Today was the first full day at GrandMaMa & GrandDaddy Jones’ house.
It think they had fun!!!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
CHRISTmas & Hope!
Dear Readers,
I received this today from Chuck Colson. It is a must read.
I had first heard the account from my brother Dale.
Thru a choked-up voice and near tears, he told of the comments he had heard that day on the radio.
It is a story of hope and love for you to be encouraged by....
_________________________________________
Christmas and Hope
A Testimony Amidst Tragedy
December 24, 2008
Dong Yun Yoon of University City, California, will never forget this Christmas. Two weeks ago, his family was killed when a Marine F-18 Hornet fighter jet lost power and crashed into his home.
In an instant, this season of joy become a time of unimaginable sorrow for Yoon.
However, his response to the tragedy can only be described as a great gift to all of us.
The plane’s engines failed during a training flight off the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.
The pilot, Lt. Dan Neubauer, tried to reach Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego but wound up safely ejecting from the plane about two miles from the station.
The plane crashed into the Yoon’s just-moved-into home. Young Mi Yoon, their daughters Rachel and Grace, and her mother were killed.
While the tragedy was front-page news, what happened next captured the imagination of the country.
The next day, an understandably devastated Yoon told reporters that he didn’t have any “hard feelings” toward the pilot and that he knew that the pilot “did everything he could.”
Not only that, Yoon said, “I pray for him not to suffer for this action,” and called him “one of our treasures for the country.”
Having embodied grace and forgiveness, Yoon then told reporters what made it possible: “I believe my wife and two babies and mother-in-law are in heaven with God,” and he prayed with other family members and friends.
Yoon’s words and actions reminded Adrian Hong, a human rights advocate, of the circumstances surrounding the writing of the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul”—in both instances, tragedy and sorrow were turned into a great witness to the power of Christian hope.
There’s another hymn this episode brings to mind—“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley. In the last stanza we sing that Jesus was “born that man no more may die” and “born to raise the sons of earth.”
While we may not associate Christmas and the Incarnation with our Lord’s victory over death, the Church fathers did.
In “On the Incarnation of the Word,” Athanasius wrote that it was because all of us were “under penalty of the corruption of death” that the Word took “to Himself a body capable of death.”
Since the Word “by His one body has come to dwell among” us, “the corruption of death which before was prevailing against [Man] is done away.”
As a result of what Athanasius called “His gracious coming among us,” “the way up into the heavens” is “made ready” for those, like the Yoons, who put their faith in him.
This “new beginning of life for us” and the graciousness that makes it possible is at the heart of the Christian hope. It consoles us and enables us to be gracious even when our world is falling apart.
It is this hope, born on the first Christmas, that Peter tells us we must always be ready to explain. Dong Yun Yoon certainly was. For that, he has my gratitude and prayers.
___________________________________
As we give thanks this CHRISTmas for HIS fist coming...
may we be ever mindful of HIS second coming.
And proclaim with all believers.... "Maranatha, come LORD Jesus come!"
Merry CHRISTmas!
Duane
I received this today from Chuck Colson. It is a must read.
I had first heard the account from my brother Dale.
Thru a choked-up voice and near tears, he told of the comments he had heard that day on the radio.
It is a story of hope and love for you to be encouraged by....
_________________________________________
Christmas and Hope
A Testimony Amidst Tragedy
December 24, 2008
Dong Yun Yoon of University City, California, will never forget this Christmas. Two weeks ago, his family was killed when a Marine F-18 Hornet fighter jet lost power and crashed into his home.
In an instant, this season of joy become a time of unimaginable sorrow for Yoon.
However, his response to the tragedy can only be described as a great gift to all of us.
The plane’s engines failed during a training flight off the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.
The pilot, Lt. Dan Neubauer, tried to reach Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego but wound up safely ejecting from the plane about two miles from the station.
The plane crashed into the Yoon’s just-moved-into home. Young Mi Yoon, their daughters Rachel and Grace, and her mother were killed.
While the tragedy was front-page news, what happened next captured the imagination of the country.
The next day, an understandably devastated Yoon told reporters that he didn’t have any “hard feelings” toward the pilot and that he knew that the pilot “did everything he could.”
Not only that, Yoon said, “I pray for him not to suffer for this action,” and called him “one of our treasures for the country.”
Having embodied grace and forgiveness, Yoon then told reporters what made it possible: “I believe my wife and two babies and mother-in-law are in heaven with God,” and he prayed with other family members and friends.
Yoon’s words and actions reminded Adrian Hong, a human rights advocate, of the circumstances surrounding the writing of the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul”—in both instances, tragedy and sorrow were turned into a great witness to the power of Christian hope.
There’s another hymn this episode brings to mind—“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley. In the last stanza we sing that Jesus was “born that man no more may die” and “born to raise the sons of earth.”
While we may not associate Christmas and the Incarnation with our Lord’s victory over death, the Church fathers did.
In “On the Incarnation of the Word,” Athanasius wrote that it was because all of us were “under penalty of the corruption of death” that the Word took “to Himself a body capable of death.”
Since the Word “by His one body has come to dwell among” us, “the corruption of death which before was prevailing against [Man] is done away.”
As a result of what Athanasius called “His gracious coming among us,” “the way up into the heavens” is “made ready” for those, like the Yoons, who put their faith in him.
This “new beginning of life for us” and the graciousness that makes it possible is at the heart of the Christian hope. It consoles us and enables us to be gracious even when our world is falling apart.
It is this hope, born on the first Christmas, that Peter tells us we must always be ready to explain. Dong Yun Yoon certainly was. For that, he has my gratitude and prayers.
___________________________________
As we give thanks this CHRISTmas for HIS fist coming...
may we be ever mindful of HIS second coming.
And proclaim with all believers.... "Maranatha, come LORD Jesus come!"
Merry CHRISTmas!
Duane
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Noah Alan Wolff
Here are a few photos of Noah, taken on Tuesday by Michelle Castro, a friend of Meg & Bry and an accomplished photographer, I might add... as one photographer to another.Michele's studio name is; Grace & Joy Photography. Kudos, Michele.
Duane
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Walking the Father of the Bride neighborhood
Here are some photos from our walk of the Father of the Bride neighborhood.
The lights of Christmas – The Grove , Hollywood, CA
Here are some photos from tonight in Hollywood.
I was there… really! I guess I took most of the photos today. - Duane
Friday, December 12, 2008
Christmas Lights & a date with Lillian
We took a stroll thru neighborhoods near Bry & Meg’s. Lillian was our escort.
Here is a photo essay of the event.
More, of Noah Alan Wolff – 12/12/2008
Here are a couple from today.
Noah visited Dr. Kim at the Pediatrician’s office & weighed in at 7# 8 oz. on the 10th day, of his young life. Now he’s playing with tow trucks!
Duane Alan visits Noah Alan & family
Here are some photos from last night and today.Bry worked today and got home a few minutes ago.
Tomorrow we plan to visit a park during the day, and look at Christmas lights and eat out later in the evening.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Staining & Varnishing in Camelot
Well here is a photo from "inside" Camelot!It is still a work in progress.
Last coat of varnish applied, next step is to clean-up this "construction zone" and get packin'.Tomorrow I get to meet little Noah!
Yeah!!!
Later tonight, I might even post another photo with the "zone" cleaned up... So Sandra doesn't think she'll return to a disaster!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Here are two photos of today.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Newest photo of Noah Alan Wolff
It is Sunday morning.
I'm at home working, (i.e. not at church).
Sandra was holding little Noah when we spoke on the phone earlier.
Here is a photo I hope you'll enjoy. Sandra says that he is "very content" (most of the time)!
But hey, babies cry sometimes!
He looks pretty content to me!
PaPa Jones
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Announcing "Noah Alan Wolff"
Dear All,
Yesterday our newest grandchild arrived. Noah was born at 12:15PM California time.
You can see photos on Bryan & Meggan's blog.
PaPa Jones
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veterans Day - 2008 "A tribute to Thomas McBride
Dear readers... Sorry it has been so long on my postings.
Today, I received this from Steven Curtis Chapman.
I thought it was very worth sharing with you all.
Honoring Veterans
Hear the New Song By Steven Curtis Chapman, “Thomas McBride”
A few days ago Steven Curtis Chapman had the opportunity to visit the Bethesda Naval Medical Center, a guest of the President’s physician.
It’s become a given on Steven’s schedule over the last 8 years plus. If he has a tour date in the DC area, you’ll find him spending the morning and afternoon at Bethesda. He’s been fortunate to have the chance to meet brave men and women military service personnel there, both the wounded and the medical staff.Two Fridays ago Steven met Corpsman Thomas McBride. He had been wounded in action in Afghanistan and tragically had lost part of his leg. Steven was deeply moved by this man and the sacrifice he had made for this country. In response and with gratitude to Corpsman McBride and all who have served America, Steven penned a new song, “Thomas McBride.” It’s Steven’s great privilege, that this song was delivered this week to Corspman McBride by the President of the United States, George W Bush.On this week that marks Veterans Day 2008, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.
To mark the week, SCC is making available, via streaming audio, this simple demo he recorded of the new song.
Here is the link: http://stevencurtischapman.com/thomasmcbride.htm?roi=farm-15964618-116699-4545528b94b43d3ccff80d110a0dda01
Please listen, enjoy, and "thank a Vet today!"
Duane
Today, I received this from Steven Curtis Chapman.
I thought it was very worth sharing with you all.
Honoring Veterans
Hear the New Song By Steven Curtis Chapman, “Thomas McBride”
A few days ago Steven Curtis Chapman had the opportunity to visit the Bethesda Naval Medical Center, a guest of the President’s physician.
It’s become a given on Steven’s schedule over the last 8 years plus. If he has a tour date in the DC area, you’ll find him spending the morning and afternoon at Bethesda. He’s been fortunate to have the chance to meet brave men and women military service personnel there, both the wounded and the medical staff.Two Fridays ago Steven met Corpsman Thomas McBride. He had been wounded in action in Afghanistan and tragically had lost part of his leg. Steven was deeply moved by this man and the sacrifice he had made for this country. In response and with gratitude to Corpsman McBride and all who have served America, Steven penned a new song, “Thomas McBride.” It’s Steven’s great privilege, that this song was delivered this week to Corspman McBride by the President of the United States, George W Bush.On this week that marks Veterans Day 2008, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.
To mark the week, SCC is making available, via streaming audio, this simple demo he recorded of the new song.
Here is the link: http://stevencurtischapman.com/thomasmcbride.htm?roi=farm-15964618-116699-4545528b94b43d3ccff80d110a0dda01
Please listen, enjoy, and "thank a Vet today!"
Duane
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sign of the Times!
Well it happened this week!We sold!
Sandra & I are both so very thankful that all has gone so well.
The transition begins soon to the new house.
We look forward to the time for Sarah & Meg to join us. (Not to mention some unexpected time with Jonas & Lillian)
It will be a time for us all to have some... "more time" at this house.
There are lots of memories here to reconcile and release, and then a time to vision cast for the "new ones, yet to come"
at the new house.
Duane
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Long Time... No Post!
Dear All,
Sandra & I have been busier than we could ever have imagined in the selling of our house.
It is amazing how much work it is to clean out the "stuff" to have your house ready for "showing".
It would seem that the efforts have paid off however, as our agent believes we'll have an offer by mid-week.
We do know that we have well maintained this property & have done many improvements to it as well, so the idea that we'll have an offer soon is not too surprising.
For me the "surprising" part was how when we heard the "good news" from our realtor, was how misty-eyed Sandra became! We have very many good memories here!
Sandra & I both do love this house; our neighbors on both sides, and also....so very much the backyard, and all the memories we have had there.
This transition will be a tough one!
Dad J
Sandra & I have been busier than we could ever have imagined in the selling of our house.
It is amazing how much work it is to clean out the "stuff" to have your house ready for "showing".
It would seem that the efforts have paid off however, as our agent believes we'll have an offer by mid-week.
We do know that we have well maintained this property & have done many improvements to it as well, so the idea that we'll have an offer soon is not too surprising.
For me the "surprising" part was how when we heard the "good news" from our realtor, was how misty-eyed Sandra became! We have very many good memories here!
Sandra & I both do love this house; our neighbors on both sides, and also....so very much the backyard, and all the memories we have had there.
This transition will be a tough one!
Dad J
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
How to light a candle in the Midst of Darkness
Dear Friends,
Chuck Colson had a great commentary today.
The transcript is pasted below.
A Model for Engagement:
Wilberforce and The Better Hour...
February 19, 2008
At a recent conference on Christian worldview, a college student asked the question: "Is there a model for engaging secularism?" The panel of well-known experts was stumped, clearly unfamiliar with the fact that 200 years ago a small group of politicians, bankers, writers, and lawyers addressed and overcame the crisis of secularism and immorality in England.
A small group of about 10 friends was known as the Clapham Circle. Following the lead of English parliamentarian William Wilberforce, the Clapham Circle set about with two great, major objectives: In Wilberforce's words, "the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners." In the process, they helped transform the self-indulgent society of eighteenth-century England.
How they did that is the subject of a new book called Creating the Better Hour: Lessons from William Wilberforce, edited by a Centurion, and my friend, Chuck Stetson. The accompanying documentary called The Better Hour airs this month on PBS television stations.
Stetson discusses 10 methods or strategies that Wilberforce and his associates used to shape public opinion. One was the use of a powerful symbol to focus attention on the plight of the slave. Wilberforce enlisted the famous Josiah Wedgwood to create a special cameo. At the center of the cameo was a kneeling slave in shackles. Inscribed around the edges of this picture was the simple, but provocative question: "Am I Not a Man and a Brother?"
The Wedgwood cameo became a kind of logo when the whole concept of a logo was still novel. The picture and the accompanying question became a powerful symbol for human dignity. Women, who at the time could not vote, wore it on their dresses and on jewelry to show their support for the abolition of the slave trade.
The images from the cameo appeared on everything from plates to snuff boxes. The slogan "Am I Not a Man and a Brother?" was as well known to the people of Wilberforce's day as Nike's "Just do it" is to any modern American consumer.
And the slogan posed a pointed question that was simple but brilliant. People who never gave slaves a second thought had to examine their own attitudes and engage the issue. It reminds me of how pro-lifers are using in utero photography to force people to ponder the humanity of babies in the womb.
Stetson goes on to describe the other methods Wilberforce and company used so well: long-term planning, teamwork, research, effective networking, use of volunteers, etc.—methods we Christians would do well to emulate as we tackle the myriad social ills we face in this postmodern, self-indulgent society.
But what I take away from Wilberforce and his circle is not just good ideas about strategies and tactics, but also hope. This small handful of committed believers changed the world. Their unfailing efforts eventually resulted in the abolition of slavery itself in Britain and led to the formation of more than 69 voluntary organizations—organizations that tackled a wide range of social concerns, from child labor to the prevention of cruelty to animals to universal education.
"Is there a model for engaging secularism?"
As Stetson's book shows us, thanks to William Wilberforce and the Clapham sect, there certainly is.
Chuck Colson had a great commentary today.
The transcript is pasted below.
A Model for Engagement:
Wilberforce and The Better Hour...
February 19, 2008
At a recent conference on Christian worldview, a college student asked the question: "Is there a model for engaging secularism?" The panel of well-known experts was stumped, clearly unfamiliar with the fact that 200 years ago a small group of politicians, bankers, writers, and lawyers addressed and overcame the crisis of secularism and immorality in England.
A small group of about 10 friends was known as the Clapham Circle. Following the lead of English parliamentarian William Wilberforce, the Clapham Circle set about with two great, major objectives: In Wilberforce's words, "the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners." In the process, they helped transform the self-indulgent society of eighteenth-century England.
How they did that is the subject of a new book called Creating the Better Hour: Lessons from William Wilberforce, edited by a Centurion, and my friend, Chuck Stetson. The accompanying documentary called The Better Hour airs this month on PBS television stations.
Stetson discusses 10 methods or strategies that Wilberforce and his associates used to shape public opinion. One was the use of a powerful symbol to focus attention on the plight of the slave. Wilberforce enlisted the famous Josiah Wedgwood to create a special cameo. At the center of the cameo was a kneeling slave in shackles. Inscribed around the edges of this picture was the simple, but provocative question: "Am I Not a Man and a Brother?"
The Wedgwood cameo became a kind of logo when the whole concept of a logo was still novel. The picture and the accompanying question became a powerful symbol for human dignity. Women, who at the time could not vote, wore it on their dresses and on jewelry to show their support for the abolition of the slave trade.
The images from the cameo appeared on everything from plates to snuff boxes. The slogan "Am I Not a Man and a Brother?" was as well known to the people of Wilberforce's day as Nike's "Just do it" is to any modern American consumer.
And the slogan posed a pointed question that was simple but brilliant. People who never gave slaves a second thought had to examine their own attitudes and engage the issue. It reminds me of how pro-lifers are using in utero photography to force people to ponder the humanity of babies in the womb.
Stetson goes on to describe the other methods Wilberforce and company used so well: long-term planning, teamwork, research, effective networking, use of volunteers, etc.—methods we Christians would do well to emulate as we tackle the myriad social ills we face in this postmodern, self-indulgent society.
But what I take away from Wilberforce and his circle is not just good ideas about strategies and tactics, but also hope. This small handful of committed believers changed the world. Their unfailing efforts eventually resulted in the abolition of slavery itself in Britain and led to the formation of more than 69 voluntary organizations—organizations that tackled a wide range of social concerns, from child labor to the prevention of cruelty to animals to universal education.
"Is there a model for engaging secularism?"
As Stetson's book shows us, thanks to William Wilberforce and the Clapham sect, there certainly is.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Disabilities & The Church
Dear friends,
Yesterday I rec'd an email from a dear friend with a link to a site that is trying to raise the awareness of the need for our society to help children and their families.
The well produced video deals with a young girl named Claudia. Claudia has autism.
The band, Five for Fighting did the soundtrack, and is contributing $.40 for every hit the site receives to be given to aide in the fight for these little ones, so lost and in need of help.
Here is the link: http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214
Additionally, here is a link to our church's effort to help kids and families affected by disability. There is a button you can go to there to see the Barnabas Ministries video as well. http://www.atgrace.com/ministries/counseling/barnabas.php
Blessings to all... remember "Jesus Loves the Little Children"
Duane
Yesterday I rec'd an email from a dear friend with a link to a site that is trying to raise the awareness of the need for our society to help children and their families.
The well produced video deals with a young girl named Claudia. Claudia has autism.
The band, Five for Fighting did the soundtrack, and is contributing $.40 for every hit the site receives to be given to aide in the fight for these little ones, so lost and in need of help.
Here is the link: http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214
Additionally, here is a link to our church's effort to help kids and families affected by disability. There is a button you can go to there to see the Barnabas Ministries video as well. http://www.atgrace.com/ministries/counseling/barnabas.php
Blessings to all... remember "Jesus Loves the Little Children"
Duane
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