20 March 2011
China’s children
Mar/25/11
58 million children are in foster care in China. Why? Most have parents who are healthy and working. These parents are capable of parenting, but have decided they can’t afford to. Many moved to cities to get jobs. Babies came with or stayed back with grandparents. But attending junior high with its barriers and cost meant neither parents or grandparents could supply education.
Foster homes have become the solution. With several children in dorm like rooms, friends become family. Parents working many hours away with little freedom to travel have not seen their children in years. When they do, they have little in common, except possibly a shared dimple, or similar smile.
What will be the outcome? We don’t know. We can pray that somehow these 58 million children come to know intimately their heavenly father.
Podcast
Foster homes have become the solution. With several children in dorm like rooms, friends become family. Parents working many hours away with little freedom to travel have not seen their children in years. When they do, they have little in common, except possibly a shared dimple, or similar smile.
What will be the outcome? We don’t know. We can pray that somehow these 58 million children come to know intimately their heavenly father.
Podcast
Research
Mar/24/11
Our world is full of uncertainties. Leadership is always changing in some country. Sometimes its catastrophic and violent. Some events change just one town, others rock the world. 9/11/2001 is a memorable world changing event. We remember where we were, and how we heard the news that the twin towers and Pentagon were attacked.
I hurried to our local bookstore, purchased a Koran, and investigated a belief system I had ignored. Ten years later eruptions still happen. Understanding the basis for the faith of others is worthwhile. But this knowledge does not decrease uncertainties or prevent catastrophe. One truth remains. A day will come when every knee will bow to the one God, Creator of the universe, and Jesus our Protector and King. That my friend is the source of our peace today.
Podcast
I hurried to our local bookstore, purchased a Koran, and investigated a belief system I had ignored. Ten years later eruptions still happen. Understanding the basis for the faith of others is worthwhile. But this knowledge does not decrease uncertainties or prevent catastrophe. One truth remains. A day will come when every knee will bow to the one God, Creator of the universe, and Jesus our Protector and King. That my friend is the source of our peace today.
Podcast
Predictions
Mar/23/11
Accurate predictions are big money. Stock picks, inflation, deflation, employment, Johnny’s height, commodity costs. Analysts make big money as do some weatherpersons, and hedge fund managers. With this focus, wouldn’t you think more folks would not settle for the ‘hope’ for what happens after death. Death is not a possibility, its a reality. After death is certain. So why not research, investigate, read the writings. What happened to these leaders who spoke of what’s after death? Buddha, M
M ohammed, Jesus? Why not compare the credibility of their claims, their followers? Facing facts should not be a fearsome task.
Analysts predictions, even accurate ones, are good for short windows, months, weeks, or hours. Eternity is forever. Hope is not enough. Examine the facts. Its decision time.
Podcast
M ohammed, Jesus? Why not compare the credibility of their claims, their followers? Facing facts should not be a fearsome task.
Analysts predictions, even accurate ones, are good for short windows, months, weeks, or hours. Eternity is forever. Hope is not enough. Examine the facts. Its decision time.
Podcast
Impaired people
Mar/22/11
One family in ten has an impaired child or adult bringing challenges beyond what most of us an imagine. I watched as an impaired young adult and his mother accomplished the mundane task of getting a hair cut. Patience was required by all.
I observed a swim instructor giving swimming lessons to an autistic child. Much more than patience was demanded of this strong young lady refusing to give up on her student mastering a new skill. Through outbursts and flailing, her grit prevailed. Her young student began to trust the water and trust her.
What do we learn from this? That life is precious. That the character of the powerful is on display in how we treat the weak. And we remember that Jesus loved the ‘least of these.
Podcast
I observed a swim instructor giving swimming lessons to an autistic child. Much more than patience was demanded of this strong young lady refusing to give up on her student mastering a new skill. Through outbursts and flailing, her grit prevailed. Her young student began to trust the water and trust her.
What do we learn from this? That life is precious. That the character of the powerful is on display in how we treat the weak. And we remember that Jesus loved the ‘least of these.
Podcast
No rush
Mar/21/11
Whose willing to wait 45 minutes for a hair cut? Not many. I decided to, and spent the time reading about entrepreneur business start ups--an article not available in my reading pile at home.
The reward for the wait was meeting a young woman from Burma. She was thrilled to be working without lunch breaks, on her feet all day, and positive about her more than hour commute to work! She described the favorite dishes she cooks here--spicy requiring lots of chopping. Calculating her life and family, I don’t think ‘spare time’ is plentiful.
I was challenged by this unlikely meeting to tackle my work with more positive diligence, appreciate whatever tasks God assigns me to do. Accomplish whatever my hands find to do with all my heart, as unto the Lord.
Podcast
The reward for the wait was meeting a young woman from Burma. She was thrilled to be working without lunch breaks, on her feet all day, and positive about her more than hour commute to work! She described the favorite dishes she cooks here--spicy requiring lots of chopping. Calculating her life and family, I don’t think ‘spare time’ is plentiful.
I was challenged by this unlikely meeting to tackle my work with more positive diligence, appreciate whatever tasks God assigns me to do. Accomplish whatever my hands find to do with all my heart, as unto the Lord.
Podcast