Archives for 2009
"Surround Them With Books"
As television turns our society into an increasingly image-dominated culture, Christians must continue to be people of the Word. When we read, we cultivate a sustained attention span, an active imagination, a capacity for logical analysis and critical thinking, and a rich inner life. Each of these qualities, which have proven themselves essential to a free people, is under assault in our TV-dominated culture. Christians, to maintain their Word-centered perspective in an image-driven world, must become readers.
Postman explores the differences between the mental processes involved in reading and those involved in television watching. Reading demands sustained concentration, whereas television promotes a very short attention span. Reading involves (and teaches) logical reasoning, whereas television involves (and teaches) purely emotional responses. Reading promotes continuity, the gradual accumulation of knowledge, and sustained exploration of ideas. Television, on the other hand, fosters fragmentation, anti-intellectualism, and immediate gratification.
As evangelicals, we too are tempted to conform to the world rather than to the Word, just as the children of Israel were tempted by their neighbors’ graven images and the thought-forms these embodied. We too often stress feeling rather than truth. We tend to seek emotional religious experiences rather than the cross of Jesus Christ. Because we expect worldly “blessings,” we do not know how to endure suffering. We want to “name it and claim it”—instantly—rather than submit ourselves without reservation to the will of God. We are impatient with theology, and we dismiss history, thus disdaining the faith of our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and neglecting what they could teach us. We want entertaining worship services—on the order of a good TV show—rather than worship that focuses on the holiness of God and His Word. We want God to speak to us in visions and inner voices rather than in the pages of His Word. We believe in the Bible, but we do not read it very much.
From my kitchen— on July 4th
We interrupt the regularly scheduled series—-which I shall certainly not finish by Monday—to bring you a few dynamite ideas for the Fourth of Juuuly. That’s how we say it in the South.
Okay, enough about the tablescape, I must introduce you to the star of the show:
Then, I searched high and low until I found three cute little helpers decked out in red to skewer the kabobs–jerk chicken kabobs with kielbasa and veggies–from same said magazine.
My style is often to mix elements of style–a little retro with my cottage or picnic with my fancy–I think it makes decorating and living in general, more interesting.
So, I wish you all a Happy Fourth. Of Juuuly. And I wish you were here to taste this tart. Stevie says it doesn’t touch the homeade pizza I made earlier this week, but he was only mad because I didn’t add salami, pepperoni, beef and sausage to this tres chic tart. We’re foodies around here, we can’t help it.
We had such a fun visit with our friends Sebastian and Sarah. And can’t wait to see them again!
Surround Them With Mentors
“It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds…..In the best books, great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into ours.”
“Think of human parents teaching their child how to walk. There is, on the child’s side, the strong desire and latent powers: he has legs and means to use them. He walks and smiles; he totters and looks alarmed; he falls and cries. The parents smile throughout, showering advice, warning, encouragement and praise. The whole story, not only of teaching, but of man and civilization, is wrapped up in this first academic performance.”
Happy One Year Anniversary to Issues,Etc.!
It’s no secret. We’re BIG fans of IssuesEtc. BIG fans. Our children hum the ‘bump’ music as they play, ‘Todd’ and ‘Jeff’ are household names that need no further clarification. And if we’re talking about Steve’s brother ‘Jeff’, we say ‘BrotherJeff’, so as not to confuse him with our friend, ‘Jeff’ Schwarz. (A big thank-you to BrotherJeff, by the way, for introducing us to Issues). We’re warming up to Craig (the newest addition to the crew), but I don’t think the children would recognize Craig in a line-up yet. They could pick out Todd and Jeff in a heartbeat, especially by ‘voice’ recognition. They speak as fondly of them as they do their own uncles. Keep up the good work though Craig, they’ll come around. And if we weren’t such blasted procrastinators, we’d probably be on a plane to St. Louis by now to celebrate with our friends in person. But here we sit. Stevie in his Issues t-shirt and I with my mug, thinking back to all the great theological, political, and current ‘issues’ we’ve pondered over the past three years. Most of all, I think, Issues has taught us, from the scriptures, the depth of our depravity. We’ve learned one thing for sure. We have ‘issues’. And lots of ’em.
and parenting by grace…….
…..even our marriage has been strengthened to the point that we staged a small ceremony on Sunday to renew our vows and do the traditional wedding toast…..Issues style.
We are so thankful for their faithfulness to the gospel and for the tremendous resource they have been to us in our discipleship and catechesis. They’re funny and smart and so down-to-earth. This is christian radio like you’ve never heard it. This is christian radio that men will listen to and learn from. This is christian radio that is rough around the edges and authentic. This is christian radio that you can be proud of. You will be challenged, inspired, possibly offended, encouraged, and instructed in the faith.
If you’re not subscribing, do it today, on their one year anniversary of producing their own show. I’ll be listening live today, from 4-6, from my computer, by clicking the ‘listen now’ button on their website. Join us in supporting men who proclaim Christ, and Him crucified!
Creating an Environment of Learning in Your Home
We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is most progressive.
We’ll start tomorrow with mentors. I chose tomorrow for that topic because it’s the 1 year anniversary of Issues, Etc, the christian radio program that has been an educational and inspirational powerhouse for Steve and I. These brave men have mentored us in ways they may never know. And you probably can guess, but tomorrow I’ll reveal my own personal mentor.