Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Does Not Slow Down For Squirrels

 A number of years back a good friend of mine, Jesse Frame, rolled his truck by avoiding a less-than-prudent cat.  Since that day I have made it a point to avoid these types of situations.  

It is a personal choice for me to refrain from slowing down or swerving, even in the slightest, for a squirrel or bird. (I may make provisions for a dog or cat).  My wife, naturally, objects to this decision and proceeds to panic when the pack of neighborhood squirrels is out in force on our street.  I say that the squirrels are quick and darty and will make the right decision, and if not then natural selection has finally chosen to drop its selective gavel. Sooooo...

This Sunday morning on the way to church was no exception.  As I made a left from Harm's Way (my seemingly joke of a street name) to Donnel, a number of nervous squirrels found themselves in their usual situation, playing their game of "which way should I run".  As I did not swerve or slow down, wife panics, and we feel a slight bump underneath.  I say we got out ok.  I look back and no maimed squirrel.  We are good.

Sunday evening I am heading out of the neighborhood, I go the same way.  I see a slightly more than injured squirrel surprisingly in the same vicinity of the previous incident.  My wife also at a different time saw said squirrel.  She says, "You missed it, huh?" With more than a hint of sarcasm.  I say, "Sure I missed it."

Coincidence.  

Friday, May 1, 2009

No Food For Adam

For inherent biblical reasons (Matt 6:16-18), I am hesitant to even discuss this in a blog, however I don't believe that I am crossing any ethical boundaries (I think).

I have been thinking about the possibility of introducing fasting into my spiritual/physical life.  This is one of those areas in Scripture that is kind of on the fence.  It is never mandated, but more assumed.  It is not a common thing to do but the evidence of Scripture and stories I have heard point to tremendous value.  Not that the reason for fasting is that we get some immediate gratification or material benefit but, it seems that the Holy Spirit speaks more clearly in our lives when we participate in fasting.

My question then is, how to go about this.  Part of me feels like I am "that guy" who after sitting around the house all week watches Chariots of Fire and thinks they can run 26.2 miles.  I don't want to rush into something huge and not be ready for it.  I don't know if there is any spiritual training I should be doing to get ready for this.  

Maybe I should get a gray sweatshirt and run up the steps of the Port Orange City Center.  Who knows.

Anymatter, an ability to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit is worth the self sacrifice.  And hey, it wouldn't hurt me to miss a few meals now and again.

Here is a cool link to some biblical fasting content