We frequently hear celebrities on the "bandwagon" about some cause or the other. They typically are poorly informed about their subject but believe themselves to be experts. The article linked below is an exception.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_ts2851
I appreciate the fact that Costner put up $21 million of his own money to develop the system. I wish him well as it is deployed. It is a worthy use of some of that box-office cash he has raked in.
Now, if we could just get a few more of them investing their money intelligently instead of putting it in the hands of a bunch of lawyers under the guise of a benevolent charity such as HSUS (which is probably the worst wolf in sheep's clothing out there in my opinion). They play on the heartstrings of gullible people with their appeal for money using images of pitiful dogs and cats that have been mistreated. Less than 1% of their $100 million warchest has been spent on rescue efforts. In fact, their stated goal is to eliminate animal agriculture in the United States. They use deceptive practices to raise that money. It mostly goes to advertising, lobbyists and for huge salaries for a handful of individuals.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
A Difference in Viewpoints
"Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude." __ Alexis de Tocqueville
Therein lies the difference between Democrats and Republicans of today.
Therein lies the difference between Democrats and Republicans of today.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Craving Relevance
Blogging is often an expression of one's desire for relevance -- to be heard -- to believe that one's opinion has value. It can be a record of events in one's life that says, "I was here!" It can be an expression of views on politics, religion or other subjects that says, "Look at me, I have something to say!"
Everyone wants to have "followers" of their blog. Otherwise, all blogs would be set to private. That is also an indicator that bloggers want others to see their opinion.
Bloggers like to respond to comments. Instead of meaningful dialogue with one's friends -- or, perhaps it is not meaningful dialogue with one's friends -- the commentary dialgue on a blog offers a degree of anonymity that allows the expression of opinions that might not otherwise be voiced for fear that others would look down on one's views. Maybe that is why so few truly engage in meaningful dialogue on a face-to-face basis. Comments also allow the freedom to be rude, mean or denigrating to other commentors -- at least within the "rules" allowed by each individual blog owner. Venting is a therapeutic release, I suppose.
Why is there such a craving for relevance? -- to be noticed? -- to believe that one's thoughts and opinions have value? Is it part of the survival mechanism of our species? Sounds a bit anti-survival to me. After all, it is the one out front waving the flag that tends to get shot first. For most species survival means blending into the background and not being seen -- except during courtship.
Are we courting others? Seeking followers? Why are so many people uncomfortable as part of the "herd"? There is safety in the herd. Yet, we risk exposure by allowing ourselves to become vulnerable to others through what we write in our blogs.
It reminds me of a little child who craves the attention of a parent. "Look at me!" is the cry -- just before the bicycle crashes and the knee is skinned. Is it a remnant of the infant's need for care because it is helpless to care for itself?
Just suppose that the craving for relevance is part of our design. Suppose that our physical life is in fact a period of gestation for our spirit. We crave relevance because we are made for a purpose. If we don't know our purpose, we are programmed to seek it.
Only through God is our purpose revealed. Until we seek Him we cannot find the purpose for which he made us. Without Him we continually seek and strive for "success" or "recognition" that says, "I'm relevant." What we truly need is to realize that we ARE relevant to God. He has called us to Himself. He justified us through His sacrifice. He gives us purpose when we submit to Him.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." __ John 3:16
Everyone wants to have "followers" of their blog. Otherwise, all blogs would be set to private. That is also an indicator that bloggers want others to see their opinion.
Bloggers like to respond to comments. Instead of meaningful dialogue with one's friends -- or, perhaps it is not meaningful dialogue with one's friends -- the commentary dialgue on a blog offers a degree of anonymity that allows the expression of opinions that might not otherwise be voiced for fear that others would look down on one's views. Maybe that is why so few truly engage in meaningful dialogue on a face-to-face basis. Comments also allow the freedom to be rude, mean or denigrating to other commentors -- at least within the "rules" allowed by each individual blog owner. Venting is a therapeutic release, I suppose.
Why is there such a craving for relevance? -- to be noticed? -- to believe that one's thoughts and opinions have value? Is it part of the survival mechanism of our species? Sounds a bit anti-survival to me. After all, it is the one out front waving the flag that tends to get shot first. For most species survival means blending into the background and not being seen -- except during courtship.
Are we courting others? Seeking followers? Why are so many people uncomfortable as part of the "herd"? There is safety in the herd. Yet, we risk exposure by allowing ourselves to become vulnerable to others through what we write in our blogs.
It reminds me of a little child who craves the attention of a parent. "Look at me!" is the cry -- just before the bicycle crashes and the knee is skinned. Is it a remnant of the infant's need for care because it is helpless to care for itself?
Just suppose that the craving for relevance is part of our design. Suppose that our physical life is in fact a period of gestation for our spirit. We crave relevance because we are made for a purpose. If we don't know our purpose, we are programmed to seek it.
Only through God is our purpose revealed. Until we seek Him we cannot find the purpose for which he made us. Without Him we continually seek and strive for "success" or "recognition" that says, "I'm relevant." What we truly need is to realize that we ARE relevant to God. He has called us to Himself. He justified us through His sacrifice. He gives us purpose when we submit to Him.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." __ John 3:16
Monday, May 17, 2010
Queen of the Missions
The Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo is considered the "Queen of Missions" and was the second of the missions founded in what grew to become San Antonio, Texas. On our recent trip to San Antonio we spent some time touring the mission complex.
Once we entered the gate I turned around a took this photo from the inside. Notice the platform and gun ports above the gate.
In the first photo you should have noticed the round structure to the right. The photo above is the inside of that building. Note the cannon ports as well as the gun port at the top. A platform at slightly higher than head height encircled the room giving the guards a place to stand from which to fire through the ports. This mission was more than just a church. It was a fortified city able to resist attack by Comanche and other tribes.
The above view is from the gate, looking toward the church. In the foreground you see the foundation of another structure -- possibly officers quarters for the troops stationed at the mission.
The interior of the walls was actually a continuous series of apartments that housed the Indians (native Americans if you prefer) that had been converted to the Catholic faith. In many ways, these Indians were slaves in service of the church -- tending fields, digging the system of acequias, and providing labor for other tasks as needed. There were also compartments used for storing arms and ammunition and store rooms of other sorts. Note the oven for baking.
As we approached the church complex we began to realize the size of the structure. Again, note the oven on the right and the foundation of another building ahead.
This is another view of the church complex. The mission was constructed over a period between 1768 and 1782 using the labor of the Indian converts.
Most people would call this yucca -- I grew up calling it Bear Grass. Yucca is generally a broader leaf. The showy blooms on these caught my eye.
I like the arches. The contrast beween the greenery and the stone of the ancient structure emphasizes the "Old World" look of the church and attached buildings.
The different layers of this perspective were interesting to me. Note that there are three rows of arches.
This was a rare moment that the walk beneath the arches had no people in it.
Water is always a necessity. There were a couple of wells within the property as well as the acequia flowing just to the rear of the church complex. An acequia is an irrigation canal. If the inhabitants of the fortified city were cut off from the San Antonio River and irrigation canals, they would always have a supply of water at hand within the walls.
Behind the church complex were the Friars quarters and beyond them, a flour mill. The mill you see in the photo was probably the most intriguing part of the mission complex to me. What you see is a guess as to the way the original mill appeared. This is a restoration that was done in the 1930's. The grindstone is a monolithic block of chert. The short post on the left supported a beam beneath the floor which in turn supported the water wheel and grindstone mechanism. The wedges driven through the slot in the post were used to adjust the tolerance of the grindstone by slightly raising or lowering the mechanism below the floor. The taller post was a crane that could be pivoted and used to lift the stone for cleaning or replacement.
This mill could produce about 50 lbs. of flour per hour -- more than enough to supply the approximately 300 residents. The wheat was poured into the hopper at the top and the flour caught in a bucket. This mill house has a stone floor. It is more likely that the floor was made of wood so that in the event the grindstone was dropped it wouldn't break. Such stones were prized possessions and difficult to come by -- likely being imported from France.
The wooden arm protruding through the window controlled the water flow by raising and lowering a gate. The water fell approximately 9 feet to turn a horizontal waterwheel attached to the shaft which in turn rotated the grindstone.
Above is a photo of the church and you can just make out the Friars Quarters on the left edge of the photo.
Stonework above the entry to the church.
The Madonna and Child.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Mission Concepcion, San Antonio, Texas
The Mission Concepcion in San Antonio, Texas, was another stop on our recent travels. Established in 1716, it was re-located to its present site in 1731 and is the oldest un-restored church in America. The mission is located at 807 Mission Road. At its height, around 1762, the mission boasted a population of 207 and had seen 792 baptisms. It had ceased to exist as an independent mission by the end of the century.
Mission Concepcion
The ruined area to the right contained the living quarters of the Franciscans.
I'm always facinated by arches which were critical to the strength and stability of the structure. It's too bad the park service finds it necessary to place modern benches and garbage containers in the structure.
The orginal paintings on the interior are very interesting. Note the steel supporting rod at the top of the photo -- not original equipment.
The church continues to be used today. It is interesting to see the contrast between the modern greenery and rug and the painting on the plastered walls.
The seating is very old although not, I'm sure, as old as the structure itself. Note again the arched ceiling necessary for strength. The dome that can be seen in the first photo covers the altar area at the front of the chapel that you see in this photo.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Enchanted Rock
This past weekend my wife and I took a brief trip to Central Texas. We just needed to "get away" for a few days. We left home with no specific plans but did have a general idea of the various "opportunities" in the area where we were headed.
One of the places we visited was Enchanted Rock State Park. I have included a few photos.
Enchanted Rock is one of the largest batholiths in the United States. A batholith is an underground rock formation that has been uncovered by erosion. It consists of the distinctive pink granite which is the same used to build the Texas state capitol building.
The rock rises 425 feet above ground and covers approximately 640 acres. The view from the top is outstanding.
If you click on the picture it should open in a larger size so that you can get an idea of the view. The photo above includes an interesting feature of the dome. There were a number of places where enough soil had collected in "low" spots on the batholith that plants have become established. There is enough rainfall (about 28 inches per year) to maintain the plants. This was a thicket of dewberries. You can see the berries in the photo below.
Enchanted Rock is located a few miles north of Fredericksburg, Texas. It, like many other batholiths throughout the world, was considered sacred by some. The Tonkawa tribes believed that it was the home of various spirits. This was likely due to the flickering lights that they claimed to see dancing on the giant dome of granite. There are many legends about the rock.
The first well-documented exploration of the area was in 1723 when the Spanish sent parties to the area northwest of San Antonio for the purpose of establishing missions in the Apacheria. Although the area that was to become San Antonio had been explored at least as early as 1691, the city was not established until 1718. It quickly became the heart of Spanish Texas.
Many areas of Enchanted Rock are enjoyed by rock climbers. We observed a number of individuals rappelling on the west face. Following the trail, the hike to the top doesn't take long and is a fairly smooth walk. It will give you a workout if you aren't used to climbing.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Insolent Weakness
"Insolence is the armor of the weak. It is a device to induce courage in the face of one's own panic." __ Henry Kissinger
When I first read the above statement it caught my attention. It was spoken by Henry Kissinger during the period in which he was attempting to negotiate an honorable settlement to the Vietnam war. Nguyen Van Thieu, Chief-of-State of South Vietnam, became insolent toward both Kissinger and President Richard Nixon in the weeks prior to the 1971 Presidential election when he felt he was being forced to accept a settlement with North Vietnam that left Communist forces within the borders of the South. He was in a powerless position and yet used the U.S. election as a lever against giving in to the terms of the agreement which had been negotiated bilaterally between the U.S. and the North Vietnamese in the Paris talks. He saw that Nixon was vulnerable to opposing Presidential candidate George McGovern's "peace-at-any-cost" position in the election.
Upon reflection, I saw that the statement was applicable beyond the context in which it was spoken. My first thought is that it sometimes applies to teenagers -- especially those who are attempting to flex their "independence muscles" and are rebellious to their parents. They fear leaving the nest and yet feel instinctually driven to do so. They become belligerent toward first one parent and then the other. In a two-parent household there is usually at least one parent that retains some level of communication with the teen. In a single-parent household the result is often disaster for the teen and the already broken family.
I have also seen the quote to be an accurate description of situations encountered in business. It is usually manifest in posturing within a company meeting -- perhaps a planning group or committee. It is an attempt to overcome powerlessness and inadequacy with a bluff. When one is in a true position of strength there is no need for the bluster. It is frequently the quiet one in the room that holds the power.
Insolence appears to be just another expression of insecurity. When one is confident in one's place in the world there is no need to either lash out at others or to attempt to dominate them -- either physically or in conversation. Such confidence can only come from the security of a relationship with Jesus. Through His power we can experience a quiet peace that comes from His Spirit within us. In Him alone is our strength and confidence.
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." __ Phillipians 4:13
When I first read the above statement it caught my attention. It was spoken by Henry Kissinger during the period in which he was attempting to negotiate an honorable settlement to the Vietnam war. Nguyen Van Thieu, Chief-of-State of South Vietnam, became insolent toward both Kissinger and President Richard Nixon in the weeks prior to the 1971 Presidential election when he felt he was being forced to accept a settlement with North Vietnam that left Communist forces within the borders of the South. He was in a powerless position and yet used the U.S. election as a lever against giving in to the terms of the agreement which had been negotiated bilaterally between the U.S. and the North Vietnamese in the Paris talks. He saw that Nixon was vulnerable to opposing Presidential candidate George McGovern's "peace-at-any-cost" position in the election.
Upon reflection, I saw that the statement was applicable beyond the context in which it was spoken. My first thought is that it sometimes applies to teenagers -- especially those who are attempting to flex their "independence muscles" and are rebellious to their parents. They fear leaving the nest and yet feel instinctually driven to do so. They become belligerent toward first one parent and then the other. In a two-parent household there is usually at least one parent that retains some level of communication with the teen. In a single-parent household the result is often disaster for the teen and the already broken family.
I have also seen the quote to be an accurate description of situations encountered in business. It is usually manifest in posturing within a company meeting -- perhaps a planning group or committee. It is an attempt to overcome powerlessness and inadequacy with a bluff. When one is in a true position of strength there is no need for the bluster. It is frequently the quiet one in the room that holds the power.
Insolence appears to be just another expression of insecurity. When one is confident in one's place in the world there is no need to either lash out at others or to attempt to dominate them -- either physically or in conversation. Such confidence can only come from the security of a relationship with Jesus. Through His power we can experience a quiet peace that comes from His Spirit within us. In Him alone is our strength and confidence.
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." __ Phillipians 4:13
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
I am learning about something new -- yet, not so new. It is the name of something which I have observed among my peers first, and also among other generations -- both older and younger than me. It is called "moralistic therapeutic deism." I suspect it is a prime reason for the observed current decline in the Christian churches of both this country and Europe.
The article linked here is a good place to begin understanding. Then, it should be followed by reading this rather lengthy discussion.
If you regularly attend church, let me ask you the following question: Have you noticed a decline in attendance? If so, to what do you attribute that decline?
If you do not regularly attend a church, my question is this: Why?
Please feel free to answer the questions in the comments.
The article linked here is a good place to begin understanding. Then, it should be followed by reading this rather lengthy discussion.
If you regularly attend church, let me ask you the following question: Have you noticed a decline in attendance? If so, to what do you attribute that decline?
If you do not regularly attend a church, my question is this: Why?
Please feel free to answer the questions in the comments.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mission: Backyards and Haiti
My friend Matt is going to Haiti this summer. His life will be changed by his service to the Haitian people. He told me that I inspired him to go. I am humbled. I am praying even now for him and the other men from his church that they will touch lives, that the people there will be prepared for their coming and that their own lives will be transformed by the trip.
I just completed the book "The Radical Reformission: Reaching Out without Selling Out
"
by Mark Driscoll. It talks about the mission in our own backyard and how we are called to reach our neighbors with the message that Jesus is the only way to life. The book talks about how we must reach people where they are -- not expect them to come to us. We must seek them out, just as Jesus did. We must share their life, their pain, their struggles and their fears. We need to show them that the Bible holds the answers to their life questions. But, it also addresses the fact that we must confront them with the truth -- in a loving way.
Life is messy. Christians are imperfect. Only Jesus can cure our imperfections and reach into our messy lives and show us something better.Too often we allow our imperfections to get in the way of our sharing the truth. We show non-Christians a false front with false expectations. We fail to confront humanity with our own human frailty.
Jesus didn't shy away from those who were struggling with life's issues. Instead, he sought them out where they lived. He ate and drank with them. He crossed cultural and racial barriers without hesitation. He touched the untouchable.
We see in Jesus a willingness to confront the wealthy, the political and church leaders, the thieves and the liars with the truth. He did so with the goal of showing them the way to life. He didn't hide within the confines of his comfortable existence with those "like" him -- instead, he went to people of all stations.
In his book, Driscoll points to Jesus as the example we should follow. He doesn't point to the church -- but to Jesus. I highly recommend the book for anyone serious about the Christian faith.
Matt, I pray for you as you prepare to face the messiness that is Haiti. Hold fast my friend.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" __ Matthew 28:18-20
I just completed the book "The Radical Reformission: Reaching Out without Selling Out
"by Mark Driscoll. It talks about the mission in our own backyard and how we are called to reach our neighbors with the message that Jesus is the only way to life. The book talks about how we must reach people where they are -- not expect them to come to us. We must seek them out, just as Jesus did. We must share their life, their pain, their struggles and their fears. We need to show them that the Bible holds the answers to their life questions. But, it also addresses the fact that we must confront them with the truth -- in a loving way.
Life is messy. Christians are imperfect. Only Jesus can cure our imperfections and reach into our messy lives and show us something better.Too often we allow our imperfections to get in the way of our sharing the truth. We show non-Christians a false front with false expectations. We fail to confront humanity with our own human frailty.
Jesus didn't shy away from those who were struggling with life's issues. Instead, he sought them out where they lived. He ate and drank with them. He crossed cultural and racial barriers without hesitation. He touched the untouchable.
We see in Jesus a willingness to confront the wealthy, the political and church leaders, the thieves and the liars with the truth. He did so with the goal of showing them the way to life. He didn't hide within the confines of his comfortable existence with those "like" him -- instead, he went to people of all stations.
In his book, Driscoll points to Jesus as the example we should follow. He doesn't point to the church -- but to Jesus. I highly recommend the book for anyone serious about the Christian faith.
Matt, I pray for you as you prepare to face the messiness that is Haiti. Hold fast my friend.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" __ Matthew 28:18-20
Random Note
It is amazing to me sometimes to suddenly realize how quickly time is flying by. This blog reminds me frequently because of the amount of time that passes between posts. I might think that I "just" posted something only to realize that it has been several days -- or weeks -- since the last post.
I am in Kentucky this week. It is beautiful and green and a bit cooler than I expected. I packed short-sleeved shirts.....
I know that I should post something profound but that is beyond me. Instead, I'll post a link from USA Today.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-04-27-1Amillfaith27_ST_N.htm
I am in Kentucky this week. It is beautiful and green and a bit cooler than I expected. I packed short-sleeved shirts.....
I know that I should post something profound but that is beyond me. Instead, I'll post a link from USA Today.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-04-27-1Amillfaith27_ST_N.htm
Friday, April 23, 2010
Techno-dependency
I have become outrageously dependent on my Blackberry. It is my mobile office. That has become painfully clear to me because the e-mail has not been feeding to it correctly this week. I don't know if it is a problem with the local cell provider or something bigger -- like a problem at ATT.
Normally, I am "buzzed" throughout the day by a steady stream of electronic communications hitting my Blackberry which is perpetually in "vibrate" mode. Some of them are newsletters and things of that nature, but many of them are e-mails that keep me informed about what is going on within the company that I manage. Yes, I use my Blackberry as a key piece of my management communications.
I get brief e-mails from personnel making sales calls, or if something out of the ordinary occurs at one of our seven locations. I also receive frequent e-mails from key suppliers about various things going on in the industry. I sometimes am involved in groups putting together meetings or other functions where coordinated activity results in frequent e-mail communication. At certain times each day, I receive reports from each of our locations which let me know their activity for the day.
All of those things are important but, there is one that to me is critical. I receive e-mails from many customers that expect rapid responses. I'm not getting those in a timely fashion and therefore can't respond as quickly as I should. To me, one of the keys to the success of our business is exceptional customer service. When I don't get those e-mails almost immediately, I can't deliver the kind of service that they have come to expect.
Fortunately, I still carry a laptop. I spent a good deal of time last night dealing with e-mail which normally I would have handled through the day.
I suspect this dependence on technology is not such a good thing but, it does make me more efficient when it is working!
Normally, I am "buzzed" throughout the day by a steady stream of electronic communications hitting my Blackberry which is perpetually in "vibrate" mode. Some of them are newsletters and things of that nature, but many of them are e-mails that keep me informed about what is going on within the company that I manage. Yes, I use my Blackberry as a key piece of my management communications.
I get brief e-mails from personnel making sales calls, or if something out of the ordinary occurs at one of our seven locations. I also receive frequent e-mails from key suppliers about various things going on in the industry. I sometimes am involved in groups putting together meetings or other functions where coordinated activity results in frequent e-mail communication. At certain times each day, I receive reports from each of our locations which let me know their activity for the day.
All of those things are important but, there is one that to me is critical. I receive e-mails from many customers that expect rapid responses. I'm not getting those in a timely fashion and therefore can't respond as quickly as I should. To me, one of the keys to the success of our business is exceptional customer service. When I don't get those e-mails almost immediately, I can't deliver the kind of service that they have come to expect.
Fortunately, I still carry a laptop. I spent a good deal of time last night dealing with e-mail which normally I would have handled through the day.
I suspect this dependence on technology is not such a good thing but, it does make me more efficient when it is working!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
On the Eve of Muster
"Give me an army of West Point graduates and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win the war." - U.S. General George S. Patton
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Two If By Sea
Two hundred and thirty-five years ago Paul Revere made his famous midnight ride. On this night in 1775 the British army had begun to move across the Charles River toward Lexington. John Pulling held two lanterns aloft momentarily from the steeple of the Old North Church to let the Sons of Liberty in Lexington know that the British were crossing the river rather than taking the long way around by land. The next morning, on the 19th of April, the battle of Concord was fought, signaling open hostilities in the war that would eventually result in the establishment of a new country on the North American continent. That new country was founded on principles of individual liberty and limited government.
Today, we see an increasingly controlling government and the gradual erosion of individual liberty in that very same country. The idea that one might achieve a level of happiness through personal pursuits of industry and innovation has been replaced to a large extent by one of dependency on the federal government for daily provision. The enemy is no longer a power based on shores geographically removed, but is instead housed in halls philosophically removed by a much greater distance from the founding principles of this nation than were the halls of Parliament from the colonies.
The results of the Revolutionary War left our nation independent yet, divided in ways not dissimilar to what we see today. At the time of the founding of our country, the divide was between those who would see a strong, centralized government and those who would prefer decentralization, with power concentrated locally or in the states. The divide continued to grow until it ruptured in a civil war.
Perhaps our system of government can avoid a similar rupture from the current philisophical division in our country. The system works best when the citizens become involved.
Today, we see an increasingly controlling government and the gradual erosion of individual liberty in that very same country. The idea that one might achieve a level of happiness through personal pursuits of industry and innovation has been replaced to a large extent by one of dependency on the federal government for daily provision. The enemy is no longer a power based on shores geographically removed, but is instead housed in halls philosophically removed by a much greater distance from the founding principles of this nation than were the halls of Parliament from the colonies.
The results of the Revolutionary War left our nation independent yet, divided in ways not dissimilar to what we see today. At the time of the founding of our country, the divide was between those who would see a strong, centralized government and those who would prefer decentralization, with power concentrated locally or in the states. The divide continued to grow until it ruptured in a civil war.
Perhaps our system of government can avoid a similar rupture from the current philisophical division in our country. The system works best when the citizens become involved.
Friday, April 16, 2010
A Fearful Disposition
“Not everything that is plausible is true, for those who put forward plans for action have a psychological disposition to marshal the facts that support their position.” __ Henry Kissinger
I would add that we each have a psychological disposition to a particular “worldview” or “yardstick” by which we evaluate input. Each of us lives within a “point-of-view” shaped by our location, history, experiences, friends and family. It is difficult to truly see the “point-of-view” of another individual. We each have been shaped uniquely. That individuality is a key point of the concept of self.
This uniqueness of “worldview” presents the greatest difficulty between individuals greatly removed in each of the key shaping factors. The greater the difference in those shaping factors, the more difficult it is to find understanding.
Mr. Kissinger’s remark was made in reference to foreign policy arguments during the Nixon administration. I find particularly interesting his reference to the marshalling of facts to support a particular position. What makes this interesting to me is that when dealing with different “worldviews” we must consider that each accepts some things as “fact” that the other views as fallacy.
If we consider that some view it acceptable to lie in order to advance one’s own position, we enter into a world in which there is nothing that can be accepted at face value. We each must “prove” the “facts” offered. We also must weigh them against our personal self-interest and the “facts” that we can muster in support. The result is a world in which we can trust nothing and no one.
Is the lack of trust important? Yes, it is. Without trust there is only fear.
I would add that we each have a psychological disposition to a particular “worldview” or “yardstick” by which we evaluate input. Each of us lives within a “point-of-view” shaped by our location, history, experiences, friends and family. It is difficult to truly see the “point-of-view” of another individual. We each have been shaped uniquely. That individuality is a key point of the concept of self.
This uniqueness of “worldview” presents the greatest difficulty between individuals greatly removed in each of the key shaping factors. The greater the difference in those shaping factors, the more difficult it is to find understanding.
Mr. Kissinger’s remark was made in reference to foreign policy arguments during the Nixon administration. I find particularly interesting his reference to the marshalling of facts to support a particular position. What makes this interesting to me is that when dealing with different “worldviews” we must consider that each accepts some things as “fact” that the other views as fallacy.
If we consider that some view it acceptable to lie in order to advance one’s own position, we enter into a world in which there is nothing that can be accepted at face value. We each must “prove” the “facts” offered. We also must weigh them against our personal self-interest and the “facts” that we can muster in support. The result is a world in which we can trust nothing and no one.
Is the lack of trust important? Yes, it is. Without trust there is only fear.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Who Is God?
John 3:13-17
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
So, we must ask, “What is eternal life?”
John 17:1-3
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Now, we must ask, ”Who is God?”
He is the infinite
The almighty
The everlasting
Omniscient
Omnipotent
Omnipresent
Father of light
Creator
Sustainer
Righteous One
Beginning
End
How can we of finite mind fathom the unfathomable? How can we truly know God? We describe the infinite yet cannot grasp what we define. How can we know the unknowable?
He revealed himself to us in his Son. He reveals himself to us in his word. He makes himself known to us through his actions. He works in our lives by his love. Yet, like the wind, we only see the result of his passing. We see through a glass darkly. Faith must do the rest.
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
So, we must ask, “What is eternal life?”
John 17:1-3
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Now, we must ask, ”Who is God?”
He is the infinite
The almighty
The everlasting
Omniscient
Omnipotent
Omnipresent
Father of light
Creator
Sustainer
Righteous One
Beginning
End
How can we of finite mind fathom the unfathomable? How can we truly know God? We describe the infinite yet cannot grasp what we define. How can we know the unknowable?
He revealed himself to us in his Son. He reveals himself to us in his word. He makes himself known to us through his actions. He works in our lives by his love. Yet, like the wind, we only see the result of his passing. We see through a glass darkly. Faith must do the rest.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Shopping iTunes....
For Christmas I received $30 worth of gift cards to iTunes. I thought -- no big deal. I'll just load 'em up and buy some tunes. I'm still shopping on that $30.
I don't know if it is because I'm too picky or what -- I have spent hours browsing songs and playing the brief snippets available to help you decide if it's what you want -- and I've only used about 1/2 of it up after all this time. Holy Cow! What does that say about my personality?
I like all kinds of music but there is only a small percentage of it that I would consider to be of enduring quality -- something that I want to listen to over and over again. I don't want to just get best sellers, I want some eclectic stuff -- the ones that didn't make the Top 40 but, are still good. I want some of the off-the-wall artists like the ones my daughter comes up with.
Then, after I've worked at it for a couple of hours and only chosen five songs, I wonder what makes it so difficult! Oh, well, at least it generated a blog post.
I don't know if it is because I'm too picky or what -- I have spent hours browsing songs and playing the brief snippets available to help you decide if it's what you want -- and I've only used about 1/2 of it up after all this time. Holy Cow! What does that say about my personality?
I like all kinds of music but there is only a small percentage of it that I would consider to be of enduring quality -- something that I want to listen to over and over again. I don't want to just get best sellers, I want some eclectic stuff -- the ones that didn't make the Top 40 but, are still good. I want some of the off-the-wall artists like the ones my daughter comes up with.
Then, after I've worked at it for a couple of hours and only chosen five songs, I wonder what makes it so difficult! Oh, well, at least it generated a blog post.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Searching --- Relatively Speaking
Have you noticed the commercial on television about the person who is suffering from search engine overload? About how they talk in snippets of information but their conversations are not cogent? I understand the feeling.
There is an amazing wealth of information available to us on the Internet. Weeding out the trash and finding the gems for which one is searching is a monumental task at times. Just when I think that I've figured it out, I hit one of those frustrating times when I search and search and can't find something that should be readily available.
What, you might ask, prompted such statements? I was searching for the date on which Einstein first introduced his Theory of Special Relativity. The only sources that I am able to find are not especially credible.
Now, the next logical question is, why would I be looking for the date on which Enstein first introduced his Theory of Special Relativity. Well, that was one of those search leads to question leads to search leads to question chain of events that sent me off on a tangent. I guess it really doesn't matter anyway. Perhaps I AM suffering from search engine overload!
There is an amazing wealth of information available to us on the Internet. Weeding out the trash and finding the gems for which one is searching is a monumental task at times. Just when I think that I've figured it out, I hit one of those frustrating times when I search and search and can't find something that should be readily available.
What, you might ask, prompted such statements? I was searching for the date on which Einstein first introduced his Theory of Special Relativity. The only sources that I am able to find are not especially credible.
Now, the next logical question is, why would I be looking for the date on which Enstein first introduced his Theory of Special Relativity. Well, that was one of those search leads to question leads to search leads to question chain of events that sent me off on a tangent. I guess it really doesn't matter anyway. Perhaps I AM suffering from search engine overload!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Rough Transition
Spring sprung,
But winter hasn't given up yet.
Blossoms bloomed;
The freeze tonight will turn them brown.
Dust rises
As southern winds bring warmth.
Tumbleweeds roll
As northern winds bring cold.
Seasons change
But none transition smoothly.
People age
Few can do so gracefully.
But winter hasn't given up yet.
Blossoms bloomed;
The freeze tonight will turn them brown.
Dust rises
As southern winds bring warmth.
Tumbleweeds roll
As northern winds bring cold.
Seasons change
But none transition smoothly.
People age
Few can do so gracefully.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Vegetating
Best of intentions
Don't get it done
Whatever IT happens to be.
I put it off
And make excuses
If it's not important to me.
Like those minor repairs
That seem to pop up
Every week or so
Or those projects I think
Would be really worthwhile
That I just seem to let go.
It makes me wonder
Why Saturday morn
Motivation seems to evaporate
While I just sit back
And accomplish nothing
Except perhaps, vegetate.
Don't get it done
Whatever IT happens to be.
I put it off
And make excuses
If it's not important to me.
Like those minor repairs
That seem to pop up
Every week or so
Or those projects I think
Would be really worthwhile
That I just seem to let go.
It makes me wonder
Why Saturday morn
Motivation seems to evaporate
While I just sit back
And accomplish nothing
Except perhaps, vegetate.
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