Fort Hood Massacre

     I don’t want to write much today. I just want to suggest that we pray for the families of the dead at Fort Hood. Let’s also pray for the wounded to recover.

More Good News

My sister went home today.  Her infection is clearing up, she can keep food down, and her pain is reduced.  Praise God for good medicine, good doctors, and the natural healing power that he put in us! 

May God continue to show Himself strong on my sister’s behalf as she battles this disgusting thing called cancer.

A Blessing a Day: My Country

Each day from now until Thanksgiving Day, I plan to post something that I’m thankful for.

NOVEMBER 15–My Country 

     I love the United States, not because I think that it is absolutely the best country on earth, but because it is my country, the place I was born.  I have ancestors who came here as early as 1635–came here for freedom from religious persecution and to start a new life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  I am thankful for what it has meant to my family to live here.

Intentionality in Prayer

     I am teaching a class at my church on Spiritual Formation.  We are looking at the different traditions of Christianity and practicing various spiritual exercises or disciplines.  This week we have been practicing prayer.  I committed to pray for a period of ten minutes each day and to read from a daily devotional book.  It is going pretty well. 

September 11

     May God continue to comfort all those who mourn the loss of loved ones on that horrible day in 2001.  May He continue to protect the United States of America from the attacks of ruthless killers.  May He keep building His kingdom until that day when all violence and hatred ceases for good.

     And for those who gave their lives in the rescue attempts and on UA Flight 93 and in the ensuing struggle against terror:

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America!  America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness

And every gain divine!

Silence is Offensive?

A Texas couple is suing the governor over a law that provides for a moment of silence each day at school.  How in the world could it be bad to give students a moment to pray to whomever they choose or, if they prefer, to stand there and think of something or of absolutely nothing at all? 

 I assume that students are still allowed to be silent.  I assume that they are still allowed to pray silently anytime that they want or, for that matter, silently curse President Bush if they want.  (I put that last part in for my liberal friends.)

I somewhat understand people’s contention that the words “under God” or a Christian invocation offends them.  (It really shouldn’t if they don’t believe in those things anyway.)  But I cannot understand anyone being offended or feeling badgered by people around them being silent for a few seconds. 

Can anyone explain it?