On what seem to be fairly regular occasions I find myself in a position where I wonder if Hamlet was wrong about his very famous question that surfaced while he reviewed his awful situation and contemplated terrible options for dealing with it. I occasionally have reason to wonder whether the real question is not “to be, or not to be,” but rather “to know, or not to know.” The existence and personal acknowledgement of this question is somewhat disturbing to me given that I have spent the vast majority of my life actively seeking for both knowledge and wisdom. At … Read the rest
All posts by Peter
Multi-polar
When in Rome, do as the Romans– St. Ambrose
I was pondering some on the nature of the “quote” above and decided to look up it’s history. Much to my surprise, it is attributed St. Ambrose, a devout Christian. Given the way this sentiment is used in modern society, I was thunderstruck at the idea it had originated from one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the early Church. On the surface, it would appear that St. Ambrose is advocating for a form of moral relativism and giving license to abandon morals and standards in order to “fit … Read the rest
In the Wind
Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.– Alma 1:25
About twenty years ago I spent several weekends driving chase truck for my neighbor who owned and operated a hot air balloon. The deal was that if I drove long enough he would take me up on a ride. My friend Sean and I decided a balloon ride would make an awesome homecoming group date and both of … Read the rest
Camping
This weekend we packed up the family for a short trip to the coast to test out the recently acquired pop-up trailer. Not a lot to say other than whoever thought tin-foil dinners were a good idea in the sweltering heat of a South-Texas summer needs to have their head checked. It’s bad enough cooking over a fire when it’s cool outside, but doing it at 95+ degrees in the coastal humidity sucks! The worst part of the whole deal is that I don’t really have anyone to blame but myself. I was the one that put together that part … Read the rest
Free Trailer
Last summer, Liz and I traveled back to the home country to spend time with our extended families. Among the things we did there was take a weekend trip camping in an offshoot of the Rocky Mountains with my brothers and their popup/tent trailers. Liz and I thought it might be fun and affordable enough for us to get one, and started looking around for a used one in our price-range. As luck would have it, not long after we returned home from vacation a friend told us they had one we could take for free.
Free is my favorite … Read the rest
Through the looking glass
What’s wrong with DC? How is it that the array of government and our duly elected representatives can be so disconnected from the reality of the majority of American lives? After spending another several days in the national capitol region, I am reminded of at least one of the reasons. DC is nothing like the rest of America. It is a frighteningly distorted fairytale land, and I am convinced that anyone who spends much time there will eventually lose touch with the realities facing most of America.
The fact of the matter is that people are influenced by their environment … Read the rest
The Modern Moral Compass
… Read the restWhile our country remains untainted with the principles and manners which are now producing desolation in so many parts of the world; while she continues sincere, and incapable of insidious and impious policy, we shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned us by Providence. But should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation while it is practising iniquity and extravagance, and displays in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candor, frankness, and sincerity, while
Happy Father’s Day
For Father’s day this year, Liz interviewed Michael and provided me a run-down of the answers he provided. You never know what you’re going to get when you ask a four-year-old questions, and in this case, the result can be quite funny. The questions and his answers are provided below for your reading pleasure:
- How old is Dad? 20
- What is Dad’s favorite color? Orange
- What is Dad’s favorite outfit to wear? Shirts
- What is Dad’s favorite movie? Jason Bourne
- Where was Dad born? He was with Jesus before he was born
- Dad’s favorite sport is: Soccer
- Dad doesn’t like:
A beautiful young lady
Sydney is off to youth conference for the weekend. Of course, that means she had to get all dolled up for the fireside and dance that kicks the weekend off. I’m so proud I have to share a picture of her dressed to kill. Look out teenage boys, she’s dangerous but still under-age. Check back in just over a year and you can get in line to compete for a first date.
Quote of the Day
While scanning a news site I ran across an article talking about a collection of letters Albert Einstein had written. One of the topics reportedly addressed in the letters frequently was Einstein’s thoughts on God. One section quoted struck me:
I prefer an attitude of humility corresponding to the weakness of our intellectual understanding of nature and of our own being.-Albert Einstein
While I don’t agree with Einsteins thoughts on the childishness of believing in a personal God (contained in a section of the quote I omitted here), I think his reasoning is something the rest of the world … Read the rest