I don't think I necessarily have writer's block. It's not like a blog requires that much forethought (at least mine). Well, I have been overwhelmed lately with all the abortion laws that have been passing. I believe that over time we will see a shift towards life in this nation. If you haven't heard about Sycloria Williams and what happened to her baby, you really should read about it, but be prepared to be sickened. The link is here. I believe this will even grieve pro-choicers, my prayer is that it does. On the other hand we have this bizarre case with the octuplet mom, who now has a single mother home of fourteen children. Cases like this certainly don't help the pro-life movement. I find myself praying often for our president and believe that to honor God he must change his policies concerning life. I'm also sickened by all the Christians who believe that Obama will become successful at making abortions rare with his stated tactics. I pray that he does make them rare (and not at all), I just think that it's ridiculous to defend that position with what he has done so far and promised to do in the future.
On the home front, my wife is still sick with a sinus infection, and my girls are busy. Especially Emma, she's super busy right now, which I find incredibly cute. Hailey is talking so big right now. Last night Hailey, Emma, and I were at the store to get a Valentine Card for Grace. When I read our final Snoopy card to Hailey she said, "That's the funniest card I've ever seen," with a little laugh. My family's amazing. I can't wait to see our first little boy.
On the heart front, I desperately want people to meet Jesus like I have. I want all of Christ, for all of me. A relationship with Jesus is glorious. Sure I've been disillusioned, frustrated, and angry in my Christian faith, but nothing is better in a life of sin and shame. I love to taste of the pleasure of loving God. Like John Piper, I'd have to say that I'm a Christian hedonist (but I'm not that Calvinist). My greatest joy in life is being overtaken by Jesus. I wish I always felt the pleasure of loving God, but I'm growing in it. I want people to know this incredible God and be free from all that holds them captive.
I've sure loving being a youth pastor lately. More than before. I've always enjoyed it, but God is getting those youth into my heart. They're amazing and it's an honor to raise up warriors in the army of the Lord. They will do great things in their life times. It will be fun to cheer them on!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Long Term Family Planning and the Financial Crisis
What if people planned on having big families? What if Joe Bob had so many kids, that his kids could just pitch in a small fraction of their savings later in life to care for Joe Bob's elderly/retirement needs? What if there was an incentive to have large families so that families could be financially stable?
Our government has put forth a narrow minded solution today and may possibly be retracting it a day later. Nancy Pelosi was quoted in an article today where she stated that putting $200 million towards contraception would help the economy by relieving financial aid to impoverished families giving birth to new children. So apparently children have become a burden.
More babies, more possible creative solutions. Less babies, less possible creative solutions. Another classic example of a mindset that sees limited resources and limited solutions. This thinking is absurd. Let me explain. Let's say that in our country that there are only 100 jobs and there are 101 people that need jobs. A mindset that is narrow minded and closed believes that we have to short one person, kill one person, split the profits of another person,etc. An open minded solution would be to create a new job, a new industry, a new product, a new way to recycle, a new service, etc.
More people do not limit us. Our ideas limit us. Less people, less ideas, less energy. More people, more ideas, more enegry.
Our government has put forth a narrow minded solution today and may possibly be retracting it a day later. Nancy Pelosi was quoted in an article today where she stated that putting $200 million towards contraception would help the economy by relieving financial aid to impoverished families giving birth to new children. So apparently children have become a burden.
More babies, more possible creative solutions. Less babies, less possible creative solutions. Another classic example of a mindset that sees limited resources and limited solutions. This thinking is absurd. Let me explain. Let's say that in our country that there are only 100 jobs and there are 101 people that need jobs. A mindset that is narrow minded and closed believes that we have to short one person, kill one person, split the profits of another person,etc. An open minded solution would be to create a new job, a new industry, a new product, a new way to recycle, a new service, etc.
More people do not limit us. Our ideas limit us. Less people, less ideas, less energy. More people, more ideas, more enegry.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
It's a Boy on a dark day in American History.
I am very excited today because today my wife, Hailey, and I went to get an ultrasound of our new baby. It's a boy!! As a family of five, it's really nice to have a little boy. I was pretty outnumbered (not that it's been a bad thing). Girls have melted my heart, but I'm pumped for the little warrior to be added to our family.
My emotions were pretty mixed up when I realized that I got to see the gift and miracle of life, a baby in the womb, on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. On January 22, 1973, this horrible law which paved the way for mass abortions has lead to the slaughter of 40-50 million babies. President Obama has decided to pay for abortions around the world with our tax dollars in honor of this wicked ruling.
We have to ask ourselves, is change really a good thing, if it increases the amount of deaths of our most innocent and helpless members of society? Just because I want my baby, it makes it one? Just because someone doesn't want their baby, it makes it a blob of cells and tissue? There is blood on our hands. I am celebrating the life of my child and mourning the loss of innocents. I believe that great change is possible and I continue to pray with faith. God reverse the decree of '73. Jesus I plead your blood over my sin and the sin of my nation. God end abortion and send revival to America.
My emotions were pretty mixed up when I realized that I got to see the gift and miracle of life, a baby in the womb, on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. On January 22, 1973, this horrible law which paved the way for mass abortions has lead to the slaughter of 40-50 million babies. President Obama has decided to pay for abortions around the world with our tax dollars in honor of this wicked ruling.
We have to ask ourselves, is change really a good thing, if it increases the amount of deaths of our most innocent and helpless members of society? Just because I want my baby, it makes it one? Just because someone doesn't want their baby, it makes it a blob of cells and tissue? There is blood on our hands. I am celebrating the life of my child and mourning the loss of innocents. I believe that great change is possible and I continue to pray with faith. God reverse the decree of '73. Jesus I plead your blood over my sin and the sin of my nation. God end abortion and send revival to America.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Daddy's Girls
I learn things all the time from my two little girls. They're amazing. I never knew that I would love having girls so much. I'm crazy about them. I laugh and smile so much now that they are in my life.
Tonight my one year old, Emma, had her mommy put a wool cap on her head. The moment it went on her head she looked to me with this little inquisitive expression that was patiently waiting for daddy's affirmation. I said with a big smile and a hi-pitched voice, "Emma you look so beautiful." She smiles back at me and then goes back to playing with mommy. Then she does it again and again. She takes off the hat, has mommy put it back on, and looks right to daddy for another praise. My oldest daughter has been doing this probably since she was one year old as well. Each time Hailey, my oldest puts on a new shirt or dress, she comes out with a big smile and a silent stare, to wait to hear those words, "You look beautiful," from daddy.
Life is amazing with little ones. God is so good to bless me with them. I wonder what would happen to all the little girls if someone told them with a pure heart that they were beautiful, that they were valuable, that they mattered, and that they had a destiny. I learn a lot about God's love being a daddy?
Tonight my one year old, Emma, had her mommy put a wool cap on her head. The moment it went on her head she looked to me with this little inquisitive expression that was patiently waiting for daddy's affirmation. I said with a big smile and a hi-pitched voice, "Emma you look so beautiful." She smiles back at me and then goes back to playing with mommy. Then she does it again and again. She takes off the hat, has mommy put it back on, and looks right to daddy for another praise. My oldest daughter has been doing this probably since she was one year old as well. Each time Hailey, my oldest puts on a new shirt or dress, she comes out with a big smile and a silent stare, to wait to hear those words, "You look beautiful," from daddy.
Life is amazing with little ones. God is so good to bless me with them. I wonder what would happen to all the little girls if someone told them with a pure heart that they were beautiful, that they were valuable, that they mattered, and that they had a destiny. I learn a lot about God's love being a daddy?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Rolling in my Buick
My top ten reasons to own and drive a Buick:
10. Almost power everything (this is actually humorous because it's all in slow motion for old people)
9. You can roll baby roll, like a thug with your seat back.
8. Virtually invisible to cops.
7. People trust people that drive Buicks.
6. Breaking the mold (everyone assumes that old people drive em')
5. Trunk space equivilant to a small pick-up (my whole family could sleep back there)
4. You get the chance to connect with elderly in your community (there's like a secret underground old person Buick club I think)
3. You could get in a collision with an armored truck and win.
2. Hood ornament is safe, no one wants to brag about their Buick hoodie they just ripped off.
1. It was free (thanks Grandma :))
10. Almost power everything (this is actually humorous because it's all in slow motion for old people)
9. You can roll baby roll, like a thug with your seat back.
8. Virtually invisible to cops.
7. People trust people that drive Buicks.
6. Breaking the mold (everyone assumes that old people drive em')
5. Trunk space equivilant to a small pick-up (my whole family could sleep back there)
4. You get the chance to connect with elderly in your community (there's like a secret underground old person Buick club I think)
3. You could get in a collision with an armored truck and win.
2. Hood ornament is safe, no one wants to brag about their Buick hoodie they just ripped off.
1. It was free (thanks Grandma :))
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
New Year's Goals
I have some goals for the new year. I don't know if they line up with the most popular resolutions or anything. For instance, due to my lightening fast metabolism, I don't need a weight loss goal ("they" tell me that will change). I want to keep it simple, something that keeps me focused. Here they are:
1. Read my Bible and pray everyday (at least a half hour and preferably an hour)
2. Have 1 date night a week with my hot wife
3. Have at least one family night a week
4. Excercise three times a week
I have another couple of goals, but I'm keeping one card close to my chest for now. The other is that I want to share Jesus by praying for people and sharing the Gospel just while I'm out and about in everyday life. I want it to be more regular. I've been spotty and I know God's calling me to do it as a lifestyle. It feels weird to put it as an official goal though right now. What's one of yours?
Happy New Year!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy Hope You Didn't Get Wasted New Year
Happy New Year! I will write in the next few days along a little more serious lines, but for now, here's my rant to vent a little bit. I don't understand why a certain day on the calender puts people in a mood to do something that defiles their character.
"hey look, a full moon, I know... I'll go rob a bank..."
"hey I'm getting married next week, I'll go get drunk and have a crazy night before I get tied down to the ball and chain..."
"hey it's new years, I'll get plastered and do something I really regret..."
I'm not surprised when your average joe partakes in cultural norms of drinking or doing something regrettable. My problem is when I hear of "commited Christians" doing the same. I really don't want to be "judgemental" but we need to call one another to a higher place of character as Christ followers. There is not anything Biblically wrong with having a glass of wine or drinking a beer. But the Bible is clear on drunkeness being a sin (Eph. 5:18, 1 Cor. 6:10) that which seperates people from God and Christians from the intimate grace and presence of God.
How do we define ourselves, by our high point, or by our low point? Why do we take who we are in Christ and throw it away for a day because of a "special" date on a calendar? I know we should not define our lives by our low point, high point, or average, but by who Father God sees us as in Christ. However, that should not be some lame copout to lower our standards and sin against God. It should be a force of grace to movivate us to goodness and righteousness in our practical choices as we are in the process of maturing as sons of God. Our poor choices (i.e. sin) ought to diminish as we follow Christ. I'm the first one to say that I've got a long way to go to be like Jesus and there's a lot about me that needs to grow and change for that to happen. But let's call sin what it is and ask God for grace to avoid. This new year I need grace to "instruct me to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age (Titus 2:12 NIV paraphrase)."
"hey look, a full moon, I know... I'll go rob a bank..."
"hey I'm getting married next week, I'll go get drunk and have a crazy night before I get tied down to the ball and chain..."
"hey it's new years, I'll get plastered and do something I really regret..."
I'm not surprised when your average joe partakes in cultural norms of drinking or doing something regrettable. My problem is when I hear of "commited Christians" doing the same. I really don't want to be "judgemental" but we need to call one another to a higher place of character as Christ followers. There is not anything Biblically wrong with having a glass of wine or drinking a beer. But the Bible is clear on drunkeness being a sin (Eph. 5:18, 1 Cor. 6:10) that which seperates people from God and Christians from the intimate grace and presence of God.
How do we define ourselves, by our high point, or by our low point? Why do we take who we are in Christ and throw it away for a day because of a "special" date on a calendar? I know we should not define our lives by our low point, high point, or average, but by who Father God sees us as in Christ. However, that should not be some lame copout to lower our standards and sin against God. It should be a force of grace to movivate us to goodness and righteousness in our practical choices as we are in the process of maturing as sons of God. Our poor choices (i.e. sin) ought to diminish as we follow Christ. I'm the first one to say that I've got a long way to go to be like Jesus and there's a lot about me that needs to grow and change for that to happen. But let's call sin what it is and ask God for grace to avoid. This new year I need grace to "instruct me to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age (Titus 2:12 NIV paraphrase)."
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