Proud Informant of the Secret CIA

"The Bush administration has launched a 'significant escalation' of COVERT operations in Iran, sending U.S. commandos to spy on the country's..."

Ok. Let's freeze it right there. Now I may not be the sharpest monk in the drawer, and I am all for freedom of the press and all but does anyone else think that this is story http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/29/us.iran/index.html is a little bit too informative? Isn't the whole point of "covert operations" meant to be, well covert? And if one were to reveal such a mission wouldn't that defeat the purpose of the operation?

I'm so glad that CNN wasn't around for the Revolutionary War. We probably would have received a news bulletin about Gen. Washington secretly crossing the Deleware on Christmas Eve to suprise the British.

In other news, CNN will now be handing out T-Shirts to identify members of the Secret Relocation Service.

How the Amish Will Save the World

The Amish have the opportunity to save the world. They just need to step up from their black wagons of luxury and make it happen. How are they going to do this you ask? Two words: Friendship bread.

I don't know why someone else hasn't suggested this idea before. It could be that our Amish friends don't spend as much time on blogs and the internet as the rest of us monks (fair enough). But that shouldn't stop them from saving the world through the delectable bakery goodness.

Too far fetched you say? I don't think so.

1) God did the same thing when he led the children of Israel through Egypt. He just called it manna. Sure people may gripe some but in the end, they will have a full tummy of friendship while they gripe.

2) Who doesn't love friendship bread? Whenever my friends bring it over, I feel more like promoting world peace, being neighborly and other stuff that would probably take more thought.

3) Maybe I am having writer's block from my sermon that I ams supposed to be writing right now.

4). You got to love those Amish

What a Fun Day!

How beautiful are the feet who bring good news!

Today, I got to be to be the bearer of good news to some of my fellow monks in Papua New Guinea. As it turns out, one of our interns from internships past just decided that he is going to be a Bible Translator in Papua New Guinea. How incredible is that!

When I wrote the branch about the news, the director wrote: "We are all jumping for joy over here. We were just talking about this intern last night wondering what it would take to get him over here. It is nice to see prayers being answered before we even get around to praying them. This is going to be a huge boost to everyone here."

New Recruits response: "Thanks Nate. I have tears in my eyes."

You are not the only one my friend. To God be the glory!

Are you serious America?

I have decided that the Midwestern Monk will not be accepting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don't try to talk me into it. After much thought and at least one cup of coffee, I have decided that I must not accept this offer. Ever. No matter how many fan letters I get, tears that are shed by the children or the constant pleading of Sally Struthers, the Midwestern Monk must decline this "honor" for the sake of humanity.

It was just recently decided that 25 new "stars" would be given stars on the Walk of Fame. Uncle Jesse was one of the recepients. http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/06/20/hollywood.walk.ap/index.html

If I am reading this right, America you are telling me that in the same walk way of John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Jimmy Stewart and the like that someone looked around and said, "What the murph! Uncle Jesse doesn't have a star? This is an outrage!"

I hope Congress didn't spend too much time correcting this tragedy.

I need a nap.

Overheard at the Monestary

"I gave up swimming trunks for lent and I've never gone back."

God's Commentary

Sometimes I ask the Lord why He hasn't returned yet. It has been almost 2,000 years since He left this earth in bodily form.

I get impatient and wonder why Jesus is so "slow" in returning. But as one of my fellow monks said to me yesterday, "every sunrise is God's commentary that our work isn't finished yet."

As I walk away from our annual training event at Pioneer Bible Translators, I am reminded once again how BIG God's mission is and how this work can only be done through His empowering.

I am also reminded by Peter's words in II Peter 3:9 when he writes, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentence."

As I sit here this Saturday morning, I know there is much work left to be done and I am thankful that Jesus is patient with us in giving us another day to help everyone come to repentence.

Why Didn't I take the Blue Pill?

Last Thursday, I sent an e-mail to my prayer supporters asking them to pray for the Mrs. Midwestern Monk and I as we begin training our summer interns.

What I didn't know is that right after sending out this e-mail that I was going to go down with Malaria like a coked up monkey on trapeze wire.

Yep, I got malaria while in Africa and just now came down with it. In case you are wondering, malaria hides in your liver and then comes out when you are fatigued or stressed. Check and check.

Lindsay said at one point that I was comatose and not responding to any of her questions. All I know is that the extremes of chills to extreme fever aren't as fun as you might think. Ok, I don't know anyone who would think this is fun but I thought I might leave the door open for some lost soul.

On top of not preventing my malaria, the doxycycline I was taking also gave me thrush (I would show a picture but it would make a billy goat puke...or at least me).

So in short Isay to you "Doxycycline", thanks for nothing. You will not be getting a Christmas card from the Midwestern Monk.