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Monthly Archives: January 2010
The death of blogs
There has been quite a bit of buzz around the Internet lately about the death of blogs. This discussion is fueled in part by the recent departure of some high profile bloggers from the blogosphere. The irony of this discussion, of course, is that much of it is occurring on blogs. Continue reading
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Supporting loved ones in times of grief
Everyone has had a friend or loved one go through a time of grief. Sooner or later tragedy, pain and loss strike each person and as a result of this we all have witnessed a friend or loved one grieving some loss.
How we interact with others in grief can determine whether we bless or damage that person. The worst insults a grieving person receives are often from a well-meaning friend or loved one. Some of you know what I mean all too well.
Unfortunately, most of us feel poorly equipped to help someone who is grieving a loss. This article will provide some simple guidelines to help readers better understand the grief process and how to be a positive support and encouragement to your friend or loved one during grief. We will explore the nature and causes of grief, grief response and stages, supporting those in grief, and some helpful hints for being a positive support to those in grief. Continue reading
Seasons change
Fall is in the air where I live. The days are still warm but the nights are cooling and leaves are beginning to change and drop from the trees. The winds of change are beginning to blow. I debated for many years as to my favorite season. Living in the northeast we experience four fully distinct seasons – each with enjoyable and not-so-enjoyable parts. I used to vacillate between autumn and spring as my two favorite seasons but I have finally decided that I like autumn best of all. Spring brings the promise of green and new life – but it also brings the promise of bugs and allergies… Ugh!
My waking thoughts this morning centered around a parallel between changing seasons in nature and in life. I’m not sure whether the Spirit was moving or if I ate too much of my homemade salsa sauce last night. (OK, we won’t go there. Some things are better left alone!) In any event, I awoke to thoughts of seasons and rhythms in life. Continue reading
Growing up Christian
I was born in the choir loft as the old saying goes. My father is a pastor as is his father before him. I was in church on my first Sunday after being born and was dedicated and raised in church. Growing up I attended Sunday School, Sunday morning services, Sunday evening services, Wednesday evening services. As a teenager I also attended weekly youth group meetings. When there were special missions conferences, stewardship conferences or revival meetings I was there. I attended Christian schools for almost all of my education and attended mandatory chapel services every week. Several years after graduating from high school I enrolled in Bible college, eventually earning a BA in Theology.
I share part of my story to illustrate that I know what it means to “grow up Christian”. I know that there are many others who share my upbringing and know what it means to be “raised Christian”. Continue reading
Lives of quiet desperation
Do you ever feel like you are just going through the motions? Do you ever look around you and wonder what keeps people going? Most people I know operate out of something we often call resignation (and no, I don’t mean quitting your job resignation either).
What do I mean by all of this? What is my proof that something is seriously wrong? Consider the following thoughts: Continue reading
Journalistic integrity
I spent two very enjoyable years working as a newspaper reporter for The Eagle Newspaper. During that time I learned a few things about news reporting and writing headlines. Accurate reporting does not have to be boring; Attention-grabbing headlines do not have to be intentionally misleading.
I can honestly say that The Eagle, despite being a small-town weekly, worked hard to produce accurate and reliable news. Conversely, I used to be amazed at how I could attend the same event as major-market news reporters (TV or print) and end up with a completely different story. I would be amazed at the spin they would put on an article to suit whatever bias they felt compelled to apply. On more than one occasion I was not certain that I was reading or watching news about the same event that I covered!
As a child I can recall my father being slandered in the news during a controversial church vs. state legal battle in Concord, NH. (The church won, by the way, because my father was willing to risk arrest to stand for his convictions. I learned to stand strong for what I believe early on – a legacy I am proud to be able to claim!) I have also been sandbagged by a news reporter while managing a company in Binghamton, NY. The reporter misrepresented the focus of a Sunday Feature to obtain interviews with several companies in our market and then proceeded to slander us in the Sunday newspaper. Continue reading
DIY health care
Do-it-yourself health care is a growing trend, according to Cara Buckley, writing in the NY Times yesterday. Increasing numbers of uninsured, young adults are relying on Internet research from sites like WebMD to self-diagnose medical problems, borrowing or swapping prescription drugs from friends to treat ailments, and stockpiling needed medication and supplies whenever they are able. Skyrocketing medical insurance premiums put coverage well outside the reach of nearly everyone without employer-subsidized insurance (and a growing number of those with employer-subsidized insurance) while rapidly rising medical costs prevent many uninsured adults from seeking medical care.
My first reaction while reading this article was to empathize and relate to the situation. The only difference is that I am a decade older than most of the people profiled in the Times article. Continue reading
How to spend less at the gasoline pump
Gasoline prices continue to hover near record highs with no relief in sight. Even the US government, always quick to encourage spending and waste, has begun advising consumers to conserve fuel. Most of us are beginning to seriously look at ways to save money on gasoline this year. Most Americans will find themselves spending well over $2,000 this year for gasoline with some spending much more ($3.00 per gallon/20 MPG/15,000 miles per year = $2,250)
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to high gasoline costs. The best way to save on gasoline is with a comprehensive approach. By utilizing several techniques together it is possible to see significant savings over the course of the year. Continue reading
How to simplify your life with technology
Technology is often blamed for our lives being too complicated. It seems that the increased pace of life is hopelessly linked to the increase in technology. But is technology really to blame? Is it possible to simplify by using technology?
Most people who are serious about simplifying their lifestyle eschew technology. Thoreau wrote “I went out to the country so I could examine the simple things in life.” There is certainly something to be said for retreating to a technology really have to control us or can we control technology? For instance, I’m not sure I would want to abandon my washing machine so I could wash clothes by hand! Continue reading