Rakin' leaves

Amazing how quickly the trees go from leafy to barren here as fall moves toward winter. A big sugar maple in the backyard finally dropped most of its leaves, and my older son and I filled 17 bags today. That's probably the last of it for this year. A small "fall fiesta" that we planted out front gave us a good color show in its first full turn of season - it's now bare as well.

The birds of all kinds continue to empty the feeders faster than I can fill 'em.

The lawn is going to winter dormancy (although it's still green!), so the mower is moving aside, with the snow blower now deployed closest to the garage door.

And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years...'" Genesis 1:14

Veterans' Day

Masthead picture for Veterans' Day: Planes of the 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota Air National Guard, Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls.

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, marines and air force of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please pray for all military veterans, past and present.

South Dakota Division of Veterans Affairs

State Veterans Home

I was visiting the 14th century and TEC showed up

"Strange, isn't it?" Madge said in a musing tone. "You'd think Godwyn would want the best man for the job. But he doesn't. For him, it's all about who will be compliant, who will obey his wishes unquestioningly."

Ken Follett, World Without End

Dr. John Maxwell on 2 John: "Leaders Must Cherish Truth..."

From the Maxwell Leadership Bible (2002):

Values: Leaders Must Cherish Truth More Than Anything (2 John 1-4)

Leaders need to examine their professional relationships in light of their organization's vision. Energy follows when the leader's personal beliefs align with the organization's values. When leaders eliminate hypocrisy and deception from their organizations, liberty and power prevail. John uses the word "truth" five times in this short letter to underscore the necessity of integrity.

Leaders must value truth more than anything else. When truth presides in an organization, several benefits result:

1. Trust is evident among staff.
2. The leader has less mental clutter.
3. People feel the freedom to be transparent.
4. The leader has credibility when he or she speaks.

Name Calling

It doesn't matter if you are still in TEC or out - if you stand for Biblical teaching you will be on the bad end of name calling. Maybe you've been called a "fundamentalist" (in TEC-talk, that means ignoramus). You've likely been called "homophobe" (in TEC-talk, that means mentally ill). Then there's my personal favorite, "Nazi." That's right - if you don't agree with the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, you obviously want to murder millions of people.

In last Sunday's Gospel, our Lord told us, "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account." (Matthew 5:11). It is a high compliment to be called names IF we are speaking and acting "on Christ's account."

Yesterday, my morning reading included Titus 2:15, "...exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you." Other translations use words like despise, slight, question - in other words, "When you are speaking up for Jesus, let no one beat you down with dehumanizing, personal attacks."

It is important that we support one another. Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus are worth reading. They are full of affirmation for Christians in hostile environments. May such sacred writings encourage us and teach us to encourage one another.