On Raising Kids Gracefully

Though I’m not one for parenting books in general, Tim Kimmel’s Grace Based Parenting is a helpful take on what parenting by principle looks like. I liked his approach, perspective, and evaluation of what’s behind so much bad parenting advice today, namely fear. He writes:

“Parents armed with little more than a vibrant relationship with God [...]

Black Friday on the Farm

I’m doubtful many folks are checking blogs today, but if you are:

We had a great Thanksgiving here on the farm – fun with family, amazing food, some basketball, a star-filled evening hayride, a couple of naps
No one has so much as even mentioned doing a little Black Friday shopping
Megan and the girls are going to [...]

Writer’s Life

I rarely think of or introduce myself as a writer (that is, a Writer), but these are familiar nonetheless (#2 is my favorite, but watch them all to experience the process).

Not Even Jack Bauer Can Get Us Out of This One

Powerful episode of 24 Sunday night. “Redemption” caught us up with illegal expatriate Jack Bauer (played by Keifer Sutherland) coming to the aid of African children kidnapped to be made into child soldiers under a would-be dictator.
As always, the show’s story was straight out of news headlines, even including a presidential transfer of power in Washington, [...]

Review: The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

A couple weeks ago I read Tim Keller’s new book, The Prodigal God, a short – only 140 reduced-size pages – study on Jesus’ familiar story in Luke 15. Often called “The Parable of the Prodigal Son,” the parable, says Keller, is misnamed, as both sons are “prodigal” (or lost). Keller, however, goes on to argue [...]

1-800-OPINION

With the recent slate of Presidential-elect appointees, it appears we’re in for the Clinton Administration III for at least the next four years. I guess “Change” actually translates to “Rewind” in Obama-speak.
Just to keep things balanced, here’s a note to Republicans: Sarah Palin is not your girl to rebuild the GOP. I know she’s much more [...]

The Kids Are Growing Up

A thought crossed my mind this week that I’ll throw out to see if it sticks. For many of you, this may fall in the “I could care less” category, but since I spend a majority of my time with teenagers, I’m interested.
It seems to me there’s a major generational shift going on in the [...]

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Rock, Rock Again!

Got to get this (or its non-expletive version) into the epilogue of ThirtySomewhere. Consider these gems:
“Once I hit 40, man, there’s going to be no stopping me. Soon as the big birthday rolls around, I’m planning on starting that novel, opening my long-dreamed-of record store, and finally breaking into the experimental underground film scene. By the [...]

Faith’s Geography

Trying to finish up a reflection paper tonight. Here’s my intro:

Faith’s Geography
“Yahweh’s intention for his people (Israel) is that they enjoy the good life…the land comes to symbolize the life with Yahweh in ideal conditions, a quality of life which might be characterized as the abundant life.”
Dr. Elmer A. Martens, God’s Design: A Focus on Old Testament [...]

Cheap(er)

This morning on my way to school, I filled up our Oldmobile Delta ‘88 land yacht with 15 gallons of unleaded gas. The total price? $27, which works out to about $1.75 a gallon – the lowest I’ve seen in St. Louis all fall.
Let me use my “I remember when voice” for just a second: [...]

Conflict Resolution from the Six-and-Under Crowd

Overheard this afternoon from the bathroom (I have no idea what the issue was):
6-year-old: I’m telling.
5-year-old: I’m telling Mom.
6-year-old: I’m telling Mom AND Dad.
5-year-old: I’m telling the whole world.
Silence.
I doubt the issue was properly resolved, but they’re not arguing about it anymore. It’s amazing what the threat of public accountability does for the six-and-under crowd [...]

Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, here’s a link to a World War I blog I heard about on Public Radio International. Basically, a grandson has taken the time to type in his grandfather’s letters on the dates they were actually written during his service, documenting the latter’s experience throughout the so-called “war to end all [...]

Putting the “Part-Time” in “Part-Time Student”

My seminary education has perhaps reached the tipping point where the cost required in terms of money, time, and energy is beginning to outweigh the degree’s value theologically, professionally, and personally. God willing, I’m due to finish in May (at least with one degree), but I’m afraid I’m going to be disappointed by what I [...]

The People Have Spoken

Apart from the mainstream media practically falling over themselves in giddy delight to declare victory for Barack Obama, I enjoyed watching the returns last night. Thankfully, Obama was gracious in victory, John McCain was classy in defeat, and the sight of American flags (as opposed to partisan placards) in Chicago was a nice reminder that [...]

Election Day 2008

Feel free to share any good election day stories in the comments as well.

A Prayer for Our Next President

Reading some on the monarchy of Israel this weekend, I came across Psalm 72, a coronation prayer for the heirs of King David’s line (beginning with Solomon). Do yourself a favor and read the passage through in its entirety – it’s both beautiful and bold in its request for success in the task of ruling God’s [...]

The What and Why of How I’m Voting on Tuesday

In response to my previous post about bonding with Barry, a friend emailed to ask how I see things differently from Obama. Here’s his question:
“What do you disagree strongly about? I’m genuinely curious, meaning, your answers could shape my opinion because I value your insight. I’m probably going to vote for him, mostly because of [...]