Which?

Elijah likes to ask “Which ____?” For example, when we are going to go out to eat, Elijah asks, “Which restaurant?” When going to church, he says, “Which church?” It was kind of cute until last night at VBS. He was doing something that was getting annoying, and his “nana” who is too nice to really discipline said, “now, stop that Elijah.” Didn’t phase him. Then mommy said, “Elijah, please stop that.” Again, he was like a train rolling down the tracks. So then I stepped in. I said, “Elijah, nana and mommy have already told you to stop and you have not. You are being disobedient. If you do that again, I am going to take you into another room and spank you. Do you understand?”

He replied, “Yes.” He then went on to ask, “Which room?”

When I grow up...

Elijah is beginning to understand the concept of time and growing up. Twice in the last week he has stated his desire to do something in the future.

We were watching the end of “October Sky” when it showed a clip of a space shuttle launching, and Elijah inquired, “Where is that plane going?” We told him it was going into outer space, or more specifically, his favorite celestial body – the moon. He then went on to say, “Can I ride on that space ship?” Carrie replied, “One day, when you get bigger.” He thought about it for a while and said, “Can I take my trucks?” This reference of course to his many die cast vehicles he carries around with him.

The other day, while on the way to the store, we passed a construction site that contained many heavy-duty machines. One was a roller. Elijah saw it and said, “When I get bigger I'm gonna drive a roller.” Fair enough. He already drives a car and tractor. Why not add roller to the list.

Safety Patrol

Ever since Elijah figured out how machinery works, he has been very careful. Though we have never used the phrase “Safety first” around him, that seems to be his mantra. When we pile the family into the van, everyone must be buckled into their seats before the vehicle is started or he will go ballistic.

Just yesterday, I was at camp doings some things in preparation for our high school week. I was driving their truck around hauling things and Elijah was riding in the front seat with me. Whenever I stopped the truck, I would turn it off and leave the keys in the ignition. I got out unloaded some things, and then when I got back in, there were the keys sitting in the front seat. I asked Elijah about it and he said he took out the keys “so the truck wouldn’t start up.”

I am not sure whether he is destined for a career in product control or just a life of frustration.

Back, but different

I have been out of blogging since October because of busyness. After brainstorming with some of my friends we have begun a new journal called ChiRhoLive. This blog will continue probably mostly as anecdotal stories about Elijah and Sophia. And, the website with the pictures of the kids will continue as well.

An end to Islam bashing?

Many Christians approach Muslim people with memories of 9/11 resonating in their minds. They see a people bent on the total destruction of other nations and religions, especially Judaism and Christianity. They see hatemongering, warmongering elitists who are bent on jihad. These reactionary Christians even take the time to justify such perceptions with quotes from the Q'uran, citing various extremist views as the normative belief system which is contrary to any hopes of peace or acceptance. As a result, all those of Islamic belief are cast with a broad brush as terrorists who loathe freedom or freedom in Christ.

And yet, I can’t help but see a double standard here. I don’t appreciate being stereotyped and equated with extreme conservative Christianity. I surely don’t agree with abortion clinic bombers, with those who believe that salvation is reserved only for those who have done certain things, with those who handle snakes in worship services, or with televangelists who hawk their wares for profit. And I am offended that people would consider Christianity to consist of such things.

I find it unfair that naysayers of Christianity rip texts from my Holy Book in an effort to justify their problems with my belief system. But such texts exist nonetheless. The Bible, at times, condones ethnic cleansing as much as the Quran. The Bible, at times, condones mistreatment of women and those of differing faiths. The Bible, at times, seems more concerned with rules and regulations than relating with people.

So why is it a personal affront when we are labeled and stereotyped with Christians whom we disagree but okay to do the same with all Muslim believers? Sure their holy book condones violent actions – so does ours. Sure their holy book makes legalistic rule keeping a part of their belief system – so does ours.

Maybe this sort of action stems from our belief that we have the corner market on truth and Islam stands as a false religion. Though there may be some validity to such a statement, it seems that the attacks do not come in the name of false religion but in the name of opening our eyes to the evil ways of those who “threaten freedom.” It is time to separate those who believe in a peaceful religion based on the 5 Pillars brought by Mohammed from those who use the religion to promote extremist views.

Am I wrong here? Is my concern for peace and acceptance clouding my ability to see the dangers of Islam?

Return to New Orleans

Monday night marked the first return of a major sporting event to the hurricane ravaged city of New Orleans. I watched with mixed emotions. On the one hand, it was a far cry from the scenes that are engrained in my mind from just a year ago:

People wading through water with babies in hand
People looting
Dead bodies floating in the water
Dead bodies covered with sheets
Descriptions of the breakdown of society and the horrible things that could be found in the Superdome and the Convention center
People on roofs crying for rescue
People vowing never to go back

The scene Monday was one of jubilation and triumph. Here tens of thousands of people celebrated a victory. The fact that in just over a year the city would be able to hold such an event seems impossible. All the destruction seems like a distant memory.

But then my thoughts turned to a much more somber note. So much energy, money, and time was spent getting a sporting facility ready to host a game while all reports seem to indicate that most of the poorest people still remain homeless. There are entire sections of New Orleans that have not been touched except to clear rubbish out of the roads for vehicles to get by. Why are so many people making this game the benchmark of the return to New Orleans while thousands (if not millions) have not even returned to their previous life? Have such people been ignored for the sake of a stupid game? Has restoring their lives and homes been put further down the list then recreation?

Some justify the effort being put on this event saying that the Saints represent a significant part of the economy. Up to a certain point I may concede the point. But clearly people have to come first. Don’t they?

So I watched the game and the people cheering and waving towels and wondered, “What would I think if was refuge from New Orleans watching from some distance place? Would I be delighted or disgusted? Energized or embarrassed?”

How about you?

New Video Camera

Carrie and I finally got a video camera to capture Elijah's funny and entertaining moments. So, I have posted two such events as an effort to see how transfer and quality go. So, here they are. Hope you enjoy.