Machine Gun Family Day?

Here's a news report about a fundraiser event using machine guns and other weapons of war--

The Manchester Republican Committee is inviting party members and their families to a "Machine Gun Shoot" where, for $25, supporters can spend a day trying out automatic weapons, said organizer Jerry Thibodeau.

"It's a fun day. It's a family day," said Thibodeau of the August 5 event. "It's quite exciting."

I had a strong physiological reaction when I read this story, something that resemble an urge to vomit. This is a mockery of real people who die everyday as a result of war.

Divorce

Divorce is like death. It's not mere broken covenant. It is a death of 'Us'.

As is with death of any person, the death of 'Us' will bring pain, even if 'Us' is not a particularly great person.

But what if this 'Us' is actually a great person, but only marred by 'Me' and 'You'?

What if 'Me' is so self absorbed and neglect 'Us'?

What if 'You' is too different or too strange that 'Us' is denied existence?

Without 'Me' or 'You', there is no 'Us'.

But if 'Me' and 'You' are the only that remain, then the death of 'Us' is really murder.

I pray for the death of divorce.

Babel movie makes Japanese viewers sick

I watched "Babel" last week. In Japan, the latest news is that some Japanese viewers got sick from watching this movie. The culprit seems to be the nightclub scene where there is much flashing light. I can imagine getting sick if the scene is shown on big screen. On my 24 inch TV though, it's harmless.

I do not particularly recommend the movie. It's has an ending that makes you think-- "That's it?". My friend who rented the movie apologized for showing it to us. To me, the mildly interesting part is how it (lightly) explores the brokenness of relationships and love in vastly different cultures and situations. I wish there is less unnecessary nudity and sexuality so that I can enjoy the movie without my wife covering my eyes (and squishing my nose) and skipping scenes.

Tears for Blacksburg

Pick up broken pieces. May God heal them.

http://www.jrwoodward.net/jrwoodward/2007/04/from_virginia_t.html

On Making Plans

I love making plans for the future. I am constantly thinking about what the next step will be. The flip side of the coin is I hate waiting for events to unfold. You can't plan much while waiting. Right now, we are waiting for our Florida house to be sold before we can plan to buy in California. I caught myself planning ahead anyway.

Then I think of life 10 years plan. I'll then be 45 and my kids will be reaching teenage. My question is what to do with my life that I won't regret 10 years from now.

Many possibilities emerge. Some are radical. Some are status quo. I don't trust my judgment. I want to follow what God wants for myself and my family.

I talked to my friend, Jonathan, about it. His perspective was that he couldn't even see one year ahead, let alone ten. Looking back on my life a year ago, I wouldn't be able to predict what God would do in my life today either.

I think that's where I start to think that I will follow God one day at a time. It's hard to do more than that. Love my kids and wife today. Do my job today. Give and serve today.

An exception would be if God is clearly calling us to do something that may take preparation time. I am thinking of some friends who were called into oversea missions. They took years to prepare.

It's hard to follow God one day at a time. But it may be exactly what God wants most of us to do.