Friday, January 27, 2006
Contrast
Prince Charles Warns Britons Not to Get Fat Like Americans"
Americans Warn Britons Not to Get Inbred Like Prince Charles
Prince Charles Warns Britons Not to Get Fat Like Americans"
Americans Warn Britons Not to Get Inbred Like Prince Charles
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Navel-Gazing
I know I said I'd write about similarities between Catholic and Charismatic thinking, but I also said I had to do work for my online classes. I have to admit that I slacked today, spending a lot more time on crossword puzzles instead.
Part of the trouble is that I've got a lot on my mind. I've got one semester of school left, and then it's off to work full-time. Will I find a job? Will I enjoy my job? With all that's riding on it, will I be able to establish a decent sleep pattern so I can get my work done and be on time? Teaching isn't like an office job where coming in late can sorta-kinda be made up for by staying later. Do it more than once or twice, and you're fired. Will I be able to keep up the pace of teaching three blocks each day for 180 days? What if I were to get married (I like to think that it's not completely out of the realm of possibility for someone like me); would I be able to support a wife and, later, kids? What should I do if my wife is able to make more money than I am?
I've always been told that I'm smart and talented. Book-smart, at least; I do some pretty dumb things from time to time, and as I mentioned recently, I often set new standards of obliviousness. I try to do the right thing, and I try to serve God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. According to my sisters, their friends think I'm really cute. That there's a revelation which pretty much baffles me. I only every really thought of myself as attractive in sort of an ironic way; I gave myself the nickname "El Guapo" ("The Handsome One") as a joke in high school. I honestly have no idea if anyone I know is interested in me. My head would probably explode out of confusion if I did. In any case, I've got a lot going for me. Here's the thing: what should I do? Would it be wrong or a waste to find a good woman and settle down, being a light in my community? Should I try and become a doctor or lawyer or brilliant author? Most people want to be renowned and appreciated for things which they and only they bring to the table. Am I willing to merely influence a handful (or fewer) of people, rather than try for millions worldwide? Would I be an effective witness living an upper-middle class lifestyle, or would I be serving myself and trivializing my talents? I'm not a hero or prodigy; don't get me wrong. I just have many blessings and advantages which a lot of other people haven't received.
I'd like to get married, if it be within God's will. What kind of girl should I pursue, and when? Should I look for someone with similar gifts, or someone different?
I don't even know.
I know I said I'd write about similarities between Catholic and Charismatic thinking, but I also said I had to do work for my online classes. I have to admit that I slacked today, spending a lot more time on crossword puzzles instead.
Part of the trouble is that I've got a lot on my mind. I've got one semester of school left, and then it's off to work full-time. Will I find a job? Will I enjoy my job? With all that's riding on it, will I be able to establish a decent sleep pattern so I can get my work done and be on time? Teaching isn't like an office job where coming in late can sorta-kinda be made up for by staying later. Do it more than once or twice, and you're fired. Will I be able to keep up the pace of teaching three blocks each day for 180 days? What if I were to get married (I like to think that it's not completely out of the realm of possibility for someone like me); would I be able to support a wife and, later, kids? What should I do if my wife is able to make more money than I am?
I've always been told that I'm smart and talented. Book-smart, at least; I do some pretty dumb things from time to time, and as I mentioned recently, I often set new standards of obliviousness. I try to do the right thing, and I try to serve God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. According to my sisters, their friends think I'm really cute. That there's a revelation which pretty much baffles me. I only every really thought of myself as attractive in sort of an ironic way; I gave myself the nickname "El Guapo" ("The Handsome One") as a joke in high school. I honestly have no idea if anyone I know is interested in me. My head would probably explode out of confusion if I did. In any case, I've got a lot going for me. Here's the thing: what should I do? Would it be wrong or a waste to find a good woman and settle down, being a light in my community? Should I try and become a doctor or lawyer or brilliant author? Most people want to be renowned and appreciated for things which they and only they bring to the table. Am I willing to merely influence a handful (or fewer) of people, rather than try for millions worldwide? Would I be an effective witness living an upper-middle class lifestyle, or would I be serving myself and trivializing my talents? I'm not a hero or prodigy; don't get me wrong. I just have many blessings and advantages which a lot of other people haven't received.
I'd like to get married, if it be within God's will. What kind of girl should I pursue, and when? Should I look for someone with similar gifts, or someone different?
I don't even know.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
And Boom Goes the Dynamite
In talking with a friend of mine this past week, I learned a lot about the Charismatic school of Christian thought. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the Charismatic and Catholic (including Anglican and some Wesleyan) ways of thinking about things are remarkably similar in many ways. If I can knock out most of my online course tomorrow, I'll post about it.
In talking with a friend of mine this past week, I learned a lot about the Charismatic school of Christian thought. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the Charismatic and Catholic (including Anglican and some Wesleyan) ways of thinking about things are remarkably similar in many ways. If I can knock out most of my online course tomorrow, I'll post about it.
I Was Promoted From Captain Oblivious to Major Long, Long Ago
Be it resolved: I wouldn't know if someone were interested in me if she strode up and kissed me full on the lips.
Be it also resolved: I'm not as smart as I often think that I am, and that there are plenty of people who are a lot smarter than me.
UPDATE: I was also recently reminded that my non-dating vow expired yesterday. I considered throwing a parade for myself, but ended up watching episodes of Lost instead. For the record, I think they're in some sort of purgatory.
Be it resolved: I wouldn't know if someone were interested in me if she strode up and kissed me full on the lips.
Be it also resolved: I'm not as smart as I often think that I am, and that there are plenty of people who are a lot smarter than me.
UPDATE: I was also recently reminded that my non-dating vow expired yesterday. I considered throwing a parade for myself, but ended up watching episodes of Lost instead. For the record, I think they're in some sort of purgatory.
