Mental Musings

Our nine year old son took it upon himself to try and convert his cousin, Nathan, this past week into one of his favorite pastimes: Pokémon videogames. Wendy explained to Zachary before his cousin came to visit that he was not into Pokémon. Zachary wanted to know why, but Wendy wasn’t really sure. She said she thought his parents did not have a problem with Pokémon, but she thought that Nathan had seen it once and thought it was evil. As soon as we picked up their cousin from the airport, Zachary decided to bring up the subject. He started by telling why he thought Pokémon was a great game. He then asked if Pokémon sounded fun. When he did not get a positive response, he decided to press the issue and asked, “Why don’t you like Pokémon?” Nathan said he did like it. Zachary, confused, then asked, “Well, why do you think it is evil?” When he found out that Nathan did not think it was evil, he immediately asked Wendy why she told him that. It was pretty funny to listen to. I imagine that ...

I just finished reading Ted Dekker’s newest book, “Skin.” While the overall book was just as interesting as his other books, I was somewhat disappointed in several aspects of the story line as well as the editing. I will try to share my thoughts without giving away any details of the story. I always get irritated when reading anything by a well established author that includes “printing” errors, but this went well beyond the dozen or so simple “printing” errors. There were several confusing sentences that I had to re-read in order to understand. The error was most likely due to poor editing. Some apparently necessary edits due to changes the author made in the storyline were not found by the author or editor. I noticed additional words in several sentences that were not removed in editing process. There was also an entire passage that seemed to be the thoughts of one of the characters, but the end of the paragraph included a quotation mark. I had to pause to consider if the passage was...

Healthy Pains of Growth (Based on John 15:2) © 1990 Steve Poole There is a garden well kept By a Masters tender care. Attended to throughout the year, His love is evident there. Cultivated for strength and growth, Mulched and weeded for protection. Watered daily by tears of joy And sweat drops of perspiration. In the center stands a tree With branches slightly swooning So the Master of the garden Prepares the tree for pruning. “I have been with you throughout the years, It started with your birth. You have grown quite strong and healthy. Your fruit has shown your worth. “While it’s hard to comprehend And may even seem unfair, I need to prune your branches back If more fruit you are to bear.” With the first clip came a shudder As the tree was shocked and pained. The Master with a tear soaked face Looked to the tree and explained. “while everything may seem alright From all outwardly appearances, I look inside straight to your heart Where I see many painful experiences. It is never easy ...

I am not a formal person. My idea of a perfect evening does not include going anywhere that would require me to get dressed up. My personal preference would be shorts (or jeans) and a t-shirt for almost any occasion. That does not mean that I would show up at a funeral or wedding dressed like that, but I sure do wish we could. Like most people my age or older, we were taught that you should put on your very best for Sundays to honor God. I seriously doubted that most people had God in mind when they picked out their clothes for Sunday worship. I always believed that people were dressing nice to impress others. So dressing up for church actually seemed more like a vanity thing to me. I am sure some people were genuine in their desire to present their best for God and I do believe that we should not bring God our junk. I am constantly amazed at how often the same people who think we should dress up for church want to donate their old furniture to the church. What happened to presenting y...

Special one time offer. Free dramatic script for use as you like for your church. What Is Eternity Like? © 2000, Stephen R. Poole Cast: 2 men Props: chairs set-up like a park bench and a newspaper or book Setting: 2 men are sitting on a bench. The 1st man is reading a newspaper or book while the 2nd man is looking at passersby. The 1st man keeps startling the 2nd out of his solitude. There should be time for thought between exchanges, but not so much as to make it too comical. People may question who 1st man is . . .let them think about it and decide for themselves. 1st: [Lowers the paper/book just enough to see his face—as if thinking out loud] Have you ever wondered about the hereafter? 2nd: Huh? Are you talking to me? 1st: I’m sorry. I just asked if you ever wonder about the hereafter? 2nd: [thinks for a few seconds] Not much, I guess. [continues to watch people pass getting back into his own world as the 1st goes back to his reading] 1st: [Puts the paper/book down in his lap] I mea...