Do you ever feel small?

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalm 19:1

Memorial Day

Wow! I've got Monday off. Think I'll barbeque!

I'm glad the defacto occupation state legislates this holiday, 'cause I like barbeque - but - before you buy into "Memorial" day ideology, read the article linked in the posting title above - an article by a peacable English teacher.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." God (Matthew 5:9)

Dr. Paul on the Nature of "Patriotism"

If you have time to read Dr. Paul's brief speech - do it! And note - "Patriotism" is self-interested!!!

To speak truth to power - why - that's a Christian duty!

You can read Dr. Paul's speech by clicking on the link in the posting title above.

Pastor, Prophet and Priest

Interesting perspective (to the Militant Pacifist)! You can read the article by clicking on the posting title above.

Benevolence and BBQ Shrimp!

This is a "re-posting" from 25 September 2005 - but now I have a picture!

"Benevolence" comes from the Latin root "bene" for "good," and "volente," for "will." To be benevolent is to have a "good will." "Benevolence," means - "A kindly act;" or, a "gift given out of generosity" (as defined by The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company).

As much as is in him, the Militant Pacifist is a benevolent personage. As much as is in him, the Militant Pacifist "loves" the sons and daughters of men in general. With this tentative love in mind - this Louisiana boy (the Militant Pacifist) reveals to you a secret. This is a valuable secret - and the Militant Pacifist has no inkling of how long this effusion of "good will" will last - so you had better copy fast - or maybe you had better click 'print'. This recipe is from an old New Orleans restaurant - I can say no more than that, as I must protect covert sources and the Militant Pacifist!

If you have noticed, the fact that shrimp even exist - is evidence of the general beneficence of Almighty God to the sons of men in general. Each shrimp = one bite! How does this happen? It happens in the gracious providence of a loving God!

Now, for the candy - and if you want this - you had better get it now. It could be taken down by evil powers. I share it with you, only because of "benevolence."

Bar-B-Que Shrimp (and this is not "barbeque" in the Memphis or Texas style) - this is the Epicurean cuisine of pure Sodom (New Orleans) - and it is "good, good, good!"

Recipe:

3# Shrimp (large, or the biggest you can find on sale) - save your big $ for the best red vino you can splurge on!

1/2# salted butter - cut into 1/4" slices.

1/2 Cup good oil (extra virgin Italian olive oil is preferred) - this dish is "extra," and it is "virginal!"

1 Tablespoon dried parsley leaves.

1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano leaves.

3 Pods of Fresh Garlic, crushed or finely chopped.

2 Lemons (or limes), thinly sliced.

2 Tablespoons sea salt.

3 Tablespoons coarsely cracked black Malabar pepper.

2 Tablespoons Lea & Perrin (if you don't know what this is - please exit now - you are in way over your head).

Put a layer of shrimp in a 9 x 13" or larger pan.

Sprinkle 1/2 of the seasoning mixture and salt over the shrimp.

Distribute 1/2 of the lemon slices, butter chunks (or slices) and oil over the shrimp.

Add 1/2 of the Lea & Perrin, salt, garlic, etc.

Add a 2nd layer of shrimp, and the remaining spices, salt, butter, oil, etc.

Place the pan in a 400 degree (F) oven for 10 minutes.

Remove the pan and turn, stir and thoroughly mix the shrimp and spices.

Cook for 10-15 more minutes - or until shrimp are orange, even slightly browned on top (DO NOT OVERCOOK!)

Serve this dish with the best red wine you can afford (Zinfandel, or Cab is recommended), with good fresh crusty French bread (this is to be dipped in the sop, "the sauce" with friends), and with a fine Caesar Salad (if you can make your own dressing - even better!).

I'm not sure it gets much better than this friends! I think that this is what they are eating in the outer courts of heaven.

This dish is best enjoyed with beloved friends, good wine, and delta blues playing on the stereo (Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, B.B. King, or even T-Bone Walker would be great).

I give you this because of benevolence - because of a "good will." But my desire is that you not only feast on the bounty of providence in time - but in eternity. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Himself feed you the bread and wine of his flesh and blood - for this is life indeed!

Ciao!

Put No Confidence in Princes...

Those of you who watched (with dismay) the drama of Dr. Beckwith being denied tenure by Baylor University will be saddened to learn that he has abandoned the faith to embrace what the reformers considered "the great whore."

If you are a lover of thinkers and a lover of souls, pray for this poor man. It is obvious that he is in the clutches of the deceiver. You can read his statement by clicking on the posting title above.

Migraines

About 4 years ago, the Militant Pacifist awoke in the middle of the night with the most incredibly pounding headache he had ever experienced. The pain was so overwhelming and overpowering that nausea and “dry heaves” set in. As the Militant Pacifist sat wretching on the edge of his bed, his beloved bride (an advanced practice medical professional) awoke saying “what’s wrong baby, what’s wrong?”

The Militant Pacifist replied – “I don’t know darling – I don’t know – I think I’m dying. I love you baby – I love you.” But – that was not the end. A diagnosis of “migraine headaches” followed.

Turns out – there is a maternal family history. If you don’t know, migraine headaches are horrible. Generally, they are “triggered” by something. Neurologists recommend that sufferers keep a journal of activities, foods, mood-states, etc. when a migraine begins in hope of identifying the “trigger” so that future “triggering” can be avoided.

The Militant Pacifist’s major trigger seems to be atmospheric pressure. Hence, when storms roll in – headaches are on board.

Such headaches are depressing. They can last for days – even more than a week – with only intermittent relief. The persistent pain can cause exhaustion, distress, an inability to maintain focus on work, and even depression. Medications are available, but it seems that sometimes they work – and sometimes they don’t, and their side effects are unpleasant.

Why Lord, why?

Because – comes the answer – because “my grace is sufficient for thee,” and “my strength is made perfect in weakness (II Corinthians 12:9).”

Yes Master. Please give me more grace.

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (an Existential Quote)

The Militant Pacifist has recently been surveying the 20th century philosopher Ludwug Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. Wittgenstein caused quite a stir by "kicking-off" the serious linguistic analysis craze of the 20th century, and the notable "Vienna Circle" movement whose philosophy ultimately proved to be "self-refuting."

Wittgenstein is generally NOT associated with the existential movement of the 20th century (a movement to which the Militant Pacifist has a perverse attraction), however, the following “existential” quotation from Wittgenstein's "Tractatus," 6.43, seems weighty indeed. Ponder this:

"The world of the happy man is a different one from that of the unhappy man."