I presumed that a majority of bloggers would be noting the day with words of remembrance - but so far I haven't seen a lot.
I heard a brief tribute on the radio today and I noticed that as newscasts from the actual event were playing our car grew silent. It was Ab, AA and me and the car grew silent.
AA wasn't born yet when Islamic Extremists pulled off their dastardly attack, Ab was not yet three.
I still cannot put down the emotions - still don't understand them. Mixed with anger and deep sadness - there is a sense of pride in the noble character of so many involved. There is still a taste of unity in the memories as well - that day, we sincerely asked folks how they were doing... were they okay?
Today I am sad though, not so much because of the magnitude of that infamous event, but because we failed to properly respond. I'm not talking about our military.
We, as a nation, were handed a great opportunity to turn around. I want get into the argument of whether God brought 9-11 on or not - it happened.
I do believe that God can use every event that we encounter to make us better.
For an all to brief time, we were better. I think it was probably one election cycle. We remained unified, the American flag was displayed prominently everywhere, congressional representatives even through out the bogus "invisible wall of separation" church and state, junk for a time and Democrat and Republican alike join in an impromptu singing of "God Bless America" on the capital steps.
Then it all changed. Politics and the urge for power crept in.
Today we are more worried about congress and the President destroying the American Ideal than terrorists. We are keeping our friends at arms length while embracing our enemies. Reasonable, honest people with common sense are questioning whether some of our basic freedoms will remain in place for long.
In that brief radio tribute I heard today, I listened to excerpts from then President Bush's first address after the attacks. Say what you will, that man brought honor to the office of President. I remembered the confidence his words provoked.
I did not like everywhere he lead us, but he was our last great leader - hopefully not the very last.
Someone once said that we didn't fail the tests God handed us, we just have to take them over and over again until we get them right. That may not sync with your theology, but we do tend to go through things over and over . . . I believe St. James said "whom the Lord loves, He chastens . . ."
Perhaps all of this turmoil we are currently facing as a nation... economic recession, overwhelming overhauls and the like, are just another test.
Perhaps we could turn back to the right path; maybe we still have a chance.
As we think back to that clear day, nine years ago and consider the near 3,000 that died that day list to the challenge from another time as then - President Lincoln stood overlooking the resting place from another act of war....
"that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain;
that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Abraham Lincoln
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Laborious Labor Day Weekend
Aside from some down time on Sunday afternoon with my siblings and parents, the Labor Day weekend was fairly non-stop.
Very UNnatural for me.
After a late high school football game Friday night, Saturday was crammed full of yard work until the mid to late afternoon. That's when we packed up the lawn mower and tent and stuff and headed to some property my father-in-law recently acquired behind their place. There we cleared a spot and set up camp:
Very UNnatural for me.
After a late high school football game Friday night, Saturday was crammed full of yard work until the mid to late afternoon. That's when we packed up the lawn mower and tent and stuff and headed to some property my father-in-law recently acquired behind their place. There we cleared a spot and set up camp:
This would be our second camp out of the year and all less than one mile from our front door.
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| Ab and our faithful friend, Tanner, a constant at all our "near home" camp outs. |
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AA took some target practice - it's just an AIR RIFLE ... and the ammunition is NOT lead. |
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Monday, September 6, 2010
Status Report
Well it is Labor Day and I am finally getting a few moments of downtime during this leisurely long weekend, to visit the blog.
You may notice some changes if you are one of the three or four folks that regularly visit here:
As always my hope is that this blog will present items worth reading.
- The Management
You may notice some changes if you are one of the three or four folks that regularly visit here:
- I am putting "playlist" to rest for awhile - I haven't added any new music lately and I realized that the first thing I usually do when I visit the blog is to turn it off or turn my volume down.
- I have been using Statcounter.com a couple of years now. This allows me to track traffic to the blog - but I really don't go there very often. Google now provides some stats so I will probably suspend the other option for a time.
- Some of you are followers through Facebook and Networkedblogs.com - thanks to all 8 of you!!! Well, apparently Google is going to stop supporting this app very soon, so that option may go away.
As always my hope is that this blog will present items worth reading.
- The Management
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
What if We All Practiced Restraint
Restraint.
I have written about it before; it is one of the traits that has been key to our culture here in America - it is one of the characteristics that has set this country apart.
What if . . . .
What if the hearts of individuals in our nation suddenly turned away from the self-indulgence that seems to so possess us - and returned to an attitude of restraint?
What would that look like?
It might be as simple as pushing away from the table.
It could mean some families would downsize to a smaller house.
Restraint may take different forms; some individuals would choose to liberate themselves from the slavery of debt.
That's okay for the "haves" . . . those that already have more than they need. But what about the "have-nots"? What would restraint look like to them?
Some may simply decide to accept no more tax-funded assistance.
To me, the most triumphant scene in Ron Howard's Cinderella Man, was when Jim Braddock - after having reluctantly stood in line to receive some government relief money during the Great Depression- stood in line again ... to return every cent.
Some could decide to stop listening to the constant siren song of victim-hood and "you can't" ... and start listening to a still small voice inside that says "try!" . . . "do what you CAN do; and do the best you can!"
That still small voice may have belonged to one's mother or grandmother . . . or maybe a teacher. Someone somewhere in the past that knew that God had created every man and woman with some potential - some gifting ... He dreamed a dream for them to fulfill and gave them what they needed to fulfill it.
If only they would try.
It flashed across my mind the other day - like a dream that flourished in an instant - "What if...."
What if people in droves suddenly stopped participating in all these programs and handouts and schemes that say in subtle tones:
"You're a victim. Life's been a little harder on you than on those other people... you will always need our help . Don't even try. You know that you will fail and then you will be right back here needing our help."
Wouldn't it be wonderful if people decided on a wholesale basis to stop taking what they didn't earn.
As long as politicians can buy votes by funding relief style programs ... they will continue to do it. We can't really expect them to change. But the people could change; they could say "no more".
The days of top-down restraint are over . . . at least as far as any of the current majorities in Washington are concerned.
The people: now that's another story. If the people could only tap into that yearning for liberty God has placed in the breast of every man and woman, they would shake off the shackles of this false benevolence.
The people could just refuse to play the game. Refuse to be blinded any longer. Trade in their lifelong servitude to dependence on government programs and walk into the brisk, tantalizing breeze of freedom.
It Would Require Restraint
Such a revolution would require tremendous restraint!
The kind displayed by George Washington when he refused a crown... and later when he refused a third term in the office of President.
One would need to have the type of restraint that was evident in our founders as they toiled together for a summer in Philadelphia, hammering out a system of government with distinct checks and balances. Checks designed to keep restraint on power.
It would require restraint because if people walked away from the pittance they receive at the end of a bureaucratic labyrinth - it would appear at first that they were walking into certain poverty -utter devastation.
Neighbors Would Rise Up
Here's what I am sure would happen:
Churches would suddenly pick up the mantle of responsibility they long ago relinquished to the government.
Churches and other organizations - full of people - would rise up to help.
Why?
Because that is what we do in America.
We help our neighbors.
And people would be able to help because they had practiced restraint and so they had more to give, more to invest.
Well isn't that the same thing that's happening now with tax funded programs that give assistance?
No.
It is a very different thing when your neighbor or friend gives of his or her own free will. They are saying "I believe in you and I am willing to help you climb out and never return to the place you are now."
Where can you start saying "no" today?
I have written about it before; it is one of the traits that has been key to our culture here in America - it is one of the characteristics that has set this country apart.
What if . . . .
What if the hearts of individuals in our nation suddenly turned away from the self-indulgence that seems to so possess us - and returned to an attitude of restraint?
What would that look like?
It might be as simple as pushing away from the table.
It could mean some families would downsize to a smaller house.
Restraint may take different forms; some individuals would choose to liberate themselves from the slavery of debt.
That's okay for the "haves" . . . those that already have more than they need. But what about the "have-nots"? What would restraint look like to them?
Some may simply decide to accept no more tax-funded assistance.
To me, the most triumphant scene in Ron Howard's Cinderella Man, was when Jim Braddock - after having reluctantly stood in line to receive some government relief money during the Great Depression- stood in line again ... to return every cent.
Some could decide to stop listening to the constant siren song of victim-hood and "you can't" ... and start listening to a still small voice inside that says "try!" . . . "do what you CAN do; and do the best you can!"
That still small voice may have belonged to one's mother or grandmother . . . or maybe a teacher. Someone somewhere in the past that knew that God had created every man and woman with some potential - some gifting ... He dreamed a dream for them to fulfill and gave them what they needed to fulfill it.
If only they would try.
It flashed across my mind the other day - like a dream that flourished in an instant - "What if...."
What if people in droves suddenly stopped participating in all these programs and handouts and schemes that say in subtle tones:
"You're a victim. Life's been a little harder on you than on those other people... you will always need our help . Don't even try. You know that you will fail and then you will be right back here needing our help."
Wouldn't it be wonderful if people decided on a wholesale basis to stop taking what they didn't earn.
As long as politicians can buy votes by funding relief style programs ... they will continue to do it. We can't really expect them to change. But the people could change; they could say "no more".
The days of top-down restraint are over . . . at least as far as any of the current majorities in Washington are concerned.
The people: now that's another story. If the people could only tap into that yearning for liberty God has placed in the breast of every man and woman, they would shake off the shackles of this false benevolence.
The people could just refuse to play the game. Refuse to be blinded any longer. Trade in their lifelong servitude to dependence on government programs and walk into the brisk, tantalizing breeze of freedom.
It Would Require Restraint
Such a revolution would require tremendous restraint!
The kind displayed by George Washington when he refused a crown... and later when he refused a third term in the office of President.
One would need to have the type of restraint that was evident in our founders as they toiled together for a summer in Philadelphia, hammering out a system of government with distinct checks and balances. Checks designed to keep restraint on power.
It would require restraint because if people walked away from the pittance they receive at the end of a bureaucratic labyrinth - it would appear at first that they were walking into certain poverty -utter devastation.
Neighbors Would Rise Up
Here's what I am sure would happen:
Churches would suddenly pick up the mantle of responsibility they long ago relinquished to the government.
Churches and other organizations - full of people - would rise up to help.
Why?
Because that is what we do in America.
We help our neighbors.
And people would be able to help because they had practiced restraint and so they had more to give, more to invest.
Well isn't that the same thing that's happening now with tax funded programs that give assistance?
No.
It is a very different thing when your neighbor or friend gives of his or her own free will. They are saying "I believe in you and I am willing to help you climb out and never return to the place you are now."
Where can you start saying "no" today?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Chuck Colson Commentary
I was stricken by one of Chuck Colson's BreakPoint Commentaries this week. Here's the link, I hope you will go there and read it / listen to it:
http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/15087
It surrounds a case involving Jennifer Keaton, a masters student at Augusta State University - yeah that's in Georgia.
Because of her beliefs, she has been threatened with expulsion unless she undergoes "thought reform" or what Colson refers to as "re-education".
Her crime: she stated that she believed homosexuality to be a "lifestyle choice" . . . not a "state of living".
The university is supposed to be the home of public discourse ... where diverse views are fostered.
...only certain diverse views, I reckon.
http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/15087
It surrounds a case involving Jennifer Keaton, a masters student at Augusta State University - yeah that's in Georgia.
Because of her beliefs, she has been threatened with expulsion unless she undergoes "thought reform" or what Colson refers to as "re-education".
Her crime: she stated that she believed homosexuality to be a "lifestyle choice" . . . not a "state of living".
The university is supposed to be the home of public discourse ... where diverse views are fostered.
...only certain diverse views, I reckon.
We Still Remember
Here's the ad, just out from the families of 9-11 victims; they should know:
I heard today that the only house of worship destroyed on 9-11, a Greek Orthodox church has been trying rebuild but keeps getting the run around . . .
I heard today that the only house of worship destroyed on 9-11, a Greek Orthodox church has been trying rebuild but keeps getting the run around . . .
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Okay . . . school is back ...
When does normal kick back in?
The withering heat has wielded its apathetic effect on me. My vacation hangover lingers oppressively and whispers "all good things must come to an end..." - and it sounds like my Dad talking.
I don't even think that's in the Bible.
Anyway the dog days of summer have really taken hold.
When does normal kick back in?
The withering heat has wielded its apathetic effect on me. My vacation hangover lingers oppressively and whispers "all good things must come to an end..." - and it sounds like my Dad talking.
I don't even think that's in the Bible.
Anyway the dog days of summer have really taken hold.
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| Turning summertime boredom to creativity, Ab made this sleeping aid to conquer the "1st Day Jitters Insomnia" |
And while I love for my kids to be home and I like that there are fewer obligations grabbing at our time and attention during the summer; I am really ready for a cool September rain,the order of a school schedule and some yellow and orange in my foliage.
The first signal of that blessed autumn season is the start of school. This week we celebrated the event with some of our traditions.
On the eve of that first day, Ab and AA took their turns - backs to the wall, eyes forward, heels pressed firmly against the shoe molding - it was time to account for their growth. Behind the door in our kitchen pantry, there are markings going up the wall. One for each child. Milestones in inches. Both of them have grown at a noticeable pace this year and Mom and I were anxious to see just how much.
On the first morning, we take pictures. Actually we borrowed this tradition from my sister who did that with her two kids all the way through until they graduated high school.
On that first day, we have to get an early start but usually manage to tone down the anxiety and excitement enough to get some sort of memento of the occasion.
One long-held tradition was honored but broken as well:
The kids and I always indulge in a Waffle House breakfast on the day before school starts.
Well this year, my work schedule wasn't conducive to my taking a day off, so we put it off until today (Saturday).
When we finally arrived at our favorite Waffle House this morning and found a seat among the throng - there was a problem.
I had not brought a sufficient amount of cash. Ab can be trusted to have a little cash on hand but her stash wasn't sufficient either. Now I am a huge fan of Dave Ramsey but despite his preaching - I still have one major credit card that I carry for "emergencies"; unfortunately, Waffle House doesn't accept my brand.
We explained our dilemma to the wait person (one of the regulars we see each trip) and scooted out the door.
We ended up at Chic-Fil-a and enjoyed a good breakfast. I managed to snap a couple of pictures there, but Ab informed me that I am now capable of embarrassing her (I guess I'll have that dynamic to deal with now) so I cut them short.
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| "Anything-for-a-laugh" - AA |
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| With an eye toward adolescence, Ab "voted with her feet" to end the Photo Session. |
The marks on the wall in our pantry do not begin to tell the story of growth. Changes marked only by inches in that arena - are pouring forth by the mile in real life - and quicker than we can seem to absorb them!
I am mindful more and more these days of the blessing God has dealt us to be together as a family and I sometimes want to cling to every moment.
But life moves on and though we hate to leave some of these seasons, there is also something luring about the things He has in store just ahead.
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
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