Politics is Still a Fine Word
With the entire country focused on the election, many people are tired of politics. I can’t blame them. Like all recent elections, the 24/7 news and the constant negative advertising can wear us down.
Despite all of the negatives, politics is still a fine word. Twenty-two year Tennessee State Senator Anna Belle O’Brien (1977–1991) would often start her speeches by saying, “Politics is a beautiful word to me.” She would continue, “Politics is how crippled children walk, the mentally ill get care, roads are built, health care is provided, children are taught.”
It is through the political process that government works, and as informed members of the polis it is our responsibility to never tire from trying to improve the process by engaging in it.
Continue reading Comments (1) Nov.03.2008.
A Little Excercise
I'm not waiting for the New Year to get in better shape. No more excuses.
Walked/Jogged: 2 Miles
Time: 25 minutes
Weight: 194 pounds
Continue reading Comments (0) Nov.03.2008.
Revenge – No Longer Kicking it Old School
Revenge seems at many times to be a form of justice. Christian Bale as Batman struggled with revenge versus justice. Likewise, one of my favorite movies is the Count of Monte Cristo starring Jim Caviezel as Edmond Dantes (Jim Caviezel also played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ). The main reason why I liked Edmond Dantes is because he realized all of his revenge on his enemies. The movie really delivered everything that you wanted for the hero. However, this is really shallow of me and not true justice nor very Christ like.
Some modern religious people incorrectly justify revenge or an unforgiving justice by quoting Leviticus 24:19-20.
If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured.
However Jesus changed all of that in his amazing and radical way. Matthew 5:44-45
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
This verse from Matthew goes back to Christians being the Light of the world for all people. To love our enemies, while difficult without praying, is a great way for us to share the joy of Christ’s peace and love.
Continue reading Comments (3) Jul.20.2008.
Sweat Equity Project: Wall-Mounting the Bedroom TV
Several weeks ago, Brent spent the week in Orlando for job-related training. Brent is awesome at home improvement, and I just got a 19" flat screen LCD TV that needed to be mounted. In addition, our master bedroom was in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint and a splash of color.
I got most of the room painted prior to Brent's arrival. What remained was buying a mounting bracket and moving the cable and power outlet to directly behind the mount point. To spare you the details, let's just say this turned into a multi-hour three night project. However, we are extremely happy with the results and very grateful for all Brent's guidance. Thanks Brent!
Before (with project details)
After (that's better)
Continue reading Comments (1) May.26.2008.