Almost 2009

Does anyone make (or track) new year's resolutions?

I Am Second

This doesn't really have anything to do with Christmas (except that "Jesus is first"), but I stumbled across this site and think the stories are great. Check it out at iamsecond.com.

Advent Conspiracy

Earlier this fall I was considering promoting this at church for Advent...



I love the message and the much needed refocus. If you know me, that probably doesn't surprise you. I'm all for fighting against consumerism, ESPECIALLY at this time of year when it's done in the name of Jesus. For the love.

But then I had another thought... what should our role be as citizens in this economic environment? I don't think this is a good thing, but our economy is driven by consumption. More like greed. We definitely need a recalibration back to reality rather than living beyond our means on credit. But is there something to participating fully in our economic system (albeit imperfect) in this recession? If we stop buying in a time like this are we causing more problems like unemployment?

Here's what I know: spending a little less is probably a good thing (and you may not have a choice!). Finding ways to slow down the consumption and making more room for Christ in our lives is a great thing.

And here's what I'm wondering: would spending a lot less actually create bigger problems for our economy and our "fellow man"?

Any thoughts...?
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Advent is here

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

--John 3:16 (Amplified Bible)