This is exactly how I feel about crocs...
http://shoeblogs.com/wordpress/2007/07/26/the-curse-of-the-crocs/
Just in case you wanted to know, no Crocs are not fashionable!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Carbon Footprints
Have you heard the buzz about carbon footprints? As you can imagine, I think the idea is such a scam designed to make people feel more guilty about their lifestyles. Come on, people! Be wise with our resources, and don't buy into the guilt! Literally, don't buy! Because of this carbon footprint idea, companies have started selling carbon offsets, pledges to buy and plant trees, investing in renewable energy companies, and other such eco-friendly activities. It's a lot like buying off your guilt for living a lifestyle that you feel unworthy of.
This reminds me of the indulgences practice of the Roman Catholic Church. "In Roman Catholic theology, an "indulgence" is the remission of punishment because a sin already committed has been forgiven; the indulgence is granted by the church when the sinner confesses and receives absolution." (Wikipedia.org) So, if a person buys, ahead of time, a certain amount of carbon offsets, then they can drive their SUV without feeling guilty.
What makes me so frustrated is that we already have a way to live guilt-free. It's through the blood of Jesus Christ! We can live the life God has given us, without feeling guilty for it! Hallelujah! Furthermore, I understand that we are stewards of what God has given us, meaning that we are responsible for the development and care of the blessings. But I am held accountable to God, not Al Gore.
While discussing this idea, Erik came up with the saying, "My Carbon Footprint is Bigger than Yours." I thought it was so cute, that I had to make a shirt for his Birthday. Thankfully, he loves it!
This reminds me of the indulgences practice of the Roman Catholic Church. "In Roman Catholic theology, an "indulgence" is the remission of punishment because a sin already committed has been forgiven; the indulgence is granted by the church when the sinner confesses and receives absolution." (Wikipedia.org) So, if a person buys, ahead of time, a certain amount of carbon offsets, then they can drive their SUV without feeling guilty.
What makes me so frustrated is that we already have a way to live guilt-free. It's through the blood of Jesus Christ! We can live the life God has given us, without feeling guilty for it! Hallelujah! Furthermore, I understand that we are stewards of what God has given us, meaning that we are responsible for the development and care of the blessings. But I am held accountable to God, not Al Gore.
While discussing this idea, Erik came up with the saying, "My Carbon Footprint is Bigger than Yours." I thought it was so cute, that I had to make a shirt for his Birthday. Thankfully, he loves it!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Thoughts on Christianity & Harry Potter
ChristianPost.com has an article regarding the Harry Potter movies and books and James Dobson's take on them. In the article, the Focus on the Family Founder, says the books are not endorsed by the organization, and went so far as to renounce them. This is due to the story's main focus on sorcery and magic.
I confess, I have been a little concerned about my enjoying something that is so against what God's Word says. The Bible speaks very directly about sorcery and that it is not tolerated by Him. So, by reading a story, am I practicing sorcery? No, indeed, I believe what the Bible says about divination and I do not subscribe to it's practices. I believe what God has set up in the Bible is to protect me from sin and eternal seperation from Him, and also how to live so that I become more like Jesus.
However, does that mean that an entirely fictional story is off limits for those of us Christians? I don't think so. What I think is important to keep in mind is whether or not the story is replacing God, or consuming the thoughts? Unfortunately, I am easily sidetracked by what I read. Although I am careful about what I read, I do have the potential to only read my books, instead of spending time in the Word. But, again, I confess, these Harry Potter books do consume my mind, but it's not just this series. I love Pride and Prejudice and have very much the same feelings when I read that book. I am not proud of this weakness. And in saying that, maybe it's fair to realize that I should be careful with those books that can replace the Lord in my life.
Nothing will take me from God; I am His and His alone. But I need to be careful about where my energies are spent, because there may be a problem in spending 15 minutes with God, and 3 hours with Harry.
Now, as far as sharing the book with my darling daughters, I will wait until they understand what the Bible teaches about sorcery. And I will read with them so that this discussion of Christianity versus the world is carried into another generation.
I confess, I have been a little concerned about my enjoying something that is so against what God's Word says. The Bible speaks very directly about sorcery and that it is not tolerated by Him. So, by reading a story, am I practicing sorcery? No, indeed, I believe what the Bible says about divination and I do not subscribe to it's practices. I believe what God has set up in the Bible is to protect me from sin and eternal seperation from Him, and also how to live so that I become more like Jesus.
However, does that mean that an entirely fictional story is off limits for those of us Christians? I don't think so. What I think is important to keep in mind is whether or not the story is replacing God, or consuming the thoughts? Unfortunately, I am easily sidetracked by what I read. Although I am careful about what I read, I do have the potential to only read my books, instead of spending time in the Word. But, again, I confess, these Harry Potter books do consume my mind, but it's not just this series. I love Pride and Prejudice and have very much the same feelings when I read that book. I am not proud of this weakness. And in saying that, maybe it's fair to realize that I should be careful with those books that can replace the Lord in my life.
Nothing will take me from God; I am His and His alone. But I need to be careful about where my energies are spent, because there may be a problem in spending 15 minutes with God, and 3 hours with Harry.
Now, as far as sharing the book with my darling daughters, I will wait until they understand what the Bible teaches about sorcery. And I will read with them so that this discussion of Christianity versus the world is carried into another generation.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I just finished the final installment in JK Rowlings' series and I want to let it be known how happy I am at the ending. Although I am sad at the book being over, it was satisfying. But I still wish it could have gone on. It's a little sad when something is over, but I know how it ends and I am still happy.
Last night I didn't sleep very well since I was thinking about the book. And now I don't know if I'll sleep very well tonight for thinking it all through.
I can't wait to find out what my friends thought of the ending. Hopefully we will talk soon!
Last night I didn't sleep very well since I was thinking about the book. And now I don't know if I'll sleep very well tonight for thinking it all through.
I can't wait to find out what my friends thought of the ending. Hopefully we will talk soon!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Watch Out-She Bites
Matilyn was recently reprimanded for biting a neighboring boy at the gym where I take the girls in the mornings. He was playing with a train, she wanted it. So, she bit him. Broke the skin, too!
About 20 minutes into my workout, the childcare manager calls me out to discuss this new behavioral development. I was so angry, I needed to work out. So, I get my kids and put them into their car seats and proceed to find someone who would take Mati off my hands for a good couple of hours. I was so mad at her, and at the gym, that I didn't want to be around her.
The gym suspended her for two weeks! A 17 month old! How silly! I wonder if the childcare manager understands that toddlers have the attention span of a gnat. Anyways, I tried to negotiate the punishment down to one week, but she wouldn't budge.
After I left the gym, I took the girls to Barnes and Noble. Shopping helps me with anger, and B&N is my "happy place". I bought two books; one for Mati "Teeth are not for Biting" and "Creative Correction".
One of the big things I've learned this week is that I have as much of a temper as Matilyn does. So, we're both having to learn about this. Of course I have about 28 years of experience with controlling it, but my temper flairs almost as quickly as hers does.
I have tried different approaches, different punishments, but nothing works every time. I know I have to be consistent, but it's pretty hard.
Anyways, I pray that God will use her determination and fierceness for His Glory. I pray that she learns how to harness it so that it will further the Kingdom. I pray that where she sees injustice, she will be determined to stand against it. If you have read this, please pray that for her.
Here's a picture of my little Mati Grace. Who has so much joy and love, and is equally tough-skinned!
About 20 minutes into my workout, the childcare manager calls me out to discuss this new behavioral development. I was so angry, I needed to work out. So, I get my kids and put them into their car seats and proceed to find someone who would take Mati off my hands for a good couple of hours. I was so mad at her, and at the gym, that I didn't want to be around her.
The gym suspended her for two weeks! A 17 month old! How silly! I wonder if the childcare manager understands that toddlers have the attention span of a gnat. Anyways, I tried to negotiate the punishment down to one week, but she wouldn't budge.
After I left the gym, I took the girls to Barnes and Noble. Shopping helps me with anger, and B&N is my "happy place". I bought two books; one for Mati "Teeth are not for Biting" and "Creative Correction".
One of the big things I've learned this week is that I have as much of a temper as Matilyn does. So, we're both having to learn about this. Of course I have about 28 years of experience with controlling it, but my temper flairs almost as quickly as hers does.
I have tried different approaches, different punishments, but nothing works every time. I know I have to be consistent, but it's pretty hard.
Anyways, I pray that God will use her determination and fierceness for His Glory. I pray that she learns how to harness it so that it will further the Kingdom. I pray that where she sees injustice, she will be determined to stand against it. If you have read this, please pray that for her.
Here's a picture of my little Mati Grace. Who has so much joy and love, and is equally tough-skinned!
I have a new Nephew!
Please welcome Matthew Durham into the family! He was born on July 15th, and he weighs 8 lbs and 10 ozs! :) What a cutie!
After a very long labor, Patti had a c-section, but today both baby and mom are doing great!
Isn't he adorable? Okay, I know that's a big picture of me, too, but seriously, isn't that perhaps the cutest nephew, EVER?
Anyways, I have to tell you how good God is in regards to this trip. My oh-so-wise husband suggested on Saturday that my mom and I drive to San Diego to see my brother. And we talked about it, made the decision, made the hotel reservation, and took off! Sure enough, by the time we got here, my sister-in-law was in labor and being admitted into the hospital! I have to thank Erik for being so open to what God was urging.
We had no idea if we would be able to see the baby when we left, we just wanted to be with the family for a visit. What a fortuitous trip
After a very long labor, Patti had a c-section, but today both baby and mom are doing great!
Isn't he adorable? Okay, I know that's a big picture of me, too, but seriously, isn't that perhaps the cutest nephew, EVER?
Anyways, I have to tell you how good God is in regards to this trip. My oh-so-wise husband suggested on Saturday that my mom and I drive to San Diego to see my brother. And we talked about it, made the decision, made the hotel reservation, and took off! Sure enough, by the time we got here, my sister-in-law was in labor and being admitted into the hospital! I have to thank Erik for being so open to what God was urging.
We had no idea if we would be able to see the baby when we left, we just wanted to be with the family for a visit. What a fortuitous trip
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