As I take a brief break from reading and editing my sermon for tomorrow morning, I confess to being conflicted about the seeming non-stop rain we have been getting in the Kansas City area.
On one hand, the rain is good for the antler development of the whitetail deer. Right now is when bucks are growing their new antlers and lush, green grass and plants are their chief food source until crop fields start maturing (sorry farmers). There is a direct correlation between heavy rainfall in the Spring and more massive antlers on mature bucks in the Fall. Further, does are starting to fawn now (be careful on the roads, there will be lots of does and young deer running across the street right about now, for the next month also) which means good rainfall will enhance the vegetation and give the does better, more nutritious milk. It is important for young deer to get a good start as they move toward being a deer who's head is worthy to hang on my wall. So, in that way, lots of spring rain is good.
On the other hand, how can a guy get his tomatoes planted when it won't stop raining? My father gave me his trusty rotor-tiller (mine died a smokey death last year) to prepare my garden with. Providentially I was able to till it once this week, but it need a couple more tillings with some added manure, peat moss, sand, and top soil before I can introduce God's prize vegetable creation- the tomato. I had hopes of getting my garden in before May 15. My hopes appear to be dashed as the wind howls and the rain pours down this evening as it has for most of day. The ground is saturated and the garden is a mud pit.
UPDATE: Incredible tomato story (let's see grapefruits like this Jeff!)
So I am torn. Big antlers vs. properly timed Tomatoes. Life if full of strains and struggles.
21 comments:
I am sure Tony when you get to your exposition on the 5th chapter of the book of James it will all work out.
James 5:7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
James 5:17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
I too am looking forward to the Antler development from this rain. I very much enjoyed your sermon today and will be thinking of you and the church during this time of trial. I also appreciate you speaking out against the "word of faith" teachers. I being from Tulsa,(The headquarters for this theology) know all to well how far reaching the tentacles of this false gospel are. It has cleverly cloaked itself (much like a bow hunter) and has infiltrated nearly every branch of Christendom. I do not know if you are aware, but this theology is in direct descent from E.W. Kenyon. It has its roots in Christian Science and the the Metaphysical cults of the early 20th century. Kenneth Hagin of Rhema Bible Church is the man responsible for bringing it into the Christian church. Thank you for speaking against those who cheapen the cross, who make God a nothing more than a genie, and who desecrate the Word. I pray that you will continue to keep Redeemer on the narrow road that leads to life. Your brother in Christ, -Chris-
Wow! We might actually have a disagreement here.
"God's prize vegetable creation" is GARLIC. (The other necessity of Italian cuisine)
Or, it could also be Sweet Corn with butter and salt in August. anyway...
Besides, tomatoes are technically fruit. God's Prize Fruit Creation is Grapefruit.
As you can guess, my choice in this situation would be big antlers.
Chris, thanks for your kind words. Man, I don't like comparing us stealthy bowhunters with the likes of Hinn, Jakes, and others. I wasn't aware of the history you recounted. I'd love to hear more of that history.
Jeff, Garlic is a close second, no doubt. No reason for us to disfellowship... :)
Oh, and Jeff, Tomato stands supreme over fruits and vegetables...indeed, as the Lion is the king of the jungle, so also the tomato is the king of all fruits and vegetables....
Grapefruits? From Satan, no doubt.
Tony, I see you have found my guitar hero video. I tried to make one with Matt and Mary Austin, but she abused Matt so bad last time they played I couldn't stand to embarrass the guy like that. A good book you may want to read is entitled "A different Gospel" by DR McConnel(I'd loan you my copy, but I gave it to my uncle who is caught up in that movement) McConnel wrote this book while he was completing his masters at Oral Roberts University. What's interesting is that McConnel is a devout Charismatic believer, but is outraged by "The Word Faith Movement" of the day. He worked with many ORU profs to track down the roots of this theology. What's very interesting is that Kenneth Hagin plagiarized incredibly long passages out of E.W Kenyon's works. When confronted with the question of plagiarizing Kenyon's works, Hagin basically said, "God gave us both the same revelation." It's a very interesting book and it will give you a great foundation in the history of this system. I believe Amazon still carries this book. I would like to discuss this with you anytime you'd like. I am also looking for a place to shoot my bow, so if you know of a place, I'm all ears. By the way, I really enjoyed your "Commission" Rap. -Chris-
Chris,
Nathan and I shoot our bows most days during the summer, right around lunch time. Just let us know when you want to come, we shoot behind the south building at the church. We'll start in earnest when school lets out...parents tend to frown upon the shooting of lethal weapons when school is in session.
I'll pick up the book for sure.
The Guitar Hero video is sweet. I have played the game several times and particularly enjoy playing "War Pigs". Good stuff.
I'll consider that an invite. I need to get my bow restrung. Is there a good archery place around Overland Park? I'm still pretty new to the bow. Rifle hunting has just been way too easy, I can't wait to harvest a deer the right way. I'm sure I can pick up some tips from you seasoned bow hunters. Thanks for the reply, I'll grab you after church one Sunday and set up a time I can come join you guys. Thanks again, -Chris-
Definitely, it's an invite.
Bass Pro's archery dept. is great.
Once you take a deer with a bow, I'll bet you don't go back to rifle.
I have to agree that bow hunting is definitely the only way to take a deer. The patience, the practice, the skill, and everything else that goes into it make the hunt so much more exciting.
Watching the mystical flight of the arrow (as Ted Nugent might say) as it delivers sacred backstraps (as TN also says) is a thing of beauty! It sure beats shooting from 200 yards.
I don't think I can make the lunchtime target practice though. NJ to KS is too far to go during my half hour lunch break!
Grapefruits? Of the Devil? Heresy! The sweet, juicy taste of a good grapefruit could only be from Heaven above!
Didn't Noah post this item a few years back?
Ah, yes. You have proved my point. If tomatoes were God's Prize fruit/veggie/whatever, they wouldn't have needed any kind of genetic alteration to be so, proving once again that garlic and grapefruit, unaltered by human hands, are supreme and divinely provided.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a nice tomato with fresh mozzerella, basil, and olive oil on a good piece of semolina bread, but it's the garlic that makes it perfect!
Jeff, your making my mouth water reminiscing of my days in Germany eating at an Italian restaurant which served bread topped with fresh baked garlic. I am being tormented at working without any way of satisfying my desire for the greatest of great - Garlic.
Jeff,
Say what you will, nothing (except sugar) could make a grapefruit taste good. They're horrible.
As for tomatoes VS Garlic, I refuse to choose between beloved children. Indeed, my father is growing his garlic right now in preparatio of their tandem with tomatoes later.
Now, having said that, and to set you and other well meaning souls straight- the tomato is still superior. Garlic is no doubt very healthy (not to mention it's ability to fend off vampires), however the tomato, on the whole, would be a better choice if you were left with only one thing to consume for the rest of your life. I think most would rather eat tomatoes and it's various manifestations over garlic (again, if given such a difficult choice). Further, good luck getting a smooch from your wife if all you were eating was garlic.
"Heh, come over here, kid, learn something. You never know, you might have to cook for 20 guys someday. You see, you start out with a little bit of oil. Then you fry some garlic. Then you throw in some tomatoes, tomato paste, you fry it; ya make sure it doesn't stick. You get it to a boil; you shove in all your sausage and your meatballs; heh…? And a little bit o' wine. An' a little bit o' sugar, and that's my trick."
Great Clemenza quote, thanks Rick.
Ok, Jeff's better half here... I say enough of this. Tony- you have gotten off task. The decision was between tomatoes and antlers. I say, let it rain. A 200lb buck will go a lot farther than a bunch of tomatoes. Plus, Once that baby hits the pan you know it's garlic that's gonna do it right, not tomatoes. Nuff said. Let's get cookin!
Danielle :)
A 200 pound buck? Why that's a fawn around here...You guys have been in NJ too long!
If that's a small buck, I absolutely have to come out there for some bow hunting. So, how much is a out-of-state license? I have the perfect weekend in November that I can come out!!
For sure, garlic rules as king of all fruits and medicinal healer of many ailments throughout the former Soviet Union! You should be around when Pastor Pavel Horev and one of the other Russian speaking Pastors we are visiting, bring out the raw garlic! They dip this pungent potent potion of prominent power in salt, then eat this stuff like we do, chips & dips. For days on end, the overpowering smell lingers on whoever is brave enough to partake. On our last mission, I will never forget being stopped by a cop, very late at night for a sobriety check. When the cop asked Pavel if he had been drinking, Pavel said “I am a believer in Christ and I don’t drink!” The cop told Pavel he must take a Russian Breathalyzer test, which consisted of rolling down the window and breathing right into the cop’s non-suspecting face. All of our mission team busted out in spontaneous laughing as the cop staggered backwards four steps, wildly waving his hands, yelling for Pavel to quickly move! That was the funniest thing I have ever seen!
Jeff,
We have some good ones here for sure. You'll need more than a weekend though.
Woodster,
Great story...but it doesn't make garlic better.
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