Tales of Rumspringa

GET YOUR MILLSTONES FITTED.....

2009-01-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

Yeah, President Obama...one of your first acts as President is to help make our country financially culpable in providing the underprivileged (aka the least) ways to break the 6th commandment.

Yeah us!

Perspective in the midst of Inaugra-Obama Mania

2009-01-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

Read Here.

33

2008-12-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

It has been some time since my last post (Leslie has been ghost blogging for me)but,
Today I turned 33...Here is what I've learned.
...forgive me, (preemptive confession, kind of like preemptive missle strikes, but with less innocent blood spilled, "Go Bush!" (constitution schmonstitution)

1. Nothing of value comes easy or quick.
2. My kids make me forget anything bad that happens in my day.
3. There's no one else I'd rather hang out with than my wife.
4. Everyone is basically the same, but their coping mechinisms are drastically different.
5. Time has monetary value.
6. Situations are never as bad after a good night of sleep, or 3 martinis, which ever comes first.
7. Lasting change happens through knowing God rather than feeling God.
8. I never get tired of whipped butter.
9. Although I feel like I'm 22, I'm glad I'm not.
10. Technology is proof of postmillenialism.
11. Always think the best of others.
11.1 Don't assign motive to others' actions.
12. Jeff Buckley is/was, by far, the best modern musician out there.
13. Abstract art is just bad art.
14. Winning a race on the freeway with someone who doesn't know your racing makes you a loser.
15. Anything can be found cheaper on the internet...that's what she said.
16. Bratz dolls are the gateway doll to prostitution.
17. Everything matters, everything is connected, everything has a reaction.
18. Where does depression hurt?...everywhere.
19. Great Danes, not only are they the best dog in all of dogdom, they are slightly human.
20. I hate cats. (sorry Dunlaps)
21. My personal success comes second to positioning my kids to succeed.
22. Life is short.
23. When adults fall...it's funny.
24. I still laugh when we sing 'ox and ass' in church.
25. Just because something is spontaneous does not make it of the Spirit
26. Say no to 'crazy'.
27. Going overseas will change your perspective on life forever.
28. Brie is overrated.
29. I want to live narrow and deep rather than shallow and wide.
30. Protecting, providing, leading, and caring for my family falls on my shoulders.
31. Sex is great.
32. When someone is defensive, they are not that confident.
33. Pushing the envelope with humor is good, pushing the envelope in a pair of 34 beige dickies with a 36 body is bad.

Who's With Me????

2008-11-12T05:37:00.002-08:00

Let's go to Palm Springs
and help this poor
old "bullhorn lady"
out.
Good grief America....
is this really what we
have come to???
Watch this.

Change!

2008-11-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

Or just more of the same Washington players?

Cannot wait for this......

2008-11-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

Wilson vs. Hitchens....Christian vs. Atheist.....Is God Good for the World?

Watch here.

It keeps getting better......

2008-11-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

Doug, your posts rock my world. I mean that. Take a gander...if you dare.

Doug said it best.....

2008-11-05T16:45:00.001-08:00

read it if you are in a state of elation or despair. I love this guy.

In defense of Jeremiah Wright.

2008-11-03T03:27:00.000-08:00

You are kidding me, right Mr. Nadler??? Democrat weaseling at it's best.

premium post modern bible; reading skills not required

2008-11-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Reformation=Abudance of Mercy Ministries

2008-11-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Can it be??? Read on......

Make a Mockery of the Defeated Satan

2008-10-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN!!!

I AM my brother's keeper.....

2008-10-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

but not my aunt's.

Hypocrisy...gotta love it. Charity begins at home Mr. Obama. If you can't take care of your own flesh and blood how can all of the "least" of America expect you to do better by them.

One more beat of that damn polarizing drum.....

2008-10-28T14:20:00.001-07:00

Top 4 Rea$ons I Cannot Vote for Obama

2008-10-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

And, if you don't know who these bafoons are, then you shouldn't be allowed to vote at all.

Eden Starts Her Academic Career...Only 21 More Years Until Her Doctorate

2008-09-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday Eden started school. We all went as a family and together with her class we attended the convocation to start off the school year.

It was inspiring. The speaker talked about Abraham Kuyper. Amazing man, wiki him. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Kuyper

"Oh, no single piece of our mental world is to be hermetically sealed off from the rest, and there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!'" - Abraham Kuyper.

Egan just may be my new hero!

2008-08-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

Statement on Remarks by Speaker Pelosi
August 26, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2008
STATEMENT OF HIS EMINENCE, EDWARD CARDINAL EGAN CONCERNING REMARKS MADE BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Like many other citizens of this nation, I was shocked to learn that the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would make the kind of statements that were made to Mr. Tom Brokaw of NBC-TV on Sunday, August 24, 2008. What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age.
We are blessed in the 21st century with crystal-clear photographs and action films of the living realities within their pregnant mothers. No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb. In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons. They are not parts of their mothers, and what they are depends not at all upon the opinions of theologians of any faith. Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being “chooses” to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.

Edward Cardinal Egan
Archbishop of New York
August 26, 2008

Haircut

2008-08-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some new pics to show you that I am still alive.

Would You Indulge Me???

2008-07-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Would you please listen to my bro-in-law's sermon? I think it will continue our excellent discussion about worship.

http://www.temeculaopc.org/sermons.htm

What Kind of Worship is Acceptable?

I would set up a link, but I don't know how...so you will have to do a tiny bit of interweb labor to get there.

A Star Is Born...well, make that two stars.

2008-07-01T03:35:00.001-07:00

Music 101

2008-06-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

So I think my kids should get an early start at knowing great music. I've been compiling a list of those artists I think my kids should know. For instance when people become bigtime singers they always say,"Oh, we always used to listen to ......growing up" So here's my list. Let me know ones I missed.
Carol King
Stevie Wonder
Nina Simone
Dusty Springfield
Kansas - not my pick, fyi, thanks Les
James Taylor
Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac - while brushing their teeth tonight Eden was sing "in the middle of my room I did not hear from you" and Aksel chimes in "Stand back, stand back." funny.

Gladys Night & the Pips
Nick Drake
Marvin Gaye
Righteous Brothers
Jackson Browne
Ella Fitzgerald
Etta James
Patsy Cline
Johnny Cash
Dolly Parton
Allison Kraus
Smokey Robinson
Prince
Sarah Mclachlan
Jeff Buckley
Mahalia Jackson
Bob Dylan

Most of these are vocally driven and stood some test of time. We have a 10 hour drive coming up in August so we will take the time to educate our kids on what good pop music sounds like so when they are teenagers they don't have to pretend they like something that is just bad music.

The Most Masculine Hymn Of All Time...

2008-06-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Reginald Heber, (April 21, 1783 - April 3, 1826) was a Church of England bishop, now remembered chiefly as a hymn-writer. In India, Bishop Heber laboured indefatigably - not only for the good of his own diocese, but for the spread of Christianity throughout the East. He toured the country, consecrating churches, founding schools and discharging other Christian duties. Among his well known hymns is Holy, Holy, Holy.

The Son Of God Goes Forth To War

The Son of God goes forth to war, A kingly crown to gain;

His blood red banner streams afar: Who follows in His train?

Who best can drink his cup of woe, Triumphant over pain,

Who patient bears his cross below, He follows in His train.

That martyr first, whose eagle eye Could pierce beyond the grave;

Who saw his Master in the sky, And called on Him to save.

Like Him, with pardon on His tongue, In midst of mortal pain,

He prayed for them that did the wrong: Who follows in His train?

A glorious band, the chosen few On whom the Spirit came;

Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew, And mocked the cross and flame.

They met the tyrant’s brandished steel, The lion’s gory mane;

They bowed their heads the death to feel: Who follows in their train?

A noble army, men and boys, The matron and the maid,

Around the Savior’s throne rejoice, In robes of light arrayed.

They climbed the steep ascent of Heav’n, Through peril, toil and pain;

O God, to us may grace be given, To follow in their train.

Series of Hymns

2008-06-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

I have been reading some hymns and will post them. I admire many things about hymns. They are difficult to sing and take time to learn. They cause us to discipline our mind to comprehend the truth being sung. They are beautiful poetry. Here is the first.

Gilbert seems like a cool cat, wiki him and read his bio. Seems like someone with whom I would love to have coffee. And he's hot.

O God of Earth and Altar
by G. K. Chesterton:

O God of earth and altar, Bow down and hear our cry,

Our earthly rulers falter, Our people drift and die;

The walls of gold entomb us, The swords of scorn divide,

Take not thy thunder from us, But take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches, From lies of tongue and pen,

From all the easy speeches That comfort cruel men,

From sale and profanation Of honor, and the sword,

From sleep and from damnation, Deliver us, good Lord!

Tie in a living tether The prince and priest and thrall,

Bind all our lives together, Smite us and save us all;

In ire and exultation Aflame with faith, and free,

Lift up a living nation, A single sword to thee. Amen.

Leslie Makes The Best Dinner!!!

2008-06-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Yum

This is our Central Market, the oldest public market in the country. It is beautiful in it's architecture, produce, and people.

Enjoying My City

2008-06-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

Today we took a big walk to Market. Along the way I noticed all of the iron work so I took some pics of it. I love it.

These Are The Days To Remember

2008-06-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

Found Some Old Pics Pre Digital Era. Enjoy.

The Best Sandwich I've Ever Had

2008-06-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Grilled Fresh Moz With Home Grown Tomatoes, Fresh Basil From My Back Yard, With Chicken On That Yummy All Grain Bread From Costco.

It's Over!!!

2008-06-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

The crazy part of this Summer is over. Last time I blogged was right after Leslie's Bday, since then my grandfather passed on to see his creator, Eden had a birthday, we had our anniversary, father's day/reunion with my Ma's side of the fam, and Eden's dance receital. Done.

For Eden's birthday we went to Duth Wonderland. It's a kids amusement park. Very relaxing for me (no sarcasm needed). It really was pretty chill.

At the Family Reunion we had homemade mini-golf by a wheat field.

Eden's receital was priceless. Well $10 bucks a pop, but Eden dancing her little ballet routine infront of a 1,000 or so folks doing her best was priceless.

It's Too Late To Apologize...

2008-05-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sorry for not posting for such and long time. All three of you must be bored out of you minds, waiting with bated breath. Well, my life is nuts'd. (a new word, you can use it if you want, ie, "Dude, when she yelled at you for hitting her dog...that was nuts'd." synonyms = jacked up, messed up, alternate definition = crazy (as in that Obama cat is nuts'd for thinking socialism doesn't make people lazy)

So this is what I've been up to:

Mother's Day...Brunch with Char

Aksel Turned 3...everything Buzz Lightyear.

Worked on my front porch...rewarded with carne asada and margaritas

Leslie Turned 28...again...everything culinary

Eden Turns 5... everything (I can't tell you yet)

11 years of Wedded Bliss...everything naughty

Father's day...everything black socks and wife beaters (I just can't get enough)

Tonight Eden was singing One Republic, "I said, it's too laaaaaaaaaaate"

Generations 2

2008-05-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

One that that my Grandpa loves is singing with his sons:

Generations

2008-05-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to visit my grandfather, my dad's dad, in a nursing home. Ever since the car accident over a month ago Grandpa hasn't been home. Here you can see 4 generations of Yoder men:

Abraham Samuel Yoder 93, Titus Abraham Yoder 64, Jeffrey Scott Yoder 32, Aksel Charles Titus Yoder 2.

God has been faithful to us and He remains steadfast in His care over our fragile humanity.

My Grandpa was born on April 9, 1915 and grew up Amish. He was saved at 39 or 40. Most of his life he farmed. He raised my dad to trust and love God and the church. A heritage for which I am most grateful. In 1995, 80 years after he was born, he went to Zimbabwe to be a missionary. Several years ago they moved to Arizona to be house parents at half-way house. Now they are back in Pennsylvania.

He is ready to see the Lord face to face. I'm excited for him.

The second pic is the house I remember my Grandpa living in when I was little. There were pigs and cows and chickens. A water pump was right outside the kitchen and I still remember the old outhouse in the back yard.

Effin Blog

2008-05-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Fireworks, Fabulous Friends, First Friday, Fun:

What did you think the title meant?

In the past couple of years they built a minor league baseball park three blocks from my house. They just had their first game and finished with fireworks. I have a bay window on the second floor of my house and Eden and I watch the fireworks from there. It's fun.

Every First Friday of the month all of the art galleries downtown have artist receptions and new art. So every First Friday my parents watch the kids and we have a few friends over for a martini or a glass of wine and then walk down to the galleries. We end up eating out or coming back to our house for food. Sometimes there are 6 of us and sometimes there are 15. It is always a blast.

A Little Help From My Friends

2008-05-02T04:19:00.000-07:00

Heart Rate = 165

MPH = 7.1

Time = 5:19 am

So I'm on the treadmill close to the end of my run. Each treadmill has it's own little flat screen tv with your own controls. I started my run with MTV a little Radiohead, then Death Cab, then some Snoop D O Double G. Half-way through Snoop I flipped it to VH1 to catch some Counting Crows.

Side note: If you want to watch actual videos on MTV or VH1 of bands that are actually good, you have to watch them at 5am.

Side note 2.0: This is reason number 248 why I go to the gym, because I have ghetto cable with only 25 channels; 2 of which are shopping channels, then all of the major networks have 2 channels each, a spanish channel, and something called ESPN, anyway so I really get 4 channels when it is all said and done. So I go to the gym to watch VH1, Chelsea Lately, Talk Soup, History Channel, Top Chef, and Fox News (Side note 2.1 just kidding on FN, ever since the excluded Ron Paul from a Rep Debate FN can bite me)

Where was I? Oh yeah, so 19 minutes have past, 6 more to go. This is when I need something to draw me away from the fact that I am actually running. I flip back to MTV, regular MTV, and who should be on my screen but The Myriad singing Clean Shot. I beamed with pride, wishing everyone the the world were up watching MTV right then.

They used to play at the Chameleon Club and we would put them up for the night. One night John Roger and I sat on my front porch sharing a bottle of a nice dry Cabernet discussing theology and culture til the wee hours of the morning. As Regina Spektor sings, "So sweet and juicy!" They just played Philly last week, but I wasn't able to go.

Cheers!!!

Saturday Morning Pancakes

2008-04-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday Mornings

are the most special morning for my family of any other day.

Why? you ask. Well, it is because Dad, that's me, makes is famous

homemade pancakes from scratch. I cook them

in a ton of oil so they get all crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. Some maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar top off the event.

For me I must have my coffee and I have been devouring the pancakes with the kids, but I'm fat now, so I started the zone again. So I did eat some pancakes this morning, but they were made from oatmeal, cottage cheese, and egg beaters. Here's to living healthy.

Scholar in the Making

2008-04-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

This week Eden, my 4 year old, had her testing at Veritas Academy, the school which we have wanted our kids to go to for years.

It was the strangest feeling leaving my girl with a teacher I did not know, even though I had heard wonderful things about her, to be tested to see if E could get in to the school. I could not filter the flow of information coming to my little girl and protect her from what I deemed inappropriate. Nor could I encourage her when scared or apprehensive.

I left the room with a, "Have fun Eden, you'll do great!" and pit in my stomach. But yesterday we found out from the headmaster that Eden will start kindergarten in the fall at Veritas Academy.

I am so happy, and proud, and jealous of the education she will receive. I do look forward to learning everything I should have learned in public school. www.veritasacademy.com

Ka Ra Te

2008-04-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight I actually got home in time to have dinner with the fam. Fun times.

After dinner we read about the Israelites finally getting to the promised land.

I made a rich, frothy espresso and we headed outside to our vast backyard.

But tonight was karate night. I never knew my spawn were mini ninjas. Now I know. I am happy for them.

Home

2008-04-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

In 2000 we moved from Redding, CA to Lancaster, PA. Most folks think of Lancaster as Amishland USA, which it is, but few seem to realize the city that lies at the center of all of the farms. That is where I live and this is what it looks like:

Camera Suggestions

2008-04-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

So I love taking pictures of my kids, my town, my wife, my life.

I think life should be documented for our children's children's children....

I'm looking for a new camera, any suggestions. I currently have a ghetto-blaster of digital cameras from 4 or 5 years ago.

Here are some recent pics.

Rumspringa

2008-04-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Rumspringa is this Amish thing when the kids go nuts before they officially join the church. I think most people have their own Rumspringa in life. I think translated from Pennsylvania Dutch it means 'running around'. So this is a web log of me running around. I hope you will enjoy yourself here.

I've noticed that most web loggers start off by saying who they are and what they do. Being that I'm in Rumspringa and feeling a bit rebellious you get none of me, but my story will tell itself over time.

Thanks to Dan Lance for getting me started.

Peace.
Jeff.