12.2.09

For inspiration to help yourself, those around you and the world in general, check out the new goals at:

http://www.idealist.org/ICA/root/en/Static/TheVision/default

"Its easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than to think your way into a new way of acting."

In church on Sunday our Associate Pastor preached the Gospel of Luke: 21 and it struck me how true these words are as we go through the times we are experiencing now.

5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."

7"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"

8He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."

10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

34"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Some pretty gripping stuff here. And for a world where "news" is dominated by terrible accidents and tragedies and malaise on a day to day basis, how can one not be faithful?

VV

Small Steps to a disconnected life

One of the foremost visionaries of modern time once said "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication". And who can disagree? A holistic approach to simplicity in everyday life will surely be a welcomed change to any person fully involved in the rat race that America calls the daily grind. I aim to question society's standards at every turn and during my endeavors of swimming upstream, have stumbled upon the undeniable fact: average life in the 21st century is undoubtedly too complicated.
Has technology elevated our conscience to a higher echelon? The answer my friend is blowing in the wind. Simplicity is found on a sunny afternoon in the middle of a forest, surely not mindlessly updating Podcasts of Paris Hilton's newest texts from last night.(I might be on to something here) My goal of this post is to share with the universe my ramblings, maybe in part to influence someone to a better life (doubtful) or more than likely just to express my grievances with this hellish cartoon of reality the American community is wasting away into.
I realize that technology is an incredible force for good in our culture. Computers, hospital equipment, GPS systems, the LG EnV 2 Chocolate (I crossed the line) have enhanced our lives to the nth degree. But come on! Kids are getting exercise from the Nintendo Wii Fit. Have we lost our collective minds? Instead of the life lessons we learned growing up in the street football game or exploring the woods near the house learning nature, we're setting future generations up thinking it's okay to stay inside living simulated reality.

Start small. Throw a frisbee for 10 minutes. Just to see how it feels. Without a cell phone in your pocket. Go.

VV

PS- The quote came from Leonardo Da Vinci