News of Note

New Neighbors
April 22, 2012
We have a couple of new families in the neighborhood. I must say they are both a little flighty. Still they have been fun to get to know.
See this picture of our front porch – do you see anything interesting? Probably not.

How about in this picture?

Look real close and you see that a couple of sparrows have built their nest in the middle of the wreath. The sparrows are very shy, and all we have to do is turn the door knob and they fly away. But they are never gone long because –

Yep, they have 4 little blue eggs in their nest.

Now in the backyard, we also have new neighbors – this time robins. They have built a nest in the rafters of the patio.

 Mrs. Robin is not such a scardy cat. She will sit there on her nest until we come real close. And yes she has a youngun coming also.

We will keep you posted as things develop.
WARNING: If you come to our house, those sparrows can be real starteling as you walk up to the house. They don't attack – they just fly away just as you get to the step – and then you jump.

Reading List

Jesus the Christ

By James E. Talmage

April 11, 2012

I have started this book many times – meaning at least five times. I generally don't get all the way through, but this time I did. It is one of the Churches premier books on the life of Christ. It is not particularly easy reading. James E. Talmage was indeed a scholar and was able to include so many facets into the writing about the role and life of Christ. This is not just a book that I enjoyed reading, but it is a book that improved my knowledge and understanding about what Christ did for me and how much it cost him – which translates into how much he loves me.

I expect that if you read this with the scriptures by your side, it would be invaluable to really see how things are happening in the life of Christ, but also why – and what some of the more difficult passages mean. However, I also expect if you did that, it could be a life long journey - and maybe worth it. No, I did not look up all of the references, but I did read all of the notes at the end of the chapters.

Do I recommend it? Yes. Do it a little bit at a time because it encompasses a lot.

Movie List

Harry Potter

For my anniversary, I gave myself the video collection of all eight Harry Potter movies, and then as I have gone on trips, I have watched all eight Harry Potter movies. I now feel like I can put Harry Potter to bed.
(Anyone want to borrow the set?)

Reading List

Epic

By John Eldridge

March 25, 2012

This is a book that was lent to me by Grant Sanders, a work compatriot. It is a small religious tract about the atonement of Christ – and what I would call the Plan of Salvation. It is not LDS literature so it is the plan of salvation from a different point of view. I think it emphasizes what President Hinckley would say as he invited others to investigate the church. Bring what you have that is good and see what we can add to it."

John Eldridge understands a lot of the story of the plan and the atonement. And in some cases he is right in line with our church's doctrine. But there are some things that are a little bit off. Still, I enjoyed the book and the analogies that he uses to illustrate his point. I did feel that there were a couple of spots that were direct "jabs" at the church, but I am able to forgive that.

So do I recommend this book? Yes, as long you are aware that it is not all "true" and go in with an understanding heart. It is easy to read and it is not too long (one flight from Denver to Tucson).