The Long Good Night

We sold the Buick. The car that took me to Disneyworld when I was a kid is now gone. I'd be surprised if it is still in one piece.

After a long story of how the buick got towed when it wasn't supposed to be towed, we got the car jump-started. It died as I pulled up to a gas station a block away. After four days of trying to figure out what to do with the car with no money, we finally found the only used car salesman in town that would buy that old of a car ('89 Buick LeSabre with about 190,000 miles). He showed us that the battery was completely dead, the alternator was probably shot, the brake fluid was almost completely empty (which means the brakes would have just stopped working in the middle of driving), the fuel and brake lines were very rusted (prbably the cause of the brake leak), and the support beam between the driver's door and the back door was almost completely rusted through (which means the car would have probably imploded in any accident). He gave us $150 for what he called "four wheels and a cd changer." We also sold it on the day the car's insurance was due, which saved us a couple hundred dollars as well.

Selling this car was a blessing in disguise, a four-day highly stressful disguise.

Anyone want a car?

We are in the process of selling/getting rid of the Buick LeSabre. If you're interested, let me know very quickly.

To Celebrate 4/20 . . .

Here is a link to a dictionary of current slang/"ebonics" that Katy found on a youth ministry website. I don't know what's more amazing - how many I knew or how many I didn't know. Enjoy.

Thoughts froma Heretic

"Since, therefore, these matters have been determined by us with all possible precision and care, the holy and ecumenical synod decrees that it is not permissible for anyone to propose, write, compose, think, teach anything else. But those who dare to compose another creed or to bring forward or teach or transmit another symbol to people who want to turn to the knowledge of truth from Hellenism or Judaism or from any heresy whatever - such persons, if they are bishops or clergy, are deposed, the bishops from their episcopate and the clergy from their office; but if they are monks or laity they are anathematized." - from Definition Of The Faith from the Council of Chalcedon (451) -

It is from this document that we maintain the idea that Jesus was one person with two natures - Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time.

1. Why are church leaders only deposed while church members are kicked out?
2. This document basically says, "Stop arguing. Anyone believing what is considered to be an extreme view is wrong. Since Alexandria and Antioch can't agree fully, we will compromise and call it orthodoxy." Instead of making its own claims, this doucment says that the Councils of Nicea and Constantinople said enough on these issues. If that were the case, why was there still arguing and major divisions in the Church on the topic of Christology?
3. I've always been told, "Jesus was fully God and fully human. We will never really understand how that is the case, but it is." Why are people so unwilling to pursue the how question that bothered the church for hundreds of years?
4. Is it just me, or was the Protestant Reformation the worst thing that has ever happened to the Universal Church? So then, why do we praise that time of Church History as if nothing else really matters?
5. If I made heretical claims in college, am I anathematized, and, if so, who has the authority to make that claim about me?

Sever The Ties

Yesterday, Katy finished her very last lesson for the two-year Confirmation curriculum she was writing for our last church. We are struggling to find a good way to celebrate that doesn't cost much money and that is different from what we normally do. Any suggestions?

Rock The Vote

I decided I would advertize for a band that I've never listened to. I know one guy in the band. And by know, I mean, I know his name, I've been in conversations peripherally that he has also been a part of, and I listen to his old band.

His band has made it to the final seven in a competition to be the openning band for Bon Jovi at Giants Stadium. I know, it's Bon Jovi. But you've gotta start somewhere. Just vote here. If anyone is interested, I can post who I voted for after you tell me who you voted for.