MERRY CHRISTMAS (plus a few visuals)!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Nicodemus League!  Herewith this and that from the picture file on the laptop!  

Above,  FPC is still -- awaiting the sights and sounds of the Candlelight Service! (7pm, Christmas Eve)

Back hallway at the new 940 Lounge/Restaurant off the square in Denton-town!

Yours truly helping out one of the elves camped in our yard!

Together with my dad and stepmom.  I would be grateful if you remember dad in your prayers; he is in failing health.

One of my mentors in the faith, Dr. Norman E. Nagel of St. Louis (one of the finest Lord's Supper scholars we have in Christianity), received a "festschrift" on the occasion of his 90th birthday.  

With daughter Bridget in Bloomington, IN.  She's a sophomore studying environmental science!

Speaking of mentors, here are another two:  my daughters, Caroline and Kiersten

Yes, I love the Rolling Stones!  Not a day goes by when I don't listen to one of their tunes -- in the interest of full disclosure!

Where are you at on this whole possibility/thang?  95 gas pumps.  Fascinating!

I love technology (mostly).  Ensign is the app that created this nonsense!

And a little bit more!

Our home lined with lights!

Congrats to whoever took this tremendous picture!

Same goes for this one!

White House Christmas Ornament display at the Dunklau Northern Command (dad's home in Fremont, NE) 

The  Dunklau "Father Christmas" looks over the festive living room!

This just warms my Husker heart!

Coffee in Keurig container/Iced water in Yeti/Fruit Punch fortified with Branched Chain Amino Acids in nalgene bottle with cool logo/Double chocolate protein shake -- all daily rations!

I love that beautiful girl in the middle!  She's joined by friends Amanda A and Carissa A!

A tip of the Maui Jim sunglasses to you and yours!

Dinner in Washington, DC in June!

And, to conclude, this from the aforementioned Dr. Nagel -- words to ponder as you worship and keep the feast:  

YOU CAME TO HEAR THE GOOD WORDS AGAIN, BRINGING ALONG THE PARTS OF YOU THAT STILL SAY NO, THE PARTS FORM A WORLD OF DEATH AND TAXES AND ALL THE THINGS THAT THREATEN TO WEAR AWAY YOUR LIFE OR TRIVIALIZE IT.  THE GOOD WORDS HELP US THROUGH TO THE ROCK BOTTOM OF WHAT HAPPENED, AND ON THAT WE CAN BUILD, FITTING IN WITH THAT ALL THE PIECES AND LAYERS OF OUR LIVES, THE HARD THINGS AND CERTAINLY THE HAPPY THINGS TOO.  WE CAN LET THEM BE THE HAPPY THINGS THEY ARE -- FAMILY, HOME, FRIENDS TOGETHER, GIFTS FOOD, DRINK, AND ALL THE FUN AND KINDLINESS OF CHRISTMAS -- FOR THEY ARE LIBERATED FROM HAVING TO COVER A WRETCHEDNESS OR EMPTINESS OF HEART.  FOR OUR HEART IS NOW FIXED WHERE TRUE JOY IS FOUND, AND THAT IS MORE THAN ANYTHING THAT OFFERS IT A CONTRADICTION.  "A SAVIOR, WHICH IS CHRIST THE LORD."  IT HAPPENED, AND THE WORDS HAVE CARRIED IT TO YOU, AND THE BREAD AND WINE.

Much, MUCH JOY to You and Yours!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

Advent/Christmas Lunch Tomorrow!

Dear Brothers:

Greetings!  I hope you can join us for table fellowship tomorrow at First Presbyterian Church/Sybil Hopper Room!  We'll enjoy Christmas selections from The Academy of St. Martin in the Field as we enjoy food and conversation.

This will be our last gathering of the year.

God's richest blessings attend you, yours, our houses of worship, our nation, and our world!

Peace be with you!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Tomorrow at THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE!!

Wednesday in The Week of aDVENT i

December 2, 2015/Edition XXXXV

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music:

"Veni Immanuel" by Mannheim Steamroller

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Devotional Selection from "Lift Up Your Heads" --M. Marty

MIND:  Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke

BODY:  Cinnamon, AllSpice, Clove

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

THANKSGIVING LUNCH Tomorrow at The Egg &I

Dear Brothers:

A happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!  Whether at home or "on the road", I hope you have a togetherness with family and friends as "rich" as a homemade pecan pie with BlueBell Original Vanilla!

If you have the lunch hour free tomorrow, please join me at The Egg &I (next to the Mardel bookstore on Loop 288) for a Thanksgiving lunch.  We'll count our blessings together!

Time:  12:00-1:00 pm

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Thanksgiving Lunch at The Egg & I NEXT WEEK at 12:00 Noon

Brothers:

Due to hospital board matters requiring my attention, I have to switch our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Lunch to Wednesday, November 25, at The Egg & I restaurant on Brinker and Loop 288 (next to Mardel bookstore).  We will meet at noon, order off the menu, and enjoy one another's company.

See you there!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

NO TNL This Week

Dear Brothers:

I am on vacay to Indiana tomorrow through Saturday (visit with daughters), so there will be no TNL tomorrow, 11/11.

We will, though, have our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving lunch off-site on Wednesday, November 18, at the usual time.  . Stay tuned for announcements early next week!

YourScribe,

PRDunklau

Your "All Saints" Week Edition of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE!

Wednesday in The Week of all saints

November 4, 2015/Edition XXXXII

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music:

"For All the Saints" by The Grimethorpe Colliery Band

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Future Shock or Future Relief?

MIND:  The Gleaned Wisdom of John Meacham

BODY:  Preventive Medicine Recommendations

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

"Nutrient-Dense" Chili at THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE!

Chili -- and so much more! -- at THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE tomorrow!  It's our combined Reformation/All Saints get-together!  Nourishment for spirit, mind, body will be on hand as well as the enriching, robust conversation you've come to expect.  See below and see you tomorrow!

Wednesday in The Week of Reformation Sunday

October 21, 2015/Edition XXXXI

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music:

"When the Saints Go Marching I"--Dukes of Dixieland

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Saintly Clarity

MIND:  Tombstone Doggerel

BODY:  Nutrient-Dense Chili

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

Edition 40 of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE Slated for Tomorrow!

Wednesday in The Week of Pentecost XXI

October 21, 2015/Edition XXXX

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

(Box sandwiches from Panera)

Today's lunch music:

"American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  John Rutter on Choir Singing

MIND:  American Christianity and Tom Petty's "American Girl"

BODY:  A Plug for A Mobile Barbershop Haircut

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

NO GATHERING THIS WEEK (10/14)

Gentlemen:

A prior commitment means there will be no TNL this week.  We'll be ready to go again on Wednesday, October 21st, here at FPC.  Looking ahead, I have hospital trustee/chaplain meetings on Wednesday, November 11th, so we won't have TNL on that date either  Other than that, we're "good to go" barring any unforeseen circumstances!

THANK YOU for a discussion, last Wednesday, that was fraternal, robust, and enriching!  I came away from it a better man.

See you soon!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Is Jordan Spieth Too Wholesome for Golf?

Dear Brothers:

Overheard in the LA Fitness/Denton  locker room recently:  "Jordan Spieth is too wholesome for golf."  I listened for a bit (without making it look that I was paying attention).  Essentially, the argument was that Spieth wasn't coarse enough; he really needs to be something of a "bad boy" to grip our country's attention.  We'll converse on this over lunch tomorrow.

You'll have something for your spirit:  a meditation from Richard Rohr; in addition, for your body, I'll have an item  that may aid your digestion!

Our friends at The Egg & I will provide the sandwiches -- and your help with defraying the cost is most appreciated.

The second year of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE is underway!  I look forward to being with you.  As always, friends are welcome!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

P.S. I REALLY MISS my "Husker Red" Nissan 350Z Roadster!  (Don't tell Diana.)

Here You Go! See YOU Tomorrow (9/30/15) at Sybil Hopper!

Wednesday in The Week of Pentecost XVIII

September 30, 2015/Edition XXXVII

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH (fr. Panera)

Today's lunch music:

"Wake Me Up"(Avicii)

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  The Bible's "Wisdom" Literature:  An Introduction"

MIND:  Introvert or Extrovert?

BODY:  Meal Replacement?

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

See You Tomorrow!

Gentlemen:

I hope to break bread with you at the kick-off meeting of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE for 2015-2016.  Along with this blog post, an email has been sent. For more info on tomorrow, reference the previous post on this webpage.

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

THE WORLD'S GREATEST REUBEN!

Dear Brothers:

Tomorrow, September 16th, was supposed to be the kick-off for the new season of NICODEMUS LEAGUE gatherings.  However, I have to make a doctor's appointment (second opinion on rotator cuff surgery), and tomorrow was the only day.  (My shoulder gets worse on a weekly basis now.)

THEREFORE, our first gathering will be postponed a week.  Here are the specifics:

THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE 2015-2016 SEASON KICK-OFF GATHERING

     What:  An opportunity for FPC men and friends to join for table fellowship and conversation on the year of  gatherings ahead; THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE is all about nourishment for the masculine spirit, mind, and body!  Oh,and I'll have a report on my endless quest to find the perfect Reuben Sandwich!

     Where:  The Egg & I Restaurant (1800 S. Loop 288 between Mardel and Kroger)

     When:  Wednesday, September 23, 2015; 12:00noon-1:00pm

I hope you can make it!

By the way, I drove back from a meeting in Lewisville today listening to music.  My iTunes list was on shuffle and a song called "Sweet Betsy from Pike" was being performed by a favorite pianist of mine, Philip Aaberg.      In a way that I can't explain, the melody hit a nerve.  The takeaway for my spirit (I think) was this:  The times  like the seasons -- and the seasons like the times -- change.  The grace of God, which, among other things, creates new life and friendship (old ones strengthened and new ones made), does not change.

I think I'll play that piece when we meet a week from tomorrow!  I hope you had a refreshing summer and are ready to go again!  Invite a friend(s)

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

SUMMER BREAK...

Dear Brothers:

THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE will take a summer break.  Thus, our next gathering will be Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at the usual time.

Between now and then, there may be one or two lunch gatherings at a local eatery, so stay tuned to the TNL blog.  By the way, anything posted on the blog can/will be sent to your email address if you sign up at thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com.

During this period, conversations will continue between representatives from Trinity Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, and First Presbyterian.  We are looking to undertake a local mission project where all three congregations have a part.  My hope is that our group of men will pitch in. So  there's another reason to stay tuned!

Let your brothers know if you are traveling. Feel free to drop me a line, and I'll post your news of the summer vacay(s) on our blog; I'll also attach pics if you wish!  In addition, I'm most interested in what you're reading these days. Currently, I'm three books into a twelve book challenge -- that is, to read every Vince Flynn "Mitch Rapp" Counter-terrorism novel! (Currently, I'm on Book 4:  The Third Option.) Of course, all novels and no non-fiction makes your scribe a dull reader, so I'm also setting a goal to read One Nation Under God:  How Corporate America Invented Christian America by Kevin M. Kruse.  The sub-title is what caught my attention. It certainly goes against the narrative I've been accustomed to, so I'm interested to see what this author has to say.  By the way, last Sunday's Old Testament Reading featured the story of the little shepherd boy David taking down the giant Goliath with a slingshot! If that story interests you, pick up a copy (in stores or online) of Malcom Gladwell's David and Goliath:  Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants; it's a tremendous read!

Your scribe's Sunday sermons are posted (fairly regularly) at prdunklau.blogspot.com.  Take a look!

Finally, here are two beautiful prayers for you to copy/paste as you see fit.  The first is appropriate to the middle of the day (the time we meet), and the second addresses what many of us do in the summertime:  travel. 

Heavenly Father, in whom we live move and have our being, we humbly pray You so to guide and govern us by your Word and Spirit that in allt he cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you but remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Lord God our Father, you kept Abraham and Sarah in safety throughout the days of their pilgrimage, you led the children of Israel through the midst of the sea, and by a star you led the wise men to the infant Jesus.  Protect and guide us now in this time as we set out to travel, make our ways safe and our homecomings joyful, and bring us at last to our heavenly home, where you dwell in glory with your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Amen.

See you in September!  In gratitude for you and yours, I remain...

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

Tomorrow's (06/24/15) Edition of THE NICODEMUS LEAGE

Wednesday in The Week of Pentecost IV

June 24, 2015/Edition XXXVI

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music:

"Love's Been Good to Me"(Frank Sinatra)

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Psalm 133 (again) in Light of Charleston

MIND:  The Mission-Minded Brain

BODY:  Happy Olfactory Nerves

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45-- DEPARTURE

Once again, those delicious sandwiches from The Egg & I will be provided.  Drop me an email -- prdunklau@gmail.com -- if you have a particular fave, and I'll try to have it on hand for you.  (Thanks much for your help in defraying the cost; it's entirely "free will", but it helps.)

Stay Cool!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE for U.S. Open Week!

Dear Brothers:

It has been "All Tiger (Woods) All the Time" on on the PGA Tour Channel on XM radio.  Yes, Mr. Woods had his worst competitive tour round ever (an 85) at Jack's Place, but that doesn't stop the pundits from discussing their rainmaker.  Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson's length -- if he's firing on all cylinders with the rest of his game -- is what the wizards of smart are focusing on as they seek to pick a realistic winner.  The Chambers Bay course will require strategic length.  I mean, would you rather fire a wedge into the green or a 6 iron?

Meanwhile, batten down the hatches!  Word is that an additional 9" of rain is on the way due to "Tropical Storm Bill"  (even as I write, it's blasting the TX gulf coast).  Who knows if it will be raining tomorrow.  It makes no difference; for we shall gather!

Box lunches from Panera will be on hand.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW if you'd like one (reply to the this email, or, if you're reading our blog, send your requests to prdunklau@gmail.com)

On deck for tomorrow:

Music during Lunch:  "You're a Grand Old Flag"

For Your Spirit:  A Psalm (from the Bible)

For Your Mind:  A Psalm (from a Poet [Longfellow])

For Your Body:  A Sample of "Bai5" anti-oxidant beverage

Bring a friend!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

TNL June 10th Edition

Brothers:

Join us tomorrow.  Box lunches from The Egg & I will be served.

We'll discuss the "impulse" for leadership--then and now.  Your scribe will share musings on a trip to the nation's Capitol last week that included encounters with noteworthy newsmakers.  More information will also be shared on a hands-on mission project for our group.

Bring a friend and be ready for enrichment, relaxation, and nourishment!

See you at noon!

PRDunklau

See You Tomorrow! (5/27/15)

Dear Brothers:

We're rip, roarin', and ready to go with another edition of TNL--same time, same place tomorrow!

Lunch provided by The Egg & I!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Scheduling + This 'n That!

Dear Brothers:

SCHEDULE
Tomorrow is my quarterly meeting of the THR Presbyterian Hospital of Denton trustees, so we will not meet.  In addition, it is my dad's birthday a week from today, and, from the way it looks, I think I'll be in Nebraska for a quick visit for that occasion.  Thus, if all goes as planned, we'll be back on Wednesday, May 27, at the usual time!

MISSION WORK!
In the meantime, there is much to consider.  First, would one of you like to join me and First Presbyterian Church's Mission Chair, Frank Padia, for a discussion with mission representatives from St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church here in Denton?  We're meeting at 5:00 at the East Side Social Club on Thursday, May 28th.  We're going to discuss combining "mission forces" with all three congregations.  Ultimately, we'll look into some way our congregations, together, can meet human needs LOCALLY.  Email me -- prdunklau@gmail.com -- for more information.

MIND AND CYCLING
Doug Hill sent me the link below -- and it's worth glad, wide, and full dissemination.  As we regularly focus on nourishing the spirit, mind, and body, this is a piece that will amaze you at the gift (from God) of your mind and what it can do and be taught to do!

http://viewpure.com/MFzDaBzBlL0?ref=bkmk

ART OF MANLINESS
Also, if you haven't signed up for the Art of Manliness Newsletter online, click on the link below and get into gear!

www.artofmanliness.com

SPRING/SUMMER READING
Finally, a Nicodemus League member-in-waiting (schedule won't permit his attendance), Doug Ebersole, has challenged me to read all of the late Vince Flynn's counter-terrorism novels this summer.  That project is underway, but it's going to have to be interrupted by Nelson DeMille's "Radiant Angel" (soon out).  If that weren't enough, author Kevin Kruse has put forth "One Nation Under God".  It sounds good so far, but it was the sub-title that REALLY caught my attention:  "How Corporate America Invented Christian America".

A FAVORITE PRAYER
Gentlemen,  Lord willing, I shall see you soon.  In the interim, here is a favorite evening prayer of mine that I share with you in closing:

O Lord,

Support us all the day long of this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done  Then, Lord, in Your mercy grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR THE DAY AFTER CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION!

12:00 NOON

BOX LUNCHES PROVIDED!

YOUR SCRIBE,
PRDUNKLAU

Tomorrow....

Dear Brothers:

As I am on-call at Presby hospital this week and have a meeting away from church, I'll have to cancel our get-together tomorrow.  Pending any developments in Nebraska (where my father remains in fragile health), I am planning on/looking forward to our next get together here at church in the Sybil Hopper Room.  That will be Wednesday, May 6, at 12:00 noon.  Boxed lunches will be provided.  Let me know if you are attending for food planning purposes!  More information will be forthcoming!

See you then -- and thanks for your support and prayers! 

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau 

2-Week Hiatus

Dear Brothers:

Greetings!  The Easter Season roars along!  Since our last gathering, we have a new Masters Champion:  Jordan Spieth.  Most already know that he is a Texas Longhorn.  What you may not know (but will in a moment) is that he attends Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas -- a sister congregation of ours.  So does David Feherty of the "Feherty" program on The Golf Channel.

THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE will take a two week break. I have a meeting tomorrow and next week I will be in Nebraska visiting my dad.  Thanks for your understanding!  Our next gathering will be Wednesday, April 29th, at the usual time.  Stay tuned to our blog and your email inbox for updates!

P.S.  If anyone might be interested in playing golf on Thursday, April 23rd, at Champions Circle (by TX Motor Speedway), let me know.  It's a scramble event by local firefighters to raise $$ for muscular dystrophy. 

With Gratitude...I remain, Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

Eastertide Greetings, Gentlemen!

Our namesake, Nicodemus (contemporary of Jesus, Pharisee, member of the Sanhedrin), appeared in the Good Friday lectionary and didn't say a thing.  But sometimes actions speak louder than words, and HE WAS THERE, along with Joseph of Arimathea, to attend to the body of the One crucified for us all. By now, you know the rest of the story!  A HAPPY EASTER SEASON TO YOU ALL!

We'll be laid back and on the road tomorrow  at an earlier time.  I hope you can join me for an early brunch/lunch -- tomorrow starting at 11:00am -- at the new West Oak Coffee Bar on the north side of the downtown square!  We'll sample their culinary wares and enjoy the robust conversation and laughter you've come to expect!

Hope to see you at WEST OAK COFFEE BAR, on the north side of the Denton square, at 11:00 am tomorrow!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

HOLY WEEK/EASTER LUNCH

Dear Brothers:

In celebration of Holy Week/Easter, we'll have lunch today at The Egg & I on Loop 288 (next to the Mardel bookstore) where we enjoyed food and convo at Christmastime.  I'll be there at 12:00 noon -- eagerly awaiting, among other things, a good Reuben sandwich! 

Sorry for the late notice!  I hope you can make it!

Your Scribe,

Rev. Paul R.Dunklau

Edition XXXV (35!) Tomorrow Noon!

Brothers:

I hope you can be with us for a long overdue edition of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE!  We'll see you at noon in the Sybil Hopper Room.  Box lunches from Panera will be onhand!

Here's the line-up:

Wednesday in The Week of Lent V

March25, 2015/Edition XXXV

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music:

"Try A Little Kindness" by Glen Campbell

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Holy Week Prep

MIND:  Getting Mindful About Homelessness

BODY:  A Good Walk (Not So) Spoiled

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

A Note from Your Scribe (PRDunklau)

Dear Nicodemus League Brothers:

Yesterday I received word that my dad, Rupert Dunklau (87) of Fremont, Nebraska, has taken a significant turn for the worse in terms of his health.  He is now in a nursing home; he hopes to be back to his private residence, but everyone surrounding him feels as though he is as not in as good a shape as he may feel. 

As a result, I'm going to need some time off (hopefully brief).  At the moment, I play to travel to Nebraska this weekend and, depending on the situation, stay until the middle of next week.  Thus, for at least a couple of weeks, I must cancel our get-togethers.  If you'd still like to meet (say, at a restaurant for conversation), you may certainly do so. 

Thank you for your understanding on this; I covet your prayers.

Kind Regards...Your Scribe,

Rev. Paul R.Dunklau

No Gathering Tomorrow...

Dear Brethren:

As I have a THR Presbyterian Hospital of Denton board meeting tomorrow, I can't be here (where I'd much rather be)!  We'll see you soon -- a week from tomorrow, March 18, at 12:00 noon!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

P.S. Please keep Zoee Vance, granddaughter of our own Mike Vance, in your prayers.  Zoee was born prematurely.  She is doing reasonably well, but there are important tests underway.

And in addition...!

Gentlemen:

A delight to be with you today!  Stay warm and safe -- as I write, the rain is starting to sound like ice droplets hitting the window.  If the wind picks up, my Sirius/XM antenna may come down.  Then we'll truly have a crisis here at the office!  I'm heading to Kroger soon to pick up staples to ride the storm out, and then begin fretting about braces on my teeth!

Terry Nobles wasn't kidding.  Hereyago:

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/portable-devices/other-devices/what-is-the-cicret-bracelet-wearable--1278393

Then there's Shelterbox.  Take a closer look below:

www.shelterbox.org

Esquire weighs in on House of Cards (Season 3, Episode 4 on Netflix):

http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a33455/house-of-cards-season-3-episode-4-recap/

And for those who prefer visuals:

http://youtu.be/yAk4ycJ2xTo

Last but certainly not least, the Matthew Henry Commentary offers thus on Psalm 19:

Commentary on Psalm 19:1-6

(Read Psalm 19:1-6)

The heavens so declare the glory of God, and proclaim his wisdom, power, and goodness, that all ungodly men are left without excuse. They speak themselves to be works of God's hands; for they must have a Creator who is eternal, infinitely wise, powerful, and good. The counter-changing of day and night is a great proof of the power of God, and calls us to observe, that, as in the kingdom of nature, so in that of providence, he forms the light, and creates the darkness, Isaiah 45:7, and sets the one against the other. The sun in the firmament is an emblem of the Sun of righteousness, the Bridegroom of the church, and the Light of the world, diffusing Divine light and salvation by his gospel to the nations of the earth. He delights to bless his church, which he has espoused to himself; and his course will be unwearied as that of the sun, till the whole earth is filled with his light and salvation. Let us pray for the time when he shall enlighten, cheer, and make fruitful every nation on earth, with the blessed salvation. They have no speech or language, so some read it, and yet their voice is heard. All people may hear these preachers speak in their own tongue the wonderful works of God. Let us give God the glory of all the comfort and benefit we have by the lights of heaven, still looking above and beyond them to the Sun of righteousness.

Finally, remember the following in your daily meditation/prayer time:

• Wesley and Charli Vance and the Vance family and in-laws at the premature birth of child and grandchild;
• for continued blessing upon Steve Hill as he is now able to proceed in his vocation, and for Carol Hill as she continues her recovery;
• Harold McCandless, failing health;
• Jim Nance as he undergoes an echocardiogram;
• for the family of David Pryor.

If you're on twitter, I'm @PaulDunklau.  I'm posting my progress -- or the lack thereof! -- on the American Sniper Training Program (#americansniperworkout).

Blessed Lenten Days to You and Yours...

Your Scribe,

PRD

I write these lines in loving memory of David Pryor -- and a "Booyeah" was heard among the angels!