Category: reflections

An American Christmas

American Santa | Photo art by Jonathan Blundell

As the Puritan Pilgrims began to settle the new world of America, they came seeking religious freedom from their British oppressors.

And as such, one of the traditions they sought to “redeem” from early on was that of the Christmas holiday.

The Puritans saw no scriptural justification for celebrating the holiday and noted that the Sabbath was the only holy day sanctioned in scripture.

They saw the Christmas holiday as a celebration filled with paganism and idolatry.
Continue reading An American Christmas

Simple sacrifice and simple giving

Lipensky Russion icon | Photo via WikiCommons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nikola_from_1294.jpg)

In the 3rd Century (approx 270 AD), a baby boy was born in Asia Minor (now modern day Turkey) who would completely change the way we see giving and the Christmas season.

Born the son of wealthy Christian parents, the boy was said to have been very religious from an early age.

After the boy’s parents died while he was still a young, the boy was raised by his uncle, the bishop of Patara.

The boys uncle taught him how to read, write and even tonsured him as a priest later on in life. Continue reading Simple sacrifice and simple giving

Time for a digital Sabbath

rest | photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/tribalicious/194137374/

It’s time for a break… a short one at least.

Let’s turn off our all our digital connections (email, Twitter, Facebook and more) this weekend and really spend some time with our friends and families.

Take a break from all the noise and rest.

That’s what I’ll be doing anyways. Starting tonight (Wednesday) at midnight, I plan on disconnecting for the long weekend and don’t plan on returning to the online world until at least Sunday evening.

Friday’s podcast is posted and scheduled (it’s a good one) and otherwise, if anyone needs me you know how to reach me via phone.

Along with spending time with my family, I’m hoping to do some good reading, continue working on the #nanodrawmo project and perhaps get some Frisbee golf or geocaching in.

I might even work on creating some Christmas gifts for this year as well.

What about you? What can you do instead of continually checking in with your online networks?

Here’s to a long relaxing break.

Why are you still yelling?!

When the sun went down | Photo by gideon_wright http://www.flickr.com/photos/27787901@N06/

“Why are you running around yelling at everyone, instead of figuring out how to earn the right to whisper to them?” – Seth Godin

Wow! Chew on that quote today!
Continue reading Why are you still yelling?!

A letter to my sons

Dear HDiddy and IDiddy,

Happy 1st birthday!

It’s so hard to believe that just a year ago we were anxiously waiting on a doctor’s appointment to determine if we would actually get to see you on Oct 21, 2010 or if we’d be forced to wait till a later date.

I’m so thankful the doctor said, “let’s deliver!” because I’m not sure I could have waited much longer — and yet I was still a nervous wreck. I remember pacing the pre-op room we were in, almost certain I would pass out during your delivery. Not only was I worried for both of you and your mother but I was also scared that I wouldnt have what it takes to be the best dad for both of you — I still have those fears (I hear they never go away).

Continue reading A letter to my sons

A second chance for the KKK

Never Beyond KKK
Who would you give a second chance? | Illustration by People of the Second Chance

The American Civil Rights struggle can teach us a lot about love and forgiveness — especially that of loving our enemies.

“The black freedom struggle is the best example of bringing together the quest for unarmed truth and unconditional love in the face of American Terrorism for 400 years. Instead of a Black al-Qaeda you get Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther.” – Dr Cornel West

Of all the inspiring stories that have come from the Civil Rights struggle in America – one of the most powerful ones I’ve heard is the story of Rev. Wade Watts.
Continue reading A second chance for the KKK