Monday, April 21, 2008
World Malaria Day
This Friday, April 25 is World Malaria Day (in case you didn't know). Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that is caused by a tiny parasite and is spread by infected mosquitoes. It claims more than 1 million lives each year, mostly in Africa where there is a lack of education, mosquito nets, and access to treatment. Every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria, a preventable and treatable disease. We can make a difference. Please go to www.worldvision.org or www.compassion.com for more information on how you can help. Thanks!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Happy Earth Day
We went to an Earth Day celebration today in Savannah, which was a bit disappointing to me. Maybe we hit it at the wrong time when they were between events and interesting things. There was a stage set up for live performances, but all we were treated to was some hip hop artists (which did not quite correlate with saving the planet and going green in my mind). There were lots of informational booths and a place to bring your recyclables. And that's about all we saw. Bummer. Where were the Native American dancers, organic food booths, recycled junk art for sale, composting demonstrations, pagan/nature religion/Wiccan outreach booth, games for kids to teach them to turn off the lights when they leave a room or how to conserve water? They could have done so much... Alas! But it was a beautiful day to be outside anyway, and Anna and Will got to play on the playground and pet some dogs at the park.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Lucy's Veterinary Adventures
Last week Lucy, our adorable boxer mix, had 3 small tumors removed from different locations, and came home with stitches. That was Tuesday. By Thursday we had to return her to the vet because the stitches had come out on her back leg. The good doctor stapled her back together and bandaged her thigh so Lucy wouldn't bother it. Saturday morning found Anna, Will, Lucy, and me back at the vet's office again. Her bandage was sliding down her leg and the stitches had come out of her front leg! The vet replaced the bandage, gave me some antibacterial ointment to apply twice a day, and sent Lucy home wearing an "e-collar" so she cannot possibly get to her wounds.
Poor Lucy! Poor Will! He was afraid of the collar the first day and cried "collar off!" the whole time we were waiting to check out of the vet's office (and I couldn't pick him up because I had to hold onto Lucy who wanted to greet all the other people and dogs there!). Even now - 2 days later - Will yells "no, Lucy!" if she starts to head toward him. And I'm sure the collar is a bit intimidating to a little guy... Lucy can't maneuver it very well and gets caught on furniture and people. Eating, playing, climbing into her favorite chair... these have all become challenges to Lucy now, but at least her "boo-boos" will heal. Will even says "Poor Lucy! Poor Baby!"
Poor Lucy! Poor Will! He was afraid of the collar the first day and cried "collar off!" the whole time we were waiting to check out of the vet's office (and I couldn't pick him up because I had to hold onto Lucy who wanted to greet all the other people and dogs there!). Even now - 2 days later - Will yells "no, Lucy!" if she starts to head toward him. And I'm sure the collar is a bit intimidating to a little guy... Lucy can't maneuver it very well and gets caught on furniture and people. Eating, playing, climbing into her favorite chair... these have all become challenges to Lucy now, but at least her "boo-boos" will heal. Will even says "Poor Lucy! Poor Baby!"
Friday, April 11, 2008
American Idol Gives Back
Did you watch "American Idol Gives Back?" Yes, I admit to watching "American Idol"... I'm sure I'm not the target audience, but it's kind of my "junk food" tv. I know everyone's talking about Michael Johns today, who was unbelievably kicked off last night (yes, I was shocked and disappointed, too). But I really enjoyed the "Gives Back" show... I liked seeing a variety of performers and especially the clips of the relief work and needs around the world. It was a good reminder of what's going on "out there". I love Bono and all the good work he does to help the poor... too bad he didn't sing, though!
It was a moving show, but I was left scratching my head when it closed with the contestants singing "Shout to the Lord" with full choir. I heard the event praised by my local Christian radio station as a great testimony to God, but to me it seemed more like last-minute pandering to Christians to get their money. Call me a cynic. I'm all for praise that comes from the heart, but what is the statistical probability that all the contestants are believers? Not too good, I'm guessing. So is it appropriate for non-Christians to present praise/prayer songs, especially in such an emotional context as the "Gives Back" show, in a normally secular venue? It just didn't sit well with me. Maybe it was there because, in spite of all the harrassment Christians may take in the media, we do have a history for being generous and helpful to those in need. Regardless, to me it seemed like a last-ditch effort to tug at the heartstrings and the wallets. And in fact, I was moved to give... not to "American Idol", but to World Vision and Wycliffe Bible Translators, whose work and practices I know and trust.
It was a moving show, but I was left scratching my head when it closed with the contestants singing "Shout to the Lord" with full choir. I heard the event praised by my local Christian radio station as a great testimony to God, but to me it seemed more like last-minute pandering to Christians to get their money. Call me a cynic. I'm all for praise that comes from the heart, but what is the statistical probability that all the contestants are believers? Not too good, I'm guessing. So is it appropriate for non-Christians to present praise/prayer songs, especially in such an emotional context as the "Gives Back" show, in a normally secular venue? It just didn't sit well with me. Maybe it was there because, in spite of all the harrassment Christians may take in the media, we do have a history for being generous and helpful to those in need. Regardless, to me it seemed like a last-ditch effort to tug at the heartstrings and the wallets. And in fact, I was moved to give... not to "American Idol", but to World Vision and Wycliffe Bible Translators, whose work and practices I know and trust.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Freedom Rambling
It's been a while... I've been thinking about freedom. Of course, Easter is about freedom since Jesus died to set us free from the power of sin. The freedom is there for all, but we must receive it, embrace it, allow it to grow within us. And we live in the land of the free. "Live free or die!" quotes the CT license plate, honoring Patrick Henry. Our Founding Fathers' passion for freedom is what gave birth to this great nation (anyone watching "John Adams" or read the book? Wow!). We have amazing freedoms and opportunities all around us if we would just live them.
Why is it that so many people seem to be so complacent about freedom? Do we just take it for granted? Are we too lazy to really consider it? Do we prefer hand-outs and bondage because that's the known entity (I've heard that when slavery ended in the US, some former slaves just continued what they had been doing because that's what they knew and it was hard to make the mental adjustment to freedom all at once.)? Or are we just sheep?
How easily will we trade away our freedoms? Spiritually, will we trade a bit for legalism in the name of convenience (because maybe it's just easier to impose some well-planned rules than to always evaluate things)? Or maybe trade some freedom for reason so the faith doesn't sound quite so "wacky"? Economically, will we trade some freedom for some more socialism because the government does things so well (!) and has the best intentions (!) of taking care of everyone, which sounds so nice (right, comrade?)? Will we trade away a bit of freedom of speech to make sure no one feels "offended" (and we'll have no losers here, just victims apparently)?
Freedom comes at a price, but maybe someone else has paid for it so some of us don't fully appreciate its worth. Spiritual freedom, salvation, was paid for by Jesus' blood on the cross, and we receive it through faith, by grace, the end. American freedom has also been paid for by blood and sacrifice. We are born or immigrate into this American heritage - what do we contribute back as good citizens? Do our lives build upon the legacy we inherit, to strengthen it, to further "secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity"?
Or do we keep making trades of convenience? Reminds me of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here"... "Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?... a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage." When we're finished trading, what will be left?
Why is it that so many people seem to be so complacent about freedom? Do we just take it for granted? Are we too lazy to really consider it? Do we prefer hand-outs and bondage because that's the known entity (I've heard that when slavery ended in the US, some former slaves just continued what they had been doing because that's what they knew and it was hard to make the mental adjustment to freedom all at once.)? Or are we just sheep?
How easily will we trade away our freedoms? Spiritually, will we trade a bit for legalism in the name of convenience (because maybe it's just easier to impose some well-planned rules than to always evaluate things)? Or maybe trade some freedom for reason so the faith doesn't sound quite so "wacky"? Economically, will we trade some freedom for some more socialism because the government does things so well (!) and has the best intentions (!) of taking care of everyone, which sounds so nice (right, comrade?)? Will we trade away a bit of freedom of speech to make sure no one feels "offended" (and we'll have no losers here, just victims apparently)?
Freedom comes at a price, but maybe someone else has paid for it so some of us don't fully appreciate its worth. Spiritual freedom, salvation, was paid for by Jesus' blood on the cross, and we receive it through faith, by grace, the end. American freedom has also been paid for by blood and sacrifice. We are born or immigrate into this American heritage - what do we contribute back as good citizens? Do our lives build upon the legacy we inherit, to strengthen it, to further "secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity"?
Or do we keep making trades of convenience? Reminds me of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here"... "Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?... a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage." When we're finished trading, what will be left?
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