So apparently the SOAP movie title is becoming something of a saying (as suggested by screenwriter, Josh Friedman, back in 2005). Use it in place of “C’est la vie,” “whaddya gonna do?” and “s**t happens.” Aren’t you just dying to use it in your next conversation?
Guy #1: I hate email spam! Is there any way to stop it?
Guy #2: Snakes on a plane, man. Snakes on a plane.
It is not fully implemented (there are 442 posts to recategorize), but I have reworked the categories. Read about it in more detail on Dooyeweerdian Blog Categories. I may be the first to implement a blog classification system based on the theories of a Calvinist philosopher, but if this works out it then maybe it will be copied many times over? According to Greg, who helped iron out the system, the idea has already had a small impact.
My latest Amazon order arrived today. In the box was a copy of Mary Wilder Tileston’s Prayers Ancient and Modern (along with Burmese Pythons). The book was first published in 1897 and then later revised in 1928. Our pastor has one of the latter printings on the end table in his office. Ever since I flipped through it I wanted one for myself. I think that I got the last new copy, as only used ones are currently available on Amazon.
In the preface Tileston writes…
This collection of prayers for daily use has been gathered from many sources, ancient and modern. It has historical interest, and the literary quality has been carefuly considered, but the primary object is to nourish the spiritual life. As the design is to provide a brief selection for every day, in many cases a portion only of a long prayer is given, or it is condensed by omission, but alterations have been made as sparingly as possible.
This book will find a treasured place next to my Book of Common Prayer (many of the collects in that worship manual were derived from the 5th and 6th century prayers which make up the bulk of this compilation). Below is the selection for today, August the Seventeenth.
STRENGHTEN me, O God, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. Grant me to be strengthened with might in the inner man, and to empty my heart of all useless care and anguish. O Lord, grant me heavenly wisdom, that I may learn all things to seek and to find Thee, above all things to relish and to love Thee, and to think of all other things as being, what indeed they are, at the disposal of Thy wisdon — Amen.
Thomas à Kempis
GUIDE us in Thy way, O Lord, and mercifully show the fountain of wisdom to our thirsting minds; that we may be free from sorrowful heaviness, and may drink in the sweetness of life eternal — Amen.
Mozarabic, before A.D. 700
The book was republished by Kessinger Publishing, which specializes in rare reprints of scarce and hard-to-find books. The only downside of getting one of the reprints is that it comes in softcover, which I loathe. However, the type is big and the condition is guaranteed new. Still, I will be on the lookout some day for an original hardcover in good condition.
Click on the thumbnail to the left to see my very own “On Notice” board. If you do not know what I am talking about, then google “Stephen Colbert,” “Comedy Central” and “The Colbert Report.” Here is the scoop on June Griffin. The lady in the Isuzu Rodeo is the one who keeps buzzing me on my morning bicycle commute. The rest should be pretty self-explanatory, but feel free to ask questions. Create your own board here.
