From Genesis 25-28
1. Like father, like son. It is interesting to see that Isaac does the same thing as his father Abraham did when he goes to live near Abimelech, king of the Philistines. Refer back to Genesis 20 if you don't remember Abraham's ordeal with Abimelech. And it was the second time Abraham ran into this problem. (Genesis 12:10-20) Abimelech was smarter this time, and was much more careful He waited and observed and then confronted Isaac.
2. Patience is truly a rare virtue. It is interesting to see that although Abimelech uncovered this deception by Isaac, he did not immediately send him away or treat him harshly. I suppose it was because he knew that Abraham had done the same types of things.
3. He is a weasel. If I were living when Jacob and Esau were alive, I would probably have called Jacob a weasel. He knows that his brother is hungry, and instead of being a caring brother that tries to help his sibling, he takes advantage of the situation. Then later, through deception and lies he steals his brother's blessing too.
4. It is interesting to see that God chose Jacob over Esau. This choice was before the birth of either, (see Genesis 25:23) but I suppose that a possible explanation might be that God knew that Esau would marry Hittites (Genesis 26:34-35)
Happy New Year, everyone!!! We celebrated by watching an episode of the Adams Family, and then watching the ball drop along with some friends from church.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Oh no! Not another promise!
From Genesis 21 - 24:
1. If I am not mistaken, at least some of the Arab nations are descended from Ishmael. This is where they come up with the idea that they are descendants of Abraham and why they believe that they are God's chosen people. It is interesting to see that God did indeed bless Ishmael by saying that he would make him into a great nation (Genesis 21:18) (Also there is reference to him in Genesis 17:20), though he was not the one that God was chosing as the ancestor of his "chosen nation".
2. It must have been hard for Abraham to offer up his only son. I know what it is like when just one of my four children gets sick. I am not giving them up or anything, but I worry about their little lives. And in this case Abraham is going to sacrifice Isaac, which is certain death. And it is his only child. Plus he has to take a couple of days to travel there with his son, so it was not like he could make the decision without really contemplating it. Three days of travel is a long time to consider things.
3. When Sarah dies, Abraham has to negotiate to purchase the land that he wants for a tomb. The negotiations are definitely not American-like in nature. When Americans say, "None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead" and then later say, "I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead, " we would take this to mean "Go ahead". But Abraham must've sensed that this was not really the case.
The other possibility is that Abraham wanted to make sure that he actually gave money so that later no one could just take back their promise.
4. Oh no! Not another promise! Abraham made his servant promise about getting a wife from the country where his ancestors lived. In that day, in order to swear an oath, they did not have a bible to swear upon. "So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master and swore an oath to him concerning the matter." Genesis 24:9 I sure am glad we don't make oaths this way anymore. Can you imagine what a court proceeding would be like? Sounds very uncomfortable!!!
That is another reason to thank God for giving us his word, the Holy Bible.
1. If I am not mistaken, at least some of the Arab nations are descended from Ishmael. This is where they come up with the idea that they are descendants of Abraham and why they believe that they are God's chosen people. It is interesting to see that God did indeed bless Ishmael by saying that he would make him into a great nation (Genesis 21:18) (Also there is reference to him in Genesis 17:20), though he was not the one that God was chosing as the ancestor of his "chosen nation".
2. It must have been hard for Abraham to offer up his only son. I know what it is like when just one of my four children gets sick. I am not giving them up or anything, but I worry about their little lives. And in this case Abraham is going to sacrifice Isaac, which is certain death. And it is his only child. Plus he has to take a couple of days to travel there with his son, so it was not like he could make the decision without really contemplating it. Three days of travel is a long time to consider things.
3. When Sarah dies, Abraham has to negotiate to purchase the land that he wants for a tomb. The negotiations are definitely not American-like in nature. When Americans say, "None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead" and then later say, "I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead, " we would take this to mean "Go ahead". But Abraham must've sensed that this was not really the case.
The other possibility is that Abraham wanted to make sure that he actually gave money so that later no one could just take back their promise.
4. Oh no! Not another promise! Abraham made his servant promise about getting a wife from the country where his ancestors lived. In that day, in order to swear an oath, they did not have a bible to swear upon. "So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master and swore an oath to him concerning the matter." Genesis 24:9 I sure am glad we don't make oaths this way anymore. Can you imagine what a court proceeding would be like? Sounds very uncomfortable!!!
That is another reason to thank God for giving us his word, the Holy Bible.
Gee thanks, Dad!
From Genesis 17 - 20:
1. Both Abraham and Lot have the same reaction to when they see the strangers. They immediately invited them in and went and prepared huge meals for these strangers. We like to host visitors to our house also, so I can understand this. However, if I were Abraham, I think I might get a little concerned when the guests started asking for my wife by name. Abraham seems to take it in stride pretty well.
2. Gee thanks, Dad!!! When the angels are staying at Lot's house, all the men of the city come and knock on the door and request that the guests be sent out so that they can have sex with them. If that isn't disgusting enough to make one want to move, I don't know what is! However, Lot's response is unthinkable. "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them...." Gee, thanks for your protection, Dad!! I am glad I was not one of his daughters.
3. Lot is pretty brave at first, and then really wimpy later. He begs the angels to allow him to flee to a small town nearby instead of fleeing to the mountains where the angels asked him to go. So they agreel. But then later, when he sees how complete the destruction was of Sodom and Gomorrah, he was afraid to stay in Zoar and fled the rest of the way into the mountains.
4. Again, Abraham lies about his relationship with his wife. It is interesting that here it specifically says that God spoke to Abimelech in a dream. This illustrates a couple of points. First, Sarah was definitely very attractive. Second, God was very much looking out for Abraham. And third, Abraham was definitely scared beyond the point where he could trust God.
It is interesting that God sticks up for Abraham before Abimelech, after Abraham had lied to Abimelech. I guess that shows that sometimes God understands our weaknesses and failings.
I found out today that our pastor is leaving to go back to Taiwan as a missionary in the coming year. I get the sneak preview because I am the translator.
Good for him! I hope he continues to listen to God's calling, if that is what God wants.
1. Both Abraham and Lot have the same reaction to when they see the strangers. They immediately invited them in and went and prepared huge meals for these strangers. We like to host visitors to our house also, so I can understand this. However, if I were Abraham, I think I might get a little concerned when the guests started asking for my wife by name. Abraham seems to take it in stride pretty well.
2. Gee thanks, Dad!!! When the angels are staying at Lot's house, all the men of the city come and knock on the door and request that the guests be sent out so that they can have sex with them. If that isn't disgusting enough to make one want to move, I don't know what is! However, Lot's response is unthinkable. "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them...." Gee, thanks for your protection, Dad!! I am glad I was not one of his daughters.
3. Lot is pretty brave at first, and then really wimpy later. He begs the angels to allow him to flee to a small town nearby instead of fleeing to the mountains where the angels asked him to go. So they agreel. But then later, when he sees how complete the destruction was of Sodom and Gomorrah, he was afraid to stay in Zoar and fled the rest of the way into the mountains.
4. Again, Abraham lies about his relationship with his wife. It is interesting that here it specifically says that God spoke to Abimelech in a dream. This illustrates a couple of points. First, Sarah was definitely very attractive. Second, God was very much looking out for Abraham. And third, Abraham was definitely scared beyond the point where he could trust God.
It is interesting that God sticks up for Abraham before Abimelech, after Abraham had lied to Abimelech. I guess that shows that sometimes God understands our weaknesses and failings.
I found out today that our pastor is leaving to go back to Taiwan as a missionary in the coming year. I get the sneak preview because I am the translator.
Good for him! I hope he continues to listen to God's calling, if that is what God wants.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
It's your fault!
From Genesis 12 - 16:
1. It is interesting that God promised Abram to bless him, and yet he was afraid of Egypt and the Pharaoh to the point that he was willing to lie about his relationship with Sarai.
2. I wonder what kind of diseases Pharaoh experienced as a result of taking Sarai into his palace? And how did he find out that Abram had lied about the relationship of Sarai to him?
3. Sarai must have been extremely beautiful, because the officials noticed Sarai and recommended her to Pharaoh.
4. Lot selected the more pleasing area, but it was full of sinful men. I hope that I select things based upon what God wants and not what looks pleasing to my eyes. (Looks can be deceiving.) It is interesting that Lot gets the chance to realize his mistake in choosing this area when the kings allied with Kedorlaomer take him and all of his stuff into captivity. Then Abram rescues him and his stuff! I am not sure why he did not see at that point that it was time to find another place to live.
5. It is really amazing that Abram and his 318 trained men were able to overcome the opposition when five kings could not do it. I am sure that this was due in part to the timing of the attack, because it was at night and the four kings were not expecting any attack at the time. However, I believe that the reason that the five could not overcome the four is because of the evil within their kingdoms, whereas Abram was living a righteous life before God.
6. In Genesis 15:16, it says that the sin of the Amorites had not yet reached its full measure, and that is why God did not give the land into Abram's control. (Read between the lines - There were likely still some followers of God in this nation at the time. Later God commands the Israelites to destroy them due to their sinfulness.)
7. It's your fault! In chapter 16, Sarai decides that she will not be able to have children, so she tells Abram to sleep with her maidservant to produce a child. Then when the maidservant gets pregnant and starts to despise her mistress, Sarai blames the consequences on Abram. "You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering..." I wonder how Abram felt. I can just hear the fight now. - "What??!! You were the one that told me to do this, and now its MY fault??!!! Whose idea was it anyways??!!" Abram was very wise in his response.
Reminds me of another time - "Adam, try this juicy, delicious fruit I picked for you. I think it tastes really good, and you should try a little. Never mind where I got it from."
I am very thankful that my wife is not this way.
1. It is interesting that God promised Abram to bless him, and yet he was afraid of Egypt and the Pharaoh to the point that he was willing to lie about his relationship with Sarai.
2. I wonder what kind of diseases Pharaoh experienced as a result of taking Sarai into his palace? And how did he find out that Abram had lied about the relationship of Sarai to him?
3. Sarai must have been extremely beautiful, because the officials noticed Sarai and recommended her to Pharaoh.
4. Lot selected the more pleasing area, but it was full of sinful men. I hope that I select things based upon what God wants and not what looks pleasing to my eyes. (Looks can be deceiving.) It is interesting that Lot gets the chance to realize his mistake in choosing this area when the kings allied with Kedorlaomer take him and all of his stuff into captivity. Then Abram rescues him and his stuff! I am not sure why he did not see at that point that it was time to find another place to live.
5. It is really amazing that Abram and his 318 trained men were able to overcome the opposition when five kings could not do it. I am sure that this was due in part to the timing of the attack, because it was at night and the four kings were not expecting any attack at the time. However, I believe that the reason that the five could not overcome the four is because of the evil within their kingdoms, whereas Abram was living a righteous life before God.
6. In Genesis 15:16, it says that the sin of the Amorites had not yet reached its full measure, and that is why God did not give the land into Abram's control. (Read between the lines - There were likely still some followers of God in this nation at the time. Later God commands the Israelites to destroy them due to their sinfulness.)
7. It's your fault! In chapter 16, Sarai decides that she will not be able to have children, so she tells Abram to sleep with her maidservant to produce a child. Then when the maidservant gets pregnant and starts to despise her mistress, Sarai blames the consequences on Abram. "You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering..." I wonder how Abram felt. I can just hear the fight now. - "What??!! You were the one that told me to do this, and now its MY fault??!!! Whose idea was it anyways??!!" Abram was very wise in his response.
Reminds me of another time - "Adam, try this juicy, delicious fruit I picked for you. I think it tastes really good, and you should try a little. Never mind where I got it from."
I am very thankful that my wife is not this way.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Man is evil, period.
From Genesis 8 - 11:
1. Genesis 8:21 states that every inclination of man's heart is evil from childhood. This ought to put to rest any question there exists about whether or not man is born with a sin nature. It is our sin nature that condemns us, not the sins that we have done (though they do not help our cause any).
2. From the time of Noah man was given the green light to eat meat. In fact, there were no distinctions made at this time between clean and unclean for mankind. The only regulations given were with regards to eating meat with the lifeblood still in it.
3. It is interesting that it states in chapter 9 that the "fear and dread of you (mankind) will fall upon all the beasts of the earth..." I wonder - before that - were the animals not afraid, or actually even friendly towards mankind? I am especially interested in this fact because I personally believe that dinosaurs existed before the great flood. This is the only time in which dinosaurs could have existed, because before the Genesis creation, the bible describes the earth as being formless and void, with water covering the face of "the deep". I personally believe that the flood was a result of the atmosphere's partial collapse (the atmosphere is comprised of large amounts of water, in addition to other things), and that this collapse changed the environment drastically, thus making it inhospitable to such large reptilian animals.
4. It is interesting that God says that the rainbow reminds him of his covenant with all of the earth. Does this mean that God would consider a flood again if it were not for the constant reminder sign? I assume that it is more of a symbol for a promise, but is not absolutely necessary for the promise to remain in force. Otherwise the sign would have more power than the promise itself. I believe that it is kind of like a wedding ring. Every time I see the ring on my wife's hand, I can think back upon the promise I made to her when we were married. But whether she wears it or not - or more importantly, whether I see it or not - my promise still is in force, because I have it in my heart. However, she can look at the ring and it will remind her of what is in my heart.
5. "I will demand an accounting from every animal." (Genesis 9:5) Does this mean that animals will have to give account for the other animals that they kill? Or that man will have to give an account for any animal that he kills? I assume that this means that man will need to give an account for any animal he kills. That would mean that God is not pleased when man kills an animal for pleasure or for sport, rather than for food or to further health and well-being of man.
1. Genesis 8:21 states that every inclination of man's heart is evil from childhood. This ought to put to rest any question there exists about whether or not man is born with a sin nature. It is our sin nature that condemns us, not the sins that we have done (though they do not help our cause any).
2. From the time of Noah man was given the green light to eat meat. In fact, there were no distinctions made at this time between clean and unclean for mankind. The only regulations given were with regards to eating meat with the lifeblood still in it.
3. It is interesting that it states in chapter 9 that the "fear and dread of you (mankind) will fall upon all the beasts of the earth..." I wonder - before that - were the animals not afraid, or actually even friendly towards mankind? I am especially interested in this fact because I personally believe that dinosaurs existed before the great flood. This is the only time in which dinosaurs could have existed, because before the Genesis creation, the bible describes the earth as being formless and void, with water covering the face of "the deep". I personally believe that the flood was a result of the atmosphere's partial collapse (the atmosphere is comprised of large amounts of water, in addition to other things), and that this collapse changed the environment drastically, thus making it inhospitable to such large reptilian animals.
4. It is interesting that God says that the rainbow reminds him of his covenant with all of the earth. Does this mean that God would consider a flood again if it were not for the constant reminder sign? I assume that it is more of a symbol for a promise, but is not absolutely necessary for the promise to remain in force. Otherwise the sign would have more power than the promise itself. I believe that it is kind of like a wedding ring. Every time I see the ring on my wife's hand, I can think back upon the promise I made to her when we were married. But whether she wears it or not - or more importantly, whether I see it or not - my promise still is in force, because I have it in my heart. However, she can look at the ring and it will remind her of what is in my heart.
5. "I will demand an accounting from every animal." (Genesis 9:5) Does this mean that animals will have to give account for the other animals that they kill? Or that man will have to give an account for any animal that he kills? I assume that this means that man will need to give an account for any animal he kills. That would mean that God is not pleased when man kills an animal for pleasure or for sport, rather than for food or to further health and well-being of man.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
So what has changed?
Today I was faithful in carrying out the second day of reading and entering the bible. I now have eight chapters of Genesis that I can search, as well as one chapter of Matthew from yesterday too.
My thoughts today are as follows - all from Genesis chapters 5 - 8.
1. With regard to the genealogy recorded in Chapter 5 - Wouldn't it be nice to live for 777 years? (I picked the person who died the earliest as the example.) Just think of all the things that you could accomplish in 700 plus years on earth.
2. There is always questions about what the Nephilim are (from chapter 6) and I have heard some say that they are descendants of men and angels mixed, or something to that effect. I wonder how that would work, especially since (as I understand it) angels are not sexed. It must be referring to something else. But what is interesting is that it states that these Nephilim were on the earth "in those days - and also afterward - ..." After what? The flood?? How could they have survived? I don't have the answer to this, just the question.
3. It is interesting how God characterizes the people of earth at this time. It says that every inclination of the thoughts of the heart of man was only evil all the time. It mentions this in verse 5, and again says something to this effect in verses 11 and 12. It states "...for the earth is filled with violence because of them..." Ever watched the evening news? Did the flood help? Has anything really changed from that time until now? We put Jesus to death, and we murdered all the prophets, and we continue to be a people full of violence, corruption, and evil. So I ask, "What has changed?"
4. It is something - how the bible describes God's feeling toward mankind - "...and his heart was filled with pain..." I do not want to be one of those who causes God's heart to be filled with pain. Rather, I want to be like Noah, who is described as righteous and blameless. This is shown even more clearly by the last verse of chapter 6, where it says "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." That is what I want to have said about me.
About the day today:
Ever notice how hard the day after a long weekend is harder than the usual Monday? Although the week between Christmas and New Year's does not count, since it is practically a holiday week, I still noticed that it is harder to get motivated since so many people are out of the office and on vacation. And if it were a regular business day after a long weekend, it would be impossibly stressful and busy.
My thoughts today are as follows - all from Genesis chapters 5 - 8.
1. With regard to the genealogy recorded in Chapter 5 - Wouldn't it be nice to live for 777 years? (I picked the person who died the earliest as the example.) Just think of all the things that you could accomplish in 700 plus years on earth.
2. There is always questions about what the Nephilim are (from chapter 6) and I have heard some say that they are descendants of men and angels mixed, or something to that effect. I wonder how that would work, especially since (as I understand it) angels are not sexed. It must be referring to something else. But what is interesting is that it states that these Nephilim were on the earth "in those days - and also afterward - ..." After what? The flood?? How could they have survived? I don't have the answer to this, just the question.
3. It is interesting how God characterizes the people of earth at this time. It says that every inclination of the thoughts of the heart of man was only evil all the time. It mentions this in verse 5, and again says something to this effect in verses 11 and 12. It states "...for the earth is filled with violence because of them..." Ever watched the evening news? Did the flood help? Has anything really changed from that time until now? We put Jesus to death, and we murdered all the prophets, and we continue to be a people full of violence, corruption, and evil. So I ask, "What has changed?"
4. It is something - how the bible describes God's feeling toward mankind - "...and his heart was filled with pain..." I do not want to be one of those who causes God's heart to be filled with pain. Rather, I want to be like Noah, who is described as righteous and blameless. This is shown even more clearly by the last verse of chapter 6, where it says "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." That is what I want to have said about me.
About the day today:
Ever notice how hard the day after a long weekend is harder than the usual Monday? Although the week between Christmas and New Year's does not count, since it is practically a holiday week, I still noticed that it is harder to get motivated since so many people are out of the office and on vacation. And if it were a regular business day after a long weekend, it would be impossibly stressful and busy.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Why bother?
I have decided that I want to try and read through the entire bible this coming year. I also want to see if I can put the entire bible into electronic format by entering it in VIM. If you don't know what VIM is, you need to google it. Hint: It is used by many who use Linux.
These are some observations and thoughts from reading the first four books of Genesis.
1. I noticed that after Cain kills Abel, he says essentially the same thing that just about every murderer says: "I didn't do it." Although he did not say these exact words, this is what he meant when he said "Am I my brother's keeper?" He knew what God was asking, and if he was smart, he probably also knew that God knew what happened. He did not deny the fact after God stated that he did it either. He only complained about his sentence. "My punishment is more than I can bear." I wonder if Abel felt that way about his punishment?
2. It is interesting that God protects Cain from being killed by others. When Cain says that anyone who meets him will want to kill him, God says that anyone who tries will be punished seven times over for this. Why does God protect Cain? It almost seems that God is not in favor of the death sentence, even though later he gives laws to the Israelite nation telling them that anyone who murders should be stoned to death.
3. The second half of Genesis four goes into great depth about what Cain's descendants did. It talks about some who became players of harps and flutes, as well as some who made all sorts of tools of iron and bronze. I suppose this is mentioned to show the contributions that his descendants made to the betterment of mankind - quality of life types of things.
4. Genesis four also talks about a descendant of Cain whose name was Lamech. Apparently he killed someone too, and he boasted to his wives about it. It seems to indicate that this type of behavior is somewhat of a passed on type behavior. Not only did Lamech kill someone, but he brags about his "invincibility" because of how God protected Cain, his ancestor.
5. Why did the writer of Genesis take all this extra time to tell of these people if their descendants are just going to die in a great flood. It is odd. I believe the purpose might be to show the validity and accuracy of this part of the bible. Typically, if there is an unimportant character in a story, you will not spend a whole lot of time to develop this character or give any detail about them, because they are not central to the story, nor are they used in any important way.
Today is Christmas day, and the kids have really enjoyed their stocking presents. Later we plan on going to visit an older gentleman who has no children and his wife is in the hospital. We will sing some Christmas carols to him and his wife. I hope they enjoy it. My heart goes out to people like this who have no family to speak of and are all alone. I think that God wants us to care for people like this.
These are some observations and thoughts from reading the first four books of Genesis.
1. I noticed that after Cain kills Abel, he says essentially the same thing that just about every murderer says: "I didn't do it." Although he did not say these exact words, this is what he meant when he said "Am I my brother's keeper?" He knew what God was asking, and if he was smart, he probably also knew that God knew what happened. He did not deny the fact after God stated that he did it either. He only complained about his sentence. "My punishment is more than I can bear." I wonder if Abel felt that way about his punishment?
2. It is interesting that God protects Cain from being killed by others. When Cain says that anyone who meets him will want to kill him, God says that anyone who tries will be punished seven times over for this. Why does God protect Cain? It almost seems that God is not in favor of the death sentence, even though later he gives laws to the Israelite nation telling them that anyone who murders should be stoned to death.
3. The second half of Genesis four goes into great depth about what Cain's descendants did. It talks about some who became players of harps and flutes, as well as some who made all sorts of tools of iron and bronze. I suppose this is mentioned to show the contributions that his descendants made to the betterment of mankind - quality of life types of things.
4. Genesis four also talks about a descendant of Cain whose name was Lamech. Apparently he killed someone too, and he boasted to his wives about it. It seems to indicate that this type of behavior is somewhat of a passed on type behavior. Not only did Lamech kill someone, but he brags about his "invincibility" because of how God protected Cain, his ancestor.
5. Why did the writer of Genesis take all this extra time to tell of these people if their descendants are just going to die in a great flood. It is odd. I believe the purpose might be to show the validity and accuracy of this part of the bible. Typically, if there is an unimportant character in a story, you will not spend a whole lot of time to develop this character or give any detail about them, because they are not central to the story, nor are they used in any important way.
Today is Christmas day, and the kids have really enjoyed their stocking presents. Later we plan on going to visit an older gentleman who has no children and his wife is in the hospital. We will sing some Christmas carols to him and his wife. I hope they enjoy it. My heart goes out to people like this who have no family to speak of and are all alone. I think that God wants us to care for people like this.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Game Day
Today would typically be game day in Columbus, where the guys enjoy a nice respite from the daily grind of constant work by taking time out to play some games during the shortened day. But I am facing a dilemma this year. It involves a very personal confession:
I love my job.
I know that sounds odd, even to me, because sometimes I hate the stress involved in what I do. However, I really do enjoy the job. Why? I guess because I like to be able to fix things, and I like to be someone who can solve a technical problem when it arises. I also like to be liked. And if I solve problems that people have, they like me.
Isn't that weird?
On another front, I purchased my Christmas present yesterday on-line. I decided that I wanted the plans to a DIY pedal-powered TV. Yep! Now the kids will not be able to sit idly by and watch TV - they will need to work for it! I can't wait to put it together. :-)
I love my job.
I know that sounds odd, even to me, because sometimes I hate the stress involved in what I do. However, I really do enjoy the job. Why? I guess because I like to be able to fix things, and I like to be someone who can solve a technical problem when it arises. I also like to be liked. And if I solve problems that people have, they like me.
Isn't that weird?
On another front, I purchased my Christmas present yesterday on-line. I decided that I wanted the plans to a DIY pedal-powered TV. Yep! Now the kids will not be able to sit idly by and watch TV - they will need to work for it! I can't wait to put it together. :-)
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Renewed Commitment
Today is probably going to be more of the same. I am extremely busy with work, but I guess I enjoy the excitement. However, the nagging question that I have in the back of my mind is this: What am I trying to accomplish in life?
I suppose everyone asks this question at some point in life, but I always am pondering this. I have a great job and I enjoy what I do. I am also doing well, at least from the feedback I am receiving. I am probably more successful than many are. However, is this really what life is about? Am I leaving the best kind of legacy for my children and their children? Am I setting the course of the family in the right direction? I want to be one who sets the family in the proper direction, not with respect to prosperity - though that is good - but with respect to spiritual things. I guess I want to know that my efforts turned our family into a beacon for Christ in the jungle of the self-seeking world. I also want to see that this type of influence does not just affect me and the immediate present, but that it affects the generations after me.
Another thought:
I am really blessed. I have a great marriage, a great job, many possessions, and lots of great friends. But not all are so blessed.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6951629397402742053&q=%22north+korea%22&hl=en
I would like to help at least one child like this that is so unfortunate. I think it would not only be good for the child, but also for our children to understand what other people in other places have to face.
I suppose everyone asks this question at some point in life, but I always am pondering this. I have a great job and I enjoy what I do. I am also doing well, at least from the feedback I am receiving. I am probably more successful than many are. However, is this really what life is about? Am I leaving the best kind of legacy for my children and their children? Am I setting the course of the family in the right direction? I want to be one who sets the family in the proper direction, not with respect to prosperity - though that is good - but with respect to spiritual things. I guess I want to know that my efforts turned our family into a beacon for Christ in the jungle of the self-seeking world. I also want to see that this type of influence does not just affect me and the immediate present, but that it affects the generations after me.
Another thought:
I am really blessed. I have a great marriage, a great job, many possessions, and lots of great friends. But not all are so blessed.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6951629397402742053&q=%22north+korea%22&hl=en
I would like to help at least one child like this that is so unfortunate. I think it would not only be good for the child, but also for our children to understand what other people in other places have to face.
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