All is well.
Downloaded a movie seen twenty years ago. Scorsese. Intense flick.
I'd recommended it so felt compelled to do a review. Comments later.

Didn't finish the film. Had to return. Later still.

Triumph

Happy academic synergy. With Flavius Josephus and others. At Bible study. Not a bad lesson. Destruction of Jerusalem foretold. The temple assets carried away.

Could have been better had they said hello. Not much sociobility. Maybe a problem. Packing order sort of thing. How to explain? Or... never complain nor apologize.

Bit of a kerfuffle. There's a fellow who broadcasts on the Internet from church. Not a member but a VIP to some of the folks there. They've got a shrine to him in the vestibule of the sanctuary. Not exactly an evangelist; more like a polemicist and something of a scold. 

He tweets and I responded to some of them. Usually he was complaining about something. Liberation theology, race obsessions, the 'woke' and they're icons. Not biblical. OK. In agreement.

So I ad libbed thst a lot of it derives of Marxism and they're full of shit. (Not to him but to one of the other correspondents.) The prig blocks me. Blocked him back and said he was cruel. Of a persona that sent people to the stake. Later for him.

But he's got local protoges and minions. Full of himself, I reckon he's a gossip too. Really odd seeing that shrine. LOL He claims Dr. title but it's from a kooky diploma mill. Just have to wait him out. They have no idea.

Heavenly Father: thank you for placing me at Sovereign Grace and for the fellowship there. I mention this impediment hereby and ask that You move the issue and help me resolve the matter amicably. I sense no such inclination from the adversary. Please help me to be patient and not feel the urge to smite him. Lord, the contentions and disputations of these egomaniacs are certainty a bear. Help us to shine on the negative and accentuate the positive. I ask this in Jesus' name.

Digesting

Not one to take a picture of my meals, must say I had a good one last night and, early on today, am still digesting. I just got out of bed for to aid that insofar as I'm going to church and do not wish to feel full up.

Balsamic vinegar. That made the difference. Crocked some pork chops and sauerkraut. A dash of vinegar, apples, carrots. Quite full.

Should wish to be more active. Role models. Military guys. Ought to be out there training. Set a goal? At any rate, reminded of Vinegar Joe Stillwell, bless his soul, as I lounge in me easy chair. Must get moving.

Update

Hello there; been a while it seems. Almost 3 am waiting on the house to cool down after getting home an hour ago. Probably is now. Been sitting on the patio browsing.

This is my first use of the Blogger app. See how it goes. Not much editorial or formatting control on the phone tab. May have to go back and change fonts and alignment towards consistency. Types up faster with stylus and the word completor, whatever they call it.

A good day. Accomplished all set out to to. Little things. I think the last time I checked in here I had a lot to do around the house. Mostly done.

Wrote this last night and trouble getting it posted. Slept on it and all worked out. Out on inspection this morning, oleander blooms after the rains. In light and shadow.

Reminds me still things to do. Have to fix a gate and get my lawn mower repaired. Cooled off a bit today. Going to be real hot next week.

Testing

Trying to get Android app functional.

Why, thank you, heavenly Father.

Seems to be alright... still some figuring.

Moderation

Quiet Friday night. Sat on the patio and sipped lemonade. Delicious. Listened to music on my Bluetooth. Not a care in the world. Heavenly.

Went inside and then listened to Dan Bongino. On and on Russian collusion canard; Strzok testimony. Wish it were wrapped up with all the connections made proving Trump's framing.

Ninth Circle of hell. Look it up. 

In the end, they all deserve each other.

How cool is it?

In a cooling trend. Just after noon and it just went over 100°. This picture of the Japanese Garden has cooling effect too. Cloudy day and I hope it pours. Rained elsewhere last night. 

Ah... about last night. At church, offered to give a member a ride home. Like always, had to move stuff off the bench of the truck to make room. Put the phone out of my hand onto the top of the cab, passenger side, and moved stuff to the truck bed, going round to the tail gate, then to driver's side. Yup; pulled out with phone on top.

Got located soon after on the Goggle app, back at the lot. But not found. Drove all along Bethany Home Road along the route. Nothing. Found it this morning. Cracked open but undamaged otherwise. Cleaned it up but no charge. Charging now. We'll see.

Doesn't seem to be charging. Maybe because I locked it. No. Problem.

Have got to go to store. Anticipate inconvenience. What else is new?

In Here

Hot out there. I'm in here. Hard to get motivated to get out there. Here, I can write. But I've nothing to say. Should get out there. Soon. 

Don't know a soul out there. No place to go. Out there. Maybe think of something. Get back to you. Soon.

Society

Well rested, Friday night. No plans. Ritz crackers on sale. Get some cheese too. Marvelous time.

So what if the society of men? Here's a lovely shot indicative of conversation. Shared it with a friend but no response. Shared it with my brother, but no response. What of the society of men?

It's beautiful. I don't care what they do.

Acts of Kindness

Presently in Bible study. Discussion is about common grace, God's people in the world. God's kindness to us, the just and the unjust. Hence we must be kind. I will try.

There was a question the other day of how to deal with heathens, the post-modern barbarians, the vulgarians. Still, we must be kind.

But you must return to your God;
maintain love and justice,
and wait for your God always.                         
                             Hosea 12:6


Feel very fortunate about some things. That the truck cranks up, that the A/C goes and goes. Both very old machines. I pray about suspending reality in those regards. God is good. Other things I could be better. Glad the yards are up to par at the house. All's well. I should be in the right frame of mind to be kind indeed. Could be a better housekeeper.

A Fair Day

Accomplished all I sought to do today. Ensconced in pool at club cooling off presently.

Not too hot today and got the gate repaired. Completely disassembled, rusty hardware pulled the back together with new fasteners. Quite a chore and I'm feeling it. Dod the hot tub. Let's get limber!

A long day too but the night is young - unless I figure on going to church in the morning, which I do. Thought I might go out for some music. Save your money!

Something nice and easy here and now. I know. I'll pull it up and soak.

New Friend

Have an online friend. Smart as a whip. Different. Expresses 'conservative' views.
Back in Massachusetts, that seems rare, but people are under such duress. Yeah...
the peer pressure thing, everyone wishing for approval. Differences inconvenient.
Minimal involvement. No indication of anything other than camaraderie. We'll see.

Tidy Up

Looking to get it together, get the grounds-keeping done. Move on. Spent the last couple of days doing what I can. Can't do as much as I used too and never have done enough. Have spent the last several hours at coffee place processing photos and watching, looking for friends to no avail. Time to move on.

Have to get home and finish up. Repair the gates. Get debris collected to go to the dump on Monday. There is a goal. I need to get motivated. Wish I had someone to work with. Some things definitely need some assistance. Will make do. 

Nature Boy

Stopped to watch for birds yesterday morning. Not much activity. Ravens and doves, as usual. But got lucky (perhaps) in that I met someone who can help me tomorrow in tidying up the back yard. Had the mesquite pruned and wacked the Bermuda. Problem is having had milk containers back there that were baked in the sun. Very brittle and broken up. Things to pick up, old hoarded stuff to move. Tough bending over multiple times.

Did my first lesson in Bible class last night. Went over OK. Awkward.
Fascinating subject; how Torah defiles the hands. So they use this.
Called a yad. Turns out the scrolls were kept with the holy offerings.
Mice ate the grain and the scrolls! Dirty mice. Dirty scroll. Logic for you.

Too Alone

A nice shot from several years ago. Beaver Creek just at its confluence with the Verde River. Pulled up from the past, presently somewhat discombobulated. 

Trouble with the professional Christians. Shooting the breeze to no avail, channeling the old man. Trouble online; hooked. So much to do around house. Have been cited for negligence. Don't want to live here, really. No motivation. Pride of ownership? It's a bear.

Have to get to work. Get to church.

Heavenly Father: please help me pull myself together and have some sense of optimism.

Just thought to go back to this place. Have a shot of Verde River too. I can do better. I can do a diptych. I can. What will be?

Don't

Long time no check in. 
Attention and energy on Twitter.
Not much feedback. Some fun.
Have your say; move along.

Was going to have cheeseburger. Fries.
Changed mind. Food at home. Home now.
Absolutely nothing to write about. Except...
got blocked by tweeter - don't know why.

Used the awful, terrible word 'shit' rather
than malarkey or some such. Took offence?
Not a problem. You never do know. Like, 
Supposed to read people's minds? Sheesh.

Instead of eating that burger, took this.
Tough shot. Wish for more detail. But...
whatever's at hand in my hand to mouth
existence. Glad I didn't scarf cheeseburger.

Holding the Fort

Land of the free?

Home of the brave?

Well, we'll just see about that. But, frankly, I should not like to find out. The deterring power of the common law got to me earlier in a common sensical manner.

After seeing Chelsea Clinton's annoying comments about the country and the Donald the other day, I've been itching to make a comment on Twitter. I did so today; on her page. I made a disparaging remark of civil nature along the lines of con artistry after declaring that she was reprehensible.

Now, like many others, I've considered her off limits despite her family notoriety. But these were very public and seditious remarks. I let her have it. Balancing act.

After a while... did I libel her? Public person? Borderline and who needs the trouble. Not paranoia but felt my neck tighten and a surge go down my spine to the joints of my appendages. Trouble. I deleted the comment and blocked her. Not interested in any boring polemics with nobodies like her. 

Otherwise, Memorial Day passes peacefully.

Had a thought for my cousin Kenneth, KIA Vietnam in 1968. Getting late now. A story to tell some other time. These are his decorations.

Under God

Several days since posting. Most of the energy has gone into tweets. Quite a lot going on with regard the Russian collusion canard caper. One does tend to get caught up. 

I've tended to stay home much more than I ever have. Used to be I had to get out upon awakening, out for coffee and get online. Now that I do that from my easy chair I make my own coffee. But my calorie burning is much diminished.

Presently in chapel. The preacher speaking on John 5. Healing the paralytic. "Take up your mat and walk." At Bethesda pool in the Temple.  The Jews take exception (he has violated the Sabbath) and Jesus goes on to declare His mission in rebuttal.

"My Father is at His work, and I too am working." Oh, how they wanted to kill Him.

Above me, illumination. Verses 19-47 His apoththosis. I must leave off here and read it through. Through and through, thick and thin.

After Church Composition

Put on the full armor of God,  

so you will be able to stand firm  

against the schemes of the devil.     

                                            Ephesians 6:11

Quite a few changes in 50 years. Adolescence can be silly, no? How much I am become beyond "Don't go there." Liberty good; libertines problematic.

Presently in chapel. Believing Jesus. Earlier reminded He calls us, and calls us friends... if we obey His commands. Absolutely nothing to do with the Rolling Stones. How ridiculous life is.

Saw a PBS fund raising program recently, the geriatric Stones showcased. It was quite odd seeing how the audience was packed with much younger people, especially the women, in a phoney looking groove, singing along. Ridiculous. But I myself was hooked - as an adolecsent. Means nothing to me now. Just happenstance seeing that T-shirt.

Yes, rather the armor of God. Saw this book for sale at church last week. A 19th century tome. $30. Found it online for 99¢. So much to read. A friend at church gave me a book about Genesis and I've committed to read the pastor's lessons on the Old Testament. Oh, I see I've already mentioned that. Have to get to it.

The preacher is speaking of the wonder of Jesus. Who is He? To say, as the apostles did, "You are the Messiah; the Son of God." and mean it, experience it. The pastor says it's more than experience too. Believe it. Jesus is the source of life. Jesus is eternal life.

Frankly, I'm not doing too good, insofar a being good. Still smoking and eating stupidly. I whine that I'm bored. I'm lazy too. Please God, help me to get in line with what is plainly sensible. It's as if I should have this militaristic attitude... discipline. Work at it. Challenge myself. What a putz am I. Idleness indeed. The devil's got a good hold of me; but I know it and I know I'm wrong. God help me.

Time Hole

Just saw a young teen-aged kid walk by with one of these copyrighted T-shirts on, emblazoned per Rolling Stones. Bit of a chuckle. Bizarre to see it, on the face of it - pardon the pun, as sort of a temporal time landmark. What... fifty years ago? 

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

16 I was. No money to buy records. But I seem to recall I did get "Begger's Banquet" and someone gave me "Sticky Fingers". The stuff still holds up. 

Ephemera

There was a crescent moon in the west,
along side a star but not as I looked in a
chart to ascertain. It was Venus. There...
then, not long after, both gone down under.

Heavy Reading?

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

                                                                                                           Ephesians 6:10-17

Need to memorize this. Focus. Downloaded this book. 19th Century apologetics. Exegesis? Have to look these up to be sure. The author is sure of himself in The Lord.

Apologetics:

1.) systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)

2.) branch of theology devoted to defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity

           Exegesis:

           an explanation or critical interpretation of a text

OK. Not heavy. It's a lot to peruse. Help me, Jesus.

Stay With Me, Jesus

In passing, the monumental facade of the Methodist Church at Central and Missouri, passed many, many times over the years. Odd thing is that yesterday, never having given much thought to Methodism other than the movement by John Wesley to preach the gospel to the underclasses as he thought the Church of England only served the privileged, I found out that they are Arminian. Hence I finally understand the adversity with Calvinist Baptists.

Lately, being briefed at Sovereign Grace Church and reading up on these sorts of things, I feel inundated with doctrinal differentiation, if indeed this is what you call it. I find the ministerial cohort to be quite adversarial, especially with regard to postmodern matters like Liberation Theology and extensions of storied Social Gospel in its assertions as confronted by fundamentalists.

I like my pastor very much and I'd like to get more friendly with some of the fellows at church. However, I do not wish to be too much adversarial. The old Catholic in me is prone to see the benefit of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience in deferring to those much wiser than I. At the same time, my secular skepticism about religious mysteries much conditioned. I should like to be real. I should like to be really a disciple of Jesus. There's more to it than just reading, and so much to read it can be too much.

I would that my personal life gets healthier and I do more towards ministry. I was asked by the pastor to join in a meeting with a prospective member. That made me feel great. Unfortunately, he didn't show up. I recall a lot of pressure from other churches to 'witness' and invite people to church. I do so occasionally, tempered by the occasion. That would have been good experience for me, watching the pastor interact. Some other time.

Happy Chance

Totally relaxed in tub after churched day, sermons and lessons. Blessedly assured and I'm alright. God in His heaven, all's well with the world. The preachers have related much.

Three roses for you... whomever.

A touch of the blues. Not much.

Feral Interaction

Engaged in tweeting, ever am cognizent of the Pavlovian milieu. How our manners and education, our sensibility and savoir-faire, our need for recognition and validation, our tendency for aggression and wishing to win. One does not wish to 'go off, but it happens all thr time. Loyalty and territoriality.

Had a laugh think about how to fit in, as an outsider. There's a few groupthink themes to assorted tweets depending oon the avocation. There's journalists, theologics and artists. I like to think the venue another art form. Hence there'll be a range of expression. Just want be sensible and kind. 

It all brought me to read Psalm 119, which I have to do beyond the single citation I know... I've hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

Dry, Very Dry

Had a good soak. Presently cooling off nicely on my front patio, the sky lightening in the east. If I weren't about ready to hit the sack I'd take off and get some shots. (Do I need to put a comma between conditional clause and action? Good question for later.) The atmosphere is exceptionally clear and the Prussian blue is commencing to brighten.

Have to stay out of fights. Really let McCain have it on Twitter. What he tried to pull off at church and then this sordid, shirty thing to do. Years ago, things were different. He was no help and he simply reminds me of all the shit I've had to put up with.

Bored Stiff

Don't get some of these bar and restaurants here. There's no business on account the demographics  being relatively dry and the menus are overpriced. So you'd think the staff would talk with their customers. Chat them up a bit. Surprising how stiff and snooty they are. Then they rush you through your meal then want to go home so slip you the check soon as your done. At 11 pm! At least that's what just happened with a waitress expecting a tip for dropping off a cheeseburger. Ha... stiff them and get a dirty look next time. 

Haven't been out in a while. At least not since last baseball season. (No football for me with those twerps.) Not since going to another place where I had the most vile cheeseburger I've ever had in my life. Should have called the health department. Real nasty people and the place was worse.

No, thanks, barkeep; never touch the stuff.

Should mind the budget as well. Oh well, this place is close to Winco so at least the trip is economical. They've got a great bulk food section. Get some dried fruit and some camp vittles.

Came to see DBacks. Dodgers. They lost. First time watching this year. Have felt out some people regarding camaraderie in this regard. Nothing doing. What a life! Complete waste of time and money. No friendliness at church either. In Bible study, merely competitors. Ugh. Hit the Winco and then the tub. Anothe day in the middle of nowhere.

Yeah. I'm ticked. $11 for a cheeseburger. 15 bucks with pop and tax. Outrageous. 

Collection

Like this a lot. Should get out; take more.
But narration is solipsistic and futile.

This swiped. Narrative is: where's Barry?

Motivation

Some little activity socially in media. Minimal response. Just had a Python thought... something completely different? Hardly. I'm tired.

Not going anywhere today except later to Bible study. Finishing up 2 Maccabees, which is a paraallel of the first. Did not know that. Got though about half of that before zoning out.

Friend at church gave me this to read. (Very long reading list.) I'd like to get into it today. We can talk about it hence. Got somewhat involved with academic issue orbiting the milieu. Sense they've got no respect. The old question: do you want to be friends or do you wish to compete?

Take it all in stride.

Little walk yesterday seeking above.

At Ease

This will be my last post for a while. In addition to being a food and nicotine addict, I am become an Internet one. Facebook. Twitter. It's got me hooked good; making comments, snarking, trying to prove I can swim with the sharks and run with the wolves. Read the news, the blogs, the commentariat; compelled to compose. I thought it good, the mental stimulation and activity, the challenge of wordsmithing and perfect grammar. It's become obsessive. I need to step away.

I need to address these addictions. I need to pray.
Sweet Jesus, it's all such a distraction. I need to tidy up.

I think I'll be back here before tweeting or shooting the breeze on Facebook. Updates. I mean to read my Bible and get right with The Lord. Stop wasting time. Get healthy. It's all a poor substitute for human companionship. The way it is and I've got to get over that. There'll be someone. If not, c'est la vie.

May

First post this month. 
Just some pictures from the yard.

Went to Bible study. Good to get out. 
Cooped up last few days.

Love the app. Could be better. 
Well, they're right there.

Patience

Coming florals from potted cactus. One of several in the front yard. (Which reminds me I need to irrigate this evening.) Warming quickly. I've yet to turn on A/C. (Reminds me to get it serviced; tuned and gas.) Cool at night. Open windows and ventilate. 

Good day today. Not much sociability at church. Indeed I sat alone for a while in pew after evening Service to see if anyone would approach but no one did, the chats going on peripherally. Had to approach someone myself. Breaking ice. That was it; just one conversation. Sheesh.

Made some Twitter posts. Some good likes. There was one instance of a sense of rejection but can't make too much of minimalist post-postmodern quantum transactions. LOL I got no Amens!

Had to do with theology. Definitely not part of in-group. But think I held my own. No time to explain now.

Luna Palo Verde

Very happy with this picture.
Very lucky to see it. Very nice.

Real Old

Just changed my profile picture to family arms.
Perusing the net, came across old glass too.

Would make a nice bookmark...
but don't use them anymore. LOL

Update on Boredom

Iris, I remember you. How strange.
Is this not most beautiful? Truly...

I reach out again into oblivion. Hmm.

God spare me self-pity. I'm alright.

This too is lovely picture. How I wish, recalling Iris and all, there was a woman to share it with. Wouldn't it be something, given the capability of the Internet, that some old lover sees this and looks me up. How would that be? Yeow! 

I have seen pictures of my ex-wife, of whose status I've no a clue. Formerly quite slim, she's gotten chunky. She holds no allure for me on account of her mean persona and she I'd not care to encounter. Bad luck. But there've been so many since. It would be odd.

A neighbor's yard. I guess I'm feeling forlorn after reaching out to several people at church towards friendship and society. Nothing doing. I've just not gotten any friendly responsiveness; they're nice people but all pretty much set in their lives.

Daisies. Well done! (I have to encourage myself.) Lucky, really.
Good to have these gizmos to make such a beautiful picture.