I was pondering some on the nature of the “quote” above and decided to look up it’s history. Much to my surprise, it is attributed St. Ambrose, a devout Christian. Given the way this sentiment is used in modern society, I was thunderstruck at the idea it had originated from one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the early Church. On the surface, it would appear that St. Ambrose is advocating for a form of moral relativism and giving license to abandon morals and standards in order to “fit … Read the rest
Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.
– Alma 1:25
About twenty years ago I spent several weekends driving chase truck for my neighbor who owned and operated a hot air balloon. The deal was that if I drove long enough he would take me up on a ride. My friend Sean and I decided a balloon ride would make an awesome homecoming group date and both of … Read the rest
Last summer, Liz and I traveled back to the home country to spend time with our extended families. Among the things we did there was take a weekend trip camping in an offshoot of the Rocky Mountains with my brothers and their popup/tent trailers. Liz and I thought it might be fun and affordable enough for us to get one, and started looking around for a used one in our price-range. As luck would have it, not long after we returned home from vacation a friend told us they had one we could take for free.
What’s wrong with DC? How is it that the array of government and our duly elected representatives can be so disconnected from the reality of the majority of American lives? After spending another several days in the national capitol region, I am reminded of at least one of the reasons. DC is nothing like the rest of America. It is a frighteningly distorted fairytale land, and I am convinced that anyone who spends much time there will eventually lose touch with the realities facing most of America.
The fact of the matter is that people are influenced by their environment … Read the rest
While our country remains untainted with the principles and manners which are now producing desolation in so many parts of the world; while she continues sincere, and incapable of insidious and impious policy, we shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned us by Providence. But should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation while it is practising iniquity and extravagance, and displays in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candor, frankness, and sincerity, while
For Father’s day this year, Liz interviewed Michael and provided me a run-down of the answers he provided. You never know what you’re going to get when you ask a four-year-old questions, and in this case, the result can be quite funny. The questions and his answers are provided below for your reading pleasure:
How old is Dad? 20
What is Dad’s favorite color? Orange
What is Dad’s favorite outfit to wear? Shirts
What is Dad’s favorite movie? Jason Bourne
Where was Dad born? He was with Jesus before he was born
While scanning a news site I ran across an article talking about a collection of letters Albert Einstein had written. One of the topics reportedly addressed in the letters frequently was Einstein’s thoughts on God. One section quoted struck me:
I prefer an attitude of humility corresponding to the weakness of our intellectual understanding of nature and of our own being.
-Albert Einstein
While I don’t agree with Einsteins thoughts on the childishness of believing in a personal God (contained in a section of the quote I omitted here), I think his reasoning is something the rest of the world … Read the rest
‘Some conjurers say that number three is the magic number, and some say number seven. It’s neither, my friend, neither. It’s number one… Only to show you my meaning clearly,’ said the Jew, raising his eyebrows. ‘To [secure your own prosperity], you depend upon me. To keep my little business all snug, I depend upon you. The first is your number one, the second my number one. The more you value your number one, the more careful you must be of mine; so we come at last to what I told you at first—that a regard for number one holds
I sat down today to write, knowing that doing so generally helps me focus my thoughts or at least pick through the ashes of them and find some remainder to share. After reflecting for a few minutes, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have nothing that could be viewed as interesting, productive or entertaining. In fact, the things beating a path through my mind at the moment and marinating in the pickling brine that is there are probably best left unvoiced. While I might find it theraputic to expose some of those sour thoughts and feelings, the odds of … Read the rest
Most people are familiar with restless sleep where the night is constantly interrupted by one thing, another, or nothing in particular. Short periods of unconsciousness are only randomly interspersed throughout the night and insufficient to guarantee a reasonably wakeful and rested morning. Over the years I’ve dealt with the effects and side-effects of this kind of sleep deprivation. It would creep up on me frequently during periods of high stress such as points in my graduate studies when my mind would refuse to wind-down for the night and keep me up until I got out of bed and worked through … Read the rest
