2:30 am

I tried. I really tried! But, I'm awake.

I love my Kindle. It is the best thing for a rapid, random reader (like the alliteration?) like myself. I read books quickly and I read a lot of books at the same time. To have all of the books that I am reading available in one container? Absolutely awesome.

However, even the Kindle couldn't help me tonight. I started out by reading a commentary on 1st Peter (which is what I am studying in the Pour Out a Blessing blog). I figured that should put me to sleep quickly. Oh no ... it gave me a word I didn't understand. There's a dictionary on the Kindle, so I tried to look it up. Nope. Alright, Wikipedia is available on the Kindle. Nope. No help. Just put it out of your mind, Diane. You can look it up tomorrow.

Just FYI, I've already looked it up. Haustafeln

The Domestic Code material followed ancient patterns widely discussed in the first century family or household. Typically these discussions centered on how the various members of the family (wife, children, slaves) were to relate to the dominating male (husband=father=master) of the household. In the early Christian pattern the discussion of responsibilities flowed both directions and often centered on the male's obligations to the other members of the family. Thus the NT texts will be developed in pairs: wife/husband; children/father; slave/master. Not every passage will contain all three sets relationships, but the ones that do surface will be discussed from both sides of the relationship.

The following procedure is suggested for identifying and interpreting Haustafeln in the New Testament:
1. Identify the Haustafeln in the NT by holding to the more specific definition the "domestic" or "household" codes. These occur in Col. 3.18-4.1; Eph. 5.22-6.9; 1 Tim. 2.8-15; 6.1-2; Tit. 2.1-10; 1 Pet. 2.11-3.7.

2. Gain a broad understanding of the origin and purpose of the NT Haustafeln. For this purpose the reader is encouraged to begin with NIDNTT, s.v. "Haustafeln" and to continue more in-depth research by investigating primary source material.

3. The greatest exegetical energy should be reserved for understanding the actual content of the codes and their role in the epistle. The major commentaries and leading studies are the interpreter's primary tools. The most recent leading studies include: Balch, Domestic Code; Charles Talbert, ed., Perspectives on First Peter (Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1986). Cf. also Crouch, Colossian Haustafeln.

Well, that was obviously not putting me to sleep. I finished "Coffin Dancer" by Jeffery Deaver. Still not asleep. I wonder what the next book is chronologically by Deaver? I'm going to have to look that up on Wikipedia so I can buy the next one.

I started reading "Assassination Vacation" by Sarah Vowell. Hmmmm ... I wonder where I found this book? Why is it on here? Oh, I think I read about this on ... maybe Tena's blog? Alright. Fine. Let's try this. Nope, I'm still wondering where it came from. Fine. Leave it. Deal with that tomorrow morning.

Alright. I'm not really into steampunk sci fi, but I know that I should read some William Gibson. I've tried starting "Neuromancer" several times. If I can just get past the first chapter and let the characters become part of my life, I'll probably really like it. But, I can also guarantee that getting past the first chapter will put me to sleep.

Hmmmm ... the battery is starting to die on the Kindle. It's been going for a few days. I have to remember to plug it in before I fall asleep. Every few seconds I glance down again to ensure that there is still enough. Diane! There are still two full bars available. Quit obsessing. Quit being distracted. Read. And relax.

Leica is sleeping on top of the blanket rather than curled up against the back of my knees. Sheesh, that's annoying. "What's up, little girl?" And she looks at me and tries to ignore the fact that I'm bothering her. I kick around a little more and she moves further away from my feet. Ok - this isn't going to work.

Now, relax. Surely there's a book on here that will help you relax and fall asleep. Oh damn, now I have to pee.

Well ... here I am. In front of my computer. I've looked up the things that were bothering me. The Empty Chair by Jeffery Deaver is now being delivered by Amazon Whispernet to my Kindle, I'm not quickly finding Tena's reference to "Assassination Vacation" and I now understand what the author of the commentary on 1 Peter kept referring to. My Kindle is plugged in while I'm away from it and the dog has crawled under the covers - this time I'm certain she's snuggled up against Max. That's just fine with me.

It's taken me 20 minutes to type this and grab all of the links. Good thing I don't have to get up in the morning!