And I don't mean the human kind, though I expect a human was indirectly involved.

 

Went out the door Sunday morning to find our oversized, heavy steel mailbox laying on the ground off the post. Next to it was a huge turkey ... dead. This is a fun thing to clean up before church (when my dead turkey would have been a major topic of Father's Day discussion).

 

Monday morning I put the mailbox back on the post. So ... my inner Gil Grissom kicks in.

Odd. May the turkey rest in peace.

It has been a while since I first established the Inukshuk as a personal symbol for the way God uses us. Since I first discovered the stone markers, I have been facinated and have had a terrible time finding reliable information about them. Norman Hallendy fills that void. An anthropoligist and scientist of impressive credentials and numerous high level associations (including the Smithsonian Institute), he sheds great light.

 

The book, sadly, seems to be unavailable ouside Canada and may even be out of print, awaiting a newer edition, which would be welcome. It is filled with beautiful pictures of many types of Inuksuit and makes a facinating study of their nature and purpose.

 

Technically, not all Inuksuit are in the shape of humans, but are placed to act in the capacity of a human. They are safety markers and guides through the wilderness. Some specific forms of Inuksuit also have religious significance, but for the most part are simply road signs for those who know how to read them. Some also stand in for people when hunters are herding caribou and want to guide them along a specific path.

 

Hallendy opens the world of the Inuit elders, who explain the Inuksuit and their vanishing significance. He revealse that each one is unique, with a unique name and purpose, which if unknown by a traveler, may render the Inukshuk meaningless or even unrecognizable. Most facinating is the traditional beginning of their use, which is far in the mist of history.

 

Apparently a man was going on a long journey. His girl was worried about the prospects of his return. So he built an Inukshuk, breathed his essense into it and told her that it was his standing promise and hope of return.

 

How eloquent, when we think of Christ who has done something so similar by leaving His Spirit in the "body" he has left on earth, to act in His capacity and anounce His return.

 

The book is majestic in its beauty, fascinating in its portrayal of Inuit life, and detailed in its presentation. The average reader may find the use of Inuit language tedious, but no one can help but be impressed by the breadth of the author's knowledge, gained as it is, by paying the price of a life of dedication, not to studying stones, but of building relationships with Inuit elders. An excellent read.

Today is my 16th anniversary. I feel a sense of accomplishment in knowing that we are not only still together, but Dawn and I are thriving. A newly-wed told me not too long ago that she hoped that she and her new husband would be as happy as Dawn and I are. I took this as a great compliment and I hope so.

 

Though our work will keep us from celebrating today, we will later, probably tomorrow or Sunday. Still, we have had some time together, discussing ministry, food we like, the cats, mutually enjoyable activities. We have gone for takeout Chinese food. We have smiled in passing and spoken over the comupter.

 

In these days of hypersensitivity when one dare not say "merry Christmas" because someone may not be a Christian, or say "happy mother's day" because someone's mother may have passed on - I will be so bold to say "I am glad I am married to Dawn and I think that we have a solid relationship." Others may not have this and this may make them sad. I will say this, Dawn and I come from different back grounds, we argue on occasion, we have different tastes on some things, and sometimes different priorities in life. But our relationship is what it is because both of us work at it and give to make sure that the other is taken care of.

 

God has blessed us so far. May He continue to do so for years to come.

After careful consideration I am adding another category to the list - Biblical research. I add this carefully, because it opens the entire nasty can of worms that we call commentaries. I am tempted to say that commetaries must be at least 200 years old in order to be considered, because the glut of commentaries that have become available in the last 150 years is incredible ... but I will not. Commentaries are of unequal and uneven value. So I will say this, commentaries should be considered on a book by book basis. We may not accept any "commentary on the whole Bible" but must accept a commentary on a specific book of the Bible. So, if a prolific commentator has done exceptional work that has been of great value on a specific book, it will be considered.

 

I open this can of worms for a different reason. It occurs to me that James Strong's concordance of the Bible along with its invaluable numbering system predates computers, predates the 20th century. It was a monumental and extremely valuable contribution to the knowledge of God's word. Haley's Bible Handbook is nearly old enough to be included and I will place it in the honorable mention category.

 

Please continue adding ideas.

It rained. We prayed for rain on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning it started and did not finish till Monday afternoon. Praise God for answered prayer.

 

The response to the Legacy of Jesus collection has been heartening. Please continue to think with me and to add comments to suppliment the list. Also, don't forget to suggest hymns.

 

I had the opportunity to do some research the other day regarding an ancestor of mine, Benjamin Darling who fought in the Revolutionary War. It is always interesting to learn new facts. For one, I was able to confirm that he was encamped with George Washington at Valley Forge, but also that he spent his whole tour of duty in the company of several people who were from his home town including his corporal (later sergent), his fifer, and his captain (later major). His first assignment was on the border of Canada and relatively light duty, but his later assigment was frought with hardships including deadly cold and heat.