Monday, August 29, 2005

The New Mudhut Studio Unvieled


We are getting ready for our pottery season to begin! We painted the garage/studio this weekend and Cynthia created the masterpieces you see on the wall. She would make the producers of Design On The Dime proud as she used some pieces of sheetrock I had laying around and the acrylic paints she already had! The colors have brightened up the studio considerably and we plan on putting in some track lighting soon that will light up the work areas. We are getting very close to getting back to the pottery that we love! Stay tuned for the beautiful pieces that are sure to come as we get our hands dirty again!

Ready To Create! Posted by Picasa

Tim's Design Posted by Picasa

Cynthia's Artwork Posted by Picasa

Thursday, August 25, 2005

YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ!


Have you heard about the new Food Pyramid put out by the U.S.D.A.? It replaces the old Food Pyramid with 12 new ones! Seems that the old guideline didn’t take into account what we now know about eating healthy. I still recall the old four color wheel that adorned our School Cafeteria walls. More importantly I remember the motto it embraced, “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!”

I take umbrage at that thought! While I know that it speaks to nutrition and the whole scheme of good health I must insist that I am not a coconut crème pie, nor even a sprout of broccoli. While what I eat and how I eat has an impact on my health that cannot be denied and while I would not wish to disparage anyone from eating healthy as I realize its worth I cannot succumb to the thought that I am what I eat.

The poster should have said, “YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ!” That I could agree with. While I am not a vegetable, a meat, or even a dessert I have to say that I am Thoreau, Shakespeare, Dickenson, Frost and yes, even Grisham! My desire is not to belittle the government’s attempt at improving American citizen’s health. The thought I wish to interject however in the face of a technologically advanced society who is enmeshed with video games, computer interaction, and MTV is that what we read is extremely important. To this day some of the classics I studied in High School and College help shape who I am, how I make decisions, and the way I think. Having said that, can you imagine the adult outcome of today’s generation and their reading habits? They will be Q, Cosmopolitan, and muscle magazines! Or worse, they will be void of any reading experience whatsoever? Then how will they develop into thinking and reasoning people?

I know I am probably overreacting but really, doesn’t someone need to sound the alarm in the midst of the dumbing down of America? Doesn’t someone need to challenge today’s metropolitan man and woman to sharpen their minds through what they read? I guess if you answer no, then you can simply quit reading this post. But I, for one, see the need for “YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ!” posters on the walls of our schools. Perhaps next to the new Food Pyramid?

Wednesday, August 24, 2005


Alan Shore & Denny Crane Posted by Picasa

Creationism versus Evolution

While enjoying one of my new favorite television shows, Boston Legal, I was once again confronted with the evolution versus creation debate. While bursting into laughter at many scenes I was brought to serious consultation with the “serious” issue faced in this otherwise comedic series. A school superintendent was being sued for the firing of three science teachers who refused to commingle their evolution “theory” with what he had cleverly termed Intelligent Design, a.k.a. Creationism which attributes the bringing into existence of man and his world by a Higher Power, namely God.

It seems that Hollywood, ever a step ahead of societal cognitive debate, was acquiescing to the growing push of modern day Protestants thrusting “God back into our schools”. While this may seem like progress to those in favor of such it strikes me as “tossing a bone” to a growing menace in hopes of appeasing and thus thwarting its growing strength. All the while recognizing the inherent right of Creationism or Intelligent Design attributed to a Higher Power or God or Whatever you would like to coin Him or It they were further solidifying their coveted and beloved position of Evolution.

I do not wish to argue the utter infeasibility of human existence by pointing out that it requires more faith to believe in man’s evolution than in God’s sovereign creation of mankind nor do I wish to exhaust myself or my readers by listing the many infallibilities of such a ludicrous “theory” (after all that is what evolution is, a theory). What I wish to do is alert the Christian who would be placated by such token nods of validation. Do not be cajoled into thinking that the great Hollywood or secular society is recognizing and validating our argument for Creation and thus for God. Do see this latest trend as it is….merely a ploy to lessen our threat to the point of view held by the minority---that evolution is anything more than a theory or that man exists outside of God. Do stay on your toes as far as personal expression through voting, debating, and participating in the current cry to bring God back into our schools, our government, and our families! Do not allow this mere nod from the intellectual gurus of our time to dissuade or disillusion you in your quest for God and the propagation of His Gospel! Now, more than ever, we must push forward in standing up for the God who brought our nation into existence in addition to giving us His breath of Life!

Laugh at the sitcom, enjoy the humor of the drama, but please do not be disillusioned by their transparent attempt to change your core beliefs nor lessen the intensity with which you pursue your passion----namely embracing God as the Creator of mankind, as well as His Savior.

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Kelsey is a Teenager!

Recently our neice Kelsey Shoemaker had a birthday and in her honor we hosted the party in our backyard. Her family and friends frolicked in the pool, enjoyed the bubble machine, and had a great time that we got to share in. It was a blast! Below are some pics that will tell a bit of the story. Happy Birthday Kelsey!

The Birthday Girl Posted by Picasa

Launching Ethan Posted by Picasa

Up, Up, and Away! Posted by Picasa

Little Sister Posted by Picasa

Tiny Bubbles Posted by Picasa

Water Games Posted by Picasa