Disconnected!!

Ok so wifey and I took one of the most drastic steps EVER attempted by mankind. I mean, this is akin to boldly going to where no one (ok few people) have gone before (insert dramatic Star Trek theme song here). We lapsed our Satellite TV cable subscription. Deliberately!! We have never bothered to buy the standard TV aerials so yes...we are disconnected! Unplugged! Isolated!! Or so I thought...

You are taught in every premarital counselling class the dangers inherent in the little (or not so little depending on your available income) box of pictures and magic. Personally, I took all that teaching with a grain of salt. Telly never really hurt anyone, did it? Didnt I get that question answered! We now have much more time to talk, read our novels (we both love reading), or just listen to the radio and critique everything. Initially I thought it would be extremely difficult but now its turning into something supremely enjoyable. There is never any mad rush to catch something on the tube; when my wife needs my attention I dont have to swear inwardly at the timing, or ask her to wait until the commercial break. We simply get a few movies, or seasons of our fave series and watch when we feel like, and when we get bored we argue about whether space-time is flat or curved...I even have more time to practice on the piano.

Steve and Cindy Wright in their Marriage Missions website state the following: "Let me (Steve) just say...that as a recovering "TV-holic," balance in this area of my life is essential. I can easily find myself spending hours in front of the TV rather than doing anything productive for my spiritual life or my married life if I'm not careful."


They then cap it off with this interesting, if not sobering, satire of the 23rd Psalm:

THE 23rd CHANNEL (Author Unknown)

The TV set is my shepherd. My spiritual growth shall want.

It makes me to sit down and do nothing for His name's sake

because it requires all of my spare time.

It keeps me from doing my duty as a Christian

because it presents so many good shows that I must see.

It restores my knowledge of the things of the world,

and keeps me from the study of God's word.

It leads me in the path of failing to attend the evening worship services

and doing nothing in the kingdom of God.

Yea, though I live to be 100, I shall keep on viewing television as long as it will work.

for it is my closest companion. Its sound and its picture, they comfort me.

It presents entertainment before me, and keeps me from doing important things with my family.

It fills my head with ideas, which differ from those set forth in the Word of God.

Surely, no good things will come of my life

because my television offers me no good time to do the will of God.

Thus I will dwell crown-less in the house of the Lord forever.

Oh and the lovely photo at the begining is Unplugged by N0t1m3. See it on Deviantart here

When I say "I am a Christian"

I know i have not blogged in quite a while...my apologies to all my fans out there. And no it is not because of anything bad or wrong; I have just been running around pretty hard trying to keep this boat afloat.

Now it hits me that I have been working and serving and worrying, being obsessed and possessed by that which needs to be done. How quickly I forget! As much as God appreciates all the activity, it is in the stillness, and silence that the rightousness, peace and joy overflow. The activities will cease, but the latter three will remain forver. So if you are like me, here is what Jesus says to us both:

LUKE 10:40-42

41) And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42) But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Perhaps because of this my wifey, in her characteristically helpful and supportive role, sent me the below poem. What a wonderful encouragement! What a humbling note! It is rare you get to see such a simple, hearfelt cry...

When I say..." I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I get lost"
"That is why I chose this way"

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are all too visible
but God believes I'm worth it

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I'm loved.

Carol Wimmer