Eagles
X
God's Ways and Ours
Organs
A Piece of Peace
Nomination Committee
Quakes and Quakers
Humility
AARP 55 Alive
Musicians' Faces
Watch
Blue(s)
Eagles
01/10/04
The bird-feeder in our yard which we can see from our dining table as we eat our meals attracts sparrows, cardinals, woodpeckers and blue jays, but large birds, such as eagles, are not attracted to this bird feeder. Eagles are large meat-eating birds with a wingspread of up to 7 1/2 feet, or 228 centimeters. They have a strong, hooked beak that is almost as long as their head. Eagles have been used as symbols of royal power from ancient times. Indicating both courage and immortality, symbols of eagles were included on the military standards of the Roman Empire and of the troops of Napoleon. A white-headed eagle, which is sometimes mistakenly called a Bald Eagle, is a symbol of the United States of America. It is found on the Great Seal of the United States which is also pictured on the back of an American dollar bill. It is said that the eagle was chosen as a symbol of victory because it is not afraid of a storm but is strong and smart enough to soar above it. The eagle's talons on that seal hold both an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing the country's desire for peace but willingness to fight to achieve its goals. "Eagle" was the name of the spacecraft that carried the first human beings to the moon. An "Eagle Scout" is a person who has received the highest rank in the Boy Scouts and in the game of golf, an "eagle" denotes a score of two below par on a hole. Among the Biblical references to eagles is that found in Isaiah 40:31: "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (324)
X
01/10/05
The 24th letter of the English alphabet is peculiar for a number of reasons. Along with the letter Q, it does not have a unique pronunciation that distinguishes it from other consonants. Rather, it has the same pronunciation as Z or "(e)ks". In mathematics, it is used to indicate an unknown quantity, but in Roman numerals, it signifies the number 10. It may be used to indicate a particular point on a map or diagram, in which case we may say that "X marks the spot". It is also used in place of the signature of a person who cannot write. Some people use an X to represent a kiss in letters they write to people they love. In the case of "Xmas", it becomes an abbreviation of "Christ", for the same symbol is used in the Greek alphabet for the first letter in "christos', the Greek word for "Christ". In Japanese, X has a negative meaning; it is used to indicate that something is not permitted or is wrong. Pupils do not like to see an X on papers returned from their teacher. Contrary to the U. S. custom, an X would never be used on a ballot when voting for someone. Rather, it would represent a negative vote. In Japan, a circle indicates a positive response or an affirmative vote. Very few English words begin with X. The electromagnetic ray, called an X-ray in English, is a "rentogen-ray" in Japanese, using the name of its discoverer instead of an X. Finally, we consider the word "xylophone." The prefix "xylo" comes from a Greek word for "wood" and "phone" is derived from the Greek word for "sound". A xylophone is a musical instrument consisting of wooden bars of various lengths that make different sounds when struck by a small mallet. (323)
God's Ways and Ours
01/10/07
People with a penchant for orderliness want things to be done in a uniform fashion, and are irritated when orderly procedures are not followed. The closing verses of chapter 14 of the New Testament letter of I Corinthians inform us that God is not a God of confusion or disorder and people are urged to act in an orderly way. The Bible teaches that God created the universe, which appears to be very orderly. Why is it then that many things happen in the natural world, in human history and in our own individual lives that seem to be so confusing, unreasonable or unfair? A part of the answer to this difficult question is found in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 55, verses 8-9, where it is written: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" God has purposes that are beyond the grasp of human intelligence and God may seek to achieve those aims in ways that do not fit human patterns of thought. A basic element in faith is to trust even when we do not fully understand. If the biblical picture of God is true, it is natural that our understanding of the aims and actions of that divine person is incomplete for God is infinite and we are finite. The Bible also teaches that events we consider unfortunate may bring about a good result. Remembering such truths may help us to have peace within despite the confusion without. (338)
Organs
01/10/11
Often, when a word ends with the suffix "ism", it denotes an activity, state or quality related to the root to which it is attached, such as "terrorism","patriotism", "nationalism" and "alcoholism". In the case of "organism", however, that is not so. An "organism" is a living thing, whether plant or animal. Particular parts of an organism that are adapted for specific functions may be called "organs". The human heart, lungs, liver and kidneys are organs that most people have never seen but they are very important for a healthy life. Years ago, when some friends began talking about the surgical operations they had experienced, one person remarked that it sounded like an "organ recital". This, of course, was a pun, for the common meaning of this term is a musical performance by an "organist". "Organ" music is produced by air that is forced through pipes of different lengths and diameters. Simple keyboard instruments that produced music through a set of pipes are known to have existed in the pre-Christian era. Organs have become the main musical instruments in most Christian churches. In the King James Version of the Bible, there are four references to an "organ", but later versions have changed the translations to "pipe" or "flute". British prime minister and author, Benjamin Disraeli, wrote: "O Music! miraculous art! . . . A blast of thy trumpet, and millions rush forth to die; a peal of thy organ, and uncounted nations sink down to pray." Additional pipes were added to the organ in the Penney Memorial Church in this retirement community a few years ago, so it now has over 1,500 pipes and can produce beautiful music. (325)
A Piece of Peace
01/10/14
Although English has become an international language, it is a very confusing language because the spelling and pronunciation of words is so irregular. For example, the words "pi" and "pie", with their different meanings and different spellings are pronounced the same. In these words, the vowel is pronounced the same as the letter "i". If an "n" is added to "pi", however, the pronunciation of the vowel changes, and if a "t" is added to "pin", its pronunciation reverts to the former pronunciation and we say "pint". If an "r" is added to "pie", on the other hand, the pronunciation of the vowel changes yet again and we have the word "pier" which has the same pronunciation as "peer". When a "c-e" is added to a "pie", however, still another pronunciation of the vowel is made and we have the word "piece", which is pronounced the same as "peace". But when an "s" is added to the vegetable called "pea", the "s" is pronounced like a "z", so the plural of "pea" is "peas." What a confusing language English is! Following the terrorist attacks in the United States, people throughout the world are longing for peace. In musical or literary works, they may be attracted by peace pieces. If a comprehensive peace is not immediately obtainable, even "a piece of peace" would be pacifying. In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 26, verse 3, it is written that the person who steadfastly trusts in the Lord will be kept in "perfect peace." And following his last supper with his disciples, Jesus left these words with them: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). (340)
Nomination Committee
01/10/16
A number of English words begin with "nom", rooted in the Latin word for "name". Among them are: "nominate", "nominee", "nomination" and "nominal". "Nominate" means to propose as a candidate for election; the person so nominated is called a "nominee". Recently, I agreed to be a nominee for the Nomination Committee of the Penney Retirement Community Residents Association and was elected a member of that committee. Later, at a meeting held at my residence, I was chosen to be the secretary of the committee which must select nominees for officers of the association and for chairpersons of the various committees for one-year terms. Depending upon the office, some officers or chairpersons may be reelected for a second one-year term. Prior to the annual meeting of the association in February 2002, this committee must select nominees for 35 positions, 11 of which are now filled by people whose terms have ended, but we hope to persuade the remaining 24, who are permitted to do so, to continue for one more year. One meaning of "nominal" is "existing in name only and not in actuality". This word is sometimes used in relation to religious affiliation. We may say that many Americans are "nominal Christians" and many Japanese are "nominal Buddhists". Which is to say that, although they may be listed in some document as "Christian" or "Buddhist, they have never made their own personal decision to identify with that faith and, although they may outwardly follow customs related to those religions, their basic faith and life orientation is not so.
Quakes and Quakers
01/10/19
To "quake" means to shake or tremble. People may quake when they are excited, angry, sad or cold. At times, in certain places, the earth itself quakes when plates under its surface move. We have never felt an earthquake here in Florida, but in Japan, we often experienced them. Most such quakes or tremors did no or very little damage in our area, but a few caused disasters in areas where they were centered. It is interesting that the term "Quaker" is applied to the Society of Friends, a religious group that is noted for its quiet, peaceful meetings. It had previously been applied to a group that trembled and shook with religious fervor during their spiritual experiences, but that is very different from the meetings of Friends at which emphasis is placed on the guidance of the "inner light" in each individual. I once attended such a meeting at a Friends Meeting House. There was no pulpit, no preacher and no ritual was followed. Those in attendance sat in rows on the four sides facing each other. During the entire hour, not a word was spoken. Those present spent the time in silent meditation with their eyes closed or directed downward. At that meeting, no one was moved to speak. According to the Journal of George Fox, the founder of this Society of Friends, they were first called "Quakers" in 1650, soon after the Society was founded, by a judge of Derby, England because Fox had told him to "tremble at the word of the Lord". Their strong disapproval of war, refusal to bear arms and active involvement in philanthropic movements may cause some people to "quake" even today.
Humility
01/10/22
In Latin, the word, humus, means soil, but in English it denotes the dark, organic material in soil that is produced by decomposed vegetable matter. From this Latin word, the English word "humble" is derived. This word signifies something or someone that is low, or near the ground. A humble person is meek and modest in behavior and attitude. On three different occasions, Jesus said these words: "Everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great" (Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11;18:14). In Luke 14:11, this saying follows his teaching that people should not choose the higher places at a public gathering. Rather, they should choose the lowest place. Then, the host will urge him or her to move to a higher place. This is a common custom in Japan, where the "lowest place" in a traditional Japanese room is near the entrance and the "highest place" is near the alcove where a scroll or picture is hanging. Upon entering the room, a guest who sits near the entrance is urged to move up to a higher place. It may be questioned, however, whether sitting near the entrance is an expression of a truly humble attitude or merely a traditional form. A characteristic of the genuine disciples of Jesus is humility. Unfortunately, many of us Christians are not good examples of this quality, but the true follower of Christ is one who humbly recognizes his or her own weakness and looks to God for help. A proud Christian is a contradiction in terms. In Proverbs 16:18, it is written: "Pride comes before disaster, and arrogance before a fall." (341)
AARP 55 Alive
01/10/24
A well-known organization among residents of retirement communities in this country is the AARP, or American Association of Retired Persons. The aim of the organization is to improve the quality of life for those citizens over fifty years old. Providing information and education for such people, it promotes a variety of programs for their benefit and maintains a network of local chapters throughout the country. Twice a year at this Penney Retirement Community, a program sponsored by the AARP is held. Called the AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program, for two consecutive days for four hours each, instruction is given to older drivers which takes into consideration the physical changes they experience and how they may compensate for such changes. As we grow older, our vision, our hearing and our reaction time all may degenerate which would affect our driving ability. Special care must be taken by older folks to drive safely both while speeding along highways or driving through business or residential areas. Those who enroll in this program and follow the instruction given not only become safer drivers but receive a discount for their automobile insurance. My wife took the course last year, but it was only after I completed the course this year that our insurance rates were lowered because both of our names appear on the automobile insurance policy. As men and women advance in age, they should recognize changes in their physical and mental condition and make allowances for them in order to continue to live both a satisfying and satisfactory life. (339)
Musicians' Faces
01/10/26
Penney Retirement Community is observing its 75th anniversary this year and one of the special events in celebration was a performance by the First Coast Wind Ensemble. An "ensemble" is a group of musicians who play together and instruments used in a "wind ensemble" are those which produce musical sounds when players blow into them. They include piccolos, flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, saxophones, trumpets, trombones and tubas. This northeastern area of Florida on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean is commonly called the "First Coast" as it includes the oldest permanently settled city in North America, St. Augustine. The First Coast Wind Ensemble is composed of about fifty musicians, including college students, college professors, music teachers and office workers. They receive no income for playing. They play because they enjoy it and they do an outstanding job. The evening they played in our community, my wife and I were able to sit on the front row, just behind the conductor. We had a fine view of the entire ensemble and I was especially interested in seeing the expressions on their faces as they played. Some of them seemed relaxed. Others were seriously concentrating on the music and some faces bore tense frowns as the blowing was done. "Face" is a very important consideration in Japan. In this case, it does not denote a physical part of the head but one's prestige or value in the eyes of others. To lose face is shameful and one tries hard to save one's face. According to the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 8, verse 1, "wisdom brightens a man's face." (345)
Watch
01/10/28
A "watch" is a small, portable timepiece worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket. However, as a verb, "watch" means to look carefully or to observe closely. These days, American women who are concerned about gaining too much weight are sometimes called "weight-watchers." And employees who want to quit work immediately at quitting time have been called clock-watchers, but some of them may actually be watch-watchers. The masculine name, Gregory, is derived from a Greek word meaning to watch or to stay awake. There have been 16 popes of the Roman Catholic Church named Gregory, the second most popular name for popes, following John. This Greek word was often used in the New Testament Gospels when Jesus was speaking to his disciples. It is found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 13, verses 33-37. In these verses, Jesus repeatedly encouraged his disciples to watch or to be alert in order to discern the meaning of events which were taking place and to be ready for an unexpected divine revelation, or even the end of the age. Later on, in the next chapter, he urged his disciples, who were tired and beginning to fall asleep, to "watch and pray" (Mark 14:38). Sometimes, it is difficult, even for watchmen, to stay awake, but if we wish to understand the significance of what is happening in the world around us and to observe how God is working out his purpose in historical events, we need to keep alert, to watch, and even, at times, to pray for wisdom and discernment. This is especially necessary in the midst of the complicated situation in the world today. (343)
Blue(s)
01/10/31
Recently, as I gazed out of the window at the blue sky and saw a "bluebird" or a "blue jay" fly from a tree, I began to think about the many words and meanings related to the color blue. As an adjective, "blue" means gloomy or dismal and to have the "blues" is to be in a state of depression. "Blues" may also signify a kind of music with a slow jazz rhythm which may be enjoyed by the "blue collar" class, made up of wage earners whose jobs are performed in work clothes and often include manual labor. Such people do not look forward to a "blue Monday" which is the beginning of a week of work following the pleasures of a weekend, but that term may have originally been used by ministers to denote the day after excessive work on Sunday. Just as "blue skies" symbolize hope and happiness, a "blue ribbon" is the first prize in a competition and "blue chips" are the most valuable counters or chips in gambling games, so "blue chip stocks" are stocks that sell at high prices because of public confidence in them. "Blue blood" is a term used for a person of noble or aristocratic descent and "blue stocking" may denote a scholarly woman for "Blue Stocking Society" was the nickname given to a female literary club of 18th-century London. "Blue laws" are strict rules designed to enforce certain moral standards and some communities have "blue laws" to regulate Sunday activities even today. "Blue book" may denote an official list of those employed by the U. S. government or to a list of socially prominent people. And "out of the blue" is a phrase used to describe something completely unforeseen and unexpected. (327)