Too Excited To Sleep

Have you ever been so excited about something you couldn't get to sleep? That's where I'm at tonight. I learned that our assignment for the Dale Carnegie class next week is to give a speech on something we have a strong conviction about, but it has to be in a particular format and can only be two minutes. I'm thinking about this:

She's 16 years old. But sitting on the floor across form her, in her home in this remote village, I can't help but wonder that she isn't only 11 or 12. Maybe it was the sickness. She's fighting typhoid for the second time in her young life and is weak with a fever. But even this can not veil her radiant smile. Across the room from her is a 17 year old boy. His demeanor is different, and he has all the stoic toughness you might expect of a man that age. His threats are different too. Will he listen to the voices of violence that just a few weeks earlier forced the US embassy to close, that months earlier burned the businesses and homes of Chinese and Westerners and that a year earlier bombed a crowded nightclub in a city nearby? Or would he use the education he was receiving to provide for his future to the benefit of everyone in his community?

He faced some tough questions. So do we. Why not us? Why not here? Why not now? Why can't we be the ones that look into the face of poverty, that look into the face of sickness, that look into the face of violence, and say you will not take these lives from us! We will connect our greatest love with their greatest need.

And you know what? I see it in you. I hear it in your words of encouragement and the way you celebrate each other and rally behind each other and care for one another. And just a few weeks ago we were all strangers. But we're not the only ones who need this love and respect. So do they.

There are a thousand ways you can show it. I want to share just two. First, when you get home tonight, go to Compassion.com. For what you pay now each month for cable, you can provide a young child with all the food, clean water, clothing, shelter, education and most importantly, the hope and respect they need. Secondly, I want you to go to Kiva.org. There, for what you paid to fill up you car with gas this week, you can provide a business loan, not even a charitable donation but a business loan, to an entrepreneur in a developing nation. Recently I had the opportunity to help a dairy farmer in Azerbaijan to purchase an additional cow for his business, and it was as easy as buying a book from Amazon. Who wants to go into the agricultural industry with me?

We can do this. The need is great. But your love is even greater.

How Rude

Admittedly I have not seen the full dialogue that took place between Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Columbia University President Lee Bollinger, but I found the whole thing to be rather rude and distasteful. If you have such a low opinion of someone, why on earth would you invite him to your campus, just so you could say so to his face? First, I doubt anyone at Columbia appreciated how incredibly inhospitable they were acting towards a guest. It is that sort of lack of appreciation for an important cultural sensitivity that is stunning to me in an age of such liberal "tolerance and diversity." How can you say you want to open and extend a dialogue with someone on important issues and then start the whole event by berating them in an unquestionably harsh manner?

Look, I have very little tolerance for anyone who questions the holocaust and who would love to see Israel and the US wiped off the face of the earth, but I at least have enough decency and common sense to not invite that person to have dinner with me under a guise of open, fair and public dialogue of substantive issues and then turn on them and denounce them before they even have an opportunity to speak. That was disgraceful.

Watching The News

I know I have commented on this topic before, but today was so over the top it bears revisiting. The major news services really do a disservice when it comes to presenting the issues. Today, I happened to catch a snippet of both FOX and CNN that left a bad taste in my mouth.

This morning started off with FOX on while I was doing laundry. They were covering the story of an individual, I think he was a Minute Man on the immigration front, complaining that he was "denied free speech" because Columbia University rescinded their invitation for him to speak. Okay, let me break this down for you. The right to free speech does NOT guarantee you the privilege of an invitation to speak in a particular forum! And the fact that you were able to air your concern to millions more people over national airways than ever would have heard you speak on your actual topic of interest at a college seminar is quite dramatic proof of just how much freedom you have. Freedom does not equal entitlement! Do people not see this?

Tonight, while I was eating dinner, CNN was on in the background. Sandwiched in between stories of how the federal government is not doing enough to provide healthcare to children, the federal government is not doing enough to protect us from dangerous imported Chinese food, and the federal government is not doing enough to enforce immigration law was a scathing report that the federal government was (and I'm not making this up) spending far too much money and will crush the middle tax with higher taxes when it finally comes time to pay up. Wow. Now, I recognize the caveat here that says is government was more efficient it could address all of these complaints at the same time, but I suspect most people did not recognize the rather mutually exclusive nature of these complaints. What do you want people? More and bigger government or a balanced budget with lower taxes? I think the moral of the story is you should always be dissatisfied with the government no matter what it does, and not realize that in actuality what you want are for incompatible goals to be reached simultaneously without any sacrifice of your own. Or, at least that's what CNN would have you believe.

Beautiful Paradox

Live as free men.

Live as servants of God.

I was reading through 1 Peter (2:16) this morning and was struck again by that beautiful paradox. Freedom and service. Liberty with responsibility.

It's a good nugget to chew on today.

Seeing What Isn't There

I love it when someone makes an observation that forces me to rethink my position or understanding of things, especially when it is something from Scripture. This came to mind last night when I was reading The Way of the Wild Heart. Elderidge makes a comment "Notice that in the tales told in Scripture, whenever God gets hold of a man, he takes that man into an adventure of the first order . . . Peter called out of the boat to Christ in a raging storm." Here's the thing though. Christ didn't exactly command Peter to come out of the boat; he acquiesced to Peter's request for a sign. (Matthew 14:27-31). Then, this morning it was pointed out to me that God's promise of a son to Abraham was not explicitly given to Sarah until after the birth of Ishmael. I could have sworn it was given to both of them initially, but there's no indication of that. Sarah is not explicitly promised a son until Ishmael is already 13 years old. (Genesis 17.)

Now, of course, all this does not necessarily mean that Elderidge's statement is wrong, and certainly we know from the rest of Scripture that Isaac is to be the son of the covenant. It's interesting though, isn't it, how we see things that aren't actually there? Many thanks to my friend who shared these observations with me.

"Every man I meet is my superior in some way. In that, I learn of him." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

And This Time With Feeling

So last night's Dale Carnegie speeches centered around two themes: enthusiasm and recognizing success. For the first part, you had to spend one minute demonstrating a task you do now without enthusiasm and then jump over a line and demonstrate, in an over the top manner, what it would like to do it with ten times more enthusiasm. I had to use the line, "We're going to make accounts payable exciting again!" Does anyone remember what that commercial was actually for? Anyway, it's good to know that all that time playing Moods is finally paying off.

I bet I could get 12% of people to like me

I had to laugh as I heard the news the other day that the approval rating of Congress currently rests at 11% according to a recent Reuters poll. Bush looks almost Reagan-esque compared to that number with a 29% approval rating of his own.

I should totally run for Congress. I'm pretty sure I could get 12% of people to approve of my work.

I wonder what Congress's number would drop to if friends, family and lobbyists were taken out?

Ode To Autumn, Volume Two

So my friend Becky posted a response to my Ode to Autumn list. This is my response to her response.

• The colors of the leaves are changing because the leaves are dying. See death and decay entry.
• The three apple entries only count as one.
• Football games and marching bands? Yeah, because I need another reminder of the excruciating agony that was my high school experience.
• Back to school. See above.
• Hayrides and bonfires. You only start the fire because it's frickin' freezing.
• S'mores. Overrated.
• I live alone. No snuggling.
• Food. Overrated.
• I'm 5'6". Basketball doesn't really do anything for me.
• Thanksgiving. Okay, I'll give you that one.
• Christmas is still 100 days away and should not be addressed until after Thanksgiving.

Thank you. And have a wonderful night.

Ode To Autumn

Many people I know love Autumn. For some, it's their favorite season of the year.

I am not one of those people.

Reasons not to love Autumn:

1. It means it's no longer summer.
2. Which means it's closer to winter.
3. There is a frequent smell of death and decay in the air.
4. You have to start adding layers and layers of uncomfortable clothes.
5. Fun things to do changes from "going to the beach" to "being pulled in a wagon in the frickin' cold and throwing hay at each other"
6. Colds, flu and sickness abound.
7. The baseball season is almost over.
8. You have to hear people talking constantly about the Eagles.
9. It gets dark early.
10. Did I mention it's already cold???

Thank you. And have a wonderful day.

Quotes From Giving

I went to B&N this evening and while I was there I started to peruse Clinton's book, Giving. These two quotes stood out to me.

My gift is nothing. I can have everything I need with less than one percent of my wealth. I was born in the right country at the right time, and my work is disproportionately rewarded compared to teachers and soldiers. I'm just giving back surplus cliams that have no value to me but can do a lot for others. The people I really admire are the small donors who give up a movie or a restaurant meal to help needy people. - Warren Buffet on giving $30 billion to the Gates Foundation.

Beyond a certain point, which we'd reached, money has no further value. It can't bring happiness, but it can save or tranform many lives. - Chris Hohn

Human-Animal Hybrids

If you are on the Rose and A Prayer distribution list, you probably saw the reference that "Having looked at all the evidence the [Human Fertilisation and Embryology] Authority has decided that there is no fundamental reason to prevent cytoplasmic hybrid research" and that "Individual research teams should be able to undertake research projects involving the creation of cytoplasmic hybrid embryos if they can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of an HFEA licence committee, that their planned research project is both necessary and desirable."

Human-animal hybrids? Maybe this would be a good time to pick up a copy of The Island of Doctor Moreau.

Sold!

So the final sale price on my previously dust collecting network camera? $202.50. Sweet.

President Clinton

Historically, I'm not much of a fan of the former President, but I'm really interested in reading his new book. It already seems to be having an impact as attested by the fact that he references Kiva, and they are now having trouble keeping up with demand by willing contributors. (Apparently Oprah also made mention of it so that created another channel of demand.) I'm in favor of whatever communicates the message to our country of the great need, our great resources and that offers some practical and helpful steps to bridge the two.

Positive Steps

As a little health update, I was able to enjoy some positive steps this week. On Monday, I went to the Y for the first time in ages and was able to do 30 minutes on the elliptical without problems. Tonight I went back and did 30 minutes of upper body weightlifting. That is a huge praise! I still have an occasional dry cough, my throat feels kind of sharp (if that makes sense), I need to regain some lost weight and my breathing might still not be 100%, but this was a very positive and exciting step for me. Praise God and please keep praying!

Fire Water

I don't know if anything of practical industrial use could ever come of this or not, but it sounds pretty neat.

Global Investment

Anyone want to get into the Cambodian agriculture industry with me?

One More Song

" . . . and helping white people dance . . . " Classic.

Song of the Day: Brad Paisely ~ Online

I heard this song for the first time when I was home last week. Brad Paisely cracks me up.

Also, at our weekly meeting on Wednesday, a fellow native West Virginian used the phrase "finer than frog hair." I think a little tear fell from my eye.

E-Bay

So I am experimenting with E-Bay for the first time. Thinking I was jumping on the communication wave of the future, a long while back I bought a camera for my PC when Chatham had an IT yardsale. But, being technologically challenged as I am, I never got around to installing it. So, I decided to see what I could get for it on E-Bay. The current bid is $152.50 which is fantastic and is substantially higher than the discount rate I paid for it. Now I just need to figure out how the payment system works, ship it out, and figure out what the tax consequences are of the transaction. I'm going to have to see if there's any other crap lying around my apartment I can get rid of.

Class Begins

My first Dale Carnegie Course on Effective Communication and Human Relations was tonight. I must say it was one of the fastest 3 1/2 hour classes I have ever attended. Much of the night was spent on learning methods of remembering names and beginning conversations with a little goal setting on the side. It wasn't nearly as cringe-worthy as I feared it might be in places. Even going in front of the class and sharing a gimmick for personal name association was tolerable. I am looking forward to the next 11 weeks.

One downside is that the class is up in Valley Forge so it's a bit of a hike, but on the drive home I discovered that 1100 AM covers Cleveland Indians games. I can't believe I hadn't discovered this before now. Reception is a bit shaky in my apartment but it's still pretty exciting.

Completely Normal

I received the results of my pulmonary function test yesterday. To my relief, they were "completely normal." That may be the first time in my life I have ever been certifiably diagnosed as completely normal. The plan now is basically to sit and wait until my appointment with a specialist at the end of September. I would appreciate your continued prayers.

In Memory

I am home in Ohio today for the funeral of my grandfather who passed away on Saturday evening. He was my last surviving grandparent. Sadly, the Greatest Generation is now gone for me.

My favorite grandpa story is that when he was being deployed to serve in the Aleutian Islands in World War II, he was told there would be a beautiful woman behind every tree. When he arrived, he understood the ruse. There weren't any trees.

Another Step In The Revolution

I am not sure when I first heard about Compassion International, but the organization was mentioned often by people during the 40 Day Fast. This morning a volunteer representative shared an excellent presentation with us during Kairos, and I decided to support Letocia Flavia. She is from Uganda and is 3 years old. My choice of Letocia was influenced be four factors. First, I was interested in supporting a girl because women typically face the greatest disadvantages in developing nations. Second, I wanted to support someone in an AIDS impacted area. Third, Karen from my small group served as a missionary at an AIDS orphanage in Uganda. And fourth, we have a Flavia machine at work, and I am hoping I will be reminded to pray for Letocia at least as often as I make myself a cup of tea.

when passion takes on a purpose
and searching ones embrace the light
when skeptics find themselves down on their knees
you'll know it's here

when you hear a sound as loud as thunder
and you hear a cry that shakes the ground beneath you
when you hear a shout that shatters the darkness
you'll know it's here

when the lost find a name worth believing in
and the fallen get back onto their feet
and the broken start to dream again
and the sound of hope fills these streets
you'll know it's here

revolution
can you feel it
revolution cry
revolution
can you hear it
revolution cry
and I believe it
and I believe it

how long do we have to wait
and how long will we stay silent
will this weeping generation dance again
oh God when will the truth be restored

when the lost find a name worth believing in
and the fallen get back onto their feet
and the broken start to dream again
and the sound of hope fills these streets
you'll know it's here

- Revoluton Cry, Lifehouse

Infield Fly Rule

This may be my most boring post I have ever made, but I had someone ask me about this last Sunday. In case you were losing sleep over it, this is the official Infield Fly Rule:

An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule.When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare “Infield Fly” for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare “Infield Fly, if Fair.”The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an Infield Fly.

Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly) Comment: On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder—not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire’s judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately.When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05 (L). The infield fly rule takes precedence.

Is baseball great or what?

Why I Don't Have Cable

So, I was listening to the radio last night and heard about a new show debuting on FX called "4 Oz." It's just your typical story "about a married-dad gynecologist practicing with his father who undergoes a sex-change operation."

Why? Why does this need to be the framework of a television drama?

Garbage in, garbage out.

Struck Again By The Imitation

The Voice of the Beloved.

As I of Mine own will did offer up Myself unto God the Father for your sins, My hands stretched out on the cross, and My body stripped bare, so that nothing remained in Me that was not wholly turned into a sacrifice of divine propitiation; in like manner you ought also to offer yourself willingly unto Me every day in the Mass, as a pure and sacred oblation, with all your powers and affections , unto the utmost strength of your soul.

What do I require of you more, than that you study to resign yourself entirely unto Me? Whatsoever you give besides yourself, I regard not; for I seek not your gift, but you. As it would not suffice you to have all things whatsoever, besides Me; so neither can it please Me, whatsoever you give, if you do not offer yourself. Offer up yourself unto Me, and give yourself wholly for God, and your oblation shall be accepted. Behold, I offered up Myself wholly unto My Father for you; I gave also My whole Body and Blood for your food, that I might be wholly yours, and that you might continue Mine to the end. But if you stand upon yourself, and do not offer yourself freely unto My will, the oblation is not complete, neither will there be entire union between us.

Therefore a free-will oblation of yourself into the hands of God ought to go before all your works, if you desire to obtain liberty and grace. For this is the cause why so few become illuminated and inwardly free, because they know not how to wholly deny themselves.

My sentence stands sure, Unless a man forsake all, he cannot be My disciple. If you therefore desire to be My disciple, offer up yourself unto Me with all your affections.

~ Thomas A Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

Don't Miss The Wonders That Surround You

Saturday was a beautiful day. The weather was as close to perfection as you could get so I sat outside for a fair portion of the day and read. I then had a late lunch with Jake and Rita at 5 Guys, and we went over to Hagley Museum. I had no idea there was so much to see at Hagley. The grounds are beautiful and the history of industry is fascinating. I strongly recommend visiting it if you have not yet done so. $1 Saturdays is an awesome promotion; that may be the best single dollar I have spent all year.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

There are some pearls and gems of wisdom on this list.

Can't Sleep

Well, it is now 1:30 AM, and I can't sleep. It is not that I am having more difficulty breathing; I am however worried sick about my condition. (Pardon the pun.)

As I have been contemplating things though, I think it is safe to say this. Even if I get hit by a bus on the way out the door tomorrow, I have enjoyed a great life. As I was lying in bed, I started to think of things "I always wish I had done but never got around to" and, to be honest, I couldn't think of any. The closest thing that just popped into my head is to travel to the U.K. But beyond that, I really have no life-goal type regrets. I have greatly enjoyed the travels I have been able to experience, I am happy that I was able to get my MBA and while mildly interested in another advanced degree I am very content with that. I have the best job ever and am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of Chatham. I have enjoyed some grand adventures with the best friends in the world. Just the day-to-day life I get to enjoy with my friends is something truly special. I love my family, and I think I have always appreciated the times we have spent together. I have been in love and know both how happy that can make you feel and how it can break your heart. And while God knows all of my abundant faults and sins, I have tried to serve and honor Him. I am especially thankful for BVBC, Kairos and my small group and all that has meant to me.

The Tim McGraw song "Live Like You Were Dying" has played through my mind often. While not glitzy or reckless, I really think I have tried to live that way. Or, as Jonathan Edwards would say, "Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live."

Further up and further in.

Health Concerns

Well, tomorrow is my last day on the juice and unfortunately it did not perform as hoped. I was actually back in the ER again Monday night; they did an EKG and chest X-ray which both appeared normal. I had some blood work done today and will be having a CT scan on Monday and pulmonary function test next Thursday. I would deeply appreciate your prayers. Thanks friends.

An Evening Out

On Saturday, part of my small group (and a former groupie) went up a wine-tasting and concert at the vineyard where one of our group members works. Jason walked us through the process that goes into making wine.





No, Joe, you can't help run the forklift.


It was interesting to learn how aging the wine in wood barrels adds to its distinctive flavoring.


The whole process is done by hand, including filling and labeling the bottles.


Until the finished product is complete!



After the tour, we went upstairs for the tasting.

Jesus was there.








Maybe one too many?


There was a funky soul blues band playing from Baltimore.



There was dancing and much rejoicing.

A Prayer of A` Kempis

I recently came across this in my reading of The Imitation of Christ:

Grant me, O Lord, to know that which is worth knowing, to love that which is worth loving, to praise that which pleases You most, to esteem that which to You seems precious, to abhor that which in Your sight is unclean. Suffer me not to judge according to the sight of the outward eyes, not to give sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men, but with a true judgment to discern between things visible and spiritual, and above all to be ever searching after the good pleasure of Thy will. ~ Thomas A' Kempis

On The Juice

So, my symptoms have not been improving from my aforementioned bleach/allergic reaction. (Though I checked the bottle of bleach and estimate that I used around 3/4 cup to 1 cup in each load; the directions call for 3/4 cup and up to 1 and 1/4 cups for a large wash so at least I feel a little better knowing it wasn't an extreme overdose in that regard.) I called my doctor again today, and he is going to put me on a high octane steroid to try to get things under control. He assured me I still won't be able to catch Barry Bonds; that's okay, I just want to feel well enough to get back to the gym so I can work on those big, beefy arms naturally.

Be Careful With Bleach

You know that commercial that says, "We all do stupid things." Yeah, I can vouch for that. So, it seems that last weekend when I was doing laundry I used way too much bleach (or possibly had an allergic reaction to a new detergent). When I woke up from a nap last Sunday afternoon, I must have inhaled some residual fumes from my sheets and pillows because my throat felt constricted and I was having shortness of breath. After experiencing this for a couple hours (and also coughing just once but vomiting when I did), I called Sandy Knockengost for a professional opinion, and Karl graciously came and took me to the ER. They checked me out and everything appeared fine so they gave me some bendaryl and sent me home, anticipating that things would clear up by the hour and be gone in a day. Well, Tuesday morning I still had the same symptoms. I tried to see my regular doctor, but he was out of town so I saw an (inexperienced) associate. He diagnosed it as just a sore throat (pharyngitis) and told me to gargle with salt water and take cough drops. So Friday rolls around and I am still having trouble breathing so I see my regular doctor. He agrees that it probably was inhalation from the fumes. To my relief he says there is virtually no possibility of this causing permanent damage but that it might be another 3-5 days to clear up. He also gave me an inhaler which I have not used yet. I have felt significantly better the last couple days (I think being outside a few hours for the SOLI prayer meeting Thursday night helped), butI am still not 100% yet. I have definitely gained a healthier respect for the potency of household chemicals as well as an appreciation for those who suffer from asthma. There is perhaps no worse feeling in the world than not being able to breathe. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for a full and speedy recovery.

"I Want A Hypothalamus for Christmas"

Recently at work, we had a team assessment based on the Highlands Ability Battery (or, as we affectionately called it,the Highlands Assault and Battery test.) It was a fascinating exploration and discussion of our individual temperaments and innate abilities and how that manifests itself in our team dynamics. One of the challenges that I have encountered at Chatham that we discussed in the meeting is navigating as a high introvert in what seems to be a predominantly extroverted environment.

As a follow-up to this discussion, one of my co-workers loaned me a book this week entitled The Introvert Advantage, by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D. With extensive physiological detail (the hypothalamus is the part of the brain that "regulates thirst, temperature and appetite and turns on the Throttle-Down System in introverts") the book explores the nature and behavior of introverts and how to most effectively respond to the world of extroverts. I am finding it to be insightful in new areas and a helpful reminder in others. If the study of personality and temperament intrigues you, I think you will like this book.

Liar, Lunatic, Lord . . . or just a little mistaken?

Okay, I promise this is my last post on the God Delusion. This is just so inane I had to share it.

There are still some people who are persuaded by scriptural evidence to believe in God. A common argument, attributed to C.S. Lewis (who should have known better), states that, since Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, he must have been either right or else insane or a liar: 'Mad, Bad or God'. Or, with artless alliteration, 'Lunatic, Liar or Lord'. The historical evidence that Jesus claimed any sort of divine status is minimal. But even if that evidence were good, the trilemma on offer would be ludicrously inadequate. A fourth possibility, almost too obvious to need mentioning, is that Jesus was honestly mistaken. Plenty of people are. - Richard
Dawkins

Waking up one morning and thinking it is Thursday when it is actually only Wednesday, or thinking that your shoes are in your closet when you actually left them in the living room are examples of being honestly mistaken. Believing you are the Son of God as the basis of your life experience, your teaching and your death is a belief far beyond something that could be reasonably categorized as an honest mistake.

Going through the book, it is not that Dawkins never makes a good point or a reasonable argument, but strewn along the paths are so many arguments like this one that, to me, it significantly mitigates the credibility of the book over all. Another aspect that I found frustrating is that at one point when a scientist makes a statement supportive of religion, Dawkins states that he surely must not have meant what he said and that he was under powerful social pressure to be polite to those of faith. So, if anyone says something that is different from you, they obviously didn't mean it? I also find it interesting that he heaps tremendous praise on all of those atheists who were brave enough to stand up for their beliefs in an environment that is predominantly religious, but he considers the praises of those who admire devout Christians who are also distinguished scientists (in an environment that is predominantly atheistic or agnostic) as an act of desperation.

Neglecting the Evidence?

So this week my hold on Richard Dawkin's The God Delusion came through, and I was able to pick it up. I'm about ready to take it back. Here is an example of why:

The genie of religious fanaticism is rampant in present-day America, and the Founding Fathers would have been horrified. Whether or not it is right to embrace the paradox and blame the secular constitution that they devised, the founders most certainly were secularists who believed in keeping religion out of politics, and that is enough to place them firmly on the side of those who object, for example, to ostentatious displays of the Ten Commandments in government-owned public places. But it is tantalizing to speculate that at least some of the Founders might have gone beyond deism. Might they have been agnostics or even out-and-out atheists? - Richard Dawins

Maybe. Let's see:

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. – George Washington

Yeah, you're right Richard. That's just sheer secular atheism through and through.

Lazy Money

Yesterday I went to the bank to deposit a check, and as I was waiting I overheard someone opening a savings account that paid a paltry 1% APR. (Apparently, this was a special offer; the regular rate was only 0.4% APR.) It was all I could to keep from interrupting and telling him, "Don't do it!". If you are looking for somewhere to put your cash, I would encourage you to consider the following:

• Checking: Charles Schwab - 4.25% APR on checking with no monthly fees, minimum balance or ATM charges.
• Savings: HSBC Direct - 5.05% APR, no fees or minimum balance
• Money Market: AmTrust Direct - 5.36% APR, no fees on online transfers, $1 minimum

Don't settle for what your local brick and mortar bank pays. There are better options out there. Make your money work for you.

Sunday Breakfast Mission Back To School Drive

If you are planning on purchasing some school supplies for the Sunday Breakfast Mission, I would definitely encourage you to check out Wal-Mart's Back to School sale. Granted, I've probably just doubled our trade deficit with China but they have some great deals. I was able to purchase the following last night:

• 48 boxes of crayons (24 crayons per box)
• 22 spiral notebooks
• 12 rulers
• 12 bottles of glue
• 12 reams of notebook paper
• 3 boxes of erasers
• 6 scissors
• 6 school boxes
• 6 packs of pens
• 6 packs of pencils

All for a grand total of . . . $46.

Stark Contrasts

I have come across a few pages recently on the leadership of Lincoln and Churchill which really stood out to me in contrast to President Bush, who I think genuinely aspires to be such a principled leader. I no longer have the books to pull a direct quote, so I'll try to describe the situation as best as I can.

There was a point when Lincoln was being berated by a political opponent and Lincoln's colleagues were upset and angered by this and wanted to go on the offense. Abe however acted with great restraint and humility commenting that this legislator is very often right and should be heard out to see what was valid in his argument and what Lincoln might need to do to change. In another instance, someone commented in front of Lincoln during the war that "God is on the Union's side." Lincoln quickly chastised him by saying that God is on the side of the right and that the Union must seek to be right and so be aligned with God and not opposing him. As Bush has often framed the battle against terroristic Islamic extremism as a battle of good against evil, he would do well to listen carefully to the nuance of Lincoln's admonition. I don't think God necessarily has a soft spot on his heart for America; he is much more concerned about justice and rightness.

The third difference comes from Churchill. It is reported in the book Good to Great:

Churchill said, 'We are are resolved to destroy Hitler and every vestige of his Nazi regime. From this, nothing will turn us. Nothing! We will never parley. We will never negotiate with Hitler or any of his gang. We shall fight him by land. We shall fight him by sea. We shall fight him in the air. Until, with God's help, we have rid the earth of his shadow.' Armed with this bold vision, Churchill never failed, however, to confront the brutal facts. He feared that his towering, charismatic personality might deter bad news form reaching him in its starkest form. So, early in the war, he created an entirely separate department outside the normal chain of command, called the Statistical Office, with the principle function of feeding him - continuously updated and unfiltered - the most brutal facts of reality.

This stands in significant contrast to the current administration's formation of a strategy and execution of it in Iraq.

Be A Man

I received my packet from Shared Hope International and started reviewing the materials this morning. One of the methods they are utilizing to combat the devastating child slavery and sex tourism trades is by uniting and challenging men who

Have joined together to take a stand, declaring that the sexual exploitation of children, using pornography, and buying sex is not something real men will tolerate. Real men guard themselves and protect children with dignity.

Become a Defender.

Introducing Oluwafemi

On Tuesday, our small group joined Bayo and Anita in the naming celebration of their first child (and our group's first baby)! I felt a sense of awe looking over her crib and seeing this precious little life. Her name means "God loves me." Indeed, and so do your parents and your small group!

It was great to enjoy the evening with their family and friends and to see Bayo and Anita dressed in their traditional garb for the festivities.

I think I see a babysitter!

I would like to close this post with a prayer of blessing:

O God, you have taught us through your blessed Son that whoever receives a little child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself: We give you thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family in giving them a child. Confirm their joy by a lively sense of your presence with them, and give them calm strength and patient wisdom as they seek to bring this child to love all that is true and noble, just and pure, lovable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Almighty God, giver of life and love, bless Bayo and Anita. Grant them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. And so knit their wills together in your will and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may live together in love and peace all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spread the Love

One of the organizations that was highlighted during the 40 Day Fast that I have been reading about is Kiva.org. They are a microfinance organization that links lenders (at least in America and perhaps around the world) with borrowers in developing nations. For instance, tonight I was able to help make a loan to Hafiz, an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan so that he could purchase a milk cow.

This is kind of a neat convergence point. I have been increasingly interested in microfinance since joining Chatham, but their involvement is a rather technical aspect of helping organizations in this field mitigate their foreign currency exchange risk. So, it was great to learn about Kiva and come across this opportunity to really get connected and involved.

I think the final tipping point in getting me to pull the trigger on this is catching the enthusiasm from the people in my small group who just returned from the Morocco trip. There was a request to borrow the Prayer of Jabez and leafing through a journal version I have of the book again tonight challenged and convicted me.

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done." - Proverbs 19:17

Map Game

50 States - Shockwave Edition
Play Games
at Shockwave

This game is pretty cool. I would have done better, but I tried dumping New Jersey into the Atlantic Ocean.

Words of Wisdom

Today while I was at the library I came across Dale Carnegie's book How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. I discovered the following pearls and gems of wisdom in the first chapter:

"Our trouble is not ignorance, but inaction." - Dale Carnegie

"Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." - Thomas Carlyle

"Every day is a new life to a wise man." - Unknown

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." - Dale Carnegie

"Happy the man, and happy he alone
He who can call today his own
He who, secure within, can say
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today."
- Horace

A Better Opposition

Recently I commented on of Christopher Hitchen's God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, and noted that I was still looking for a more reasonable argument against Christianity and religion in general. Well, today's visit to Border's introduced me to Richard Dawkin's The God Delusion. While perhaps not likely to shake religious institutions to their core, it at least makes Hitchen's book pale like a nickel comic next to an actual novel. It has a much more academic feel to it and is not dripping with the same obnoxious hubris as Hitchen's writing. Of course, he still goads "Bible thumping" believers into giving a hostile response with his belligerent description of Yahweh in the opening of chapter 2 but even this did not strike me with the same sort of smugness as Mr. Hitchens offered.

I anticipate that the real weakness of the work, as in Hitchen's, will be that it claims that religion, by its very nature is what actually produces evil and all types of human suffering. By contrast, he would claim, science and secular atheism will be humanity's true salvation. But if religion, by its nature, inherently must produce the defective attributes of hatred and oppression, it seems to me that it does a rather poor job of it. Perhaps here one should create a "Delusion Hypothesis" as Dawkins creates a "God Hypothesis." For if it is religion that is to be blamed for creating those attributes, as perhaps evidenced in someone like Osama Bin Laden, then what does one do with the evidence of creating virtuous attributes and practices in someone like Mother Theresa or Martin Luther King Jr? For every inflamed fundamentalist who would do violence under the banner of religion, there are hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions who practice their faith with kindness and benevolence towards others. And if religion is such a curse to humanity, how does one explain all of the schools, hospitals, orphanages and humanitarian organizations that are faith based? Dawkins also warns about the dangerous sexual repressions caused by religion and points frequently to the Catholic priests' sexual abuse scandals. While those incidents are truly shameful, I do not believe they invalidate Christianity or religion any more than the experience of a doctor who commits malpractice invalidates all of modern medicine.

I have the book on hold at the library. I will be interested in exploring his presentation and how he might handle objections along these lines.

SB5 Defeated

Delaware Representatives have defeated SB5. As a sidebar, I wish that when the issue was covered, reporters would be more precise on what is being opposed and instead of stating stem cell research generically, state if they are describing adult or embryonic stem cells. For instance, I recently saw a poll on CNN.com which was stated along the lines of "Do you believe stem cell research is immoral?" Well, it depends. Opponents of embyronic stem cell research are not cold hearted individuals who are calloused to those suffering from "diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, sickle cell disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis" and are not opposed to all stem cell research that would seek to alleviate these terrible afflictions.. I simply feel that the destruction of life at its earliest and most vulnerable form should not be permitted, especially when there are attractive research opportunities with adult stem cells and emerging discoveries of procedures that would not destroy human embryos. We would never permit the harvesting of organs from adults even if it would serve the "greater good." Why should we allow this?

Joshua

Great long lost song. I've got to find this CD.

Spotlight

On the lower right hand side of my blog is a little link to a member of Kairos who is serving in Cambodia. Reading Zach Andress's last posting, it's exciting to hear of the work he is doing and the attitude he has towards it. I felt challenged to not forget to pray for those serving on a long term basis as we pray for those utilizing their vacations to serve on a shorter term basis. I have a woefully short attention span when it comes to this sort of thing.

Numbers Freak

Odomoter Reading of the Day: 090909.

Go little Saturn.

The Party's Over

In a repulsive triumph of power over justice, President Bush commuted Scooter Libby today. Apparently, obstructing justice and committing perjury can be done without penalty when you do them for the right people. I know that it is not uncommon for Presidents to pardon people for the sake of political interests, but that doesn't make it right or even excusable. I am disgusted with the present administration.

If anyone else in the state of Delaware is interested in changing their party affiliation, click here.

Sicko

I have not yet seen the Michael Moore movie Sicko which came out this weekend. I was kind of interested in seeing it, and then I heard an interview with Moore on CNBC on Friday afternoon which kind of turned me off. He was perturbed and seemed convinced that it was a conspiracy because the interview was held on the steps of Wall Street and not actually inside the building on the trading floor as he apparently had intended. But, Paula saw it and raved about it and encouraged me to see it so maybe I will try to do so. Moore did make a very sensible comment in his interview that his goal is not to advocate adopting another particular country's policies, but to try to learn the best practices of each and adopt those here. The Wall Street Journal ran the following article in response to the film.

Anniversary

Today is my parents' wedding anniversary. I think it's 33 years now. I feel like one of the lucky few in my generation who have seen their parents live out a healthy and loving marriage relationship. I have heard them mention that they are the last ones left from the friends of their youth who are still on their first marriage. All of the others have gone through at least one divorce, many more than one. My parents have really set a great example. There have been tough times and they have faced many of the same stresses and demands (and probably more) that others have faced only they remained faithful towards each other and kept going and weathered out the passing storms. And it's not one of those relationships where they're just playing out the string until the game's over. They're still very much in love and have a profound respect for one another. Last winter for instance, my dad would go over to my mom's workplace when she was working evenings to warm up her car and walk her out when her shift was over so that she was safe and could hop into a nice warm car. He still writes her little love notes. They love playing cards together, taking their collie for a walk in the park and playing with their grandchildren (my sister's three kids). What can I say? I'm learning from the best. Thanks mom and dad. I love you!

Keeping In Step With The Spirit

I thought Pastor Bo's sermon on Sunday was very convicting and challenging. He ended by saying:

Finally, the mission of Brandywine Valley Baptist Church is to be followers of Christ, known by their love. What stalks my soul by day and haunts my dreams by night is that Christians in all their global diversity see themselves as the single, social embodiment of Jesus Christ in this world and keep in step with the Spirit, each person according to ability and always growing. The salvation of the world awaits that. BVBC is the only congregation we can do anything about. Let’s do it.There’s something else I don’t want the frailty of this sermon to hide. What we are talking about today is the air without which humanity suffocates. Listen to me! If tomorrow we fixed Social Security and Medicare; if tomorrow the problem of illegal immigrants went away; if tomorrow we found a cheap and universal cure for AIDS – if all this happened, the human condition would still be desperate, if it were not also brought into alignment with spiritual life. The life of God in the soul of man is the air without which humanity suffocates. That’s God’s gift to the world through the Church.

A Certain Danger of I-Pods

So, I went for about an hour walk/hike around the park near my apartment yesterday. In the middle of this, I noticed something was kind of off. It was that I was disconnected from my environment. The birds were noisily chirping and wind was blowing through the tree tops but I wasn't really experiencing it becaus I was listening to my I-pod. I had to turn it off for a few minutes and simply take in the environment around me.

Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love my i-pod. I just realized how much the technology isolates me not only from the people around me but from my natural environment.

Tonight I went for another walk but I left my I-pod at home. The silence helped me to pray and to think through some things that were vaguely floating around undefined in my mind. I think I also noticed the fireflys and Venus much earlier than I otherwise would have.

It's a good blend to enjoy both music and silence.

Book Review: God Is Not Great . . . Is Not Great

I saw a Newsweek review recently on the book God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens. I was interested in seeing what a reasoned argument against Christianity and religion in general would have to say so I went to Border's and perused the book. I'm still looking for such an argument. The book is dripping with such arrogance that it is exhausting to try to trudge through, and his arguments have holes in them you could drive a truck through. In Hitchens' black-and-white perspective, secularists can do no evil and religious people can do nothing right. If you want to argue that religious people have done some pretty awful things, I would agree and you have some credibility, but you are also going to need to admit your own mistakes and he showed no willingness to do so. I didn't end up buying the book, not because I was afraid it might convince me but because it was so poorly written it wasn't worth the money. Maybe I'll get it from the library. The Washington Post review by Stephen Prothero listed on the amazon.com site sums it up pretty well.

"Hitchens describes the religious mind as "literal and limited" and the atheistic mind as "ironic and inquiring." Readers with any sense of irony -- and here I do not exclude believers -- will be surprised to see how little inquiring Hitchens has done and how limited and literal is his own ill-prepared reduction of religion. Christopher Hitchens is a brilliant man, and there is no living journalist I more enjoy reading. But I have never encountered a book whose author is so fundamentally unacquainted with its subject."

Not Exactly Warm Fuzzies

This morning's reading from The Imitation of Christ:

And yet, what great matter is it, if you, who are but dust and nothing, subject yourself to a man for God's sake, when I, the Almighty and the Most Highest, who created all things out of nothing, humbly subjected Myself to man for your sake? I became of all men the most humble and the most abject, that you might overcome your pride with my humility. O dust! learn to be obedient. Learn to humble yourself, you earth and clay, and to bow yourself down under the feet of all men . . . What do you have, O vain man, to complain of? What can you answer, foul sinner, to them that upbraid you, you who has so often offended God so many times and deserved hell? But Mine eye spared you, because your soul was precious in My sight; that you might know My love, and ever be thankful for My benefits; also that you might continually give yourself to true subjection and humility, and endure patiently the contempt which belongs to you.

Make Poverty History

I was flipping through the CD jacket of my Switchfoot CD and noticed the reference for one.org There's some good information and resources available there.

Something Positive In Iraq

Here is a story of something positive that is happening in Iraq right now.

Walking With Wilberforce

The recent discovery of forced labor in a Chinese brick kiln is unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg. The most recent US State Dept Trafficking in Person Report cited statistics from the International Labor Organization that "estimates there are 12.3 million people in forced labor, bonded labor, forced child labor, and sexual servitude."


One organization that seems to be taking an effective approach in addressing the issue is Shared Hope International. I ordered a DVD and maybe can have some people over to investigate more when that arrives. There's got to be something we can do.

Storm

Hmmm. Formatting issues there. My other favorite song is:

Storm

How long have I been in this storm?
So overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form
Water's getting harder to tread
With these waves crashing over my head

If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost in your eyes
I know everything will be alright
I know everything is alright

I know you didn't bring me out here to drown
So why am I ten feet under and upside down
Barely surviving has become my purpose
Because I'm so used to living underneath the surface

If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
I know everything will be alright
I know everything is alright

Again, the lyrics alone do not capture the fulness of the songs. They are beautiful.

As Good As Advertised

I ran to Wal-Mart on my way to work this morning and picked up the new Lifehouse album, Who We Are. I was not disappointed. It's a very solid disc. If I had to compare it to their previous work, I would say it is something of a cross between their first and third albums. My early favorites are

Broken

The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time
I am here still waiting though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on,
I'm barely holdin' on to you

The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded, I'm an open book instead
I still see your reflection inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose, they're still looking for life

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain is there healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on,
I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm hangin' on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
And I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will be ok

The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone
I may have lost my way now, haven't forgotten my way home

Disapproval of Congress

Remember when I said on November 11, 2006, "As a Republican I have to admit that there is some strategic value to losing the House and possibly Senate to the Democrats. Unlike the Republican Revolution in '94, the incoming class of Democrats do not have an overarching strategic or tactical plan akin to the Contract With America. Many candidates seem to have run on a platform of "at least I'm not George Bush", and it worked to disenchanted voters who had become contemptful of the power grubbing establishment. The thing is, I don't hear how any of them have any meaningful, credible plans to actually fix any problems. I suspect that the sunset provisions on Bush's tax cuts might now be allowed to expire without renewal. Few things give Democrats more ecstasy than raising taxes. So, in a couple years voters will be faced with no greater international leadership, a social security and medicare system that's just as broke, a continued healthcare crisis, conflict and debate over illegal immigration and even more deadlock between the two parties with the only change being higher taxes on the horizon."

I may have been right.

Of The Wonderful Effect Of Divine Love

Okay, so my last few posts have been pretty light and fluffy. But tonight my mind is racing with a thousand worries and concerns, and I am losing the fight to fall asleep. So, I thought it better to get up and revisit something I read yesterday. This is again from Thomas A Kempis' classic, The Imitation of Christ. It is rather long but so rich it deserves the time and attention:

Because I am as yet weak in love, and imperfect in virtue, I have need to be strengthened and comforted by You; visit me often therefore, and instruct me with all holy discipline. Set me free from evil passions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections; that being inwardly healed and thoroughly cleansed, I may be ready to love, strong to suffer, steady to persevere.

Love is a great thing, yes, altogether a great good; by itself it makes light every thing that is heavy, and it bears evenly all that is uneven. For it carries a burden which is no burden, and makes every thing that is bitter, sweet and tasteful. The noble love of Jesus drives a man to do great things, and stirs him up to be always longing for what is more perfect. Love wills to be on high, and not to be kept back by anything low and mean. Love wills to be free, and estranged from all worldly affection, so that its inward sight may not be hindered; that it may not be entangled by any temporal prosperity, or by any adversity subdued.

Nothing is sweeter than Love, nothing stronger, nothing higher, nothing wider, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in Heaven and earth; because Love is born of God and cannot rest but in God, above all created things. A lover flies, runs and rejoices; he is free, and is not holden. He gives all for all, and has all in all because he rests in One Highest above all things, from whom all that is good flows and proceeds. He respects not the gifts but turns himself above all goods unto the Giver.

Love often knows no measure, but is fervent beyond measure. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of labors, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility; for it thinks all things possible for itself and all things lawful. It is therefore strong for all things, and it completes many things and brings them to effect, where he who does not love faints and lies down. Love is watchful, and sleeping slumbers not. Though wearied it is not tired; though pressed, it is not straitened; though alarmed, it is not confounded; but as a lively flame and burning torch, it forces its way upwards and securely passes through all. If any man love, he knows what is the cry of this voice. For it is a loud cry in the ears of God, that ardent affection of the soul when it says, 'My God, my Love, You are all mine, and I am all Yours.'

Enlarge me in Love, that the inward palate of my heart may learn to taste how sweet it is to love, and in Love to be dissolved and to bathe myself. Let me be holden by Love, mounting above my self, through excessive fervor and wonder. Let me sing the song of Love, let me follow You, my Beloved, on high; let my soul spend itself in Your Praise, rejoicing through Love. Let me love You more than myself, nor love myself but for You; and in You all that truly love You, as the law of Love commands, shining out from Yourself.

Love is swift, sincere, kindly-affectioned, pleasant and delightful; brave, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly, and never seeking itself. For where a person seeks himself, there he falls from Love.

Love is circumspect, humble and upright; not yielding to softness, or to lightness, nor attending to vain things; it is sober, chaste, firm, quiet and guarded in all the senses.

Love is subject and obedient to its superiors, to itself mean and despised, unto God devout and thankful, trusting and hoping always in Him, even when God is not sweet unto it: for without sorrow none live in love. He that is not prepared to suffer all things, and to stand to the will of his Beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover. A lover ought to embrace willingly all that is hard and bitter, for the sake of his Beloved; nor for things that fall out against one to turn away from Him.

Counting Down the Days

The new Lifehouse CD comes out on Tuesday. I've been looking forward to this for a awhile. I really like their new single, First Time. (I'm not sure what their actual video looks like.)

More Dashboard

I'm really digging the new Dashboard Confessionals song, Stolen. They've got a great sound.

I'm not into superheroes or comic book movies but I saw this on Jeff's blog

You are Lex Luthor

Lex Luthor 51% Riddler 40% Kingpin 39% The Joker 36% Dr. Doom 36% Magneto 34% Apocalypse 34% Venom 33% Juggernaut 32% Dark Phoenix 32% Green Goblin 32% Mystique 24% Catwoman 23% Poison Ivy 18% Two-Face 16% Mr. Freeze 14%

A brilliant businessman on a quest for world domination and the self-proclaimed greatest criminal mind of our time!

Click here to take the Supervillain Personality Quiz

Squirrel Goes On Rampage

This story brings back memories. I bet it was looking for Little Debbie fudge brownies and a Pepsi.

Bumper Sticker of the Day

Last night I saw a sticker that read:

"My dog is smarter than your honor roll student."

Cleveland Sports Futility

Well, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the San Antonia Spurs in the NBA Finals last night. If you're keeping score at home, it is now 59 years since a sports franchise from Cleveland has won a championship. Let's recap:

Cleveland Cavaliers: 0 NBA Championships
Cleveland Browns: 0 Super Bowl victories. (Heck, we've never even made it to the Super Bowl)
Cleveland Indians: 2 World Series victories but none since 1948. (Stinkin' Jose Mesa)

So all you Philadelphia fans who whine about not winning a championship since the early '80's can just zip it.

Comedy

It's hard to find good stand up comics. Recently, I have been amused by Christopher Titus. Also see his apology.

Unpredictable Promises?

Since the Kairos retreat I have been thinking about the nature of God's promises. I have to admit this is an area of struggle for me. I think the reason for my struggle is because that which at the surface seems rather simple and straightforward in actuality becomes rather unpredictable, at least in the short term. Sometimes I wrestle with trying to figure out just what exactly can I reasonably expect from God? ("Reasonably expect" are not the best words but they'll have to do for now.)

For instance, I very much believe the promise in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose", but I also have to reconcile that with the fact that in the short term I might very well get my head lopped off (Matt 14:10, Acts 12:2). Or, consider the beautiful promise of restoration demonstrated in Jeremiah's purchase of the field (Jer 32:14-15), and yet Jeremiah likely died in relative obscurity in Egypt while his countrymen were in exile in Babylon.

This sort of thing can really draw out the skeptical contrarian in me. As Everclear once sang, "Promises mean everything when you're little and the world's so big." Well, sometimes it seems like these promises set you up to be let down. The really strange thing is that it's not just a few isolated instances where this occurs. In the famous passage of Hebrews 11 it comments, "All these died in faith without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (Heb 11:13)" I think this verse underscores that much of correctly understanding God's promises has to do with the time frame involved. At the risk of being sacrilegious, counting on God's promises seems a bit like investing in the stock market. In the short term there can be a lot of volatility and the risks taken aren't quickly rewarded and the corrections are painful to endure. But in the long run it's proven to be the best place to be for your investment.

There's one other sidebar I want to throw there out on the unpredictability of these promises. I think it's actually part of what makes life exciting. I have never liked movies where all of the good guys live and all of the bad guys die. I mean, come on, nothing's ever that easy and it's got to cost you something. To borrow a bit from Elderidge, this is so deeply embedded in our stories. In Braveheart William Wallace dies but ultimately his companions ride to victory. In the Matrix, several of the crew members die but ultimately Neo saves the day. In Tombstone, Virgil Earp is wounded and Morgan Earp is killed but Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday ride out victoriously. And in Scripture, James is beheaded in prison while an angel rescues Peter but ultimately they will both be rewarded. "And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made pefect. (Heb 11:39,40)"

Further Reflections On A Sad World

On the way to small group tonight I was listening to a Switchfoot CD, and the following song came on which made me reflect some more on my post from a couple days ago:

Easier Than Love

Sex is currency
She sells cars, she sells magazines
Addictive, bittersweet, clap your hands
with the hopeless nicotines
Everyone's a lost romantic, since our love became a kissing show
Everyone's a Casanova, come and pass me the mistletoe
Everyone's been scared to death of dying here alone
She is easier than love, is easier than life. It's easier to fake and smile and bribe
It's easier to leave. It's easier to lie.
It's harder to face ourselves at night, feeling alone
What have we done, what is the monster we've become
Where is my soul
(Numb)
Sex is industry, the CEO of corporate policy
Skin deep ministry, suburban youth, hail your so called liberty
Every advertising antic our banner waves with a neon glow
War and love become pedantic, we wage love with a mistletoe
Everyone's been scared to death of dying here alone
Sex is easier than love.


I often go back to a statement that Allistair Begg made in a message at Cedarville College: "My generation sang with the Beatles, 'You've got to admit it's getting better, a little better all the time.' But it didn't, did it? The 60's dream has become the 90's nightmare, and what we dreamt about, you now endure."

Dolphin Chat

Dolphins are awesome. Now that they've setup a chatline, I wonder if they'll teach her to text message. ;-)

Blog Link Etiquette

So Becky and I had a brief discussion along the lines of blog link etiquette today. When do you add a friend's blog to your list of links? Do you ask for permission first? When do you remove their link? My general thought on adding one is that if it is a blog you check frequently then it is appropriate to add it. I haven't given much thought to the removal process, but I am considering removing links to people who have not updated their blog within the last six months. You know who you are.

Comment Moderation

A couple days ago a random visitor to my blog submitted a completely inappropriate comment in response to one of my postings. In response to this, I have decided to begin to utilize the "moderate comments" feature to protect the integrity of the blog. I apologize for the inconvenience of failing to see an immediate post.

There's News And Then There Are Nuisances

Why are all of the major news organizations (CNN, NBC, etc.) covering all of the details of the Paris Hilton saga? Look, if I really want to know what is happening in the lives of irrelevant celebrities (and I don't), I'll read a People, or US or National Enquirer or whatever. Of all of the meaningful events that could be reported on, why are they devoting time to this? Obviously there is some sort of sick national interest in this, but the major news networks are not the appropriate medium to communicate this information and feed this interest. The news editors and journalists need to wake up to this and let the celebrity rags cover what is in their territory to do.

Running Mates?

I wonder, if Clinton were to win the Democratic primary, what are the chances she would choose Obama as her running mate? Granted, it's really too early to think about running mates when it's too early to even be worrying about the elections at all, but it would seem to have strong advantages to each of them. She would gain the charm and charisma, a strong Midwest representation, the early and firm stance against Iraq, and the overall sense of freshness and optimism that he offers while he would gain the experience he is lacking by serving as a VP.

Patience Test

Wow, so I was able to enjoy the Phillies game with BC tonight. Note to the local viewing audience: do NOT take I-95 South from Philadelphia during construction. The game finished at 9:45, and I didn't get home until 12:20. Seriously, another 20 minutes, and I would have spent more time on the drive home than actually watching the game. And I didn't even get to see Thome play. I feel for the poor family sitting in the car next to me who had a cargo truck carelessly drift back into them and smash up the front of the car and the young lady who had to figure out how to get back on I-95 North because apparently she was new to the area and was going the wrong way.

Brian, next time let's just order a pizza and watch from your house.

Baseball Note

You can start printing World Series tickets now. The Phillies just signed Jose Mesa.

Charity Navigator

I was reminded of this website again today. I highly recommend it when you are considering contributing to a new organization or perhaps to review one you already sponsor.

Shout Out

There's a new blogger out there. Greetings to Quebecca.

Sad World

I can't help but feel both revulsion and sadness at an article like this. Even the editor doesn't quite seem able to get a firm handle on the situation and its personal and societal implications. It is sad when people are so deceived that they run to wrap themselves in the chains they think will free them.

Lewis, as is so often the case, pegged this situation some 40-50 years ago:

Everyone knows that the sexual appetite, like our other appetites, grows by indulgence. Starving men may think much about food, but so do gluttons . . . perversions of the food appetite are rare. But perversions of the sex instinct are numerous, hard to cure, and frightful. I am sorry to have to go into all these details, but I must. The reason why I must is that you and I, for the last twenty years, have been fed all day long on good solid lies about sex. We have been told, until one is sick of hearing it, that sexual desire is in the same state as any of our other natural desires and that if only we abandon the silly old Victorian idea of hushing it up, everything in the garden will be lovely. It is not true. The moment you look at the facts, and away from the propaganda, you see that it is not. They tell you sex has become a mess because it was hushed up. But for the last twenty years it has not been hushed up. It has been chattered about all day long. Yet it is still a mess. If hushing it up had been the cause of the trouble, ventilation would have set it right. But it has not. I think it is the other way round. I think the human race originally hushed it up because it had become such a mess. Modern people are always saying 'Sex is nothing to be ashamed of.' They may mean two things. They may mean 'There is nothing to be ashamed of in the fact that the human race reproduces itself in a certain way, nor in the fact that it gives pleasure.' If they mean that, they are quite right. Christianity says the same . . . but of course, when people say, 'Sex is nothing to be ashamed of,' they may mean 'the state that into which the sexual instinct has now got is nothing to be ashamed of.' If they mean that, I think they are wrong. I think it is everything to be ashamed of. There is nothing to be ashamed of in enjoying your food: there would be everything to be ashamed of if half the world made food the main interest of their lives and spent their time looking at pictures of food and dribbling and smacking their lips. . . There are people who want to keep our sex instinct inflamed in order to make money out of us. Because, of course, a man with an obsession is a man who has very little sales resistance . . . Poster after poster, film after film, novel after novel, associate the idea of sexual indulgence with the ideas of health, normality, youth, frankness and good humor. Now this association is a lie. Like all powerful lies, it is based on a truth - that sex in itself (apart from the excess and obsessions that have grown round it) is 'normal' and 'healthy' and all the rest. The lie consists in the suggestion that any sexual act to which you are tempted at the moment is also healthy and normal. Now this, on any conceivable view, and quite apart from Christianity, must be nonsense. Surrender to all our desires obviously leads to impotence, disease, jealousies, lies, concealment, and everything that is the reverse of health, good humor, and frankness. For any happiness, even in this world, quite a lot of restraint is going to be necessary. - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Men and the Church

A few weeks ago I was flipping through books at Barnes and Noble and came across a book that discussed why there are fewer men in the church and why the church is not appealing to men. I am generally somewhat skeptical of books like this for a few reasons. First, I think a lot of Christian men just need to suck it up and stop looking for excuses, and if they want the church to change then they need to get in there and change it instead of complaining from a distance. For instance, I have seen it stated that one reason men do not like going to church is because women are leading so many of the ministries. Well, gee, do you think maybe one reason they are leading so many of the ministries is because there weren't enough men who were willing to step up and do it when they were asked? That's a pretty self-defeating argument. Secondly, I think a lot of non-Christan men are fully engrossed in the world's view of men and have no intention of leaving their self-absorbed ways and will look for any excuse they can find for avoiding the church and Christ whether it's legitimate or not. And third, I think some people want to bring their own caricature of a man into the church and hold that up as a new ideal.

In briefly flipping through this book though it seemed reasonable and sensible in its approach. I can't recall the exact title but I thought it was by Stephen Arterburn, author of Every Man's Battle. I can't seem to find anything like that under his name though so perhaps it was another book I saw. At any rate, this issue also came up in conversation during the retreat but was unfortunately abbreviated because of scheduled activities. It's something that I am wondering about and feel like I don't have many answers. I hope this will generate some helpful discussion.

There is one area though that I think might deter some men, and that is the way we do musical worship. For instance, consider the lyrics of one of the songs we sang this weekend, Hillsong's Draw Me Close to You:

Draw me close to You
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I'm Your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else could take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to You
You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know You are near

Now, there is nothing necessarily wrong with this song (except perhaps that it never actually mentions God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, sin, grace, mercy, forgiveness, redemption, love, etc.), but especially given its airy, sentimental sound, who do you think it's generally going to appeal to more, men or women? And how many songs are very similar to this? Think about it next Sunday. And, it's not even just the lyrics or the music. Have you ever noticed the pictures displayed on the screens? What do they usually display? Flowers and rainbows? A woman with her eyes closed and arms raised with a serene expression on her face? Children playing? Even in the song that displayed a picture of the cross, it was displayed in the middle of a big, red heart. Again, there is nothing necessarily wrong with these things, but who are they going to appeal to more, even at a subconscious level?

I just leafed through a few pages of Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow online. It wasn't enough to get a full impression of the book yet, but he said one thing that I was both shocked and relieved by: most men don't like to sing. I know I don't. I mean I like some worship music, and singing at small group is okay, but I have to admit there are a lot of times I wish I could come in just for the sermon at church and skip all the music. I mean think about it, outside of church, where do you see men casually singing?

If there is anything this world needs it, is more strong men of faith to take a stand. We're in the midst of a spiritual battle, but we're not inviting men into a battle camp. We're inviting them to sing songs about cuddly embraces with pictures of pretty flowers and then we wonder why they're not excited. To use a quote from G.K. Chesterton (admittedly in a different context), "It is constantly assured that when the lion lies down the lamb, the lion becomes lamb-like. But that is brutal annexation and imperialism on the part of the lamb. That is simply the lamb absorbing the lion instead of the lion eating the lamb. The real problem is - can the lion lie down with the lamb and still retain its royal ferocity? That is the problem the Church attempted; that is the miracle she achieved."

More Nuggets From Thomas

My most excellent small group gave me a book that included The Imitation of Christ for my birthday. I first read it some seven years ago and am really enjoying going through it again. Here are a few nuggets that really jumped out to me so far:

"If you know the whole Bible by heart, and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would all that profit you without the love of God, and without his grace?"

"Vanity it is, to wish to live long, and to be careless to live well."

"Who has a harder struggle than he that labors to conquer himself?"

"Be not proud of good works; for the judgments of God are different from the judgments of men and that often offends him which pleases men. If there be any good in you, believe better of others, that so you may preserve humility."

"It is no small matter to dwell in religious communities or in a congregation, to converse therein without complaint, and to persevere therein faithfully unto death. Blessed is he that has there lived well, and ended happily."

"No man safely speaks but he that willingly holds his peace. No man safely rules but he that is willingly in subjection. No man safely commands, but he that has learned well to obey. No man safely rejoices unless he has within himself the witness of a good conscience."