DEDICATION
To all my young friends
Where'er they may be,
Who wonder and smile
And giggle with glee.
Now read to your wonder,
With smiles and with laughs;
For people you’ll see,
And maybe giraffes!
For you now today,
I write this fine tome,
And hope that our story
Will delight you at home!
At home, yes, at home!
The one place to be
When Whistletypuff whistles,
And doggy makes three!
Friday, January 11, 2008
CHAPTER 1
Did YOU ever hear of a Whistletypuff? No, you haven’t?!?!?? Well, neither had Ticklish Tommy Jones. But he was about to have the surprise of his life!
Ticklish Tommy was an inquisitive little boy who enjoyed learning all sorts of things. Do you????? Do YOU like to learn new things? Ticklish Tommy always seemed eager to meet new folks, and explore new places.
Sometimes, when Ticklish Tommy saw something he couldn't understand, he would ask his Magnificent Mama or his Patriarchal Papa for an explanation. And sometimes his older brother Hilarious Hank would help him with the knowledge he that wanted, too.
"WHAT is a Whistletypuff?" wondered ticklish Tommy. He had NO IDEA what it was. But … he had heard about this mysterious something which had the very odd name of Whistletypuff! Hilarious Hank had told Tommy about it, and said that Whistletypuff was most wonderful and marvelous!
And then he started to giggle and laugh right out loud, just as if someone were tickling him on his funny-bone! And do you know something? Ticklish Tommy did this quite often, as his name implies.
"And it's REALLY mysterious!" Hilarious Hank added. "But I can't explain it, -- you'll just HAVE to see it for yourself, Ticklish Tommy! Yes, you’ll just have to see Whistletypuff for yourself,” he added under his breath.
This caused Ticklish Tommy to feel curious, oh, so curious, yes, very, V-E-R-R-Y curious! Now just WHAT did Hilarious Hank see? And WHY couldn't he explain it? “What made Whistletypuff so mysterious?” Tommy wondered.
Ticklish Tommy just COULDN’T get this brand new creature called Whistletypuff out of his mind. He thought, and he Thought, and he THOUGHT, and then he T-H-O-U-G-H-T some more! What could Whistletypuff possibly be?
Did YOU ever hear of a Whistletypuff? No, you haven’t?!?!?? Well, neither had Ticklish Tommy Jones. But he was about to have the surprise of his life!
Ticklish Tommy was an inquisitive little boy who enjoyed learning all sorts of things. Do you????? Do YOU like to learn new things? Ticklish Tommy always seemed eager to meet new folks, and explore new places.
Sometimes, when Ticklish Tommy saw something he couldn't understand, he would ask his Magnificent Mama or his Patriarchal Papa for an explanation. And sometimes his older brother Hilarious Hank would help him with the knowledge he that wanted, too.
"WHAT is a Whistletypuff?" wondered ticklish Tommy. He had NO IDEA what it was. But … he had heard about this mysterious something which had the very odd name of Whistletypuff! Hilarious Hank had told Tommy about it, and said that Whistletypuff was most wonderful and marvelous!
And then he started to giggle and laugh right out loud, just as if someone were tickling him on his funny-bone! And do you know something? Ticklish Tommy did this quite often, as his name implies.
"And it's REALLY mysterious!" Hilarious Hank added. "But I can't explain it, -- you'll just HAVE to see it for yourself, Ticklish Tommy! Yes, you’ll just have to see Whistletypuff for yourself,” he added under his breath.
This caused Ticklish Tommy to feel curious, oh, so curious, yes, very, V-E-R-R-Y curious! Now just WHAT did Hilarious Hank see? And WHY couldn't he explain it? “What made Whistletypuff so mysterious?” Tommy wondered.
Ticklish Tommy just COULDN’T get this brand new creature called Whistletypuff out of his mind. He thought, and he Thought, and he THOUGHT, and then he T-H-O-U-G-H-T some more! What could Whistletypuff possibly be?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
My New Year's wish from Art Zee....
1-02-08
To PapaPops,
This has been a very busy few weeks for my wife and me. At Thanksgiving we welcomed guests from several States. Then we began to prepare for Christmas, with another family gathering at that time. I’m sure you know what that’s all about – gifts to buy and wrap, a tree to bring in and decorate, a cantata to prepare for, and present, in the Church Choir, and…!
Here’s something that’s a bit unusual for me, -- I sat down to write a few lines of poetry for one of our dear friends that came to see us. What do you think of this? –
Friend, it’s so great to welcome you today,
Where you live is to us, so very far away;
But now we can meet and catch up on “old times,”
Sing a few songs, and make a few rhymes!
We can eat here today, with family and friends,
Enjoying old favorites, establishing new trends,
Knowing the value of direct communication,
Whether home every day, or on a vacation!
-- yours truly, Art Zee
What do you think of that? Did I do Ok for a “beginner?”
Although the time has been busy, it’s been good. Isn’t that the way with you? For us, it’s especially great to get together with some of the family members that we don’t see often, and even some old friends. We never know, at our ages, just how many more times we have, do we?!?
Speaking of that, I do apologize to you for getting a little testy, my friend, when I wrote you over a month ago. It’s really quite unsettling to consider the shortness of life, isn’t it, especially after retiring, and realizing that we’re “winding down,” in our lives now. There are so many interesting things to do, and places to go, that I can’t imagine how anyone deals with the aging that seems to come to people in their last years, with illness and even severe limitations…. “Last years” makes me shudder! Doesn’t it do that to you?
I think you really meant it when you said, “I certainly do not pretend to be better than others, nor to have any special ‘in’ with God….” Perhaps I was a little hasty, -- didn’t mean to accuse you, really. Please accept my apology.
You also wrote, “I know that when I complete my earthly journey, I will be at home with the Lord. …I have NOT worked for it, because I couldn’t succeed in a million years, and neither can anyone else.” I do admire you and appreciate your work, PapaPops, and would think that if anyone can earn a heavenly home in the “great beyond,” it would be you.
How can you say that you couldn’t do that “in a million years?” Haven’t you given you life to serve God? Then shouldn’t you expect Him to give you some reward for that? When I had a very devoted employee in my business in the past, one who had been with me for a long time and did good work, I made it a point to give that person some special recognition. Is God like that, with those that work for Him?
And now I wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-- Art
To PapaPops,
This has been a very busy few weeks for my wife and me. At Thanksgiving we welcomed guests from several States. Then we began to prepare for Christmas, with another family gathering at that time. I’m sure you know what that’s all about – gifts to buy and wrap, a tree to bring in and decorate, a cantata to prepare for, and present, in the Church Choir, and…!
Here’s something that’s a bit unusual for me, -- I sat down to write a few lines of poetry for one of our dear friends that came to see us. What do you think of this? –
Friend, it’s so great to welcome you today,
Where you live is to us, so very far away;
But now we can meet and catch up on “old times,”
Sing a few songs, and make a few rhymes!
We can eat here today, with family and friends,
Enjoying old favorites, establishing new trends,
Knowing the value of direct communication,
Whether home every day, or on a vacation!
-- yours truly, Art Zee
What do you think of that? Did I do Ok for a “beginner?”
Although the time has been busy, it’s been good. Isn’t that the way with you? For us, it’s especially great to get together with some of the family members that we don’t see often, and even some old friends. We never know, at our ages, just how many more times we have, do we?!?
Speaking of that, I do apologize to you for getting a little testy, my friend, when I wrote you over a month ago. It’s really quite unsettling to consider the shortness of life, isn’t it, especially after retiring, and realizing that we’re “winding down,” in our lives now. There are so many interesting things to do, and places to go, that I can’t imagine how anyone deals with the aging that seems to come to people in their last years, with illness and even severe limitations…. “Last years” makes me shudder! Doesn’t it do that to you?
I think you really meant it when you said, “I certainly do not pretend to be better than others, nor to have any special ‘in’ with God….” Perhaps I was a little hasty, -- didn’t mean to accuse you, really. Please accept my apology.
You also wrote, “I know that when I complete my earthly journey, I will be at home with the Lord. …I have NOT worked for it, because I couldn’t succeed in a million years, and neither can anyone else.” I do admire you and appreciate your work, PapaPops, and would think that if anyone can earn a heavenly home in the “great beyond,” it would be you.
How can you say that you couldn’t do that “in a million years?” Haven’t you given you life to serve God? Then shouldn’t you expect Him to give you some reward for that? When I had a very devoted employee in my business in the past, one who had been with me for a long time and did good work, I made it a point to give that person some special recognition. Is God like that, with those that work for Him?
And now I wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-- Art
Saturday, December 29, 2007
A Happy New Year Wish...
...for you, as expressed below:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A “Happy New Year” is our wish to you,
Dear family, and friends, and all of you who
Live near us in miles, or very far away,
Whose acquaintance we’ve made some other bright day.
Your year almost past now – happy has it been?
Think about it, please, as you wipe the slate clean,
To enter so soon a completely new year, --
We hope each day brings you true happiness and cheer!
Joy and real blessings may here fill our lives,
Through work, and accomplishment, husbands or wives,
Sports, recreation, concerts, and all
That transforms the humdrum, removes bitter gall.
But always we’re reaching for something that’s higher,
More beautiful or pleasing, our heart’s strong desire;
Whatever it is that we longingly want,
It can’t make us happy, and true joy it may daunt.
For all that this world affords us at times,
There’s something far better in Heavenly climes,
Awaiting each one who in God now will trust,
Approach Him through Jesus, His Son – that’s a must!
We meet the true God, and our Savior, His Son,
In the Book that God left us, finished and done,
Genesis to Revelation, one Bible, one God,
Salvation the theme, and Christ’s grace we applaud!
-- Poet Les
(12-29-2007)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A “Happy New Year” is our wish to you,
Dear family, and friends, and all of you who
Live near us in miles, or very far away,
Whose acquaintance we’ve made some other bright day.
Your year almost past now – happy has it been?
Think about it, please, as you wipe the slate clean,
To enter so soon a completely new year, --
We hope each day brings you true happiness and cheer!
Joy and real blessings may here fill our lives,
Through work, and accomplishment, husbands or wives,
Sports, recreation, concerts, and all
That transforms the humdrum, removes bitter gall.
But always we’re reaching for something that’s higher,
More beautiful or pleasing, our heart’s strong desire;
Whatever it is that we longingly want,
It can’t make us happy, and true joy it may daunt.
For all that this world affords us at times,
There’s something far better in Heavenly climes,
Awaiting each one who in God now will trust,
Approach Him through Jesus, His Son – that’s a must!
We meet the true God, and our Savior, His Son,
In the Book that God left us, finished and done,
Genesis to Revelation, one Bible, one God,
Salvation the theme, and Christ’s grace we applaud!
-- Poet Les
(12-29-2007)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas
To All Who read this blog today
Christmas Day
Dec. 25, 2007
-
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU
-
-
Merry Christmas, Ho! Ho! Ho!
So much to do, so far to go!
Christmas comes but once a year,
So praise the Lord, speak words of cheer!
The love we have for you today
Faintly reflects divine love’s display,
Suggests the greatness of His Love,
Who gave us Christmas, came from above!
The reason for the season, noted,
Is found in Scripture, often quoted;
A Baby born to bring us peace,
And from sin’s grip, divine release.
If you on Christmas Day this year,
Are filled with doubt, real dread and fear,
Then find your Peace in God’s dear Son,
With the old now gone, new life’s begun!
-- Poet Les (12-25-07)
So much to do, so far to go!
Christmas comes but once a year,
So praise the Lord, speak words of cheer!
The love we have for you today
Faintly reflects divine love’s display,
Suggests the greatness of His Love,
Who gave us Christmas, came from above!
The reason for the season, noted,
Is found in Scripture, often quoted;
A Baby born to bring us peace,
And from sin’s grip, divine release.
If you on Christmas Day this year,
Are filled with doubt, real dread and fear,
Then find your Peace in God’s dear Son,
With the old now gone, new life’s begun!
-- Poet Les (12-25-07)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The Snow Came Down Today!
SNOWFLAKES
Snowflakes white, snowflakes bright,
Floating down through day and night,
Filling up my view today,
As winter’s beauty they portray.
A world of silence, cold, relentless,
All driven by the wind and scentless,
As in my house I contemplate,
How snowflakes’ beauty becomes ornate.
They come from high above our heads,
Cover lawns and walks and sheds,
Now make of all a wonderland,
Where grime and dirt are covered, banned.
Tomorrow’s sun will glisten white,
As snowflakes lie so meek, contrite,
Until comes Spring, then melt away,
To come again another day!
-- Poet Les (12-16-07)
Snowflakes white, snowflakes bright,
Floating down through day and night,
Filling up my view today,
As winter’s beauty they portray.
A world of silence, cold, relentless,
All driven by the wind and scentless,
As in my house I contemplate,
How snowflakes’ beauty becomes ornate.
They come from high above our heads,
Cover lawns and walks and sheds,
Now make of all a wonderland,
Where grime and dirt are covered, banned.
Tomorrow’s sun will glisten white,
As snowflakes lie so meek, contrite,
Until comes Spring, then melt away,
To come again another day!
-- Poet Les (12-16-07)
Monday, December 3, 2007
My Apology to Art
To Art,
Needless to say, I was saddened by your response to my last e-communication with you. If I have offended you by some way that I have expressed myself in writing to you, I apologize sincerely, Art. I am well aware that I am imperfect, and therefore I may be vulnerable to offending others. However, if you or anyone at all is offended by the Gospel of Christ our only Savior, then I really cannot help that.
I didn’t originate or formulate the Gospel. Instead, it came from God alone. What is the Gospel? It is the wonderful plan of our great Creator God, devised and implemented for our redemption. He revealed it to us in His Book, the Bible, and in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. He is expressing His great love for you and me, Art, through that plan, -- His love for all the world!
Friend, I want to make it clear that I certainly do not pretend to be better than others, nor to have any special “in” with God, apart from His love and grace, which are available to all. I do know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am now a child of God, by grace through faith in His Son. And I know that when I complete my earthly journey, I will be at home with the Lord. You, too, can know that, Art. Anyone can. I have NOT worked for it, because I couldn’t succeed in a million years, and neither can anyone else.
There’s more that I want to write you, Art, if you’re willing. You sounded very skeptical when you wrote me on the 27th. You had asked me about the end of the world. Would you like to know more? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but would be glad to pass along to you some of the Bible teachings that I have learned. They can be of tremendous comfort and encouragement to you, Art.
I sincerely care about you, as well as the many other friends that I have known over the years. My desire is to know that you will prepare your self now, to join me someday in the Heavenly mansions that our Savior went to prepare.
Sincerely,
PapaPops
Needless to say, I was saddened by your response to my last e-communication with you. If I have offended you by some way that I have expressed myself in writing to you, I apologize sincerely, Art. I am well aware that I am imperfect, and therefore I may be vulnerable to offending others. However, if you or anyone at all is offended by the Gospel of Christ our only Savior, then I really cannot help that.
I didn’t originate or formulate the Gospel. Instead, it came from God alone. What is the Gospel? It is the wonderful plan of our great Creator God, devised and implemented for our redemption. He revealed it to us in His Book, the Bible, and in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. He is expressing His great love for you and me, Art, through that plan, -- His love for all the world!
Friend, I want to make it clear that I certainly do not pretend to be better than others, nor to have any special “in” with God, apart from His love and grace, which are available to all. I do know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am now a child of God, by grace through faith in His Son. And I know that when I complete my earthly journey, I will be at home with the Lord. You, too, can know that, Art. Anyone can. I have NOT worked for it, because I couldn’t succeed in a million years, and neither can anyone else.
There’s more that I want to write you, Art, if you’re willing. You sounded very skeptical when you wrote me on the 27th. You had asked me about the end of the world. Would you like to know more? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but would be glad to pass along to you some of the Bible teachings that I have learned. They can be of tremendous comfort and encouragement to you, Art.
I sincerely care about you, as well as the many other friends that I have known over the years. My desire is to know that you will prepare your self now, to join me someday in the Heavenly mansions that our Savior went to prepare.
Sincerely,
PapaPops
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Family Get-together at Thanksgiving 2007...
Preparations -- Table for sixteen
Thanksgiving Day, in our
Kitchen!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Art Gets Upset at Me
Hey, PapaPops,
That’s a lot of fancy jargon you’re writing there. Now why don’t you just come down off your soapbox. Come on down to earth where most of us live, and spell it out clearly, about the “end of the world,” “eternal life,” etc. (if there is any such thing)!
In fact I’m getting upset at what seems to be your exclusivity (pardon me for a big word)! Do you think you have a special “in” with St. Peter, or whoever is in charge up there, if there is an “up there?”
Do you think you’re so big and important that you’re going to be in “bliss,” “happiness,” etc. beyond everybody else someday? What about me -- what will happen to me? What about all who have not heard this story of “redemption,” as you call it, or had any interest in it?
Frankly, I’m beginning to think you’re a little daffy if you know what I mean! Maybe you’re “gone off your rocker,” as some people put it.
Just take a walk, and cool off, will you? -- Art
That’s a lot of fancy jargon you’re writing there. Now why don’t you just come down off your soapbox. Come on down to earth where most of us live, and spell it out clearly, about the “end of the world,” “eternal life,” etc. (if there is any such thing)!
In fact I’m getting upset at what seems to be your exclusivity (pardon me for a big word)! Do you think you have a special “in” with St. Peter, or whoever is in charge up there, if there is an “up there?”
Do you think you’re so big and important that you’re going to be in “bliss,” “happiness,” etc. beyond everybody else someday? What about me -- what will happen to me? What about all who have not heard this story of “redemption,” as you call it, or had any interest in it?
Frankly, I’m beginning to think you’re a little daffy if you know what I mean! Maybe you’re “gone off your rocker,” as some people put it.
Just take a walk, and cool off, will you? -- Art
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
In from the cold...
These hanging baskets of tiny flowers were outside on our lawnall summer, and now we have brought them in
to our cool entrance-way to the kitchen
here at the Parsonage.
Notice the close-up below.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
