Lamponian Wisdom

Birthday Reflections

2011-05-04T06:12:00.001-05:00

As I celebrate my 33rd birthday today, I find myself looking back in awe of all of the opportunities and experiences God has given to me. I am amazed that this little kid from Pennsboro, WV would get to see and do so much!

I have now lived in 5 different states and travelled to many more. I have seen the great cities of New York and London, and the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and the arches and deserts of Utah. I have seen the monuments of Washington, D.C. and the battlefields of Gettysburg and Antietam. I have jumped out of an airplane and snorkeled in the ocean. I have swam with dolphins and ridden on a camel. I have hiked in both the Rocky and Appalachain Mountains and walked on the beaches of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. I have seen the last standing Wonder of the World, the Great Pyramids of Egypt and sailed down the Nile River. I have had opportunities to serve halfway around the world in Indonesia with ESL and five minutes from my front door with Habitat for Humanity.

I have experienced the deepest heartaches and the most exhilerating joys. I have gone on a 7 day silent retreat and a 40 day fast, and celebrated with throngs in a stadium and feasted on the finest steak dinners. I have mourned the loss of all four of my grandparents and an uncle, and celebrated the birth of two nephews and a niece. I have lied awake in the longest lonely hours of the night, and watched my beautiful bride walk down the aisle to me. I now get to spend the rest of my life with the most beautiful, amazing woman in the world who is my very best friend. Many great friends have passed through my life and thankfully some remain and will always share this journey with me.

I have tried and failed at both surfing and dancing. I have gone to school for financial planning and massage therapy but am not currently practicing either. I have seen Lifehouse in concert 5 times. I still have my Saturn. I have been able to make a lot of people laugh, and hopefully made very few cry. My family has always been there for me, and I love them very much. I also love my new in-laws and look forward to getting to know them more. My life is ridiculously blessed. I hope I have been able to share that blessing with others.

I will close with words oddly coming from Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins. "All credit belongs to God, who thought this whole thing up."

The Poor You Will Always Have With You

2011-04-02T03:58:00.006-05:00

I always feel frustrated when this verse gets abused as a condescension towards work to alleviate poverty and suffering. The point, I think, is mainly in the words that come next, "But you will not always have Me." Jesus' argument was not to say to stop working to alleviate poverty but to recognize the unique circumstances of what was happening at that moment.

Along with my new church's current sermon series which often deals with such matters, I have been binging this year on reading books calling Christians to wake up from the stupor of our culture and become aware of our call to serve those in desperate need. So far this has included "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger", "Charity in Truth" and "Radical". Pope Benedict's work has been my favorite, but all have something valuable to share. I would also recommend some of my past reads including "The End of Poverty" and "Living High and Letting Die" which are secular reads from an economist and a philosopher, respectively.

I am finding several challenges in attempting to live out the calling these authors inspire me to do. One of these is that if I am not careful, I can drive myself crazy with guilt. As David Platt, the author of Radical points out, nearly everything we purchase as Americans is relatively speaking a luxury when considered on a global scale. For instance, I could have eaten much more simply yesterday (and presumably shared the savings with those in need), but instead for the luxury of convenience I ate out for both lunch and dinner, all the while knowing the problems of hunger that largely come from our horribly discriminating global distribution network of food. Is what I ate wrong?

Another hazard is that being passionate about this kind of thing can lead a person to become very judgmental of others. Displays of overt luxury from others start to become odious and one can easily begin to assume that these individuals are greedy and selfish when that might not be the case at all. Jesus' stern rebuke to Peter comes to mind here; "What is that to you? You must follow me."

Perhaps the biggest struggle is knowing at what point "balance" becomes "lukewarm." Material possessions are not inherently evil and we are free to enjoy them as we give thanks to God for them. But they also should also not become cumbersome obstacles towards sharing generously and loving others. Where that line is for each person and in each circumstance is ultimately between them and God, as we seek to obey the Word and be led by the Spirit. Father, help me to choose wisely and lovingly.

Please Reduce My Benefits and Raise My Taxes

2011-02-17T21:05:00.006-05:00

No, seriously. I am sick and tired of Americans who loudly complain about how big the federal government's budget deficit is and will be, and yet when pressed about which programs they want to be cut, they don't want to cut any of them. Further, when asked if they would accept a tax increase to reduce the deficit, they again say no. Guess what? It doesn't work that way.

I think it would be worth a tax increase to reduce or eliminate the budget deficit, and improve areas like infrastructure, education and energy independence. Ideally, this would come in the form of eliminating deductions and exemptions and lowering overall rates to move towards a simpler, flatter system while still increasing total tax revenues. Also, unlike 60% of Americans, I do not want the government to cut the less than 1% of the budget that goes to foreign aid. I would actually like to increase it to 1%. If you think you have it bad in this economy, try being among the billions of people who survive on less than $2 a day.

I would also like my social security age to be raised. Look, no one in my generation thinks Social Security is going to be around when we retire anyway, so go ahead and cut it so the numbers improve. Life expectancy has gone up since Social Security was created so the age in which benefits are received should also go up. If everyone on the right who claims to be against "big government" and for "individual responsibility" backs it up by supporting this, it can pass. No one is saying you can't still retire at a younger age, just that the government is not going to help you do it. Fair enough.

Joe Biden: Why I Could Never Make It The Other Side of the Aisle

2010-10-30T09:14:00.002-05:00

I wish I could stop being surprised by the inane things this guy says. Very immature for a supposed elder statesman of a party. Delaware is just ripe with political gaffe machines.

Even in a generally positive article about the Tea Party

2010-10-29T10:59:00.001-05:00

. . . the Economist had this to say, "Few tea-party candidates are as hapless as the overexposed Christine O’Donnell, the former campaigner against masturbation and present ignoramus whose selection as the Republican candidate in Delaware will probably cost the party a precious extra seat in the Senate."

Why All The Fuss?

2010-10-27T19:21:00.001-05:00

Christine O'Donnell, the surprise Tea Party-backed Senate candidate in Delaware, threatened to sue a local radio station if it did not turn over a videotape of an interview it conducted with her.
O'Donnell's campaign later apologized to the station for the threat, WDEL reports.

O'Donnell appeared on WDEL's "The Rick Jensen Show" Tuesday, during which she fielded several questions from listeners and the host. Upon the conclusion of the interview, an O'Donnell aide demanded video of the interview be turned over to the campaign and destroyed because such videotaping had not been previously approved.

It was then, according to WDEL, that O'Donnell herself threatened to sue the station if it did not comply with the request. WDEL also says it later fielded a phone call from O'Donnell campaign manager Matt Moran, who threatened to "crush" the station with a lawsuit if it did not agree to turn over the tape.

WDEL's attorney was soon involved and told the campaign there was nothing illegal about videotaping the interview for later use on the station's website and added that such action is protected by the First Amendment.

Upon further investigation, WDEL says O'Donnell's attorney called the station to apologize for the uproar and threat of litigation.

I am looking forward to Tuesday.

The Gift That Keeps Giving to Democrats?

2010-10-25T18:00:00.001-05:00

I wonder if Dr. Madonna has done research to support his theory or if it's just intuition.

And what's up with the typos in the story?

More Lies From the Moralist

2010-10-19T21:35:00.001-05:00

Yet another "False" or "Mostly False" statement from Christine O'Donnel according to the News Journal.

Yeah, It's Kind of Like That

2010-04-14T20:12:00.000-05:00

CNN: News for people with short attention spans

2010-02-20T14:25:00.002-05:00

I may have commented on this in the past, but it struck me again today. Why do I bother reading articles on CNN? They posted an article today on an Iranian naval destroyer that totals only 134 words yet has "Story Highlights" with three bullet points on the left. Why? In case you can't make it through the whole article in less than two minutes?

$866 billion

2010-02-08T13:47:00.002-05:00

I noticed an article this morning on CNN that Americans reduced their revolving credit for a record 11 straight months. This time it was at a clip of 8.5 billion. Not bad. At that rate, we'll zip through the $866 billion we've built up in a mere 8.5 years. Of course, we owe another $1.59 trillion in non-revolving debt, but at least this is a good baby step.

Will the trend continue once the economy improves or will people get sucked back in to the credit card debt treadmill?

Thought for the Day

2010-02-07T10:57:00.003-05:00

. . . conjectures as to why God does what He does are probably of no more value than my dog's ideas of what I am up to when I sit and read. But though we can only guess the reasons, we can at least observe the consistency of His ways. - C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms

Dig It

2010-02-07T09:54:00.006-05:00

Well. This is going to take awhile.

Making progress.

Behold, one lone, brave Saturn emerges from the grasping clutch of ice and snow.

The Problem with Palin

2010-02-07T07:21:00.002-05:00

An AP article on Sarah Palin's convention speech to the Tea Party noted that her message was "was short on ideas but big on enthusiasm." Doesn't that describe Palin as a whole? In the 3 years she's been in the public spotlight, I have yet to hear her offer any concrete proposals on anything. "Lower taxes"? Seriously? We're running trillion dollar deficits with no end in sight and you want to lower taxes? I seem to recall that the government was running surpluses and paying down the national debt before Bush's tax cuts. How's that Laffer curve working out? Yes, I know, the big issue is spending, but as Obama's freeze on discretionary spending outside defense, Social Security and Medicare showed, there's only so much that can be accomplished with spending cuts if these larger entitlement programs are not specifically addressed and no politician including Palin currently has the machismo to actually do so.

A friend and fellow blogger offered that Palin should be considered for the head of the RNC rather than running for office again. I would rather her be the head of the Tea Party and be out of the ranks and mention of my party altogether.

Sensationalist Meteorolgy

2010-02-04T21:12:00.002-05:00

So apparently we're in for yet another winter weekend snowstorm. I flipped over to accuweather, and the map of the US has this area highlighted as "Paralyzing." Really? Paralyzing? The areas around the center are merely "Disruptive." I think an accumulation amount would have been more helpful and informative. When did we start showing dopplar radar with descriptors like paralyzing and disruptive? If it's 70 and sunny, is it "Charming", "Winsome" or "Relaxing"?

The sad thing is that it's still better than the Weather Channel's website where half the page is taken up by advertisements for assorted medications.

Obama Bashing

2010-02-04T05:41:00.003-05:00

I am so tired of all the Obama bashing. It's strangely reminiscent of all the Bush bashing that I also grew tired of. Last night I heard someone comment that "all we'll have left is a few sets of clothes" by the time Obama leaves office. Really? I'm as frustrated as everyone else about the horrible budget deficits that we are running, but to add a little perspective, By tenure, the largest increases in gross debt relative to GDP, to date, occurred under George H.W. Bush (+11.2%), George W. Bush (+11.9%), and Ronald Reagan (+18.5%).

Reflections

2010-01-30T09:54:00.002-05:00

I just picked Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis off the shelf. I am not the biggest fan of the Psalms so I was reticent to delve into it, but I am finding Lewis to once again be a very helpful guide. I was struck this morning by his insights. Regarding "The Cursings", Lewis pens,

It seems that there is a general rule in the moral universe which may be formulated "The higher, the more in danger . . . It is great men, potential saints, not little men, who become merciless fanatics. Those who are readiest to die for a cause may easily become those who are readiest to kill for it . .. The higher the stakes, the greater the temptation to lose your temper over the game.

If I am never tempted, and cannot imagine myself being tempted, to gamble, that does not mean that I am better than those who are. The timidity and pessimism which exempt me from that temptation themselves tempt me to draw back from those risks and adventures which every man ought to take.

For the Supernatural, entering a human soul, opens to it new possibilities both of good and evil. From that point the road branches: one way to sanctity, love, humility and the other to spiritual pride, self-righteousness, persecuting zeal. And no way back to the humdrum virtues and vices of the unawakened soul. If the Divine call does not make us better, it will make us very much worse. Of all bad men religious bad men are the worst. Of all created beings the wickedest is one who originally stood in the immediate presence of God. There seems no way out of this. It gives a new application to Our Lord's words about "counting the cost."

Partisan Radio

2010-01-13T22:19:00.002-05:00

The other night I was driving home from class and flipped through stations on AM radio. For a few minutes I listened to a conservative show (I think it was Shawn Hannity), and later I listened to a liberal show. It was really quite comical. Both sides were fully convinced that their opponents were equal parts ignorant and evil. At one point a more sensible and moderate caller got on and said something along the lines of , "I don't think [insert party name here] took this position just because they are evil and hate America. They probably have a reason for their position." At which point the commentator started backpedaling and claiming nonpartisanship.

Here are a few points: First, don't get all of your news from just once source, whether it be Fox News, NPR, CNN or the Wall Street Journal. Second, understand that partisan radio shows are not news. They are entertainment and/or propaganda machines. Third, try to allow room for the idea that your political opponents are not evil incarnate who hate everyone and everything while you and your political affiliates are God's gift to the world and will set everything right. Fourth, read the Economist to get an idea of what depth of research and commentary actually looks like from a news source.

Thank you and God bless America.

Widget

2009-11-19T06:35:00.001-05:00

Pastoral Staff Blog

2009-10-25T15:06:00.001-05:00

Wow, I didn't realize our pastoral staff at BVBC had a blog, did you? Check it ou t.

Shoot The Moon

2009-10-09T06:49:00.003-05:00

Man, this country love blowing stuff up.

Does this mark a departure in President Obama's foreign policy? Is this an unprovoked, preemptive, unilateral attack on the Martians?

And The Award Goes To . . .

2009-10-09T05:51:00.004-05:00

President Obama. I was surprised to hear on the news this morning that he received the Nobel Peace Prize. Admittedly my initial reaction was "for what?" It is not as though he has brokered peace between Israel and the Palestinians, resolved Iran or North Korea's nuclear ambitions, ended the genocide in Darfur, improved the situation in Afghanistan or made any other obvious signs of tangible progress.

I think though there was a shrewd acknowledgment to the change in tone that can make for better peace in the future with this award. No, Obama hasn't brought lasting peace and a successful resolution to the Middle East. Neither have past presidents or Nobel peace prize winners. What Obama does bring is a willingness to engage first in diplomacy with enemies and cooperation with allies rather than a shoot first, ask questions later unilaterism that undermines a global rule of law and global efforts to resolve multinational conflicts, hopefully without military force.

I can already feel the seething anger bubbling up from many Republicans. Fox News already ridiculed the award, and one show host mockingly asked, "Isn't there cash involved with this too, like a million dollars?" as though the President were trying to attempt a different foreign policy tact for the sake of winning a prize and a million dollars. I mean, really, how incredibly ignorant is that statement? No doubt conservative pundits will also lament how the whole world is simply fawning over the charismatic leader and fallen under his spell. Yet over 20 years later Republicans still fawn over Reagan, "The Great Communicator" with nearly evangelical fervor so I don't understand the resentment; it seems more like jealousy to me.

Obviously only time will tell if Obama's strategy and efforts will prove to be successful. But personally, I am proud of my new president for winning this award, and the recognition from the global community that it imparts that we are not a closed minded, arrogant, bullying, war mongering nation. It gives us renewed credibility which in turns grants a certain amount of leverage in future efforts at dealing with those who would act violently against us or other members of the global community.

So congratulations Mr. President. May we all renew our prays for wisdom and strength for you and all of our leaders to work towards peace.

I Am My Beloved's

2009-07-20T10:21:00.003-05:00

During my retreat, I was also reminded of the beautiful song "As I Am" by the Violet Burning.

Mary, she knows
In a world that's dark
Torn apart at the seams
She lifts up her eyes
Up to the skies
And sings

"I am my beloved's
And he loves me as I am"

Sometimes it's hard
Though patiently
You wait for the time to see

Whose are you?
(Tell me)
Whose are you?

I am my beloved's
And he loves me as I am

Light of the world
Please, come shine on me

Sometimes I cry
In a world that's dark
Torn apart at the seams
Sometimes I cry
For I am weak

Light of the world
Please, come shine on me

Reflecting on this some more, I was able to determine the following. Because I am my Beloved's:

I will not fear mistakes at work or the rebuke and correction of my superiors, for his affection for me is secure.
I will not be anxious at the deterioration of my wealth from the fluctuations of the economy, for he will grace me with contentment in poverty. Nor will I become greedy at the expansion of the same, for all is from him and belongs to him.
I will not be grieved in loneliness, for his presence is with me as brother, friend, savior and king.
While making all good efforts to maintain health, strength and vitality, I will not fear sickness, aging and death, for this veil and earthly tent must fall and I will share in his likeness in glory and resurrection.
I will be charitable to my neighbor, whom he also loves, while at appropriate times and ways enjoying, rejoicing and giving thanks in his manifold blessings.
I will continue to pursue the knowledge of and intimacy with Christ, the lover of my soul.
I will continue to seek to be filled with and controlled by the Spirit, my help and comforter.
I will continue to fear, honor, glorify and obey the Father, the giver of every good and perfect gift.
I will not waste my time in idle pursuits, for I am responding to a higher calling worthy of my full attention and efforts.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

The Abundant Life

2009-07-20T10:13:00.002-05:00

My recent 7 Day Silent Guided Retreat at the Jesuit Center was a time of deep spiritual restoration for me. I went in feeling disillusioned, cynical, skeptical and generally fatigued and apathetic. I left feeling focused, confident and refreshed. One of my nagging questions going into the retreat was "What can I expect from God without risk of disappointment?" In a contemplation of John 10:10, it became more clear that what is promised is "life abundantly" not necessarily "abundance in life." We are not promised a prosperous, middle-class suburban American lifestyle with a spouse, 2.3 children, a dog, and a white picket fence. Rather we are offered peace in the midst of hardship, contentment in the midst of scarcity and poverty, acceptance in the midst of rejection, friendship in the midst of loneliness, righteousness in the midst of an evil world and life in the midst of death.

The Duration of Perfection

2009-07-17T20:14:00.003-05:00

A most random and startling observation came across my mind this evening. Scripture does not indicate how long Adam and Eve were together before the fall. It could have been one year, one hundred years, one billion years. We simply don't know. Presumably, since there was no death there also was not aging. Although the earth rotated and revolved, it as though the reality of time had not yet become part of the human experience. Did monotony not fatigue them and dull their senses the way it does ours? Perhaps that is why there have not been more fictional stories written on life before the fall. Still, one could find room to speculate. Was Eve simply looking for some drama when she picked up the fruit? I mean, what do you talk about when the weather is always perfect, there are no neighbors or children and work is not a chore? Did they travel at all or stay within close confines of the garden? What do you do when all your days are spent in blissful perfection?

Bad Drivers

2009-07-12T11:06:00.002-05:00

This video was also a topic of discussion at lunch on Friday.

Modern Life

2009-07-12T10:53:00.002-05:00

Someone at work passed this along the other day. Quite funny.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien - Everything's Amazing, Nobody's Happy (10/2/08) - Video - NBC.com - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Courage

2009-07-02T21:31:00.003-05:00

I started upon an interesting conversation tonight on the theme of courage. Many great people have said many great things on the subject and yet it is not something I hear much of today. This is something I want to investigate further.

A little something to whet the appetite:

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. - C.S. Lewis

A nation which has forgotten the quality of courage which in the past has been brought to public life is not as likely to insist upon or regard that quality in its chosen leaders today - and in fact we have forgotten. - John F. Kennedy

Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm. - Winston Churchill

When Is It Okay To Change Charities?

2009-06-20T12:37:00.004-05:00

So I've had this sort of nagging dilemma in the back of my mind for awhile. What do you do when the charities you have been giving to for years are no longer at the core of the causes you are most passionate about? Nothing has materially changed in these ministries that makes them less worthy of support. Rather, it is being exposed to new needs and opportunities and changing interests that is driving the potential change. And, for the moment let's assume the constraint that additional amounts of new giving are not feasible, and let's also assume that all of the charities currently being given to are in need of more not less support. Do you make the change at all? If so, do you completely switch or hedge your bets and go half and half?

And, for the sake of discussion, let's add that "just pray about it" is not an acceptable answer to this post.

More Crappy Legislation from Congress

2009-06-13T06:26:00.004-05:00

I am absolutely disgusted with the recent car voucher legislation being proposed by Congressional Democrats. The proposal would

provide up to $4,500 in vouchers to car buyers

with the requirements being

New cars must get at least 22 miles per gallon, while sport utilities and pickups -- the biggest sellers for U.S. manufacturers -- must achieve at least 18 mpg. Vehicles priced at over $45,000 are not eligible.

So let me get this straight. You want to give away my tax dollars to people so they can buy a car that costs up to 3x as much as I paid for my Saturn and gets as much as 36% worse fuel economy that my car which is 8 years old?

Vote them all out!!!!!

Movie Review: Up

2009-05-30T19:12:00.001-05:00

So, I just saw "Up" in 3D. On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 4.5. Very slow moving at times. I may have chucked once but never laughed.

Adventure - Part 2 - Skydiving

2009-05-30T13:41:00.005-05:00

Off we go!
Linked up!

Looking for the green light

Oh crap!! What did I just get myself into!

Watch that first step!
Whew, they remembered to pack the 'shute.

What a view.

Neener, neener!
Look! No hands.
You can rest; I'll take it from here.

5,000 feet, pull the cord.
Weeeeeeee!!!!!!Touchdown! Nice leg.

Finished!

Adventure - Part 1 - Hiking Harpers Ferry

2009-05-30T13:30:00.005-05:00

Recently I enjoyed a great time hiking around Harpers Ferry. Aside from misreading an errant mark on the map and following a trail that technically didn't exist it was a good time.

I was also able to take in some walking along the C&O Canal.

There was a lot of wildlife, from two little inchworms

to one big snake

And then I spent the last day of the trip in Gettysburg with my parents.

Good times!

5:42

2009-05-27T19:35:00.003-05:00

The time it took to pump out a pint at the Red Cross tonight. Rock on.

Need some more motivation? Consider their Top 10 Reasons:

	You will get free juice and cookies.
	You will weigh less — one pint less when you leave than when you came in.
	It's easy and convenient — it only takes about an hour and you can make the donation at a donor center, or at one of the many Red Cross mobile blood drives.
	It's something you can spare — most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.
	Nobody can ask you to do any heavy lifting as long as you have the bandage on. You can wear it for as long as you like. It's your badge of honor.
	You will walk a little taller afterwards — you will feel good about yourself.
	You will be helping to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.
	It's something you can do on equal footing with the rich and famous — blood is something money can't buy. Only something one person can give to another.
	You will be someone's hero — you may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother, or a sister another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation.
	It's the right thing to do.

The Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin

2009-05-25T20:04:00.004-05:00

Recently a friend from church loaned me a copy of Miracle at Philadelphia, The Story of the Constitutional Convention May to September 1787. It is an excellent read and is giving me much new insight into the precarious beginnings of our country. I just finished reading a selection of events from June 19-28 as the convention sank deeply into dispute and neared complete dissolution. At this time, Benjamin Franklin rose and addressed the chair, George Washington:

The small progress we have made after four of five weeks close attendance and continual reasonings with each other- our different sentiments on almost every question . . . producing almost as many noes as ayes, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those republics which, having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution, now no longer exist. And we have viewed modern states all round Europe, but find none of their constitutions suitable to our circumstances.

In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hirtherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings?

[Franklin here reminded the Convention how at the beginning of the war with England, the Continental Congress had had prayers for divine protection - and in this very room.]

Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind of providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten this powerful friend? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing profs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men.

This resonated with me. It is a beautiful, eloquent speech and one just as relevant today as when it was spoken 220 years ago.

Superb Marketing

2009-05-25T19:53:00.004-05:00

I made a Target run today, and as I was walking down an aisle I saw a perfect example of synergistic marketing. There at the end of the aisle was a package of 3 Brita filters wrapped together with a 14 oz. Nalgene bottle (made in the USA and BPA free), and filled with 3 packages of Crystal light. All for just $14.00.

I bought two, giving me 6 filters, 2 water bottles and 6 packets of crystal light for $28. For comparison, a 5 pack of filters alone is available at Walmart.com for $39.98.

Perhaps I should have bought more!

Paradigm Shift

2009-05-19T21:15:00.005-05:00

I started reading The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius today and came across this rather piercing statement:

Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul.

The other things on the face of the earth are created for man to help in attaining the end for which he is created.

Hence, man is to make use of them in as far as they help him in the attainment of his end, and he must rid himself of them in as far as they prove a hindrance to him.

Therefore, we must make ourselves indifferent to all created things, as far as we are allowed free choice and are not under any prohibition. Consequently, as far as we are concerned, we should not prefer health to sickness, riches to poverty, honor to dishonor, a long life to a short life. The same holds for all other things.

Our one desire and choice should be what is more conducive to the end for which we are created.

I'm okay with the first three paragraphs. The fourth one is much more difficult to swallow, but after some reflection I see his point. I must admit I have not been evaluating the things in my life in this strict of a manner.

The Other Thing I Learned At Work Today

2009-04-23T20:27:00.001-05:00

When you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.”
- Dakota tribal wisdom

In business we often try other strategies with dead horses, including the following:

1. Buying a stronger whip.
2. Changing riders.
3. Say things like, “This is the way we have always ridden this horse.”
4. Appointing a committee to study the horse.
5. Arranging to visit other sites to see how they ride dead horses.
6. Increasing the standards to ride dead horses.
7. Appointing a tiger team to revive the dead horse.
8. Creating a training session to increase our riding ability.
9. Comparing the state of dead horses in today’s environment.
10. Change the requirements declaring that “This horse is not dead.”
11. Hire contractors to ride the dead horse.
12. Harnessing several dead horses together for increased speed.
13. Declaring that “No horse is too dead to beat.”
14. Providing additional funding to increase the horse’s performance.
15. Do a Cost Analysis study to see if contractors can ride it cheaper.
16. Purchase a product to make dead horses run faster.
17. Declare the horse is “better, faster and cheaper” dead.
18. Form a quality circle to find uses for dead horses.
19. Revisit the performance requirements for horses.
20. Say this horse was procured with cost as an independent variable.
21. Promote the dead horse to a supervisory position.

What I Learned At Work Today

2009-04-23T20:24:00.002-05:00

Insanity is doing the same thing twice and expecting different results.

Unless you are working with a Microsoft product. In which case it is very sensible that you will get different results by doing the same exact thing.

Tamara, can you please start working on Great Plains?

Religion or Relationship

2009-04-16T17:38:00.003-05:00

Recently I have been impacted by the dearth of my "relationship" with God. I mean, I'm going through the motions and all, but it has felt more like participating in arms-length transactions with an institution than engaging in an ongoing, interactive relationship. And so, upon receiving some needed exhortation, I am examining this more carefully. I am utilizing this forum to discuss it as I hope that others out there might help me in this process with their thoughts, reflections and probing questions.

I am starting things by turning to a source that has so often helped me in the past, Dallas Willard. In this case, I am re-reading "Hearing God." I was particularly struck by one statement in the first chapter,

"In the last analysis nothing is more central to the practical life of the Christian than confidence in God's individual dealings with each person."

Dang. That hit the nail on the head; that is right where the struggle is for me.

What does the relational aspect of faith look like in experience? When is it safe to say "God spoke to me" and when is it just conscience, circumstance and our own desires and perceptions? I have always been suspicious and wary of people who try to add to the credibility and authority of their arguments by claiming divine authorship of their ideas. Perhaps I am jaded by experiences in which people who have said "they have been praying about it and think this is God's will" typically followed that statement by either breaking up with me or asking for money.

But I have swung to far in the other direction. I found myself being described in unflattering terms by Dallas:

Our need for understanding is clearly very great. We are all too familiar with the painful confusion of individuals who make big efforts to determine God's will for them - people who are frequently very sincere and devout. We see them make dreadful errors following a whim or chance event that because of their desperation, they force to serve as a sign from God. We see them sink into despair, skepticism, even cynicism, often accompanied by a continuation of religious routine now utterly mechanical and dead. They 'know' on the basis of what has happened to them, that for all practical purposes they are simply on their own.

But I was comforted and encouraged by his First Steps Toward a Solution.

I believe we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, cannot abandon faith in our ability to hear from God. To abandon this is to abandon the reality of a personal relationship with God, and that we must not do. Our hearts and minds, as well as the realities of the Christian tradition stand against it. The paradox about hearing God's voice must, then, be resolved and removed by providing believers with a clear understanding and a confident, practical orientation toward God's way of guiding us and communicating with us.

Advanced Degree Not Required

2009-03-24T19:54:00.001-05:00

I saw this sign on the way home tonight:

"Now Hireing. Servers Wanted."

How True

2009-03-14T08:01:00.002-05:00

Bad habits develop naturally, while virtue, if obtained at all, is slow, hard work. - William Wilberforce.

Huh?

2009-03-14T05:12:00.004-05:00

So I was driving home last night and I noticed this bumper sticker:

Evolution is just a theory,
. . . kind of like gravity!

Um, gravity is a law not a theory. I guess there is some argument around the precise meanings of theory and law and the difference between them and whether or not they represent a hierarchy. If those in the field of science could clarify and help me understand the difference better I would appreciate it.

But this still seems like an odd thing to put on a bumper sticker. And really, can we stop shouting at each other and claiming "the other side", whichever it may be on any given argument, are all stupid with bumper stickers? They tend to aggravate and annoy rather than inform and persuade.

Odometer

2009-03-13T05:16:00.001-05:00

Odometer reading of the day: 111111.

Keep going little Saturn. Apparently you're the only new one I'll ever own.

It's Not Something I'm Proud Of

2009-03-07T17:04:00.003-05:00

But Steve + Pet Fish + House Plant =

I'm Still A Guy

2009-03-07T12:21:00.003-05:00

My latest iTunes purchase is Brad Paisely's I'm Still A Guy:

And I’ll pour out my heart
Hold your hand in the car
Write a love song that makes you cry
Then turn right around
Knock some jerk to the ground
‘Cause he copped a feel as you walked by

These days there’s dudes getting facials
Manicured waxed and botoxed
But with deep spray on tans and creamy lotioney hands
You can’t grip a tackle box
With all of these men lining up to get neutered
It’s hip now to be feminized
I don’t highlight my hair
I’ve still got a pair
Yeah, honey I’m still a guy

My eyebrows ain’t plucked
There's a gun in my truck
Thank God I’m still a guy

In Like A Lion

2009-03-01T07:29:00.002-05:00

So, I just heard on the radio that we're supposed to get 8-14 inches of snow between tonight and tomorrow. I could get excited about that if only work were canceled, which it probably won't be.

This has felt like such a long winter.

Not Shedding Any Tears for HENRY

2009-02-28T22:38:00.006-05:00

So I was reading an article in Fortune today and I found myself getting really irritated with whiny rich people. The editor was lamenting the Obama tax plan and how it impacts HENRYs, "High Earners Not Rich Yet" and used the following illustration:

Say a family earns $300,000 a year, and pays $50,000 a year in mortgage interest; the family also contributes $5,000 to Boy Scouts, Red Cross and other charities. Under the AMT's top effective tax rate of 35%, they benefit from savings of $19,250 on those deductions. But under Obama's new plan, the share of that $55,000 that HENRYs can deduct is no longer 35%. It's capped at 28%. Hence, their tax bill rises by almost $4,000.

Oh heavens! Where on earth will these people who make 1/3 of a million days per year and have a McMansion big enough that it's generating $50k a year in interest (and who donate a paltry 1.6% of income to charity) ever come up with an extra $4k to pay in taxes?

This article laments the plight of these poor individuals whose

chance of accumulating the couple of million dollars needed to qualify as rich were virtually nil even before Obama took the stage.

Chance of accumulating a couple million dollars was virtually nil? Are you kidding me?

Let's see. According to one website, the average American's income is roughly $42,000. Assuming that is a family, they would be in the 15% tax bracket so in their after tax income is $36,500. Now, if Henry is making $300,000 per year he would be in the 33% marginal tax bracket and his after tax income would be about $222,300.

If Henry lives at the same standard of living as the average American (as a shortcut, I'll use $36,500 in annual expenses) he would be able to save $185,800 a year. Even if he just puts it into a CD earning 2.5% interest a year, at the end of 5 years he would have $998,675 and thus would basically be a millionaire. His chances of accumulating a couple million dollars are "virtually nil" only if he lives an extravagantly opulent lifestyle well above the average American, who is already grossly rich by most of the world's standard.

Tall about being out of touch with the worries and concerns of the average American.

Automotive Parts and Accessories

2009-02-27T20:56:00.005-05:00

After helping someone at church replace their flat tire with a spare a couple weeks ago, I started thinking about preparations for roadside emergencies. I went to Wal-Mart and noticed a couple products of interest. Has anyone ever tried the Slime Smart Spare

or the Schumacher 6-4-2 amp charger

or any similar products they would recommend?

Face It

2009-02-27T19:15:00.002-05:00

So recently, with Jake and Rita's persuasion I finally broke down and joined Facebook. It has been cool connecting with people I haven't seen in ages.

Will you be my friend?

In Dreams I Walk With You

2009-02-22T21:27:00.003-05:00

So I had this other crazy dream last night which also makes me think maybe I've been working too much. It started because I was having a discussion with a co-worker, Matt, about how much space in the bathrooms is devoted to toilets and I felt there should be more room for cots to sleep on. My old college dormmate, Ty was there. Afterwards, I ended up at my parents house in Ohio where my friend from Delaware, Mei-ling, was dogsitting for my parents. In addition to the dog that my parents actually have, there was a husky and some other breed. She was surprised to see me there. Then, after walking up some steps with my pastor Karl and friend Noel, I somehow was at this summer camp with some other co-workers. Susan was mad because Frank ate her food, and someone wanted me to intervene which I reluctantly did but Frank was unrepentant. Then, in the basement, my friends Jake and Rita were there laying on cots, but the A/C was out so everyone was in their swimsuits and sweating profusely. I ended up again in the bathrooms and woke up.

So, as I was discussing with some friends from church today, do all dreams have meanings? How do dream experts derive consistent meanings in the interpretations of dreams? How can you tell if your dream is expressive of deeper internal concerns or if it's just a random conglomeration of people and events?

Workaholism?

2009-02-22T21:25:00.000-05:00

I think I may have been working too much lately. When I got home tonight after dessert with some friends, I tried to unlock my door with my office keycard.

Dental Dreams

2009-02-17T06:00:00.002-05:00

So the other night I dreamed that I had three rows of teeth, sort of like in the movie Coneheads only not quite that bad.

Is my subconscious telling me I need to do a better job flossing?

Weird. Very weird.

Interesting Song

2009-02-08T17:11:00.001-05:00

I'm also intrigued by The Fray's new song, Where Were You? It brings to mind lines from Lewis's A Grief Observed.

New Tunes

2009-02-08T16:15:00.002-05:00

I'm digging the first track from The Airborne Toxic Event. Little bit of an Arcade Fire kind of vibe.

"and the piano's this melancholy soundtrack to her smile"

Mint

2009-02-07T05:15:00.003-05:00

The last few weeks I have been checking out an on-line personal finance website (similar to Quicken or MS Money software only web based) called Mint. I thought they had a pretty good synopsis of things in their article, Three Principles of Personal Finance: All You Need to Know for Financial Success:

1. Spend less than you earn
2. Make the money you have work for you
3. Be prepared for the unexpected

Like physical fitness, vital to financial health is "strengthening the core" and following these simple and intuitive principles.

Creighton, if you're reading this I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on the article.

Is It True?

2009-02-07T05:05:00.002-05:00

As I haven't been able to sleep again tonight, I continued reading The Pilgrim's Regress. I came across this statement:

Do you know how it is with love? First comes delight: then pain: then fruit. And then there is joy of the fruit, but that is different again from the first delight. And mortal lovers must not try to remain at the first step: for lasting passion is the dream of a harlot and from it we wake in despair. You must not try to keep the raptures: they have done their work. Manna kept, is worms.

Think he's right?

Obama Gets It Right on Trade

2009-02-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

I was encouraged to see President Obama offering some correction to Congress on their attempts to insert protectionist language into the stimulus bill. According to CNN,

President Barack Obama "wants to ensure that any legislation that passes is consistent with trade agreements and doesn't signal a change in our overall stance on trade," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a briefing Wednesday.

That is marvelous. While I am all for buying American goods out of my personal wallet, writing it into legislature in a huge federal spending bill would only incite a round of international protectionism which would further cripple the global economy as it did during the Great Depression. American companies must be effective and efficient and compete on their own merits against their international counterparts, just as we insist these international firms must do so in their own borders.

Thank you Mr. President.

Stimulating Bad Behavior

2009-02-05T05:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I saw an article that part of the stimulus package being crafted by Senate Democrats included "above the line” tax deductions for interest payments on car loans and state sales/excise taxes for new cars purchased between November 12, 2008 and December 31, 2009."

Okay, so let me get this straight. Part of the reason we are in a financial crisis is because consumers overstretched themselves with debt. And part of the solution is to provide an incentive for consumers to borrow more money to buy a new car?

This is completely unfair. In essence, I, who have been frugally saving for my next car as I hope to drive my Saturn for another 90,000 miles or so am providing a tax subsidy for someone to go out and borrow money to buy a new Lexus.

This is a bad idea. I'm all for a stimulus package that focuses on improving our failing national infrastructure and creating energy independence, but leave it to Congress to totally screw up this opportunity.

Good to Great to . . . Crap

2009-01-17T19:08:00.003-05:00

This week Circuit City announced they were going out of business. I find it interesting and mildly amusing that eight years after its publication, 2 of the 11 companies profiled in the book Good to Great have gone bankrupt. The other is a company you have probably heard mentioned lately in the news, Fannie Mae.

I would like to see the author, Jim Collins, do an autopsy on the firms to examine the inner dynamics that led to their failure in the midst of the macroeconomic collapse. Except that one can't help but question the credibility of his claims when these supposedly great and enduring firms didn't even make it out of the following decade.

Maybe when I grow up I'll write a management consulting book. It's a bit like forecasting the weather in terms of the acceptability of its margin of error in predicting the future.

That's A Man

2009-01-17T18:22:00.002-05:00

I heard this song for the first time on the radio tonight. I dig it. It makes me think of my dad and grandfathers.

Jack Ingram

More CMT Music

More CMT Music Videos

That's Cold

2009-01-14T21:14:00.002-05:00

So, the high temperature on Friday is supposed to be 17 degrees.

Without the wind.

It's actually going to feel like it's 6 degrees, at best, during the day with a low of negative 13 at night.

I am so ready for Spring.

Hope From The Pope

2009-01-11T21:39:00.004-05:00

For Christmas I also received a copy of Pope Benedict's second encyclical, Saved in Hope. I have found it to be very nourishing and refreshing. I was particularly struck by his insights regarding "faith in progress." (Pastor Bo's recent sermons on freedom served as a helpful groundwork here):

The nineteenth century held fast to its faith in progress as the new form of human hope, and it continued to consider reason and freedom as the guiding stars to be followed along the path of hope.

He then develops how technical innovation and industrialization gave rise to gross class inequalities which would in turn lead to the Marxist revolution. Concerning Marx, he makes some observations which have a very contemporary ring given the current national focus on economic concerns.

He forgot that man always remains man. He forgot man, and he forgot man's freedom. He forgot that freedom always remains freedom also for evil. He thought that once the economy had been put right, everything would automatically be put right. His real error is materialism; man, in fact, is not merely the product of economic conditions, and it is not possible to redeem him purely from the outside by creating a favorable economic environment.

While recognizing the ways in which progress may benefit humanity, Pope Benedict closes the section with an appropriate caution:

Without doubt, [progress] offers new possibilities for good, but it also opens up appalling possibilities for evil - possibilities which did not formerly exist. We have all witnessed the way in which progress, in the wrong hands, can become and has indeed become a terrifying progress in evil. If technical progress is not matched by corresponding progress in man's ethical formation, in man's inner growth, then it is not progress at all, but a threat for man and for the world.

Rethinking Failure

2009-01-05T21:33:00.004-05:00

Recently I have been plowing through my copy of John Maxwell's 3-in-1 book on leadership. There are a few good nuggets in the midst of hundreds and hundreds of platitudes and obligatory anecdotes. Here is one of those nuggets:

Mistakes mark the road to success. He who makes no mistakes makes no progress. Make sure you generate a reasonable number of mistakes. I know that comes naturally to some people, but too many people are so afraid of error that they make their lives rigid with checks and counter-checks, discourage change and, in the end, so structure themselves that they will miss the kind of offbeat opportunity that can send their life skyrocketing. So take a look at your record, and if you come to the end of a year and see that you haven't made any mistakes, ask yourself if you have tried everything you should have.

It is a cliche to say that we learn by our mistakes, so I'll state the case more strongly than that. I'll say you can't learn without mistakes. On reason some people never grow through change is that they can't stand failure. Even the best people have a lot more failure than success. The secret is that they don't let the failures upset them. They do their very best. So let the chips fall where they may, then go on to the next attempt. - John Maxwell

This was like holding a mirror up to me. I tend to be a perfectionist and so to me a "reasonable number of mistakes" would be about, oh, one or preferably none. I am admittedly rigid with "checks and counter checks."

This is going to be a difficult area for me to change and grow in. I mean, I'm an accountant for a reason. I appreciate the beauty of things tying out perfectly. But I also instinctively recognize the internal fault lines that are there with this fear of failure.

Spin Cycle

2008-12-24T05:50:00.003-05:00

I have talked about Kiva a few times on my blog already. Recently, they made a program change so that contributors receive back their loan proceeds incrementally instead of as a lump sum at the end. This allows funds to be reinvested more frequently.

I just received enough back from my "portfolio" to be able to make another loan. This time I went with Thomas in Ghana who needed some parts for repairs and maintenance for his taxi, as it is his sole income source to support 6 dependents. Act quickly, and you can join me by clicking the link below. If you no longer see Thomas, then his loan has been filled and a different entrepreneur is available for your consideration:

Merry Christmas Thomas

Lab rats?

2008-12-24T05:15:00.005-05:00

That's it. I'm sick of it. I've had enough. It's time for us all to opt out of the rat race. To get off the hamster wheel of consumerism.

Yesterday, I ran into Rite-Aid on my lunch break to pick up a box of Dayquil. As I was walking out of the store, I noticed they already had an entire aisle set up for Valentine's Day. Are you kidding me? It's bad enough they start setting up for Christmas before Halloween (that alone Thanksgiving), now they have to start this crap?

When are we going to wake up? When are we going to realize we're all being strung along from holiday to holiday by our pride, fear and greed? Do we really have no way of expressing our love and appreciation for one another except for buying more and more stuff?

As an interesting backdrop to my Rite-Aid experience, I was talking to a co-worker yesterday and he told me that for Christmas, instead of buying each other gifts his family all makes a donation to a charity. On Christmas, they spread all the envelopes out on the floor and everyone picks one to see which charity received a donation in their honor. I was deeply impressed by this.

While I appreciate the gifts I have received (as evidenced by my last post) and have enjoyed giving them as well, next year just make a donation to one of the fine charitable causes you see listed on my blog. We'll all be better for it.

"I've seen enough and it's never enough, it keeps leaving me needing you." - Lifehouse

2009 Reading List

2008-12-21T09:57:00.003-05:00

I finished reading Churchill this past week and am starting to draft up a prospective reading list for 2009. I am particularly excited as I received a B&N gift card from my parents for Christmas. My tentative list so far:

Common Wealth by Jeffrey Sachs
1984 by George Orwell
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo
The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila
Saved in Hope by Pope Benedict XV
The Winning Attitude, Developing the Leaders Around You and Becoming A Person of Influence by John Maxwell
Selections From the Writings and Addresses of Abraham Lincoln edited by Cornelia Beare

Any recommendations to add to the list?

Gift Books

2008-12-21T08:30:00.001-05:00

So, I happened to stop by the local Christian bookstore yesterday, and I noticed the prevalence of "Gift Books." Now, what is it that makes a "Gift Book" different from say, a regular book that one may either consume themselves or give to another? I think by definition, a "gift book" must be a book that is given by someone who has no intention of ever reading it to someone who has no intention of ever reading it.

O Holy Night

2008-12-21T08:27:00.002-05:00

I'm not a big fan of Christmas music, but shortly after I woke up yesterday morning, I heard a rendition of O Holy Night by none other than Weezer. I find that my enjoyment of nearly any song can be enhanced by the utilization of an electric guitar.

Farfegnugen

2008-12-13T22:20:00.006-05:00

It's not just the American Big 3 automakers who are looking to their government for loans in this economic climate. Volkswagen seems to ponying up to Germany's bank bailout too.

So, is it okay to loan billions of dollars to banks and financial institutions with lousy management and to spend $100 billion in Iraqi reconstruction with lousy management, but it's not okay to loan money to 3 companies who constitute actual domestic industrial output and represent, by their measures at least, 10% of employment?

I'm not sure it should happen, and I'm probably biased because I actually like GM, but once you've opened the bailout can, it's hard to get the worms back inside.

Running Start to a Resolution

2008-12-06T18:47:00.003-05:00

So I have been pondering my New Years Resolutions today. My intent is to start to work them out now in the weeks leading up to the new year. I like to make new year's resolutions because it helps me refocus on things that are important, and it is a fresh attempt at retraining the habits of my mind, heart and body. I understand that no mystical transformations take place simply because the last digit of my calendar changes. I do not wake on January 1st with any more discipline and willpower than I had on December 31st. But we all need opportunities to clean the slate and start over. It is part of our sanctification to step back, consider our lives, and see if there is "any harmful way in me."

I am trying to draft my resolutions in both broad categories with smaller "SMART" goals. So, instead of just saying, "I want to eat healthier and get into shape" my goals are to "Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day." and to "Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week."

What do you want in 2009?

Where's the News?

2008-12-04T22:42:00.004-05:00

The fastest-growing bet in the oil market these days is that the price of crude will double to $200 a barrel by the end of the year. Options to buy oil for $200 on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose 10-fold in the past two months to 5,533 contracts, a record increase for any similar period. - Bloomberg, January 7th.

So, has everyone noticed that oil is now below $45 a barrel and gas is now well below the $2 mark? Hmmm. Where are all the stories on the 6 o'clock news? Where are all the people ranting about the government not doing anything and how greedy "big oil" is fleecing everyone? What about all the conspiracy theories? What about the windfall profits tax?

On The Mark

2008-12-04T22:32:00.003-05:00

A couple weeks ago the News Journal reported that in lieu of the expensive and glamorous inaugural ball, Governor-elect Jack Markell was using the time as a rally for a volunteer initiative across the state. Today they are reporting that the Democratic Governor has appointed noted local Republican businessman Alan Levin for secretary of the Delaware Economic Development Office.

It seems that on both the national and state executive level, there has been a big step up in managerial talent.

100 Year Bond?

2008-12-02T22:52:00.002-05:00

Bloomberg is reporting,

BlackRock Inc.’s Peter Fisher said the U.S. Treasury should consider selling 100-year bonds to ease the federal government’s borrowing costs as it faces a budget deficit expected to top $1 trillion.

This makes sense to me. Let's get the money now before the world wakes up and asks themselves why on earth they're loaning us all this money for so cheap.

By the way, gold is now $774/ounce. Time to load up before it all hits the fan?

1934?

2008-12-02T22:05:00.006-05:00

Rated below the story of Guns and Roses' spat with Dr. Pepper in terms of popularity on CNN.com is the report that a committee in Congress expects a biological terror attack on a major city within the next five years.

These truly are strange days to be living.

This is striking to me on a number of different levels. Is the indifference to this report an aspect of living long under the delayed threat of another attack on US soil? Has complacency set in such that since it has not happened yet it, we therefore believe it cannot happen again? Do we dismiss the raised spectre of such an event to be yet another political gimmick to convert fear into power? Are we so fatigued by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that we do not want to contemplate a new angle on the global war on terror? Are we too absorbed in financial news and the threat of another global depression that we are deaf to all other threats to our security and well being? Do we feel hopeless in any vain attempts to personally prepare for such an event (i.e. "duck and cover")?

With an appropriate timeliness, I am still going through a biography on Winston Churchill. I read tonight that in July of 1934 , he spoke loudly in the House of Commons about England's vulnerability and the impending threat of bombings (particularly incendiary bombs) by the German Luftwaffe. He spoke of London being

"the greatest target in the world, a kind of tremendous, fat, valuable cow tied up to attract the beast of prey."

Later that year he added,

"The danger which might confront us would expose us not only to hideous suffering, but even to mortal peril, by which I mean peril of actual conquest and subjugation . . . The flying peril is not a peril from which one can flee. It is necessary to face it where we stand. We cannot possibly retreat."

At the time he noted,

"The fact remains that when all is said and done as regards defensive methods, pending some new discovery, the only direct measure of defence upon a great scale is the certainty of being able to inflict simultaneously upon the enemy as great damage as he can inflict upon ourselves."

With what defense do we arm ourselves against the threats of today?

Dare You To Move

2008-12-02T07:31:00.003-05:00

I was listening to Switchfoot on the way to work yesterday, and this song struck me yet again with some of its great lines and fantastic sound.

I dare you to move.
I dare you to move.
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor.

The tension is here, the tension is here,
Between who you are, and who you could be,
Between how it is, and how it should be

Maybe redemption has stories to tell.
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell.
Where can you run to escape from yourself,
Where you gonna go, where you gonna go?
Salvation is here.

Green Christmas

2008-11-28T18:55:00.003-05:00

The commercialization of Christmas is nothing new, although it may feel that way to us. The classic satire, Green Christmas by Stan Freberg, illustrates this from 50 years ago. This song used to be on a Christmas music cassette that I listened to as a kid, and I enjoyed it greatly.

Thanksgiving Proclamation

2008-11-27T08:57:00.002-05:00

I still find President George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 to be one of the most beautiful political speeches I have ever read.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

What My Blog and My 401k Have In Common

2008-11-27T08:49:00.003-05:00

Both have been falling this year. I like to see if I am attracting and retaining visitors to my site as a measure of gauging the resonance of my thoughts. Viewership is definitely down on Lamponian Wisdom.

So, how can I boost my ratings?

Quite Possibly The World's Most Perfect Water Bottle

2008-11-26T06:22:00.004-05:00

A couple weeks ago when I was at Target, I picked up a new BPA free water bottle, the Thermos Intak. This thing is awesome. Even though it holds 24 oz., it still fits in my car's cupholder. And unlike my Camelbak, you don't have to suck through a straw and the mouthpiece allows an ideal flow of water. Plus, the mouthpiece is well protected yet easily accessible which is nice when I am working out at the Y and don't want to handle it with my germy hands. I have noticed that I have been drinking more water since I got it. Oh, and it even has a little dial on the lid so you can track the number of refills and know how much you have been drinking. I showed it to a coworker and she went out that night and bought a purple one and loves it. I highly recommend it.

Marathon

2008-11-23T19:13:00.003-05:00

Today I enjoyed the great thrill of watching my friend Jacob complete the Philadelphia Marathon. It was an amazing achievement, all the more so for having been ran on a frigidly cold day with pain for the latter part of the race and in still just 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Two things stood out to me most. One was that I experienced a newfound understanding and appreciation for Hebrews 12:1.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

The other is being shown yet again the great strength, courage and determination that resides in my friend.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt

Through This Dark Night

2008-11-23T18:21:00.006-05:00

An e-mail from a friend prompted me to take out an old journal this evening that covered one of my "dark nights." I remembered around the time I was writing that I put together a CD that told the story of the year, and that two songs by the same artist formed something of a book-end for my experience: Silence and The Valley Song by Jars of Clay (Regretably there are no official videos, but these were the songs.)

"scream
deeper, i wanta scream
i want you to hear me
i want you to find me
i, i want to believe
but all i pray is wrong
and all i claim is gone

well, i, i got a question
i got a question
where are you?"

"When death like a Gypsy
Comes to steal what I love
I will still look to the heavens
I will still seek your face

But I fear you aren't listening
Because there are no words
Just the stillness and the hunger
For a faith that assures"

The agonizing thing about my "dark night" experience of faith, is that the thing that should have brought me the most comfort seemed to only accentuate the pain. Not only was there deadness or dryness when I would try to read, pray or worship but it seemed to only further wring my heart. Fortunately, over enough time, experience and healing, the darkness lifted but it was not a pleasant journey. In hindsight I think John of the Cross was right:

"No soul will ever grow deep in the spiritual life unless God works passively in that soul by means of the dark night."

Snow

2008-11-21T07:45:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning at 3:30, looked outside, and in the streetlights saw there was already snow on my car. Why do I live here? The weather sucks almost half the year.

The song Boston by Augustana has always resonated with me, except for me it would be in reverse because I would want to get away from the snow and the sunrise and head somewhere warm like California.

She said I think I'll go to Boston
Think I'll start a new life
I think I'll start it over
Where no one knows my name
I'll get out of California
I'm tired of the weather
Think I'll get a lover
And fly him out to Spain
I think I'll go to Boston
I think that I'm just tired
I think I need a new town
To leave this all behind
I think I need a sunrise
I'm tired of a sunset
I hear it's nice in the summer
Some snow would be nice
Oh yeah

Not Much To Say

2008-11-19T22:05:00.003-05:00

I have a received a few comments recently noting that I have been slack in my blogging. I really appreciated that as it was nice to know there are interested readers out there. I guess I feel like I haven't had much to say lately. And, the things that have been on my mind, such as work, are not things I would be comfortable offering for global public consumption. Also, I've been a little burned out on economics, politics and religion which tend to be the primary emphases and materials of my blog.

Maybe I need a new hobby . . .

Strange Lights

2008-11-19T22:03:00.003-05:00

So, uh, did anyone else notice some strange lights in the sky tonight? What appeared to be something like a bunch of spotlights vertical in the sky, only it was over a large area. What kind of strange meteorological event was that?

There Will Be Blood

2008-11-19T21:49:00.006-05:00

So I had a new experience today. After work, Becky and I donated blood at the American Red Cross. She is a blood drive veteran, but it was a first for me.

It felt good to do my small part to help someone in desperate need. Besides, I figure if Jesus shed his blood for me, the least I can do is share a pint of mine.

Check out the Red Cross and sign up to donate today!

I Know I'm Home When . . .

2008-11-12T20:05:00.002-05:00

A few indications that I am home in Ohio:

The sign on the YMCA door says you can not work out in your jeans and work boots.
The other sign on the YMCA door says no firearms permitted in the building.
The KFC has a buffet line.
Drivers stop at red lights.
You genuinely think of the people living next to you as your neighbors.

Keep On Rockin' In The Free World

2008-11-08T09:19:00.003-05:00

This song came up on my iTunes this morning. Sounded appropriate for an election week soundtrack.

Right here, right now
Watching the world wake up from history

Target Is Awesome

2008-11-07T22:53:00.005-05:00

I just want to say that Target is definitely my favorite department store. It is a little bit more expensive than Wal-Mart, but since there's no sales tax in Delaware it kind of washes out. I noticed tonight that they made a change in their receipts so that your purchases are sub-categorized into "grocery, health & beauty, home, etc." There is also a "+" sign for items that can be deducts from your FSA. These are small things that most non-accountants probably would never notice but it's just another simple, common sense gesture that makes a lot of sense and makes for a more satisfied consumer. And they definitely have the best pharmacy bottles around.

Yeah Target.

President Obama

2008-11-05T06:13:00.003-05:00

The campaigns are finally over. I thought he have a good acceptance speech last night.

A few excerpts that struck me:

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.
It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.
In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.
Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

To my fellow Republicans I ask that we be gracious in our loss. Do not succumb to bitter cynicism, anger, defeatism. Do not immediately set out to oppose all that he offers. Give him a chance. We do need to move forward together as a nation and cooperate on many opportunities. We don't have to disagree with everything someone proposes just because they are of a different party.

I hope that Obama and the Democratic Congress will start out on things that have a broad, resonant connection with America such as energy independence and rebuilding our infrastructure. Be humble in your victory and resist the opportunity to "stick it to the Republicans."

Enough Already

2008-10-25T21:09:00.006-05:00

Recently I received an e-mail forward written from the prospective of a political and religious conservative in 2012 after four years of an Obama presidency. I found the e-mail to be very troubling, but probably not in the way the author intended. (Apparently this e-mail has been circulated a lot as it received coverage in an AP article.)

What troubles me is when people mingle hatred and fear with religion and politics. That is at least an unhelpful and more likely a very harmful cocktail. I also wonder if the person who penned this fictional, futuristic letter quite realizes that a movement towards the left or at least towards the democratic party is in large part a response to the repeated failures of the current administration?

This letter raises a spectre of lost freedoms that Christians would be enduring. I doubt this. I am more apprehensive of losing my freedoms due to what could become a fearful and tyrannical department of homeland security (which of course was created under the current administration) than I am in losing them under an administration led by a former professor of constitutional law.

But it was not really the particular arguments of this letter that were so upsetting. It was the tone of fear and fatalism. I would also offer an idea to the conversation that God's redemptive movement in the world is not primarily channeled through a particular nation-state (America), political ideology (conservative) or party (Republican) but through the Church.

I simply do not believe the argument that they sky will fall and world will end if a particular politician or party is elected. Somehow we have survived eight years of the Bush administration. I'm pretty sure we would get through at least four years of an Obama administration. The more outlandish attacks I see on Obama coming from the religious right, the more inclined I am to actually vote for him.

But while we are talking about a Christian perspective on politics, I would like to share some more words of wisdom from Dallas Willard.

The revolution of Jesus is in the first place and continuously a revolution of the human heart and spirit. It did not and does not proceed by means of the formation of social institutions and laws, the outer forms of our existence, intending that these would then impose a good order of life upon people who come under their power. Rather, his is a revolution of character, which proceeds by changing people from the inside through ongoing personal relationship to God in Christ and to one another. It is one that changes their ideas, beliefs, feelings, and habits of choice, as well as their bodily tendencies and social relations. It penetrates to the deepest layers of their soul. External, social arrangements may be useful to this end, but they are not the end, nor are they a fundamental part of the means. - Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart

CNBC Fatigue

2008-10-24T06:51:00.004-05:00

All day long at work the TV is on CNBC. I'm thinking of switching it to a nature show or something today. I mean really, work is bad enough right now. It doesn't help that every time I pick something up at the copier the Dow is down another 200 points. It looks like the Dow Jones is going to fall about 900 points today on "news" of a global recession. Exciting.

I know it hurts to be losing money every day, but seriously people, it's a recession, not the black plague. Get some perspective.

Resolve

2008-10-21T21:46:00.003-05:00

Winston Churchill is far and away one of my favorite historical figures, and I am currently reading a lengthy biography of his. I have not yet got to the WWII years, but I was reminded today of something I learned in history class. My professor shared that at the end of his famous "We'll fight them on the beaches" speech that Winston, thinking the microphone had been turned off, quietly muttered "and we'll fight them with beer bottles because that's all we have left."

I love that. I love the inspiring courage and idealism of the speech coupled with the gritty realism of the situation they were in. It's a good reminder on bad days.

"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.

"At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty's Government - every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation.

"The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.

"Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of the Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.

"We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old." - Winston Churchill, June 4, 1940

Palin & Clinton

2008-10-03T06:03:00.003-05:00

I'm a little late on this one but thought it was quite funny.

"And I can see Russia from my house."

Um, Why?

2008-09-30T17:51:00.002-05:00

So, I saw on Yahoo that Zondervan says their next edition of the Bible will be handwritten by more than 31,000 Americans.

I don't get it. I can barely read my own handwriting sometimes. Why would I want to try to read someone else's?

They have these things out now, they're called printing presses. They're pretty cool.

Debate Results

2008-09-27T17:11:00.002-05:00

I was able to catch a portion of the debates last night. The biggest take-away for me was an additional confirmation that both of these candidates seem much better informed, intelligent and capable than their predecessors in the last presidential debate.

By the way, it annoys me when a candidate repeatedly answers, "When I'm President . . ."

As Shrewd As Doves and Innocent As Serpents

2008-09-24T04:37:00.004-05:00

I read what I considered to be a disturbing article on USA Today that some Christians keep tithing even as they face foreclosure. And so, I would like to offer some counsel to the flock. Those who have ARM's to hear, let them hear.

First, there is no explicit New Testament command to tithe. Impossible, right? Look it up. If you can find one I have overlooked, I am open to correction. Tithing is a good idea and a commendable practice, but not a command. Jesus didn't say don't do it. He did say it's not necessarily the most important aspect of our giving (Matthew 23:23).

Second, reneging on your debts is wrong. "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously." - Psalm 37:21. Unless you really want to try to twist this verse, failing to repay your loans in order that you may give generously does not make any sense.

Third, failing to care and provide for your family is wrong. "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." -1 Timothy 5:7. Also see Mark 7:11.

Fourth, buying something you couldn't afford to start with is wrong. (Mark 4:19, 1 John 2:15-17). Perhaps there were unforeseen circumstances such as a loss of a job or loss of health which might be excused, but tithing does not make it okay to live beyond your means. Also see earlier posts on prosperity theology.

Healthcare

2008-09-20T12:18:00.003-05:00

Stand back world, I have a plan to help fix healthcare. Ready for this? I think we should add a "sin tax" to fast food. Every fat, greasy, unhealthy Big Mac and Whopper I eat should cost me an extra 5%. Back in 2001, Americans spent $110 billion on fast food. I'm sure it's only gone up since then. And, federal spending on SCHIP programs in 2007 was $5 billion. So, in one fell swoop I have doubled our spending on health coverage for poor children while at the same providing an incentive for Americans to eat healthier food which should bring down the actual amount spent on healthcare.

Oh, and maybe healthcare premiums should be adjusted based on our actual, managble risk factors, like they're doing in Alabama.

Stumbling Towards Election Day

2008-09-20T11:12:00.003-05:00

The election contest has eroded into complete senselessness. Need proof? Consider the fact that CNN is reporting how Biden's comments on the University of Delaware and Ohio State University's respective football teams could impact the election. Are you kidding me? Look, my family is from Ohio and I now live in Delaware so I have an affinity to both schools, and I couldn't care less about his comments. Of all the challenging and substantial issues we are facing as a nation, someone wants to make comments about a college football game a campaign issue?

The Economist has a few good articles this week talking about how the election has taken a nasty turn and how the Republican party idolizes Reagan but acts more like Nixon. Even as a Republican, I think both articles are true. Lest one think I have come down with terminal Obamamania, you might also want to read their review of the new book, "The Case Against Barrack Obama: The Unlikely Rise and Unexamined Agenda of the Media's Favorite Candidate."

Although McCain's choice of Sarah Palin has energized the base and apparently improved McCain's chances of success, it has done little to help win me over. While she has a charming personal story and I appreciate that she was willing to take on the powers that be in Alaska, I'm not convinced she is ready to be President. I understand that I am in the minority who holds this opinion, but I tend to believe that experience in the Senate better prepares a candidate for the responsibilities of the Presidency than experience as a governor because you are more heavily confronted with both national and international issues rather than state and local issues. I understand that most of our recent presidents have been governors and it's been ages since a senator has become president, but I still hold this as a general principle, especially when a governor is only half way through their first term.

So who should I vote for? It sounds strange, but at this point I remain undecided. There are aspects of both candidates' positions that I agree with and that I disdain. Just for fun, I went to Who Should You Vote For? and it revealed, unsurprisingly, that I match up much more strongly on the issues with McCain than I do with Obama. Another quiz I took recently that included independent parties revealed that I best match up with Bob Barr and the Libertarian party.

I don't think either candidate has put forth a workable, comprehensive agenda that will suitably address our national concerns nor assembled a grass roots body that would help to achieve those goals on the local, state and national level beyond election day. I can't necessarilly say that I blame them though. We have brutal realities to face as a nation and as a whole we are either apathetic or in denial. We the people, are a bit like an obese, smoking, depressed alcoholic who goes to the doctor and when told that we need to change our ways or face the consequences would prefer instead to blame and fire the doctor.

Or maybe I'm just cynical. There's more to say about the whole election, but that's all I have time for today.

Disappointing Unveiling

2008-09-17T04:40:00.003-05:00

Chevrolet officially unveiled the production version of the Volt yesterday. While not nearly as ugly as a Prius, it's also not nearly as attractive as the prototype designs were. I guess it's going to take a couple iterations on the battery development before it becomes all that I hoped it would be.