I often tell my five kids that they can never move away from home. Even if they get married someday they have to buy the house next door and move into it if they want to leave our home. The oldest is only eleven years old so I have at least another ten years to indoctrinate them.
I don’t really expect to be able to hold them that closely forever. Some day I will have to let go and permit them to exercise their independence. Well, maybe not . . . .
According to a new Pew Forum survey, 13% of parents who have grown children have had one of their adult sons or daughters move back home in the last year. The bad economy has driven the number of returning adult children higher and higher. Social scientist are referring to these returning adult children as “boomerangers”.
The economies effect on this group is apparent in a number of other interesting statistics. Only 7.3 % of adults aged 18-29 now live alone. And, only 46% of those between the ages of 16-24 are currently employed. (Click here for additional data.)
If the economy doesn’t make a come-back I may just get my wish — I may get to keep my kids at home forever.
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Well, it seems that I have been published again and I didn’t even know it. During the summer I attended a large book event in Dallas where the Bible Across America project was in attendance. They had me hand-write two copies of a biblical verse. My contribution was then combined with those of more than 31,000 other individuals to create two entirely handwritten copies of the Bible.
One of those handwritten Bibles sold this week on eBay for more than $15,000. Proceeds for the sale will go to Biblica, formerly known as the International Bible Society. The other copy will be donated to a museum.
I wonder if I should add this to my curriculum vitae.
Aunt Debbie: “Daniel, do you like your Kindergarten teacher?”
Daniel: “No. I don’t like her, (pause) but I love her.”
[An hour later.]
Me: “Daniel, what did you mean when you said that you don’t like your teacher but you love her.”
Daniel: [turning red] “You know. I like her, but I don’t “like” like her.”
Me: “I don’t know what you mean.”
Daniel: “I like her, but I don’t want to date her or anything.”
* * *
I’m glad to hear that Daniel is going to wait until after he gets out of Kindergarten to start dating his teachers.
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Movies, naps, and comfort food. Today we were all ready for a slow, slow day with rest and relaxation the only thing on our “To Do” list. The kids and I watched a Disney movie, Skyrunners, about two teenage boys who find a crashed UFO and keep it for themselves.
During one scene they use the UFO to assist them in an attempt to attract a young lady. At this point my eleven year old son said;
“That UFO is quite the chick magnet.”
That statement wasn’t exactly reassuring that I have raised him with the proper understanding of male-female relationships . However, it was not nearly as disconcerting as the note we found in his school bag back when he was about eight.
“I am in love with Ashley, but Heather is my back-up plan.”
Well, at least he understands contingency planning.
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My daughter was four years old and being put to bed by my wife. My little princess began her regular nightly practice of asking theological questions. My son did this when he was her age, because he learned that it was a good way to milk extra minutes before having to go to sleep. Our daughters questions seemed to be more genuine, but given the depravity of man, who knows.
“Mom, why did Jesus die in Texas.”
“Baby, he didn’t die in Texas. Why would you think that?”
“Because when you prayed you said he died in our place. Isn’t Texas our place?”
It made me think of a story that my mother used to tell. She had been to a Vacation Bible School clinic and one of the seminar leaders had told them that they needed to be very careful with the language they used with children. According to this worker, when you sing that Zachaeus was a wee little man and hold your hands about 10 inches apart, children think that Zachaeus was about 10 inches tall. “Phaw.” My mother wasn’t going to believe that nonsense, and told the worker that.
One week later, we were at a Wednesday night prayer meeting and I was coloring in a coloring book.
“Mom, what color is the devil.”
“Kevin, there is no devil in your coloring book.”
“Yes there is.”
“Here, let me see that . . . . . Kevin, that isn’t the devil, that is a fox.”
And I began to sing to her, “The devil is a sly old fox, if I could catch him, I’d put him in a box.”
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(click on image)
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I spent yesterday in sixth-grade classrooms. It was “Parent Day” at my son’s school.
Here are a few observations coming out of that experience:
1. Other than my son, there are only five Caucasians in his class of 24 students. The number of Hispanic and African American students far outnumbered Caucasian students and there were several Asian students, also. I see this ethnic and racial diversity as a positive for my son. However, I was surprised that there were not more white students in his class (and from what I observed in his entire school). Where were they? We live in an upper-middle class suburb and I would have expected more Caucasian students.
2. I now know why my son brings home so much homework from school. The teachers spent at least one-third of their time trying to get control of the classroom (and they weren’t very successful). If they were able to use the time effectively that is instead used to try to get students into their seats, to remain quiet, and listen then there would be plenty of time to do the work that my son is required to bring home. Maybe it is time for the school to put the seats back into rows rather than being configured in work groups and send kids that don’t want to learn out of the room.
3. I was thoroughly impressed with the instructional tools that were made available in the classroom — high-tech, high quality. And, I love the design and quality of the books used. If I would have had textbooks like those my son has I would have devoured them. I see this and then I think of the homeschooling moms and dads who can’t afford these gadgets and texts but still manage to equip their children to score far better on standardized tests than the kids coming out of my son’s Intermediate School. Hmmmm. Yet, all year long the school has been advocating for higher taxes to get more money for the school. The argument is that they need better stuff to better educate the kids. Hmmmm. Something’s not right here.
Well, those are just some generic observations. I’m glad the school invited us parents into the classroom yesterday. I hope they do it again.
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Yes, I am involved in a conspiracy. I hope this confession doesn’t put me on a CIA, FBI, or Homeland Security watchlist.
Not only am I involved, so is my family and the people at church. Before I confess anything more, check out the embedded video. Then, I’ll share more afterward.
Fewer presents, more presence. If we put it to a vote, almost everyone, including children, would prefer to engage more fully the people they love than to exchange gifts of dubious value. So, why is it that year after year we continue to follow the path that leads to less and less satisfaction.
And, if in the process of learning this life lesson, we are able to provide clean water for those who are dying for it — literally — then so much the better.
Wanna join a conspiracy?
We love living in Texas, and can’t help but see a little truth behind Jeff Foxworthy’s description of folks from Texas.
* * * *
If someone in a Lowe’s store offers you assistance and they don’t work there, you may live in Texas.
If you’ve worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Texas
If you’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Texas
If “Vacation” means going anywhere south of Dallas for the weekend, you may live in Texas
If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Texas
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Texas
If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in Texas
If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Texas
If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph — you’re going 80 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Texas
If you find 60 degrees “a little chilly”, you may live in Texas
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Need a vacation? Here is a list of actual places to travel to in Texas:
Need to be cheered up?
- Happy, Texas 79042
- Pep, Texas 79353
- Smiley, Texas 78159
- Paradise,Texas 76073
- Rainbow, Texas 76077
- Sweet Home, Texas 77987
- Comfort, Texas 78013
- Friendship, Texas 76530
Love the Sun?
- Sun City, Texas 78628
- Sunrise, Texas 76661
- Sunset, Texas 76270
- Sundown, Texas 79372
- Sunray, Texas 79086
- Sunny Side, Texas 77423
Want something to eat?
- Bacon, Texas 76301
- Noodle, Texas 79536
- Oatmeal, Texas 78605
- Turkey, Texas 79261
- Trout, Texas 75789
- Sugar Land , Texas 77479
- Salty, Texas 76567
- Rice, Texas 75155
- And top it off with: Sweetwater, Texas 79556
Why travel to other cities? Texas has them all!
- Detroit, Texas 75436
- Colorado City, Texas 79512
- Denver City, Texas 79323
- Nevada, Texas 75173
- Memphis, Texas 79245
- Miami, Texas 79059
- Boston, Texas 75570
- Santa Fe, Texas 77517
- Tennessee Colony, Texas 75861
- Reno, Texas 75462
Feel like traveling outside the country? Don’t bother buying a plane ticket!
- Athens, Texas 75751
- Canadian, Texas 79014
- China, Texas 77613
- Egypt, Texas 77436
- Turkey, Texas 79261
- London , Texas 76854
- New London, Texas 75682
- Paris, Texas 75460
No need to travel to Washington D.C.
- Whitehouse, Texas 75791
We even have a city named after our planet!
- Earth, Texas 79031
And a city named after our State!
- Texas City, Texas 77590
Exhausted?
- Energy, Texas 76452
Cold?
- Blanket, Texas 76432
- Winters, Texas
Like to read about History?
- Santa Anna, Texas
- Goliad, Texas
- Alamo, Texas
- Gun Barrel City, Texas
Need Office Supplies?
- Staples, Texas 78670
Men are from Mars, woman are from
- Venus, Texas 76084
You guessed it… it’s on the state line…
- Texline, Texas 79087
For the kids…
- Kermit, Texas 79745
- Elmo, Texas 75118
- Nemo, Texas 76070
- Tarzan, Texas 79783
- Winnie, Texas 77665
- Sylvester, Texas 79560
Other city names in Texas, to make you smile….. :
- Frognot, Texas 75424
- Bigfoot, Texas 78005
- Hogeye, Texas 75423
- Cactus, Texas 79013
- Notrees, Texas 79759
- Best, Texas 76932
- Veribest, Texas 76886
- Kickapoo, Texas 75763
- Dime Box, Texas
- Telephone, Texas 75488
- Telegraph, Texas 76883
- Whiteface, Texas 79379
- Twitty, Texas 79079
The Anti-Al Gore City
- Kilgore, Texas 75662
P.S. Whoops, left out
- Muleshoe
- Cut’n shoot,
- Hoot And Holler,
- Ding Dong, and don’t forget……
- Farewell, Texas
And, of course, there is a place in Texas that is……
- KNOTT, TEXAS
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The following test is scientifically proven to reveal your role model. Do not be skeptical. Follow the instructions below and you will be surprised at how accurate it is.
Please, DO NOT SCROLL DOWN. Becoming aware of the possible answers prior to the moment of revelation may skew the results.
Okay, perform the following steps to reveal your role model:
1) Pick your favorite number between 1-9
2) Multiply by 3 then
3) Add 3
4) Then again Multiply by 3 (I’ll wait, while you get the calculator…..)
5 ) You’ll get a 2 or 3 digit number….
6 ) Add the digits together
Got it? Now Scroll down . . .
……………
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Use the number you arrived at above to see who your associated ROLE MODEL in the list below:
2. Ayn Rand
5. J. C. Ryle
7. Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemons)
9. Kevin Stilley
10. Socrates
Wow, thank you for your kind thoughts. I like you, too.
P.S. Stop picking different numbers! I AM YOUR IDOL, JUST DEAL WITH IT!
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Over the last few weeks I have been engaged in leisure reading, or what might be considered “summer reading.” I have read a handful of books for which I do not feel like writing full-fledged reviews. However, here are some quick glimpses at what I thought of them;
90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life
I was skeptical when I picked up the book, but several friends and family members had read it and been moved by it so I read it to be able to compare notes. After having read the book I am even more skeptical than previously. Don Piper’s Heaven manages to fit every stereotypical rendering (complete with the brush of angel’s wings) without adding anything new. However, his Heaven is not that of the apostle Paul where to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Piper’s Heaven is more like being part of the Verizon network — to be absent from the body is to be present with Friends and Family. His account is similar to the accounts of many others who have had near death experiences. Doesn’t that contribute to the credibility of his account? Not when you consider that many of those account givers are atheists or adherents of some pretty bizarre belief systems. Would we expect Christians and non-Christians to have the same experience of Heaven? Perhaps my biggest disappointment was that in all 208 pages I never did find a clear presentation of the gospel. If a Baptist Preacher is going to talk about Heaven don’t you think he ought to clearly tell people how to get there? – - NOT RECOMMENDED
The Summer of the Great-Grandmother
This book is Madeleine L’Engle’s story of her mother’s last year on Earth. I found it to be a vivid and moving account of the joys and hardships experienced by families as they let go of their most senior members and adjust to new realities and new family roles. My appreciation for the book may in part be due to the fact that it resonates with my own experience. In the last nine months our joy over the birth of a new child was tempered by my mother dying after a long illness, my brother being killed in a car accident, and my father moving into an assisted living environment. As we have made the many associated adjustments it was helpful to read this book and have L’Engle walk alongside for awhile. — RECOMMENDED
God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics
I have read this book on numerous occasions. But, as Lewis says within its pages, if a book is not worth reading twice it is not worth reading even once. I consider Lewis to be one of the great essayists of the twentieth century. I appreciate his ability to shine light in dark places. We are in need of many more like Lewis who not only see the light but see “along the light” (drawing upon a metaphor from the book). Razor sharp wit and wisdom – you’ve got to love that. This book is actually a collection of essays brought together from a variety of venues. As a result it is a bit redundant is a bit redundant. Every time I have read this book I have wished that its editor would have taken a more active role in tailoring it for the reader. I will probably share a full review at some point in the future when I have read it again, but for now let me simply say that it is … — STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
This is another book which I have read numerous times. With each reading of the text I come to appreciate it more and more. I think it is probably the best book I know of for introducing the seeker or new believer to Christian theology. If God ever grants me the privilege of pastoring a church again it is my intent to preach a series on the topics found in this book’s eleven chapters and utilize the book as curriculum for simultaneous small group studies. While not agreeing with everything John Stott says in this book (for instance, his equation of the Lord’s Day with the Sabbath), I still believe this is an excellent book and that it provides an antidote to many of the errors being endorsed in churches today. — STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands
I am familiar with the work of Paul Tripp and very much appreciate his understanding of discipleship and Biblical counseling. So, when this book was placed in my hands by a co-worker I was pleased to dip into its pages. And, I was not disappointed. Before I tell you how great this book is, let me preface my comments by saying that I typically don’t care for most books on discipleship and spiritual growth. I find their cookie cutter approaches, “to do” lists, and reflections of the latest Christian trends to be more irritating than edifying. Not so with this book. I think I can say without hyperbole that Tripp’s approach to discipleship, spiritual growth, and personal change is the most Biblical approach I have seen in a book like this. I will re-read this book and probably review it at a later time, but for now let me say that it is . . . — STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
In the introduction to this book John MacArthur explains that among the many sermon series he has preached at Grace Community Church, two of the most commented upon and for which recordings are requested are the two series he preached on the twelve apostles. Phil Johnson, editor extraordinaire, and an excellent author himself, has taken that material and shaped it into this book. The calling and training of the twelve makes great source material for self reflection and understanding the nature of God’s calling. God can do anything that He desires, but he has chosen to use individuals to bring about His purposes. This book is beneficial in fleshing out what it means for us individuals to participate in God’s work. — RECOMMENDED
Giving Wisely: Killing with Kindness or Empowering Lasting Transformation?
Jonathan Martin has seen what can happen when Christians give with the right heart but without using their heads. Not pretty. Many times Christian giving can have results that are diametrically opposed to what is intended. As Goethe said, “Nothing is worse than active ignorance.” This book outlines an approach to Christian giving, particularly in terms of the missionary enterprise, that is consistent with the instruction of Scripture and will result in greater impact on people’s lives. This book will have limited appeal to the average reader, but is must reading for those who have responsibility for administering church budgets and missions funds. — RECOMMENDED.
By Jove! Brush Up Your Mythology
I enjoyed this book on ancient western mythology; but the very reasons I like it will diminish desireability for many readers. (1) I like it because it is broken into very short chunks (1 or 2 pages). I like having a book around that I can pick up to fill those little five minute periods of life between activities (stop lights, waiting for a meeting, soaking in the bathtub, etc.) This isn’t the kind of book that you pick up and read for an hour. (2) I like it because the author compares the accounts of Homer and Hesiod, and he contrasts the mythology of Rome and Greece. I know that most people could care less how Hesiod differs from Homer, but such knowledge sends chills down my spine (that was hyperbole). (3) I like it because the author, Macrone, has managed to show the relevance of the material to modern language and thought. The book isn’t comprehensive enough to serve as a primer for younglings and newbies, and it isn’t the kind of book that you will find intellectually challenging or that will stimulate vicarious emotional response. However, it has nuggets of useful information for those with inquiring minds and I personally found it to be interesting. — RECOMMENDED
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