Christ didn't come to a democracy

I somehow missed the news about revolution in Tunisia. When I heard about Egypt's political turmoil, my internet search led to this article in boston.com. As a geography and history teacher, I was intrigued by the idea that perhaps we have no business pushing secular democracy on other societies.

Here are some questions that I have: What has secular democracy (as opposed to the Christian-based democracy of our founding) done to our country in recent decades? Our country's revolution was based on political self-determination. Do other countries have the same right to decide for themselves what kind of government works for them? More importantly, are people more receptive to the gospel in a repressive "democracy" than a theocracy or monarchy? How often does our political ideology interfere with our effort to share Christ?

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2011/01/30/the_wrong_friends/

Significant week, significant people, in my life

Like September 11, April 11 will always have special meaning for me, a significant and sad anniversary. Dad died a year ago today and I miss him. Mom, I know you miss him much, much more since you are reminded daily, many times a day, that he is absent from our earth-bound life.

If you knew Dad, you are blessed, because he was a loving, righteous man who cared about you and your spiritual well-being. I know that he is among that great cloud of witnesses along with many others I look forward to being reunited with, but I miss his hugs and smile. As the song says, "Save a place for me," Dad.



It's Trey's birthday tomorrow. Trey, I miss you way up there in Brooklyn. I hope you have a wonderful day.



April 13 is my father-in-law's birthday. Thanks, Dad Bliss, for raising such a wonderful and loving son.

April 14 - Eileen, I miss you, too! I wish I could see you. You are a shining light and I am grateful that I received the gift of your friendship. Happy birthday!

Snow or no snow

I've been watching the weather closely today - not Florida's weather which varies very little compared to other regions, but the snowy Northeast (and Southeast)where so many of our loved ones live: Brooklyn, Tabernacle, Philly, Christiansburg, Charlotte. I miss the snow - but I miss those loved ones much, much more (and those in CA, too!) Even though the weather here was mid 60s, my internal temperature gage has changed and that felt chilly. I think it felt even more so as I thought all day about the snow experience of the aforementioned. So all of you, enjoy the snow and being snowed in and stay safe! I love you.