Get a Clue

Here is an early banner design for our upcoming Sherlock Holmes series, "Get a Clue." It's a very unique series, one that I'm fairly proud of now that I've finished the messages for it. We refer to the powers of observation frequently, and even make reference to a few of his most famous cases, although everything is toned down for a more younger audience. I might even post one message below, actually. The research for this has been quite enjoyable, as I've ravenously read just about every Sherlock Holmes story imaginable. I'm reading them all chronologically, and at present have just finished "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes." In this series, we've met Mycroft Holmes and the dastardly Professor Moriarty. Mommy and Daddy have watched several movies thus far, but keep missing opportunities to see the one in the theater right now. That might have to wait until later, I suppose.

Today Madison was on the couch, with the ottoman pushed out a bit to make passage between the two. I still contend that "ottoman" is a weird word. Anyway, she was acting as a toll booth attendant, asking us to pay imaginary money in order to pass by. So like our current administration, we paid her imaginary money - even counting it out. The price kept going up too. She's learning fast! She told us, "Ten money." We argued, but the price was five just moments ago. "Ten money," she repeated. Oh well, we paid her ten imaginary bills and walked through her enterprise.

It was yet another inside day. I'm getting tired of typing that, but the weather outside, while not as formidable as this past Friday, is still not quite the kind to go out and frolic in.

Still, there's plenty to do inside. For example: ballet practice. Madison has her own little bar she drags downstairs, and here she is doing some warm-ups. This is all on her own: maybe she's getting serious about being a ballerina! We've already looked into some schools for this, perhaps to enroll her in a few classes next fall. She really does love ballet - today we had on the background a Chinese New Year celebration gala that we watch once a year, and during that video some ballerinas were dancing onstage. She stopped what she was doing to watch the dancers pose and move about on point. When Daddy attempted the same moves, it didn't quite turn out right...

We continued our Mulan-athon today, finishing up with "Mulan 2," as Mommy and Madison snuggled on the couch. Both have been feeling a bit under the weather, so it was actually best we stay at home today. Initially, we had plans to go out - but it was probably the smarter idea to stay home. Daddy did go out today, getting some more insulation for the house, for our little storage rooms. As much as I type about it, I'll probably have to take a picture of the area in question: it's been quite chilly there this week.

We did do quite a bit of piano practice, and Madison spent some time coloring on the computer using a painting program. Before bed tonight we had a funny moment where Madison had to change her baby's diaper. She clenched her fingers over her nose and indicated to us that there was a stinky diaper there. We patiently waited for Madison to change the diaper and put the baby's new pajamas on - and then it was time for bed for everyone. That's right: Daddy got into bed, turned his nightstand light on, and started plowing into yet another Sherlock Holmes adventure!

In one most curious case, our great detective discovers a mystery: where is the decent man with a sterling reputation? And just who is this other unusual person that wears a twisted lip, and is found nearby the place where our good gentleman disappeared?

The solution to the puzzle is remarkable: they are both one and the same! This individual was wearing a disguise! At night, the culprit is a faithful husband and family man. But during the day he transforms into something else entirely.

As devious as this rascal may seem, the truth of the matter is this: we all have a temptation to live a double life. Know this: God can see through any disguise. If you think you’re fooling everyone, you need to get a clue! It’s time for us to take off the masks with one another, and show ourselves as we truly are.

We all want to appear as perfect Christians, but the facts sometimes may not match up. That’s why it’s best to be honest with one another. In our Bibles, James said it best when he told us to admit to each other our shortcomings – and pray with one another.

God puts people in our lives for just this purpose. Imagine Sherlock Holmes without his good friend Dr. James Watson. The good doctor is on hand to help, and believe it or not, to even scold his companion from time to time when he is not behaving right. Do you have a good friend, someone you can confide in? Is it someone who will speak honestly with you, and straighten you out when you go off the right path? Look around and pray: God will send you a sidekick!

As the nighttime descends on Victorian London’s underworld, the fog rolls across the cityscape, hiding a great many misdeeds. That’s usually when it is up to our team of heroes to catch those villains in the murky darkness. You can help: Don’t let the sun go down on your sinful nature – and don’t give the devil a chance. Stop sin’s diabolical plans, and you too can be like our hero in his battle against the gloomy shadows.