Monday- Random Thoughts

1) “Changing the World” is hard work. I am not sure the Bible suggests that that is our mission. No matter what our churches or Vidal Sassoon Jesus says. 

2) Coveting is one sin, in the 10 Commandments, that has to do with our feelings - There is some need for us to push back on our feelings. How does this apply to homosexuality or other sins people try to say they can't help their feelings? Maybe we can, to some degree?

3) Just because we are able to do something does not mean we should.

4) A bird flew in our house the other day. It scared Bethany (it might have something to do with my girlish screams, but I'm not sure). She called it a Sting-Bird because it was trying to sting her stuffed monkey.

5) I often take comfort in the ordinary. Otherwise it is easy for me to despair that everything is the same, or despair that I am not living as radical, on fire, extreme Christian life as others (not God) say I should.

6) It is easy for me to get depressed about things, but not as easy to talk about it.

7) Except bacon.

Random Thoughts Wednesday

* We all discriminate with regard to morality. Same-sex marriage supporters discriminate against siblings or polygamists. It does not mean they are bigoted. It does not mean all discrimination is bad.

* We hear often that we are supposed to have a grand purpose, to be a world changer. Even Vidal Sassoon Jesus says that when we follow Him, it is so that we can change the world. But is that the Biblical view? Are we called to change the world, or something grand, or is it more ordinary?

* I wish all Christian music played on Air1 did not sound exactly the same.

* I wish all the music played on Air1 was not the same 12 songs they were playing earlier in the day, yesterday, last week, last month, or three years ago.

* I am glad I don't have to commute where there is a lot of traffic. I do not like traffic at all. Or mostly other drivers that don't drive like me.

* When I have students dealing with all kinds of garbage in their lives, giving them another math or English assignment seems to lack much significance.

Wednesday: Random Thoughts

Here's the random thoughts for the day.

1) If I don't care about truth, am I more likely to say nothing or bring a critical eye to the subject?

2) People go to youth group-> Those people become pastors with only knowing the youth group is how you do church which then turns 'big' church into youth group for adults. This was an observation I heard from an author (I don't remember) who studied youth groups over the years. Maybe The Juvenilization of the Church.

--The above observation resonated with me when you look at the way some churches are run. Youth Group for Adults describes too many.

3) "Falling in love with Jesus" often equated with 1st time falling in love->it has the staying power of an adolescent relationship. He continued by offering some concern about using the term "falling in love with Jesus". His concern was that it was not based on a mature understanding of loving God.

4) Do we take ourselves too seriously? I remember hearing what the Newsboys once said about the sometimes silliness of their songs. "We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we DO take our faith seriously." it was one of those things that has stuck with me. 

Wednesday: Random Thoughts

These are my thoughts on different subjects. They may be quotes I don't remember where they came from, thoughts from my own head or something someone said. Profound? Probably not. Random? That is one thing I can promise. DB

1) Be carefeul: Don't let an emotional reaction affect good judgment.

2) Democratization does not mean everyone has equal amount of wisdom in relation to the amount of data that they post about. [This was in relation to posting on social media].

3) You don't have to be self-centered, confident, or narcissistic to succeed. (Narcissism Epidemic)

4) We don't need to decipher between the Holy Spirit and my thoughts (ie...trying to listen to the 'voice' of God.) We can assess our thoughts to be good or bad-objectively-Through Biblical principles and/or wise council. Greg Koukl

Wednesday: Random Thoughts

I like to copy people, and I have random thoughts, so here is a new thing I will be trying to be consistent with on Wednesdays. It will include some thought that could be developed into a longer post, but most could not, but I don't want them floating around in my head, so I wrote them down instead. I will do my best. I cannot make any promises of their quality, but I can say they are random.

1) I sometimes wish I could be ignorant, but I can't unlearn things. I can see how it would be helpful at times.

2) I wish new cars came with blinkers so we could see when they were going to change lanes

3) It was kind of gross watching the meercats fight over some of their own vomit.

4) I like Del Taco- There is no time where I not in a mood for it. (Tracy got some for us yesterday. It was lovely.

So, it begins. Sorry if you had higher hopes, but I only promised random. :-)

DB

Sexist Comments about Palin

I was seeing how some media are talking about Gov. Palin's decision to continue working on her job versus staying at home. Is this sexist? Is this argument EVER given for the man who goes "back" to work after his child is born? No, not that I'm aware.

Isn't it also strange that this came from the Left, who claim to be defenders of the women's right to choose work? I think it is. Don't they often say that women need to be a force in the workplace? Maybe that is only true when the woman is a "liberated" woman who believes in the right for women to choose to end the lives of their unborn. Maybe it is only a certain type of woman that is allowed to succeed outside the home.

I am merely emoting here. Just some thoughts running around in my mind.

Derrick

Opinionated vs. Defensiveness

I have thought recently of what I am good at. Being let go from your job can do that to you. I have noticed throughout my life being good at giving a good defense. Here are some examples:

• Soccer- I played fullback, sometimes halfback-never forward, unless our team was winning by a lot.
• In Jr/Sr High- I often wrote about controversial things and tried to give reasons for why I thought that way. (Of course, I look back and see that some of my arguments were rather shallow- but I believe the mind is something to be developed and changed when the reasons are good enough.
• Music-I play bass and like to sing backup versus being the center of things.
• Writing- I very often try to give reasons for my belief that Christianity is not just a few good opiate, but rather it is actually true. Even when I emote, I like to actually have a purpose.

I am sure there are other examples, but I thought it was interesting that the thing I am good at is being defensive-That has so many possible meanings... :-)

I think having an opinion is ok, being opinionated is sometimes ok, but I think it is important to not just give your opinion, but give folks reasons why they should take you seriously. And if you give your opinion, don't be afraid of criticism. If your view is true (and we all think we are right- admit it), it will stand up.

And just as important- Don't be afraid to change your mind. Be intellectually honoest enough to tell someone they made a good point or if the reasons are good enough-change your mind, readjust your view. This is a hard one, especially since we all think we are right. Be willing to say, "I may be wrong on this". And admit when you are. Have I said this part was hard?

In addition, be careful not to be so open to changing your mind that you simply blow back and forth with whomever is talking. (He's right, no, you're right...no, wait, who's right).

Don't just be opinionated just to throw out your view; Be defensive, without adding offense. Also, I was reminded that when we think we are right or are, in fact, right, it is important to be a bit humble about it. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." 1 Cor. 13:4

Derrick

Happy Christmas

Just wishing you guys an early Happy Christmas. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season, so be sure to take some time to reflect on the Savior who came as a baby to take away the sin of the world. And even more to take away my sins. I know I have done much to deserve God's wrath, but through His sacrifice, I don't have to ultimately pay for that sin He took upon Himself.

It is important for me to remember where I came from, so I don't think I am better than anyone else. I am truly thankful for His blessings. I don't deserve them.

Derrick

It's Been A While

Now comes my most popular post, starting off with something about how long it has been since I last posted. Well, I am back at school teaching the little guys. Summer was not as long as it could have been, becasue I was an alternate on a trial by jury so I got to spend about half of my 6 weeks in the courtroom.

It was an interesting trial, attempted murder. The defendants were both found guilty on all charges, which is the way I would have been leaning, given the evidence. The process was very interesting. I had never been past the jury waiting room, so I was at least excited about that. I can think of better things to do on my summer vacation, but at least I did not have to do extra lesson plans and still go in to work on Fridays. That would have been worse.

I am glad to be back at work, though I think I have a couple challenging students. :-) Of course, that is part of the challenge, right? I will just have to train them into the learning machines they can be. :-)

Take care,
Derrick

You're Rubbing Off On Me

Obesity Can Be Contagious in Social Circles

So say some researchers. I am glad that I now have an excuse for why I'm obese (or biquitous). Because of my obese friends. Oh wait...I don't have any obese friends...oh wait, I don't have non-obese friends, either. Well, that does mess up my new theory.

But do not fear, friends. If I didn't catch my obesity from you, that means then you are in trouble. Do not come too close. :-) I might eat you.

Researchers think it is more than just people with similar eating and exercise habits hanging out together. Instead, it may be that having relatives and friends who become obese changes one's idea of what is an acceptable weight.

If my weight is considered obese, I hope that no one looks at me as having an acceptable weight. If I am having trouble breathing after a trip to the fridge, I hope y'all plan an intervention.

Despite their findings, the researchers said people should not sever their relationships.
"There is a ton of research that suggest that having more friends makes you healthier," Fowler said. "So the last thing that you want to do is get rid of any of your friends."

OK, so I can blame my large friends for my obesity, which could eventually lead to various health issues, but I should keep as many of them around me. Hmmm. All this thinking has made me hungry. Gotta run...well walk.

Derrick

Quote of the Day- Manners

"The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any." Fred Astaire

This is quite observant. Even if it was given many years ago, I think it still applies today. For my daughter, I (and my Beloved) am going to be purposeful in showing her by being an example she can look to because today in society she will not get too many examples from the world. And I am sure, there will be many times that I fail in this, but I want the failure to be the exception, and not the rule.

My beloved and I will be going through some material soon that deals with training our child to respect the position of authority people may have, starting with us, then other adults, her teachers, the President, etc...It makes me sad how folks disrespect the office of the Presidency. They seem to equate emoting about how they hate Bush with having civilized discussion in disagreement about his policy issues. Just because you can protest and shout profenities doesn't mean you ought to.

Anything to add?
Derrick

Quote of the Day- Silly

"The tooth fairy teaches children that they can sell body parts for money." David Richerby

John Stossel talks about the idea of selling body parts, and why shouldn't people be able to sell and make a little money, since they are able to give them away and not make any money in his book, "Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity".

Good book, silly quote. :-)

Derrick

Random Thoughts

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted something other than Pastor Gary's articles, though some have provoked some interesting discussions. I have not been very motivated to post anything, to be honest. Thank you Pastor for your contributions. It is less work for me.

I have been busy with the end of the school year. It looks like I'll be teaching 3rd grade next year, so that should be fun and a new challenge. Part of the challenge will be to get ready for the new year with little prep time during the summer due to my jury service. I am excited about the opportunity, but it is a big time commitment and I would much rather spend time with my family, but it could be worse.

Baby Bright is doing well. She is 2 months old already!! Wow...To sound completely cliche, it has gone by very quickly. It is nice to take some time each day to spend time with her and more importantly, my Beloved wife.

My dad's dad died this morning. One of my grandfathers. It has been about 10 years since I had seen him, so I can't say I was close. My dad's having a tough time; he also lost his sister just a few months ago. :-( Please keep him and my grandfather's immediate family in prayer.

Being a dad has been an interesting proposition. It has been tough. (My wife is an incredible mother, BTW) It has been fun. In some ways it has been an experiment of sorts. We had gone through a "series" called Growing up Kids God's Way by Gary Ezzo. A big focus of the first part is to train your children to have healthy sleep habits, with the idea that by about 8 weeks your child could be sleeping through the night.

Well, Baby Bright is not sleeping through the night, but she is averaging 5 1/2 to 7 hours each night, which is great. (Though my Beloved would be quick to remind me I don't get up :-) ) The funny thing is people say we are so lucky. I don't think it is luck since we have been purposeful about training her to have healthy sleep patterns. We wanted to teach this, in part, because of a family member getting very little sleep (day or night) the first 4-5 months of her child's life and we wanted something different for us. Thus our Growing Kid's...plan.

I know there are some things we will just fall into as parents; but we want to be purposeful about many of the things we teach Baby Bright. Spiritually, socially, emotionally, etc...Especially spiritually, since those things are of an eternal importance. My child's eternal destination hangs in the balance. Those things cannot be left up to chance.

With such a great responsibility, I feel somewhat inadequate. And, without the strength of Christ and my Beloved, it would be a greater difficulty. But I am confident that God will help us use the tools He has given us to do the best job we can. I do not want to just skate by and hope for the best. I want to know I have done the best I can and trust in God's grace to help my child choose to live a godly life in an ever-increasing secular world.

May God give us the grace we need for this task.

Thanks for listening to my my random thoughts. Sorry for their disconnectness. :-)