Christianity 101

August 6: Little Boy and the Preacher’s Family

How he wasn't blessed by the crew that was blessed.

August 6, 1945 — I’m surprised at how little I saw it mentioned today. Twice, as I recall. Do you remember its significance in history? If not, I don’t suppose Little Boy constitutes much of a hint.

Here are two excerpts from the first mention I saw:

There he met a Lutheran minister, Yamauchi, who explained the Scripture to him.

Across the ocean, a Lutheran chaplain prayed over the crew of the Enola Gay before it lifted into the air carrying the atomic bomb named Little Boy which destroyed Hiroshima.

Read it all

Weekend Reflections and Head-Scratchers

Too much to think and write about. Hence this substitute for both!

I thought to post some of my observations from/of the weekend (which I presume begins Friday evening and ends Sunday evening). But I need to finish writing CLE Bible 902 Lesson 1.

And yet, how shall I write about Abram with “Mark’s Weekend Thinking” a-buzz in my head? (To my friends: none of this “Mark’s weak end, thinking” business, OK? 🙄 Thank you.)

So I figured out that I should write down some snippets and memory joggers to serve as a guide (for later) and as a mind declogger (for now).

Wow! I dredged up and skimmed off far more than I realized was there. 😯 I have way too much to write about. So I won’t.

Except to post my snippets and memory joggers. Alphabetically. Read it all

Prowling the VBS Front Lines

Wherein I scope out the Summer Bible School venue for Hopewell Mennonite Church

While the building was quiet and empty,
And my soul was needing a break,
I gat me o’er to the edifice so dainty,
And, lo, a verse to my heart did spake.

OK, so quick rhymery it is but hardly wholly sensible poetry. But, hey, you’re getting your money’s worth, so don’t fuss at me. Just scroll on and enjoy the scenery.

Bible verse

I was so blessed to read that verse! I took it just for me! (I also thought of several of my troubled friends…) Read it all

Wishing You Could Help Fleeing Iraqis?

Christian Aid Ministries is looking to assist. Do you want to help?

I’m not here to report on the news. You don’t need that.

I’m here to let you know how you can help, if seeing and hearing about the unfolding collapse in Iraq makes you wish you could help the suffering ones somehow.

You know about Christian Aid Ministries, right?

Here are some excerpts of what they have to say about ISIS in Iraq and the crisis going on right now: Read it all

Plagiarism in Our Auditorium

I don't understand Christians using others' work without attribution.

Do you know how odd it is to hear the Sunday School teacher…and realize that nobody else realizes they are hearing your thoughts? I do.

Have you ever grown suspicious of a visiting minister’s phrasing…and later learned from Google that he was reading straight out of another’s book? I have.

I don’t mind public speakers reading or otherwise using material that isn’t their own. Provided they do it in moderation and with attribution.

But it’s a breach of integrity, ethics, and public trust to do so without letting the audience know they are doing so! Read it all

Above all, love God!