I read a news story today that really upset me. I don’t usually get into debating governmental or political stuff, but this one really made me wonder where this country is headed. (Read the story here.)
Apparently, our President has declared a state of emergency in Washington DC for the President-Elect’s inauguration! Why does this bother me? It bothers me because this event is already costing $15,000,000 in federal funds, and declaring a state of emergency allows the District to tap into FEMA funds, if needed. Apparently, they want to have the funds available in case they need assistance protecting the public, since their current resources could be expended due to the large crowds expected.
I realize that this is a historic event, and I realize that there is much excitement, high energy, and many expectations surrounding it. However, does the government really need to spend that much money (with the option of tapping into more) when so many people all over the nation are losing homes, jobs, etc. due to our economy’s downslide? With the state of our economy, I don’t see how anyone can justify spending that much money on a party...and that’s really what it is.
Whatever the reasoning behind it, I still think it's crazy. Not that I think $15,000,000 would really change our economy, but it would sure buy a lot of food!
I should just keep my mouth shut, but...
Changing my Thinking
Curt bought me a book for Christmas, one that I have wanted to read: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Then, a friend bought me a companion book: Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life. (Do you think they’re trying to tell me something?)
Now, for those of you who know me, you know that I love to read. Those of you who don’t know me now know that I love to read. However, I’ve recently been having trouble finding the time to read as much as I would like. For example, a few weeks ago, some members of our church started daily lectionary readings. I started out doing well, but then soon fell behind in the readings.
Now, after receiving these two books for Christmas, I have more reading to do. The Purpose Driven Life is meant to be read over a period of 40 days - one chapter per day. Then I have the daily lectionary readings - approximately five separate but short reading per day.
I talked to Curt last night and told him that I have made up my mind that I am going to do this. I need to take time each day to read and then reflect on what I have read. Although Curt isn’t a reader, he agreed to discuss what I read each day, if I want to. It always helps me to have someone to discuss these things - a partner, so to speak. I started The Purpose Driven Life on Monday, and I gave Curt a bit of a run-down last night of what the first two chapters were about. I plan to re-start the lectionary readings on Sunday (since the church bulletin lists the readings for the week on the back, and I missed church last week since we were on our way home from Myrtle Beach).
After my first three days of The Purpose Drive Life, I am finding that I’m already starting to ask myself some serious questions. There is a “Question to Consider” for day one that asks, “In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?” This question has been on my mind since I read it three days ago. I’m not even looking at it regarding “advertising.” This seems to be an “everything” deal. In everything…how do I remind myself that it’s about God and his plan, not me and mine? I’ve been told most of my life that I can do whatever I want to do, whatever I set my mind to…that kind of thing. Now I have to start retraining myself.
So, I’ve been thinking now for three days. How do I remind myself to put God first? What do I need to do to adjust my thinking? I am reminded of a line in a movie where the character talks about having to remind himself every day to get out of bed, breathe in and out, etc., but then he says that eventually, he will no longer have to remind himself to do these basic things.
Will it be the same way with this? After so much time spent trying to put God and His plan first, will it eventually become automatic? This is a whole new way of thinking for me!
I will probably be posting many questions like this as I go through these readings. Sometimes it helps me to type it all out and read through what I have written. Other times, it just makes me more confused. Feel free to add your input; I’m always open to suggestions!
Now, for those of you who know me, you know that I love to read. Those of you who don’t know me now know that I love to read. However, I’ve recently been having trouble finding the time to read as much as I would like. For example, a few weeks ago, some members of our church started daily lectionary readings. I started out doing well, but then soon fell behind in the readings.
Now, after receiving these two books for Christmas, I have more reading to do. The Purpose Driven Life is meant to be read over a period of 40 days - one chapter per day. Then I have the daily lectionary readings - approximately five separate but short reading per day.
I talked to Curt last night and told him that I have made up my mind that I am going to do this. I need to take time each day to read and then reflect on what I have read. Although Curt isn’t a reader, he agreed to discuss what I read each day, if I want to. It always helps me to have someone to discuss these things - a partner, so to speak. I started The Purpose Driven Life on Monday, and I gave Curt a bit of a run-down last night of what the first two chapters were about. I plan to re-start the lectionary readings on Sunday (since the church bulletin lists the readings for the week on the back, and I missed church last week since we were on our way home from Myrtle Beach).
After my first three days of The Purpose Drive Life, I am finding that I’m already starting to ask myself some serious questions. There is a “Question to Consider” for day one that asks, “In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?” This question has been on my mind since I read it three days ago. I’m not even looking at it regarding “advertising.” This seems to be an “everything” deal. In everything…how do I remind myself that it’s about God and his plan, not me and mine? I’ve been told most of my life that I can do whatever I want to do, whatever I set my mind to…that kind of thing. Now I have to start retraining myself.
So, I’ve been thinking now for three days. How do I remind myself to put God first? What do I need to do to adjust my thinking? I am reminded of a line in a movie where the character talks about having to remind himself every day to get out of bed, breathe in and out, etc., but then he says that eventually, he will no longer have to remind himself to do these basic things.
Will it be the same way with this? After so much time spent trying to put God and His plan first, will it eventually become automatic? This is a whole new way of thinking for me!
I will probably be posting many questions like this as I go through these readings. Sometimes it helps me to type it all out and read through what I have written. Other times, it just makes me more confused. Feel free to add your input; I’m always open to suggestions!
Chaos Takes Over
"The Baun Boys"(ha ha ha)
Wow. It seems like forever since I last posted. You know how it goes…our holidays got chaotic, and then, we decided to go to Myrtle Beach for New Year’s, to meet our new grandson, Logan, and to spend holiday with Curt’s kids…all three of them.In all the years that Curt and I have been a couple, I don’t remember any holiday where he has had all three of his kids together – and we’ve been together nearly 14 years. In fact, the last time we had them all together was for Scott and Jessica’s wedding several years ago.
We arrived in Myrtle Beach around 1:30 on New Year’s Eve. Ethan was napping, but we finally met Logan. I was so happy to finally rub his little head full of wild, dark hair. (Most of you know that since I first saw Logan’s picture, all I’ve wanted to do was rub that little head!) Even though we were tired from our trip, we stayed awake and celebrated the arrival of 2009 with Scott and Jessica.
The next day, New Year’s Day 2009, Curt enjoyed a poker game with Bill, Scott, and Cari. (Cari’s boyfriend, Victor, joined in later.) I was so happy for Curt to have this time with them. I don’t know if they realize what it meant to Curt for them to spend this time with him, even if it was only a couple of hours.
We spent the next couple of days just hanging out with Scott, Jessica, Ethan, Logan, and Cari (whenever she wasn’t working or sleeping, since she works nights). We even made it down to the beach for a short walk. You know me: I couldn’t be that close to the beach and not go for a walk, and I had never been to the beach in the winter.
Ethan warmed up to us a little more quickly this time. We were only there for 3 1/2 days (as opposed to 7 days last time), and Ethan was talking to us and even giving us hugs and kisses. Logan seemed to think that Grandpa was really funny. Curt seemed to be able to make Logan smile more than anyone!
We left on Sunday morning, before anyone else was even out of bed. We got home and spent the evening relaxing and reflecting on the wonderful time we had (despite the nasty wind during the drive down and the yucky weather driving home). Between Monday and Tuesday, we finally got our Christmas decorations down and put away.
There’s just so much more I could add, but I just realized that this is getting to be a long post. So, I’ll sign off by wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2009.
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