Political thoughts

I have been rereading Randy Alcorn's books Deadline, Dominion and Deception (wonderful books and highly recommended.) In light of my considering voting for Obama because I like him and I think it is high time that we have an African-American president - I found this in Dominion. I would like any of my 2 or 3 readers to comment on this - it seems right on to me - but as Greg and Christian were talking on Christian's blog recently - we come at things from a white, sububan life but are trying to be Christ-followers. To do that first we need to understand. So read, think and give me your thoughts. To set the context, a conservative black reporter is talking to a black pastor (who then responds.) It also may be relevant that this book was written in1996 (but has anything really changed?):

"Here's one my wife and I have talked about a lot. Politics. White evangelicals tend to be Republican because they're concerned about biblical and family values and morality, and they're pro-life. Black evangelicals are heavily Democratic, maybe because in recent decades Democrats have been more sensitive to issues of social justice, racial equality, and concern for the poor. Now I happen to be concerned about all these issues, but I think that Democratic policies and programs have hurt the black community. I think it's safe to say that at your church, the members are mostly Democrats, right? I admit, that bothers me, especially on the abortion issue. I care a lot about those suffering children."

"In my experience" Pastor Clancy said, "Republicans tend to be more wise and less caring, and Democrats tend to be more caring but less wise. But both parties fall way short. You mentioned abortion. I know white evangelicals who can't understand why so many of their black brethren seem unconcerned about abortion. Likewise, black evangelicals can't understand why so many whites are unconcerned about poverty, drugs, crime, racism, and ther deterioration of urban America. And why they seem to be doing so little to improve education, employment, housing, medical care, you name it. .... To black Christians, yes, abortion should be on our list of concerns. But it has to take a number, considering everything else we've got to deal with. White churches are concerned about abortion and homosexuals and feminism. We're concerned about gangs, and drugs and AIDS and homelessness and jobs."

Sunday Thoughts

Today's church service was very special with good music, singing, preaching and a testimony of a woman who came to Christ a year ago at age 50. Very powerful. We sang the following hymn which you may know is my favorite hymn. I think it still says it all and I am VERY grateful to our patient and merciful God.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain - Great is Thy faithfulness!Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Victories this week - Both Rash Vows!

Good afternoon! I had a good week this week - got by temptations relating to both of my rash vows. First as to spending - I had to get through the first Valentine's Day without buying Bill any card or anything new (and I wasn't home to make him something.) I was in DC on business but got to see what everyone was buying their sweethearts. When I got home, Bill was so happy that I had not bought him anything (and broken my vow) and he had found me the perfect gift - a baabaazuzu hat which is a handmade hat made out to recycled fabric and sweaters which matches both of my winter coats. Good job Bill with my compact and a surprise as well!! (He also got me a card - but we agreed we won't spend $5.00 for another card for each other in the future.) I also did not buy junk food and lattes in airports on this trip. Yay!!

As to the second vow, in the first week on NutriSystem (even out of town for 3 days) I lost 3.5 lbs! I am really pleased and feeling more in control of both my spending and my eating. Praise God.

Rash Vow #2 - The Last Diet!

I am starting my second Rash Vow today. This one is really rash! But I am going to try really hard to fulfill it. I have started Nutrisystem today - inspired by my sister and brother-in-law! I won't put all the gory details in this blog, but will use the blog for accountability. Please pray for me - I want to be healthy and long-lived, which will be easier to do with less weight on my frame.

Rash Vows in General

Today I am embarking on my next Rash Vow. I have had some feedback on use the term "rash vow" which some think means impossible or reckless. I have put the article which inspired the term at the bottom of my main page and looked up the words. RASH actually means: acting or tending to act too hastily or without due consideration OR characterized by or showing too great haste or lack of consideration: rash promises. VOW means a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment: to pledge or resolve solemnly to do, make, give, observe, etc. trying to put the two words together made me realize that there is something hasty and reckless about making such a vow but it is good to do it!! I love the following quote which is exactly what I am trying to do: The man who makes a vow makes an appointment with himself at some distant time or place.

Rash Vow #1 - Update!

First progress report - so far, so very good! I have been very encouraged by all of your responses to my "Rash Vow" to not buy anything new for one year. This past week, I was stuck in Milwaukee for 3 days during a blizzard. An unexpected pleasure because I had an unplanned visit with Christian, the kids and Kate's Mom (Kate was on a business trip.) The victory came with me NOT buying anything for the kids in the airport gift shops OR any Starbucks!!!! On to the next trip which begins tomorrow.

Random Spiritual Thoughts

Two thoughts from church today:

• New chorus - entitled I will glory in my Redeemer had the following phrase: .... my life He bought, my love He OWNS. I am still troubled by the use of the word OWNS. I of course believe that He bought my life, but isn't love a choice? SO anyway - I would change the OWNS to DESERVES. What do you think?
• Sermon Illustration - a guest speaker was speaking on Moses, the burning bush and God's command that Moses remove his shoes. We have read, taught and heard this passage taught many times - but for the first time this speaker had the entire congregation take off our shoes and keep them off. He then had us all stand up. We learned that with your shoes off - standing you are shorter! AND that your feet are exposed to the elements (Cold today in WI) and unprotected. He then had us think about what our shoes represent to us - i.e. when/where we got them, what we have been through wearing them etc. (I had on my favorite boots that Bill bought me on a ski trip to Steamboat Springs since I wasn't skiing! I always think about that special trip when I wear them.) The point of all of this was that we must put that all aside to have an encounter with God. Key lesson - To have an encounter with God - something must change. What do you need to put aside to have an encounter with God today?

Prejudice in the Northwoods

I had a strange thing happen on the way to the Physical Therapist's office at the end of last week. I was on the elevator and a couple entered and rode down to the basement floor with me. They looked like they were in their 60's and to my prejudiced mind - the classic northwoods couple. She had on an old Tweety Bird Sweatshirt, dirty hair and about the worst teeth I have seen in years. He had on a dirty sweatshirt, ball cap and large beer belly. I politely said hello and got off the elevator. About 5 minutes after me they made it the same office. As I was struggling with my own attitudes, the man started to complain that the office shouldn't be closed over the noon hour (there was a little sign stating that the receptionist was out from 12:30 to 1:00.) They were an hour early for their 2:00 appointment. Then he started complaining about too many holidays off in the US. He said it must be a "Jewish Holiday." This really offended me but I did not know what to say. He just kept complaining about not wanting to wait and basically showed his own unhappiness. I then was called into my appointment. I would love some feedback if there was something I could have said to let him know that his comment was offensive - OR was my view of him just as offensive?

Rash Vow #1 - the Compact

Okay here I go! I began 2008 wondering about my spending habits and consumerism. I was out of sync with Bill who is trying to figure out how soon I can be retired to part-time work and more time with him (so he is in the "pay off all debt - how much do we really need to live" mode.) I, however, was in the "height of my career so I can finally buy what I want" mode. Then I read the following on my son-in-law Greg's blog: Best Rash Decision: Years ago I read an essay by GK Chesterton entitled "A Defense of Rash Vows" and I have occassionally tried to make rash vows so that I might intentionally keep them. This year's rash act was my favorite of all time (probably, though Andrea Bailey's refusal to buy me Coke is a close second). In a rash move I decide to read all of the Harry Potter books, and I managed to do it in a week. This is a spectacular series of books, particularly when you read them in one shot. The growth in the characters and in the writing are phenomenal, and the seventh installment was superb.

So in the back of my mind was that making a rash vow once in awhile is good for you. It is kind of like shock therapy. I realize that I spend too much money and I want to honor my husband and be in sync with him - so I was really ready for an article on the front page of the Mpls. Star Tribune on January 8, 2008 titled - "Could you go a year without buying anything new?" (I am sorry the article can't be retrieved since only articles within the last 14 days are available for free. I have a copy if you want one.) It described a growing movement in the US started by a group of 10 friends in the San Francisco area in 2004 as a rebellion against what they saw as "gluttonous consumerism and its thoughtless destruction of the environment". They made a pledge which they called The Compact (after the creed made by the revoluntaries sho sailed to the US on the Mayflower) in which they would buy nothing new for a year except for a short list containing food, beverages, medicine, underwear and cleaning products. They all found that their year of not buying anything new was life-changing.

This seemed just the ticket for me. So I waited for the 4 days until I went home to tell Bill. I wanted to make sure I was really going to do if I took this "rash vow." I thought and prayed about it and made the following list of how I would control what I spent the most on. Bill was very encouraging about this and we feel much more together on money than we have in a long time. I have enjoyed two paychecks of having money left from my discretionary fund - it is a relief!! We are now actively planning when we will both be retired from full-time work (not for at least 3 years but who's counting!)

You will notice that a couple of food items made it to my list as I was also convicted about the number of plastic bottles of water Bill and I use (even though we religiously recycle them) AND my habit of Starbucks/Caribou Coffees stops for the largest of the latest flavor of course with whipped cream on the top. (When did my brain shift to accepting paying over $4.00 for sweetened cup of coffee?!) One area NOT explained in this article was if you can still make handmade items and garden. I am going to assume YES since they are definitely not into consumerism (sewing and knitting should be okay especially using currently owned supplies) and planting perennials and transplanting pine trees is good for the environment.

Here is what I spend the most on and will not be able to buy new for a year:

• Books - Borrow from Library/Friends, Re-read all my old favorites which will take a year anyway!
• Starbucks Lattes - Just ask for a cup of hot water and use my own tea bags which I like better anyway and used to be so proud about doing and never having to pay for.
• Gifts (The BIGGIE!) Since I love to give my kids and grandkids many, many presents this is a big one. I have already figured out their birthdays for one year and at least Colette's next birthday present. I will give my kids money for gifts and ask if they would consider honoring my pledge not to buy anything new.
• Bottled H2O - drink my good well water!
• CLOTHES - (The other real BIGGIE!) - No new this year period!
• Junk Food - Okay with The Compact but not for me if I want to live as long as Bill!
• Decorating Items for my home including holiday decorations - Okay how many times do I really have to redecorate. I can live on my purchases from just 2007 for awhile in this catagory (AND in the clothes catagory.)
• Sisters' Reunion Purchases - Nothing new this year. I spent so much more than everyone else - they were looking for things for me to buy! No more vicarious spending through Laura this year! I can buy at Antique or Used items stores. I will save a lot of money on this one!
• Photos - Will use up my vast archives and catch up with scrapbooking before I print 2007's end of the year and Christmas photos.
• New Casual Winter Coat - I have wanted a new casual winter coat for a couple of years. My current one is 7 years old (bought it in Canada when visiting Abby and Greg the winter before Josh was born) and it has a broken zipper and I really don't like the velcro straps to close it. Instead, I am going to remove the zipper and straps and have bought some cool buttons to sew on after I make new buttonholes with my sewing machine. Here is a picture of the coat I was going to get rid of:

I will put another picture on when I have rehabbed this warm coat. Bill says he is really proud of me for this one since it is something he would do - trying to wear something longer and not just buying something new!

THINGS I THINK ARE OKAY TO BUY BUT I WILL STILL USE UP OLD SUPPLIES BEFORE BUYING ANY NEW:

• Computer Ink and Paper
• Scrapbooking supplies
• Yarn and Fabric
• Flowers especially perennials

So this is my first rash vow. I have already gone almost a month without buying anything new except for the buttons for my old coat (which I hope is okay!!) Hey - it is my rash vow!! I will blog my adventure, where I am tempted, where I already see changed attitudes. I already love doing this!! More Later.