‘a long look in the mirror’

(an excerpt from an article by Michael Ramsden)

“In all other religious systems, sacrifice is the price that we pay to get ourselves right with God. Under the Christian Gospel, sacrifice is the price that God pays in order to give Himself to us. Do you see the difference? Yet it’s so easy as Christians to fall under the other mindset: “Because I’m doing this, I’m trying so hard, I’m getting myself close to you, God, you owe me.” Then we begin to despise those who we see struggling and falling. And all of a sudden, we may have something that looks like uncompromising faith, but at the same time it is incredibly harsh. And it is amazingly unattractive.

I’ve heard some interesting things in response to what’s happening in the financial markets right now, and from some people and politicians, you get the impression that bankers were basically the agents of Beelzebub. It’s really interesting how politicians and indeed, even churches, are very happy to take money from people involved in that industry when they’re doing well. But they are also equally happy to simply load them up with blame when things seem to suddenly be going very badly. But we have to ask ourselves the question, has anyone done anything illegal? Has anyone actually broken the law? We created these markets. We pass laws to regulate them. When someone does something that is completely wrong and is illegal, we have every right to blame them. But when people are operating within the parameters of the law—that’s not to say everything that’s happening right now is okay—but it’s very easy, isn’t it, to slip into self-righteousness when we feel everybody’s with us. It’s very easy to simply tell everybody else that they’re completely, totally, and utterly wrong when we feel that we’ve got a wave of public opinion behind us and we’re riding it well. Christian self-righteousness is so easy, isn’t it? read more

liam’s workout video

I’m finally getting some videos ready to put up. Here’s a video of Liam’s daily workout routine.

We got a camera this weekend too, so more pics should be coming soon.

self-defense in Nairobi

Here is a funny picture from our trip to the game park last weekend:

Why is it funny? At first glance, it’s a picture of a sweet little boy walking with his mommy. But, upon closer examination you see that both mother and child are apparently prepared for some sort of danger (baboons in this case!) Notice each of their outside hands…nice!

BBC | Sudan to ‘expel all aid groups’

BBC NEWS | al-Bashir to ‘expel all aid groups’

He’s not differentiating between North and South Sudan when he’s making these claims in the rally. Regardless, this does not bode well for the situation in the North, the West (Darfur) or the south. Please keep Sudan in your prayers.

i don’t belong here

(an excellent Switchfoot song that has been in my thoughts lately)

a beautiful letdown.

It was a beautiful letdown when I crashed and burned.
When I found myself alone, unknown and hurt.
It was a beautiful letdown the day I knew
that all the riches this world had to offer me would never do.

In a world full of bitter pain and bitter doubts
I was trying so hard to fit in until I found out…

that I don’t belong here. I don’t belong here.
I will carry a cross and a song where I don’t belong.

It was a beautiful letdown when You found me here.
For once in a rare blue moon I see everything clear.
I’ll be a beautiful letdown. That’s what I’ll forever be,
And though it may cost it all I’ll sing for free.

We’re still chasing our tails in the rising sun
Our dark water planet’s spinning and no one wins. No one’s won.

See, I don’t belong here. Well, I don’t belong here.
I will carry a cross with a song where I don’t belong

I’m gonna set side and set sail for the kingdom come.
Let my foolish pride forever let me down.

Easy living, you’re not much like your name.
Easy dying, you look just about the same.
Would you please take me off your list, easy living?
Please, come on and let me down.
read more

safari pics!

Yesterday we went driving through the Nairobi Park, just 10 minutes from our front door. It was pretty awesome! I got to try out the Landcruiser on some track roads and we got to see tons of animals. We still don’t have a digital camera, but our friends (the SIM media guru!) came along so you can enjoy our trip with us.

See all the photos!