Rachel Carson Insight

I am reading The Sense of Wonder, by Rachel Carson, 1956. The text is memorable to me...I do love nature. She is quotable.

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in."

"I sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide him, it is not half so important to know as to feel. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil. Once the emotions have been aroused -- a sense of the beautiful, the excitement of the new and the unknown, a feeling of sympathy, pity, admiration, or love-- then we wish for knowledge about the object of our emotional response. Once found, it has lasting meaning. It is more important to pave the way for the child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts he is not ready to assimilate."

These are powerful thoughts. I hear parents and educators express anxiety about not knowing enough. Find freedom as a preparer of soil, as facilitator.

As an educator, and as an aunt and friend to children and young adults, I think Carson's perspective provides an anchor to learning together. We are now in a postmodern society and some education and parenting is still in the modern tradition (facts rule).

What are kids really into as they reach perhaps middle school and on into adult life -- music. Where would you categorize music, if you had to do so? Fact? Or emotion?

Think about traditional school life, largely based on fact management, so as to make it easy to test kids and evaluate the success of the school. Probably because emotion is hard to quantify and term useful or productive in modern tradition. As school years progress, have you noticed that many kids disconnect from learning as modeled for them in tradition school experiences? I have.

Listen to great people in interviews as to why so many drop out of high school. Their answers miss the obvious in many responses, at least for me. Perhaps an answer may be found in these thoughts shared by Carson. The delicate balance of facts and emotion. I also think the force (as in the silent hand that steers all things classroom) to learn the facts continues to quietly shout or whisper with a roar in such a way that many kids inadvertently become convinced that they are stupid, or at least not good enough, that they do not measure up. So why would they stay in school? Besides the fact that school gives them time to listen to their Ipods [music...emotion] and possibly feel something, even if only drama, in friendships.

Older students are fighting for meaning. Traditional school often does not offer that. Isn't it more powerful to be able to know how to research and find facts (which do tend to change and expand anyway...I memorized nine planets, case in point), and discern the truth (I once saw several pages of Internet opportunities to go whale watching in Lake Michigan, for example), and then use the truth. Kids often merely memorize and complete assignments to play the game of school, often without true context and connection, often at stages of development that cannot support the experience (higher math for me). [Note: I do highly value the important skill of completing assignments and doing so on time...very practical.]

Thank you, Lord, for teachers that engage students and prepare the "soil" for the facts to grow through best practices in the classroom and hearts to serve human beings fighting for their souls while society values them as future producers in the economy. Good teachers facilitate the invitation for a child to "want to know," and provide earthy, warm, nutritious soil to grow.

And what about passing along a life-gripping, authentic faith in Christ to the next generation? Do we simply pound the facts of the faith and neglect the emotions which connect with the untamed mystery of God, those emotions that reveal a God bigger than my image of Him? I have observed many kids growing up with all the facts of the faith, but it doesn't quite translate in to a passion to follow Christ in authentic living and continued hunger and growth. They often can simple tell you why they are right and others are wrong. That is a bridge to nowhere. Get out the yellow "Caution" tape.

We all learn to give the right answers. How do we learn to ask the right questions? To wonder. I wonder. Thank you, Rachel Carson, for a good read on the Sense of Wonder.

A Great Day

Today is a great day. I'll try a haiku to capture it.

Winter, cloudy, cold,
Cozy with promise of rain,
Home by fire reading.

Broken Dishwasher Strengthens Marriage

Our dishwasher is broken. It has been broken for several weeks. We now hand wash the dishes. Sometimes that is a time demand that is tough to keep up during our busy days. We are unable to replace the dishwasher at this time due to other priorities and the need to research a new one, with the hope of getting a reliable one.

For much of our marriage the rule is whoever cooks does the clean-up. That has been practical because of our cooking styles. Glen cleans up as he goes. I love to spread my cooking mess around the kitchen like a junk yard of culinary fun. So, naturally, Glen prefers that I clean up after my cooking adventures.

Last night, Glen and I did the dishes together. He washed and I dried and put away. This old fashioned activity got us up off the evening couch, postponed our TV vegetative states, and took us away from our laptops. The laptops have been known to consume the evenings, since we both work and play on our computers, side by side, as the night slips away.

I have to confess that time spent side by side doing the dishes provided a time to unwind together, accomplish a goal with immediate reward, and a venue for light-hearted, random conversation. It was fun. I really enjoyed it.

I hope we do more dish washing together. It was just such a simple way to enjoy time together, like a leisurely ride in the car. Plus, the cook gets out of the kitchen faster when two tackle the dishes.

So, in this day and age of so many "conveniences," do we lose that easy going time together that inconveniences provide? That are a path to slowing down and sharing life in conversation? In addition, we stopped eating out as often several years ago. I discovered how we each enjoy the creative process of taking time to collect and combine various food ingredients into a rewarding (usually) evening meal, less expensive and usually healthier in portions and nutrition! Back to the simpler way of living step-by-step. We also clean our home on our own now, due to budget cuts. That is relaxing and rewarding, too. At least for us. And it involves a bit of physical activity, which is always good. Big, yet subtle, benefits. Finding time is still the challenge, but the benefits are nice. Am I crazy?

"A & A" E-mails (Alarm & Alert)...Groan!

I have recently thought more about these “A&A” e-mails...”Alarm & Alert” that I get from time to time, usually forwarded. I realize that I can give little to no attention to them. I don’t have the time, energy, or priority space to dig deeper to find out truth and separate bias and then truly influence an outcome. I must devote my days to things that I can impact and want to give heart energy and head space to — things that God has called me to devote my life to in serving Him.

There is so much information available to us through e-mail that we each need to determine how to manage it. And this is my plan. I must each figure out how to avoid the distractions of electronic information, in an effort to focus on what is before me that truly needs my attention. At my 80th birthday party, when I look back on my life, will I think figuring out a right response to these types of e-mails made a difference? Of course, not! If I gave the time to studying God’s word instead, wouldn’t that be time better spent? Or sharing a cup of coffee to catch up with a neighbor? Or bowing in prayer for the leaders of my church and nation? Here is a good filter from Stephen Covey:

Circle of Concern - Circle of Influence
From The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Determine what you can do instead of worry over what you have no control over.
Circle of Concerns - all those worries
Circle of Influence - from those worries, select things you can actually do something about. Be pro-active and get going! This will decrease the list of worries.

"Covey distinguishes between the have's ('If only I had...') and the be's ('I can be...'). Focusing on what you don't like is disempowering. Focusing on what you can do is proactive and empowering. 'Be part of the solution,' Covey suggests, 'not part of the problem.'"

[Comments from Mary R. Bast, PhD]

And the rest...learn to let it go and trust God. So, I will be deleting "A & A" e-mails and moving on.

Liberal or Conservative Quiz

I just took a quiz online to see if I'm liberal or conservative on political issues. It was interesting. I tested "liberal." I am not surprised. I'm beginning to relax about the label. The label can cause negative reactions from people I call friends and loved ones. Hopefully, they've taken the time to hear my perspective and to understand it, even though we may not agree. To begin with, I determine my opinions by using my world view based in following Christ and what I know of him through Scripture and other wise followers. This is probably very similar to how conservatives form their opinions, interestingly enough. After starting there, I then reflect on my experience with real people in real situations and I study different social, economic, and political issues. I am conservative with Scripture. Liberal is not a bad thing to be.

Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999
lib·er·al (adj)

1. tolerant of different views and standards of behavior in others
2. favoring gradual reform, especially political reforms that extend democracy, distribute wealth more evenly, and protect the personal freedom of the individual
3. generous with money, time, or some other asset
4. not limited to the literal meaning in translation or interpretation
5. concerned with general cultural matters and broadening of the mind rather than professional or technical study
6. relating to a political ideology of liberalism
   

Elusive Contentment & Words of Whoa!

If complaints were laden with calories, would you be overweight? If comments that build up a brother or sister -- any person created in God's image burned calories, would you be lean? I'm all for discernment, wisdom, and good judgement, and even critical thinking and solid reasoning. I acknowledge we are all on a journey. Yet I need to work on my responses to events and choices others make. I want to be a more thoughtful and understanding person. So often I may jump to conclusions, criticizing a complete stranger or someone well known without knowing the full story and without stopping to realize this person is of value to God the father and I don't know how God is working in that moment. As Andy Marin, author of Love is an Orientation, wisely shared, "God is at work in a person's life. We do not know when that starts or where it will end." I need to remember this and stay open to God's work hidden or visible to me, and learn to love with my words and deeds. This reflection was prompted by listening to people respond to the ingauguration ceremony and the prayers and the poem and the fashion for the ball. Here we go!

Inauguration Impressions

• Peaceful transfer of power - this is a big deal in and of itself in today's world
  
• The sea of people crested in waves of American flags in joyful patient assembly
• Rick Warren's prayer: "You are loving to everyone you have made...hinge point of history...our first African American president...grateful to live in a land...give to our new president the wisdom to lead us with humility...bless and protect...united not by race, religion, or blood but by our commitment to freedom and justice for all....to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all...to work for a more just, healthy,...peaceful planet....
• "Simple Gifts" played eloquently
  
• A speech to be read in review as soon as it is published on the web
• Silence of my friends who fear his leadership and doubt his authenticity
• Praise song reading
• A benediction..."God of our weary years...silent tears...who brought us along thus far...we give thanks and pray for you blessing upon your servant, his family, and his adminsitration....mend our brokenness, heal our wounds, and end us from exploiting the poor...." [worth reading once it is on the web]
• And hooray! It's a new day in America.
  

A New Song for a New Day

http://dipdive.com/

MLK Day & GOBAMA!

The words and ideals of Martin Luther King, Jr. inspire me and continue to challenge my heart. I honor his legacy and courage today.

The inauguration of the 44th President has been significant for me. Maybe it's because it feels to me like he is a common man, not from a wealthy political family, that connects for me. Maybe it's because he moved to Chicago, as did I, after college and still love Chicago to this day. Maybe it is because I'm a fan of Michelle and think the girls are sweet. I won't go into more detail here and now on why I am so engaged in the new day with new leadership and responding to the call to participate in the "we" of "Yes, we can." It has been stirring and tomorrow, Inauguration Ceremony and other festivities, will be a highlight. I pray for the health and safety of the family, along with God's wisdom and grace in days to come.

So, no more fat and critical. I'll work to be fit and hopeful so I can keep up with the work ahead for all of us, living in a way that honors God and helps me learn to love my neighbor making life for others more meaningful through values that unite these states.

Birth Order

I once spoke to an author of a book on birth order and how that impacts our development as people. At that time, I thought I was first born. I realized recently that I am in fact second born. My older sister did not survive and I don't know her yet, but hope to meet her one day in Heaven. So, does that make me second born with first born expectations? I've always felt I didn't have exactly the qualities of first borns. Maybe this is part of it. How much weight do we put in all that anyway? It is interesting, but I won't lose sleep over it.
Something that is more interesting to me is my younger brother. Second born or third? Who knows how those things go? What I do know is that he and I are friends now and that is a recent development over the past couple years. I'm really enjoying having a sibling friend. I guess I was kind of an only child for about 10 years while my brother had split from the family. He is such a blessing to the family now and has been so kind to our aging parents in Ohio. I am grateful. Ric is pictured below.



Now, think about this. My husband is first born, and if I have the first born role, experts say two first borns should never marry. Well, I'm so glad we did. It is fun. [Top photo is Glen, my husband, and I]

Welcome 2009!

I am glad to greet the new year. I have some things to look forward to doing. I'm grateful to God for his guidance and for each new day he gives. Although I had (have) a cold over my winter break (Christmas vacation), I enjoyed time with loved ones -- family and friends. I enjoyed our home, even though decorations were minimal this year. Most of all, I enjoyed sharing life with my very cool husband, who is making popcorn as I write. I just felt so grateful for all the good in the times at hand.

Announcement #1

I read Luke 1:1-25 today. It is Christmas, so naturally I love reading those related passages in Scripture. So here is how it goes down...

Zechariah is at work. An angel named Gabriel appears at his job site. Zechariah feels fear. So, the fear thing at seeing an angel. Isn't that so human?!! I can relate to that response. The angel addresses that fear with "Don't be afraid." That's good. Would I snap out of it that easily?

Anyway, the angel goes on to say "For God has heard your prayer and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son!" Were there other wives? OK. Not the point. The prayer may be referenced in v. 25. So the angel goes on with the specifics: call him John, no wine because he'll be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth, and his work will be to turn people to the Lord.*

Zechariah listens to the "good news" and questions immediately. Oh, so human! The part where we all flee to the facts in the face of faith..."How can I know this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years." And then the angel silenced him for a few months. So there.

Then he goes outside where the people have been waiting for him. And he can't speak. "They then realized from his gestures that he must have seen a vision." Now picture that! There's a round of Charades not to be missed. I can just imagine that non-verbal communication.

I can also relate to God answering my prayer and me being surprised or questioning. Oh, brother. Humans!

Anyway, God is amazing.

*I'm curious to think more about why "no wine or hard liquor" is connected with being filled with the Spirit. I am also curious about the concept of "turn" people to the Lord. When I turn, I change my direction, my focus, my view. That sounds nice and an invitation to something else. It doesn't sound like that's a condemnation.

The Purpose of Christmas, A Book

I have recently noticed a new book by Rick Warren, called The Purpose of Christmas. Here is some information I read on the web about it that made me more curious to read it. I haven't heard anyone mention this title yet. I just don't want another cliche Christmas book. I have so much respect for Rick Warren, so I'm interested in what the book might say, but haven't bought it to read. I was also moved to see what the proceeds will go to fund and my heart also aches for the five issues mentioned below in the last section. If you have read the book, let me know.

From a web article:

Rick Warren: “This book, The Purpose of Christmas, is the most clear definition of Christianity – of what it means to follow Jesus, what it means to be saved – of anything I’ve ever written,” Warren says.

Using Christmas, the book explains why Jesus Christ came to earth – which Warren says can be summed up through the three statements given by the angels that appeared at the first Christmas.

“First, he (the angel) said ‘I bring you good news of great joy.’ It’s a time for celebration,” explains Warren. “And then he says, ‘for on this day is born to you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.’ It’s a time for salvation. And then he says ‘Peace on earth; goodwill toward men.’ It’s a time for reconciliation."

“Jesus Christ came to the earth for celebration, salvation, and reconciliation,” Warren says. “In other words, to make peace with God, to make peace with ourselves, to make peace with other people.”

Like the book, all net proceeds of the CD will go to benefit Saddleback Church's PEACE Plan – a global initiative created by Warren to mobilize millions of Christians in the fight against the five global giants of spiritual emptiness, self-centered leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic disease and illiteracy/education.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081107/rick-warren-releases-new-book-star-studded-christmas-cd.htm

Favorite Flavors

I love Christmas time for many reasons. Simple, playful, and deeply meaningful reasons and everything in-between. I have two favorite flavors that dominate this season. Peppermint and eggnog -- not together, however. Peppermint ice cream, Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha holiday beverage, peppermint tea, peppermint milkshakes (introduced to me by my mother-in-law), peppermint bark -- it's all good. In moderation, of course. And then eggnog. Eggnog ice cream, Starbuck's Eggnog Latte holiday beverage, and a frothy cup of good old eggnog. I think I'll make eggnog milkshakes this year for something new to me. Growing up, my family would sit quietly at the end of the day on Christmas Eve, near the lovely decorated tree, still empty beneath, and sip a traditional cup of eggnog from little demitasse cups used only for this occasion, while we paused to be still at the apex of Christmas excitement for children. I remember that with fondness. Oh, and by the way, my eggnog enjoyment does not involve brandy or rum, just the creamy, thick, richness of the glug-glugging eggnog plain.

Hooray for a Hundred

I just reached my 100th friend on Facebook. And I actually know most of them. Yippee. That's plenty for me. I'll rest now.

Thanksgiving...Possibly My Favorite

I love Thanksgiving. I love the simplicity of meeting in a warm home, a table generously spread with delicious food, and loved ones gathered all around for the purpose of giving thanks. No gifts to buy. No schedule to keep that is overwhelming. I am blessed because I have enjoyed my family and my in-laws through the years, as well as many wonderful friends. I know of others have a difficult time returning home for holiday events, and my heart goes out to them. I also know of others who have nowhere to go, and though I keep an eye out for those souls each year, I've found it difficult to locate them to invite them to join us.

I am so grateful to God for his lessons, his blessings, and his faithfulness to his plan for me expressed in love. Good gifts come from him. He gives us things to enjoy. This year was sprinkled with fears and challenges, as well as days of peace, happiness, and fun. In all circumstances, I survive or thrive with God's blessing.

Our needs were met. We redefined our wants. Our hearts broke for others with struggles in health, loss of loved ones, immigration status, emotional battles, natural disasters, broken hearts, and more -- all reminders of the brokenness of the world and our need for a loving Savior -- each day and the hope of Heaven. And from Thanksgiving, I move on to anticipation...Advent...remembering the coming of Christ to earth. Will I ever be able to truly grasp the bigness of that event? I, just the same, celebrate with joy.

In Response to a Forwarded E-Mail

I got an e-mail about the outrage of a holiday stamp not reflecting Christmas. Here are my thoughts:

Why would anyone not of the [a certain] faith buy this stamp anyway? I don’t think a BOYCOTT is needed. I think to list “Remember...[a list of tragedies credited to a certain group]” creates fear and anger and distracts us from Christ’s direction to love our neighbors and our enemies. Plus, this e-mail is focused against extremists, which is unfair and breeds hate, again, not a virtue Christ calls us to seek. And the whole “Remember...” thing...that has nothing to do with forgiveness modeled by my Savior, the ultimate Ruler of the universe and beyond.

[The e-mail stated, "They don't even believe in Christ and they're getting their own Christmas stamp, but don't dream of posting the ten commandments on federal property?"]

[The e-mail also stated to pass the e-mail along to every Christian and patriotic American. It also made the statement] Religious holidays have nothing to do with patriotism in my mind. And regarding the connection to the 10 commandments in public schools or wherever. Whoever wrote that does not understand the separation of church and state concept accurately, which really does serve believers well. Nor are the 10 commandments the main focus or the magic bullet of Christianity and getting morality into culture. The state cannot endorse a religion, so posting the 10 commandments in a school where children are required to attend is a violation of that premise. However, purchasing a stamp is purely preferential and optional, so it is not an endorsement of anything. Probably just a marketing idea.

The Kingdom of God does not have political borders. All are invited. Christ died to save us all. It we concentrate on drawing divisive lines on things as small and unimportant as a stamp purchase, we are ignoring a greater call.

I read some background on the stamp from the US Postal Service. It is interesting. I found the explanation of the festivals interesting. I’m not going to give this much more thought than that. I wish everyone believed in Christ, but a stamp is not a roadblock to that.

And by the way, who calls this a “new Christmas stamp” as stated in the Subject line of the e-mail? That’s kinda funny. It isn’t a Christmas stamp. It is a holiday stamp for another faith group. They probably don’t buy our Christmas stamps. I wonder if they send around similar e-mails.

The Theology of Politics

I know many, many Christians were praying for the election and the results. I believe God answered those prayers. So, now what? The one I voted for won. Many loved ones are unhappy with the outcome. So, did God not answer their prayers? Did they get an answer they don't want? Are they not grateful for God's providence? Do we think we know how God is working and why He does what he does? With my nearsighted limits, spiritually thinking, I cannot presume to know God's plan. I can presume to know God's promises because they are clear in His Word. So, to me, it's still good. How do we know when the government becomes too important to having our lives go our way? I'm not even sure I know what I mean by that exactly. I'm just fascinated by how politics shapes our theology, when I imagine it needs to be the other way around. Too deep for so early in the day.

Things You Don't Hear in Campain Commercials

[Yes, I did spell "campaign" wrong in the post title. It has been a pain at times.]

This is an excerpt from Donald Miller's blog. Donald Miller closed in prayer at the Democratic National Convention 2008. He is a Christian, an author, and more. I found his blog post, "From Reagan to Obama, a Brief Political History," profound.

http://donmilleris.com/2008/11/03/from-reagan-to-obama-a-brief-political-history/

"While in Denver I met people from the Obama Campaign. I met Joshua Dubois and Paul Monteiro, Obama’s faith-policy advisors. Paul, like me, had been a Republican until recently. He is a staunch pro-life conservative who got tired of Republicans not making enough strides on the issue and was won over by the dramatic effect economic policy has on unwanted pregnancy and the bottom-up effects of economic stimulation as opposed to the conservative, supply-side policy. And Joshua spoke to me about Senator Obama’s personal faith, his commitment to close his events in prayer, his daily morning devotions and his twenty-year history of talking openly about Jesus. I didn’t need to be won over. I’d started a mentoring foundation in Portland two years before and was attracted to Obama’s message on responsible fatherhood (along with his backing of The Responsible Fatherhood Act.)"

Editorial from Biola Student

This editorial was sent in an e-mail to me by a friend. The writer does a great job expressing some of the complexities of campaign issues for followers of Christ. I found it well done and hopeful.

By Student Author
October 28, 2008, 8:48 p.m.

I’m writing this article because I think the Christian Right needs to take
a long hard look at its policy agenda and make some changes.

Religion, morality, and politics are inherently intermingled and therefore
should not be separated. However, in order for Christians to be a witness
to the secular world, changes must occur in our political ideology and
group behaviors. It’s time for the Christian Right to end its exclusive
ties with the Republican Party. Republicans focus on personal morality
issues like gay marriage and abortion, but they often ignore the equally
important issues of social injustices and human rights.

Same-sex marriage is understandably a controversial issue. Christians are
correct in opposing same-sex marriages; however if we’re amending the
California Constitution to state “only marriage between a man and a
woman,” why not add “until death do them part” and outlaw divorce, too?
This would kill two birds with one stone. I am being facetious, but
honestly divorce is a larger problem in our society than gay marriage will
ever be. Our resources might be better spent enriching family life than
denying rights to gays, especially considering the Christian divorce rate
is virtually the same as the secular one.

The other moral issue, abortion, is an emotional issue because it
represents the negative implications of a fallen culture. Abortion is
morally wrong; however overturning Roe v. Wade would be problematic on a
logistical level. Studies show homosexuals are the leading group showing
interest in adoption, and there are currently not enough Christian
families willing to adopt the annual 1.2 million aborted babies. I’m sure
you can figure out why this is a problem.

Criminalization of abortion also creates a criminal law dilemma.
Illegalizing abortion would force district attorneys to prosecute
back-alley abortions as first-degree murder. Prosecuting scared teenage
girls with murder when their motivation was not malicious but driven by
fear, creates a messy legal predicament and hinders true justice.

Abortion-on-demand is wrong, and will be judged by God. Meanwhile,
Christians should focus their attention on de facto abortions rather than
de jure abortions, meaning we should increase sex education, promote
abstinence, and support crisis pregnancy centers and allow for the
proliferation of birth control use. These are the most effective ways of
deterring abortion.

Aside from these moral issues, the Christian right associates with the
political party which often opposes minimum wage increases, worker’s
unions, and wealth redistribution through entitlements. The Bible is clear
about how important the poor, disabled, widowed, and elderly are to God,
and how evil the love of money is. While there are Christians who do care
for the needy, there is a gap between how much non-government agents are
accomplishing and how much help is needed.

Republicans often advocate increased defense spending over entitlement
programs. This allocation pulls resources from our own single mothers,
widowers and orphans. And as for international aid, it takes away from the
resources needed to help the millions across the globe who live on under a
dollar a day. As Christians, we should advocate foreign aid being lent out
in the form of food and medical supplies, not weapons. The Republican
Party supports the war against radical Islamic fascism while ignoring
genocide, disease and human trafficking problems. The majority of our
society is unaware of the genocide in Rwanda and Darfur, or that Orange
County has an extremely large concentration of enslaved human trafficking
victims.

In summation I am calling for a reevaluation of the policymaking agenda
set by the Christian right. By reallocating our time, energy and money
into reforms that are biblical, efficient, and free of hypocrisy, the
Christian Right can better tackle societal ills and serve as a witness to
the world.

What is a Liberal, Politically Speaking?

The term "liberal" has been thrown around lately as a label that is selected to describe some of my loved ones and some of my own political positions on issues. It sounded negative to me, and I didn't care for it. Then I realized I didn't really know what the term means in American politics. So I started some research. Here's what Wikipedia had to say. It's nice, actually. I can see the liabilities, but overall, it is a good political perspective. I was pleasantly surprised. I don't totally trust Wikipedia, but that is an easy place to start.

Liberalism is a broad class of political philosophies that consider individual liberty to be the most important political goal.^[1]

Liberalism emphasizes individual rights and equality of opportunity. Within liberalism there are various streams of thought which compete over the use of the term "liberal" and may propose very different policies, but they are generally united by their support for a number of principles, including freedom of thought and speech, limitations on the power of governments, the rule of law, an individual's right to private property,^[2] free markets,^[2] and a transparent system of government.^[3] All liberals, as well as some adherents of other political ideologies, support some variant of the form of government known as liberal democracy, with open and fair elections, where all citizens have equal rights by law.^[4]

Modern liberalism has its roots in the Age of Enlightenment and rejected many foundational assumptions that dominated most earlier theories of government, such as the Divine Right of Kings, hereditary status, established religion, and economic protectionism.^[5][6][7]

The first modern liberal state was the United States of America^[8], founded on the principle that "all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to insure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.^[9] Pioneers of liberalism such as Adam Smith conceptualized free markets, free trade, invisible hand, spontaneous order, and how they lead to prosperity. Liberals argued that economic systems based on free markets are more efficient and generate more prosperity.^[10]

Thoughts from Thinkers

“The political leaders with whom we are familiar generally aspire to be superstars rather than heroes. The distinction is crucial. Superstars strive for approbation*; heroes walk alone. Superstars crave consensus; heroes define themselves by the judgment of a future they see it as their task to bring about.”

-- Henry Kissinger
[*ap·pro·ba·tion n: 1. approval, consent, or appreciation; 2. the official approving, authorizing, or sanctioning of something]

“God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the Slave Trade and the reformation of manners.”

-- William Wilberforce

October 28, 1787

[Note: 46 years later and three days before his death, slavery was abolished throughout the entire British empire.]

Truth to Pierce the Heart

"This type of thinking and name-calling is the beginning of the dehumanization of a person or ethnic group. We objectify and project negative qualities onto those we fear or despise. It is difficult to discriminate against and mistreat a person when you identify with them or think of them as being "like us." However, if we can reduce them to 'ni----- [I chose to leave the word out], 'terrorists,' 'savages,' or 'dogs,' or distance them from ourselves as 'illegal aliens,' they become less than human and acceptable objects of mistreatment. After that, the transition from discrimination to hatred and bigotry becomes easier and easier; racism and 'ethnic cleansing' can be justified by well-meaning people as something they are doing to protect the good in the name of the Lord."

Brenda Salter McNeil
A Credible Witness
p. 31

This is a painful path that is brewing all around us. As a follower of Christ, I must live my life in step with Jesus as demonstrated in his encounter with the woman at the well.

Immigrant

I am 1/4 Dutch. My grandpa immigrated through Ellis Island at age 19 from Rotterdam. My heart goes out to others who immigrated through less politically popular circumstances. Many good people come to this country with much to offer, just the same as my grandfather, but coming from a different latitude to face other attitudes. Where is the justice? Just wondering. I understand there are limits to resources to care well for each other. But what is truly limiting those resources? And are those limits equitable?

I started thinking about this issue again when my friend recently told me she was third generation American, same as I am. She told me someone recently asked her what part of Mexico she was from. She wasn't sure if that question implied any attitude or not, but it caught her off guard. And she didn't know for sure where her grandfather was from in Mexico, anyway. No one ever asks me what part of Holland/The Netherlands I'm from. Made me think.

Foamy Soap

I just love foamy soap. This is currently one of the simple, little, inconsequential highlights in my life. And why not?!! I've been wrestling with all the propositions pending on our November ballot, trying to weave my way through the propaganda to find truth in light of Scripture, and form an opinion. That has been exhausting. So, soap is a pleasant distraction. I have a soap dispenser at the kitchen sink. It fills my hand with a squirt of soft, foamy, lemony bubbles. It has a light feel, a fresh smell, and a silly look -- this foamy soap in my hand. More public restrooms have it now, too. It's easier to wash my hands with that kind of soap, too. But I just enjoy the light, fresh bubbliness. It is just that simple. A little ahhhhhhhhhh in the day.

Pugs on Parade

In the "tail" end of an o-too-long campaign, I must have needed a lighthearted moment. I was driving to meet a friend for brunch this morning, stopped at a light. A man was crossing the street with his two Pug brand dogs on leashes marching along beside him. Suddenly and randomly, I realized the dogs' quick little legs were stepping along with the rhythm of the jazz piece playing on my car radio, and the man's stride was matching a second layer of beat in the jazz song. I just had to laugh. Yes, it was a "had to be there" kind of moment, but like a mini-marching band without instruments, on the move, it was musical fun to watch, listening to Saturday morning happy jazz. All in the few moments it takes to wait at the light, I realized the rhythms of life continue no matter what issues are on the ballot and who is elected to office. Sweet!

Homosexuality and Public Education

I am a public school educator. There are some ads and e-mails flying around California and a pile of strong emotions connected to Proposition 8: "Eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry, initiative constitutional amendment." The ads and e-mails (with video interview of a Massachusetts family and kindergartner) I have viewed highlight that homosexuality will be taught in public schools. I have contacted the California Department of Education and I'm waiting for their position on this because I'm sceptical we'd be teaching with moral implication. I imagine we'd continue to teach respectful treatment of life. I have also researched and found that, in fact, homosexuality is part of the History/Social Science Framework for instruction already. Homosexuality is to be taught in context of genocide, bullying, and Nazi Germany. Historically, homosexuals have been targeted for harm, along with others who are different, in those three contexts. I think respect for others identified as different is valid, and in those contexts is important. This is not a moral pronouncement on lifestyle choices. I'd leave that to parents to teach. I think most educators would.

Rember, the public schools also teach about the history of the church, including the Hebrew nation, Constantine, and Martin Luther. Not all teachers cover those topics in a way that would please all parents. If others protested that "religion" was being taught in public schools, what would we say? I encourage everyone to think deeply, seek the facts, and then pray as you decide on some of these government issues that can distract us from the Great Commandment.

Regarding the video of the Massachusetts family that is attached to one e-mail, it is persuasive. Because it is, I ask viewers to identify those persuasive techniques used to get the response wanted. Some problems include the assumption of the intent of the teachers and the administrators, and the challenge with telling teachers to not "teach" homosexuality. What are they really "teaching?" All kinds of families exist, including divorced couples, single moms, widows, step-families, etc. How do we instruct children of different situations? We cannot generally assume educators are promoting morality. Are only certain sexual behaviors an issue here? What about affairs? Living together? Sex prior to marriage? It remains the "parent's sacred duty to instruct children morally" -- that is not being taken away. The father in the video told that the school said they would handcuff him and take him to jail. That was probably in response to his stated threat to not leave the school office. Not in response to his request for an accommodation for his child regarding parental notification, etc.)

A Republican Called

Yesterday, I answered the phone and the caller stated that she was calling from the Republican Party and asked if I could answer a few questions. Well, I love a survey because I have plenty of opinions, so I said OK. I am registered as an independent which makes me a coveted swing vote for this fall's election. So, I've expected to be courted by both parties, and now it has begun.

Anyway, she asked me something like which of the following four issues is most important to me for the coming election:

1. Oil (I don't remember her exact phrasing on this one)
2. Low Taxes & Jobs (exact words)
3. Right to Life & Same-sex Marriage (phrasing is close to how she stated it)
4. Securing the Border (phrasing is close)

I asked, "Are those my only choices?" I was shocked by the lack of issues like the War in Iraq, the economy (though implied), caring for the poor, global responsibilities to equitably distribute wealth, health care, the environment, and education in the US, among others. Well, yes, those four were my only choices.

I, in a split second, then attempted to reason my way through them, even though none of these as stated was my top issue for the election. I wanted to discuss the complexities of each option, but this was not the format for that.

I selected "oil," because none of the others made sense as presented for a variety of reasons, including issues of state's rights, the current economic situation, what a president's role truly is, my world view in response to Scripture, and so on. Oil is not my most important issue for the election, but the only one of the four choices that remained after briefly thinking about each. So, now I am reminded again to be sceptical of statistics. If I hear "independent voters polled reported oil as the #1 issue for the 2008 election"...that would not be the whole story!

I think the only other question she asked was, "Can we count on your vote for John McCain?"

Homeschool Moms Are Heroes

I am a supervising teacher that travels around and visits my homeschool families. Homeschool moms work so hard and sacrifice so much to do the home education opportunity well. I know it is a contraversial subject. I don't think I'd homeschool if we had kids. But all the same these moms and even some dads are an amazing bunch. If homeschooling is right for the parents and the kids, it can work really well. Here is a funny video that expresses the sense of being overwhelmed that often comes with this role, especially in September.

Consumer Pressure Part V

My dear 84-year-young mom is cleaning out years of stuff to simplify life. I jokingly told her that if she left all that for me to sort through, I'd kill her (joking!). So, she is really hustling to get down to what she loves and what she uses, letting the rest go. It has been a hard journey for her. She has said she felt like she is letting her life go. There is some grieving.

I am challenged to remember that our stuff is not our life. Enjoying our stuff in life shared with others is wonderful, but it is not the stuff that gives life. Stuff gives you more to care about, more to clean, more to store, less to give to God's work (in time and money), often less time for others, often less time for who and what you love.

I say, if I have to dust it, sell it! OK, not quite, but sometimes I feel that way.

My mom wrote in a recent e-mail something like this...my advice to you is don't buy anything ever! I loved that! My mom teaches me many lessons and this is a big one. Go, Mom!

Consumer Pressure Part IV

So, I do feel a little peer consumer pressure to own a "modern" TV, and a flat screen does appeal for the lack of space needed to display it. There is a little voice that says, "Oh, be like everyone else...go pick out something shiny and new, and then you'll be truly happy." But we have an "old fashioned TV" that works. Our den is a small room where we watch it, so we don't need a large screen. This is even nice for watching movies, because the sound is so good -- thanks to my husband setting that up. So we are content. Not because of what we own, but because of who we are and simplicity aids serenity.

Now when this one breaks, we will have to make a decision. But for now, people who visit us may have to step back in time to watch TV or a movie, but that is OK.

Consumer Pressure Part III

This morning I was dusting in the bedroom. As I wiped off the TV, I remembered buying that TV. It was a big deal. It's a 14" color TV with a remote from Montgomery Ward. Anyone, remember Montgomery Ward, our 5th president? Just kidding. I think it was a national chain at one point.

I bought the TV in 1985. I had just moved into an apartment by myself and had always watched a roommate's TV, so I wanted one of my own. I needed it to watch Monday Night Football, of course. Really. That provided real urgency. So, I got a decent one that I could afford.

And you know what? It is 2008 and we still watch it, the remote still works. It works with cable or dish TV. And it has a "Sleep" feature, so it can shut off after we do, sometimes. And we can wake up to it instead of an alarm, though the value of waking up to local news is a disturbing way to start the day sometimes. It is good enough.

Am I unpatriotic because I haven't supported my country's economy in TV purchases and upgrades? Am I leaving a smaller footprint because for 23 years I haven't sent a TV to a waste disposal sight? Am I still watching TV with satisfaction. No. Yes. Yes.

Consumer Pressure Part II

Consumer pressure continued...Spending impacts education. Those crazy bottom-line driven (they are profit driven, so that is a good business plan) curriculum companies publish new textbooks constantly, of course. They know that unless they jazz it up, change the cover, and edit slightly to release a new edition, their sales will stagnate once a school has books on their shelves.

Consider history textbooks. How much history happens that needs to be added so soon after we invested in classroom sets? And science. Technology affords us scientific innovations and breakthroughs at lightning speed. But really now, at the elementary level, at least, the broadstroke science concepts and scientific method and reasoning remain the same and need to be grasped. And math. Is there new math we can't live without? Or is it a matter of better graphic design and more up-to-date children in photos?

As a homeschool supervising teacher for the state of California, we prefer to reuse curriculum. Yet, often we cannot. If the text has a newer edition and we want the student workbook to match the one already in our library -- good luck. Easier to just spend and get the whole new set.

And what happens to the "out-of-date" books? Storage space throughout the land holds tons of these "obsolete" items. We talk about getting them to schools that lost everything in hurricanes and floods for temporary use. We talk about getting them to third-world schools that want books in English. Not sure who that would be, really. There are shipping costs and other obstacles. So what happens to these books? Landfill?

Education budgets have been slashed again this year. So, stop buying new textbooks and test the kids every other year and pay teachers with the money saved. What would we lose?

Consumer Pressure Part I

Growth in our country's economy is greatly dependent on consumer spending -- shopping. Some statistics say it's about two-thirds of our economy rests on buying services and stuff. More stuff. Just about the time you get some new stuff that you are thrilled to have for your very own, a newer, brighter, faster, ultimate for a moment new thing arrives on the market. Some parents evaluate their effectiveness at being a loving parent by measuring how many days and for how many hours they are willing to stand in line with hopes of the UPS truck bringing just enough nuggets of happiness to get one into their eager hands to surprise a child.

Someone's Daughter

I passed one of those people yesterday. You know. Well, if you live in a big city you probably know. Those people. The first clue is they are pushing a grocery cart filled with things that probably go in a suitcase or moving van if it were me. And they are not in a grocery store parking lot.

She pushed the cart past me as I exited the building. She was pleasant and talking. Naturally, I listened to see if she was greeting me in order to look her in the eyes and be nice in response, as my mother taught me to do. It takes a split second to conclude I am not a part of the conversation though no one else is nearby. She was messy and the hair had that look to it. I just kept walking on out of the building and out of her life.

As I passed her, I heard her say, "I gotta call my mom." She wasn't coherent, but that phrase grabbed my heart. The reality hit me between the eyes. This is someone's daughter. A person of value, if not to herself or her family -- to God. I then saw her differently. Not with my eyes, but with my heart. A humility settled over me and an openess to care about her. Even if just for a moment in prayer. I am just as feeble at figuring out life at times, but the Lord loves me and cares for me. Sounds like a children's Bible song. But the truth can be profound at moments of clarity when I pause to notice the moment.

Perceptional Fog

per·cep·tion: the process of using the senses to acquire information about the surrounding environment or situation.
fog: a state of confusion or lack of clarity

[Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.]

Yesterday, I watched the weather news on Hurricane Gustav which was headed for New Orleans. At that moment, the storm is 305 miles away from Louisiana landfall. It has winds currently of 115 miles per hour with gusts up to 140mph. Mandatory evacuations were underway and seemed impressively organized. It is just hard to perceive what that must have been like. What would I take if asked to evacuate? Where would I go? How would I feel? And why do some folks stay behind?

Then there are the recent and current political party conventions and campaigns. These are politicians. They live on persuasive speech technique, among other things. It is also hard to perceive who is speaking truthfully, speaking accurately. Tonight Fred Thompson, at the Republican Convention, quoted a piece of something Obama said, but Thompson linked it to the wrong part of the issue. I know this because I actually heard the full context when Obama spoke the words in a prior interview. This evening, Thompson spoke it out of context and it was misleading and wrong, yet everyone in the room cheered wildly. It makes me question everything said about someone by the other party...either party. So perceptions are challenging. I'm in a bit of a fog processing reality through my perceptions in understanding the impact of a hurricane on human life and in understanding the good, the bad, and the ugly of candidates.

Vice Presidents, Evangelicals, and Campaigns

Just a few comments on election years. Some parts of this privilege of electing government leaders amuse me. Others annoy me. The party conventions are right around the corner. I am amused at the game "Guess the Vice Presidential Candidate," similar in some ways to "Deal or No Deal," a popular TV show I've watched maybe once. I'm annoyed by the mystical formula for picking a VP running mate: who will pull in the votes of the people currently disinterested in the presidential candidate, who will offend less people, who is from a big state with lots of votes. What does a VP do? Help out in the Senate, and replace the President in times of demise. So this choice, for me, will impact who I vote for in November. When people say, "Do you know who you are voting for?" at this point, I tell them no because I haven't seen the VP candidates yet nor have I seen party platforms or final positions on my pet issues: poverty (which includes the economy) and justice (which includes the war with Iraq) issues.

Today, both McCain and Obama are being interviewed by Rick Warren at Saddleback Church. I have deep respect for Rick Warren for his authentic journey of faith. It has been somewhere between amusing and annoying to hear what reporters are saying in anticipation of this event. Some news views I've heard show how so out of touch the news writers have been with "evangelicals." Whose fault is that? Evangelicals? News writers? I don't know. And that further reminds me to be cautious when reporters speak about any people group in general terms, which mainstream media seems to report with more spin and gossip as time goes by. I so appreciate those who come close to the fair reporting -- no, not Fox. Today on NPR with Scott Simon, the reporter did a great job of explaining the event without disparaging the main audience. I think Rick Warren will do an honest job of questioning the candidates on issues that are big on my mind. And that is not necessarily positions on gay marriage and abortion for me. It is bigger things. I hope we can just tell who is giving an honest answer. That's tough to do. I can't wait to watch the interviews and then to hear news coverage over the next day or so.

Campaigns -- the ads, the phone messages, the name calling, the magnifying lens on the weakness of each human, on and on...but only to November. It does get tiring. Once, as an intern for a state assembly, I decided to become an Independent because I'd been embarrassed by the behavior of Representatives from both parties. I still enjoy the status of an Independent for that reason. And this year, more than many, those Independent voters will be sought after as the big unknown. Power to the people - right on! Thank the Lord for true freedom and for just a few more months of this!

Still Walking...

I just returned from my 30-minute walk. Today I walked right around noon due to other scheduling limits. The temperature was about 80 and humidity around 50%, so it felt steamy, yet not oppressive for me since I was raised in the Midwest. I went mostly uphill today, except for when I came back, which would involve downhill. Yes, many admire my grasp of the obvious. Anyway, my legs felt strong, I got sweaty, my face turned red, and I had a very good time. I walked up to a point with quite a veiw of the valley and where the Los Angeles sky line would make a stunning impression on a clear day, but that was not today. This is my 12th week of my new walking plan. It is a simple plan:

Walk 30 minutes a day five days a week by the time you fall into bed at night.

That's the extent of the rules. It is really working for me. I randomly walk with friends, because I noticed the planning to coordinate that can be a road block. I don't plan a regular time to walk each day because I do not have a life with that much steadiness. I don't count steps or distance because I've found that to be too much math for me. The flexibility of going 30 minutes means now that I'm walking a little stronger, I'm going farther and that's all I know -- not other details, data, or measurement. It also allows me to take it easier on "those days." You know those days. Those days when the motivation tank is on "E" and the scheduled commitments tank is full. On those days, I just get up and go, and do what I can for 30 minutes, rewarded by the exercise of discipline, if not the exercise.

Some other beautiful things about the 30-minute walk is ease of preparation and lack of equipment needed -- throw on good socks and shoes and I'm heding out the door. No Lycra padded shorts, no set of clubs, no pool, no muscle-rocker-energy-shocker machines, no gas to drive somewhere. I do carry my cell phone for time keeping purposes and in case of emergencies, like the time I walked too far, but didn't know it until I was half-way back and called for a ride. Wimp, shall we say.

Plus, I feel way better. Being in my 50's had started to be a negative thing, but I've discovered that was largely due to major physical inactivity (thankfully we have a two story home and my office is upstairs!). So I feel younger, more confident, and less fearful of degenerating.

The best part is being outdoors with time to pray, think, reflect, and even greet others out in the community. I've recently decided prayer is just the formal word for conversation with God, though I'm the one doing all the talking. That wouldn't surprise my husband. And I'm not talking out loud like I have a cell phone ear piece or a person we make take as crazy. Just in my head and probably heart. But it is 30 minutes carved out for alone time with my focus on the Lord and what I'm learning about following Him and loving others. I am thankful for shoes and a good neighborhood for walking.

Clever C.S. Lewis

I've been reading The Chronicles of Narnia in the order of the story, not published order. I just finished The Silver Chair and have only The Last Battle to go. I am really enjoying the stories, the allegory, and the wit and charm of C.S. Lewis revealed in the writing. For example, he relates what happened to the leader of the school ("who was, by the way, a woman") after she began behaving like a crazy person when she encountered Aslan, Eustace, Jill, and Prince Caspian upon their appearance back in England at the end of the story. It goes like this:

"After that, the Head's friends saw that the Head was no use as a Head, so they got her made an Inspector to interfere with other Heads. And when they found she wasn't much good even at that, they got her into Parliament where she lived happily ever after."

I found this amusing, for the progression from crazy behavior to a promotion within the school system to landing in Parliament -- government leader, all the while being deemed less skilled for such positions, seemed humorous and perhaps a reflection on views towards government officials, or perhaps just some good natured satire. The part where "she lived happily ever after" -- the classic fairy tale ending used with time in Parliament was funny to me, too.

Interesting TV

After a day of March madness -- the upsets & drama of NCAA men's basketball tournament games, I was looking for other things to watch. I spent an hour on PBS learning about brain plasticity and brain fitness. I love learning about learning. Anyway, then I passed right by "The Ten Commandments" (yes, it is Easter weekend) and landed on The History Channel for "Protestant Reformation," which lasted to midnight. Not the Reformation, but the program.

Always eager, at least for the recent years, to hear and learn more about how faith and religion twist throughout world history, I watched this program and found it intriguing. That made for a wild Saturday night of viewing -- history does have it's wildness. The interviews and information connected many parts of current life -- in church and business -- to the Protestant Reformation. I've spent this morning reading my notes again and doing more research. I find it all fascinating and more extensive than I recall from earlier history lessons in high school and college. Age comes with a sort of enlightenment, perhaps. That's fun for me, but probably gets me scratched right off some party invitations. Maybe I'd lose some weight on a Diet of Worms.

Expression

"Law alone cannot secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his views without penalty there must be a spirit of tolerance in the entire population."

Albert Einstein

Immigration

Hot topic these days. My friend from college just asked me what I thought about illegal immigration, since I live in California and that state seems to be more impacted than upstate New York, where my friend lives. I struggled to answer. That is just it. I have no answer -- no solution. I do have some basic beliefs that include:

1. Belief in human dignity for all people created in God's image.
2. Curiosity about the value of political boundaries, and the concept of "illegal" in this context.
   
3. Acceptance that resources to care for all people are limited under the current structures (health care, education, housing, etc.)
4. People who truely behave badly, such as truely guilty felons, need to return to their country of origin.
5. Myths surrounding immigrants carry too much power and inaccurate information.
6. Inconsistencies in who is welcome, who is not, and who we choose to go "help" in the world.
7. Anytime a people group is targeted as a problem, that is a dangerous sign.
8. What about welfare abuse by American citizens?

So, as often happens, the more I think about some issues, the more questions I have.

A Night Devoid of Stars

Said so well...

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through the violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.... Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

I war internally against war. I do support the troops -- but what does that really mean? I want them home safely. I thank them for their service. It is more complicated than that. There is a national deficit, economic struggles, and yet war is a financial priority in the U.S. budget. Forecasts of finances needed to proceed with the war in Iraq are staggering. The whole thing is troubling.

And as a side note, waterboarding is just plain wrong.

Presidential Campaign Innovation

I feel frustrated (slightly; why give too much emotion to all this) that the candidates for president with less money can't fairly compete in the campaigning that goes on during pre-primary season. It doesn't seem very democratic. So only the rich can be president? That's not so noble. I have three suggestions:

1. Give each candidate or perhaps the first seven to apply to run the same wallet with an ATM card and the same amount of funds deposited. Then, say, "Go!" Sit back and watch and see what each accomplishes with the fund.
2. Permit each candidate to raise money. Then proclaim the one with the most money president. The end. Do we let them contribute their own money? That would have to be decided.
3. If we agree on #2, here is a twist I really like. Take all the funds raised and contribute to organizations that combat world poverty and/or the global AIDS crisis. And go home feeling good about America. Like MEDA...Mennonite Economic Development Association. Wouldn't that be grand?!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4QExbeBc30
   

That's it from me. Happy Super Tuesday everyone!

The Grinch On Christmas

I just came across this quote from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I like it, so I'll blog it here.

"Maybe Christmas he thought doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more."

I recently asked my husband what he enjoyed about Christmas this year. He said, "No presents." I have to agree with him. Due to our strict spending limits for Christmas 2007, we did not buy gifts. I made a calendar for my mom and gave my dad a 1 year subscription to "Cookies By Mail" for six shipments of home-baked cookies randomly throughout the year. I made that up, and I'll bake and ship cookies to him. Glen and I gave no new gifts to each other. For other family, we made fudge and gave them that with some other little items. I enjoyed making the fudge -- something sweet to enjoy.

I did not miss the following things connected to gift giving: going to the malls/congested retail areas, fighting for parking spots, rushing to wrap everything, waiting in line, trying to guess what would be meaningful to someone on for the limited amount of money to spend, and the stress on time and money. I did hear others complain and I thought I wonder why they play the game when it is more of a hassle than blessing.

I now prefer to give money to a reputable charity for a goat for a family in poverty somewhere in the world. In fact, we were honored by others who donated on our behalf to support those fighting poverty in the world. That is very meaningful!

We did give our youngest nephew his annual $20 disguised in a coloring book. That is traditional fun. He graduates from high school in June 2009, so this will continue one more Christmas. Once the boys are out of high school, the gifting stops.

I recently saw a WalMart commercial with a little boy in a car going to WalMart to "spend" the gift card he got. It was a cozy, comforting tone to the commercial. However, it bothered me. A sense of peace, comfort, and love are not really found in material goods and consumer spending. This add was misleading. I found peace, comfort, and love in sharing time with loved ones (friends and family) and enjoying good food throughout the holidays. Simple and satisfying. Lesson learned.

Spinning the Gray

I am not referring to our current weather - the hat-trick of rain...three storms coming through in the next few days. Today, I decided to spin the gray, my gray -- my way. It is election season and all that, so spinning is in the air. And so are my gray hairs. I'm turning gray, more so each day. I'm 52 and a half, so it is age appropriate behavior. So far, I am uninterested in coloring my hair. Getting in the habit of flossing daily was enough trouble. If I had to manage my roots (and I'm not taking about getting in touch with my inner-child or doing a genealogy), I can't imagine how adding one more thing to the "to do" list would add to my happiness. Not to mention the cost. Maybe it is only $5 a bottle once a month for 10 years or so. That's about $600 I'd rather do other things with like three annual passports to Disneyland or donate to charity.

So, I'm going gray with pride. Standing tall. And taking two steps along the way:
1. I'm going to create a new version of a familiar cliche to say, "Gray is the new blonde." That's positive. Maybe I'll start gray jokes. Or start a publicity campaign about grays having more fun.

2. I'm going to spin it so that I no longer have gray hair...but silver hair. That can now be politically correct. Silver is so much more lovely. Ban the label gray hair!

I love this proverb: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” [Proverbs 16:31]

And I just read this on another blog “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.” C.S. Lewis said this. Brilliant.

My culture says aging is not good. I love being counter cultural.

So You Believe In God?

Why?

Sometimes I pose this question to myself, as if I were in a conversation with a friend who had no perspective of the Almighty. Perhaps an athiest, an agnocstic, or an undecided -- as if they wanted to know who I would be voting for in eternity. These conversations are few and far between for some reason.

Today, driving along, musing about my answer to the topic question, I came up with my latest response. It is a good one, I think. Because it is a big idea. I like to avoid using Scripture (did you just gasp in horror or did someone burp?) in my answers to this question. I also like to avoid cliche or box lunch type answers all contained and packaged. So, this answer is one I'm chewing on right now.

Why do I believe in God? Forgiveness. How could that be imitated? How could that be innate? Natural? That is whole-hearted, life-giving evidence of God to me. When hearts soften and then are empowered to forgive another, freedom for the forgiver is often transforming. Sometimes, relationships are healed in time. People grow in capacity and are sometimes able to sincerely forgive someone's criminal behavior toward them. There is no rest nor satisfaction in revenge or unforgiveness.

Forgiveness is a mystical, intangible powerful dynamic. Yet there is tangible evidence of it in action that cannot be denied. That mirrors the presence of God for me in undeniable terms.

For those of us who believe, Christ is the ultimate example of the power of forgiveness. He offered forgiveness of sin to reconcile us to the loving, just God. It ties together for me, yet I may or may not bring our salvation in Christ into a conversation about why I believe in God. And sin -- another topic for discussion, but not today.

Forgiving -- the force that shows me God. And forgetting? Well, that's different.

Fire

This has been a weird week. I cannot believe how many fires burned in Southern California and how many people had to evacuate. We were fine, but it still makes you think about what you would grab if you had to go in a hurry. The fires were not close to our home, yet I had a runny nose off and on and a raspy throat now and then as a result of the smoke and particulate matter floating in the air. I was outside for an hour Monday night, and when I got home, my clothes smelled smokey. That was odd. The smell in the air was like a campfire smell. The sky over our house was clear for a day or so, and then it got slightly cloudy -- but not clouds, smoke. The fires were 45 minutes to 2 hours drivetime from us, and yet we still had signs of the smoldering. That was interesting, especially since where I grew up didn't have to deal with this. We do live near foothills, though, and they are very dry. Makes us grateful for every safe day. Now the air doesn't smell smokey, but there is a very fine dusting of ash on our cars, which floated from who knows where all the way to our community. Another reminder of the reality of the burning.

All Different

I was just reflecting on our differences and the positive impact that has on the world. The other day, we watched my 16-year-0ld mountain goat nephew cycle down a mountain road. I was terrified just riding in the truck with Glen driving. [No offense Glen -- you didn't scare me. The curves on a cliff did.] I thought there is NO WAY I could ride my bike that far on that kind of a incline (decline?) with curves, cliffs, blind corners, and lack of shoulders and bumper pads. I really admired his fortitude to do all that in such a determined, yet relaxed manner. I was impressed. Then I got to thinking, there are probably things I do that he would never want to do. Perhaps, teaching a class of fourth graders or being an assistant principal at a middle school. I had that same determined, yet relaxed attitude. So, I'm just glad for all the different skills, talents, and gifts people in my life have. As the song says, "What a wonderful world." And great loved ones -- friends and family -- with which to share the road of life.

Gift of Travel

My sister-in-law recently came for a visit and brought her 4 year old granddaughter along. A big trip like this had its challenges for both of them, especially considering they drove over 6 hours to get here. It caused me to reflect on how much I gained from all the road trips my family took over a childhood of summers. Of course, I didn't think of it at the time, but it gave me many advantages. Learning to get along in a car for long drives, getting out of town, seeing all the sights of places new to me, trying new things, stopping to eat and select what I wanted, staying overnight in unfamiliar circumstances, living out of a suitcase, staying busy in the car, and the luxury of uninterrupted conversations. As an adult, I LOVE to travel. Maybe this is where it began -- family driving trips over summer vacation. Quite a gift my parents gave me! Perhaps they never saw it that way.

Studio 60 -- Rumor Has It

I will watch the next episode of Studio 60 in 10 minutes. I just finished reading some blogs on the show that aired in other time zones already. Now I know this is the last episode. Now I know it wraps up a lot, but rather quickly. Now I know it is coming out on DVD. I already knew the cast was an amazing ensemble, the banter was intelligent and witty, and the characters compelling. I also knew the topics ran the range from humorous to deeply touching and/or troubling. I really enjoyed it, though it was on too late for this working woman. I miss West Wing. Studio 60 inspired hope for engaging TV, but it struggled. I'm not versed enough in the industry to interpret that. All I know is that I really enjoyed it, and TV viewing is less interesting than ever for me now. Good thing I love to read. Good-bye for now Studio 60. I'll consider getting the DVD.

Cheap Talk -- Costly Consequences

It is destroying community in my mind. It is lowering our levels of connection. It is often hurtful and cheap...though costly at the same time. I'm talking about the level of bashing others, especially public figures, with disrespectful words. Sometimes it is humor at the expense of someone else. It is dragging someone down with verbal weapons of destruction. All of a sudden, I'm acutely aware of it and becoming more sensitive to it.

I think the Paris Hilton and jail event brought it to my attention. The amount of sarcastic remarks about this situation is staggering. Though I am not a Hilton fan, I was actually outraged on Miss Hilton's behalf by the insulting and gross comments made be a female comedian hosting an awards show on TV the other night. The level of vulgar disrespect cannot possibly be considered humor, but evidently it was.

Hillary Clinton bashing is also aggressively prominent among the people who might be labeled Christian conservatives. I am tired of the snide remarks and forwarded e-mails degrading her. And I actually would like to have lunch with her someday. I think she is intelligent, articulate, and has good ideas on how the world works. Does putting her down some how secure some sort of moral safety or something for some people?

So, I've had enough. Often I don't respect certain choices made by certain famous people, as if I have the truth on what happened as represented by reporters. But, as a stranger to them, what business do I have putting them down in my random conversations? I am studying Scripture and examining the life of Christ. To tell you the bold truth, I can't find that kind of treatment to people others deemed unworthy of association. He was very direct with religious leaders.

I have become increasingly aware of community founded on relationships or caring, and how essential this is to growing. I'm working to reform my words, so that I do not participate in people bashing. Shutting up or deleting certain e-mails before reading is the easy job. Calling people on it is another issue. I've not gotten to that point, yet. That feels uncomfortable. Words are so powerful. Community of caring people is our hope and Christ's design, if you ask me. I'm learning a big lesson about this. I'm still learning. Sweet speech that is sincere on behalf of fellow humans is my goal.

Backyard Inspiration

I love our backyard. It is a mini-park in my urban world. It is a place of solitude and refuge or a gathering place for enjoying good friends and good food. Big trees surround it, a premium in some neighborhoods of Southern California. One tree is an avocado, and two others are orange trees. Delightful and a privilege to have those trees thriving.

I've decided to work on some landscaping. I'm designing a plan in my mind. I will consult my husband, who has a great head for solutions and practical steps, and he is very handy with many home projects. I will consider the two large dogs who have been known to eat a plant or two from time to time. I may even talk with a landscape design professional. I have a couple worthy recommendations. We need to paint the exterior of the house first.

I'm most excited about creating a fountain. I've been collecting ideas from various local fountains I like. I look forward to the beauty of the design, the soothing sound of falling water, and the possibility of cooling my feet on a hot day. I don't want a pool nor a jacuzzi -- just a beautiful fountain crafted from natural materials and perhaps some artsy tile. I want it to visually connect with the rest of the yard and the arts and crafts style of our 1915 home. Of course, I want to stay within our budget. I also want to enjoy the view of it from our den windows.

So, I'm sketching and taking photos, and pacing it out, and researching the project. That in itself has been rewarding. The processes of learning, growing, and creating something of beauty to share with others is a feast for my soul. I need an outlet like this project to get my mind off other clutter in the daily grind that I have no control over. I just ordered some books to study to further fine tune my ideas before I seek some construction bids. It's fun! When someone asks, like on the Actor's Studio, "What else would you like to try [as a career]?" I'd answer landscape architect or designer.

[Photo: Palm trees at shopping center near my home]

My Life My Dog

Well, I've compromised. I decided I wanted to let my dog on our sofa. For years, we have not permitted our animals on the furniture, with the exception of our bed on occasion. Now, the youngest gets on the sofa for a nap whenever he pleases. It is very cute to me and I delight in sitting there next to him for the evening. At first, I felt like as master I had slipped to an owner prone to spoil a pup. Other rules have stood firm. I just thought that I might really enjoy sitting next to him as he curls up next to me. I was right. It is sweet, cozy companionship. Life is short. Enjoy your dog!

Pirates of the Carribean #3

[Wow! It has been a long time since I blogged. Time flies.]

Not sure what was longer...the line to get in or the movie itself, but a small band of friends and I joined the herd gathered at the local theater for the first showing of the new Pirates movie. Our friends were in line two-hours ahead of showtime. We had bought tickets online the night before. We joined them in line about 45 minutes ahead of showtime. We were seated about 20 minutes after that. We were surrounded by a crowd largely younger than we are. Where do the other 50-somethings go for fun on a Thursday night? We were not, however, dressed in pirate garb as many were. I'm not that hard core of a fan. I just love a well-told rip-roaring story.

We sat in the back of the theater and relished the fact that no one would be kicking our seats. Previews lasted a while. Then the movie began and hooked me from the start with a mysterious and intriguing beginning, which appealed to my social justice side grabbing my emotions by the throat. And the wild ride continued from there in true Pirates tradition. It exceeded my expectations and I liked it better than #2. It was a creative, swashbuckling adventure with the fabulous return of all the main characters, the solid humor, the crazy twists and turns, and a decent amount of gross. What more could I ask for? And hooray for the women!

It was fun! I loved what they did with the edge of the world. I was surprised by certain events. Johnny Depp is still amazing at the character of Captain Jack Sparrow. The trip to Singapore added interest and dimension. I lost count of subplots and the pirates' code (which is just a guideline, really), but that did not spoil a thing. It just made me want to see it again. Oooooo and that Calypso. That is all I can say unless someone demands parley.

Now I've heard a critic hammer it as a bad movie. Well, he probably did not have many friends as a child. Maybe the movie breaks down in some ways for some people, but I enjoyed it. It was fun. And that is mostly why I go to the movies in these cases. Did I mention the special effects were special and effective?

I did think the movie was wrapping up about six different times, but no, another twist and off we go! That was OK. I stayed engaged. So, three hours later...preview, movie, and credits (stay to the end, of course)...we headed home, fell into bed, and I must have sword fought all night because I woke up tired.

Network News...Tragedy and Trivial

This is nothing new. On the one hand, I felt touched by this morning's network news. The continued reports of the school shootings, both in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and the recent Colorado high school shooting, inform me of a tragic situation. As an educator, I am troubled by these random events that kill, wound, and terrify children. The power of forgiveness is getting air time because of the actions of the dear Amish folks. I think that part is very cool.

On the other hand, the network news groans on and on. Quickly following those stories of impact came two stories that I find annoying and trivial. I'll start with Anna Nicole Smith and the odd death of her 20 year old son at the time of her baby girl's birth. And who is the baby's father? And now the news of an attorney in California daring her to come to the west and submit the baby to a paternity test. I'm shaking my head in humorous dismay. How does this crazy story keep dear Anna in the headlines? Who cares?

Where are the stories of amazing people out there behaving in a way that impacts the world with reasonable life choices and personal sacrifice that impact the world for good? Those stories deserve the noteriety. Celebrity status so regularly goes to those whose lives are riddled with personal choices that the rest of us should walk on past. I know...the ratings.

The other story, not so trivial, but being dragged before us with myth and speculation, is the story of Mr. Foley and his e-mail indiscretions. That's bad and very sad. He resigned. The wearisome stuff for me is the never ending speculation about who knew what and when they knew it and did they do enough and losing the House or the Senate...blah, blah, blah. Lots of opinions being shared...and people are proclaimed guilty until proved innocent by a sound bite. Maybe I'm just too suspicious of this type of story so close to Election Day. I was an intern in state government in the Midwest during college days. And yes, a few elected officials do behave badly, according to my first-hand observatio. I'm not denying that possibility. But I search for the significant news in the Foley folley as reported day by day. Lots of distractions.

I do enjoy National Public Radio news. It is more balanced in my estimation. The stories are more news worthy to me and less gossipy.

Oh, yes, we are still at war in Iraq, right? That falls deep into the news pile, leaving the headline status behind. That is tragic, too.

E-mails & Commentaries That Stir Up Hate & Fear

I received a well-intentioned e-mail this afternoon regarding photos of people protesting and carrying signs defending their faith, which is different from my faith. The words on the signs were strong and offered violence as a strategy. The e-mail came with a warning that we Americans need to be aware of the dangerous people group. Let that be my vague summary of the e-mail. If you have questions about the details, contact me.

This type of information causes me concern and questions.

It could promote fear, which is not of God. It puts my focus on what man can do, and that is not the whole story. I know in Scripture I am called to love my God, my neighbor, one another, and my enemy. Information like this does not promote any of those responses.

I am also called to hate evil. I am called to discern and evaluate. I am not called to judgment. That is reserved for the Triune God. That judgment is not a synonym for hating a people group.

I also see in Scripture that a holy battle is happening and it is not in flesh and blood, so I expect hateful, violent events. However, information like this directs my focus away from other evils in the church and in the world that are just as important to God. This type of material is out of balance. In Habakkuk, the nation Israel was judged by God for their superficial worship and belief. Evil was used by God to move Judah into real faith. That is my heart’s awareness and my challenge to respond to personally. That changes my perspective.

Evil is not a political battle, and these types of articles that list taking over countries diminish the broader scope and impact of coming events. Also, implicating all Muslims is disrespectful and offensive to me, as disrespectful and offensive to me as when Christians are generalized to be a certain way and treated with disregard in the world. God intends to redeem all nations — including every Muslim who searches honestly for God and the truth. Does this information edify me, build compassion in me for the world, encourage me to pray for all peoples? This is not my battle. This is God’s.

If I worry, I sin. If I battle people, I miss redemption’s greatest irony (incongruity between what actually happens and what might be expected to happen, especially when disparity seems absurd). We have sinned and, as happened in the Garden of Eden (Mesopotamia), we are now aware of good and evil that co-exist in our world. If we did not have that awareness, we would find trusting God easier.

This information is inappropriate for me in my walk with God. It could promote hate that does not seem wise in God’s design for overcoming evil. Forgiveness is one thing Satan cannot imitate. Does this prompt the power of forgiveness?

If we criticize this religious expression, can we ask for our comrades to be able to have freedom for religious expression?

I hope you are challenged to think deeply about these sensitive issues. These are tough times. We must behave in ways that honor God and one another.