Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Why I am supporting Ron Paul for 2012
I have chosen to support Ron Paul in the 2012 Iowa Caucus.
This is a departure from my typical, very "mainstream" political views. I supported Fred Thompson in the last caucus and supported President George W. Bush while he was in office. Below I will share my reasoning for supporting Ron Paul. By the way, I'm just raising a young family and working full time, so I don't claim to be an expert. But none the less, I will share my unsolicited opinion.
1. The country needs a dramatic shift and challenge to our long accepted assumptions. There are many good people running for President in this election. However, ask yourself, "How long will my candidate preserve the American experiment in representative democracy?" I trust no one but Ron Paul to make a drastic enough change from our current direction to actually extend the life of our republic. Some, like Mitt Romney, will only shift who the federal government empowers by shifting funding and his agenda to reward those whom he believes are worth rewarding. Some, like Rick Santorum, have a spot on Christian worldview which I share, but I am convinced could only move the ball 5 yards down the field for conservatism, which could quickly be undone by the next administration. I fear no one but Ron Paul would actually preserve America as the founders intended.
2. During this election cycle, I have stopped asking myself "Who holds my beliefs?" to "Who holds the beliefs of the founding fathers?" I like our military running all over the world and killing terrorists. But is this what our founders intended? Is this consistent with small government which is subject to the people? There's no question that Michelle Bachmann and Rick Santorum most mirror my lifestyle and beliefs. But is that the measure of a President? Are we just hiring the person who we most like personally? Or are we hiring the person who will serve us, the entire nation, best? Ron Paul has been consistent in supporting and upholding the Constitution.
3. We can not have a small, frugal, Constitutional government if that government is powerful enough and big enough to wage 5 or 6 undeclared, undefined foreign wars simultaneously. Did you ever consider that the only reason the actual attack on the Twin Towers happened because we failed to secure our homeland, not because we were policing ever cave on earth trying to eliminate any Muslim Jihadist? It's time we took a healthy interest in our country alone, strongly securing the borders and its security, and focusing on building up and empowering the people of this nation. Some candidates appear as if they would like to have active military conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Egypt, North Korea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, and anywhere else that a radical wants to kill off people who are free. If we engage in war with every nation that tolerates or shelters Jihadic Muslims, we will be at war indefinitely. We aren't the first to try military might against Jihadists, considering stopping Muslim Jihad by war has only been going on since the Middle Ages. In addition, the cold war wasn't won by waging war. It's time for this nation to start looking after itself as the Constitution intended, instead of misapplying Matthew 5:14. The church is to be the shining city on a hill, the light of the world, not the U.S. Let's make sure the United States is "safe for democracy" (safe from tyrant bureaucrats, regulatory agencies, and judges) before we worry about the rest of the world.
4. The same means by which the federal government uses to enforce pro-family policies can be used to enforce anti-family policies. If we leave our national morality to the government, and then allow 9 unelected tyrants to be the final authority on everything, pro-family advocates must win every election and appoint every judge. How has that been working out for the past 40 years? That has been pro-family advocates modus operandi for a generation, and at best we have kept things at status quo. If pro-family politicians lose ground, the same techniques can be used against us, to codify homosexual marriage, hate speech legislation, and protect abortion on demand. The reason why Ron Paul has made some of the statements on homosexual marriage he has is because it simply isn't the federal governments role to define marriage. Marriage has already been defined by God's law, and is clearly evidenced in natural law. Again, what I want (marriage defined as only between a man & a woman by the federal government) and what the we should do Constitutionally may be at odds.
5. Ron Paul is the only candidate who understands monetary policy, will audit the Fed, and will take us back to a commodity based currency instead of a fiat currency. In terms of preserving our country, this may be the most important point, but it's also extremely complex and something I don't know a lot about.
6. Beyond all this are some of his campaign talking points: Cutting 1 trillion dollars in spending year one. Him taking a salary as president of $39K, the median income in the US. Eliminating unconstitutional & wasteful federal departments, etc.
This is a departure from my typical, very "mainstream" political views. I supported Fred Thompson in the last caucus and supported President George W. Bush while he was in office. Below I will share my reasoning for supporting Ron Paul. By the way, I'm just raising a young family and working full time, so I don't claim to be an expert. But none the less, I will share my unsolicited opinion.
1. The country needs a dramatic shift and challenge to our long accepted assumptions. There are many good people running for President in this election. However, ask yourself, "How long will my candidate preserve the American experiment in representative democracy?" I trust no one but Ron Paul to make a drastic enough change from our current direction to actually extend the life of our republic. Some, like Mitt Romney, will only shift who the federal government empowers by shifting funding and his agenda to reward those whom he believes are worth rewarding. Some, like Rick Santorum, have a spot on Christian worldview which I share, but I am convinced could only move the ball 5 yards down the field for conservatism, which could quickly be undone by the next administration. I fear no one but Ron Paul would actually preserve America as the founders intended.
2. During this election cycle, I have stopped asking myself "Who holds my beliefs?" to "Who holds the beliefs of the founding fathers?" I like our military running all over the world and killing terrorists. But is this what our founders intended? Is this consistent with small government which is subject to the people? There's no question that Michelle Bachmann and Rick Santorum most mirror my lifestyle and beliefs. But is that the measure of a President? Are we just hiring the person who we most like personally? Or are we hiring the person who will serve us, the entire nation, best? Ron Paul has been consistent in supporting and upholding the Constitution.
3. We can not have a small, frugal, Constitutional government if that government is powerful enough and big enough to wage 5 or 6 undeclared, undefined foreign wars simultaneously. Did you ever consider that the only reason the actual attack on the Twin Towers happened because we failed to secure our homeland, not because we were policing ever cave on earth trying to eliminate any Muslim Jihadist? It's time we took a healthy interest in our country alone, strongly securing the borders and its security, and focusing on building up and empowering the people of this nation. Some candidates appear as if they would like to have active military conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Egypt, North Korea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, and anywhere else that a radical wants to kill off people who are free. If we engage in war with every nation that tolerates or shelters Jihadic Muslims, we will be at war indefinitely. We aren't the first to try military might against Jihadists, considering stopping Muslim Jihad by war has only been going on since the Middle Ages. In addition, the cold war wasn't won by waging war. It's time for this nation to start looking after itself as the Constitution intended, instead of misapplying Matthew 5:14. The church is to be the shining city on a hill, the light of the world, not the U.S. Let's make sure the United States is "safe for democracy" (safe from tyrant bureaucrats, regulatory agencies, and judges) before we worry about the rest of the world.
4. The same means by which the federal government uses to enforce pro-family policies can be used to enforce anti-family policies. If we leave our national morality to the government, and then allow 9 unelected tyrants to be the final authority on everything, pro-family advocates must win every election and appoint every judge. How has that been working out for the past 40 years? That has been pro-family advocates modus operandi for a generation, and at best we have kept things at status quo. If pro-family politicians lose ground, the same techniques can be used against us, to codify homosexual marriage, hate speech legislation, and protect abortion on demand. The reason why Ron Paul has made some of the statements on homosexual marriage he has is because it simply isn't the federal governments role to define marriage. Marriage has already been defined by God's law, and is clearly evidenced in natural law. Again, what I want (marriage defined as only between a man & a woman by the federal government) and what the we should do Constitutionally may be at odds.
5. Ron Paul is the only candidate who understands monetary policy, will audit the Fed, and will take us back to a commodity based currency instead of a fiat currency. In terms of preserving our country, this may be the most important point, but it's also extremely complex and something I don't know a lot about.
6. Beyond all this are some of his campaign talking points: Cutting 1 trillion dollars in spending year one. Him taking a salary as president of $39K, the median income in the US. Eliminating unconstitutional & wasteful federal departments, etc.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
"That doesn't change who I am as a Christian"
"That doesn't change who I am as a Christian." This quote is usually preceded by someone who is stating their defense of why they make certain choices.
The assertion is simple "I can do _______" and "________" doesn't change "who I am as a Christian." They are saying they can use profanity, or watch the latest raunch fest at the theater, and that in no way affects, changes, or says anything about their Christian faith. Years ago I remember a pop starlet saying "my sexuality has nothing to do with my (Christian) faith." Taken to it's logical conclusion, it's a complete separation of behavior and "faith." What's more disturbing is that many of these people are not only making these choices themselves, but are vocally promoting what they are doing and encouraging others to do the same.
I realize that we are all sick of Christians who pass themselves off as morally pure, yet are treasuring profanity, lust, hate, violence, and addictions in secret. But can't there be some sort of balance struck here? Does loathing hypocrisy mean that we should throw aside any association of faith and behavior? Is such a thing even possible (see James 2)?
Why can't we be people who are not yet perfect (and won't be this side of heaven) but are still pressing on towards the goal (Phil 3:12)? Can we both admit sins, faults, flaws, weaknesses, but at the same time not endorse or celebrate them?
Part of my overall struggle with genuineness has always been this: The tension between passing myself off as something I'm not for the sake of self-righteous pride, or just giving in and letting my sinful flesh rule and be evident to all. Of course, the option between these two fleshly extremes is Jesus Christ. He makes me positionally righteous, gives me the Holy Spirit so I can walk by the Spirit, and if I offer my body to him as a slave to obey, He will be at work eradicating my flesh and conforming me to His image (Rom 6:12-14; 8:29).
It's time we go back to admitting we are sinners saved by grace, and that grace is designed not just to get us into heaven, or be our "faith." God's grace is designed to invade our lives and take them over, so when people see us, they don't see us, but see Jesus Christ. If Christ is our life (Col. 3:4) it is impossible for our faith and outward behavior to be kept separate.
The assertion is simple "I can do _______" and "________" doesn't change "who I am as a Christian." They are saying they can use profanity, or watch the latest raunch fest at the theater, and that in no way affects, changes, or says anything about their Christian faith. Years ago I remember a pop starlet saying "my sexuality has nothing to do with my (Christian) faith." Taken to it's logical conclusion, it's a complete separation of behavior and "faith." What's more disturbing is that many of these people are not only making these choices themselves, but are vocally promoting what they are doing and encouraging others to do the same.
I realize that we are all sick of Christians who pass themselves off as morally pure, yet are treasuring profanity, lust, hate, violence, and addictions in secret. But can't there be some sort of balance struck here? Does loathing hypocrisy mean that we should throw aside any association of faith and behavior? Is such a thing even possible (see James 2)?
Why can't we be people who are not yet perfect (and won't be this side of heaven) but are still pressing on towards the goal (Phil 3:12)? Can we both admit sins, faults, flaws, weaknesses, but at the same time not endorse or celebrate them?
Part of my overall struggle with genuineness has always been this: The tension between passing myself off as something I'm not for the sake of self-righteous pride, or just giving in and letting my sinful flesh rule and be evident to all. Of course, the option between these two fleshly extremes is Jesus Christ. He makes me positionally righteous, gives me the Holy Spirit so I can walk by the Spirit, and if I offer my body to him as a slave to obey, He will be at work eradicating my flesh and conforming me to His image (Rom 6:12-14; 8:29).
It's time we go back to admitting we are sinners saved by grace, and that grace is designed not just to get us into heaven, or be our "faith." God's grace is designed to invade our lives and take them over, so when people see us, they don't see us, but see Jesus Christ. If Christ is our life (Col. 3:4) it is impossible for our faith and outward behavior to be kept separate.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Random thought on crime dramas
I can no longer handle TV or movie crime dramas. Yes, I have a family, and I can't handle shows that feature stories about those who kill their wives, girlfriends, husbands, children, or friends. I also don't like the shows about kidnapping. I don't find these story lines entertaining in the least. The who-done-it doesn't interest me, because usually the person who did it is the most disturbing perpetrator. Of course, they always do it for some reason that is beyond comprehension, and usually they are portrayed as a mentally ill, because no one ever does anything out of evil motives, just unmedicated motives.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Randomness
Three Whys:
Why is it that people pump themselves full of expensive supplements, versus actually occasionally eating fish and frequently eating vegetables?
Why does ABC run ads for their new aliens taking over the world drama during Charlie Brown specials?
Why is a** now an acceptable word to say on TV at any time of the day on any program, except the Charlie Brown special above?
Thoughts:
I am not a Wally World fan. Not for any reason besides being time consuming and having lousy service, but boy those clearance deals. The lawn and garden seasonal clearance is crazy cheap. I got Off Insect Repellent for .25. Random, but I was excited.
If Kelli and I ever build a personal home, we need accountability partners to make sure that we don't do stupid stuff. A co-worker and I were swapping stories and laughing hysterically about people who general their own houses. By the way, I'm not talking about anyone I know personally. They've all built cool houses people would actually want to buy.
Why is it that people pump themselves full of expensive supplements, versus actually occasionally eating fish and frequently eating vegetables?
Why does ABC run ads for their new aliens taking over the world drama during Charlie Brown specials?
Why is a** now an acceptable word to say on TV at any time of the day on any program, except the Charlie Brown special above?
Thoughts:
I am not a Wally World fan. Not for any reason besides being time consuming and having lousy service, but boy those clearance deals. The lawn and garden seasonal clearance is crazy cheap. I got Off Insect Repellent for .25. Random, but I was excited.
If Kelli and I ever build a personal home, we need accountability partners to make sure that we don't do stupid stuff. A co-worker and I were swapping stories and laughing hysterically about people who general their own houses. By the way, I'm not talking about anyone I know personally. They've all built cool houses people would actually want to buy.
Questions About Current Health Care Proposals
I'm just a guy sitting in the cheap seats, but I have some questions.
What federal programs are you satisfied with? Which ones deliver what they promise, and do it at or under budget?
When you have interactions with government employees, do you believe they have your best interest at heart, or do they deliver excellent service based on your ability to go elsewhere for the good or service you are coming to them for?
Do you believe that your survival on this planet is worth a financial investment? In other words, are you willing to fork over your own money to make sure that your life is preserved?
Exactly how is it that mandating that health insurance companies do things that they don't want to do because it negatively effects their bottom line bring down health care costs? If they have to cover people who have been irresponsible about their own health care, how will health care costs come down?
What is the name of the insurance company that owns their own Federal Reserve and can print its own money? What's the name of the insurance company that can require payment with automatic withdrawal with the power to fine or imprison behind that payment collection?
Who knows more about health care? You? A doctor? An insurance executive? A congressman?
What federal programs are you satisfied with? Which ones deliver what they promise, and do it at or under budget?
When you have interactions with government employees, do you believe they have your best interest at heart, or do they deliver excellent service based on your ability to go elsewhere for the good or service you are coming to them for?
Do you believe that your survival on this planet is worth a financial investment? In other words, are you willing to fork over your own money to make sure that your life is preserved?
Exactly how is it that mandating that health insurance companies do things that they don't want to do because it negatively effects their bottom line bring down health care costs? If they have to cover people who have been irresponsible about their own health care, how will health care costs come down?
What is the name of the insurance company that owns their own Federal Reserve and can print its own money? What's the name of the insurance company that can require payment with automatic withdrawal with the power to fine or imprison behind that payment collection?
Who knows more about health care? You? A doctor? An insurance executive? A congressman?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Brandstad vs. Culver. The facts on their differences.
There are stark differences between current Gov. Culver, and former Gov. Brandstad.
Brandstad has salt and pepper graying hair. Culver has redish/blond hair.
Culver's wife smokes. Brandstad's wife doesn't. Or not that we know of.
Culver has kids at home. Brandstad has grown children.
Culver likes to alienate his Union voter base, while Branstad (via Doug Gross), likes to alienate his Evangelical voter base.
Brandstad is Catholic. Culver is Presbyterian.
Culver hasn't raised taxes to cover a big budget. Brandstad has.
Branstad lives in West Des Moines. Culver lives in Des Moines.
Culver has a -D after his name. Brandstad has a -R after his name.
Culver hasn't expanded gambling in the state. Brandstad oversaw the origin and expansion of gambling in Iowa.
Culver's first name is "Chet." Brandstad's first name is "Terry."
Brandstad was in office when there was a major flood in Des Moines. Culver was in office when there was a major flood in Cedar Rapids.
I'm trying to think of more. Somebody help me out.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Some of my favorite customers
*Inspired by actual people and events* I hope this doesn't come across as complaining. I actually say this because these people are funny. And it would be good if we realized any tendency we have towards this ourselves.
The Engineer:
The engineer comes in and tells you he is considering building his own central vacuum. Yes, he's going to buy the parts on the Internet and the vacuum is going to take up most of one of the stalls in his garage. He rattles off a bunch of technical terms, to make himself feel smart and confirm your ineptness, therefore convincing himself (or more importantly, his wife) that he should build his own central vacuum.
The Snob:
The snob literally does keep their head at an upward slant at all times. They ask brief questions, tell you exactly what they want, and cut you off when you utter more than one short sentence. In between, they pepper in information about "their private secretary" or "at our house in Florida" or "or this stone is from Italy." When you call them, you always go to voice mail (or their private secretary) and they return your calls somewhere between 2 to 5 days later. Usually they are nice people, just superior to you in every way. The ones that aren't nice can literally make you feel like cursing or crying after every interaction.
The Nutty Negotiator:
NN: "Well Wal-Mart has the same TV for $999." Me: "Actually, they don't." NN: "Well, they've got TV's for $999." Me: I thought you were specifically looking for the XBR, and wanted it hung on a mount from your ceiling, with it connected to the satellite receiver and DVD player in the closet, with a remote that works through walls?" NN: "Well, all I know is that Wal-Mart has TV's for $999." Me: "You can buy that TV from Wal-Mart and we can install it the way we discussed." NN: "Why don't you have TV's for $999?" And so on.
The Small Town Builder:
The small town builder calls and asks for a bid on something. They ask you to e-mail it to them. You e-mail it. You call them to make sure they got the e-mail. They then tell you it's been a couple weeks since they got on e-mail. A week later you call again to see if they got the e-mail. They say they have. You don't want to insult them by asking them if they opened the attachment you referred to in the e-mail. Two weeks later, on Friday at 4:30 PM they call and say "Yeah, all that work you bid out for me, I need it done on Monday." You turn in the bid and somehow the guys are able to be out there on Monday. The next day you get a call. Small town builder is upset. "This isn't what we discussed." In the conversation you figure out that they didn't open the attachment that was the bid (they didn't understand "you will find the bid in the attached pdf" written in the text of your e-mail) and therefore everything is all wrong, because they never actually read the bid.
The Engineer:
The engineer comes in and tells you he is considering building his own central vacuum. Yes, he's going to buy the parts on the Internet and the vacuum is going to take up most of one of the stalls in his garage. He rattles off a bunch of technical terms, to make himself feel smart and confirm your ineptness, therefore convincing himself (or more importantly, his wife) that he should build his own central vacuum.
The Snob:
The snob literally does keep their head at an upward slant at all times. They ask brief questions, tell you exactly what they want, and cut you off when you utter more than one short sentence. In between, they pepper in information about "their private secretary" or "at our house in Florida" or "or this stone is from Italy." When you call them, you always go to voice mail (or their private secretary) and they return your calls somewhere between 2 to 5 days later. Usually they are nice people, just superior to you in every way. The ones that aren't nice can literally make you feel like cursing or crying after every interaction.
The Nutty Negotiator:
NN: "Well Wal-Mart has the same TV for $999." Me: "Actually, they don't." NN: "Well, they've got TV's for $999." Me: I thought you were specifically looking for the XBR, and wanted it hung on a mount from your ceiling, with it connected to the satellite receiver and DVD player in the closet, with a remote that works through walls?" NN: "Well, all I know is that Wal-Mart has TV's for $999." Me: "You can buy that TV from Wal-Mart and we can install it the way we discussed." NN: "Why don't you have TV's for $999?" And so on.
The Small Town Builder:
The small town builder calls and asks for a bid on something. They ask you to e-mail it to them. You e-mail it. You call them to make sure they got the e-mail. They then tell you it's been a couple weeks since they got on e-mail. A week later you call again to see if they got the e-mail. They say they have. You don't want to insult them by asking them if they opened the attachment you referred to in the e-mail. Two weeks later, on Friday at 4:30 PM they call and say "Yeah, all that work you bid out for me, I need it done on Monday." You turn in the bid and somehow the guys are able to be out there on Monday. The next day you get a call. Small town builder is upset. "This isn't what we discussed." In the conversation you figure out that they didn't open the attachment that was the bid (they didn't understand "you will find the bid in the attached pdf" written in the text of your e-mail) and therefore everything is all wrong, because they never actually read the bid.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Interesting Little News Story
I found this pretty interesting. I realize we would prefer that people saw abortion from a spiritual perspective, but pragmatism that saves a baby's life is still pretty good. Between stories like this, Abort73, and movies like Juno and Bella, we might be making some real progress on this. As Abort73 explains, the only audience that needs to change their opinion about abortion is women at or before child-bearing age. Of course, that assumes the pro-life movement is actually about saving babies and protecting women, not gaining ground or funds for a certain political party or its politicians.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Favorite Birthday Free Stuff
These deals are all free. Not buy one, get one. Just free. I've enjoyed all three this year, and now it's time to get back to eating right.
Red Robin Free burger for your birthday. They give you about a week to use the coupon. Dine in only.
Ruby Tuesday Free burger for your birthday. Also about a week to use the coupon. Dine in or carry out.
Cold Stone Creamery Free scoop with stuff in it. Paying full price at this place is just crazy, but free is always good. If you are a 31 year old man, by yourself, and the girl behind the counter asks you if you want them to sing, the correct answers is always "no."
Red Robin Free burger for your birthday. They give you about a week to use the coupon. Dine in only.
Ruby Tuesday Free burger for your birthday. Also about a week to use the coupon. Dine in or carry out.
Cold Stone Creamery Free scoop with stuff in it. Paying full price at this place is just crazy, but free is always good. If you are a 31 year old man, by yourself, and the girl behind the counter asks you if you want them to sing, the correct answers is always "no."
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
On Authenticity
*If you think this is specifically about you, it probably isn't. I have been contemplating these things for years, writing a blog like this for months, and now have finally written it.*
This is a struggle I have had, and my wife has had. Authenticity. Being who you are.
I grew up in a wonderful, Christian family. As a kid, I saw how people respected my parents and the way they people would come into our household and enjoy the love, freedom, structure, and reliability of it. My parents were not legalistic. Rules were few, and I knew the focus was on God, not on my parents. Somehow, though, I really struggled with self-righteousness. Probably because that is the core of our sin problem..."I can do this myself." As some of you know, when I was about 13 I went through some radical changes, and my faith in Jesus Christ become personal, not just something I knew, or believed, but something that was all-encompassing.
So, over the next couple years I believe God led me to actually take what I believed seriously. If the Bible says "(blank)" than "(blank)" is true and my life needs to be brought into conformity with that reality. I quickly become someone who was searching out truth, and then, usually prematurely, wanting to share that truth with others. Most of us have been there. We learn something, and want to share it with everyone, before, perhaps, it has even taken root in our own lives. In high school I was annoying most of the time. Teenage insecurities and an often hap-hazard passion for God blended into a nice little Pharisee, most of the time. Being a vocal "leader" on spiritual things shored up insecurities with my peers. At least I was good for something. I hope and pray that God broke through on some of the things I said and did, and made some of it useful for something, but I'm sure a lot of it was in vain.
The goal was simple. Strive for the righteous requirement, take comfort and security from any "good" stuff I did, and make sure that I didn't get caught sinning. Yes, people like me struggle, but we admit to stuff like "not spending enough time with the Lord" or "not praying enough." Not stuff like lust, bitterness, jealousy, hatred, slander, and covetousness. Was I always like this? No. Did I ever go to others in honesty, and really pour out who I was, and how imperfect I was? Yes. In private. In big dramatic moments. But I had to cover, cover, cover my daily ongoing struggle with the flesh. Be nice. Say all the right things. Think those profanes words and thoughts, just don't say them. Don't act on them.
I don't have it figured out yet. I know this, Christ in me is the only hope of glory. I want to be a person of integrity. Not because my behavior is flawless. But because my beliefs, thoughts, and actions are all consistent with each other. No acts. No shows. We know from Jesus that our outward words and actions flow out of our hearts (Mt 15:18). The essence of being a Pharisee is stifling anything bad from coming out in public, while pointing out the righteous standard to others, and holding them accountable to keep it. All the while, the inside of the cup is filthy. I want Christ to be formed in me. I want His resurrected life to be what people see when they look at me. I want to be conformed to the image of His Son. And when conduct that looks like Jesus comes out of me, I want it to originate with His life, not my desire to produce my own righteousness that I can feel good about.
Something really ironic happened yesterday (4 days ago, now that I am posting this). I was contemplating writing this blog, and specifically about how good little Christians think swear words, but never say them. About 30 seconds later, as I was driving, two teenage girls started crossing E. 14th (for those of you not from here, that's a major 4 lane highway through town). They just started walking, and all of us got to slow down, or stop, so they could walk across the street. I believe the exact words I said were "frickin idiots!" Oh yes, the Christianized f word and "idiot," a word that Jesus said is bad enough to condemn me to eternal, unquenchable, hell fire (Mt. 5:22). I don't think I would have said that if anyone else was in the car. Maybe my wife, but then it would have been under my breath.
The point is this. I want my behavior to mirror my heart. Authenticity. If something good comes out, it is by the grace of God. If something bad comes out, it is evidence that there's a raging sinful flesh still inside of me. God still has work to do on me, and I don't want to act like He doesn't. Do I just let whatever fly that comes to mind? Of course not. There's something to be said for being wise, not to mention polite. But there's a big difference between being polite and being a Pharisee. Yes, I still have self-righteous tendencies, so even writing this is dangerous because there's some accountability that comes with it. Just thought I would share something that's been on my mind for a long time now.
This is a struggle I have had, and my wife has had. Authenticity. Being who you are.
I grew up in a wonderful, Christian family. As a kid, I saw how people respected my parents and the way they people would come into our household and enjoy the love, freedom, structure, and reliability of it. My parents were not legalistic. Rules were few, and I knew the focus was on God, not on my parents. Somehow, though, I really struggled with self-righteousness. Probably because that is the core of our sin problem..."I can do this myself." As some of you know, when I was about 13 I went through some radical changes, and my faith in Jesus Christ become personal, not just something I knew, or believed, but something that was all-encompassing.
So, over the next couple years I believe God led me to actually take what I believed seriously. If the Bible says "(blank)" than "(blank)" is true and my life needs to be brought into conformity with that reality. I quickly become someone who was searching out truth, and then, usually prematurely, wanting to share that truth with others. Most of us have been there. We learn something, and want to share it with everyone, before, perhaps, it has even taken root in our own lives. In high school I was annoying most of the time. Teenage insecurities and an often hap-hazard passion for God blended into a nice little Pharisee, most of the time. Being a vocal "leader" on spiritual things shored up insecurities with my peers. At least I was good for something. I hope and pray that God broke through on some of the things I said and did, and made some of it useful for something, but I'm sure a lot of it was in vain.
The goal was simple. Strive for the righteous requirement, take comfort and security from any "good" stuff I did, and make sure that I didn't get caught sinning. Yes, people like me struggle, but we admit to stuff like "not spending enough time with the Lord" or "not praying enough." Not stuff like lust, bitterness, jealousy, hatred, slander, and covetousness. Was I always like this? No. Did I ever go to others in honesty, and really pour out who I was, and how imperfect I was? Yes. In private. In big dramatic moments. But I had to cover, cover, cover my daily ongoing struggle with the flesh. Be nice. Say all the right things. Think those profanes words and thoughts, just don't say them. Don't act on them.
I don't have it figured out yet. I know this, Christ in me is the only hope of glory. I want to be a person of integrity. Not because my behavior is flawless. But because my beliefs, thoughts, and actions are all consistent with each other. No acts. No shows. We know from Jesus that our outward words and actions flow out of our hearts (Mt 15:18). The essence of being a Pharisee is stifling anything bad from coming out in public, while pointing out the righteous standard to others, and holding them accountable to keep it. All the while, the inside of the cup is filthy. I want Christ to be formed in me. I want His resurrected life to be what people see when they look at me. I want to be conformed to the image of His Son. And when conduct that looks like Jesus comes out of me, I want it to originate with His life, not my desire to produce my own righteousness that I can feel good about.
Something really ironic happened yesterday (4 days ago, now that I am posting this). I was contemplating writing this blog, and specifically about how good little Christians think swear words, but never say them. About 30 seconds later, as I was driving, two teenage girls started crossing E. 14th (for those of you not from here, that's a major 4 lane highway through town). They just started walking, and all of us got to slow down, or stop, so they could walk across the street. I believe the exact words I said were "frickin idiots!" Oh yes, the Christianized f word and "idiot," a word that Jesus said is bad enough to condemn me to eternal, unquenchable, hell fire (Mt. 5:22). I don't think I would have said that if anyone else was in the car. Maybe my wife, but then it would have been under my breath.
The point is this. I want my behavior to mirror my heart. Authenticity. If something good comes out, it is by the grace of God. If something bad comes out, it is evidence that there's a raging sinful flesh still inside of me. God still has work to do on me, and I don't want to act like He doesn't. Do I just let whatever fly that comes to mind? Of course not. There's something to be said for being wise, not to mention polite. But there's a big difference between being polite and being a Pharisee. Yes, I still have self-righteous tendencies, so even writing this is dangerous because there's some accountability that comes with it. Just thought I would share something that's been on my mind for a long time now.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
It's sad when something that should be self evident is controversial
A recent dialog I had has me thinking about fatherless children. It's amazing how culturally we believe that it is fine for children to be raised without fathers, but not okay for children to be raised without mothers. Of course, mothers are soon also going to be unnecessary, too.
This is my source, and these stats are kind of old.
This is my source, and these stats are kind of old.
63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes.
[U. S. D.H.H.S. Bureau of the Census]
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes.
- 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes.
[Center for Disease Control]
- 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes.
[Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol. 14 p. 403-26]
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes.
[National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools]
- 70% of juveniles in state operated institutions come from fatherless homes
[U.S. Dept. of Justice, Special Report, Sept., 1988]
- 85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home.
[Fulton County Georgia Jail Populations and Texas Dept. of Corrections, 1992]
- Nearly 2 of every 5 children in America do not live with their fathers.
[US News and World Report, February 27, 1995, p.39]
What does this mean? Children from fatherless homes are:
4.6 times more likely to commit suicide,
- 6.6 times to become teenaged mothers (if they are girls, of course),
- 24.3 times more likely to run away,
- 15.3 times more likely to have behavioral disorders,
- 6.3 times more likely to be in a state-operated institutions,
- 10.8 times more likely to commit rape,
- 6.6 times more likely to drop out of school,
- 15.3 times more likely to end up in prison while a teenager.
Friday, July 24, 2009
I'm currently out of the office rant
I am blown away that a sales rep for a vendor does not leave an "out of office" message on his voicemail or e-mail, nor does he check either one. I am not one of these people who expect you to return my call or e-mail within 30 seconds of getting it, but come on. No out of office message!? While I have a six figure bid I'm working on using their products. Then I find out their offices close at 1:30 on Fridays. Either they have a very high opinion of themselves and a long weekend or they have to cut hours and don't want to tell anyone.
Friday, July 17, 2009
How I contact my Congressmen
Leonard Boswell 202-225-3806
Charles Grassley 202-224-3744
Tom Harkin 202-224-3254
The numbers above are for their D.C. offices. I call during business hours. I tell the person that answers the phone that I am a constituent and I want to give my opinion on an issue. They say, "ok" and I say what I think about given legislation. If they aren't being rude, they get my name and address and I receive a written form letter back.
This is how I do it. I'm sure some of you look up the bill numbers and all of that. I figure they know what I'm talking about when I name a very specific piece of legislation ("the health care bill that recently passed out of House committee").
Your cell phone has no long distance charges, it takes about 2 minutes to do, so there's no excuse for not doing it. I always contact them regardless of their position or party.
Charles Grassley 202-224-3744
Tom Harkin 202-224-3254
The numbers above are for their D.C. offices. I call during business hours. I tell the person that answers the phone that I am a constituent and I want to give my opinion on an issue. They say, "ok" and I say what I think about given legislation. If they aren't being rude, they get my name and address and I receive a written form letter back.
This is how I do it. I'm sure some of you look up the bill numbers and all of that. I figure they know what I'm talking about when I name a very specific piece of legislation ("the health care bill that recently passed out of House committee").
Your cell phone has no long distance charges, it takes about 2 minutes to do, so there's no excuse for not doing it. I always contact them regardless of their position or party.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Christian Business Man
I resist the notion of being a Christian business man. I resist the idea of marketing myself as a Christian business man, or expecting people to trust me based on the fact that I am a Christian. Part of this is just my rebellion against silly Evangelical trends, like "Christian Business Directories" or those don't do business with unbelievers. Some who market themselves as Christian business people are actually some of the most shady people you have ever met.
So I have these wonderful customers right now. They have made it evident they are Christians. They are just great people, in both a business and personal sense it seems. I keep being tempted to drop a line about my faith, as some sort of connection to them. However, as I said above, I just have this aversion to do this. Now, if this is for genuine motives, this is because I want my actions to be so evident of Christ, that people come to this conclusion on their own. Sometimes I've shared about it after we are done doing business. Then they are judging me on the results, and not on a sales ploy to try to building my credibility.
Just thinking out loud.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I can't sell ice to Eskimos *Kind of personal. If you actually know me, you might care*
At times like this I wish I was one of those natural born salespeople. People that could sell ice to Eskimos, not only sell it, but for a high margin, with plenty of commission in it for themselves.
I am a salesperson. I sell stuff. I find out what my client is after, I bid/design/draw/specify it, and see if I can get them their desired solution for a price they are willing to pay. I only put food on the table when I sell stuff. I have a little product management position, which brings in a fraction of a poverty level income.
Right now it is really hard to be a salesperson, period. Add to that the fact that the products I offer I heavily tied to the housing market. Add to that the fact that my largest client, Regency Homes, collapsed last year, under the weight of clueless, reckless, foolish management. The homes that are moving in this market tend to be bare bones, hardly the type of homes that require all the goodies we offer.
My identity is not wrapped up in being a salesperson. It is my job, my career of choice, not who I am.
I do what I do with, God willing, integrity. I don't jack up one person's price and cut an other's based on my perception of their income or likelihood of buying. I try to earn repeat customer's business not because I know the name of their kid's little league team, but because I deliver on what I said I would, on time, for the quoted price, and I take care of any issues by fighting for my clients when they need service after the sale. To whatever degree I do this, I credit God, because anything good I do in this life originates with Him.
So, the problem. Right now, this career of choice, that I've had at A Tech / Easy Living for 8 years doesn't seem to be enough to live on, in the manner my wife and I have chosen to live. We don't live extravagantly, but we don't have to have two cars, go on an annual vacation, or own two computers. Kelli does work catering some, and recently became a representative for Premier Designs. I'm really not sure what to do.
The easy answer is, "sell more." But since I can't sell ice to Eskimos, it can be difficult for me. I need people who are interested in buying. Unlike some salespeople, I can't use the force of my personality to talk an uninterested person in to buying something from me, nor would I want to, because I don't think I could sleep at night.
I know their are habits I could change. Small things I could do. Our management is pretty loose. They only babysit you when you prove you can't go it alone. No one is looking over my shoulder making sure I do the little things that might help me be a better salesperson.
I guess I'm just sharing what's going on. Nothing really profound, just sharing.
I am a salesperson. I sell stuff. I find out what my client is after, I bid/design/draw/specify it, and see if I can get them their desired solution for a price they are willing to pay. I only put food on the table when I sell stuff. I have a little product management position, which brings in a fraction of a poverty level income.
Right now it is really hard to be a salesperson, period. Add to that the fact that the products I offer I heavily tied to the housing market. Add to that the fact that my largest client, Regency Homes, collapsed last year, under the weight of clueless, reckless, foolish management. The homes that are moving in this market tend to be bare bones, hardly the type of homes that require all the goodies we offer.
My identity is not wrapped up in being a salesperson. It is my job, my career of choice, not who I am.
I do what I do with, God willing, integrity. I don't jack up one person's price and cut an other's based on my perception of their income or likelihood of buying. I try to earn repeat customer's business not because I know the name of their kid's little league team, but because I deliver on what I said I would, on time, for the quoted price, and I take care of any issues by fighting for my clients when they need service after the sale. To whatever degree I do this, I credit God, because anything good I do in this life originates with Him.
So, the problem. Right now, this career of choice, that I've had at A Tech / Easy Living for 8 years doesn't seem to be enough to live on, in the manner my wife and I have chosen to live. We don't live extravagantly, but we don't have to have two cars, go on an annual vacation, or own two computers. Kelli does work catering some, and recently became a representative for Premier Designs. I'm really not sure what to do.
The easy answer is, "sell more." But since I can't sell ice to Eskimos, it can be difficult for me. I need people who are interested in buying. Unlike some salespeople, I can't use the force of my personality to talk an uninterested person in to buying something from me, nor would I want to, because I don't think I could sleep at night.
I know their are habits I could change. Small things I could do. Our management is pretty loose. They only babysit you when you prove you can't go it alone. No one is looking over my shoulder making sure I do the little things that might help me be a better salesperson.
I guess I'm just sharing what's going on. Nothing really profound, just sharing.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Normal Names with Unique Spellings
Parents, before you decide to make your child's name unique by giving a common name a unique spelling, please be aware that your child's educators and business ties may spell their name wrong indefinitely. There's nothing like finding out that I spelled a common first name wrong all along because I mistakenly thought I knew how to spell it. And yes, I know to ask about Ann(e), K(c)athy, Jo(h)n, and Bri(y)an. I also generally don't like names with like 18 different spellings, like Alycia. It's like if I spelled my name Tod. I'd either need to spell it for everyone or just accept that everyone spelled it Todd.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Free Lunch
So, there is a little secret a lot of us don't realize.
The city of Des Moines offers free lunch in several of the major city parks on weekdays. The program is there to feed needy kids.
My wife has gotten a free lunch for Elena on a couple of occasions. Sounds fine. Nice. Free lunch. They are strict about the food distribution, and make you dispose of any uneaten food. No one can take anything home...it's better to throw in the trash than to let you take it home.
So, I gave it a little thought, and then threw this out to her. Government programs are funded and perpetuated to whatever degree they are utilized. If they give out 100 free lunches at Union Park, then that means 100 needy kids needed lunch. Right? The only problem is, how many of these kids need a lunch? It's convenient. And it's free. But is it needed? Does Mom not have any food at home, or no ability to pack a lunch? In my neighborhood, at Union Park, it looks like there are people this needy. But what about the kids whose parents could pack a lunch, and just don't do it?
I know most of you reading this blog are conservatives. Do you take the lunch? Do you realize you're really being just a tad bit hypocritical by accepting a government hand out that isn't even needed. And for the handful of liberals who look at this...doesn't it seem wrong that kids in need and kids who have plenty are both getting free lunches. One out of poverty, the other out of convenience?
The city of Des Moines offers free lunch in several of the major city parks on weekdays. The program is there to feed needy kids.
My wife has gotten a free lunch for Elena on a couple of occasions. Sounds fine. Nice. Free lunch. They are strict about the food distribution, and make you dispose of any uneaten food. No one can take anything home...it's better to throw in the trash than to let you take it home.
So, I gave it a little thought, and then threw this out to her. Government programs are funded and perpetuated to whatever degree they are utilized. If they give out 100 free lunches at Union Park, then that means 100 needy kids needed lunch. Right? The only problem is, how many of these kids need a lunch? It's convenient. And it's free. But is it needed? Does Mom not have any food at home, or no ability to pack a lunch? In my neighborhood, at Union Park, it looks like there are people this needy. But what about the kids whose parents could pack a lunch, and just don't do it?
I know most of you reading this blog are conservatives. Do you take the lunch? Do you realize you're really being just a tad bit hypocritical by accepting a government hand out that isn't even needed. And for the handful of liberals who look at this...doesn't it seem wrong that kids in need and kids who have plenty are both getting free lunches. One out of poverty, the other out of convenience?
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