Is it just me, or does it seem like holidays—those things are meant to bring families together—only serve to tear families apart? Holidays bring on so much stress and too many decisions, along with feelings of guilt and frustration, often even before the holiday itself actually arrives. And then there are the dynamics surrounding the actual day the family members are all lodged into the same room.
My solution is to forgo the federal Thanksgiving holiday in favor of an individual family holiday. Why aren’t the Republicans in Congress fighting for this decentralized, practical solution for reliving holiday stress? If every family chose their own Thanksgiving day—say May 24 or February 3—think of all the pain it would end. Families still get a day set aside for feasts and gatherings. But everyone gets to choose a day that works best for them, a day two million other people are using to mow the lawn or get a manicure. Think about it. No young couple has to decide which in-laws to visit and no massive holiday traffic. And the best part? Your family is totally free to choose not to even have their own Thanksgiving day. Should you choose not to participate, no one will be the wiser. You can spend May 24 or February 3 like any other day of the year and people will think your Thanksgiving is on July 18. And of course businesses will get in on the action, giving everyone a floating “day after Thanksgiving holiday” to be used at their discretion. I’m going to write my congressman...
November 14, 2006
November 10, 2006
Time to give up on Lost
When watching a TV show becomes an obligation it’s probably time to stop. Paul subtly pointed this out to me the other day. Does anybody watch Lost anymore? I watched the first few episodes of the season. They were better than I expected, so I continued to tape the last few weeks (because I’m busy while it’s on live). Every time I went to watch TV I always wanted to watch something other than Lost. And then I’d think, But I should watch Lost..., though I never did. I was feeling guilty about not watching a TV show! I thought I was letting Lost down. Paul said it was okay for me not to watch it. But I felt like I was giving up on something I was committed to. I had invested two years (50 hours!) of my life to this show. Lost had its "fall finale" (how lame is that?), so I don’t have to feel torn anymore. I’m hoping to pick up a new show in its place.
I was recently reading an article about how all the new shows this season are serial dramas (like Lost and 24). When something does well everybody wants in. But the problem is, serial dramas require a lot of time on the part of a viewer. They have to watch every episode and pay attention the entire time too. The article pointed out that viewers only have enough time and energy to devote to one or two shows like that. So true!
I was recently reading an article about how all the new shows this season are serial dramas (like Lost and 24). When something does well everybody wants in. But the problem is, serial dramas require a lot of time on the part of a viewer. They have to watch every episode and pay attention the entire time too. The article pointed out that viewers only have enough time and energy to devote to one or two shows like that. So true!
November 7, 2006
I'm a bad American
Today I’m becoming one of those people I usually give lectures to. I (gasp!) am not voting. Some people may not think that a big deal. Those would be the people to whom I usually say clichés like “It’s your duty as an American” and “You shouldn’t take it for granted.” Well, I guess I’m taking it for granted. This is the first time I haven’t voted in a regular election (I’m not counting primaries). I feel guilty. Especially since last night, while Paul was diligently conducting research and writing out his choices, I was sewing a purse. I’m also really going to miss wearing my “I voted” sticker today.
I do take come comfort in the fact that not voting is not entirely an act of laziness and indifference. First of all, I’ve been a little distracted lately—what with moving, meeting new people, trying to find a church, changing my address, setting up cable, etc. So, I didn’t get a chance to register to vote in Ohio. So, can’t vote here. Which is a shame because there are two smoking (one for and one against) propositions which I’d really like to vote for (and against). Also, my absentee ballot for California is sitting at my parents’ house. It’s not like I can just drop by and get it, right? And why do I care about voting for California assembly people? I don’t live there. But then again, California has a big impact on national politics, so maybe it would have been a good idea...
I usually struggle with voting. I never want to, but I do because I feel it is my duty as an American and I shouldn’t take it for granted. My parents instilled in me that voting is a privilege and a responsibility. But, as you all know, I’m totally indecisive. I never have strong opinions and I always see both sides of the issue. So, having to make 500 decisions in one five-minute period is really overwhelming. Overwhelming to the point of giving up and just voting for governor. Speaking of governor, I read the Schwarzenegger’s likely landslide is one of the only bright spots for the Republicans. Wow, Phil Angelides must really suck.
Happy voting!
I do take come comfort in the fact that not voting is not entirely an act of laziness and indifference. First of all, I’ve been a little distracted lately—what with moving, meeting new people, trying to find a church, changing my address, setting up cable, etc. So, I didn’t get a chance to register to vote in Ohio. So, can’t vote here. Which is a shame because there are two smoking (one for and one against) propositions which I’d really like to vote for (and against). Also, my absentee ballot for California is sitting at my parents’ house. It’s not like I can just drop by and get it, right? And why do I care about voting for California assembly people? I don’t live there. But then again, California has a big impact on national politics, so maybe it would have been a good idea...
I usually struggle with voting. I never want to, but I do because I feel it is my duty as an American and I shouldn’t take it for granted. My parents instilled in me that voting is a privilege and a responsibility. But, as you all know, I’m totally indecisive. I never have strong opinions and I always see both sides of the issue. So, having to make 500 decisions in one five-minute period is really overwhelming. Overwhelming to the point of giving up and just voting for governor. Speaking of governor, I read the Schwarzenegger’s likely landslide is one of the only bright spots for the Republicans. Wow, Phil Angelides must really suck.
Happy voting!
November 3, 2006
Why I'm too busy to read The New York Times
I always complain that I never know enough about what's going on in the world. And I bemoan that fact that I don't have enough time to read The New York Times articles. I read the Yahoo! news headlines--that's the extent of my news. And yet, I can spend an hour reading the articles on "The Onion," which have absolutely no relevance to my life (or anyone else's). They're more pointless than reading In Style or Real Simple. At least with those you get fashion tips or learn new uses for Ziplock bags.
I've come to accept this about myself. And in honor of that I decided to start posting an article link from "The Onion" (http://www.theonion.com/) each week. For those unfamiliar with "The Onion," it's basically a fake newspaper. Completely politically incorrect, but completely funny. I'll try not to post anything offensive but I can't promise anything.
Here it is:
Americans Celebrate 10 millionth 'Bring Yourself to Work Day'
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/54595
I've come to accept this about myself. And in honor of that I decided to start posting an article link from "The Onion" (http://www.theonion.com/) each week. For those unfamiliar with "The Onion," it's basically a fake newspaper. Completely politically incorrect, but completely funny. I'll try not to post anything offensive but I can't promise anything.
Here it is:
Americans Celebrate 10 millionth 'Bring Yourself to Work Day'
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/54595
Addendum to yesterday’s post
This morning I was reading Romans 14:
“1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
In light of what I wrote yesterday, I thought this was appropriate. Perhaps there was a reason for my lingering guilt. The guilt that resurfaced again last night at small group. Their faith and views may be different than mine, but I’m not better than them and I’m in no position to judge.
One of the mega-church girls said to me, I’m more of a spiritual person. I’m not really into the Bible. It just doesn’t apply to my life. I told her I understood, but that I did not feel that way at all. I was thinking about that conversation this morning, and it made me sad. And I realized that’s Crossroads Church is not for me. The sermons, the small groups, are not centered around Scripture. Yes, they quote Bible verses, and the church believes in the authority of the Bible (they subscribe to inerrancy in fact.) But in the Sunday morning services, the Bible is mostly absent. I think they don’t want to scare people or make them feel uncomfortable. And, in a way, what they’re doing is good. A lot of people are being exposed to the character of God. But I think avoiding the Bible is what makes it irrelevant to people. If you can’t see how Scripture is woven into your life, how to pray it and worship through it, of course you would think it’s irrelevant. I may be totally wrong on this (but please don’t mention it to me).
I was listening to a Beth Moore sermon last week. One thing I love about her is that she is so passionate about the Word of God. Her love for Scripture pours out as a drink offering. And it inspires passion in others. I wonder if the girl who said the Bible isn’t relevant heard Beth Moore, what she would think.
“1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
In light of what I wrote yesterday, I thought this was appropriate. Perhaps there was a reason for my lingering guilt. The guilt that resurfaced again last night at small group. Their faith and views may be different than mine, but I’m not better than them and I’m in no position to judge.
One of the mega-church girls said to me, I’m more of a spiritual person. I’m not really into the Bible. It just doesn’t apply to my life. I told her I understood, but that I did not feel that way at all. I was thinking about that conversation this morning, and it made me sad. And I realized that’s Crossroads Church is not for me. The sermons, the small groups, are not centered around Scripture. Yes, they quote Bible verses, and the church believes in the authority of the Bible (they subscribe to inerrancy in fact.) But in the Sunday morning services, the Bible is mostly absent. I think they don’t want to scare people or make them feel uncomfortable. And, in a way, what they’re doing is good. A lot of people are being exposed to the character of God. But I think avoiding the Bible is what makes it irrelevant to people. If you can’t see how Scripture is woven into your life, how to pray it and worship through it, of course you would think it’s irrelevant. I may be totally wrong on this (but please don’t mention it to me).
I was listening to a Beth Moore sermon last week. One thing I love about her is that she is so passionate about the Word of God. Her love for Scripture pours out as a drink offering. And it inspires passion in others. I wonder if the girl who said the Bible isn’t relevant heard Beth Moore, what she would think.
November 2, 2006
Up in smoke
My mega-church small group girls got together last night, just to have some girl time and not have to talk about Captivating. I really like talking to these girls—they’re a group of girlie girls who like Pilates, and clothes, and dancing. It’s easy to feel comfortable around them.
The evening was relaxing, moving along smoothly, munching salsa dip and nearly emptying their glass of Pinot Noir. So, you can imagine my utter shock when most everyone said yes to a second glass of wine and bumming a smoke off the hostess. I about fell over. Everyone wanted to smoke except for the pregnant girl. And she was lamenting not being able to smoke cloves anymore. Huh?! If these girls were plopped down in California, I wonder if they would be smoking? They’re social smokers, not chain smokers. But still. I just haven’t met any young church girls who smoke since college.
My first thought after the night was over was the irony—all the conservative girls who don’t drink or smoke are back in California (fightin’ off those crazy liberals!). And then my second thought was Maybe I’m one of those Christians who don’t like to hang out with “the sinners.” Am I? I wonder if I was judging those girls just because they were smoking. I mean, the same girls who were smoking were the ones who go to bars and sleep with their boyfriends (and this is not an assumption, it’s a fact straight from the horses’ mouth). Was I assuming I was better than them because I don’t enjoy doing those things? But I don’t see anything wrong--morally anyway--with have a glass of wine and smoking a clove. (I’d like to admit how much I enjoyed my own glass of wine.) The situation just made me feel uncomfortable. Totally out of my comfort zone. And then it made me think how much I probably live in a bubble and need to get out of my comfort zone every once in a while. And that it might be a good idea to “hang out with the sinners” and take the speck out of my own eye. I’ll probably never get around to doing that, but it’s a noble thought.
The evening was relaxing, moving along smoothly, munching salsa dip and nearly emptying their glass of Pinot Noir. So, you can imagine my utter shock when most everyone said yes to a second glass of wine and bumming a smoke off the hostess. I about fell over. Everyone wanted to smoke except for the pregnant girl. And she was lamenting not being able to smoke cloves anymore. Huh?! If these girls were plopped down in California, I wonder if they would be smoking? They’re social smokers, not chain smokers. But still. I just haven’t met any young church girls who smoke since college.
My first thought after the night was over was the irony—all the conservative girls who don’t drink or smoke are back in California (fightin’ off those crazy liberals!). And then my second thought was Maybe I’m one of those Christians who don’t like to hang out with “the sinners.” Am I? I wonder if I was judging those girls just because they were smoking. I mean, the same girls who were smoking were the ones who go to bars and sleep with their boyfriends (and this is not an assumption, it’s a fact straight from the horses’ mouth). Was I assuming I was better than them because I don’t enjoy doing those things? But I don’t see anything wrong--morally anyway--with have a glass of wine and smoking a clove. (I’d like to admit how much I enjoyed my own glass of wine.) The situation just made me feel uncomfortable. Totally out of my comfort zone. And then it made me think how much I probably live in a bubble and need to get out of my comfort zone every once in a while. And that it might be a good idea to “hang out with the sinners” and take the speck out of my own eye. I’ll probably never get around to doing that, but it’s a noble thought.
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