Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Dr. Mohler has a good analysis of the gay furor over Obama's selection of Rick Warrent to pray at the inaugeration. Everything thing he does has symbolic importance to his supporters, good and bad.
Hey, here is your thought for the day. How is the Gay_Lesbian movement like the old Revivalist leadership of the SBC? For both, you are either totally with them, or you are against them. If you disagree on anything, you are the opposition.
Hey, here is your thought for the day. How is the Gay_Lesbian movement like the old Revivalist leadership of the SBC? For both, you are either totally with them, or you are against them. If you disagree on anything, you are the opposition.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Where is that Global Warming when you need it?
It is about 25 degrees and I am freezing. Yesterday was warm and balmy, but by late evening a cold front roared through and now it is cold and windy. I have not had my overcoat out of the closet in 3 winters, and have already worn it almost 10 times in December alone. Now they say we may have some freezing rain.
Al? Al Gore are you there? I need some warm air, Al.
However cold it feels here, though, our northern neighbors really are seeing you know what freeze over. For example, Denver reported -18 on Sunday. I don't think I've ever experienced that. This, by the way, is a new record low for Denver for December 14. Obama better get on into office and fulfill his global warming pledges before long, or a record cold year could put a damper on things. The next coldest year for this date in Denver was 1901.
Monday was worse. It was -19 degrees, another new record low. The next closest was in 1951, when it was only -6.
But Montana was even colder. White Sulphur Springs, Montan, reported -29 degrees. Yikes! That breaks the record set in 1922 of -17.
I'm going to have to get re-acclimated to winter. I used to not mind being cold, but I'm not feeling the love at present.
It is about 25 degrees and I am freezing. Yesterday was warm and balmy, but by late evening a cold front roared through and now it is cold and windy. I have not had my overcoat out of the closet in 3 winters, and have already worn it almost 10 times in December alone. Now they say we may have some freezing rain.
Al? Al Gore are you there? I need some warm air, Al.
However cold it feels here, though, our northern neighbors really are seeing you know what freeze over. For example, Denver reported -18 on Sunday. I don't think I've ever experienced that. This, by the way, is a new record low for Denver for December 14. Obama better get on into office and fulfill his global warming pledges before long, or a record cold year could put a damper on things. The next coldest year for this date in Denver was 1901.
Monday was worse. It was -19 degrees, another new record low. The next closest was in 1951, when it was only -6.
But Montana was even colder. White Sulphur Springs, Montan, reported -29 degrees. Yikes! That breaks the record set in 1922 of -17.
I'm going to have to get re-acclimated to winter. I used to not mind being cold, but I'm not feeling the love at present.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
IN 1907
Think things haven't changed?
The average life expectancy in the U.S. Was 47 years old.
Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. Had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. A three-minute call from Denver to New York City Cost eleven dollars.
There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S. and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
Alabama , Mississippi , Iowa , and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California. With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
The average wage in the US was 22 Cents per hour. The average U.S. Worker made between $200 and $400 per year. A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist made $2,500 per year, a veterinarian $1,500 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. Took place at home. Ninety percent of all U.S. doctors had no college education, but attended medical schools, many of which Were condemned in the press and the government as 'substandard.'
Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona , Oklahoma , New Mexico , Hawaii , and
Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. The population of Las Vegas , Nevada was only 30.
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Pharmacists believed heroin cleared the complexion, gave buoyancy to the mind, regulated the stomach and bowels, and was the perfect guardian of health.
There were about 230 reported Murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.
Think things haven't changed?
The average life expectancy in the U.S. Was 47 years old.
Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. Had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. A three-minute call from Denver to New York City Cost eleven dollars.
There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S. and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
Alabama , Mississippi , Iowa , and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California. With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
The average wage in the US was 22 Cents per hour. The average U.S. Worker made between $200 and $400 per year. A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist made $2,500 per year, a veterinarian $1,500 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. Took place at home. Ninety percent of all U.S. doctors had no college education, but attended medical schools, many of which Were condemned in the press and the government as 'substandard.'
Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona , Oklahoma , New Mexico , Hawaii , and
Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. The population of Las Vegas , Nevada was only 30.
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Pharmacists believed heroin cleared the complexion, gave buoyancy to the mind, regulated the stomach and bowels, and was the perfect guardian of health.
There were about 230 reported Murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.
Friday, December 12, 2008
PROMISES PROMISES
"Promises, Promises" is a musical. It was based on the 1960 film "The Apartment" by Billy Wilder. (The movie poster features a racy picture of Jane Mansfield.) The music is by Burt Bacharach. The lyrics were written by Hal David. The "book" was written by Neil Simon. It was quite successful and resulted in a Top 40 hit for Dionne Warwick for the title song.
Why torture me with this musical trivia, you say?
Mr. Obama's liberal supporters may need to adopt it as their theme song, as they seem to feel jilted by his promises. I feel for them. We Republicans feel that way about the last Congress.
Just as you hope your lover won't break his or her promises at least until after the honeymoon, a candidate's supporters would like to think their candidate would not break his promises even before he officially lists the White House as his current address.
But, it seems that the bloom is off the rose. Obama the candidate separated himself from rival Hillary Clinton, and later John McCain, by emphasizing his opposition to the war in Iraq ab initio (from the start)(yes, I love me some Latin).
It is incovenient to remember those promises, but Obama promised to begin to end the war on his first day in office. Lefties had the image of The One removing his hand from the Bible, pulling pen and paper from his overcoat, and signing an executive order bringing the troops back home from Iraq. And within days, boys in camo gear would arrive at airports, hug wives and girlfriends, or not ask and not tell, cuddle babies, shed tears of joy and wave banners emblazoned with the picture of their Beloved President, the long awaited liberal messiah. They might even sing the Obama song.
But in the midst of this beautiful dream, Liberals awoke to the harsh alarm of Their Candidate appointing the dreaded Clinton as Secretary of State. Mrs. Clinton supported the war, though criticized the conduct of it, and refused to back away from it. Now she will run State. Also, her husband (since the liberals confuse his experience with hers, I will take the liberty of hanging it around her neck also) invaded Kosovo and Bosnia and fired the famous Monica Missles at that other Islamic country with whom we are engaged.
Then, Their Candidate retained the services of one Robert Gates (an intelligent move in my estimation). Gates is no liberal and does not support immediate and undignified flight from the Middle East. Now, the Liberal Democrats are singing along with Dionne "those kind of promises can just destroy your life".
Then, the final reality shatters the dream of promises made and kept. Their Candidate now says that on his first day in office he will begin to “design a plan for a responsible drawdown”. Notice the word "begin" and "design". This is a long way from "pull out" or "run like heck".
Now the liberals may not even want to sing "Promises Promises". They'll be wailing along with The Who: "meet the new boss, same as the old boss".
As Mork used to say: "reality, what a concept!"
So, to all you Lefties out there, go here and hear Dionne sing "Promises Promises".
Take some comfort. I can no longer sing Tom Petty's "you don't know how I feel".
'cause you do.
"Promises, Promises" is a musical. It was based on the 1960 film "The Apartment" by Billy Wilder. (The movie poster features a racy picture of Jane Mansfield.) The music is by Burt Bacharach. The lyrics were written by Hal David. The "book" was written by Neil Simon. It was quite successful and resulted in a Top 40 hit for Dionne Warwick for the title song.
Why torture me with this musical trivia, you say?
Mr. Obama's liberal supporters may need to adopt it as their theme song, as they seem to feel jilted by his promises. I feel for them. We Republicans feel that way about the last Congress.
Just as you hope your lover won't break his or her promises at least until after the honeymoon, a candidate's supporters would like to think their candidate would not break his promises even before he officially lists the White House as his current address.
But, it seems that the bloom is off the rose. Obama the candidate separated himself from rival Hillary Clinton, and later John McCain, by emphasizing his opposition to the war in Iraq ab initio (from the start)(yes, I love me some Latin).
It is incovenient to remember those promises, but Obama promised to begin to end the war on his first day in office. Lefties had the image of The One removing his hand from the Bible, pulling pen and paper from his overcoat, and signing an executive order bringing the troops back home from Iraq. And within days, boys in camo gear would arrive at airports, hug wives and girlfriends, or not ask and not tell, cuddle babies, shed tears of joy and wave banners emblazoned with the picture of their Beloved President, the long awaited liberal messiah. They might even sing the Obama song.
But in the midst of this beautiful dream, Liberals awoke to the harsh alarm of Their Candidate appointing the dreaded Clinton as Secretary of State. Mrs. Clinton supported the war, though criticized the conduct of it, and refused to back away from it. Now she will run State. Also, her husband (since the liberals confuse his experience with hers, I will take the liberty of hanging it around her neck also) invaded Kosovo and Bosnia and fired the famous Monica Missles at that other Islamic country with whom we are engaged.
Then, Their Candidate retained the services of one Robert Gates (an intelligent move in my estimation). Gates is no liberal and does not support immediate and undignified flight from the Middle East. Now, the Liberal Democrats are singing along with Dionne "those kind of promises can just destroy your life".
Then, the final reality shatters the dream of promises made and kept. Their Candidate now says that on his first day in office he will begin to “design a plan for a responsible drawdown”. Notice the word "begin" and "design". This is a long way from "pull out" or "run like heck".
Now the liberals may not even want to sing "Promises Promises". They'll be wailing along with The Who: "meet the new boss, same as the old boss".
As Mork used to say: "reality, what a concept!"
So, to all you Lefties out there, go here and hear Dionne sing "Promises Promises".
Take some comfort. I can no longer sing Tom Petty's "you don't know how I feel".
'cause you do.
Monday, December 08, 2008
PROVIDENCE
Doug Wilson has a good post explaining Providence (not the city in Rhode Island, but the doctrine, including the roots of the word itself.
Doug Wilson has a good post explaining Providence (not the city in Rhode Island, but the doctrine, including the roots of the word itself.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Americans With No Abilities Act
This just in from the nation's capitol:
AWNAA - The Americans With No Abilities Act
WASHINGTON , DC - Congress is considering sweeping legislation which will provide new benefits for many Americans. The Americans With No Abilities Act (AWNAA) is being hailed as a major legislative goal by advocates of the millions of Americans who lack any real skills or ambition.
"Roughly 50 percent of Americans do not possess the competence and drive necessary to carve out a meaningful role for themselves in society," said California Senator Barbara Boxer. "We can no longer stand by and allow People of Inability to be ridiculed and passed over. With this legislation, employers will no longer be able to grant special favors to a small group of workers, simply because they have some idea of what they are doing."
In a Capitol Hill press conference, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pointed to the success of the U.S. Postal Service, which has a long-standing policy of providing opportunity without regard to performance. Approximately 74 percent of postal employees lack any job skills, making this agency the single largest U.S. employer of Persons of Inability.
Private-sector industries with good records of nondiscrimination against the Inept include retail sales (72%), the airline industry (68%), and home improvement "warehouse" stores (65%). At the state government level, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has a great record of hiring Persons of Inability (63%).
Under the Americans With No Abilities Act, more than 25 million "middle man" positions will be created, with important-sounding titles but little real responsibility, thus providing an illusory sense of purpose and performance.
Mandatory non-performance-based raises and promotions will be given, to guarantee upward mobility for even the most unremarkable employees. The legislation provides substantial tax breaks to corporations that promote a significant number of Persons of Inability into middle-management positions, and gives a tax credit to small and medium-sized businesses that agree to hire one clueless worker for every two talented hires.
Finally, the AWNA Act contains tough new measures to make it more difficult to discriminate against the Non-abled--banning, for example, discriminatory interview questions such as "Do you have any skills or experience which relate to this job?"
"As a Non-abled person, I can't be expected to keep up with people who have something going for them," said Mary Lou Gertz, who lost her position as a lug-nut twister at the GM plant in Flint , Michigan , due to her lack of any discernible job skills. "This new law should really help people like me." With the passage of this bill, Gertz and millions of other untalented citizens will finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Said Senator Ted Kennedy: "As a Senator With No Abilities, I believe the same privileges that elected officials enjoy ought to be extended to every American with no abilities."
This just in from the nation's capitol:
AWNAA - The Americans With No Abilities Act
WASHINGTON , DC - Congress is considering sweeping legislation which will provide new benefits for many Americans. The Americans With No Abilities Act (AWNAA) is being hailed as a major legislative goal by advocates of the millions of Americans who lack any real skills or ambition.
"Roughly 50 percent of Americans do not possess the competence and drive necessary to carve out a meaningful role for themselves in society," said California Senator Barbara Boxer. "We can no longer stand by and allow People of Inability to be ridiculed and passed over. With this legislation, employers will no longer be able to grant special favors to a small group of workers, simply because they have some idea of what they are doing."
In a Capitol Hill press conference, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pointed to the success of the U.S. Postal Service, which has a long-standing policy of providing opportunity without regard to performance. Approximately 74 percent of postal employees lack any job skills, making this agency the single largest U.S. employer of Persons of Inability.
Private-sector industries with good records of nondiscrimination against the Inept include retail sales (72%), the airline industry (68%), and home improvement "warehouse" stores (65%). At the state government level, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has a great record of hiring Persons of Inability (63%).
Under the Americans With No Abilities Act, more than 25 million "middle man" positions will be created, with important-sounding titles but little real responsibility, thus providing an illusory sense of purpose and performance.
Mandatory non-performance-based raises and promotions will be given, to guarantee upward mobility for even the most unremarkable employees. The legislation provides substantial tax breaks to corporations that promote a significant number of Persons of Inability into middle-management positions, and gives a tax credit to small and medium-sized businesses that agree to hire one clueless worker for every two talented hires.
Finally, the AWNA Act contains tough new measures to make it more difficult to discriminate against the Non-abled--banning, for example, discriminatory interview questions such as "Do you have any skills or experience which relate to this job?"
"As a Non-abled person, I can't be expected to keep up with people who have something going for them," said Mary Lou Gertz, who lost her position as a lug-nut twister at the GM plant in Flint , Michigan , due to her lack of any discernible job skills. "This new law should really help people like me." With the passage of this bill, Gertz and millions of other untalented citizens will finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Said Senator Ted Kennedy: "As a Senator With No Abilities, I believe the same privileges that elected officials enjoy ought to be extended to every American with no abilities."
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
THANKSGIVING REFLECTIONS
Thanksgiving turned out to be a lovely time. I wondered for a while how this would go, since most of my family was out of town. Only one of the daughters could be with us, also.
We were blessed to have our friends, Todd and Joanna, celebrate with us. They also brought their daughter, Grace, who seemed to have a grand time and even took a short nap.
The Little Woman cooked turkey and pumpkin pie and homemade bread. Joanna brought a yummy looking sweet potato dish (if you are not from the South, you won't understand)and a chocolate chip pie, and the Baby contributed the classic green bean casserole. It all smelled delicious.
Todd and I had a good visit hanging out in the living room and staying out of the kitchen. Later we all watched the football game. Since Todd's roots are in Tennessee and Joanna's in Louisiana and Texas, and they attended college in Alabama, they are great football fans. So we all watched the Dallas Cowboy game together. The Cowboys did their part with an entertaining win.
Grace contributed by being her playful self. She and I played chase for a good while. Ah for the days when "come get me" signals many minutes of fun.
Many attacks on Thanksgiving were made this year. College professors professed to dig up the "truth" about the original celebration (the truth is never what we all know and love, have you noticed?) and atheists continued their fruitless harangue against all things Christian. Despite them all, Americans by the millions celebrated the day, and millions took some time to thank the Lord for the blessings he has given us and our country.
We did too, and are the better for it.
Thanksgiving turned out to be a lovely time. I wondered for a while how this would go, since most of my family was out of town. Only one of the daughters could be with us, also.
We were blessed to have our friends, Todd and Joanna, celebrate with us. They also brought their daughter, Grace, who seemed to have a grand time and even took a short nap.
The Little Woman cooked turkey and pumpkin pie and homemade bread. Joanna brought a yummy looking sweet potato dish (if you are not from the South, you won't understand)and a chocolate chip pie, and the Baby contributed the classic green bean casserole. It all smelled delicious.
Todd and I had a good visit hanging out in the living room and staying out of the kitchen. Later we all watched the football game. Since Todd's roots are in Tennessee and Joanna's in Louisiana and Texas, and they attended college in Alabama, they are great football fans. So we all watched the Dallas Cowboy game together. The Cowboys did their part with an entertaining win.
Grace contributed by being her playful self. She and I played chase for a good while. Ah for the days when "come get me" signals many minutes of fun.
Many attacks on Thanksgiving were made this year. College professors professed to dig up the "truth" about the original celebration (the truth is never what we all know and love, have you noticed?) and atheists continued their fruitless harangue against all things Christian. Despite them all, Americans by the millions celebrated the day, and millions took some time to thank the Lord for the blessings he has given us and our country.
We did too, and are the better for it.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
HIGHWAY 6 RUNS BOTH WAYS: SONGFEST, MATT CHANDLER & THE EDGE
I spent this week end in College Station and on the road to and from. I have driven this route so many times, I know where all the landmarks are. I drive I-35 South to Waco and get off at Exit 339, usually stopping at the Starbucks there. From there, I take Highway 6, a State Highway, all the way to College Station. It bypasses some of the towns now, but you still drive through the thriving metropolitan areas of Reisel, Caldwell and Hearne. Most of them have speed traps and supplement their municipal income of A&M students and there parents.
The purpose of this visit was to see The Baby perform at Songfest as part of Philadephia Sisters. She did some C&W and a Cha-Cha, very versatile. It was a good show and raised a lot of money for charity. It is the young adult's version of "Daddy, watch me!"
For a moment, I forgot that I was not at a high school football game watching her march in the band. I yelled "go Claire". She heard me. Life is good. I wonder if the Seminary Daughter will let me do this at her graduation.
On Sunday, we drove out in the country to the little village of Edge. The Baby had agreed to play the piano for them. When she said we were going to Edge Baptist Church, I thought I was in for candles, piercings and overuse of the word "like".
But, it was the opposite, a small rural congregation of about 20, meeting in a small two room building. They were thrilled to have her there. As it turns out, she had been there before to deliver a talk about her mission trip this summer to Moldova. (I didn't say "preach"; I don't want to ruin her possible future at a Southern Baptist seminary. She just related and exhorted.) She had obviously made a big impression on them. They also made it clear they would like for her to come often and play the piano.
The congregation was thrilled to have us there. Every one of them came to us and introduced themselves. This does not happen in my big church. In fact, a lot of people who know me do not make the effort to speak to me. (Oh, maybe that is BECAUSE they know me.)
The pastor did not preach an exegetical sermon, my preference, but did a heart-felt talk of all he was thankful for and all we have to be thankful for, reminding us that the Bible exhorts us to thank God in all things. It was very nice.
On the drive to and fro, the Little Woman and I listened to Matt Chandler sermons. Matt is the pastor of The Village, which is the cool term for Highland Village Baptist Church. He is young, in his early 30s, but passionate and Biblical. We listened to the Core Values series, finishing the ones we did not get to on our last trip. Then, we listed to his first 2 sermons on Luke. They were great. I felt we really "redeemed the time" and I recommend Chandler to you. You can download his sermons from the Village website or do like I do and subscribe to his podcast through iTunes. I burned them to a CD and we played them on the CD player in the LW's car. All of his stuff is free.
This all made the week end a whirl wind. But, it was good. All the things that matter were there. I got to spend time with the Little Woman, see one of my kids and support her in her activities, worship on Sunday with some new friends, and listen to great preaching during the drives.
This is what life is for me. Faith and family. Faith for me means living it all the time, reading, praying, fellowshipping, thinking, and helping others. Family means being the man for all my women, husband and father, supporting them, encouraging them and enjoying them.
I do the last part best, I think.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
THOUGHTS ON THE ELECTION PART 1
I did not vote for Obama, but am not near as worried as many of my friends. I do think many things will be different in a few years, and not all of them good, but I have been trying to think of some good things, too.
The first good thing is the possibility that racism will decline as an issue. Maybe the election of a Black man will tell American Blacks that truly the average white person is not a racist and does not think poorly of him because he is Black. I am not denying that there are racists around in the white population, but I am arguing that the average white person is not a racist.
The average white person is more interested in whether you are a nice person. He or she may not understand everything you do, but, largely, they do not care, as long as you do not do anything that harms them. They feel the same about their white neighbors.
If you are pleasant at work and do your job, he does not care what color or race you are. In fact, it is interesting to work with different kinds of people and learn about the different things they do and think. If you are a good neighbor, they do not care what country your ancestors came from.
America is a land of great opportunity. Slavery was wrong. We should have abolished it sooner. Segregation was wrong. We should have abolished it sooner. Racism is wrong and we should all stop it. But we do not those things now and, for the most part, you have a shot at doing anything you are talented enough to do. If Vietnamese immigrants can come over not even speaking the language, start off in refuge camps, then go on to own their own homes and businesses and have their kids become valedictorians of their high schools and go on to get college degrees, you can do it to.
Now, Obama has proved it is true. He has a first class education. He has published books. He has been elected to various political offices, representing people of different races.
And now, he has had millions of Americans have trusted him with their destiny.
And most of those Americans are white.
I did not vote for Obama, but am not near as worried as many of my friends. I do think many things will be different in a few years, and not all of them good, but I have been trying to think of some good things, too.
The first good thing is the possibility that racism will decline as an issue. Maybe the election of a Black man will tell American Blacks that truly the average white person is not a racist and does not think poorly of him because he is Black. I am not denying that there are racists around in the white population, but I am arguing that the average white person is not a racist.
The average white person is more interested in whether you are a nice person. He or she may not understand everything you do, but, largely, they do not care, as long as you do not do anything that harms them. They feel the same about their white neighbors.
If you are pleasant at work and do your job, he does not care what color or race you are. In fact, it is interesting to work with different kinds of people and learn about the different things they do and think. If you are a good neighbor, they do not care what country your ancestors came from.
America is a land of great opportunity. Slavery was wrong. We should have abolished it sooner. Segregation was wrong. We should have abolished it sooner. Racism is wrong and we should all stop it. But we do not those things now and, for the most part, you have a shot at doing anything you are talented enough to do. If Vietnamese immigrants can come over not even speaking the language, start off in refuge camps, then go on to own their own homes and businesses and have their kids become valedictorians of their high schools and go on to get college degrees, you can do it to.
Now, Obama has proved it is true. He has a first class education. He has published books. He has been elected to various political offices, representing people of different races.
And now, he has had millions of Americans have trusted him with their destiny.
And most of those Americans are white.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
FEELING PRETTY: LOSING WEIGHT, SKEWED PERCEPTIONS AND SELF ESTEEM
One of the interesting things about losing weight is you feel thin at a weight you would have felt fat at 10 years ago. I have lost a lot of weight and feel great. I have never been a shrinking violet (pause for laughter), but I have even more self esteem seeing the outside of myself get smaller.
When I was 30 or 40, I would have shuddered to be at this weight, but now I am happy. I go around singing "I Feel Pretty". I think, I'm as pretty as Obama.
Self esteem is not measured in reality, but in perception. Perception is unreliable, as it is affected by desire, emotion and need.
Still.
I feel pretty, I feel pretty, I feel...
One of the interesting things about losing weight is you feel thin at a weight you would have felt fat at 10 years ago. I have lost a lot of weight and feel great. I have never been a shrinking violet (pause for laughter), but I have even more self esteem seeing the outside of myself get smaller.
When I was 30 or 40, I would have shuddered to be at this weight, but now I am happy. I go around singing "I Feel Pretty". I think, I'm as pretty as Obama.
Self esteem is not measured in reality, but in perception. Perception is unreliable, as it is affected by desire, emotion and need.
Still.
I feel pretty, I feel pretty, I feel...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
FOLLOWING UP ON THE TAG
A while back Joanna at Grace In The Home "tagged" me. If I remember right, I am supposed to give some random facts about myself and the tag 6 other people. I don't remember how many facts it was, and most facts about myself are random and many people think I am a bit random.
I think I am just smarter than them.
It helps me cope, ok?
Ok, first fact. I lived in 10 different towns before graduating from high school. No, my father was not a grifter.
Fact #2. My maternal ancestors came to Texas before it was a state and fought in the war of independence from Mexico.
Fact #3. I published a poem in England this year.
Fact #4. The pastor who lead me to the Lord wore two toned shoes.
Fact #5. I have read the Lord of the Rings trilogy 6 times.
I do not think I know 6 people who blog, but here are some:
David Heddle at He Lives.
Lindsey Lewis at The Lewisi.
Mark Byron.
Rebecca at Rebecca Writes.
A while back Joanna at Grace In The Home "tagged" me. If I remember right, I am supposed to give some random facts about myself and the tag 6 other people. I don't remember how many facts it was, and most facts about myself are random and many people think I am a bit random.
I think I am just smarter than them.
It helps me cope, ok?
Ok, first fact. I lived in 10 different towns before graduating from high school. No, my father was not a grifter.
Fact #2. My maternal ancestors came to Texas before it was a state and fought in the war of independence from Mexico.
Fact #3. I published a poem in England this year.
Fact #4. The pastor who lead me to the Lord wore two toned shoes.
Fact #5. I have read the Lord of the Rings trilogy 6 times.
I do not think I know 6 people who blog, but here are some:
David Heddle at He Lives.
Lindsey Lewis at The Lewisi.
Mark Byron.
Rebecca at Rebecca Writes.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
DESIRING GOD CONFERENCE
The Desiring God conference is over. One of these days, d.v., I will make it there. Anyway, video and blogs of the event are already posted. Timmy Brister is a good place to start. Go here for lots of links. Thanks, Timmy.
One of the things to commend about John Piper and Desiring God is how much they make available free. All of Piper's sermons are online free. Conference material is made available free. Since the conferences cost money and travel is expensive and some of us have to work, this is a great boon, especially the video.
Besides, how can you not like a guy that speaks to a national audience in a $5 sport coat?
So, enjoy and learn from some great speakers.
The Desiring God conference is over. One of these days, d.v., I will make it there. Anyway, video and blogs of the event are already posted. Timmy Brister is a good place to start. Go here for lots of links. Thanks, Timmy.
One of the things to commend about John Piper and Desiring God is how much they make available free. All of Piper's sermons are online free. Conference material is made available free. Since the conferences cost money and travel is expensive and some of us have to work, this is a great boon, especially the video.
Besides, how can you not like a guy that speaks to a national audience in a $5 sport coat?
So, enjoy and learn from some great speakers.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
BACK FROM BRECKENRIDGE
I am back from beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. I would liked to have blogged, but had no internet service in my condo. The lobby of the resort complex had one computer with internet service, but you had to stand at a desk to use it.
The Little Woman and I had a good time relaxing and enjoying the cool mountain air. It was our first trip without children. Sorry, children. But we had a great time. I was a little worried that the Little Woman would find my personality grating after a few days with no distractions, but she says she did not. (She did go to work really early today, but I'm sure that is coincidence.)
I hope to post some photographs, but have to find the USB cable for the camera first.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Go here to see pictures of the Texas Coast before and after Hurricane Ike. You can really see the damage and erosion when you compare the pictures.
ELECTORAL VOTES
As you know, it is not the popular vote that actually determines who wins the presidential election. It is the electoral college. Pollster projects the electoral votes on a map. They currently show the Democrats with 243 electoral votes, the Republicans 208, and 87 in the "toss up" category.
As you know, it is not the popular vote that actually determines who wins the presidential election. It is the electoral college. Pollster projects the electoral votes on a map. They currently show the Democrats with 243 electoral votes, the Republicans 208, and 87 in the "toss up" category.
ELECTION NEWS
I have not been very excited about this campaign season, so forgive me for the lack of posting on it. However, Gallup shows Obama ahead of McCain by 4% today, 48-44. I'd say that means the bounce McCain got for the convention and the Pallin nomination is over, at least among those Gallup polled.
I have not been very excited about this campaign season, so forgive me for the lack of posting on it. However, Gallup shows Obama ahead of McCain by 4% today, 48-44. I'd say that means the bounce McCain got for the convention and the Pallin nomination is over, at least among those Gallup polled.
JOHN STOTT
If you do not subscribe to John Stott’s daily email, you should. Here is today’s:
In saying that saving faith includes obedience, I mean that in true faith there is an element of submission. Faith is directed towards a Person. It is in fact a complete commitment to this Person involving not only an acceptance of what is offered but a humble surrender to what is or may be demanded. The bent knee is as much a part of saving faith as the open hand. --From 'Must Christ be Lord and Savior?' "Eternity" (September 1959), p. 17.
You can subscribe by going to the website for Langham Partnership International. Scroll down and look for the boxes on the right. His daily Bible study is also worth taking if you have time to read it. They take parts of his published commentaries on Bible Books and break them up into tasty bite sized pieces. I subscribe to both.
Monday, September 15, 2008
REDEMPTION IN EXODUS
I heard a sermon recently from Exodus 1-2, regarding the command of Pharaoh to kill the male babies of Hebrew women. The preacher did not mention it, but this passage started me thinking of God’s sovereignty, and, especially, God’s sovereignty in redemption.
Here is the story. Pharaoh gave the order to the Hebrew midwives. The midwives refused to do it. Then, Pharaoh said that everyone in Egypt must kill any male Hebrew child. At that point, Moses’ parents put him in a basket and hid him among the reeds in the river. The daughter of Pharaoh found the basket and decided to keep the child. She unknowingly hired Moses’ mother to nurse him and take care of him. He able to stay with his family until he “grew up”, then moved to the palace. Thus, he had a Hebrew upbringing and then learned the ways of the Egyptian court.
I try to read the Bible theologically. Reading the Bible theologically means reading with a focus on God. Focusing on God, rather than the midwives, brings God’s sovereignty into focus.
In this case, God determined to redeem the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. He chose Moses to effect this redemption. When God is doing his will, nothing can stop him. Consider his words in Isaiah 14:24:
The Lord of hosts has sworn:
“As I have planned,
so shall it be,
and as I have purposed,
so shall it stand,
Pharaoh tried to stop God's redemptive plan by killing the Hebrew boys. Daniel 4:35 says:
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand
or say to him, “What have you done?”
God put in place two midwives who would not allow it. Pharaoh enlisted all of Egypt to kill the Hebrew boys, but God moved the heart of Moses’ parents to hide him in faith that God would care for him (Hebrews 11:23). Then God moved the heart of Pharaoh’s own daughter to care for the child.
I love irony and evidently God does too. He said, in effect, ok, you want to oppose me, I’ll use your very household to carry out my plan. In fact, I’ll not only use your household to raise my redeemer, I’ll have you pay his mother to care for him, so I’ll use your treasury, too. That is great stuff.
God purposed to bring about the redemption of Israel and he did. God purposes to bring about the redemption of all who believe in his son, Jesus Christ, and he will. It took many years for Israel to see its redemption. Israel lived in Egypt for 430 years and spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness before crossing the Jordan River and touching the soil of Canaan, the promised land, the land of redemption.
Today we toil and struggle and cannot see our redemption. We possess it by faith. But the day will come when Jordan’s shores will be experienced. Because God is sovereign and because he said he would do it, we know it is true, just as it was true for the Hebrews of old.
I heard a sermon recently from Exodus 1-2, regarding the command of Pharaoh to kill the male babies of Hebrew women. The preacher did not mention it, but this passage started me thinking of God’s sovereignty, and, especially, God’s sovereignty in redemption.
Here is the story. Pharaoh gave the order to the Hebrew midwives. The midwives refused to do it. Then, Pharaoh said that everyone in Egypt must kill any male Hebrew child. At that point, Moses’ parents put him in a basket and hid him among the reeds in the river. The daughter of Pharaoh found the basket and decided to keep the child. She unknowingly hired Moses’ mother to nurse him and take care of him. He able to stay with his family until he “grew up”, then moved to the palace. Thus, he had a Hebrew upbringing and then learned the ways of the Egyptian court.
I try to read the Bible theologically. Reading the Bible theologically means reading with a focus on God. Focusing on God, rather than the midwives, brings God’s sovereignty into focus.
In this case, God determined to redeem the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. He chose Moses to effect this redemption. When God is doing his will, nothing can stop him. Consider his words in Isaiah 14:24:
The Lord of hosts has sworn:
“As I have planned,
so shall it be,
and as I have purposed,
so shall it stand,
Pharaoh tried to stop God's redemptive plan by killing the Hebrew boys. Daniel 4:35 says:
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand
or say to him, “What have you done?”
God put in place two midwives who would not allow it. Pharaoh enlisted all of Egypt to kill the Hebrew boys, but God moved the heart of Moses’ parents to hide him in faith that God would care for him (Hebrews 11:23). Then God moved the heart of Pharaoh’s own daughter to care for the child.
I love irony and evidently God does too. He said, in effect, ok, you want to oppose me, I’ll use your very household to carry out my plan. In fact, I’ll not only use your household to raise my redeemer, I’ll have you pay his mother to care for him, so I’ll use your treasury, too. That is great stuff.
God purposed to bring about the redemption of Israel and he did. God purposes to bring about the redemption of all who believe in his son, Jesus Christ, and he will. It took many years for Israel to see its redemption. Israel lived in Egypt for 430 years and spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness before crossing the Jordan River and touching the soil of Canaan, the promised land, the land of redemption.
Today we toil and struggle and cannot see our redemption. We possess it by faith. But the day will come when Jordan’s shores will be experienced. Because God is sovereign and because he said he would do it, we know it is true, just as it was true for the Hebrews of old.
R.I.P. CHURCH OF ENGLAND
The Director of Mission and Public Affairs of the Church of England has decided the church needs to issue an apology to Charles Darwin. I knew things were bad there, but I did not know they were this bad. It is over for the C.O.E. It is dead. It may flop around for a while in death throes, but it is dead, a smelly rotten corpse instead of the Body of Christ.
John Murray wrote "The moment we posit the existence of anything independent of God in its derivation of factual being, in that moment we have denied the divine sovereignty." The C.O.E. has chosen to deny the Creator, the Divine Sovereignty.
What a shame to the memories of great Anglican theologians of the past, of men who bled and died to bring the Bible to England in English, to establish freedom to read the Bible and worship this same Creator. What a shame to men of that church who have preached and written great books, sermons and hymns for the glory of this Creator, now denied. Like a bad son, the current bishops have brought shame and dishonor on their spiritual fathers.
If the Apostle Paul could only come to London. He could dust off his speech to the pagan Athenians: "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands" (Acts 17:24).
Paul also said the Creator called on all men everywhere to repent. Church of England, heed the call.
The Director of Mission and Public Affairs of the Church of England has decided the church needs to issue an apology to Charles Darwin. I knew things were bad there, but I did not know they were this bad. It is over for the C.O.E. It is dead. It may flop around for a while in death throes, but it is dead, a smelly rotten corpse instead of the Body of Christ.
John Murray wrote "The moment we posit the existence of anything independent of God in its derivation of factual being, in that moment we have denied the divine sovereignty." The C.O.E. has chosen to deny the Creator, the Divine Sovereignty.
What a shame to the memories of great Anglican theologians of the past, of men who bled and died to bring the Bible to England in English, to establish freedom to read the Bible and worship this same Creator. What a shame to men of that church who have preached and written great books, sermons and hymns for the glory of this Creator, now denied. Like a bad son, the current bishops have brought shame and dishonor on their spiritual fathers.
If the Apostle Paul could only come to London. He could dust off his speech to the pagan Athenians: "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands" (Acts 17:24).
Paul also said the Creator called on all men everywhere to repent. Church of England, heed the call.
Whitesmoke Update
Whitesmoke contacted me today and advised they contacted their email marketer and stopped them from spamming me. I have not received any email advertisements from them today, as opposed to received many every day for the last few weeks. They did not respond quickly, but they did respond and I have to give them credit for that.
I also have spam from other guys that do not comply with the federal legislation. It requires the emails to provide a way to "unsubscribe". Many of the do not. Even the ones that do are not always effective. I often unsubscribe, but still get the email from other senders.
The battle continues.
Whitesmoke contacted me today and advised they contacted their email marketer and stopped them from spamming me. I have not received any email advertisements from them today, as opposed to received many every day for the last few weeks. They did not respond quickly, but they did respond and I have to give them credit for that.
I also have spam from other guys that do not comply with the federal legislation. It requires the emails to provide a way to "unsubscribe". Many of the do not. Even the ones that do are not always effective. I often unsubscribe, but still get the email from other senders.
The battle continues.
SARAH PALIN CORRECTION
It has been pointed out to me that the comparison I posted between Palin and Teddy Roosevelt was not really accurate, because, although those facts were true, they were not the full story. Roosevelt had much more experience that the comparison ignores. My friend, who prefers to remain anonymous, points to David Frum's comments on this comparison, which are apt, so I'll just quote him:
"And can we please stop this silly TR analogy? In 1900, Theodore Roosevelt had already (1) established himself as one of the country's leading experts on military affairs, (2) served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and worked ferociously to modernize the American fleet, (3) taken on the then-overwhelming problem of corruption both as New York police commissioner and as a civil service commissioner (in the latter job he was so successful that he was re-appointed by a Democratic president), (4) raised and led a regiment in war, and (5) been elected governor of the nation's largest state. "Nobody said "Teddy WHO?" when the Republicans put him on the ticket ..."
Good point.
It has been pointed out to me that the comparison I posted between Palin and Teddy Roosevelt was not really accurate, because, although those facts were true, they were not the full story. Roosevelt had much more experience that the comparison ignores. My friend, who prefers to remain anonymous, points to David Frum's comments on this comparison, which are apt, so I'll just quote him:
"And can we please stop this silly TR analogy? In 1900, Theodore Roosevelt had already (1) established himself as one of the country's leading experts on military affairs, (2) served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and worked ferociously to modernize the American fleet, (3) taken on the then-overwhelming problem of corruption both as New York police commissioner and as a civil service commissioner (in the latter job he was so successful that he was re-appointed by a Democratic president), (4) raised and led a regiment in war, and (5) been elected governor of the nation's largest state. "Nobody said "Teddy WHO?" when the Republicans put him on the ticket ..."
Good point.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Monday, September 08, 2008
TROPICAL STORMS
Centurion does the math and finds "we have had 36.36% fewer tropical depressions this year" so far.
Centurion does the math and finds "we have had 36.36% fewer tropical depressions this year" so far.
143 DAYS
From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be President of the United States and Commander In Chief. Just think what he'd be qualified for if he had actually worked for a full term.
Friday, September 05, 2008
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." Elrond
"The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." Elrond
AMAZED
People never cease to amaze me. There is an obit in the local paper. It is a man of about 20 smirking into the camera in the attached picture. The family writes that he liked video games and playing with his family.
He was one of two men conducting a home invasion with a shotgun when the homeowner and his wife fired back and killed him.
If I have to explain to you why this is amazing, please do not have children.
People never cease to amaze me. There is an obit in the local paper. It is a man of about 20 smirking into the camera in the attached picture. The family writes that he liked video games and playing with his family.
He was one of two men conducting a home invasion with a shotgun when the homeowner and his wife fired back and killed him.
If I have to explain to you why this is amazing, please do not have children.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Great article on the state of the SBC at Boar’s Head Tavern.
Plus, it has a nice plug for my friend, Fred Malone.
Plus, it has a nice plug for my friend, Fred Malone.
AGGIE JOKE
A Old Ag walked into a bank in New York City and asked for the loan officer. He told the loan officer that he was a Wall Street Stock broker going to Houston on business for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000 and that he was not a depositor of the bank.
The bank officer told him that the bank would need some form of security for the loan, so the Aggie handed over the keys to a new Ferrari. The car was parked on the street in front of the bank. The Aggie produced the title and everything checked out. The loan officer agreed to hold the car as collateral for the loan and apologized for having to charge 12% interest.
Later, the bank's president and its officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the Old Ag for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral for a $5,000 loan.
An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parked it.
Two weeks later, the Aggie returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest of $23.07. The loan officer said, 'Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?'
The Aggie replied, 'Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $23.07 and expect it to be there when I return?'
A Old Ag walked into a bank in New York City and asked for the loan officer. He told the loan officer that he was a Wall Street Stock broker going to Houston on business for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000 and that he was not a depositor of the bank.
The bank officer told him that the bank would need some form of security for the loan, so the Aggie handed over the keys to a new Ferrari. The car was parked on the street in front of the bank. The Aggie produced the title and everything checked out. The loan officer agreed to hold the car as collateral for the loan and apologized for having to charge 12% interest.
Later, the bank's president and its officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the Old Ag for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral for a $5,000 loan.
An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parked it.
Two weeks later, the Aggie returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest of $23.07. The loan officer said, 'Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?'
The Aggie replied, 'Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $23.07 and expect it to be there when I return?'
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
ANCHORS AWAY
This is interesting.
The U.S. is amassing its Navy in the Persian Gulf. There have been two aircraft carriers there for some time, the Abraham Lincoln and the Peleliu. The Iwo Jima started for the Gulf on August 22.
Now, the Theodore Roosevelt and the Ronald Reagan appear to be headed that way. That is 5 aircraft carriers, by the way. Last month, the Theodore Roosevelt conducted joint naval maneuvers with the French Navy. That, of course means the French have ships there, too. France also conducted joint exercises for 10 days with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in the Persian Gulf. They all brought troops as well as ships. France brought 1,500 people, including navy, marine and air force personnel. Iran criticized France's military ambitions in the region. France is also setting up a new military base in the UAE.
In addition, it now appears that British ships coming to the Gulf with the Theodore Roosevelt. This is three countries and many ships. What are they up to?
The Persian Gulf is named after Persia and the Persians, who are now the Iranians. There has been much speculation that Israel would attack Iran by air if it completes, or gets close to completing, its nuclear reactor.
On Tuesday, the White House denied that the United States intends to attack Iran. However, it also said the military option had not been taken off the table. This denial was in response to The Jerusalem Post article saying an Administration (U.S.) official saying that the President and Vice President believe military action against Iran is necessary.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
John Piper has a great video interview about abortion on "Between Two Worlds". His point: abortion is about God.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
I think I need to get Dean Karnazes book about lessons he learned running 50 marathons in 50 days, how you can achieve super endurance. I'm just trying not to hurt myself.
Part of my new diet plan (16.5lbs so far) includes more physican activity. My doctor said just walk at first. So, I have been. Then, a week ago I sprained my ankle in church. IN CHURCH. And, I am no jumping and jiving Pentecostal, just a relatively staid Southern Baptist. Our most likely injury is a wrist sprain from carrying a big Bible to church, or over eating Sunday lunch. There have been one or two neck sprains when people went to sleep during the sermon and bobbed too hard. But, I digress.
I had to stay off the foot, other than limping to work, for a few days. Hence, no physical activity. But, Wednesday, it felt fine and I went walking late at night. I walked the neighborhood circuit of 1.5 miles and felt really good. We are having an unseasonable cool wave, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, compared to the 107 we had the week before.
So, I decided to do a second lap. Then, a dog came out of nowhere and attacked me. When I turned around to face him, I sprained my left calf muscle. It felt like I had been shot. I had to limp around the block to get away from the dog and spent 3 hours on an icepack (frozen peas and carrots, not steak for all you sensitive PETA types). I am still limping and it is really sore. So, physical activity is again limited to limping to work and to the kitchen for aspirin.
The road to thinness seems to be strewn with obstacles. I expected cravings or crabbiness (yes more than the usual), but not injury.
I also went to the dermatologist and had some stuff cut off my face. It is an annual ritual. Actually, it was my former weight loss plan. I would go in once per year and they would cut parts of me off. So, now I have a couple of band aids on my face and a couple of raw looking spots from the freezing thing they do.
I did get a little mileage out of it, though. I showed up at my diet class last night, limping and bandaged and got lots of inquiries. When I told them I was attacked by a dog, they really got stirred up.
After I gave them the whole story, they were a little less sympathetic, but it was good while it lasted.
Part of my new diet plan (16.5lbs so far) includes more physican activity. My doctor said just walk at first. So, I have been. Then, a week ago I sprained my ankle in church. IN CHURCH. And, I am no jumping and jiving Pentecostal, just a relatively staid Southern Baptist. Our most likely injury is a wrist sprain from carrying a big Bible to church, or over eating Sunday lunch. There have been one or two neck sprains when people went to sleep during the sermon and bobbed too hard. But, I digress.
I had to stay off the foot, other than limping to work, for a few days. Hence, no physical activity. But, Wednesday, it felt fine and I went walking late at night. I walked the neighborhood circuit of 1.5 miles and felt really good. We are having an unseasonable cool wave, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, compared to the 107 we had the week before.
So, I decided to do a second lap. Then, a dog came out of nowhere and attacked me. When I turned around to face him, I sprained my left calf muscle. It felt like I had been shot. I had to limp around the block to get away from the dog and spent 3 hours on an icepack (frozen peas and carrots, not steak for all you sensitive PETA types). I am still limping and it is really sore. So, physical activity is again limited to limping to work and to the kitchen for aspirin.
The road to thinness seems to be strewn with obstacles. I expected cravings or crabbiness (yes more than the usual), but not injury.
I also went to the dermatologist and had some stuff cut off my face. It is an annual ritual. Actually, it was my former weight loss plan. I would go in once per year and they would cut parts of me off. So, now I have a couple of band aids on my face and a couple of raw looking spots from the freezing thing they do.
I did get a little mileage out of it, though. I showed up at my diet class last night, limping and bandaged and got lots of inquiries. When I told them I was attacked by a dog, they really got stirred up.
After I gave them the whole story, they were a little less sympathetic, but it was good while it lasted.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
140 countries practice polygamy to one extent or another. And, polygamists tend to live longer than monogamists (unless your wife kills you). Scientists are trying to find out. Why not. They don't have anything better to do.
Of course, almost all of this polygamy is one man married to many women. Why are there no societies where one woman is married to many men? The Little Woman says it is because no one woman can pick up that many socks.
Of course, almost all of this polygamy is one man married to many women. Why are there no societies where one woman is married to many men? The Little Woman says it is because no one woman can pick up that many socks.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ross Douthat: "The Democratic Party's rigidly pro-choice stance is one of the more unyielding positions in contemporary American politics, and at least for the foreseeable future, pro-lifers who vote Democratic will always be casting votes that cut against their convictions on abortion, rather than with them."
Salvation unto Us Has Come
Salvation unto us has come
By God’s free grace and favor;
Good works cannot avert our doom,
They help and save us never.
Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,
Who did for all the world atone;
He is our one redeemer.
What God did in his Law demand
And none to him could render
Caused wrath and woe on every hand
For man, the vile offender.
Our flesh has not those pure desires
The spirit of the Law requires,
And lost is our condition.
It was a false, misleading dream
That God his Law had given
That sinners could themselves redeem
And by their works gain heaven.
The Law is but a mirror bright
To bring the inbred sin to light
That lurks within our nature.
Since Christ has full atonement made
And brought to us salvation,
Each Christian there-fore may be glad
And build on this foundation.
Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead,
Your death is now my life indeed,
For you have paid my ransom.
Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone
And rests in him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known,
With love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify;
Works serve our neighbor and supply
The proof that faith is living.
All blessing, honor, thanks and praise
To Father, Son, and Spirit,
The God who saved us by his grace;
All glory to his merit.
O triune God in heaven above,
You have revealed your saving love;
Your blessed name we hallow.
Hymn # 355 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Etlich Christlich Lider
Tune: Es Ist Das Heil
1st Published in: 1524
Salvation unto us has come
By God’s free grace and favor;
Good works cannot avert our doom,
They help and save us never.
Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,
Who did for all the world atone;
He is our one redeemer.
What God did in his Law demand
And none to him could render
Caused wrath and woe on every hand
For man, the vile offender.
Our flesh has not those pure desires
The spirit of the Law requires,
And lost is our condition.
It was a false, misleading dream
That God his Law had given
That sinners could themselves redeem
And by their works gain heaven.
The Law is but a mirror bright
To bring the inbred sin to light
That lurks within our nature.
Since Christ has full atonement made
And brought to us salvation,
Each Christian there-fore may be glad
And build on this foundation.
Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead,
Your death is now my life indeed,
For you have paid my ransom.
Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone
And rests in him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known,
With love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify;
Works serve our neighbor and supply
The proof that faith is living.
All blessing, honor, thanks and praise
To Father, Son, and Spirit,
The God who saved us by his grace;
All glory to his merit.
O triune God in heaven above,
You have revealed your saving love;
Your blessed name we hallow.
Hymn # 355 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Etlich Christlich Lider
Tune: Es Ist Das Heil
1st Published in: 1524
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I'M RELIEVED
David Heddle says Obama is not the Antichrist. It seems everyone thinks he is either the Messiah or the Antichrist. I am already tired of hearing about him, and it is a long way to November.
David Heddle says Obama is not the Antichrist. It seems everyone thinks he is either the Messiah or the Antichrist. I am already tired of hearing about him, and it is a long way to November.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
MAINTAINING FRIENDSHIPS
From www.daddypundit.blogspot.com:
The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me away from those who are still undecided. Casey Stengel (for young people, he used to be the manager of the New York Mets baseball team)
That, actually, is how I have to manage my friendships. I try to keep those who don't know me too well away from those who do. It makes the friendships last longer.
It reminds me of a conversation I tried to have last week. I was trying to talk to a tall guy (I am not). In mid sentence (mine), he looked over my head to someone else and asked them how their running was going, and they began a conversation about running OVER MY HEAD! Isn't there a manners book for tall people somewhere?
Then, just to pile on. The Little Woman sang with her group, Sound Foundation, Sunday night at church. I came and sat close to the front, by myself. After the concert, I came up to the group to tell them how well they did, and the tenor (never trust a tenor) said "I see you sat with all your friends".
It is a good thing I have high self esteem. Otherwise, I would think all of this indicates some problem on my part.
And I would hate that.
From www.daddypundit.blogspot.com:
The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me away from those who are still undecided. Casey Stengel (for young people, he used to be the manager of the New York Mets baseball team)
That, actually, is how I have to manage my friendships. I try to keep those who don't know me too well away from those who do. It makes the friendships last longer.
It reminds me of a conversation I tried to have last week. I was trying to talk to a tall guy (I am not). In mid sentence (mine), he looked over my head to someone else and asked them how their running was going, and they began a conversation about running OVER MY HEAD! Isn't there a manners book for tall people somewhere?
Then, just to pile on. The Little Woman sang with her group, Sound Foundation, Sunday night at church. I came and sat close to the front, by myself. After the concert, I came up to the group to tell them how well they did, and the tenor (never trust a tenor) said "I see you sat with all your friends".
It is a good thing I have high self esteem. Otherwise, I would think all of this indicates some problem on my part.
And I would hate that.
DID THEE FEEL THE EARTH MOVE?
There has been an earthquake in Los Angeles. Contrary to rumors, it was not caused by the Dallas Cowboys coming to town to practice.
Why do I care? I want to experience an earthquake, and I was just there last month. Nothing happened. I have a natural disaster list to experience, my own personal bucket list if you will, but keep missing the earthquake. I have done fire, flood, tornado, and hurricane, but no earthquake or volcano.
(BTW, the title is a literary reference for all you non English majors. It comes from Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Robert Jordan and Maria are, well you know, and Jordan asked, "Did thee feel the earth move?" And Maria said, "It moved for me." Just so you'll know, you know, next time.)
There has been an earthquake in Los Angeles. Contrary to rumors, it was not caused by the Dallas Cowboys coming to town to practice.
Why do I care? I want to experience an earthquake, and I was just there last month. Nothing happened. I have a natural disaster list to experience, my own personal bucket list if you will, but keep missing the earthquake. I have done fire, flood, tornado, and hurricane, but no earthquake or volcano.
(BTW, the title is a literary reference for all you non English majors. It comes from Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Robert Jordan and Maria are, well you know, and Jordan asked, "Did thee feel the earth move?" And Maria said, "It moved for me." Just so you'll know, you know, next time.)
Friday, July 25, 2008
VOTE MCCAIN, PUT ME ON THE SUPREME COURT
It was nice to see my name at the top of McCain's list of potential nominees for the Supreme Court (really, go look, it says "Larry Thompson" bigger 'n Dallas). So, I was thinking, what if Obama is really not the Antichrist and McCain has a chance to win and, therefore, nominate me for the Supremes. What if I could take my wife so she could kick me under the table while Senator Kennedy asked me questions and I mimicked him in my answers so that my smart mouth did not keep me from getting voted it?
So, here are the best things about me being on the Supreme Court.
1. Having Harvard and Yale graduate law clerks go get me coffee.
2. Calling up congressmen and saying "you know that's never gonna fly over here" when they propose legislation.
3. Knowing you can't be fired no matter how smart your mouth is. I mean, look at Scalia.
4. Having my picture taken with Ruth Ginsberg and a caption on the bottom saying "some of my best friends are Jewish".
5. Getting Clarence Thomas to explain what Natural Law is to me. I thought it was about nudity, but evidently that's not right.
6. Getting a pair of those half glasses that you perch way down on your nose and looking over them at nervous lawyers and saying "do you mean to tell me..."
7. Letting my kids say "my dad's a Supreme Court Justice, what's your dad do?"
8. Wearing a judicial robe on the subway.
9. Having someone tell me what "oyez oyez oyez" means.
10. Going back to law school reunions and saying "nah nah nah nah nah".
It was nice to see my name at the top of McCain's list of potential nominees for the Supreme Court (really, go look, it says "Larry Thompson" bigger 'n Dallas). So, I was thinking, what if Obama is really not the Antichrist and McCain has a chance to win and, therefore, nominate me for the Supremes. What if I could take my wife so she could kick me under the table while Senator Kennedy asked me questions and I mimicked him in my answers so that my smart mouth did not keep me from getting voted it?
So, here are the best things about me being on the Supreme Court.
1. Having Harvard and Yale graduate law clerks go get me coffee.
2. Calling up congressmen and saying "you know that's never gonna fly over here" when they propose legislation.
3. Knowing you can't be fired no matter how smart your mouth is. I mean, look at Scalia.
4. Having my picture taken with Ruth Ginsberg and a caption on the bottom saying "some of my best friends are Jewish".
5. Getting Clarence Thomas to explain what Natural Law is to me. I thought it was about nudity, but evidently that's not right.
6. Getting a pair of those half glasses that you perch way down on your nose and looking over them at nervous lawyers and saying "do you mean to tell me..."
7. Letting my kids say "my dad's a Supreme Court Justice, what's your dad do?"
8. Wearing a judicial robe on the subway.
9. Having someone tell me what "oyez oyez oyez" means.
10. Going back to law school reunions and saying "nah nah nah nah nah".
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
CALVIN WAS EVANGELISTIC
“Such is … the import of the term go out; for the prophets under the law had limits assigned to them, but now, the wall of partition having been broken down (Eph. ii. 14) the Lord commands the ministers of the gospel to go to a distance, in order to spread the doctrine of salvation in every part of the world.” (Calvin’s Commentaries, vol. XVII, p.384)
“Such is … the import of the term go out; for the prophets under the law had limits assigned to them, but now, the wall of partition having been broken down (Eph. ii. 14) the Lord commands the ministers of the gospel to go to a distance, in order to spread the doctrine of salvation in every part of the world.” (Calvin’s Commentaries, vol. XVII, p.384)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Christian theology teaches the doctrine of prevenient grace, which briefly stated means this, that before a man can seek God, God must first have sought the man. Before a sinful man can think a right thought of God, there must have been a work of enlightenment done within him; imperfect it may be, but a true work nonetheless, and the secret cause of all desiring and seeking and praying which may follow. A. W. Tozer
IS THE HONEMOON OVER BEFORE THE WEDDING BEGINS?
After months of being the golden boy of the main stream media, it seems the luster that surrounded Obama has suffered some tarnish. The latest Newsweek poll shows Obama leading MCain by only 3 percentage points, a dead heat for all practical purposes. Obama leads 44% to 41% only weeks after leading 51% to 36%.
Obama is the victim of the conventional wisdom of the Democratic party, which convinced everyone that continuing the contest between Obama and Clinton all the way to the convention was bad for Obama, for Clinton would criticize him and “beat him up” to the benefit of the Republicans. In other words, if Obama were singing like the Rolling Stones “am I tough enough”, his party answered “no”.
Instead of giving Obama a walk on a red velvet carpet to the convention floor, and presumably to the White House itself, the party’s misguided advice subjected Obama to the intense scrutiny of a candidate in the general election, which he and they claimed he was. He traded the devil he knew for the devil he did not know.
Since then, we have seen him change positions to accommodate criticisms, despite the fact that flip flops killed the chances of his successor, John Kerry. 53% of former Hillary Clinton supporters say he changed positions on key issues for political advantage. Maybe Kerry will loan Obama his flip flops.
Obama, to win, must maintain his support in the far left wing of the Democratic Party, from which he comes, woo Clinton’s more Centrist supporters, convince Independents that he can run the country and maintain his GQ coolness and image as the arbiter of change that appeals to all those people who swoon when he walks into a room.
He has problems in all these areas. First, some Leftists are already complaining that he has moved to the center. This makes it hard for him to court the Clinton crowd without losing his home base. When he is photographed hugging Mrs. Clinton, the Lefties wince and their pocket books pucker. They would rather him pose nude for PETA, or conduct an abortion in a free clinic, or advocate revolution. However, if he does not hug Mrs. Clinton and pay homage to the increasingly narcissistic and demanding Mr. Clinton, the Centrists might start feeling affection for one John McCain, who is camped out over there in Centerville.
Convincing the Independents that he can run the country is also a challenge in the long run and under the more intense scrutiny of the general campaign. The problem is, he has never run anything. He is a First Term Senator, a rookie, an inexperienced neophyte with no national experience, no international experience and no way to get it but trial and error. That is why he is travelling all over, such as to Germany, to give speeches. It gives the allusion of experience and contacts, and Obama is all about allusion.
The allusion that works is that of the cool guy, confident relaxed and the only one who is new and will bring change. No one knows that change will be or what the impact will be, but Americans like change at least until it turns out badly. But, now we see him attending those big fund raising dinners and sucking up to the big money crowd, just like any other politician. There is no change there. The press has now reported that he got a sweet heart mortgage deal. There is no change there. People have always resented politicians getting better deals because of influence.
Maybe Americans want to take the chance that a first term senator can lead the nation without wrecking the economy or suffering attacks from our enemies. If so, they’ll have to believe that Obama can bring change and that the change will be for the better. If his image suffers and he appears to be just another politician, just less experienced, or if the public decides it is too risky to take this leap of faith, then the safe bet is McCain.
After months of being the golden boy of the main stream media, it seems the luster that surrounded Obama has suffered some tarnish. The latest Newsweek poll shows Obama leading MCain by only 3 percentage points, a dead heat for all practical purposes. Obama leads 44% to 41% only weeks after leading 51% to 36%.
Obama is the victim of the conventional wisdom of the Democratic party, which convinced everyone that continuing the contest between Obama and Clinton all the way to the convention was bad for Obama, for Clinton would criticize him and “beat him up” to the benefit of the Republicans. In other words, if Obama were singing like the Rolling Stones “am I tough enough”, his party answered “no”.
Instead of giving Obama a walk on a red velvet carpet to the convention floor, and presumably to the White House itself, the party’s misguided advice subjected Obama to the intense scrutiny of a candidate in the general election, which he and they claimed he was. He traded the devil he knew for the devil he did not know.
Since then, we have seen him change positions to accommodate criticisms, despite the fact that flip flops killed the chances of his successor, John Kerry. 53% of former Hillary Clinton supporters say he changed positions on key issues for political advantage. Maybe Kerry will loan Obama his flip flops.
Obama, to win, must maintain his support in the far left wing of the Democratic Party, from which he comes, woo Clinton’s more Centrist supporters, convince Independents that he can run the country and maintain his GQ coolness and image as the arbiter of change that appeals to all those people who swoon when he walks into a room.
He has problems in all these areas. First, some Leftists are already complaining that he has moved to the center. This makes it hard for him to court the Clinton crowd without losing his home base. When he is photographed hugging Mrs. Clinton, the Lefties wince and their pocket books pucker. They would rather him pose nude for PETA, or conduct an abortion in a free clinic, or advocate revolution. However, if he does not hug Mrs. Clinton and pay homage to the increasingly narcissistic and demanding Mr. Clinton, the Centrists might start feeling affection for one John McCain, who is camped out over there in Centerville.
Convincing the Independents that he can run the country is also a challenge in the long run and under the more intense scrutiny of the general campaign. The problem is, he has never run anything. He is a First Term Senator, a rookie, an inexperienced neophyte with no national experience, no international experience and no way to get it but trial and error. That is why he is travelling all over, such as to Germany, to give speeches. It gives the allusion of experience and contacts, and Obama is all about allusion.
The allusion that works is that of the cool guy, confident relaxed and the only one who is new and will bring change. No one knows that change will be or what the impact will be, but Americans like change at least until it turns out badly. But, now we see him attending those big fund raising dinners and sucking up to the big money crowd, just like any other politician. There is no change there. The press has now reported that he got a sweet heart mortgage deal. There is no change there. People have always resented politicians getting better deals because of influence.
Maybe Americans want to take the chance that a first term senator can lead the nation without wrecking the economy or suffering attacks from our enemies. If so, they’ll have to believe that Obama can bring change and that the change will be for the better. If his image suffers and he appears to be just another politician, just less experienced, or if the public decides it is too risky to take this leap of faith, then the safe bet is McCain.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
GREAT WEBSITE
If you like to download and listen to great speakers on MP3s, go to Reforming My Mind, where a brother from Bryan, Texas has collected links to many great MP3s.
If you like to download and listen to great speakers on MP3s, go to Reforming My Mind, where a brother from Bryan, Texas has collected links to many great MP3s.
"...my obedience is neither the basis for my justification nor the ground of my approach to God as a sinner who has been besmeared by sin, and I flee afresh to the Mediator of the New Covenant. Every exposure of sin in the life of a true believer drives him afresh to his Saviour, and anything that drives him afresh to his Saviour makes his Saviour more precious." From The Practical Implications of Calvinism By Albert N. Martin
HT: Monergism.com
HT: Monergism.com
Monday, July 07, 2008
MERE WORDS
Tim Challies writes on the importance of words and the necessity of correct translation to preserve confidence in the Bible. I agree with him.
I'll never forget teaching one Sunday and having a discussion with one of the class members on the meaning of the passage. Someone in the class said "that's just words", as if, somehow, the words were not important. If the words are the words of God, what could be more important?
It makes me think God is singing the old Bee Gees song: It's only words, but words are all I have, to take your heart away. He left us words to testify about himself. We should heed them.
Tim Challies writes on the importance of words and the necessity of correct translation to preserve confidence in the Bible. I agree with him.
I'll never forget teaching one Sunday and having a discussion with one of the class members on the meaning of the passage. Someone in the class said "that's just words", as if, somehow, the words were not important. If the words are the words of God, what could be more important?
It makes me think God is singing the old Bee Gees song: It's only words, but words are all I have, to take your heart away. He left us words to testify about himself. We should heed them.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
IGNORING GOD'S WORD
James White has posted a video of what appears to be a Catholic church ceremony, where men are carrying a large statue of Jesus. The drop the statue and people cry out in distress.
I'm not sure how you get to this point. Most church folks can recite a few of the Ten Commandments, and I assue most Catholics could. Yet, here they are with a manufactured (graven) image of God. They are obviously distressed over the sacrilege, so they clearly import divinity to the statute (which is an erudite way of saying they worship it).
The Puritans were extreme in their avoidance of images, but this video shows the wisdom of their approach.
James White has posted a video of what appears to be a Catholic church ceremony, where men are carrying a large statue of Jesus. The drop the statue and people cry out in distress.
I'm not sure how you get to this point. Most church folks can recite a few of the Ten Commandments, and I assue most Catholics could. Yet, here they are with a manufactured (graven) image of God. They are obviously distressed over the sacrilege, so they clearly import divinity to the statute (which is an erudite way of saying they worship it).
The Puritans were extreme in their avoidance of images, but this video shows the wisdom of their approach.
Monday, June 16, 2008
AL GORE SUPPORTS OBAMA
Former Vice President and present Environment Evangelist Al Gore came out today to support the presumptive Democrat nominee for president, Barack Obama. He has an urgent message of support at his website, www.algore.com. Of course, Gore makes everything sound urgent.
Gore's support may help, but most fervent enviromentalists will vote Democrat anyway. If Gore is discredited on global warming, it might hurt Obama with the wing nut factor. One thing that is quite likely is taking Gore to task over his support of biofuels. Many are already blaming the increase use of ethanol for the increase in corn and other food prices. Some of the loudest voices come from Africa. Since Obama identifies with Africa fervently, you have a fervent conflict: Gore is hurting Africa; Obama identifies with and wants to help Africa. Many accuse the Democrats of saying one thing and doing another. Gore may fuel that debate.
Former Vice President and present Environment Evangelist Al Gore came out today to support the presumptive Democrat nominee for president, Barack Obama. He has an urgent message of support at his website, www.algore.com. Of course, Gore makes everything sound urgent.
Gore's support may help, but most fervent enviromentalists will vote Democrat anyway. If Gore is discredited on global warming, it might hurt Obama with the wing nut factor. One thing that is quite likely is taking Gore to task over his support of biofuels. Many are already blaming the increase use of ethanol for the increase in corn and other food prices. Some of the loudest voices come from Africa. Since Obama identifies with Africa fervently, you have a fervent conflict: Gore is hurting Africa; Obama identifies with and wants to help Africa. Many accuse the Democrats of saying one thing and doing another. Gore may fuel that debate.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Obama’s Theology
There was an interesting article by Cal Thomas, syndicated columnist/FOX News contributor, on June 2, in which Thomas takes the position that Obama is not a Christian. Thomas referred to a book written by Cathleen Falsani, called “The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People”.
The book refers to an interview by Falsani in 2004, where Obama responds with Universalist ideas. He said “I believe there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.” This reminds me of Ma, from Ma’s, where I used to eat Sunday lunch as a starving member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band. She told me she believed we were all on different buses, but going up the same highway that ended in heaven.
Although Obama has professed elsewhere to be a Christian, he puts that profession in issue with his beliefs in Universalism. Falsani says “Obama doesn’t believe he, or anyone else, will go to hell.” Thomas rightly points out, “If that is so, Jesus wasted his time coming to Earth and he certainly did not have to suffer the pain of rejection and crucifixion if there are ways to God other than through Himself.”
We also get a hint of Postmodernism here. Obama believes in Jesus as his truth, but not as THE TRUTH. He said “The difficult thing about any religion, including Christianity, is that at some level there is a call to evangelize and proselytize. There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they’re going to hell.” He presents the belief in hell and the exclusive claims of Christ as difficult things.
The sad thing is, Obama is not sure his brand of Christianity gets him into heaven, either. He said “I don’t presume to have knowledge of what happens after I die. When I tuck in my daughters at night and I feel like I’ve been a good father to them, and I see that I am transferring values that I got from my mother and that they’re kind people and that they’re honest people, and they’re curious people, that’s a little piece of heaven.” Heaven on earth is what he means, and he is not sure what comes next.
Certainly, there are many who claim Christ who also do not claim that salvation is secure. (I’m not one of them). And, I am not prepared to say Obama is not a Christian, since he made the statement that he had been converted and given his life to Christ.
But, the Bible presents an absolute, a Son of God who said he is the only way to God, and that way is through him (John 14:6). So, is Obama’s profession of faith a matter of expedience, knowing it will help his campaign in certain areas? You certainly have to think his leaving his church was such, as he did not leave until there was great ground swell of controversy over his pastor’s remarks.
It is hard to look into the heart of man, and never more so when the heart belongs to a politician. Words, though, are a window to the heart.
There was an interesting article by Cal Thomas, syndicated columnist/FOX News contributor, on June 2, in which Thomas takes the position that Obama is not a Christian. Thomas referred to a book written by Cathleen Falsani, called “The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People”.
The book refers to an interview by Falsani in 2004, where Obama responds with Universalist ideas. He said “I believe there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.” This reminds me of Ma, from Ma’s, where I used to eat Sunday lunch as a starving member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band. She told me she believed we were all on different buses, but going up the same highway that ended in heaven.
Although Obama has professed elsewhere to be a Christian, he puts that profession in issue with his beliefs in Universalism. Falsani says “Obama doesn’t believe he, or anyone else, will go to hell.” Thomas rightly points out, “If that is so, Jesus wasted his time coming to Earth and he certainly did not have to suffer the pain of rejection and crucifixion if there are ways to God other than through Himself.”
We also get a hint of Postmodernism here. Obama believes in Jesus as his truth, but not as THE TRUTH. He said “The difficult thing about any religion, including Christianity, is that at some level there is a call to evangelize and proselytize. There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they’re going to hell.” He presents the belief in hell and the exclusive claims of Christ as difficult things.
The sad thing is, Obama is not sure his brand of Christianity gets him into heaven, either. He said “I don’t presume to have knowledge of what happens after I die. When I tuck in my daughters at night and I feel like I’ve been a good father to them, and I see that I am transferring values that I got from my mother and that they’re kind people and that they’re honest people, and they’re curious people, that’s a little piece of heaven.” Heaven on earth is what he means, and he is not sure what comes next.
Certainly, there are many who claim Christ who also do not claim that salvation is secure. (I’m not one of them). And, I am not prepared to say Obama is not a Christian, since he made the statement that he had been converted and given his life to Christ.
But, the Bible presents an absolute, a Son of God who said he is the only way to God, and that way is through him (John 14:6). So, is Obama’s profession of faith a matter of expedience, knowing it will help his campaign in certain areas? You certainly have to think his leaving his church was such, as he did not leave until there was great ground swell of controversy over his pastor’s remarks.
It is hard to look into the heart of man, and never more so when the heart belongs to a politician. Words, though, are a window to the heart.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
LOOK FOR CLINTON TO THROW IN THE TOWEL TONIGHT
She has scheduled a speech in New York, not in the voting states. I had hoped she would fight all the way through the convention, but she is getting enormous pressure from the party bigs to get out and stop pointing out Obama's flaws.
Her husband's comments today also had the ring of "turn out the lights, the party's over". He used the past tense several times.
Looks like Obama's going to the big show.
Caveat to the Democrat party leaders: At least with Clinton, you knew where the land mines were from Bill's campaigns. Here you don't. Hold on to your pew cushion. There is probably more coming.
Friday, May 30, 2008
John Piper on William Tyndale at the New Attitude conference. He also applies the principles Tyndale lived by to our lives. It is worth a listen. Find it here.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
When President Truman retired from office in 1952, his income consisted of a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 per year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally,licking them, granted him an "allowance" and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.
However, when offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined,
stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the president,and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
When Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing:"I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
They don't make 'em like the used to.
However, when offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined,
stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the president,and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
When Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing:"I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
They don't make 'em like the used to.
EARTHQUAKE IN CHINA
I received this note from a friend who often preaches in China:
Dear Larry and Joy:
A 7.9-magnitude earthquake recently hit Sichuan province,
China, has caused severe disaster, thousands of people lose
their lives and homes, many are still missing. Last month I
had visited the city, located in the hardest hit area, to teach
a week-long training course for church leaders. I contacted
some of them yesterday knowing that the damage is far
beyond measure. The rescure efforts are undertaking but the
situation is difficult. They do need our prayer urgently!
Please encourage your church to pary and ask for God's mercy
for Chinese people who are now suffering in this tragedy.
Your kind concerns about this urgent request are much appreciated.
In His Love,
Stephen
I received this note from a friend who often preaches in China:
Dear Larry and Joy:
A 7.9-magnitude earthquake recently hit Sichuan province,
China, has caused severe disaster, thousands of people lose
their lives and homes, many are still missing. Last month I
had visited the city, located in the hardest hit area, to teach
a week-long training course for church leaders. I contacted
some of them yesterday knowing that the damage is far
beyond measure. The rescure efforts are undertaking but the
situation is difficult. They do need our prayer urgently!
Please encourage your church to pary and ask for God's mercy
for Chinese people who are now suffering in this tragedy.
Your kind concerns about this urgent request are much appreciated.
In His Love,
Stephen
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
"The Calvinist is the man who sees God behind all phenomena and in all that occurs recognizes the hand of God, working out His will; who makes the attitude of the soul to God in prayer its permanent attitude in all its life-activities; and who casts himself on the grace of God alone, excluding every trace of dependence on self from the whole work of his salvation." B.B. Warfield, alvin as a Theologian and Calvinism Today, pp. 23,24 (1909).
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
"I am persuaded that the use of a good Catechism in all our families will be a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times, and therefore I have compiled this little manual from the Westminster Assembly's and Baptist Catechisms, for the use of my own church and congregation.
Those who use it in their families or classes must labour to explain the sense; but the words should be carefully learned by heart, for they will be understood better as years pass.
May the Lord bless my dear friends and their families evermore, is the prayer of their loving Pastor. "
C. H. Spurgeon
Those who use it in their families or classes must labour to explain the sense; but the words should be carefully learned by heart, for they will be understood better as years pass.
May the Lord bless my dear friends and their families evermore, is the prayer of their loving Pastor. "
C. H. Spurgeon
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT
You can watch the trailer here.
I can't wait. I love a hero. I especially love a hero with inner demons to conquer.
My idea of the perfect movie is a story of good guys and bad guys that are distinguishable. The good guys chase the bad guys, catch them and, well, kill them. In addition, hopefully, there will be car chases and explosions, or swords and horses, and maybe a maiden to rescue.
I think Christian Bale is a great Batman. He believes, he struggles, he suffers. He wins. Then, he realizes, it came with a cost. And there is more to be done.
Life is like that, isn't it? To accomplish something for the good, you have to suffer and bleed and struggle. Then you win and vanguish the bad. It is a good thing, but you realize you paid a price. Yet, someone had to do it and you were the one. A Japanese proverb says: who does the hard things? He who can.
You can watch the trailer here.
I can't wait. I love a hero. I especially love a hero with inner demons to conquer.
My idea of the perfect movie is a story of good guys and bad guys that are distinguishable. The good guys chase the bad guys, catch them and, well, kill them. In addition, hopefully, there will be car chases and explosions, or swords and horses, and maybe a maiden to rescue.
I think Christian Bale is a great Batman. He believes, he struggles, he suffers. He wins. Then, he realizes, it came with a cost. And there is more to be done.
Life is like that, isn't it? To accomplish something for the good, you have to suffer and bleed and struggle. Then you win and vanguish the bad. It is a good thing, but you realize you paid a price. Yet, someone had to do it and you were the one. A Japanese proverb says: who does the hard things? He who can.
SHE HAS BEHELD HIM FACE TO FACE
I just heard that Dottie Rambo died Sunday when her tour bus crashed. I had no idea she was 74 years old. She was busy, I can tell you that. She published 2,500 or so songs. The 1991 Baptist Hymnal has "We Shall Behold Him" and "Behold the Lamb." The 2008 hymnal will also have "Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome" when it comes out this summer. She also wrote "I Go To the Rock" which you might remember from the movie "The Preacher's Wife", where it was sung by Whitney Houston.
LIGHTNING & VOLCANIC ERUPTION
You have to go see this picture of a lightning storm above an erupting volcano in Chile. I would love to have seen this in person.
You have to go see this picture of a lightning storm above an erupting volcano in Chile. I would love to have seen this in person.
Monday, May 12, 2008
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST
One of the other Democrats (see previous post) in the race has lost another advisor. After dumping his pastor for inflammatory and, well, crazy, comments, Obama now has to distance himself from an advisory that has ties to Hamas, the radical, terrorist, Palestinian group. Robert Malley admitted he has regular contact with Hamas, which is listed by the State Department as a terrorist organisation. You know, if our State Department thinks they're bad, they must really by bad, because those guys will drink with anybody.
Take It Or Leave It called Obama for comment and he responded "Hamas? I thought he said Hummus! You know, he was having drinks with hummus. Wow, we really do need a change." This was right after he said there were 57 states. I asked him about that, too, and he said he was the candidate for the geographically disadvantaged.
No Republicans were hurt in the production of this post.
One of the other Democrats (see previous post) in the race has lost another advisor. After dumping his pastor for inflammatory and, well, crazy, comments, Obama now has to distance himself from an advisory that has ties to Hamas, the radical, terrorist, Palestinian group. Robert Malley admitted he has regular contact with Hamas, which is listed by the State Department as a terrorist organisation. You know, if our State Department thinks they're bad, they must really by bad, because those guys will drink with anybody.
Take It Or Leave It called Obama for comment and he responded "Hamas? I thought he said Hummus! You know, he was having drinks with hummus. Wow, we really do need a change." This was right after he said there were 57 states. I asked him about that, too, and he said he was the candidate for the geographically disadvantaged.
No Republicans were hurt in the production of this post.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL CANDIDATE
McCain is kicking off his environment tour, touting global warming. Maybe he'll ask Al Gore to run as his VP. Seriously, this is going to be the Republican nominee? Is there a chance that I'm having a bad dream and I'll wake up to find there is actually a Republican in the race?
McCain is kicking off his environment tour, touting global warming. Maybe he'll ask Al Gore to run as his VP. Seriously, this is going to be the Republican nominee? Is there a chance that I'm having a bad dream and I'll wake up to find there is actually a Republican in the race?
Friday, May 09, 2008
HILLARY WANING
Clinton’s moment may have passed. At the beginning of the campaign, she seemed to feel that she was the heir apparent, that it was her time. The also rans got beat up and left, the perennial losers and a few more. Then, it was Clinton and Obama and the unthinkable happened. People liked Obama (well, Democratic people). People didn’t like Clinton so much. In state after state, she had the lead until she got there. Then she arrived and began campaigning, and the lead vanished. Was it Obama’s charisma or her lack of it?
After earning only a split instead of a 2-fer with Indiana and North Carolina, Clinton is hanging on by her fingernails. Unfortunately for her, she won small in Indiana and lost big in North Carolina. Despite the storm over Obama’s angry pastor, he has maintained his lead in delegates and increased his popularity nationwide among Democrats.
Clinton is behind in elected delegates, ahead but fading in the lead among super delegates, losing the popular vote and being doubled by Obama in the number of states carried. While he is flush with cash, she is loaning money to her campaign. She is having a tough month. But, she is tough, and she is campaigning tough. It has not won her enough to catch up, but is exposing Obama’s weaknesses. And it is causing the Democratic leadership to get nervous. So, they are calling for her to quit. The more she bloodies Obama, they think, they less his chances for nomination.
Clinton has the right to stay in the race until the convention. Obama is going to get bloody if he gets the nomination (do you think the Republicans have not dug up these same weaknesses?) so he might as well get his scars now. And, you never know what will happen.
Clinton’s new message seems to be “The Democratic Party can't win with just eggheads and African-Americans". I agree, but it doesn’t sound much like what you hear from politically correct Democrats. It is a dilemma for Clinton. If she points out the obvious, she is playing the race card. Guess what we learned long ago, Ms. Clinton. The Black candidate can play the race card, the Anglo cannot.
One guy that knows a lot about losing is George McGovern, crushed by Richard Nixon in his run for president. He wants Clinton to turn out the lights and go home. He used to support Clinton, but has now decided to endorse Obama. Politicians love to land on the winning side. Loyalty is hard to come by.
McGovern said it's virtually impossible for Clinton to win the nomination. McGovern said he is still friends with the Clintons. We’ll see. Dick Morris also used to be a friend of Bill and he says it’s over. Zogby, the pollster, says it’s over. Does anyone have a recording of Don Meredith singing “turn out the lights, the party’s over” on Monday Night Football?
Subject: why did the chicken cross the road?
BARACK OBAMA:
The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!
JOHN MC CAIN:
My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON:
When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure -- right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.......
DR. PHIL:
The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.
OPRAH:
Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.
GEORGE W. BUSH:
We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
COLIN POWELL:
Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...
ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:
We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
JOHN KERRY:
Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions.
I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
NANCY GRACE:
That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.
PAT BUCHANAN:
To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTHA STEWART:
No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.
DR SEUSS:
Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY:
To die in the rain. Alone.
GRANDPA:
In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS:
Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE:
It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
JOHN LENNON:
Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.
BILL GATES:
I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This new
platform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^(C% .........reboot.
ALBERT EINSTEIN:
Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?
BILL CLINTON:
I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?
AL GORE:
I invented the chicken!
BARACK OBAMA:
The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!
JOHN MC CAIN:
My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON:
When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure -- right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.......
DR. PHIL:
The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.
OPRAH:
Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.
GEORGE W. BUSH:
We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
COLIN POWELL:
Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...
ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:
We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
JOHN KERRY:
Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions.
I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
NANCY GRACE:
That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.
PAT BUCHANAN:
To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTHA STEWART:
No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.
DR SEUSS:
Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY:
To die in the rain. Alone.
GRANDPA:
In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS:
Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE:
It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
JOHN LENNON:
Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.
BILL GATES:
I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This new
platform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^(C% .........reboot.
ALBERT EINSTEIN:
Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?
BILL CLINTON:
I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?
AL GORE:
I invented the chicken!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
"As I read the New Testament, I do not see any example of the church understanding its gospel or its mission to be the direct shaping of the laws of the land or the improving of its structures." Certainly, the apostle Paul never tells the church to spend its time explicitly instructing the Roman emperor or shaping the pagans' view of culture." Mark Dever, senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
CONSOLING THOUGHTS FROM CALVIN
There are days I think there is no way the SBC can survive. Today I read this from Calvin. If he can be optimisticly faithful, surely I can. No one has tried to kill me yet. It is from his Commentary on Micah 4:6-7.
Micah 4:6, 7 reads: "6. In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that I have afflicted: "7. And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast off a strong nation; and the Lord shall reign over them in Mount Zion from henceforth even forever."
Commenting on verse 6, Calvin says:
"Although the Church is at the present time hardly to be distinguished from a dead, or at best a sick, man, there is no reason for despair; for the Lord raises up His own suddenly, as He waked the dead from the grave. This we must clearly remember lest, when the Church fails to shine forth, we conclude too quickly that her light has died utterly away. But the Church in the world is so preserved that she rises suddenly from the dead. Her very preservation through the years is due to a succession of such miracles. Let us cling to the remembrance that she is not without her resurrection, or rather, not without her many resurrections."
There are days I think there is no way the SBC can survive. Today I read this from Calvin. If he can be optimisticly faithful, surely I can. No one has tried to kill me yet. It is from his Commentary on Micah 4:6-7.
Micah 4:6, 7 reads: "6. In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that I have afflicted: "7. And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast off a strong nation; and the Lord shall reign over them in Mount Zion from henceforth even forever."
Commenting on verse 6, Calvin says:
"Although the Church is at the present time hardly to be distinguished from a dead, or at best a sick, man, there is no reason for despair; for the Lord raises up His own suddenly, as He waked the dead from the grave. This we must clearly remember lest, when the Church fails to shine forth, we conclude too quickly that her light has died utterly away. But the Church in the world is so preserved that she rises suddenly from the dead. Her very preservation through the years is due to a succession of such miracles. Let us cling to the remembrance that she is not without her resurrection, or rather, not without her many resurrections."
Monday, May 05, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
A blonde and her husband were lying in bed listening to the next door neighbor's dog. It had been barking for hours. The blonde jumped up out of bed and said "I've had enough of this" and went downstairs.
The blonde finally came back up to bed, but her husband said "The dog is still barking, what have you been doing?"
The blonde replied "I put him in OUR backyard, let's see how THEY like it!"
The blonde finally came back up to bed, but her husband said "The dog is still barking, what have you been doing?"
The blonde replied "I put him in OUR backyard, let's see how THEY like it!"
Friday, April 25, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
GORE ADMITS FAILURE
After producing a moving and traveling all over the world speaking about global warming, what is Al Gore's take on the effect? He admits little has changed. IN fact, some recent polls found that some people ranked it lower than clearing up dog mess as a priority. When you ask people to rank 25 or 30 issues, climate change comes at the bottom.
Just as with his movie, he will not let facts stop him. He wants to lead ten million people to advocate change in the US (of course, it could not be China or India for an American Liberal, it has to be America's fault.)
I would be more impressed if he down sized from his multi-thousand square foot house with the huge air conditioning bill, and quit taking private jets all over the world. Not much, but some.
The good news is, we will likely end the warming cycle in a few years and start global cooling, so he can claim to have ended global warming. That would make a good resume along with inventing the Internet and getting donations from Buddists monks from the White House without being investigated or prosecuted.
Of course, if things get really cool, he can start a new crusade.
After producing a moving and traveling all over the world speaking about global warming, what is Al Gore's take on the effect? He admits little has changed. IN fact, some recent polls found that some people ranked it lower than clearing up dog mess as a priority. When you ask people to rank 25 or 30 issues, climate change comes at the bottom.
Just as with his movie, he will not let facts stop him. He wants to lead ten million people to advocate change in the US (of course, it could not be China or India for an American Liberal, it has to be America's fault.)
I would be more impressed if he down sized from his multi-thousand square foot house with the huge air conditioning bill, and quit taking private jets all over the world. Not much, but some.
The good news is, we will likely end the warming cycle in a few years and start global cooling, so he can claim to have ended global warming. That would make a good resume along with inventing the Internet and getting donations from Buddists monks from the White House without being investigated or prosecuted.
Of course, if things get really cool, he can start a new crusade.
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