flotsam & jetsam (2.22.08)

S. M. Hutchens comments on crying babies during the worship service in this blog entry entitled, "Suffer the Little Children." I am fortunate enough not to be overly distracted by what's happening "out there," but others may bring some distraction to my attention and say, "Didn't you notice...?" Nope. Well, I'm busy at that particular time...trying to put into practice a freshman speech principle that I was forced to memorize along with several others I forget..."the effective speaker must be totally consumed with his message" (so much so that he does not notice crying babies). I like kids in the service, the younger the better, believing they can be taught to sit quietly or stay occupied in some moderate activity. Babies are another thing, but most parents know when to hit the panic button and exit stage right. A few things we've found helpful...an infant nursery with a window that allows mothers to continue to see the service while in the nursery, a children's sermon now and then, bulletin inserts designed for kids, an illustration here or there aimed at that demographic, etc. The church family must know what is expected of children during worship and leadership must work to help parents accomplish the stated goal. The little book, "Parenting in the Pew" by Robbie Castleman is helpful along these lines.

It is now possible to donate online to the Tumaini Children's Home in Shadi, Tanzania. Just click the link along the left hand column.

Some of this stuff is just too good: Free gas for Jesus. Along with free brownies and slurpies. And don't miss the Elvis impersonator later in the article. On another not so prosperous note, Mac Hammond has to sell his private jet. Wonder how he is going to get the gospel out? And finally, so glad to see the NFL has reversed its Super Bowl Party restriction. We can finally get back to authentic ministry.

Victor Davis Hanson on the "Swooner Crooner Election." A nice summary.

500 years of women in art. The first 400 years or so is pretty impressive.

Comments

[Andy Brohard]

I think Hanson is giving the former Clinton supporters too much credit when he says that they'll rethink the old "Politics of Personal Destruction" notion just because it's now being deployed against them. That would mean that they'd have to admit that they were wrong about the tactics used back in the day and their ego will never let that happen. I think they're more likely to accuse the Clintons of abandoning the cause by moving Right and now are using the evil Right's tactics against the poor, hopeful people.

I also had a spooky chill go up my spine as I read the part about the Clintons being put off until 2016. If Obama wins then the country will have broken the black president barrier and the only thing left will be the woman president barrier (for now anyway until they come up with another one.) And since we're well past the shock of an ex-first lady running, what better candidate to continue the Hope than a black woman named Michelle Obama?

[pgepps]

pretty interesting bit, there, with the art. I ganked it and commented briefly. Thanks!
PGE