Tuesday, December 20, 2005

My Dream

I had a dream last night that I feel pictures my predicament. It is a little odd, because it is a dream. But if you follow, it makes sense.

My wife and I went to seminary to study to be church leaders. Our home in the seminary appeared livable, but a little old. We were on the 4th floor in a corner apartment. The 4 buildings formed a square with a courtyard between. Everyone knew that the old buildings had some squeaks and rattles, but on the surface they seems good enough.

After a time, officials were called in and all people in the building to our left were asked to leave because it had deteriorated to a point of being uninhabitable. After this many problems throughout all the buildings where uncovered. I left to examine the state of our home and found that the 4th floors throughout the complex were in near immediate danger of collapsing. There were holes in the walls that were hidden with plaster patches. The patches were cosmetic and a person could have easily fallen through to the ground 4 floors below.

As I wandered the ground, I began to realize that they had dismantled the stairway that I would normally use to return to my apartment. I could not find a way back. Certainly they would have left one way, but I was on my own to find it.

While looking, I walked through he hotel mall next door. Of course, this was not the quiet, peaceful place that the seminary was (or had once been). The mall was full of activity. People were buying things and partying. The crowds overwhelmed some. Others laughed as they took money from strangers. Still, I was drawn to the stability of the building, the nicely constructed apartments attached, the sweet treats being sold by the vendors, and the entertainment. This things all distracted me from my search for a way home.

The mall police were quite obvious. They were busy chasing penny thieves and bigger criminals. I witnessed one officer receiving a complaint. At first, she seem to respond quickly, but en route, she stopped to share a quick laugh with her friend about some poor soul who she had arrested in the past. The child she spoke of was the son of a werewolf. Could it be him that she was after again? I was interested, and even chuckled at the joke that she shared.

Then, my phone rang. It was my wife. She was wondering where I was. I told her that I was looking for a way back to the 4th floor. Others had been too. She had been talking to the other people stranded on the floor about how they could get their lost spouses to them, but, at this point, no one was sure. Perhaps the answer would be in the mall. Maybe I should try one of the new Hovercoppers being sold down the way.

Then I awoke. Now what?

Monday, December 19, 2005

Another thought on Christmas

Many have asked me in the last week or so, "Are you ready for Christmas?" My answer has been, "I'm not sure what you mean be 'ready for Christmas'."

It seems that we have confused the celebration of the coming Savior with the accumulation of gifts and the hold of family traditions. You know: the spritiual one's like decorating the house with green, red and gold things and baking copious amounts of sugary snacks.

If that is the Christmas that I'm supposed to be getting ready for, then, no, I'm not ready. Nor do I plan to get ready for that. See, I believe that me and my family would be much better ready for Christmas if we took our minds away from the hoopla that has been made a part of Christmas, and instead spent some time focusing on the Greatness of God that he should send His Son into this world to rescue people from the evil and the greed of this world.

This year, I have an idea about how I'm going to share the Christmas story with my children. In stead of reading the passages normally read on Christmas eve or Christmas morning (usually Luke 2 and Matthew 1 and 2), I'm going to read passages that talk more about the purpose for Jesus coming to this world. I thought that I could start with John 1 and talk about the spiritual reality of Jesus setting aside his glory to dwell amoung people. I think this will help us to move beyond the traditions of the season, into a realization of the great thing that we celebrate on December 25.

Read Cal Thomas' comentary on Christmas. He has an interesting message to the Church about our unwillingness to separate the holy event from the unholy practices of this world.

Friday, December 09, 2005

google_circa_1960.jpg (JPEG Image, 726x557 pixels)

Click the link. Need I explain how much things have changed in my life time.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

theGoodSteward.com

Are you saving for retirement? Maybe you shouldn't be. You may be taking valuable resource from things that you need. It is possible that this is hording; taking resources that others could use and saving thme for your own selfish or prideful purpose.

It is also possible that your retirement savings is keeping you from being the best parent you can be. Face it, the most noble purpose of a retirement plan is assure that your late-life needs are not a burden on your children or society. However, if you are witholding valuable resources from your children in the years that they are with you, you may be doing them a bigger dis-service. You only have your children for 18 to 21 years. Use God's provision now for their development and for building family memories.

If your working for a early retirement consider Why you are doing that. God's word calls those who don't provide for themselves "sluggard". One can argue that they worked hard for their early retirement, but if you retire before your working days are over, you have likely done so for selfish reasons. (An exeption would be one who retires from paid employment in order to take a unpaid or underpaid ministry.)

That brings the final point to mind, if your working long days and long weeks to create that nestegg in the days that your family is growing, who's raising your children? In your 30s, your life focus needs to much more on the necessities of the children in your home and your spouse and less on what your life will be like in your 80s.

Retirement sounds like a great idea; defired enjoyment of life until your in your later years. Unfortunately, it isn't a biblical principle and it isn't one that comes without costs to your family. Focus on using God's resources for God's purpose today. If you do this with full faith in God and His purpose in mind, He will provide even as you reach the golden years.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Setting boundaries is a teaching process | IndyStar.com

One of the more difficult aspects of teaching children to become adults is helping children to take ownership of right and wrong. Recently, was was talking to a professional about first year college students. Too many of those student find themselves in trouble because their voice of moral reason has been removed from their lives. Most college students find that they have much more freedom than living at home. How they use that freedom is greatly dependant upon how much they personally own the moral system their parents tried to teach to them.

"Setting boundaries is a teaching process" is an article published on Indystar.com. It offers a helpful guide for developing boundaries in children through different stages of life. If appropriate boundaries are taught at each developmental stage, presumably children will take ownership of the values that the boundaries demonstrate.

How to set boundaries through the stages
Infant
Even babies should be stopped from doing something wrong. Wag your finger and say no, or find another nonviolent way to convey displeasure. Never, ever shake a baby, which can kill, blind or cause brain damage.

Toddler
Toddlers are inherently curious and lack impulse control, so they have to be reigned in often. Encourage their natural inclination toward exploration, but teach them how to do it safely and at appropriate times.

Most parenting experts oppose corporal punishment. Among other things, those who are spanked are more likely to be violent themselves. If you do spank, limit to a few strokes with a bare hand and avoid the face, neck and head. Spanking that leaves bruises, draws blood or breaks bones is illegal and abusive.

Elementary school
Children at this stage are slightly more independent, but still need close supervision. Go over the rules frequently, and remind children of established boundaries when you see violations looming. Punish swiftly after an infraction, and clearly state the reason for punishment. The punishment should fit the crime and be applied consistently.

Tweens
Gradually increase freedom to test adherence to family rules when children are on their own. If the children prove trustworthy, reward them for good behavior. If they do not, decrease freedom. Discuss your position on drinking, drugs and pre-marital sex often, and be sure children are adequately supervised, especially during after-school hours.

Teens
Gradually shift teens to independence, but remain vigilant on such matters as chores, curfews, homework and grades. If you have strong feelings about clothing, piercing and hairstyles, make sure your teenager knows that. Establish clear boundaries related to drinking, driving, dating, drugs and sex, and enforce limits consistently.

-- Compiled by Courtenay Edelhart (Published on Indystar.com)



[Note: I don't agree fully with the author's corporal punishment analysis. There are still many parenting experts who believe corporal punishment, when used in the right context can be an appropriate expression of love. Dr. Tim Kimmil offers some questions to help the family think through the issue of corporal punishment.]

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Thursday, November 10, 2005

The Sad Thing About TO

SPORTS - VITO'S VIEW - Comcast.net
Vito has it right. The TO thing is sad. The man is sick and needs help. More importantly, you can have it all and not be happy if all means that you are the center of the world. The only way to true happiness is to have Jesus at the center. Then, you don't mind putting others first, you team winning without you, or the fact that others make more than you.

I hope TO gets the help that he needs.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

EiTB24.com

It is incredible how the modern rules of treasure hunting have complicated things. My guess is lawyers end up with 98% of the treasure the state 2% and the individuls get the stisfaction of knowing they paid their lawyers well.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Quote Details: Fran Lebowitz: I must take issue... - The Quotations Page

Too often too true...

Quote Details: Fran Lebowitz: I must take issue... - The Quotations Page: "I must take issue with the term 'a mere child,' for it has been my invariable experience that the company of a mere child is infinitely preferable to that of a mere adult.
Fran Lebowitz
US writer and humorist (1950 - ) "

Quote Details: Joe Theismann: Nobody in the game... - The Quotations Page

To think, I never heard of Norman Einstein before today.

Quote Details: Joe Theismann: Nobody in the game... - The Quotations Page: "Nobody in the game of football should be called a genius. A genius is somebody like Norman Einstein.
Joe Theismann, Former quarterback"

Quotation Search - Quote Search - The Quotations Page

The hedgehog principle restated...

Quotation Search - Quote Search - The Quotations Page: "My son, observe the postage stamp! Its usefulness depends upon its ability to stick to one thing until it gets there. "

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Real Salt Lake - News - 05/21/2005

RSL Needs to get some help from their wings. I wonder when coach E will notice that Tiger is doing nothing for the team. Maybe that's why he came out in the 63'.

Real Salt Lake - News - 05/21/2005

Friday, May 06, 2005

AARP - Clones , ad, advert | visit4info | TV/Cinema

Does anyone else think it is sort of ironic that AARP, an organization that fights discrimination against elderly, would use such a stereotypical Asian?

AARP - Clones , ad, advert | visit4info | TV/Cinema

Friday, April 08, 2005

Crosswalk.com Forums - Humor in the Bible?



I always thought Leviticus 13:40-41 to be funny.

40 “If a man loses his hair and his head becomes bald, he is still ceremonially clean. 41 And if he loses hair on his forehead, he simply has a bald forehead; he is still clean.

Wew! I thought I had some serious spiritual condition here.

Monday, March 14, 2005


Few suspected Barbie had a part in Ken's "accident", but new evidence proves that he was pushed from the car. Posted by Hello

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Josh Billings quote about focus

"Consider the postage stamp, my son. It secures success through its ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.
- Josh Billings "

Stick to one thing. Stay focused and success will come.

Friday, March 04, 2005

Real Salt Lake pick up another international

Real Salt Lake seems to be willing to pull out all the stops to put quality athletes on Eccles Stadium's turf. The one question I have is whether they have too many international players. It could end up draining there team as the World Cup Qualifiers demand much of their attention. Qualifiers don't hurt the European teams too badly because most teams break for internation match dates, but the MLS does not. Time will tell. Go Real.

El Real Salt Lake parece estar dispuesto a sacar todas las paradas para poner la calidad atletas en el césped del Estadio de Eccles. La una pregunta que tengo es si ellos tienen demasiados a jugadores internacionales. Podría acabar por desaguando allí equipo como los Calificadores de Mundial demandan mucha de su atención. Los calificadores no duelen los equipos europeos también mal porque la mayoría de los equipos rompen por fechas de igual de internation, pero no es verdad para los MLS. El tiempo dirá. Vaya Real SL.

Real Salt Lake - News - 03/01/2005

Iraola wanted by soccer giant Juventus

Loosing a young star could hurt the improvement of a young team. I wonder how a team like Athletic can stay competative while only using local athletes when the rest of the soccer world is happy to pick up stars from the 4 corners of the world.

EiTB24.com

Saturday, February 12, 2005

Rooting for T.O. - Christianity Today Magazine

I guess my thought on TO is that his self absorb ways are in direct conflict with the humility that we are called to in Jesus. People in Philadelphia say that his character is part of his job. The problem, it isn't a necessary part of his job. Many great athletes do as much for their teams and their sports without drawing the limelight like TO does. "Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." TO would be a better team leader if he performed his tasks well on the field, but was quiet during the week between games.

Rooting for T.O. - Christianity Today Magazine

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Napoleon Dynamite--What a great film. Why? I don't know. It seems to catch the insecurities of the viewer, I guess. May be, it is because we have all known someone like Napoleon and we liked to laugh at him. Or, it could be that, while we laugh at Napoleon, we also wish life was a simple as Napoleon's Preston, ID.

What ever the reason, if you have any sense of humor at all, this movie should make you laught.

Sweeeeeeet.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)