Yesterday, Case and I went to the zoo. We got there shortly after opening so we got a fantastic parking place. When we left, another car pulled up behind us and waited for our spot as I loaded Case and the stroller. They probably sat there for about 5 minutes as we loaded up. As I was backing out, a Jeep came from the opposite way and was going so fast that I thought she was going to run into me. I quickly backed out and proceeded down the road only to look back and see that the Jeep had zipped into my parking place! I heard the mom from the other car yell at this girl that she had been waiting to park there but the girl completely ignored her. I continued to watch as best as I could and saw this girl climb out of her car, walk right by the other car and continue on into the zoo without a glance back or a thought for what she had done. The other mom was yelling at her the whole time, but to no avail.
This reminded me of a time years ago when a good friend of mine (who shall remain nameless) was in a similar predicament. We went to Walmart late at night to get groceries. I actually can't remember all the details (perhaps she'll leave a post and correct me), but I think there was a car trying to back out and another car in front of us. The car in front of us had proceeded to far forward to really get to the place of the backing out car, but they were trying to reverse anyway. My friend wouldn't back up to give them more room. So, the car trying to back out couldn't b/c two cars were parked behind it fighting for its place and the car in front of us kept backing closer and closer to us so they could sweep in and take that place. We probably sat there for 5 minutes or more being stubborn. Finally, my friend did back up because the people trying to get out of their parking place were getting rather upset and the car in front of us got the parking place. So, my good friend (who never does harm to another) marched into Walmart, bought a dozen eggs and went back out to this car that had "stolen" our spot and egged it right there in the parking lot.
Needless to say, the security cameras caught her doing this and the police called a few days later. She then had to take some anger management classes in retribution for her crimes. Funny story now, but at the time not so much.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
What's My Part?
About two months ago I watched “Slumdog Millionaire” by myself. I know, I’m a little behind times. Anyway, after watching it I was horrified and saddened by the poverty that these people in Indian (and other places) live in. It brought about a discussion between Jeff and I on what is our part in ending poverty; or at least helping.
So, I posted my question on Facebook. I said, “I wonder how we can end poverty in the world.” Some of the replies were thought provoking while others I disagreed with. Two replies have stood out to me (one of which I’ll hit on today and the other comment at another time) and caused further discussion between Jeff and me and some friends. One reply was, “Sorry but I don't think it is possible (to end poverty) nor do I think it should be a priority. What matters most is people finding Jesus, not how much food, clothing, money they have.” Wow. This kind of blew me away. Is it true that my only concern for these people’s well being is that they only know Jesus? And after they’ve accepted him I move on to the next person?
A good friend of Jeff’s works for World Vision and we had this discussion with him. He mailed a book to Jeff and I that I’ve been reading this week. The book entitiled “The Hole in the Gospel” by Richard Stearns (president of World Vision) touches on this very statement/question in the first chapter. He says, “It (the Great Commission) was about saving as many people from hell as possible – for the next life. It minimized any concern for those same people in this life. It wasn’t important that they were poor or hungry or persecuted, or perhaps rich, greedy, and arrogant; we just had to get them to pray the “sinner’s prayer” and then move on to the next potential convert” (pg. 17). He goes on to say that “there is a real problem with this limited view of the kingdom of God; it is not the whole gospel. Instead, it’s a gospel with a gaping hole.” This hole referring to the view that our job is to preach the good news, make sure people accept it, and then move on to the next convert.
I don’t think that that is what Christianity is about. Stearns says that “God’s love was intended to be demonstrated, not dictated. Our charge is to both proclaim and embody the gospel so that others can see, hear, and feel God’s love in tangible ways.” And yes, I do agree with the post on facebook that people do need Jesus, but I disagree that I shouldn’t also care that they live in poverty, that they may have unclean drinking water, that they can’t afford to feed their family. Jesus didn’t just come to earth to preach the good news and get people “saved.” He also healed the sick, made the blind man see, released the oppressed (Luke 4), binded up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61), gave food to the hungry. He showed us with his own actions that He not only cares for our spiritual well-being but also for our physical well-being.
Which leads back to my question of what’s my part? Jeff and I have talked about adopting. This would help one child and perhaps give some money to a country in need. We sponsor a child through World Vision. This helps this little boy receive his shots and many other necessities. And our money also supports his community by helping his family and providing clean water to his community. We’ve also given money to a friend traveling to Ethiopia to provide food for people in need. We donate money to the MS Society each year. We’re going to get involved in serving food at a homeless teen shelter. I’m sure we’ve done other things as well, but my point is not to brag about what we’ve done or who we’ve helped…my point is what more can we do? How can we reach out and help the most? What are other people doing?
I have to say, one of the best gifts I have ever received was when my mother-in-law donated money to a charity for my Christmas gift. She didn’t buy me anything (really, what else do I need?) but gave the money she would have spent on a gift for me to something that really meant something.
I think it’s easy to get caught up in our own little world. I gotta pay my own bills, I don’t have enough money to tithe (what? really?), I need another pair of jeans, I need to buy another toy for my child, etc. We are spoiled in America. My question to you is what are you doing to help the poor and the needy? Are you telling them about Jesus? Are you doing things for them so that they can see the love of Jesus? Are you sending money to a cause? Are you tithing and supporting your church? Or are we all just caught up in our world and concerned about providing for ourselves? And let me remind you that there are needy people all around us. Not just in some foreign country. What are you doing?
So, I posted my question on Facebook. I said, “I wonder how we can end poverty in the world.” Some of the replies were thought provoking while others I disagreed with. Two replies have stood out to me (one of which I’ll hit on today and the other comment at another time) and caused further discussion between Jeff and me and some friends. One reply was, “Sorry but I don't think it is possible (to end poverty) nor do I think it should be a priority. What matters most is people finding Jesus, not how much food, clothing, money they have.” Wow. This kind of blew me away. Is it true that my only concern for these people’s well being is that they only know Jesus? And after they’ve accepted him I move on to the next person?
A good friend of Jeff’s works for World Vision and we had this discussion with him. He mailed a book to Jeff and I that I’ve been reading this week. The book entitiled “The Hole in the Gospel” by Richard Stearns (president of World Vision) touches on this very statement/question in the first chapter. He says, “It (the Great Commission) was about saving as many people from hell as possible – for the next life. It minimized any concern for those same people in this life. It wasn’t important that they were poor or hungry or persecuted, or perhaps rich, greedy, and arrogant; we just had to get them to pray the “sinner’s prayer” and then move on to the next potential convert” (pg. 17). He goes on to say that “there is a real problem with this limited view of the kingdom of God; it is not the whole gospel. Instead, it’s a gospel with a gaping hole.” This hole referring to the view that our job is to preach the good news, make sure people accept it, and then move on to the next convert.
I don’t think that that is what Christianity is about. Stearns says that “God’s love was intended to be demonstrated, not dictated. Our charge is to both proclaim and embody the gospel so that others can see, hear, and feel God’s love in tangible ways.” And yes, I do agree with the post on facebook that people do need Jesus, but I disagree that I shouldn’t also care that they live in poverty, that they may have unclean drinking water, that they can’t afford to feed their family. Jesus didn’t just come to earth to preach the good news and get people “saved.” He also healed the sick, made the blind man see, released the oppressed (Luke 4), binded up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61), gave food to the hungry. He showed us with his own actions that He not only cares for our spiritual well-being but also for our physical well-being.
Which leads back to my question of what’s my part? Jeff and I have talked about adopting. This would help one child and perhaps give some money to a country in need. We sponsor a child through World Vision. This helps this little boy receive his shots and many other necessities. And our money also supports his community by helping his family and providing clean water to his community. We’ve also given money to a friend traveling to Ethiopia to provide food for people in need. We donate money to the MS Society each year. We’re going to get involved in serving food at a homeless teen shelter. I’m sure we’ve done other things as well, but my point is not to brag about what we’ve done or who we’ve helped…my point is what more can we do? How can we reach out and help the most? What are other people doing?
I have to say, one of the best gifts I have ever received was when my mother-in-law donated money to a charity for my Christmas gift. She didn’t buy me anything (really, what else do I need?) but gave the money she would have spent on a gift for me to something that really meant something.
I think it’s easy to get caught up in our own little world. I gotta pay my own bills, I don’t have enough money to tithe (what? really?), I need another pair of jeans, I need to buy another toy for my child, etc. We are spoiled in America. My question to you is what are you doing to help the poor and the needy? Are you telling them about Jesus? Are you doing things for them so that they can see the love of Jesus? Are you sending money to a cause? Are you tithing and supporting your church? Or are we all just caught up in our world and concerned about providing for ourselves? And let me remind you that there are needy people all around us. Not just in some foreign country. What are you doing?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A weekend with friends
We had a weekend with friends this past weekend. Jonas and Heather visited from Seattle. Brad Francis & his daughter Sorenn happened to be in town too. And another of Jeff's old friends Clint & Melissa Carlson and son Syrus. We had a BBQ at our house on Sunday afternoon so that we could all hang out. The picture below is Syrus, Case & Sorenn eating at Case's picnic table. They sat there until it started thundering!
Shiloh at the grill, Jeff, Jonas, Heather & Melissa all in the background.
Played some ball after lunch.
Heather was a good sport and played t-ball with Case.
Jeff & Sorenn. Isn't she cute?
The kids had a Rock Band.
Heather, Jonas, Jeff & Case all biked down Vail Pass. I went shopping. It would have been cheaper for me to go biking!
The ride home from Silverthorne.
Making silly faces - it's what he does best!Monday, July 13, 2009
First MLB Game
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Update on Creepy Guy Down the Street
If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you might remember the creepy guy who lives down the street. In a previous post, I mentioned how he never opens his blinds, he has tats all over his body, he blares his creepy music and that Jeff saw a creepy face peeking out of his front window (we later discovered it was a dog). I also may have mentioned that I think he tortures people in his basement - hence the never opening of the blinds.
Well, today I decided that he may not be quite as creepy as previously thought. When Case and I went for a walk this afternoon, creepy guy was in his driveway with a little boy (about 4 or 5 in age) and he was teaching him how to ride a bike. You can't be THAT creepy if you teach kids to ride a bike, can you?
Well, today I decided that he may not be quite as creepy as previously thought. When Case and I went for a walk this afternoon, creepy guy was in his driveway with a little boy (about 4 or 5 in age) and he was teaching him how to ride a bike. You can't be THAT creepy if you teach kids to ride a bike, can you?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Happy Independence Day, America!
For this 4th, we headed up into the mountains. After a long 3.5 hour trip we came upon our campgrounds. We camped 2 nights with my parents. It rained almost 24/7 so needless to say, it was cold & rainy! But, our tent kept us dry the first night and we slept in my 'rents camper the second night. We also pulled one of my parents ATV's up and got to play. On the 4th, we had a big family reunion near Aspen of my mom's side of the family. It was a great time and almost all of us were there.
Case took a ride with mommy (we went slow) and when we finished he said, "I don't like it!" He was done after one short trip around the parking lot.
Jeff & dad took a 3 hour ride into the mountains. This is why we live in Colorado. GORGEOUS.
"Crystal Mill." An old cabin built right on the edge of the river.
After 2 days of no showers!
Case was very sad that we had to leave.
Uncle Collin found a chair just his size.Please Pray!
A week ago yesterday, I noticed a lump on my arm between my armpit and elbow. As of today, it was still there. So, this morning I called a nurse and she asked that I come in and have the Dr. look at it. Dr. Yang ruled out a cyst b/c it doesn't feel like there's any liquid in it. Which leaves a swollen lymph node or cancer. He's pretty sure it's not cancerous, but I'm to watch it for 2-4 weeks. If it doesn't go away or if it gets bigger, I'm to go in for a biopsy and then we'll go from there. He's hoping that it'll just go away on its own within a couple of weeks.
Although I probably won't lose sleep over it, there is that cloud of "What if it's cancer?" hanging over my head. I ask that you pray for God's healing in my body and that it'll turn out to be nothing.
Although I probably won't lose sleep over it, there is that cloud of "What if it's cancer?" hanging over my head. I ask that you pray for God's healing in my body and that it'll turn out to be nothing.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Splash Park
There's nothing Case enjoys more than spending a day with his cousins. Yesterday, we spent the afternoon in Loveland at a fun splash park.
Case was a little timid and didn't get as wet as the other boys. But, he had fun.
Kye, of course, was all over the place and the first one wet.
Carson enjoyed sticking his head over the fountains.
Despite the 90 degree weather, the boys were chilled at the end of play time. The water was pretty cold.
Corinne wasn't too sure about the water.
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