David Given Schwarm

Married, Father, United

Chapter IX

Jack and I are reading Treasure Island together. We are taking notes, looking up vocab words, writing down characters and themes, and generally learning how to read. Last night, I tought him Roman Numerals! Total blast. Captain Smollet has expressed is concerns about the trip–Jack gets this and has a fairly good idea about what…
Gift

1. Usually they are not recognized.2. Always free.3. Have value even if they are not used.4. Patience.5. A gift is wrapped or hidden in some way.
Stretching

1. Yet another daily practice.2. Understnad that everything can break3. The best stretch is the longest.4. Do not fear the cramp that has not happened.5. Belief will allow yoga to occur.
Charlotte’s Web

Took Lisa, Jack, and Kate to this at the Westpark 8. Snack line was brutal. Even had to go get a water after it started which took another 15 minutes standing around. The movie was great. Literate. Not scary. Very fun. I think Kate like it more then Jack. I think that there is a…
St. Isaac of Syria, The Ascetical Homilies.I

The Lord’s Day is a mystery of the knowledge of the truth that is not received by flesh and blood, and it transcends speculations. In this age there is no eighth day, nor is there a true Sabbath. For he who said that `God rested on the seventh day,’ signified the rest [of our nature]…
Z’Tejas

Again, this year at the Annual Christmas Shopping Trip, we had lunch at Z’Tejas. Lisa, Jack, Kate, and I ate for about one hour waiting for the Ely’s to show up. The food was better then I remember, but still very over priced & not that inventive. We started with Corn Bread and Quesidillas. Lisa…
Veggie Grill

After Jack, Kate, and I went for a hike at Moro Canyon, we headed over to the Veggie Grill for some 3:00 PM lunch. I really like this place a lot–not only because it is close & vegan, but also becuase the service is really friendly, the owner is always there, and we can get…
Disappointment

1. Expectation of others are not my responsibility2. I cannot let myself down.3. Accusations originate from a source.4. there are no wrong ways to be sure that what happened was wrong.5. The end is never where we see it.
Neil Gaiman: Anansi Boys

A very fun quick read. About a kid who has all of his dark side stripped from him as a kid & then learns to be an adult anyway. Has some classic Gaiman god stuff, a la American Gods, not as much brilliant social observational stuff, but overall a fun good read.
Silence

1. Sahar was saying that sometimes one must defend themselves2. Silent prayer is always the best option–practice this in all your affairs.3. Walking through difficulty with confidence is always difficult–stay present.4. A mantra is great in the moment–Maranatha–that is what I use.5. My life does not stop when my heart does–that is something that my…