NYTimes: A Tough Season for Believers

An interesting read with a conclusion that aptly summarizes the situation and challenges for American Christians...

From The New York Times:

A Tough Season for Believers

By ROSS DOUTHAT

Christmas is hard for everyone. But it's particularly hard for people who actually believe in it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/20/opinion/20douthat.html

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Christmas Sermon Mini-Series at St. Philip

Getting your company through a recession - Recessions - Accounting Solutions Ltd

The essay link below is from the front page of a business web site. The business is owned by a member of my congregation, but I call it to the public's attention because it is a very unusual piece of business advice. It's about the things that are most important, the things that are the foundation of any business or enterprise.

I'm particularly struck by this:

Everyone loses something in a depression. Make sure that it is something you can afford to lose. Your marriage, your health, your honor, your relationships with your family and friends... how can you replace these? Yet the inexperienced seem to sacrifice these first.

That quote has inspired a Christmas sermon mini-series at my congregation. Give this essay a shot. It's well worth your time.

Getting your company through a recession - Recessions - Accounting Solutions Ltd

Encouragement for Pastor and People in Advent and Christmas

 

I really appreciate the encouragement that the new President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod offers—to laypeople and clergy alike—in his Advent message.

Advent Blessing from President Harrison from VimeoLCMS on Vimeo.

NYTimes: The Changing Culture War

What does this mean for the church in general and Lutherans in particular?

From The New York Times:

The Changing Culture War

By ROSS DOUTHAT

Middle America retreats from marriage, and religion.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/opinion/06douthat.html

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Reasoning for Three-Year-Olds and Influencing Behavior

I am a very imperfect parent, and I am trying to do better than just “Do this because I said so,” though that is a perfectly acceptable reason now and then. On this note, I had an amusing interchange with my three-year-old this morning that illustrates both my lack of creativity and his delightful reasoning…

Dad (to 3-yr-old who is holding himself): Son, you need to go potty.

3YO: I don't want to go potty.

Dad: Son, you need to go potty.

3YO: No. I don't want to go potty.

Dad: Son, you need to go potty.

3YO (resolutely): No.

Dad (a little steamed): Did you just tell me “no”?

3YO: I don’t want to go potty.

Dad: I know you don’t want to go potty, but you need to.

3YO: No.

Dad (heating up): Ok. Well you can go to the potty, or you go to your room and be all by yourself. [Pregnant pause from Dad while he searches for a more graceful option than just either-or.] Or, you can have a spanking. Which do you want?

3YO (with certainty): I want to go potty.

I’m thinking about the book Nudge that I started but never finished: Sometimes influencing behavior is just about asking the right questions.

Quinn says election provided "mandate" to raise income tax for schools - chicagotribune.com

Really?

I'm almost speechless.

Quinn says election provided "mandate" to raise income tax for schools - chicagotribune.com

Love Listening to Erin Bode Sing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcIKnQxhCW0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

-- Sent from my Palm Pre