Our Family Secrets

I am seriously considering starting a twelve step program for all those out there like me who need help.  I no longer over indulge and I have stopped hiding a stash for “when I need it.” There are no visible signs of my malady and when others look at me they have no idea that I am what I am and that I struggle as I do.  Nevertheless, it is true — I am an office supplies geek.

My earliest memories include pencils, pens, tack, paperclips, notepads and staplers.  And, my recollection of my very first day of school at Alexander Elementary School in Commerce, Oklahoma is dominated my a Big Chief writing pad, oversized pencil, and my 64 count Crayola Crayons — the big box.  I remember the first time that I realized that ruled paper could be purchased in some color other than white.  I had a big crush on Trixi, but when I saw that Janet had paper that was green and pink and purple and yellow…  it was just too much for my fickle heart.  Janet’s paper was my new love.

If only I had been born a little later — electronic pencil sharpeners, calculators, and oh my, what I could have done with a Dymo label maker (in addition to labeling my pencil sharpeners, pencils, crayons, etc.).   And, guess what,  just like ruled paper comes in different colors, you can get different Color labels! Be still my foolish heart.

You know … this is National Organization Month . . .

I had better start that twelve step program right away.

Premarital Counseling Questions

In the Minister’s Marriage Manual, Samuel Ward Hutton offers the following questions as some of those he uses when performing premarital counseling.  I am not overly impressed with them, and have a few that I would like to add.  However, before doing so, I know that there are many readers of this blog who do premarital counseling (and a few married folk who probably have ideas).  What questions would you add to the following list?

How long have you two known each other?

For what period of time have you been  engaged?

Have either of you been engaged before?

What interests  do you  have in common?

What is your attitude toward your future inlaws?

Will both of you work, or only one?

What will the combined income be?

Have you  considered working out a budget of expenses in keeping with your total income?

Do you plan to rent, or will you attempt to buy a home?

Which of you will control the purse strings?

Is either of  you inclined to be extravagant or a “tight wad”?

Do you plan to open one or more charge accounts?

What is your attitude toward children?

Have you had any arguments?

Do  either or both of you have quick tempers?

What recreation can you both enjoy?

How will you face discouragement or elation?

Are there any particular problems that bother you?

Are you deeply in love with one another?

What is the church background of each of you?

If you come from different faiths, what are your plans for agreement?

Have you considered asking a blessing on the food before each meal?

What has been your experience and practice in prayer?

Have you carried a responsibility in your local church, such  as leading a youth group, teaching in the church school or singing in choir?

Some have found a brief devotional at the breakfast table helpful.  Would this be a practice you are open to?

What are your reading habits?

What Do You Think?

What does “being spiritual” mean to you.

Share your answers in the comments below.

Sitting on the front Porsche

I never felt overly sheltered or deprived, but there were many experiences that were postponed growing up in the poorest county of Oklahoma in the home of a country preacher.  Where I grew up the porsche was the step at your front door.  “Did you see the new swing on their front porsche.”

Now I spend my days in a well to do community north of Dallas and drive by a Porsche dealership nearly everyday.  As I drive by I often think of a conversation I once had with a Porsche owner.  According to him, his Porsche handled so well that it was good to actually speed up as he went around corners because it made his car “hug the road” better.   I don’t know if that is really true or not, because even though I no longer live in the poorest county in Oklahoma, I still have little real life experience with Porsches.  My experience is primarily second hand experience.  Anything I know about driving a Porsche comes vicariously through the accounts of others.

This makes me stop and think about the nature of human experience and wonder how much of what I think I know is really dependent upon what others tell me, what I have read, etc.   No less than four times this week I have said to someone that “I know how you feel, I have been there.”  When I said this, I really did feel as if I understood them better because I had walked a mile in their shoes — or at least in a very similar pair bearing the same brand name.

There is nothing too profound in what I have written above.  But these thoughts have made me stop to consider some important Christological passages.  John 1 - The Logos came and tabernacled among me.  Philippians 2 - Jesus humbled himself and became a man.  And this one;

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

I like knowing that Jesus understands me — even when I drive by that Porsche dealership and really, really wish I had experience less vicarious.

A Warning For My Students

When I was doing corporate training it was common for us to keep a bag of candy close by to throw at trainees from time to time.

“Good answer.  Have a Hershey’s Kiss.”  Toss, catch, unwrap, eat.  It broke any monotony and kept trainees on their toes.

I have been thinking about how I can implement a similar training/educational scenario for the students in the college classes I teach.  My classes are rather large with 60-75 students so I think I am going to have to modify my approach. Rather than a sack of candy, I think I am going to invest in a spyder paintball gun.

“Smith, John Q., what did Aristotle have to say about Plato’s metaphysical dualism?”

The room grows silent as student Smith, John Q. considers his response. His pause extends a little too long. It is apparent that he has not read pages 66-87 of A.H. Armstrong’s An Introduction To Ancient Philosophy. So, I deftly reach into my briefcase, pull my new 08 Spyder MR2 to my shoulder, and squeeze the trigger.

Thwap! Thwap! Thwap! Three paintballs slap into the chest of student Smith, John Q. The monotony is broken, and there is plenty of incentive for students to do their assigned reading prior to the next class session.

Pedagogy at its best!

Oh, my…!

Achoooo…

Oh, my!

When I was a kid I always thought it was strange that anytime a baby would sneeze my mother would say “Oh, my! She would say this in a voice unique to her that expressed both reassurance and concern.

Now, with my fifth baby in the house I once again find myself using my mother’s expression “Oh, my!” any time the baby sneezes. I don’t say it volitionally, it just pops out before I can stop it.

This makes me wonder if the expression originated with my mother, or if perhaps she had heard it often from her own mother or father. How many generations might this go back?

I expect that someday when all of the kids are home for the holidays along with their own families, to be holding a grandchild who sneezes and for there to be a chorus of voices as each of my adult children say with me, “Oh, my!”

Free Virus Protection

Last week I went to the doctor’s office and got my flu shot. My wife’s OB/GYN had warned her about how dangerous it can be for an infant to get the flu. So, we all got our flu shots before Adrian Boethius Criswell Stilley was born this last Thursday.

After the delivery, someone in hospital administration called up to the room to ask me about spelling for Adrian’s names (evidently they don’t get too many babies named Boethius — imagine that). She also asked if we wanted him listed in the immunization registry. When a child is registered they keep computer records of all his/her inoculations and they are easily accessible for those who need to know.

These are just a couple of examples of how serious we all take the problem of communicable diseases. Unfortunately, we aren’t always as careful when it comes to the the communicable diseases that our computers can catch. Viruses, worms, hackers, — they even sound nasty.

You might want to check out the free immunization services offered by CyberDefender. With CyberDefender’s security suite you receive real-time security updates and virus alerts, break through technology, and full compatibility with other security software. You can get comparable products from McAfee, Symantec, Pctools, Webroot, Stopzilla and Panda if you want to spend $150. Free vs. $150? Hmmm, tough question. And a big plus, when you protect your PC with the CyberDefender Early Detection Center you get LIVE technical support for any problem with your computer (one time) and 2 GB online backup.

My doctor charged me for my flu shot. The hospital charged us for Adrian’s immunizations. But, you can get free virus protection for your computer with CyberDefender. Check them out.

Reason Without Resources

While on a sea cruise your ship sinks and you are stranded on a deserted island.  With you are three intellectual atheists.  They are not just atheists, but militant atheists.  You do not have a Bible or any other references.  What would be your strategy for sharing with them the reason for the hope that is within you?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Photo Christmas Cards

It seems strange to walk out and find that the mornings have turned cool. Eventually, the seasons change even here in Texas. The cool mornings serve as a harbinger of the holiday cycle ahead; Reformation Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day …

With the holiday season fast approaching and a new arrow in our quiver (Adrian Boethius Criswell Stilley), it is time to think about ordering photo Christmas cards. I use the services of VistaPrint frequently. Business cards, post cards and vanity items are the items I purchase from them most often, but they offer lots of other services, as well.  And, right now I can get ten photo holiday cards free of charge. Can’t beat that deal — freeeeee.

If you are planning on sending out Christmas cards (or Channukah, Kwanza, New Year) this year I recommend that you check out what VistaPrint has to offer. And, when checking out use coupon code “XmasFree” to get your 10 free holiday cards.

Here are some additional coupon codes that you can use at VistaPrint for free stuff or discounted prices:

FreeBrochures08 : 25 Free Brochures

CarDoor25 : 25% off Car Door Magnets

Checks25 : 25% off Checks

PC50 : 50 Free Oversized Postcards

Stamps50 : 50% Off Small Rubber Stamps

TShirts25 : 25% Off T-shirts

XmasFree : 10 Free Holiday Cards

o67592fklv : 25% Off Wall Calendars

VPRINT25 : 25% Off Site-Wide at VistaPrint

Oh, and let me be the very first to wish you a very merry Christmas.

Prayer Request

All back from this mornings trip to the hospital.  Adrian is still yellow and his bilirubin levels high.  We will be taking him back tomorrow morning for more tests.  If his liver does not start processing toxins more effectively by tomorrow morning they are going to start treatment.

Between the broken clavicle during deliver and the liver problems he is getting a rough start in life.  However, we are very grateful to God for this little boy.  I was unable to make it to church this morning because of these circumstances, so I spent a little time reflecting upon this quote from Jerry Bridges;

Prayer assumes the sovereignty of God.  If God is not sovereign, we have no assurance that He is able to answer our prayers.  Our prayers would become nothing more than wishes.  But while God’s sovereignty, along with His wisdom and love, is the foundation of our trust in Him, prayer is the expression of trust.

So, your “expression of trust” for our little Adrian is gratefully appreciated.

__________

Some great Jerry Bridges books:

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