Lots on my mind, here we go:
- I am loving my time in Missouri. The views alone make this trip worth it. Even though I feel like I am barely in Missouri, it is absolutely gorgeous. It's easy to understand why the Mormons thought this was the Promised Land when they settled here in the 1900's. You don't need the seeing stones to see the beauty here.
- I have had a cherry lime-aid every day I have been here. It is fantastic. Michigan needs a Sonic.
- Ever heard of IMO's pizza? A unique pizza place that uses provolone cheese (sp?) instead of mozzarella with delicious results. I'm eating quite well.
- Movies. I am staying with the Sleights and they utilize Netflix, the popular movie home delivery system. It's pretty cool. Movies we've watched while I've been here:
1) Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Seen it, already recommended by me.
2) Planet Terror: This movie was ridiculous. One of those you watch at 2 in the morning with a group of friends and just be ready for something stupid. Is probably a cult classic. So stupid it's funny, high on gore. Watch at your own risk.
3) 88 Minutes: Great suspense/thriller. I recommend it.
4) Hulk: Finally saw it. Very well done. Loved the use of the original Hulk piano theme. See it if you haven't.
- Politics. I got an E-Mail in my inbox this morning. I read it and disliked it. After seeing similar things on the internet in various places I feel compelled to make one belief of mine ABSOLUTELY clear.
Please do not say who you are voting for then call it serving God's will. Frankly it's unbiblical and offensive. Do not pray for one candidate to get the office over the other. How about we pray that God guides whoever gets it. Last I checked God's will was not to vote "His candidate" into office. Last I checked God's will was to serve the poor, the needy, the oppressed. Last I checked God's will was to share his love and advance the Gospel to the four corners of the Earth.
Am I saying don't vote? By no means. Do your civic duty. Do it with pride. Am I saying don't pray about it? Not at all. Pray for wisdom and do all the research you can if you haven't already. All I'm saying is don't call it something it's not. Vote and get back to serving God. In fact, serve God while you're voting. Long lines, long waiting times, a God-like attitude is sure to encourage people on a day when stress could be quite high. Don't miss your opportunity.
(Political comments/opinions of specific candidates will be deleted at my discretion if they are left. You've been warned.)
- If I may rant a bit further, for some reason I don't like it when people tell others who they are voting for. I can't explain it but something about it just rubs me the wrong way. My father is a county magistrate, and must always be impartial in all hearings and duties that he performs. He thinks it is inappropriate to discuss who he is voting for because it shatters that responsibility. I've always respected him for it and agreed with it. For me personally as an aspiring youth minister I've decided to place the same responsibility on myself. As a leader I do not want to use my position to sway anyone, whether intentional or not. Perhaps I've subconsciously forced that ideal on others. I mean, what is the purpose of sharing your decision? I don't mean this to criticize anyone who has done so, I'm genuinely curious.
- In the Church when the leadership makes a decision to move the Church in a certain direction the leadership must be united once the discussion is done. When the talk is over and the walk begins ALL leadership is with that decision, regardless of whether they supported it or opposed it (ideally). For the sake of unity and the Gospel you put your grievances aside and move with the Church. Should it be any different for the country? Just thinking out loud.
- I haven't tried to Rick-Roll anyone lately. Beware of future posts.
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2 comments:
Missouri has some great scenery and Sonic. I am so glad you have experienced that greatness. I'm telling you, try the strawberry limeade. My favorite!
I like your thoughts on politics. My students ask me all the time who I'm voting for and they get upset when I won't tell them.
Private and personal thoughts, James . . . I tell people who I am going to vote for (after serious deliberation and contemplation) because I think the direction our country goes matters. I tell people who I am going to vote for because the sanctity of life matters to me; because I believe that our country faces threats from enemies outside our borders and moral collapse within. I tell people who I am going to vote for because I am passionate about these things and I just might persuade one other person to join me in this quest. I tell people who I am going to vote for because I want people to know who and what I endorse. I want people to know that I believe in something; I stand for something; and there are things that I stand against.
There is no unwritten mandate for impartiality in scripture. The closest one comes is in regards to a good soldier becoming entangled in civilian affairs. I suppose one can make a case, based on that passage, that all Christians should remain silent concerning their civic responsibility and duty. The case is stretched in my opinion.
I agree that we should not impose some "God's will litmus test" on a specific candidate. I believe the American people get what the American people want with all the intended and unintended consequences that accompany that choice. God, frankly, often gives us what we want, too. Sometimes He does so knowing that we're not going to like what results from our choices.
I believe we can passionately disagree during a campaign, and still unite following an election. I am not one of these "he's-not-my-President" sorts. I will pray for President-Elect Obama and those who accompany him to the White House.
When I agree with him, I will say so. When I disagree with him, I will push back.
There is a tension that comes from being a citizen of the Kingdom of God, and at the same time being a citizen of the United States. I live in that tension and, admittedly, I don't always get it right. But as long as I pay taxes and as long as I continue to think elections matter, I am going to say my piece, and then do my best to live at peace.
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