Most Important Tasks

• Tweaks for one client
• Write back to theme-creation inquiry
• Tweaks for another client

The reward

Subscription to All You magazine, which I’ve been tempting myself with for several months.

photo credit: flash.pro

Okay, I don’t have kids yet (well, the one I have is doing all the playing he wants in the womb!) but I came across the KaBOOM Playspace Finder the other day and thought it was a great idea.

It’s basically a Google Maps mashup that lets visitors review “playspaces” (by which I’m assuming they mean parks and playgrounds and such), and browse using a map. They say “there are currently 10468 playspaces in the KaBOOM Playspace Finder,” and there are a few shown within a couple miles of my house, so it seems like it’s got enough info already to be useful.

Besides, kids aren’t the only ones who like playgrounds!

I really like Katie’s idea.

Image via Wikipedia

Where to start? I guess a good place would be the fact that I am not supporting any particular presidential candidate at this point; I haven’t done enough research to justify support yet. I’m a long-time conservative, but I’m getting more moderate by the year (in part thanks to stupid conservatives). It’s also possibly relevant to this post that I’m pro-life, so naturally I disagree with Barack Obama on the issue of abortion.

However, that’s not what has me irritated at the moment. No, that special honor goes to James Dobson and Tom Minnery of “Focus on the Family Action.” I’m familiar with the Focus on the Family organization (hey, they make “Adventures in Odyssey,” my favorite kids’ radio program) and I’m guessing the “Action” suffix means that this is their political activism arm.

Well, if what I heard today is what constitutes political activism, I really wish they’d either give it up or do a better job of it.

The piece that got my attention was a forwarded email with the subject line, “Obama lashes out at Dr. Dobson.” A nice little bit of hype, right?

As a Christian, I am interested in knowing about faith-related views and actions of the candidates, so I took the bait and read the email.

The “lashes out” part? From the email: “On Tuesday, presidential candidate Barack Obama lashed out at Dr. Dobson and accused Dr. Dobson of ‘making stuff up’ about Obama.”

Okay, that merits some investigation, especially since the original email was directly from Dobson’s organization, but first I finished the rest of the email, which purported to summarize the events leading up to this point. Honestly, I can’t pick which parts to share, so I’ll excerpt the rest of the email here:

Here is what happened. On Tuesday’s Focus on the Family radio broadcast (paid for by Focus Action), Dr. Dobson and I dissected a 2006 speech in which Obama made some very disturbing statements about his understating of Christianity, the role of religion in government and specifically Dr. Dobson.

Please click here to watch Obama’s speech, listen to Dr. Dobson’s comments, and more.

Obama compares Dr. Dobson to Al Sharpton
In that 2006 speech, after stating that we are not a Christian nation, Obama directly compared Dr. Dobson to Al Sharpton. Obama then continued with an extremely convoluted discussion of the Bible - from Levitical law to the Sermon on the Mount - that caused Dr. Dobson to say Obama was “deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview.”

While Obama’s statements about Dr. Dobson are offensive, Obama’s misunderstanding of the Bible is alarming — especially considering the blind faith so many of our fellow Americans seem to have in him!

Again, I want you to hear and see for yourself what Obama said, as well as Dr. Dobson’s comments.

These are extremely important issues that we must contend with. That is why Focus Action sponsored this radio broadcast - and it’s why we will not stand by silently as any public figure drags biblical understanding through the gutter or undermines the role of people of faith in our society.

It struck me as a little odd that this clamor centered around a speech that is two years old, but I was curious about “drag[ing] biblical understanding through the gutter” and the accusation that Obama was “deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview.”

Frankly, I don’t follow enough of the political-religious uproar to be very familiar with Al Sharpton, but clearly Dr. Dobson was appalled at the comparison, so I finally decided to just watch Obama’s speech.

It was longer than I expected, so I tidied the office at the same time, eagerly listening for the gutter-dragging or the Dobson segment (since the email said that Obama “specifically” targeted Dobson).

Imagine my disappointment (well, more confusion) when the only mention of Dr. Dobson was a single rhetorical question that pointed out that American Christians can’t agree on the practical applications of their faith.

Following up on the point that Christians are not the only folks who live in America (hard to argue that, though believe it or not, Dobson tried), this is what Obama actually said:

And even if we did have only Christians in our midst, if we expelled every non-Christian from the United States of America, whose Christianity would we teach in the schools? Would it be James Dobson’s, or Al Sharpton’s?

Yes, that is the dreaded spot where “Obama directly compared Dr. Dobson to Al Sharpton.”

Do you remember in grade school where the teacher had you “compare and contrast”? To me, this is a whole lot more “contrast” than “compare,” but maybe I’m just getting caught up in semantics.

In any case, I don’t see how any reasonable person could find the statement offensive. I suppose that Dobson is probably a little hyper-sensitive because of the arena in which he operates, but that doesn’t seem like a good excuse for throwing logic out the window.

As for the distortions of the Bible, I really didn’t hear them. I was keeping my ears open for them, but just didn’t hear anything that struck me as “distorting” or even non-traditional (and believe me, I think you can do far worse than “non-traditional”).

Admittedly, though, I’m a person who can sometimes be swayed too easily by polished arguments, so I thought I’d let Dr. Dobson take a stab at enlightening me. After I finished Obama’s speech, I hit play on Dobson’s podcast.

It’s really too bad I’ll never get that 30 minutes of my life back again (but at least my desk is a little neater…).

I found the program in turns ignorant, misleading, and manipulative. I honestly can’t tell whether Dobson and his cohort really never listened to Obama’s speech or are just deliberately being obtuse.

They consistently took segments out of context—if a production assistant trimmed the speech to those sound-bytes and that’s all the hosts had to go off of, that could explain the lack of intelligent discussion, but I would sincerely hope that their journalism skills are a little better than that (of course, the alternative is probably worse).

Beyond that, they jumped to crazy conclusions (some were almost laughable, if it wasn’t for the fact that these things that actually matter), for instance, that Obama was accusing Dobson of wanting to expel non-Christians from the country. They attacked his brief summaries of biblical viewpoints (which I found to be pretty accurate—his summaries, that is, not their attacks). They just generally made fools of themselves.

Finally, after sitting through the whole broadcast in the interest of being informed and fair, I did a search to find out what Obama actually said when he “lashed out at Dr. Dobson.”

This article covers it pretty well, and essentially, Obama simply rejected Dobson’s attacks and said, “I think you’ll see that he was just making stuff up, maybe for his own purposes.”

Well, I’d pretty much agree with that.

A quote from the article:

“I think he’s deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology,” Dobson said.

Asked about Dobson’s assessment, Obama said “somebody would be pretty hard-pressed to make that argument” that he was distorting the Bible.

You think?

Gosh, that is a vicious and hurtful attack, now, isn’t it?!?

Give me a break. And please stop using illogical, out-of-context rhetoric to sucker your devoted listeners, most of whom will probably follow your lead and not listen to the actual speech.

Dr. Dobson should hold to a higher standard, “especially considering the blind faith so many of our fellow Americans seem to have in him!”

photo credit: xfuture911

I’ve heard lots of discussions about renting vs. buying big items, and I pretty much sum up the best advice this way: Rent things you use less than a couple times a year; buy things you use more.

Very straightforward. (Of course, there are probably some exceptions, but it’s a good rule of thumb.)

One piece of advice I read about when to rent caught my eye, though, just because I hadn’t seen it before: when possible, rent the car you’re going to buy for a few days before purchasing it. You’ll get a much better feel for it than on a quick test drive.

This assumes two things:

1. You’re going to buy a new car. That’s not usually a good financial move, given the instant depreciation and the fact that you can typically buy a slightly used model for thousands less, but some people will ignore that and buy new anyway.
2. You’re buying a car that rental places rent. Not all cars, and particularly not all packages, will be available for rental.

However, if those two things are true, and you’re at all picky about the car you drive (I’m not; we bought our last vehicle off of eBay because we spotted a great bargain), it makes a lot of sense to invest a little upfront to make sure the big investment is one you’ll be happy with.

I’ve spent today catching up on the neglected clients and projects. It’s draining to feel behind on everything (though admittedly, it’s getting better). I decided to take a break and go get the mail—getting the mail is one of the great (small) pleasures of my life.

Imagine my excitement when I got a package! I love packages!

And then I opened the package!

Oh, now you know that’s going to be good!

Now I know you are all incredibly jealous… look at all that fudgy goodness!

A little back-story on the fudge: when I checked my email on Monday morning, I had a super-nice note from Reonne of Earth’s Sweet Pleasures. Over the weekend, she used my WordPress videos to learn to install her blog, appropriately named Chocolate Fudge Cafe (is your mouth watering yet?!).

She appreciated the videos and offered to send me some fudge. Now what sane woman would turn down that offer?!? Not this one! (Though I guess at this point my claim on sanity is a little tenuous…) I didn’t realize that Reonne was going to send me 16 pieces, though!

Honestly, even more than the fudge (which is fantastic, by the way… I kept it intact just long enough for the photos ), I’m really touched that she went out of her way to do something so nice. After a very stressful few days, it’s like my soul just sighed with satisfaction.

Ahhhhhhhhh…

Don’t underestimate what your gestures of thoughtfulness can do for another person.

I have a few random things that I get excited about, things that make everyone else think I’m crazy. One of these things is the concept of communes. I don’t mean communes in the hippy-dippy sense. More the idea of making good use of financial and talent/interest resources, and recapturing some of the joys of community that have sort of disappeared along with small, tight-woven groups.

This commune idea has been on my mind for several years, but lately there have been other things that have penetrated my consciousness. One is the way that Christians are perceived in the secular world. (I know, you’re thinking that my commune obsession isn’t likely to help that! But give me a chance to explain…)

At church last week, Brian played a video where a guy stopped random people on the street and played a little word association with them. “What do you think of when I say ‘Christian’?” and “What comes to mind when I say ‘Jesus’?” were two of the main ones. The answers were sadly predictable: “weird,” “judgmental,” and even “bad.”

This reaction from the secular world tells me a lot of things. One, Christians are really doing a lousy job of communicating the Gospel. I have this fantasy of people responding with “weird, but the nicest people I’ve ever met”. Which is my second point: it seems obvious that either the respondents don’t know any Christians, or the Christians they know aren’t really following Christ. Yes, that sounds a little harsh and judgmental, but it’s not really a judgment because it’s self-evident. If we were truly following Christ, the responses would be different.

I’ve also been reading lots of books that point out that most Christians don’t have non-believing friends. This is partly because it’s easier to be with “people like me,” partly because many just don’t encounter a lot of non-believers in daily life, and partly because of the “Christian ghetto” that everyone’s always talking about.

So what do all these things have to do with each other? Well, I was standing in the shower, and it hit me (isn’t the shower the location of all eureka moments?): what if we had a commune of sorts that solved some of the perception and relationship problems at the same time? A structure that actually makes it more likely that Christians would hang out with secular folks (rather than becoming even more of a Christian ghetto, as the commune idea might imply to some)?

Here’s what I’m thinking: an apartment building owned by a local church, in the general vicinity of the church. The intention would be to have about half to two-thirds of the apartments occupied by people involved in the church. The other half to one-third would be intentionally filled with secular people in the church’s target market (in my church, this is families; in other churches, this could be young singles, professionals, whatever).

Social and “felt need” interactions would be intentional and central to the success of this plan. For instance, with our target, this would mean things like child care, homework help, dinner get-togethers, and anything that would help a young family make connections and get a little less stressed. For this to work, it is essential that the church people step up and lead community interactions.

In my ideal world, this would accomplish a few things:

1. It would foster meaningful relationships between Christians and non-believers. Not “we’re here to convert you” relationships, but true friendships. This is essential if we’re ever going to overcome the stereotypes about Christians (and get down to doing the work Jesus told us to do, already!).
2. It would give us the opportunity to show God’s love to people in a way that matters. It’s good to tell people that Jesus loves them, but how about showing them through service that meets actual needs?
3. It would help us grow as Christians. This would happen both through fellowship with other church folks, and especially through actually following the Great Commission.
4. It would be fun and fulfilling! I think most people long for real community, and some of us find it in the Church, but still feel lonely most of the time.
5. It makes financial sense. We could pool our resources (both financial and in terms of talent and interests) to create a community that is more than the sum of its parts. For instance, maybe someone gets free rent in exchange for childcare or meal prep for the community, while others pay rent that benefits the community.

Is this the end-all, be-all solution? Of course not! There would be plenty of problems to solve (how do you get church people on board for such a big commitment? what happens if there’s tension in the church—or the apartment? how do you attract your target audience without making them feel like pawns?). But I think as an idea, it has a lot of potential.

I have no idea if this is something that anyone’s doing already, or if any church would get behind it, but it’s on my mind, something I’m passionate about, and I believe that it’s God that’s keeping it in my mind and heart. I’m not sure what He wants me to do with this idea (our church doesn’t have the resources at this point to make this happen); maybe I’m just suppose to throw it out there. Any thoughts? (Do you all think I’m nuts now?)

Rules: Randomly list 9 people, preferably people you know. Do not read the questions below the list until you create your list. After your list of 9 people is complete, go back and answer each question, referencing your list.

1. Daniel
2. Leanna
3. Nadine
4. Tricia
5. jen
6. Starlight
7. My mom
8. Chelle
9. Cindy

how did u meet number 3:
She just showed up one day when I was almost two…

What would you do if you had never met 1?
I’d be living a different life at this point. My relationship with Daniel has shaped the last… almost ten! years of my life.

What would you do if 6 and 2 were going out?
Well, as long as they were just going out to a movie at the cheap seats or something, that’d be fine. But if you mean “dating”, well, I’d have some issues with that.

Have you ever seen 4 cry?
Yup.

How do you know 8?
From The Experience, my rocking church.

What do you think about 7?
She’s a good mom. Strong and take-no-crap, but also fun and fun to torment.

What would you do if 5 confessed they loved you?
I’d be a little surprised but not disturbed or anything.
Fact about number 9?
Cindy is beautiful without makeup.

Who is 4 going out with?
Davey.

What’s 2 do for a livin?
Right now she’s escaping Quizno’s to become a web developer.

Would you ever live with 8?
Sure. I’m all about the commune thing.

Where does 7 live?
Grants Pass, Oregon.

what do you think about #3?
She’s a nut but a lot of fun.

What do you love about number 1?
I love love love it when he’s goofy. Sometimes he even giggles. We have so much fun together.

Is 2 Your best friend?
Daniel gets that honor, but Leanna’s right up there.

Do you miss number 3?
Yes. Move to Boise already, darn it!

Be Inspired by The Strongest Dad in the World

Okay, go check it out.

Lynette Vosges was one of the thousands of victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. She was at work that day, at Aon Corporation, where she was senior vice president of reinsurance. While I couldn’t find a lot of facts about Lynette (I know she was 48, in the World Trade Center, and lived in New York City), what I did find was a lot of ways in which she touched lives around her.

Here is just a small sampling:

…I’ve known Lynette since I started at Aon and from that time on she’s been the sweetest and most caring person that I know….

Every time you walked into my store, your smile out shown all the diamonds that we have. You are truly missed….

Your smile as well as your laugh I will never forget. I know that you and Colleen are walking through that pearly white gate to sit at the right hand of our father in heaven….

I was fortunate enough to work with Lynette for a time at AHNA in New York. So beautiful, so stylish. I still remember our last Aon Specialty Re Christmas party with Lynette, Colleen and Gavin — such a lot of fun and laughs. That was always the way with all three of them and I pray they are together now.

Thank you for being such a true friend. Your support, sincerity and faith will never be forgotten. You were my voice of reasoning and one I could always count on. I love you and miss you so much.

We met at Guy Carpenter and Lynette was the first one to welcome me aboard and made me feel welcome. She was a classy and wonderful person….

I remember working with Lynette at Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc. a long time ago, during the early 1980’s. Lynette was a very beautiful and pleasant woman to be around. She brought joy to my life back then. I will always remember her….

I have known Lynette for 20 plus years. We had some business dealings way back when she worked at Guy Carpenter and we have been good friends ever since.

Although we did not have day to day contact, it was always a joy to get together with her. She was more like extended family than just a friend.

Her loss has by far had the greatest impact on me. She was just that sweet and I miss her.

…You gave selflessly to each person that you encountered on your journey on earth. Your kind friendship, your gentle laughter, your grace and poise will be missed by all who knew you. You never held back from helping others– if you had a skill or means to assist them. You are not and will not be forgotten by us. Each of those who were blessed with the good luck to meet you are lucky souls….

Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for all the love you gave me. Thank you for being there for me. I miss you very much. Love you always, your grand daughter. Now I am ten years old and I am in fifth grade . I know you are very proud of me.

Hi Lynette, I just want to thank you for being such a great inspiration to my daughther and myself. I met you many years ago and you always seem like a beautiful person which you were. My daughter adored you and will always remember you. I know you have her in your heart and always be there in her heart. Thanks again for coming into our lives.

I remember reading another comment about Lynette from someone who didn’t really know her, but had encountered her regularly when Lynette was getting her nails done. I think it’s beautiful that she was a person who is constantly remembered as a generous, loving person by both her family and her barely-acquaintances.

Aon Corp has a website devoted to the many, many employees they lost on September 11th. Since kids sometimes put it best, I particularly recommend the Letters to Aon from Manuel Perez Elementary School.

This tribute is part of the 2,996 Tribute Project (which is currently overloaded with traffic), a blogging effort that seeks to remember the individuals involved in the tragedy that was the terrorist attacks.

References: Legacy.com guestbook for Lynette D. Vosges · CNN’s September 11th Memorial.