King of kings

Many of my friends have blogs that are full of stories and other things that make me stop and think. Typically my blog is just fun stuff about our family and what is going on with us...and that is why I began it. However, every so often I like to post something that may not make you smile, but hopefully, will make you stop and think. This is one of those times. Also, this was not me in the story, I don't have the guts to do anything like this.

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.
Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence.
When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.
I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more.
I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

If you are reading this and disagree, that is fine. I thank our Lord that we live in a free country that is a democracy. Very few countries in the entire history of mankind can make that statement and we are blessed to be living in one of them. Obviously, everyone knows that we support McCain, but really, to keep this election in perspective, regardless who wins, ultimately, Jesus Christ is the King of kings and in control...always has been and always will be...November 4th can change many things..but not that.

The Pumpkin Patch

According to Noel Piper in her book Treasuring God in Our Traditions, a traditions can be defined as:

• A planned habit with significance


• The handing down of information, beliefs, worldview from one generation to another by word of mouth and by regular repetition of example, of ceremony, and of celebration.


• For a Christian, tradition is laying up God's words in our own hearts and passing His words to the next generation.

One tradition we have is to go to Huber's farm with Steve's family each October. This tradition began 13 years ago (before I was in the family!). After a dinner at the restaurant (thanks Roger and Sharon), we return to his parents house for a pumpkin hunt on their 10 acre farm. This year each grandchild could find 14 pumpkins. They even provide wagons for all the grandchildren to pull their loads. Following the pumpkin patch, we eat chili, drink hot chocolate, and to the delight of our children-snack on what seems to be an infinite amount of cookies, chips, candy, and cupcakes. Our children start asking about this day when the leaves first begin to fall in early September...and the day always exceeds their expectations. This planned habit has great significance in their eyes.

Isaiah 49:16

Lydia keeps us laughing with the things she says. To give you a little background for this one, Joshua sleeps with his door open; we completely close Lydia's and Katherine's bedroom doors.

The other night at about 10:00pm (bedtime is 8:30) she comes down the steps looking quite sad. I said, "Lydia, what is wrong, why are you awake?" She looks at me with her sad, sky blue eyes and says with all sincerity, "I wish Jesus made me a boy." I smiled and said, "Oh Lydia, God made you perfect just the way you are...a beautiful, sweet girl." Then I asked "Why do you wish you were a boy?" She responded, "then I could sleep with my door open tonight."

Isaiah 49:16
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.
-The LORD God.

Politics

Politics. With the upcoming elections and the non-existant "objective" media we have on tv today, it is hard to know the truth about issues. To help you be informed, here is a great website- you can google a senator's name and "on the issues" and look at their actual voting record, sometimes their actions do not reflect their words (at least one canidate!).
I recieved this the other day and thought it was great food for thought:

Chicago
Body count in the last six months:
292 murdered in Chicago
221 killed in Iraq

Our leadership in Illinois: Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. Dick Durbin,Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Gov. Rod Blogojevich, House leader Mike Madigan,Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, Mayor Richard Daley .....all Democrats.

State pension fund $44 Billion in debt, worst in country.

Cook County (Chicago) sales tax 10.25%, highest in country.

Chicago school system one of the worst in country.

Just food for thought.

Fireproof

On our date night last week we saw the movie Fireproof. It is a great movie that I think everyone should see. I am not sure how much longer it will be at the theaters so you should plan to go soon. It is a movie about love and marriage - but is not sappy. For you guys out there, Steve really enjoyed the movie as well. We both left asking, "why don't they make more movies like this?" It was funny, thought provoking, and encouraging.
Thanks Grandma Baum for babysitting!

Happy Birthday!

This weekend we celebrated my dad's 66th birthday with a party and an Oreo Ice Cream Cake. Happy Birthday dad - we love you!

Go Longhorns!

Joshua is playing soccer this year. He kicked the ball more times during the last game than he did all last season. He is playing on an Upwards Soccer league at our church. Upwards Soccer teaches soccer skills while also emphasizing good sportsmanship (Christ-like behavior) and non-competitive game play. Most importantly, Upwards teaches the kids (and parents) the Truth about God. We are all born sinners...and our sin separates us from the relationship that God desires to have with us. The penalty for this sin is death. However, the good news is while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Christ paid that penatly on the cross. Our relationship with God can be restored by placing our trust in Him. This is the most important message our children will ever hear. It is a wonderful experience to have our coaches pray before the game and read the Bible with the children.
...speaking of the coaches...I think the Longhorns assistant coach is a hottie!