Oct. 13, 2008 - The Golden Sunshine Was Beckoning Me......

To  Come Out & Play

This morning, I woke up decided I would stay inside and do paperwork.  I had thought about going outside to work in the garden, but decided I didn't feel up to that. My sciatic nerve has been bothering me. I had an appointment with my chiropractor at 9:00. I would go to it, come home, sit, and relax.

On my way home, the sun started beckoning to me. It seemed to be saying, "Come outside. Soak in my warmth. Relish my rays. Observe and enjoy the world your Creator made."

Back home, I made up mind. Once the beds were made and the house straightened up, I went out in the sun's warmth. The sun was golden, sparkling of of the dewy grass. Grass that was a glistening green from the recent rains and the warm sunshine. The wind had a chill to it, that comes with the fall. The sun's warmth was warming the air making for a comfortable day with the wind providing a cooling effect. The sky was varying shades of blue; from a brillant deep clear blue in the middle, fading to a lighter blue, then almost white as it neared the horizon. All of creation was displayed proclaiming and praising the work of the Creator.

I went to my garden beds. I sat as I worked to lessen the impact on my back. I cut back my Irises, again. I cut them back after they bloomed, but they always require an extra pruning. I pulled up some tomato vines that aren't producing anymore. While I worked, I observed the world around me.

A hawk flew over head, for awhile, letting out its unusual call. I watched it as it soared and rode the currents. Soon the crows came with all of their cawing as chased the hawk away. All manner of birds were out on this beautiful morning, flying about and singing their songs. I watched the big chickens as they roamed the yard foraging for bugs and seeds to eat. God's creations are so unique and beautiful in their own way.

How can anyone deny that we have a Creator? All they have to do is look out their window. How could all of this just evovled out of some blob? There is a master painter's work at hand in the world.  All of His creation proclaims His very existence.

Psalms 148: 3-13 explains exactly how I felt sitting out in His creation.

"Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him ye heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow and vapor; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all the hills: fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent: his glory is above the earth and heaven."

Take some time is the busyness of the day to go out and enjoy the works of His hand.

Oct. 9, 2008 - Living Simply Without The TV

Living Without Modern Conveniences

As the economy news gets worse and worse, people are looking at ways to cut down on their expenses. One way, we all could save some money is looking at all the modern conveniences we could live without. There are so many of them. 

My family does live quite well without most of the modern gadgets the majority of people have to have. We don't live like the Old Order Amish, but we do without.  By reducing our reliance on these modern gadgets, we can save money and live a simpler, less hectic life. Also by reducing our want for modern conveniences, we are removing ourselves from the world's obession with materialism. We are told in Romans12:2 "...be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, ..." By looking at these gadgets differently, we can free ourselves from the world's influence on our lives.

With so many modern gadgets to choose from, where do I start with?  How about the TV? Is TV something that we followers of Christ should be investing our time in? If we do watch TV, how do we judge what we watch on it? The TV and the content on it  can definitely have an influence our way of life and our way of thinking.

The TV has been an essential part of most American households since its invention. I am almost embrassed to say that it has been that for a long time in our home.  However, we are slowly trying to wean ourselves off of it. One of the biggest reasons is that there really isn't much on it worth watching. We have considered getting cable or a dish, but that is an expense we don't need. Especially, since, there isn't anything better on those options to watch either.

Along with the TV, we also own its cousins, the VCR & DVR player. We make good use of them. We own movies, we watch over and over again. We are slowly starting a collection of TV shows on DVD that we grew up watching; like "LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE", & "THE WALTONS". DD is also starting her own collection, with us giving her our approval on each purchase. These DVDs has become our main source of TV viewing in recent months.  

Like most modern conveniences, the TV does have its good points. It keeps us informed. It helps to entertain. But, like modern conveniences-when it comes right down to it-we could live without it. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we only turn it on when we are bored anyway.

In recent years, DH has hesitated at starting to watch a new show. He says we can get more accomplished if we don't watch as much. That is so true. So much of Americans' time is wasted sitting in front of the TV. Time that could be better spent doing so many other things.

Although we haven't invested time in new shows, there are 4 shows we do watch and keep up with; "NCIS", "THE UNIT", "CSI", and "ER". There are other worthwhile shows and programs on TV. We enjoy watching history programs, military programs, sports, etc. When we do have the opportunity to watch cable or a dish, we enjoy watching the old TV shows from the early days of TV or the shows from our childhood.  Alot of the time, we end watching whatever is on, because there isn't anything else on to watch.

Therein lies the crux of the matter. If there is nothing on to watch, why do we watch it? How do we determine if a show we like to watch is worthwhile for a follower of Christ  to watch? The advice offered in Philippians 4:8 is a good place to start, "Finally, brethen, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there is any viture, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Based on this advice, I know there are some shows that I watch during the day are shows I shouldn't be watching. These show would not reflect  well on the godly life I am trying to lead. Slowly these shows are fading into the background. The urge not to miss them is slowly going away. I still have work to do. My eyes are wide open and I am always watching for what is true, honest, just, pure, and lovely.

Will we ever get rid of our TV? Most unlikely, for it is somewhat like an old friend. A friend who is ther when we are bored, when we are sick, and even when we want to relax. A friend who brings new ideas into our home, but also brings the comfort of other old friends. A friend who influence needs to be monitored,checked, and slowly, lessened. I'm afraid it will remain for a long while, maybe not used as much in its old age, but called on occasionally to entertain us.