Not Even the Angels in Heaven...

It is Friday morning...

Gary continues to defy all prognoses.

Although his various vital signs have become increasingly dire, he has amazed all nurse and doctors, both present and passing through this home.

Above all, however, he has been resting comfortably this entire week.

As we continue to sit vigil by his side, I have been mindful of the words of Jesus:

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven...Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:36/42)

From Boise,

brian

Wordless Wednesday

LACo FD, Fire Station 19

You ever notice some people leave their Christmas decorations up way too long?

The Next Tattoo

I'm planning at least one more tattoo...maybe more.

Above is a picture of my favorite cross that I wear. I got it the day of VHL-stock. I was thinking it might make a great tat for the other arm.

I’m also considering something like this:

The serpent entwined around a staff is known as “the rod of Asclepius,” an ancient Greek symbol associated with the healing arts, or medicine. You may have seen it at a hospital or your doctor’s office, depicted as something like this:

There are several theories as to how the symbol came to be.

In Greek mythology, Asclepius was the son of Apollo and practitioner of medicine. The image combines a staff—a symbol of his authority—with a snake which, in shedding its skin, symbolizes rebirth.

But there’s also a biblical connection here, and I’m more interested in that.

When the Israelites were making their exodus, wandering across the vast barren desert, they complained to Mose and to God about their desperate situation: "Why have you brought us...to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water..." (Numbers 21:5).

In anger, God sent fiery serpents to attack the Israelites, and many died. (God’s a pretty irritable dude in the Old Testament, isn’t he?) The Israelites came back to Moses with an appeal to God, repenting for their sin and asking forgiveness. God then told Moses to make a bronze serpent set on a pole, and commanded that anyone bitten by the fiery snakes should look upon the bronze serpent so he or she would be immediately healed.

Any ways, I was thinking about this image for a tattoo as a tribute to my brother Gary.

Para Flotar

Just got back in from Boise...feel like I'm drowning, barely keeping my head above water...

Body Art Expo, Pomona 2009

I went to the 2009 Body Art Expo in Pomona on Saturday night...

I met a lot of interesting people...

I mean really interesting...

The sign sort of says it all...

I couldn't agree more...

Then finally, it was my turn...

Robbie Rittenhouse of Cherry Blossom Tattoo created the artwork...

As a firefighter, Isaiah 43: 2-3 is one of my favorite Bible verses (look it up!)

Needle Time!

Thanks Robbie!

New Years Day 2009

…And so ends the season of excess.

Now that all expectations have been smartly dashed

It’s a strange culture that begins each New Year with a hangover—a profound physical, emotional, spiritual malaise:

The throbbing head of too much drink,
the dry-mouthed realization of looming financial straits,
the sour stomach of stale relationships,
and the empty resolutions of the coming year.

Remedies are rumors,
as elusive and dissatisfying
as last December’s overwrought desires.
No tonic will ease the soul’s disquiet.

Father Time a fitting symbol:
Hunched and weary,
leaving the wreck of winter
to a new generation of naiveté
(an infant,
and a rising cycle of dreams).

Yet…

On the brown hillsides of cold scrub…

green hope

in hard soil grows

once more.