sacrifice matrix

This chart was put together by Gene to help with the Thursday morning men's study. We are studying The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses, by Vern Poythress.

Thanksgiving picnic

Here I am with some of the men from Goodtree Church.
Desert Palms had a joint picnic with Goodtree Church this past Sunday. You can see some of the pictures here. The food was great!

Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf

Through the strength of one they all prevailed; they would crush their enemy and come through in triumph and gladness. The truth is clear: Almighty God rules over mankind and always has.

I'm rereading Beowulf, this time with one of the boys. Well, I should say with one that is interested- the other is more of an interloper. Prose, even with swords, monsters, chain-mail and spear, is hard to listen to up to a certain age. Reading Heaney's translation out loud is fun. With the alliteration and archaic words and vivid battle scenes its a real attention grabber for son #1. It's fun to watch and listen to him learn. The ideas are new- he's actually learning, not deciding if he agrees or if someone is right. He did corrected me on my pronunciation of Beowulf's people, the Geats. He said, "Daddy, next time you come to this word say it like this." I think he was right. It is good to be reminded that we are to learn from the people around us, even or maybe especially those younger. We should seek to keep that youthful thirst for knowledge and pray it is tempered by experience, godly wisdom, and God's standards.
Man, the picture of Beowulf, the great mead-hall, and the warrior thanes is riveting. Beowulf ripping Grendel's arm out of socket and clean off is pretty vivid too.

cultural diversity

Desert Palms Church will be hosting Goodtree Community Church starting Nov 18th. Goodtree is a Korean, presbyteryian church. One of our passions at DPC is to see the kingdom of God grow and also for us to be directly involved in helping plant churches. God in His providence has given us this opportunity to help with that mission. We've been praying diligently for this church and are looking for God to do great things with them, and their pastor Rev. Kim, in the Korean community.