Ian was changing Emmeline’s diaper when Joshua entered the room…

From Cannery Row by John Steinbeck…

On the black earth on which the ice plants bloomed, hundreds of black stink bugs crawled.  And many of them stuck their tails up in the air.  ”Look at all them stink bugs,” Hazel remarked, grateful to the bugs for being there.

“They’re interesting,” said Doc.

“Well, what they got their asses up in the air for?”

Doc rolled up his wool socks and put them in the rubber boots and from his pocket he brought out dry socks and a pair of thin moccasins.  “I don’t know why,” he said.  “I looked them up recently—they’re very common animals and one of the commonest things they do is put their tails up in the air.  And in all the books there isn’t one mention of the fact that they put their tails up in the air or why.”

Hazel turned one of the stink bugs over with the toe of his wet tennis shoe and the shining black beetles strove madly with floundering legs to get upright again.  “Well, why do you think they do it?”

“I think they’re praying,” said Doc.

“What!”  Hazel was shocked.

“The remarkable thing,” said Doc, “isn’t that they put their tails up in the air—the really incredibly remarkable thing is that we find it remarkable.  We can only use ourselves as yardsticks.  If we did something as inexplicable and strange we’d probably be praying—so maybe they’re praying.”

“Let’s get the hell out of here,” said Hazel.

Joshua used the urinal in the men’s bathroom last night when we were out for dinner.  He flushed it, gasped happily, and yelled…

Makaena (10):  Are Belgian waffles from Beijing?

Mia:  In Luke 23:22-24 Pilate handed Jesus over to the people who wanted to crucify him, even though he knew Jesus had done nothing wrong.  Pilate gave in because the people were shouting and demanding.  The Bible doesn’t talk about what Pilate did afterwards or what he thought, but I bet he felt guilty and felt bad after that.  I would.

Ian:  “Revolutionary” isn’t a biblical type, genre, or form but it sure is a tone.  I’ve loved reading about the revolutionary Jesus since we hit the Gospels but I’m reminded of a story about how even Jesus’ politeness was revolutionary.  From Richard Wurmbrand’s book Tortured For Christ…

On the road to Emmaus, the resurrected Savior walked with two disciples, talking with them about the recent events in Jerusalem. Though they did not recognize him, he talked with them about God’s plan for the Messiah. When they arrived at their town, Jesus acted as if he had to go further.

Why? Didn’t he want to stay and continue the conversation?

To Piott, a Russian believer, Jesus’ actions showed politeness. He didn’t want to stay unless he was truly wanted. Piott had seen the Communists overrun his country. The police burst into people’s homes anytime they chose. Finally, a Christian shared with Piott the story of a Savior who knocked gently at his heart, waiting to be allowed in. Piott was impressed with this gentle Jesus and willingly opened the door. Jesus became Piott’s Savior and Lord.

Makaena (10):  Can you say that again in kid talk?

If you’re Joshua (almost four) it’s not “trick-or-treat,” it’s just “sugar-treat.”

I stole this photo off of Jill’s blog.

We had a blast Halloween-ing with the Foleys.  Said blast included trick-or-treating in Fairview Village (the Peacock Lane of Halloween), dinner, brews, dessert, and even more goodies via piñata (think El Día de los Muertos)! 

Here are our pirates, cat, and “fighter-fighter…”      

For more pics, just click!

Yesterday, we observed a Durias Halloween tradition by viewing E.T.  A matinee, of course, for it’s a bit creepy.

Ian:  Do I look like a superhero?
Mia (10):  You look like a man wrapped up in a Mickey Mouse blanket.

Mia:  Luke has a lot of the same stories as Matthew and Mark.  Parables and stuff.  But I like Luke, the way it is written like for a person, from a person.  It is written by Luke and for Theophilus.  I like it written that way best.

Ian: 

An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.  Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.  Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest.”  Luke 9:46-48.