JerrikoBly's Xanga

Thoughts on College

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:47:39 GMT

Voddie Baucham has an interesting post on college alternatives here. I would like to hear your thoughts, dear readers, about his ideas, particularly the five points he raises. Please no one take offense. I am not advocating here; just a dad beginning to think through some of these issues as my children grow.

It boggles the mind

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:57:44 GMT

If you want to get an idea about what the stimulus plan will cost, check out this post. Our children's children will be paying off this debt.

Book Log January 2009

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:22:11 GMT

1. 20 and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

2. The Watsons by Jane Austen

3. Multiple Blessings by Kate Gosselin

4. Sanditon by Jane Austen

5. A Stubborn Darkness by Edward Welch

6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

7. A Mind to Murder by P.D James

8. Pop Goes the Weasel by James Patterson

9. The Architect by Keith Ablow

Ministry to Families

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:19:26 GMT

Here are some thoughts concerning the problems, models, assumptions, and practices revolving around ministry to families. I think one of the issues that is crucial to the discipleship of our children is the role of fathers. That is not to downplay the importance of moms but an absentee father versus an involved father can be pivotal, both for boys and girls.

Letter from a soldier

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:49:59 GMT

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve. I was made weak, that I might humble learn to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy. I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness, that I might feel my need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life. I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I among all men am most richly blessed.

- allegedly found on the body of an unknown soldier after the Battle of Gettysburg

God's Showcase of Covenant-Keeping Grace

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:25:21 GMT

Their fellowship is founded solely upon Jesus Christ and this "alien righteousness." All we can say, is: the community of Christians springs solely from the biblical and Reformation message of justification of man through grace alone; this alone is the basis of the longing of Christians for one another. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, 12)

In a word, live together in the forgiveness of your sins, for without it no human fellowship, least of all a marriage, can survive. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison, 31)

(from John Piper's This Momentary Marriage)

It's 10 o'clock. Do you know where your cat is?

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:04:12 GMT

I am no cat lover but even I find this to be a bad situation. I guess some local restaurant was getting rid of old stock. Just kidding.

Attention, all Harry Potter fans

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:58:54 GMT

This story shows fiction on the verge of becoming reality.

On Second Thought...

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:19:13 GMT

In a recent issue of Newsweek, Sharon Begley wrote an article about a new book that suggests that scientists, whom we suppose will change their minds when evidence undercuts their views, in actuality don't. The last paragraph stood out to me, particularly the last line.

Let's end on an up note. Like every other psychology researcher, Harvard's Daniel Gilbert believed that people are happier when they can change their minds. But in 2002 he and a colleague discovered that people are generally happier about irrevocable decisions: once you are locked into a decision, you tend to focus on its positive aspects and ignore the negative ones. But if you are allowed to change your mind, you ruminate on both the positive and negative aspects of the choice, which makes you less happy. Inspired by his findings, Gilbert proposed to his girlfriend. Since the "till death" vow makes marriage an (almost) irrevocable decision, the result is that "I love my wife more than I loved my girlfriend."

The World in which we live

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:20:07 GMT

This story is another one which just makes me sad. Not only the 22 year old's decision but be sure to see what her sister chose to do, as well.