Milestone 4.22.07 Crazy About Olives

It was really such the beautiful day. So lovely in fact that the SS group decided, “What the heck?” let’s just hop a plane to Tel Aviv.

We found nice accommodations here at the Tel Aviv Hilton. And Steve managed to get an impressive 25 yards in the pool. It was very nice having class poolside -- but honestly -- the glare from the bright Israeli sun made our video monitor a little hard to see.

Yes, it was quite miraculous that we all made the trip and were back in Madison in time for dinner. So those of you situated in various exotic locals for spring break – you missed out. Not to sound slightly petty or in anyway jealous of the fact that some Millstones might actually be at the beach the moment I am typing this.

Actually it was perfect day for a bike ride...which hope you were doing Joe Cardwell, as you have very, very long bike ride ahead of you. and swim and run. Maybe Mstones could find a bike through the Holy Lands tour. Now there is a thought. Maybe?

Ray Vander Laan opened class this week – at an ancient olive press at Capernaum. Which was Jesus’ base of operations the three years of His earthly ministry. Capernaum – not the actual olive oil production plant. As I seem to remember he was fond of woodworking – not oil trading.

That big stone with the hole in middle was the millstone that initially crushed the olives.

It was all very interesting to those who missed. It really was. You see olive oil was used throughout time to anoint kings – and tons of other stuff. It was basically their petroleum of today. So you might have 10 olive trees – but the person with the millstone and press held all the power.

Isaiah 11:1
“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots…”

See, we learned that when an olive tree gets very old and not producing any fruit anymore…say about 43…they cut the tree way down, so far down that it is just the stump. Ouch. Sounds quite painful.

Then out of this stump a new olive branch springs forth – one that produces good fruit. But this new branch is connected and will be forever connected to the old preexisting roots. There is also grafting in of new growth that can be done as well. (I think the graft part is us.) And 43-year-old stump is the Jewish people.

At least that is how my very poor notes read. i just kept absentmindedly staring out the window at beautiful day...and thinking of all the great places people must be.

Just kidding...kind of....Lots of other very interesting symbolism was discussed about the actual procedure of the pressing of the olives by the Gethsemane (the big pillar) that crushes the olives to release the oil.

Very good start to our series. But for some reason -- i really, really am craving a great big salad for lunch.

1/3 Cup Balsamic vinegar
2/3 Cup olive oil
1 Clove Garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Minced parsley
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Freshly ground pepper

Well, i might not be at the beach...but at least i've got that to look forward to.

That and what looks like another beautiful day poolside with the kids. As it has now at some point in typing morphed into Monday morning.

Prayer Requests

Rick Spence’s grandmother passed away Friday. She was his father’s mother. Please keep all in your prayers.

Now no one seemed to have the exact news – but all that we were able to cull together was very positive about Ryan Pagett. He might be coming home today (Monday). If anyone has update please make known to all.

Saltwater Bob asked for prayers for the lovely Saltwater Cheryl is heading to Las Vegas. Though the weather looks to be rather squirrelly there first part of week – rest looks sooo warm. Rather sunny and hot. You would think it was some type of desert or something.

God Bless and Good Week

and Good Olives

all travel back safe to Mad....

It was a very Blustery Day! Mstones 4.15.07

Trivia: What significance does the number 42 have with today -- Sunday, April 15, 2007?

Hope it is not amount you owe in taxes times 10.

And no, it is not the average mph of the wind gusts out there.

I love intimate gatherings. And i really felt meeting in the parlour gave us that intimate party feel. Good vibes always happen when everyone is crowded together. i think anyway.

Rapture or no? We did all get that Left Behind feeling when Tim and Brother Jim disappeared before our very eyes. Come to think of it i haven't seen them since. I wonder?

Well, guess if you are reading this you are either:

a. bored, and getting more so by second,

b. really hate the thought of exercising against hurricane force winds and polar windchill (that's me)

c. or you like the rest of us Milestones (except Tim, Jim -- and "good grief" come to think of it -- where was Steve Speyer?) have been left behind to serve him another wonderful week here in Madison, Georgia.

Okay --

We are starting great series lead most ably by http://bobdickson.com/

It is going to be video series and discussion. Holy Land tour by Ray Vander Laan.

Bob said for us to think about biblical references to trees, vines and general agriculture/vegetation fun.

oh dear -- i just had a most unfortunate thought about the disappearance of Tim, Jim and Steve.

Anyway -- Here's the drill. The videos will start promptly at 10:05 a.m. http://bobdickson.com/ has bought a special timepiece that he will use each Sunday to keep us on track. We watch video -- then we talk. that's that!

Hope to see you all there!

Prayer Requests:

Bonnie Hickey's sister got a very encouraging report from the doctor's at the Mayo Clinic. They did remove part of her liver, but all the tumors biopsied were benign. There are lesions that remain, but they hope that they mirror the ones which were removed. She is scheduled to go back in six months. Keep her in your prayers.

Barbara has a contract on her house. We pray that the inspection goes without incident and things proceed along swimmingly through closing. She is now looking for another place for them to live.

A quaint, cosy cottage would be perfect. Okay -- that's my idea of perfect. A cottage nestled deep in an enchanted forest....Hannah Kate thought this place magical.

Hmm..maybe that's were Tim and Brother Jim have run off to. Yes, maybe they needed a little R&R in an enchanted forest. just a thought.

Shelly's mom's back surgery when very well. Please keep her in your prayers during the recovery process.

Darlena, Shelly's neighbor, started her chemotherapy this week. We pray for mighty healing and strength during this treatment.

Pure Bliss -- Jule's new fabulous spa/shop soon to open in downtown Madison.

Please keep her in your prayers as now seems Steve has disappeared and how on earth will she get all that work done alone?

JohnM is on the books for the first facial.

Hey...wait a minute, looks like i might of found Steve. Seems like he takes this Presidential thing seriously.

Not that there's anything wrong with it.

Right ladies, we want all our Mguys to stay beautiful!

Maybe Pure Bliss can provide facials during the down time at the FUMC's men's retreat? just a suggestion.

Happy Anniversary to Heather and Ben Whidby. Married today, April 15.

Homework:

Bob asked for all to think about biblical symbols of trees, vines, and vegetation, grafting, etc. My notes also refer to some he said re reproduction. Hmmm..I think it might be best if Stephanie handles that.


Okay -- speaking of trees, i do pray that all stay rooted in this wind. And all be safe spring break.


God Bless. Good Week. j.