Rejoice with us in the birth of our Saviour this season.
The Riggenbachs
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Give Joy?
Being the introvert that I am, I couldn't resist visiting a department store with 10,000 of my closest friends on the Saturday before Christmas. I was intrigued by the marketing greeting posted at the entrance:
Hmmm.... give joy?
I'm cynical enough that I didn't give the store the benefit of the doubt. I've since learned that this store is sponsoring a $1,000 drawing in which $500 is donated to your favorite charity (Give Joy) and $500 is yours to keep (Receive Joy). I still think most visitors to this store will walk away with my first impression: if I purchase items from this store to give to others, I will be giving them joy.
I think many Americans are mature enough to realize that stuff doesn't bring joy, whether in the form of $500 cash, or disguised as the latest fashions. Unfortunately we don't always believe it. Many of my childhood Decembers were spent anticipating the stuff I would receive as Christmas gifts, but the reality was never as fulfilling as what I anticipated.
I was in my teens when I finally realized that the psalmist was right when God inspired him to write, "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Ps 16:11). Time spent waiting on God in prayer or meditation often resulted in a joy much deeper than the giddiness of stuff or thrilling experiences. In God's presence I found fullness of joy.
Can I give that joy to someone else? Strictly speaking, no. Through kindness, generosity, or love I can give to others a lesser degree of joy, but fullness of joy is something only God can give. God's process of revealing himself to people and communing with them is largely a work of his Spirit and his Word, but he has reserved a small role for us: the honor of preaching the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). Just as the angels brought good tidings of great joy to the shepherds, we too are given the privilege of telling the world that they have a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. In that way we can be a small part of God's campaign to "give joy" of a magnitude that only he can give.
Give joy. What was originally intended as merely a marketing slogan is actually a reminder of our high calling in Christ.
Hmmm.... give joy?I'm cynical enough that I didn't give the store the benefit of the doubt. I've since learned that this store is sponsoring a $1,000 drawing in which $500 is donated to your favorite charity (Give Joy) and $500 is yours to keep (Receive Joy). I still think most visitors to this store will walk away with my first impression: if I purchase items from this store to give to others, I will be giving them joy.
I think many Americans are mature enough to realize that stuff doesn't bring joy, whether in the form of $500 cash, or disguised as the latest fashions. Unfortunately we don't always believe it. Many of my childhood Decembers were spent anticipating the stuff I would receive as Christmas gifts, but the reality was never as fulfilling as what I anticipated.
I was in my teens when I finally realized that the psalmist was right when God inspired him to write, "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Ps 16:11). Time spent waiting on God in prayer or meditation often resulted in a joy much deeper than the giddiness of stuff or thrilling experiences. In God's presence I found fullness of joy.
Can I give that joy to someone else? Strictly speaking, no. Through kindness, generosity, or love I can give to others a lesser degree of joy, but fullness of joy is something only God can give. God's process of revealing himself to people and communing with them is largely a work of his Spirit and his Word, but he has reserved a small role for us: the honor of preaching the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). Just as the angels brought good tidings of great joy to the shepherds, we too are given the privilege of telling the world that they have a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. In that way we can be a small part of God's campaign to "give joy" of a magnitude that only he can give.
Give joy. What was originally intended as merely a marketing slogan is actually a reminder of our high calling in Christ.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Rejoice with us!
Those who've followed this blog over the past year will realize that the little pink card that came in the mail the other day represents a sizable victory at our house. After multiple tests last winter culminating in a swimming episode in March, and some fishing in the dark at 5:30 AM in October, we thank God that our septic system passed on the first try this fall.
Once again, our neighbors downstream are much relieved.Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Williamsburg in the Fall: People
Although the things at Colonial Williamsburg are very interesting, they are all kind of flat without the people of CW. We probably get more enjoyment out of striking up a conversation with any of the CW interpreters or guides than any other aspect of our visits. Here are a few people we ran into this time.
We were surprised in our first visit to the Palace this fall to find Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by Bill Barker) waiting to greet us in the ballroom. Since he had lived in this building (or the original Palace of which this is a recreation) as governor of Virginia, he shared some of his thoughts on the building and its importance to him. I think he still prefers Monticello.
Another former governor of Virginia is Patrick Henry. We caught up with him in the grounds north of the Palace gardens where he had gathered a crowd for a short address. I think Richard Schumann does an excellent job portraying Henry, and I make it a goal to listen to him speak at least once each time we visit CW. When I took the photograph above, he was answering questions from the audience and remarking how inconceivable it would be for any of those that had just thrown off the shackles of tyranny to replace it with the burden of a large federal government.
We enjoyed classical guitar music at the St. George Tucker House courtesy of this able musician. His instrument is a 12-string reproduction of a guitar once owned by Marie Antoinette (which only had 5 strings). The black and white designs visible on the body and headstock are inlaid ebony and camel bone since ivory is protected now, and camel bone is very similar. The back of the guitar was even more intricate than the front.
Our family visits the Millinery many times on a typical trip to CW, and we always find the tailors and milliners there to be exceptional conversationalists in all things sewing related. Mark Hutter was found in his usual spot constructing a very red wool suit that he planned to wear at a CW function illustrating proper 18th century table manners. Even under the stress of a tight schedule, he was as engaging and insightful as always. Notice the bundle of fabric-covered buttons in the basket in the foreground.
As the apprentice in the tailor shop, Neal Hurst does whatever needs to be done, and at the moment that means helping on Mark's very red suit. Neal was sporting a very dapper new waistcoat that is peeking out from under his frock coat. I believe he said the milliners did the embroidery for him. Click on the image so you can zoom in and appreciate the buttons on the waistcoat as well as the buttons on the frock coat. Even though his apprenticeship will be finished in less than a year, Neal said he intends to stay on at CW as trusty sidekick to Mark Hutter.
Miss Janae and Miss Doris fill the mantua maker roles of the establishment, and are always busy on some beautiful ladies garment. This gown was scheduled to appear at the same function Mr. Hutter was working toward, so these ladies were also working on a tight schedule. Miss Janae shared that CW informed them that a gown of a certain formality was required for this function, so she suggested they replicate a gown she had seen in a museum collection. This required access to study the garment, and specially made fabric to match the original. I think these ladies enjoy making dream gowns on a regular basis, especially when someone else is covering the expenses.
Last, but not least, is our good friend, Cookie Baker. While not an employee of CW, her sons are employed as fifers in the Senior Fife and Drum Corps. We enjoyed worshipping with Cookie and her family at St. Stephen Lutheran Church on Sunday, and then we rendezvoused two other times through the week. She is the quintessential "fifer mom", showing up with camera at all the marches of the Corps, and I fear she may experience some withdrawal when her youngest son, Thomas, graduates from the Corps. Until then, we look forward to sharing many more marches with her.
We were surprised in our first visit to the Palace this fall to find Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by Bill Barker) waiting to greet us in the ballroom. Since he had lived in this building (or the original Palace of which this is a recreation) as governor of Virginia, he shared some of his thoughts on the building and its importance to him. I think he still prefers Monticello.
Another former governor of Virginia is Patrick Henry. We caught up with him in the grounds north of the Palace gardens where he had gathered a crowd for a short address. I think Richard Schumann does an excellent job portraying Henry, and I make it a goal to listen to him speak at least once each time we visit CW. When I took the photograph above, he was answering questions from the audience and remarking how inconceivable it would be for any of those that had just thrown off the shackles of tyranny to replace it with the burden of a large federal government.
We enjoyed classical guitar music at the St. George Tucker House courtesy of this able musician. His instrument is a 12-string reproduction of a guitar once owned by Marie Antoinette (which only had 5 strings). The black and white designs visible on the body and headstock are inlaid ebony and camel bone since ivory is protected now, and camel bone is very similar. The back of the guitar was even more intricate than the front.
Our family visits the Millinery many times on a typical trip to CW, and we always find the tailors and milliners there to be exceptional conversationalists in all things sewing related. Mark Hutter was found in his usual spot constructing a very red wool suit that he planned to wear at a CW function illustrating proper 18th century table manners. Even under the stress of a tight schedule, he was as engaging and insightful as always. Notice the bundle of fabric-covered buttons in the basket in the foreground.
As the apprentice in the tailor shop, Neal Hurst does whatever needs to be done, and at the moment that means helping on Mark's very red suit. Neal was sporting a very dapper new waistcoat that is peeking out from under his frock coat. I believe he said the milliners did the embroidery for him. Click on the image so you can zoom in and appreciate the buttons on the waistcoat as well as the buttons on the frock coat. Even though his apprenticeship will be finished in less than a year, Neal said he intends to stay on at CW as trusty sidekick to Mark Hutter.
Miss Janae and Miss Doris fill the mantua maker roles of the establishment, and are always busy on some beautiful ladies garment. This gown was scheduled to appear at the same function Mr. Hutter was working toward, so these ladies were also working on a tight schedule. Miss Janae shared that CW informed them that a gown of a certain formality was required for this function, so she suggested they replicate a gown she had seen in a museum collection. This required access to study the garment, and specially made fabric to match the original. I think these ladies enjoy making dream gowns on a regular basis, especially when someone else is covering the expenses.
Last, but not least, is our good friend, Cookie Baker. While not an employee of CW, her sons are employed as fifers in the Senior Fife and Drum Corps. We enjoyed worshipping with Cookie and her family at St. Stephen Lutheran Church on Sunday, and then we rendezvoused two other times through the week. She is the quintessential "fifer mom", showing up with camera at all the marches of the Corps, and I fear she may experience some withdrawal when her youngest son, Thomas, graduates from the Corps. Until then, we look forward to sharing many more marches with her.Thanks for visiting!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Williamsburg in the Fall: Details, aka Things You Won't Find at Our House
One thing I like about the 301 acres of Colonial Williamsburg is that there are lots of details to observe all over the place. Here are a few we noticed on our latest trip that you are unlikely to find at our house anytime soon.
A porcelain doll sitting on an embroidered blanket. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that doll is about 250 years old. What really caught my eye on this tour through the Palace is that the doll had been sitting on the other side of the room just a few days before. Freaky!
Purple toile bed canopy. This canopy has been hanging over the bed in the master bedroom in the Palace since 1981, but that doesn't make the images on the fabric any less intricate or interesting.
Cherry close stool. At least I think the wood is cherry. At any rate, I've never used a toilet that had an ornate back and arms like this one -- nor legs for that matter! For your information, this piece of furniture was about 20 feet behind a rail impeding access to it, lest anyone try to get a closer look.
Portrait of Queen Charlotte, or as she's described at the bottom of the painting, "Her Most Excellent Majesty Charlotte Queen of Great Britain &c" (which I believe means "etc.") Her ears look very interesting....
Harpsichord made in 1770. We don't even have a harpsichord, let alone an antique one. Lily has played several at CW in the past, and she isn't fond of the short keys and light touch. Nonetheless, live harpsichord music in the house might sound rather pleasant.
Incredible window moulding and decoration. I don't think our house is the right style for something like this, but it sure is cool. Somebody had quite an imagination.
I'm not sure what you call all this ornateness around the door, but this entrance looks important even without the king's medallion at the top. I think it took awhile to put all those pieces together.
Beef tongue on a platter. The chef that prepared this dish referred to it as the tastiest dish on the table (which also included chicken, turkey, pumpkin, broccoli, chocolate tart, and other dishes that looked at least halfway appetizing). Call me a 21st century food snob, but that tongue lying there does little to make me hungry.
18th century barometer. I don't know anything about the technology behind this device, but I'm sure it has a fascinating story and it looks really cool.
Silk Satin wedding dress and stomacher made in 1756 (stomacher is detached at the upper right). We were fortunate to be in town when several study drawers at the DeWitt Wallace Museum were opened to the public for viewing of the clothing stored within. Each of the drawers had a glass cover that prevented greasy fingers from touching the antique garments, but that glass also made a handy camera rest for photographing small details. Lily recorded quite a few interesting things, and I'm sure it's just a matter of time before we see some of them appear in her reproductions.
A porcelain doll sitting on an embroidered blanket. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that doll is about 250 years old. What really caught my eye on this tour through the Palace is that the doll had been sitting on the other side of the room just a few days before. Freaky!
Purple toile bed canopy. This canopy has been hanging over the bed in the master bedroom in the Palace since 1981, but that doesn't make the images on the fabric any less intricate or interesting.
Cherry close stool. At least I think the wood is cherry. At any rate, I've never used a toilet that had an ornate back and arms like this one -- nor legs for that matter! For your information, this piece of furniture was about 20 feet behind a rail impeding access to it, lest anyone try to get a closer look.
Portrait of Queen Charlotte, or as she's described at the bottom of the painting, "Her Most Excellent Majesty Charlotte Queen of Great Britain &c" (which I believe means "etc.") Her ears look very interesting....
Harpsichord made in 1770. We don't even have a harpsichord, let alone an antique one. Lily has played several at CW in the past, and she isn't fond of the short keys and light touch. Nonetheless, live harpsichord music in the house might sound rather pleasant.
Incredible window moulding and decoration. I don't think our house is the right style for something like this, but it sure is cool. Somebody had quite an imagination.
I'm not sure what you call all this ornateness around the door, but this entrance looks important even without the king's medallion at the top. I think it took awhile to put all those pieces together.
Beef tongue on a platter. The chef that prepared this dish referred to it as the tastiest dish on the table (which also included chicken, turkey, pumpkin, broccoli, chocolate tart, and other dishes that looked at least halfway appetizing). Call me a 21st century food snob, but that tongue lying there does little to make me hungry.
18th century barometer. I don't know anything about the technology behind this device, but I'm sure it has a fascinating story and it looks really cool.
Silk Satin wedding dress and stomacher made in 1756 (stomacher is detached at the upper right). We were fortunate to be in town when several study drawers at the DeWitt Wallace Museum were opened to the public for viewing of the clothing stored within. Each of the drawers had a glass cover that prevented greasy fingers from touching the antique garments, but that glass also made a handy camera rest for photographing small details. Lily recorded quite a few interesting things, and I'm sure it's just a matter of time before we see some of them appear in her reproductions.Thanks for visiting!
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