Disposable diapers are assaulting the earth, according to Rob Bell March 7, 2008

So, I’m enjoying a quick but somewhat relaxing lunch today in between my writing and motherly duties (as my son naps) and am reading a copy of a Q&A article with Mars Hill pastor Rob Bell. Published in the January/February issue of Relevant magazine, the story’s subhead states that Bell “tells it like it is.” And he most certainly did, when it comes to diapers, at least.

As the young “emergent pastor” details what his church members are doing to protect the environment, he identifies a group of moms that are “exploring environmentally friendly diapers.” Why would they do that? Bell explains that “diapers are an assault on the earth.” Being a first-time mom with a toddler who probably now goes through 8-10 diapers daily, I’ve never considered myself as one who was assaulting the earth but I believe my eyes have been opened. I also guess now is not a good time to mention how many diapers my son went through when he was a newborn (did I say he was eating every two to three hours)???

I suppose I could try cloth diapers. Any moms out there gone this route? It would save me about $20 per week (which I could then use to buy more food or pay for gas, which is also polluting the earth.) I wonder what kind of environmentally-friendly diapers Bell’s underground group will come up with – maybe recyclable diapers! And how much of my arm and leg will they require?

However, my first question upon reading this piece was how many diapers has Rob Bell changed? How many of those diapers have been cloth or some other “friendly” type? Did he also wash those cloth diapers? I am not trying to “judge,” but just asking a few questions. Who knows – maybe he could provide me with some tips on how to handle the toxic “assault” to my nose from handling my son’s ever-so-sweet No. 2 diapers. I’m probably being selfish – after all the earth’s needs come before mine, even though it has somehow managed to survive plenty of other “assaults.”

But, what I think stuck out even more to me than the diaper discussion, was how Bell mentioned several times in his Q&A how conservatives and critics have nothing better to do than to “take shots at other Christians” without realizing he was doing the very same thing by declaring “religious people” who question Bell’s theology (and for good reason, I might add) as ones who are fearful and lack faith. Is that not taking shots at other Christians? Where’s the love?!?!

I believe that Christians are commanded to do what they can to help those in need, wisely use the resources given to us and most importantly share the life-saving message of Jesus Christ with those who don’t know Him. But if I’m stressing over how my son’s 70 diapers per week are going to harm the earth rather than speaking up for the unborn babies who are being killed and the hundreds of people living hopeless lives without Christ, I think something is truly wrong. Don’t you think?

50 million abortions and counting… January 22, 2008

On this the 35th anniversary of the Roe. v Wade decision, pro-lifers march in support of the unborn and pro-choicers speak out in support of the “woman’s right to choose.” What has happened over the last 35 years? How about 50 million babies who were killed. I read a good column about this outrageous number and how our grief over these senseless deaths should be expressed.

Even though statistics show that abortions are decreasing (a good thing in light of the situation, I suppose), abortions still remain the No. 1 way to postpone parenting and having children. After working with women and teens facing a crisis pregnancy at pregnancy care centers (unplanned and unintended in their eyes) and having my own child, I can understand the anxiety of being pregnant. It’s the complete and utter definition of “the unknown.”

You have no idea what will happen during your pregnancy, you have no idea how you will take care of this baby, you have no idea what kind of mother you will be, you have no idea how you will afford this baby, you have no idea how this baby will change your life. Now, that is scary.

But you also will never know how any of these questions and mysteries can turn into utter joy if you squelch the opportunity to allow yourself to be loved by this little one by aborting your baby. You have no idea how your situation can be turned around, how you can prove to be stronger than you thought, how your life can become something focused on someone else rather than yourself.

It’s no lie that life with a child is difficult, stressful and demanding. And many parents journey through parenthood without God and without a saving relationship with Christ (which is the real mystery to me). But even in through the troubling times and the sacrifices made for another, you will learn more than you ever knew about yourself and about your child. And in doing that, I believe God will show you more and more of Himself and soften your heart to believe. Or, if you do believe, provide you with the grace needed to rely on Him daily.

Give your child a chance, give yourself a chance and most of all give God a chance to use your life, your situation for something good. You have no idea how a seemingly hopeless situation can be turned into a glorious story of hope, love and triumph. Stop the 50-million statistic in its place and start counting down. Because there is a little someone who is counting on you and only you.

Technologism: Are you a victim or perpetrator? December 7, 2007

Kudos go to my hubby for giving me the idea for this blog post – after I explained to him my experience at a local Apple Store at the mall. I suppose I should first define technologism, in my own view, of course, since the word doesn’t appear to exist – the blatant discrimination against a person who uses an electronic or technological device that has been upgraded and enhanced and is almost obsolete.

Now, continuing with my story…I decided to make a longer trek to a fancy mall to show my 2-year-old son something different. He was excited once he got there (he kept yelling ‘Mu, mu, mu’ (translation: mall) in the car knowing that I was clearly driving in a different direction than we usually head for our regular mall outing.)

So, as I just purchased a refurbished iPod mini, which is ironically not really mini since newer and slimmer versions of the iPod exist, I wanted to go to The Apple Store to find a better case for my new gadget. A pink case did come with the mp3 player but I wanted something different.

I finally find the store in the mall (which has no name on the outside, just the Apple symbol – how clever), I look around at all the cases available. After about five minutes, I realized that cases for my mini are not displayed. So, I ask the employee there, “Do you all have cases for the iPod mini?” She looks at me and then looks at the wall o’ cases, smiles and says, “No, we sure don’t,” and then she laughs! Not a gut-wrenching, belly-busting a laugh, but more of a snicker, like what I had asked was funny.

I kindly thanked her and left. I was however a bit shocked at her response. I mean, I understand that the iPod has evolved over the years, as does all technology, but that doesn’t mean everyone who has ever received or bought an iPod must discard their “outdated” equipment for something newer. I am actually quite happy with my mini, even though I bought it used and refurbished. It’s my first iPod, it works well and does the job I wanted it for.

So, I believe I was a victim of technologism – discriminated against by a perpetrator who was surprised to find someone still uses the mini. Maybe if Apple and other companies could come up with some sort of trade-in program, for example, donate your old ipod and we’ll give you a 10 percent discount on a new one, then more people like myself would be willing to spend money on updated products. In any case, I will be keeping my mini, thank you very much, and trying to find a case elsewhere. Anyone have one to sell?

Is divorce bad for the environment, Earth? December 5, 2007

I ran across this story on Yahoo today and was just dumbfounded. As a Christian, I don’t believe divorce is the answer to marital difficulties (infidelity aside.) But many people, including Christians, believe it is. Rather than stick things out and abide by the vow they made, they give up and create even more problems, mostly for children, if they are involved.

But divorce actually hurting the environment? Can it actually cause pain to our Earth? Well, this story appears to make that claim, citing that increased households, especially divorced households, use more resources and sometimes not so wisely.

I think this is quite ridiculous but I can see the reasoning behind it.  This whole ‘go green’ campaign has taken our country, even globe, by storm.  Everywhere you turn there is some tip or way you can reuse, reduce and recycle.  I’m all for being responsible and clean (litter is quite unattractive) but seriously – the Earth has somehow sustained itself for many years – can it not do so for time to come?  But that’s another post.

So, should we remain married to help save the Earth?  Hardly!  We should remain married because it’s the ADULT thing to do – the RIGHT thing to do.  Marriage requires maturity – that maturity is needed to persevere through emotional, financial and physical difficulties.  If you can’t handle it, don’t get married.  Marriage isn’t a game – it’s real life that can be real fun but takes real work.

Rather than focusing on how to save the Earth, why not focus on how to save marriages?  What do husbands and wives need today to remain faithful to each other and their children, to remain faithful to the vow they made in front of friends and family?  The answer is a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, who should be at the center of all marriages.  Without Him, divorce will remain rampant and marriages will continue to be destroyed.  And I can assure you that our Earth will live to see it all happen a hundred times over.

The ice cream man still exists? November 20, 2007

My husband and I and our almost 2-year-old son recently moved into our first home in a quiet neighborhood in the suburbs of Houston (which explains my lack of blog posts but everyone is allowed a grace period, right?). Well, within the first couple of weeks we were here, all three of us were in the backyard when we heard childish music chiming its way down the street.

“The ice cream man!” I announced to our son.

His eyes got big and his mouth made a circle as he said “Ooo” and then said the word ‘ice cream’ in his language – num-num.

I didn’t really think much of it at the time but today the num-num man came by around 5 pm and I rushed out the front door with my son so he could see the truck (well, it was a van). He was again really excited and wanted to dart into the street barefoot to catch the num-num man. I didn’t buy him any ice cream since it was close to dinner (I know, I’m mean) but he was more enthralled with seeing the man than getting any ice cream (yes, I know this, because I can read his facial expressions.)

But afterwards, I was surprised that the concept of the ice cream man still exists. I haven’t bought anything from an ice cream man in years and since I’ve been living in apartments for the past three years I haven’t run across the fellow recently. My surprise for his existence is primarily due to our society today – how so many children are approached by strangers and suspicious adults in unknown vehicles. Can we really trust an ice cream man in a van playing some jingly little music? We used to. What’s happened?

In any event, I’m sure one day soon I’ll buy my son, and myself, some ice cream (I really liked those strawberry bars covered with cake bits). But until then, we’ll just listen for the catchy tune strolling down the street so I can reminisce about summer days playing tag in the street waiting for the num-num man to give us a tasty treat.

Australia and Israel: Two places I want to visit before I die October 27, 2007

I don’t consider myself an adventurous person at all (I hate roller coasters and don’t want to try white water rafting) but I do like traveling. And I’ve decided the two places I want to visit before I die are Australia and Israel. My reason stems from my devotion to Christ. In Australia, I want to visit Hillsong Church and be part of their worship. The music this church produces is so inspiring and encouraging. Two of my favorite songs are Inside Out, Mighty to Save and None but Jesus. Check them out – they will stir up your passion for Christ!

Of course, visiting the Holy Land is must for all Christians but I am realistic and know it’s not always possible. I pray that I can make it there someday – I’d like to plan a trip for my son’s high school graduation (my son is not even 2 years old yet but I can plan!) I want to stand upon the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, sit where my Savior sat and walk along the land where my spiritual roots began. I can only imagine how differently I’d read my Bible after visiting God’s chosen land.

Has anyone been to either of these places and can share some great stories?

Britney’s babies need their mama October 2, 2007

By now, we’ve all seen or heard that Britney Spears’ two young sons were taken away from her. The story is sad yet many people believe this is what she deserves after an irresponsible lifestyle of partying, drinking and law-breaking. I’m not trying to argue for what she deserves or defend her but one fact remains – her children need her. There is just something that a father cannot give to young children. Although, a father’s presence and involvement in a child’s life is necessary and crucial. But young children need their mothers – they desire to be with their mothers and know their mothers care.

But what kind of mother do her children need? They need a mother who will sacrifice her needs and desires to fulfill theirs. They need a mother who will make their breakfast in the morning and tuck them in at night. They need a mother who will take them to the park and read stories to them. They need a mother who will find time to take good care of herself so she can take even better care of them. They need a mother who will teach them wisdom and understanding so they are prepared for life. They need a mother who will be a mother.

When I play and hide-and-go-seek with my son and he gives up way too easily, he starts crying out ‘mama’ in desperation, wondering where I am. It breaks my heart to hear him even though I know I’m only a couple feet away hiding. I can’t imagine the pain Britney’s kids feel as they are calling out for her, wondering when they will see their mama. Will she one day choose to be a mother before it’s too late?

The world is coming to an end! Halo 3 disks are scratched! September 26, 2007

Sorry for the sarcasm but this story about some Halo 3 disks being scratched just caught my attention. It was one of the lead stories on the Houston Chronicle’s Web site under “Entertainment.” Now, I realize this game is a big deal – well a really, really big deal – but seriously. Don’t people have anything better to consume their time and money with? And now there are disks that are scratched (but according to officials they still work fine) and the game is making even more news. All in moderation, right?

I read recently that one could argue that our society is more idolatrous than ancient cultures were – we worship TV, the Internet, iPods, iPhones and Halo 3. Oh, and don’t forget to complete your idolatry with the replica helmet worn by Master Chief. I gotta get me one of those!

Don’t lie to yourself: “Open Marriage” is ADULTERY September 25, 2007

I don’t watch Oprah – every now and then I catch a few minutes of her show while flipping channels but today I stopped to see what her program was about. And I was disgusted and disturbed by the content. The couple, Hollie and Gregg, admitted to having an “open marriage,” meaning that Hollie has a boyfriend she is intimate with. And Gregg said he is OK with that. They both claim they are lacking nothing and don’t NEED to go outside their marriage for relationships but this makes them have more “love.”

Of course, there is no way they can even be Christian and live this lifestyle, so I have to rule that out. But seriously, this is not marriage. Whatever you want to call it, it is not marriage in any sense of the word. “Open marriage” is adultery – pure and simple. Even if the “other relationship” is accepted by one spouse, it is still adultery. It’s completely disgraceful and destructive. There is NO love in an open marriage. There is only deceit and denial. It’s a purely selfish way to live. God created marriage to be holy and of course we humans ruined that and continue to do so. The saddest part is that this couple has children. What kind of lesson is this teaching children? I can’t imagine.

I’ll end this post (which I hesitated writing due to the content) with a verse that I believe is appropriate:

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Hebrews 13:4

The evolution of human beings continues to evolve August 8, 2007

Imagining that humans evolved from apelike creatures is quite a stretch – I’ve always thought so, at least. But now researchers are claiming that the pretty picture most of us have grown up with of a hunched-over apelike being morphing into a man with a briefcase isn’t accurate, either.

According to this news article, researchers found surprising fossils in Africa that seem to tell a different story about “our evolution.” The fossil found by paleontoloigst Maeve Leakey indicates that humans, Homo sapiens, could not have evolved from our first and oldest ancestor, Homo habilis.

A scientist quoted in the story says that the “old evolutionary cartoon…keeps getting proven wrong.”

Must I interject an obvious comment here? Perhaps we should look to the Source and Creator of ALL life for the truth about our origin (shall I say, back to Genesis?) instead of relying on fallible researchers and scientists who just can’t figure out what the real story is.

Does it not take even more FAITH to believe that we have evolved from a common ancestor that looked and behaved like an ape, yet the same species of apes from which we are claimed to share ancestry continue to live on the earth today? When will those apes evolve into more sophisticated beings? Or am I missing something here about evolution?