Society
Man-Food For The Brain
by on Nov 28th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I spent several days completely unplugged from 21st-century technology: no social media, no computers, no network, and no news. Time was invested in hanging out with family and friends, and I loved it.
Yet, it’s time to return to work and world outside my living room. Here are some articles to get readjusted:
“Manna in the Morning” by Tim Challies
I found Tim Challies’ thoughts on God’s provision to be challenging to me. I am consistently tempted to worry and hurry to gather what I need for tomorrow at the expense of focusing on what God would have me do for today. A lot of energy is wasted in worry for me, and I’m glad that, at the very least, I’m not alone in having to train the heart toward trust in God’s provision. Perhaps, you’ll see yourself in the article.
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What Are You Contributing To The Family Name?
by on Nov 30th, 2010 at 12:01 am
“A good name is better than precious ointment” - Ecclesiastes 7:1a, ESV
“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory...” - Psalm 115:1a, ESV
Twelve summers ago, a friend of mine was 80 miles into a 500-mile road trip when her car died on the interstate. I drove out to meet her and realized we would not be able to rescue her car without the assistance of a tow truck.
I called the owner of the body shop in what was then our small town. Rollie was his name. He retrieved the car and fixed the malfunction. I brought my friend back to my grandparents’ house to wait out the inevitably high towing and repair bill. We tried to figure out how we would be able to cover the bill so she could return to her home as soon as possible, and just thinking about the problem troubled us. We were poor high school students then. How would we ever cover the costs of repair?
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Man-Food For The Brain
by on Dec 6th, 2010 at 1:10 am
My favorite moment last week had to be when I was in the bank eavesdropping on the tellers in their discussion of the season’s first snow. One of the ladies said, “Ok, I’ve seen the snow, now it can get warm again.” I laughed so hard that everyone stopped and looked at me. I said, “You’re in bad shape if you’re already tired of snow.” Her comments reminded me of a summer co-worker from my college years who like to inquire about lunch five minutes into the work day and discussed plans for the weekend every Monday.
On a completely unrelated note, here are some articles that are actually worth reading!
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The Four Habits Of A Happily Inefficient Person
by on Dec 7th, 2010 at 2:25 am
A few months ago, I turned thirty years of age, and I decided it was time to make some adjustments to my modus operandi in life. Some might call it an early mid-life crisis, but I’m not interested in reclaiming my youth. In fact, I’m making adjustments to slam the hatch shut on those unhealthy youthful aspects that keep trying to surface during my day.
Over the past couple of years, the level of responsibility on my shoulders has increased in almost every dimension of my life. I’m the “grizzled veteran” among my co-workers who share the same title. In five years, I transitioned from single to married to married with a child. My opportunities to teach in the church steadily increase and now I serve the church as a deacon, which brings its own important responsibilities. I needed to sharpen my discipline if I was to be ready for the weight that such responsibilities bring.
I have made four adjustments so far and all of them could be considered trite and symbolic. They are not biblical requirements or specifically spiritual disciplines. They are simply four ways to slow down because I have been living too fast without regard for my days. Just so you’re not left wondering what they are: 1) shaving with an “old school” safety razor, 2) wearing clothes that required ironing and polishing frequently, 3) waking up before sunrise even if my work day starts in the late morning, and 4) journaling by hand.
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Man-Food For The Brain
by on Dec 12th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Here at Cedarville University, the fun of finals week begins. Just think, men, this time next week will not include homework, papers, or exams. Finish well. If you dare to add to your study load this week, add these:
“On Being Boring” by Lionel Windsor
Boredom seems like a person’s worst fear today. Yet, do we define it poorly?
“A Wikileaks Society” by Tim Challies
Here’s an interesting perspective on the Wikileaks scandal. Tim Challies brings it to the level of our lives.