Frank Schaeffer Book Giveaway!

Last Thursday I drove to Omaha, Nebraska to hear Frank Schaeffer, author of Crazy for God and lots of other really great books dealing with the crazier end of the Christianity spectrum, speak. He did not disappoint. You can hear his talk at this link. If you start at about eleven minutes you can skip the introductions, although the minister of the church where Frank talked does give a brief, but interesting account of his own visit to L’Abri, the [...]

The Calvin Becker Trilogy

I was introduced to the writing of Frank Schaeffer via his book Crazy For God several years ago. I loved the book and wrote about it here. On that post, a reader left a comment asking me if I had read any of Schaeffer’s fiction books. I had not and I tucked that comment away in my brain in hopes that someday it would resurface at just the exactly right moment when I was in need of a new book [...]

A Holiday Make-Over for the Library

We hosted Thanksgiving this year. Twenty-seven of my husband’s closest relatives stayed at our house for four days. We went hiking and played board games and watched ballgames and went to the movies and The Oracle Known as Steve staged a coup and tried to take over my kitchen, but I bravely fended him off with a carving knife, a rusty old egg beater and a very pokey meat thermometer. And yet, even as he bled out from oozing puncture [...]

Random Weekend Photos

Because the Christmas tree photo was getting a wee bit tiresome.

Review of Lee Strobel’s “The Case for Christ”, with Boffo Giveaway Included

With mincing alacrity, Dear Charles takes on Lee Strobel’s “The Case for Christ” and startling questions arise!!!

A Conversation With the Oracle

October 26th, 2008

The Country Doctor’s family is in the midst of planning an 80th birthday bash for the Country Doctor’s dad – Joe. This event is being hosted at our home and e-mails have been flying through cyber space to firm up the details. I have been in close contact with the Oracle Known as Steve during this time. Here are a few of our exchanges. One of the Country Doctor’s sister’s has also been thrown in for a little variety.

I started out with a simple, clear, CONCISE statement as to what the CD and I would plan on contributing to the party…

Dear all:

The Country Doctor and I can do the bread and butter and any condiments. We will also take care of beverages (tea, water, soda) and paper products. We have five bedrooms available (which includes the dismal basement bedroom). Plenty of room on various floors as well.

Rechelle

Dear Rechelle:

I talked to the girls and they would like to reserve the guest room on the first floor to lay our pretty little heads on Saturday evening. We prefer the cotton sheets to flannel and if we could get a little fresh lavender on our pillows we’ll mention you when we say our prayers at night.

Thanks Dear.

Uncle Steve

Dear Steve,

You’re not my uncle.
You also may not pick your room.

They will be assigned in order of arrival.

Please take your time in getting here.

Rechelle

Dear Rechelle,

We hope to stay overnight too if possible so would like to reserve a room. Anywhere is fine.

Christi

Dear Christi,

Yes Christi, you can have the room Steve wanted.

Rechelle

Dear Rechelle,

Several people have hinted that I should be in charge of the party. Rechelle… I’m sorry I’m a little too busy this time but I will consult.

Dear Steve,

So glad you are available to consult. I have no idea how I could handle this shindig without you.

Dear Rechelle:

You are so very very much welcome. It is always a pleasure to share the benefits and wisdom of my many many social endeavors with those who are just beginning their first tentative forays into these gentle arts. I have so many fabulous recommendations, let’s get together soon, to share ideas, and then I can work up a little plan for you to use.

Thanks again for your prompt response. If nothing else we have that.

My warmest regards
Steve

P.S. I have attached a recipe for country gravy which I am sure you will find to be ambrosia compared to what usually gets served. I would suggest a big batch as it will go quick quick dear…

P.P.S. Jason has agreed to join us for our kibitz. His ideas on finger sandwiches are simply divine.

Ta.

Steve

Dear Steve:

I do not have enough room in the entire house plus the surrounding eight acres for your gravy. If you will remember last time you made gravy at my house, the basement flooded, the toilets backed up and the pond overflowed. Please leave your gravy making skills at home.

Rechelle

Dear Rechelle:

In reviewing your earlier, brief but lovely, note, I noticed that when listing the proposed beverages (tea, water, soda) you unfortunately failed to list some very desirable potables. I am sure that your limited list is meant to represent the basics and not the full extent of the offerings. As I am sure this is the case, perhaps the addition of some punctuation such as this (tea, water, soda…) would be better. This would help to insure that nobody could possibly misconstrue your missive. After all we wouldn’t want people to think that there won’t be any say lemonade or milk or BEER. I’ve got a little mantra that I embraced years ago. Everything is better with the three B’s… Butter, Bacon and BEER.

I’m so glad we caught this oversight now. While it is still correctable.

A pleasure, I’m sure.

Steve

P.S. Sometimes when I’m feeling especially silly I will add Brisket
and Beans for a total of five B’s but let’s not get that silly yet.

Ta ta,

The Oracle

Uh Steve…

I am not of the understanding.

You go wacky wacky and I go honny honny lo lo.

What is this beer of which you speak?

I would like to discuss the decor instead. Who is in charge of the
draperies?

and the SWAGS!!!