Overwhelming

Every time I log into my blog I see those numbers in the right-hand column staring back at me, mocking me, telling me, "You've given up on this, too." Eleven posts in September, and just three so far in October. But why?

The truth is I've been really busy, and blogging doesn't make it to the top of my priority list. Perhaps if I were paid to do this.... But this week alone I have to write a sermon for the high school fall retreat (done), study the historical books for an e4 session I'm teaching next Tuesday (not done), finish reading Surprised by Hope by NT Wright (done), prepare for a preaching meeting because I'm preaching at my church the last weekend of November (half done), prepare a session on Isaiah (not done), and prepare a session on John (not started). And I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Please God, don't call for a video this weekend!

Moral Differences Of Liberals & Conservatives

This is a fascinating talk on the moral differences of liberals and conservatives. As a Christian, I don't necessarily agree with his conclusions, but I found the bulk of his session extremely informative. So I've posted it here, not because I endorse it, but rather for your thoughtful consideration.

Hmm

Feeling Manly

I walked out the door this morning at 6:45, jumped into the misty '96 Saturn, and *click*. The car won't start. Hmm, must be a dead battery, I think to myself. Since I don't own jumper cables, I hopped into Breena's car and was off to work. 

I finally manned-up and purchased my first set of jumper cables from Meijer after church. We've had too many dead batteries to not own a pair of those babies by now! So after a nice NFL-on-TV nap and hanging with the kids while Bree took a well-deserved extended nap, I headed out to the cars to wreak some manly havoc.

I managed to get the jumper cables connected without killing myself, which is a victory in itself. (Have I ever blogged about the first time I tried to connect a dryer?) I started up the Impala, and much to my surprise, was not electrocuted. Then I moved on to the Saturn, and *click*. Still nothing! I let the battery "charge" for a minute and then tried again. *click*. Hmm, must not be the battery.

So I carefully removed the jumper cables, again without dying. Then I stuck my head under the hood and looked around. Lots of stuff in there. All very interesting. I wonder what the neighbors are thinking? (Cars always bring out my insecurity.) For whatever reason, I popped open the fuse box. I pulled out the fuse in the IGN3 spot and examined it closely stared at it dumbly. I put it back and tried to pull out the fuses for IGN4 and STARTER. I couldn't get them out because I have fragile hands. So I just pushed them in tighter because, you know, they were probably jiggling.

Alright, time to give it one more try. I hop into the driver seat, turn the key, and IGNITION! The car started beautifully! I couldn't believe it! And I hoped that the neighbors had been watching, because it actually looked like I knew what I was doing. Hurrah! I felt so manly and when I told my wife all about it, I got a big kiss!

Actually, this whole experience was an answer to prayer. This morning I was feeling overwhelmed by the potential expense of getting the car fixed, so I just set it before the Lord. (I know, I know, I'm such an American Christian.) But we really don't have the money to invest in the '96 Saturn, and it inexplicably started, so...thank you God!