This morning I saw a great bumper sticker. It said, "Stop Gobal WHINING". Isn't that classic? It reminded me of this video sent to me by my fellow former Baylor Camp counselor, Ford B. It is called "Democrats on an Escalator."
Speaking of Baylor Camp. One day I was walking a young camper from the dorms to the buses and talking about what little kids talk about. At one point he said, "When I grow up I'm either gonna be a doctor or a lawyer or a camp counselor." Of course it made me laugh. And later I told my parents and they laughed. However looking back 20 years later I think he had it right. Camp counselors and others in that genre are pretty important--especially in the context of the Christian life.
When I reflect on my adult life--outside my family--I probably feel better about the time I spent as a camp counselor than anything else I've done. Well, maybe helping with Special Olympics is up there too. I don't know if its because those things were just extra fun or if they honestly made a Kingdom difference. Whatever it was they were really good.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Standard of living?
Once again, time has flown. Here's a little summary of what has been going on around here. Three weekends ago we celebrated Granny's 93rd birthday. Its always fun to be with everyone.
I watched as much of the Olympics as I could. Extremely entertaining! I really enjoyed them.
Kris has had three weeks of the medicine I mentioned in my last post and she has tolerated it fairly well. It caused some tough days but she has handled it like a trooper. Hopefully it will start making her feel better soon.
My parents celebrated their 46th anniversary last week.
The boys started back to school today. I don't know if Jeremiah is ready for Kindergarten, but I'm pretty sure that Kindergarten is not ready for him. Although, we are very pleased that he is going to be in Mrs. H's class. Both boys reported having a good day.
Now for my latest random thoughts. As everyone knows our economy is really struggling now. The causes are more complex than I can grasp, but I suppose it was inevitable that the developing world would start catching up to us and compete with us for resources. That surely has a lot to do with some of our current troubles. One thing I have heard people, including Christian leaders, say is that we need the government to do things that will allow us to maintain our American standard of living. And that individuals and business should work to maintain the American standard of living.
Really? Standard of living? I surely do enjoy our standard of living. But, what makes us think that it is a right instead of a privilege? And what makes us think we are more derserving of being well off than any other nation. God certainly never promised that we should be wealthy. And Americans are wealthy. Even many Americans who live below our official poverty level have a lot compared to many people in developing nations. He only promised to meet our daily
needs (Matthew 6:25-34). Plus, I believe He expects his people with means to share with people who have needs (see Luke 3:10-11for example).
Maybe we Chistians should spend less time and energy trying to sustain our standard of living (possessions, diet, recreational indulgences, etc.) and more time and energy and resources trying to raise the standard of living of others?
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17
I watched as much of the Olympics as I could. Extremely entertaining! I really enjoyed them.
Kris has had three weeks of the medicine I mentioned in my last post and she has tolerated it fairly well. It caused some tough days but she has handled it like a trooper. Hopefully it will start making her feel better soon.
My parents celebrated their 46th anniversary last week.
The boys started back to school today. I don't know if Jeremiah is ready for Kindergarten, but I'm pretty sure that Kindergarten is not ready for him. Although, we are very pleased that he is going to be in Mrs. H's class. Both boys reported having a good day.
Now for my latest random thoughts. As everyone knows our economy is really struggling now. The causes are more complex than I can grasp, but I suppose it was inevitable that the developing world would start catching up to us and compete with us for resources. That surely has a lot to do with some of our current troubles. One thing I have heard people, including Christian leaders, say is that we need the government to do things that will allow us to maintain our American standard of living. And that individuals and business should work to maintain the American standard of living.
Really? Standard of living? I surely do enjoy our standard of living. But, what makes us think that it is a right instead of a privilege? And what makes us think we are more derserving of being well off than any other nation. God certainly never promised that we should be wealthy. And Americans are wealthy. Even many Americans who live below our official poverty level have a lot compared to many people in developing nations. He only promised to meet our daily
needs (Matthew 6:25-34). Plus, I believe He expects his people with means to share with people who have needs (see Luke 3:10-11for example).
Maybe we Chistians should spend less time and energy trying to sustain our standard of living (possessions, diet, recreational indulgences, etc.) and more time and energy and resources trying to raise the standard of living of others?
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17
Monday, August 4, 2008
Medicine and Machine Guns
Its been an interesting few days for us. Kris went to the doctor Friday and finally fessed up as to how serious her health problems are. The doctor prescribed a very powerful drug for her arthritis. The good news is that if it doesn't kill her it should make her feel a lot better. We are looking forward to that. And we are sooo thankful to God that this is not an expensive medicine. The bad news is that it will (and is) make her feel worse before it makes her feel better. So she is having a rough few days physically.
Last April I told you about a visit from an old friend. Well Charles stopped by again this weekend. It was great to see him. I know he is a busy man with a very important job, but he took the time to hang out with us and he even arranged for the boys to get to see some way cool stuff at the Marine facility here in town.
I must say that all the marines there were very friendly and went out of their way to make a couple of little boys day something they will never forget. I mean, what little boy would not like to play with a machine gun?
Last April I told you about a visit from an old friend. Well Charles stopped by again this weekend. It was great to see him. I know he is a busy man with a very important job, but he took the time to hang out with us and he even arranged for the boys to get to see some way cool stuff at the Marine facility here in town.
I must say that all the marines there were very friendly and went out of their way to make a couple of little boys day something they will never forget. I mean, what little boy would not like to play with a machine gun?
Seriously, if Lt. Col. Sides and his marines typify the folks protecting our nation then we are in fantastic hands. Thanks to all you who are serving. And thanks to the marines here in Waco who made two little blond boys way happy. And to be honest, their dad got a big kick out of it too, especially the night vision goggles. Thanks!
There are more pictures on Kris's blog.
There are more pictures on Kris's blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)