jachin.rupe.name

I’m not sure if I could say, definitively, if Christmas was my favorite time of year. However, looking back, looking forward and looking around now, I have to say it is probably going average out that way. Lots of very good things happen all the time, but Christmas seems to be the only time I regularly schedule them.

This particular Christmas took place at the new family HQ, at YMCA Camp Fitch in North Springfield Pennsylvania.

My parents and sisters actually moved in two days before I arrived. Being involved in more moves than I care to tally up, I was very impressed with how much of the unpacking was already done and how much it already felt like a Rupe home.

The house is pretty nice. It is on the edge of camp but it is right across the road from the dining hall, and near the main entrance of camp. The director’s residence are part of the same building that has a medical station and the camp store in it. It is also much smaller than the houses we Rupes have grown accustom to, but I believe that is for the better. There are plenty of beds thanks to a hotel like building right next door. Plus with only the twins still living at home, it was a good time to trim some of the extra “stuff”.

Here’s a nice picture of everyone (minus Derek, who was not able to make it “back east” for Christmas and and minus Matillda the dog, who is too short to appear in a picture with everyone else standing up.)

As promised, here are the results of my beard growing.

The poor quality (for the most part) is due to the fact that almost all these images were taken with my iSight. The one big exception is day 13, which was taken by Sharyn (a fellow Clockworker) who is pretty good with a camera.

More good words, in fact words so good, that if used correctly, will add sagacity and profundity to nearly any conversation.

This quote captures so much of how I feel about not only my government, but of any government.

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’
- Ronald Reagan

I would like to believe that Regan’s policies reflected this ideal, but I’m afraid I do not know enough history to feel confident about that.

I’m reminded of a Fox Trot cartoon, where the Jason and and his best friend (who’s name escapes me) find the most frightening Halloween costumes are just shirts that say “IRS Enforcement Team”.

I’ve been looking for this joke for a long time. I heard it, or read it once a long time ago. I keep trying to retell it and always mess it up. It is probably one of those jokes that is too complicated for me to try to tell, but who knows, maybe I’ll remember it now.How many Christians does it take to change a light bulb?

Charismatic: Only 1 Hands already in the air.

Pentecostal: 10 One to change the bulb, and nine to pray against the spirit of darkness.

Presbyterians: None Lights will go on and off at predestined times.

Roman Catholic: None Candles only.

Baptists: At least 15. One to change the light bulb, and three committees to approve the change and decide who brings the potato salad and fried chicken.

Episcopalians: 3 One to call the electrician, one to mix the drinks and one to talk about how much better the old one was.

Mormons: 5 One man to change the bulb, and four wives to tell him how to do it.

Unitarians: We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey you have found that light bulbs work for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your light bulb for the next Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, 3-way, long-life and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence.

Methodists: Undetermined Whether your light is bright, dull, or completely out, you are loved. You can be a light bulb, turnip bulb, or tulip bulb. Church wide lighting service is planned for Sunday. Bring bulb of your choice and a covered dish.

Nazarene: 6 One woman to replace the bulb while five men review church lighting policy.

Lutherans: None Lutherans don’t believe in change.

Amish: What’s a light bulb?