The Red Fox (Anthony Hyde)

Robert Thorne is a journalist living in Virginia. His old girlfriend, May Brightman, calls him from Canada one day—her father has gone missing. As Thorne travels to Toronto to help, he will soon find himself caught up in an international web that spans decades and nations—and includes secrets some will kill to protect.

I picked up this book at a yard sale over 20 years ago. I loved it then, and it was a joy to re-read it now. This is a 'comfort' thriller, with the twists and suspense expected of the genre. Written in the Eighties, I was filled with nostalgia regarding both the time (just before the fall of communism) and the setting (locations included several familiar to me, including Harrisburg and rural New Hampshire). There were implausible plot points, and sometimes it seemed to move too fast (or was hard to follow), but this is an enjoyable yarn nonetheless; a suitable summer read.

Rating: A-

P.S. one surprise was an element that was possible at publication (and the first time I read it) but has since been disproven. I won't say more, but it's an important fact for new readers.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Four years after the accident that granted them all powers, the Fantastic Four is reeling from a pleasant surprise: Sue is pregnant. But the excitement is short-lived, for a herald arrives pronouncing doom to the Earth . . . for Galactus, Devourer of Worlds, is coming. And not even this fantastic crew may be able to save the planet this time.

I liked the retro-futuristic aesthetics of the film. And it hits on important themes (sacrifice, being part of something bigger, and family). But on the whole, this one just didn't do it for me. Like the recent Superman film, we're dropped into an existing world—this is [perhaps mercifully] not another origin story, and that's okay. But the plot was so rushed that I had a hard time caring. When it scraped against important themes, it failed to deliver. Other aspects, like the music and humor, were average or ignored. And I had a hard time seeing Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic. There were certainly cool elements, and it may be the best Fantastic Four film to date. But that's not saying much.

Rating: C+

Gutted

It's been a hard year in Baltimore. A few months back, I did my annual post about the Orioles and their struggles this year. Generally, teams that have little hope of playoff contention start selling off players on expiring contracts . . . and the Orioles did so this past week, unloading a whopping nine players (see graphic for the names).*

As MLB rosters carry 26 players, that means the Orioles traded away just over a third of their team. It gutted them . . . and me. Their new-look roster:

The Orioles underperformed this year, and that's been hard to see after two-plus seasons of respectability (even excellence). And yet . . . you never want to see your team dismantled. You want to see them turn things around. There is a lesson here.

There is a time and a place to make changes. I get that. And baseball is a business. I get that too. But it is more than just numbers and wins and successes. In a way, there is a family element here impossible to ignore. Love or hate a given player, we root for a team and stick by them through thick and thin. We enjoy the success and endure the defeats. But we do so together. The situation reminds me of something my pastor said in a recent weekly email to the congregation:

Perhaps we all reach a point in life where we find our joy in the ‘doing’ of life more than in the achievements of life . . . I [now] value the experience more than the outcome. And I prioritize the people I am with over the activity I am performing. For me, it has not always been that way.

I know what he means. There was a time where I would have wanted the O's to sell off people. But now? I'd rather see Cedric Mullins (I'll miss him most) make an amazing catch in the outfield. Or Ryan O'Hearn hit a clutch home run. Or even one of the newer Orioles contribute in some way. Do I want them to win? Absolutely. But I want them to win; the "them" is now more important to me than the "win." Good thing I'll never own a major league club. 

*In return, they got 16 prospects. Most experts gave them middling grades for the deals.

The Templars (Dan Jones)

The Templars are the subject of much speculation and even conspiracy theories. In this book, Dan Jones looks at who they really were historically, from their founding in 1119 (shortly after the First Crusade), to their sudden demise in 1307. Broadly, he looks at their roles and transitions from pilgrims (knights protecting those journeying in the Holy Land) to soldiers (taking a more formal militaristic role in the defense of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and other holdings) to bankers (tending their vast estates throughout Europe and handling money transfers for royalty and wealthy) to heretics (being falsely branded by the French King in a money grab).

This was a good, accessible introduction to "God's holy warriors." Jones writes well. Having read about the Crusades long ago, this was an interesting perspective on the same era, focused on this specific Order. Parts felt a tad rushed, but this was probably necessary to cover such scope in a relatively short work. Overall, recommended.

Rating: A

Love, Part Three

Building on the previous two posts, today I want to highlight one aspect of love: its object.

Jesus says to love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39). In one passage (Luke 10:25-37), an audience member* immediately asks 'who is my neighbor?', intending to bound God's commands to only a portion of the population. Jesus responds with the parable of the good Samaritan, who cared for a stranger in need encountered on the road after two others (a priest and a Levite) passed him by. Samaritans were enemies of the Jews; by using that example, Jesus was making a few points:

- Your neighbor is everyone. Friend and stranger, those nearby and those afar.

- The priest and Levite were set aside to serve God, yet they failed in their most basic responsibilities. 

- The enemy (a Samaritan) did the right thing, which shows both common grace and that our enemies can teach/humble us.

- The Samaritan's love showed mercy, compassion, had no desire for compensation, and was personally costly. Key attributes of love.

A friend posted the below on facebook the other day,  and I think it summarizes Jesus' point in this passage nicely:

Loving others is hard. Loving enemies, even harder. Yes as God is kind to the ungrateful and evil (Luke 6:35), so are we to be.

The bar is high. How can we do this? Only through Jesus, for 'with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). In Jesus we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28), and without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). We can thus love others, be they neighbors, family, fellow church members, or even enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). And it is that last category that shows we both walk with God and understand God's love for us—for he who loves much recognizes that they have been forgiven much (see Luke 7:47). 

* a lawyer, perhaps unsurprisingly 

Love, Part Two

Yesterday, I looked at love and what the Bible says about it. Today, I look at what AI says.

From AI, 7/20/2025

The Bible defines love, particularly in the New Testament, as a selfless, sacrificial, and enduring commitment that seeks the well-being of others, often referred to as agape love. It's not simply an emotion but a choice to act in ways that benefit others, even when it's not reciprocated or convenient. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Agape Love:

The Bible often uses the Greek word "agape" to describe God's love, which is unconditional, sacrificial, and extends even to enemies. 

• Not Just Feelings:

While feelings can be a part of love, biblical love goes beyond emotions. It's a deliberate choice to act with kindness, compassion, and generosity, prioritizing the needs of others. 

• 1 Corinthians 13:

This famous passage describes love as patient, kind, not envious, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, irritable, resentful, rejoicing in wrongdoing, but rejoicing in truth, enduring all things, believing all things, hoping all things, and bearing all things. 

• Sacrificial:

God's love, as demonstrated through Jesus, is sacrificial, giving even when it costs dearly. 

• Love for God and Others:

The Bible emphasizes loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself, highlighting the importance of both a vertical and horizontal expression of love. 

• Love is an Action:

Love is not passive; it is an active force that motivates actions of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. 

• Love is a reflection of God's nature:

Because God is love, love is a core aspect of His character and a defining trait of those who follow Him. 

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I must say, I'm impressed with AI's summary here.

Love, Part One

One [odd] hobby I enjoy is contemplating the definition of words. My favorites are common ones that we all use and yet struggle to concisely define when asked. Today I look at the biggest one of all: love.

Of course, the word 'love' has different meanings. You can love a person romantically, as a friend, or as a neighbor. You can love a hobby or a sports team or a food. Today, I'll focus on the general love the Bible calls us to show to every person (some call this 'agape' love). And I will focus on how the Scriptures define it.

First, love is inextricably tied to commandment. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus makes it clear that the great commandment is to love God and others; he says "on these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets" [by which he means the Old Testament]. We see it elsewhere, too, that the Law is summarized by love (see Romans 13:9-10). Further, we're told in several places (including John 14:15) that if we love God we will keep his commandments (which include the summary of the law, the Ten Commandments). And people will know we are his disciples if we love (John 13:34-35); it is one fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22).

So the command to love is paramount . . . but what does that mean? What does love look like? What is love?* The Bible talks a lot about it, and focuses on a few themes. In no particular order:

- Love involves actions, and provides the world's goods to those in need (1 John 3:16-18)

- Love is selfless; it involves giving and sacrifice. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son (John 3:16). Walking in love means giving ourselves up as Christ did (Ephesians 5:2). Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

- Love is not based on merit or reciprocation; God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We are to love our enemies, as God does (Matthew 5:43-48). We are to expect nothing in return; as God is kind to the ungrateful and evil, so should we be (Luke 6:35).

- There is an affectative component. We are to love one another with brotherly affection (Romans 12:10). In this sense, we are called to actually like others. The Lord rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17); He doesn't care for us begrudgingly. 

- Love builds up; it encourages (1 Corinthians 8:1)

- Part of love is doing the above things in a certain way: Love is patient, kind, doesn't envy or boast, is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)

- Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7). That means it bears and endures the wrongs done by others and it believes/hopes the best.

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The above are just a sample of the Scriptures, and it covers a lot. So can we summarize? 

Love is the self-sacrificial and self-forgetful care for and building up of others demonstrated by action, affection, attitude, endurance, and optimism. Does that cover it? Do we do this? Such a high bar. Humbling. Lord, teach us to love.

Next time, I will look at what AI says. 

*anyone else get that 1993 song by Haddaway in your head? Me too. I'm sorry.

The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien)

The Hobbit is a familiar tale; Bilbo Baggins goes with dwarves and a wizard to re-take the Lonely Mountain and gold therein. Along the way, he finds a magic ring, etc. etc. Cool. I've read this multiple times and reviewed it before.

I bring it up here because:

1) I just finished reading it out loud to my son,

2) It was the pictured version, with original illustrations by the author, and

3) I think it was the first time I had read it since viewing The Hobbit trilogy of films.

So, how did these factors change my experience of the tale? Reading it out loud is nice, giving insights I lacked from prior readings. It was fun seeing the original illustrations by Tolkien—some were quite good—and how they inspired the films. Finally, what surprised me about reading this after the films is just how much the films omitted. Three films to do one book, and they left out or condensed things. That surprised and disappointed me (especially given how poorly the third film was done).

Rating: A

P.S. Two quotes near the end caught my eye and are worthy of committing to memory. Both have to do with friendship.

"This has been a bitter adventure . . . yet I am glad I have shared in your perils—that has been more than any Baggins deserves."

"The oftener you appear in my halls the better shall I be pleased!"

Pillars of the Earth & World Without End (Ken Follett)

I'm going to do something a little different today and review two books I read ~15 years ago* (before I started blogging). Both are historical fiction thrillers by Ken Follett.

The Pillars of the Earth takes place in "Kingsbridge," England over the span of decades (1123-1174) and centers the dramas of various characters (from all spheres) around the construction of a fictional Gothic cathedral.

World Without End is set in the same town two centuries later during the Black Plague (1327-1361) and, similarly, looks at the lives of various people in the area and their respective struggles.

Though my memory is fading, I recall both novels to be excellent—a sweeping historical survey intertwined with heart-pumping thriller. They were hard to put down, and you get a feel for what it must have been like in that time. Both have their graphic scenes, though, so let the reader beware, and there are some historical inaccuracies (think of this as thriller first, historical fiction second).

Rating (for both): A-

*Cleaning out my bookshelves; wanted to cover some things before I part with them.

Daredevil: Know Fear

Matt Murdock has only ever tried to do good as Daredevil. But when he accidentally kills a man during a routine takedown, he questions everything he is and has done. While others (like Punisher) think killing is fine . . . is that the right way?

This was a solid start to a story arc published in 2019. I've had Daredevil on my mind since enjoying the Born Again series in April. I'm most intrigued by his Catholic religion and how that is portrayed in the stories. Here, the writers get it largely accurate (it is easy to misrepresent Christianity). Matt's priest has the quote of the book: "God loves you, Matthew. Hold on to that and do the right thing . . . renounce this violence. Cast out the devil." Indeed.

Rating: A

Superman (2025)

Three centuries ago, metahumans arrive on Earth. Three years ago, Superman announced himself to the world. Three minutes ago, he lost his first battle. But it gets worse . . .

Superman unilaterally stopped a war. Not everyone is pleased. As the American government decides what to do, Lex Luthor raids the Fortress of Solitude and finds a Kryptonian recording that changes how the world will view 'Big Blue.' Is Superman a threat? He's always viewed himself as being sent to help humanity and make the world a better place, but what if his identity is something other? Does even he know? 

As the government brings him in, using Luthor's "Planet Watch" (Ultraman, the Engineer, plus 'Raptors'), Superman wrestles with who he is and what defines him. Lex is getting close to his goal of killing Superman . . . but the Justice Gang (Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, and Hawkgirl) and the Daily Planet staff may have something to contribute in the age-old struggle of truth, identity, and authority.

---------------

Overall, I really enjoyed this film. This is a vulnerable look at Superman, focusing more on his weaknesses and struggles than any other such film. It has great music, good action, and also good comedy sprinkled throughout. The actors all do a great job. 

The messages here vary, looking at authority (typical for superhero flicks), identity (who decides what we are?), and weakness. Lex is obsessed with taking down Supes, as "his strength illuminates how weak we really are." Superman is fixated on his identity and who shapes it—is it his parents? His adopted parents? Himself? His adopted father argues that it isn't your parents who define you, but "your choices . . . your actions . . . that is what makes you who you are." Is he right? Ultimately, this is a movie about what it means to be human. The film doesn't get all the right answers, but asks some good questions, and it inspired in places. 

Rating: A-

Monopoly: Pokemon Edition

Today's review is of the 2024 release, Monopoly: Pokemon Edition. For 2-4 players, it takes 45 minutes.

Overview

Race to catch Pokemon in this twist on a board game classic. Here, the basic rules of Monopoly (roll a die, move spaces, buy property or pay rent if it is already owned) hold true, but there are plenty of twists:

- your goal is to collect eight different colors of pokemon (represented by the eight property colors on the board)

- when you land on a property (regardless of ownership), you can 'explore' (roll a die to see if you get a pokemon of that color)

- you can battle other players for their properties

- there are adventure and challenge cards and enable direct player challenges or give benefits (like swiping another's pokemon)

game contents; image from here

First to collect all eight pokemon wins!

Review

Though I'm no fan of the classic Monopoly (it takes too long), I was cautiously optimistic about this variant, as I enjoyed the Monopoly Gamer twist from a few years ago. Alas, I was disappointed. There is just far too much luck here. Well, it's really all luck. You need to land on the right colors, but then also roll the exploration die to see if you collect a pokemon of that color. There's not much to it. Lots of dice rolling. The battles and challenge cards provide some respite, but not much.

Rating: C

Shouldering a Burden

A few months ago, I had shoulder surgery. Today, I 'graduated' from physical therapy (PT). This post recaps the journey.

Background

At some point, I hurt my labrum. No idea when or how. Partial tear; I could do most things. But when they evaluated it two years ago, they told me it may one day require surgery. This year, it got to the point where that was needed.

On 23 April, I had the procedure. They didn't know quite what they would find, but after the fact, I learned they:

- performed biceps tenodesis [they moved one of the two bicep anchor points near my shoulder to another location, as it was preventing the torn labrum from healing]

- removed calcification and a bone spur from the shoulder area

- reshaped my shoulder [apparently, I had a 'grade 2' shoulder from birth; they made it grade 1]

Recovery Timeline

4/23: Procedure; placed in sling with spacer for recovery, which I would wear all day long (and for sleeping)

4/29-30: days of greatest pain

5/15: first strenuous physical activity [I mowed the yard one-handed . . .]

5/19: first PT session [would go two times per week and do exercises at home three times per day]

5/20: last day of sling

5/26: first run

5/27: first time on exercise bike

6/17: first gym session with weight [light weights]

6/21: first time on road bike [short ride]

7/3: first normal-length road bike ride

7/17: last PT session

Reflections

PT works. You have to keep moving. You have to push yourself hard, but not too hard. You have to keep at it. And it was gratifying to see progress, no matter how slight, every single day. Sometimes the progress was gradual; other times, it came in 'steps.' But it happened. 

Both flexibility and strength matter. Range of motion was the first focus, but weight work was soon added, and both were needed; some of my range of motion didn't improve until I added the strengthening portions. We need to move, and we need to be strong.

The supporting muscles then needed support themselves. It's been intriguing to see which muscles (largely in my trapezius/neck area) have been sore before and during the PT journey; they were affected because they had to carry the load for the rest of the region as it recovered. There's a lesson here; in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 12 likens us to a body with many members, and we are interdependent. In the linked passage—"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." And we know from Ephesians 4 that "when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love," which implies when one part is *not* working properly, growth is stunted and the whole body is affected. So we're called in Galatians 6 to bear each other's burdens, so the whole body can be whole and grow. There is a time to support, and a time to be supported.

------------

As of today, my range of motion is almost back to normal. Some things at 'extreme' positions are still tight, but I'll keep at it, and I'll get there. Every day a little bit more.

Lila (Marilynne Robinson)

Lila had a rough upbringing as a drifter in the American Midwest. After her caretaker, Doll, passes away,  Lila spends a few years in St. Louis, then hitches a ride and ends up in Gilead, Iowa. There, she will become the wife of minister John Ames and experience peace, security, and more—"a need she only discovered when it was satisfied." Even so, it wasn't all roses, for she can't shake her past—both the bitterness, loneliness, and pain, but also the people she was with along the way—"people somebody couldn't bear to be without, no matter what they'd been up to in his life." So she spends a good deal of time pondering her "new existence while trying to make sense of the days that preceded her newfound security." 

Set a few years before Gilead and Home, Lila is yet another poignant portrait from Marilynne Robinson, wrestling with the nature of the world and existence. As Lila ponders her past—most of which she was in no way responsible for—she realizes that "there was no way to abandon guilt, no decent way to disown it. All the tangles and knots of bitterness and desperation and fear had to be pitied. No, better, grace had to fall over them."

I loved this book for two reasons:

- Lila's struggles with shame, pain, grace, and love, in both her former and present life

- Her husband's patient gentleness and grace, which was convicting and worthy of emulation

Highly recommended.

Rating: A

The Bruised Reed (Richard Sibbes)

First published in 1630, The Bruised Reed is by Puritan Richard Sibbes and discusses the passage in Matthew 12 that hearkens back to Isaiah 42, looking how Jesus treats certain types of people:

a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,

What do these words mean? A bruised reed is one who "is sensible of sin and misery . . . and, seeing no help in himself . . [turns] to Christ." Similarly, a smoldering wick [or smoking flax] is he who sees a spark of Christ's work in him, yet also much smoke [sin] that remains. In both cases, these are those who understand they bring nothing to God; that our hearts are wicked, even our righteous deeds are filthy, and thus can only cry 'be merciful to me a sinner.' 

And how does Christ respond? He will not break those who are broken; neither will he snuff out the good work He has begun. Without God we can do nothing; he is the author and finisher of our faith. So we take hope, rejoicing not in ourselves but in God. 

Sibbes spends the bulk of his book encouraging believers who know their brokenness; who see (and revile) their sin; who are tempted to despair when gazing upon the remaining evil in us (even as we recognize hints of good). To remember that a broken heart God will not despise. And behold, He is making all things new. "A holy despair in ourselves is the ground of true hope"; "none are fitter for comfort than those that think themselves furthest off."

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This is an encouraging read. Like other Puritan volumes I have read, this is a mixture of powerful and profound truths written in a style that can be very hard to follow in places. But overall, highly recommended.

- Rating: A

Midterm Report

image from here

The days are slow, but the years fly by.  We're halfway through 2025.  Each year, I set and present my goals for the year in January. Today, I remind myself of the goals and look at how it's going.

Spiritual
- Be disciplined in reading/prayer routines (and reduce putzing).
- Do devotionals with the family twice a week.
- Serve better, but in fewer roles.
- Focus more on others. Figure out balance with competing needs.

This is a mixed bag. I have been more disciplined in reading/prayer, especially in the last month for the latter. Putzing has been much better in the past month, too, by minimizing screen time. Devotionals with the family started out okay but have tapered off; I need to restart those. I've scaled back the roles I'm serving in, and am still stretched too thin and exhausted, so I am taking a hiatus from many things for six months. And I have recently been convicted on just how poorly I serve the family in general by putting other things first (like work, church, and hobbies). I made a change in the past month and things have gone much better, and I need to keep that up.  

Nutritional/Fitness
- Get (and keep) weight under 185 lbs.
- Eat more fruit/vegetables. Eat out less.
- Improve gut health.
- Complete 270 workouts; bike 1200 miles.

Going pretty well. Gut health is better (pre/probiotics have helped). I stand at 185 lbs this morning—my lowest in five years. Part of that has to do with shoulder surgery (in late April) and subsequent muscle loss, though, so my new goal is 180lbs. That surgery obviously affected workouts—I'm doing what I can, but losing two months will make it hard to reach my overall goals—my biking mileage (326) and number of workouts (118) are down. I'll revise the workouts to 250 and 800 miles, respectively.

Reading
- Read 50 books.
- Read 15 works on my American Reading List.
- Minimize my owned-but-unread pile.

Going okay here. I have read 31 books so far this year, but I haven't done much (anything) with my American Reading List. And the owned-but-unread pile is holding steady (maybe growing).

Stuff
- Minimize everything in the home.

- Figure out ideal home organization.
- Buy less/budget better.

Going pretty well. We have spurts of minimization, but plan to address some long-standing messes this summer. We're making progress in home organization. And I've been more disciplined with buying less stuff, and have sold a good deal this year.

Overall

Things are progressing. Many promising factors, though not everything is of equal weight. I need to serve the family better, and that overshadows a lot of good, so I'll rate myself a 'C' for the year so far.

Grade: C

How to Lead Your Family (Joel Beeke)

The Bible ascribes three roles to Jesus: prophet, priest, and king. In How to Lead Your Family, Joel Beeke argues that "the church and the world desperately need Christlike men who lead their homes for God's glory. Such Christlike men reflect Christ's threefold office as prophets, priests, and kings. This office bearing has huge implications for how we lead our families." He proceeds to look at each office and their respective attributes, giving a model for how men should strive to lead his wife and children. In a nutshell:

- Prophets in the home: "As a prophet to your family, you confess your own faith and speak forth the counsel of God given in the Bible. you do not add to the Bible; your task is to make its turths known to your wife and children."

- Priests in the home: Imitating some aspects* of Christ's role as priest, you sacrifice yourself for your wife and children by loving them "absolutely, purposefully, realistically, and sacrificially." You are to model Christ's care for His church, laying down your life in self-giving love to nurture, protect, and provide. And by interceding for the family regularly in prayer.

- Kings in the home: "Fathers must be kings like Christ—humble servant-kings who wield authority for the good of others." "Provide your wife [and children] with biblical, tender, and clear servant leadership—not ruthless authoritarianism."

This book is only 70 pages long; an easy afternoon read. As advertised, it is 'short and to the point.' It is clear and convicting. It lists many powerful truths, humbling charges, and wise insights. It is prescriptive (giving many tips on what to do) without elaborating. It does give a nod to the struggle of leading well due to our sinful condition, but it focuses on the goal. Overall, I liked it, though I wish it was a little longer and provided more on repentance and hardship. It also assumes people have a solid background in the Bible—I found myself mentally 'filling in the blanks' to elaborate on a given point. It is a recommended read for the Christian man who needs reminders of our charge, but I think younger believers might need more.

Rating: A-

*because other aspects, like his atoning work on the cross and mediator role between us and God, are things we cannot do.

Thoughts and Prayers

I play the card game Magic: the Gathering (and enjoy it so much I dedicate a separate blog to it). As I am in various social media groups about it, I see random fan-made cards. Recently, this one caught my eye:

For those unfamiliar with the game, this card is basically saying: "pay any amount of mana [the resources in the game]; it will do another player no good." And the card title gives away the author's point: in his view, saying 'thoughts and prayers' to someone is pointless. There is both a lie and a truth here; I look at each in turn below.

The lie: prayer is ineffective.

The Bible is clear that prayer is effective. Jesus prayed often. He promised it is effective (if given in faith). We see prayers answered in many places (one and another example). We're commanded to do it constantly, for many people (including leaders), about many things, be they physical or spiritual matters, being watchful with thanksgiving, for the ears of the Lord are open to the prayers of the righteous. At the end of days, the prayers of the saints are mentioned as an offering. The Christian is to pray expectantly. It does not guarantee the result we wish, for in our fallen nature, we don't even know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes, and so we can pray with confidence, all while saying "not my will, but yours [God's] be done."

The truth: prayer is insufficient.

Though effective, the Bible is also clear that actions matter. We are to help not only with our prayers but also with our actions: our resources (time, money, etc.), abilities, and so on. Faith without works is dead, and in that passage, James makes it clear:

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?

Prayer matters. Actions do, too. Practice both. Constantly.

Similo (The Lord of the Rings edition)

Today's review is of the 2019 release, Similo. For 2-8+ players, it takes 10 minutes. Many versions of this game have been produced; here, I look at The Lord of the Rings edition.

Overview

One player (the "Clue Giver") shuffles the deck of cards, draws the top 12, secretly looks at one, and then lays out all 12 in a 4x3 grid pattern (see below). That same player draws a hand of five cards, and the game begins.

Example Lord of the Rings Similo layout; image from here

In this cooperative game, the goal is to remove every character from the grid *except* the one secretly known to the Clue Giver. The game is played over five rounds. In each, the Guessers (everyone except the Clue Giver) will have to remove a number of cards from the grid. Here is how each round works:

In round 1, the Clue Giver choosed one card from his hand and plays it horizontally next to the grid. 

The played card has "something similar to one or more cards the Clue Giver would like the Guessers to remove." The Guessers choose and remove one card, and if the secret character remains, the Clue Giver draws a card (replenishing their hand to 5 cards) and the next round begins.

Rounds 2-5 play out the same way, except there are differing numbers of cards to remove in each:

- Round 2: two cards

- Round 3: three cards

- Round 4: four cards

- Round 5: one card

If, at the end of round 5, the secret card alone remains on the grid, everyone wins! If at any time the secret character is chosen to be removed, everyone loses.

Review

This is a light, fun, and fast game; I think of this as a party game. The theme matters; I played with friends with varying knowledge of The Lord of the Rings, which is a twist (the one who knew nothing about the movies ended up being a great Clue Giver). The differing numbers of cards to be removed each round makes the Clue Giver think about when to play which card. And the game has high replayability given the number of cards. Overall, this is a winner.

Rating: A

Good News for All the Earth (Mitchell Chase)

Mitchell Chase summarizes the New Testament in Good News for All the Earth, as he did in another book for the Old Testament.

The Old Testament points to Jesus. The New Testament shows us Him, the God-made-Flesh, and covers:

- Jesus' birth and the proclamation of great joy

- The beginning of His ministry, from His baptism to temptations

- The teachings of Jesus as He traveled in the region and gave the people "Kingdom Words and Wonders"

- His passion [his death on the cross]

- His resurrection

- The rise and spread of the early church (as captured in the book of Acts)

- Letters from the Apostles

- Apocalypse [Revelation] of the end times

Like his first book, this is a deliberate overview/simplification. The focus is not on the events or words of Jesus per se, but a structural overview of the New Testament with some observations along the way. It is a solid offering.

Rating: A

Enduring the 2025 Orioles

It's been a long year in Baltimore

Each year, I blog about the Baltimore Orioles. The tone last year and the one prior were positive, full of hope based on solid play, a good (young!) core, a promising farm system, and good records. This year has been another story.

The Orioles have struggled on both sides this year. 

- Their pitching, predicted to be poor, has been. They were unable to re-sign Corbin Burnes (who got injured with his new team, anyway). They have three key players injured (Grayson Rodriguez, Tyler Wells, Kyle Bradish). The replacements (Charlie Morton, Kyle Gibson, and others) have been a disaster. There is some promise with Tomoyuki Sugano, and Zack Eflin is sometimes okay, but things have been rough all around.

- Their batting, predicted to be good, has not been. Their core remains, but most players have slid from their previous performances. Jackson Holliday has been a nice highlight, Cedric Mullins remains solid, and Gunnar is doing decently well, but it's been disappointing in general.

Looking at their depth chart (current as of today), I still really like their fielders. If only they could start hitting more, and improve the pitching.

One highlight this year has been the return of all-orange uniforms (a nod back to the 1971-72 seasons). Those have been a (literal) bright spot.

Years like this make one wonder 'what went wrong?' Their offseason free agency losses (Anthony Santander and Corbin) have not produced for their respective new teams, so no regrets there. Injuries are never predictable and always lamentable. I think the real problems must be in:

- free agent pitching (or lack thereof)

- some bad trades last year (giving up some good prospects for people that haven't panned out)

- coaching? (hard to know why everyone would take a step back)

There's blame to go around, but in general . . . they're still the O's. And you stick with your team through the ups and downs. They may turn things around still—they have been 15-8 in their last 23. Go Birds!

John Calvin's Illustrated Institutes (Book 1)

John Calvin, the immensely influential Christian Reformer, first published The Institutes of the Christian Religion—a summary of Protestant beliefs—in the 1530s. He would expand it over time, publishing four more editions (the last came in 1559). Now cherished as one of the classic works of Christian faith, today's review is of a graphic novel adaptation for children, covering chapters 1-5 of Book 1 of the Institutes. 

Here, Calvin covers:

- True Wisdom (which has "two inseparable parts: knowing God and knowing ourselves.")

- Knowing God ("true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual or theoretical; it is profoundly personal and relational." "The purpose of knowing God is to teach us fear and reverence," so we "worship God with sincere hearts that fully trust in his loving care and provision.")

- The Seed of Religion ("all people are born with a natural awareness of God . . . imprinted on their hearts.")

- The Corrupted Seed ("sin has corrupted the seed [of religion] and prevented it from producing the good fruit of genuine devotion and true piety. Instead, it bears rotten fruit that leads humanity away from truly knowing God and worshiping him alone.")

- Creation and Providence (God has "revealed himself to use through creation, which serves as a dazzling theater that displays his majesty, power, wisdom, and goodness." He also "reveals himself through his providence—his rule over all creation and human history." The purpose of both is "to lead humanity to know, love, and glorify him.")

I have yet to read Institutes, but this version is excellent. I know it covers only five chapters of the work, but it presents the material with clarity and power.

Rating: A

Visions of Vocation (Steven Garber)

In Visions of Vocation, Professor Steven Garber argues that our responsibility as humans is to be 'common grace for the common good.' He explores several themes, including:

- learning to have eyes that see and ears that hear; to see things rightly.

- what it means to know and [yet] love the world (AKA our neighbors), for we are "pilgrims in the ruins"—glories and shames all at once. 

- how to engage (and not be numbed by) the world and evil in it, for "They who know the most must mourn the deepest." (Lord Byron)

- understanding our responsibility in the world. "Knowing what you know about yourself and the world, what are you going to do?" With so much wrong in the world (and in ourselves), do we see ourselves as responsible? Can we make a difference?

- "we must not only know rightly, but do rightly." Brilliant people in history have done terrible things. "Knowing and doing are at the core of every examined life, but putting the two together is the most difficult challenge we face." "To have knowledge of means to have responsibility to means to have care for."

- the Hebrew concept of relationship, revelation, and responsibility, looking at how the Lord interacts with his people. "Each time a covenant is made, a relationship is offered, a revelation is given, and a responsibility is expected." The Lord is basically saying "Remember who I am. Remember who you are. Remember how you are to live." 

- the importance of the incarnation [God made flesh]. "Words have to become flesh." Its key meaning? "God knows us and still loves us." 

- vocation as integral (not incidental) to our mission. We are to be 'hints of hope', knowing and yet loving others (not just coworkers but the world at large) in and through our daily jobs.

- learning to live proximately—understanding the failures, futilities, and learning that something is better than nothing, even as isn't everything [i.e. perfection].

Overall, this is an excellent work. Garber references many examples from artists throughout history as well as personal experience, all revolving around the above concepts. The book did get repetitive, and it wasn't a systematic or exhaustive look at these topics by any means, but it was helpful and thought-provoking.

Rating: A-

Superman and the Savior

I re-watched Man of Steel with my boys today, completing our exploration of Superman on film. Since April, we have watched all six modern movies that focus on the Big Blue Boy Scout. Below are links to each film, in release order, with my grade of each following.

Superman the Movie (B-)
Superman II (C+)
Superman III (D+)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (C-)

Superman Returns (B+)

Man of Steel (A-)

Like most superhero stories, Superman tales often explore the concept of a uniquely powerful person and the questions that arise from that, including:

- what is their responsibility? Does their ability give them a mandate? If so, what?

- under whose authority are they?

- how/why are they special? What makes them so?

- what are their weaknesses?

- what are their limitations?

- what are their joys? What are they 'allowed' to enjoy given their 'otherness'?

- are they human in any degree? How so (or not)?

- who are their enemies? Are they also uniquely powerful?

- should we regular humans see ourselves in these stories? Can we imitate those with great powers, or admire them only? How can we be 'superheroes' in our lives?

- who pays for all the property damage?*

Implicit in some of these questions are higher-level ones:

- what is wrong with the world?

- why can't we fix it?

- who can?

- why do we hope for someone outside ourselves? What does that tell us about our belief in humanity?

All worthy questions for reflection. Most stories have them in some way.

As I think briefly on these films, I believe our conceptions of Superman are a statement of what we  kind of a savior we want. In this, we see a window into our souls. So here are just a few thoughts on the theology of Superman films, looking back at the above movies for frequent themes:

- we acknowledge the world is not the way it should be. There is death, injustice, tragedy, and other terrible things. 

- we acknowledge humans need someone to fix it—someone who can do things we cannot.

- we want that person to be strong and beautiful, physically and spiritually.

- we want that person to inspire us to do what we can to right the wrongs in the world. 

- we want to be able to control that person. We look for ways to contain or weaken them.

- we don't want him to be able to control us. We want salvation only, with no expectation of response on our part other than gratitude. 

In a sense, these films show us the reality that we both require and reject a savior. We know we need one, but on our terms.

If you know the Jesus of the Bible, think on him and how he differs from (or is similar to) the above. 

- Isaiah 53 is a good place to start. Jesus had no beauty that we should desire him (v2), he was despised and rejected by men (v3), yet he bore our griefs (v4) and transgressions (v5) and took the our iniquity upon Himself even as we strayed (v6). He saved us from what really matters—our sin—but doesn't wear a cape or have amazing abs. 

- Jesus' salvation is not without cost to us. He demands that we follow him, obey him, and to lay down our lives as a living sacrifice for him (salvation frees us from the slavery of sin and makes us slaves of God). 

- Jesus is making all things new and commands that we participate by using our gifts (given by him). Yet he knows our weakness; we can do nothing without him, and so our lives are an ongoing dependence for the strength to do what is right and live transformed lives, seeking to glorify God and be a blessing to each other as we are called to do.

So much more could be said here . . . but for the sake of time, I think this introduction highlights the main differences between our conception of a Savior presented in Superman movies and the one presented in the Bible. The films have echoes of powerful messages, but miss the mark in other ways. So, as with all content, we 1) enjoy what reflects the good and true even as we 2) reject the false parts of a message.

*a joke. But honestly . . . most Superman films have a good deal of destruction. Like, a lot. 

Batman, Volume 10: Epilogue

In Batman: Epilogue, we get a variety of stand-alone stories that wrap up the larger story arc that was itself part of the "New 52" series. These tales are largely reflective, looking at the nature of Batman, Gotham, and Bruce Wayne. One looks forward to a dystopian future where cloning plays a major role.

This conclusion was decent, if not as cohesive as I'd like. Actually, that's true of all ten volumes in this series—a number of interesting story lines that don't always tie together in ways I could see. (Perhaps I was supposed to read parallel "New 52" titles to get a fuller picture? I'm not sure.) The first few volumes, focusing on Court of Owls, was the highlight for me.

Rating: B

Superman Returns

Superman has been missing for five years. 

Lois Lane has moved on, living a storied life with a beau and son, as she enjoys the Pulitzer won for her article Why the World Doesn't Need Superman. But everything is about to change . . . for Lex Luthor has weaseled his way out of prison, into an inheritance, and has his sights on yet another evil scheme to remake the world to his liking. Only one person can stop him. And thankfully, Superman has returned.

This 2006 film was ostensibly the sequel to Superman II, ignoring Superman III and Superman IV because they deviated from the original two films. And this movie does a great job of capturing that original magic—the characterizations are spot on for Clark/Superman, Lois, Perry, Jimmy, and Lex. It was solidly done, with much better effects and a decent (if predictable) story line. The one thing I enjoyed the most was the following dialogue, as Superman challenges Lois' assertion that the world doesn't need a savior:

Superman: Listen; what do you hear?
Lois Lane: Nothing.
Superman: I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.

Very true. Superman is an echo; a reminder of our inadequacy and need. The film's not all gold—there are some questionable things—but the main point is solid.

Rating: B+

Batman, Volume 9: Bloom

Shortly after Superheavy . . .

Bloom is proving too much for James Gordon's Batman. And everyone else, too. Bruce Wayne has survived but has no memory of his former life (and no desire to return to it). But when all else fails, he may have no choice . . . 

This one was a mixed bag. Bloom is an interesting supervillain. Bruce Wayne's return was okay, even if that was predictable (and the means to bring it about far-fetched). Overall it feels this story arc is rollicking from one heavy event to the next, from Riddler to Joker to Bloom. The intensity remains high and I'm wondering where this is all going. 

Rating: B+

Andor: Season 2

After Andor Season 1 . . .

Cassian Andor ponders his role—if any—in the Rebellion, as he and Bix eke out a difficult existence.

Luthen Rael and his assistant, Kreya, continue their mysterious mission and dubious methods.

Senator Mon Mothma navigates a double life of prestige and covert support for those who resist the Emperor.

Dedra Meero, Imperial Security Bureau, closes in on Luthen while learning not is all as it seems in Palpatine's Empire.

----------

Here, the 12 episodes are divided into four three-episode 'pieces', each set a year after the former and counting down to the Battle of Yavin (Star Wars Episode IV)—the first three are set in BBY 4, the second three in BBY 3, and so on. And obviously, it sets the stage for Rogue One.

Season 2 started slowly. I wasn't a fan after the first episode or two . . . but wow did it end up blowing me away. Like the first season, this one is about sacrifice, but it packs a bigger punch this time around. You know how it ends for most of the characters . . . but the show draws you in with suspense and struggle (both internal to characters and between those on the same side). And they do a good job portraying both noble actions and annoying flaws in characters on both sides—you know who the good guys are, but they do some extreme things, making you feel the complexity and difficulty of the time. 

The storytelling, both within a given episode and between them, skims along the wavetops (like a Hemingway novel)—a lot goes unsaid, implied, in the shadows. The subtlety was brilliantly done and a refreshing change from the "hand-holding" a lot of modern television shows do. 

In short, it is an unusual but refreshing Star Wars offering, and one most welcome. Now to re-watch Rogue One.

Rating: A

Batman, Volume 8: Superheavy

Shortly after Joker's endgame . . . 

Batman is missing and presumed dead. Commissioner Gordon agrees to take up the mantle, operating within the existing city police structure rather than as a mercenary. As he learns the role, he squares off against the latest supervillain . . . Bloom has been preying on Gotham's underworld, giving people temporary surges of power that always end poorly. His goal is unclear, but his power is undeniable . . . and without the real Batman around, what hope does Gotham have?

This is an interesting twist to Batman's story . . . parts were rushed, but it was solid overall. Ending on a cliffhanger, I look forward to see where it goes.

Rating: A-

Hope for All the Earth (Mitchell Chase)

"The whole Old Testament is the story of Jesus Christ," but it can be hard to remember that when reading various parts. In this book, Mitchell Chase summarizes the Old Testament—from Creation to fall to Abraham to Egypt to Exodus to David to exile to return to prophetic silence—in just 86 pages. Along the way, he points out how Jesus fulfills (and has foreshadowing echoes in) these ancient texts.

In such a short book, you'd expect over-simplification, and there were occasionally spots that felt like important omissions. That said, I was impressed. It is a solid summary, it does point to Jesus, and I did learn a few things.

Rating: A

Batman, Volume 7: Endgame

The Joker is back, and he's not fooling around. Well, he is, but this time it's different. He is intent on a final showdown with Batman, and wants to see him fall for good. When the Clown Prince spreads gas over Gotham, turning even allies against Batman, Bruce realizes now is the time to pull no punches. But this time, even his best may not be enough . . .

This is a decent story told too quickly. There are cool plot points, and familiar storytelling boundaries are crossed, signaling that this is indeed different. But it's too rushed. Still, I am intrigued at what comes next.

Rating: B