We're continuing the Truth Project in Sunday School at church, and today was an interesting day: the State. This examination of the role the Bible lays out for government got me thinking about two different aspects of government: its basic role and the idea of sphere sovereignty.
The basic role of government, of course, is social order, to condone good and punish evil. To do so, of course, the government has to know what good and evil are, something I fear is becoming lost in American society in general. Still, I think our government is still doing a decent job here. It's not perfect, of course. It couldn't be. Overall, though, this country is not lawless.
The other interesting aspect, sphere sovereignty, was popularized by Abraham Kuyper. Basically, the concept says that the different social institutions that God has created (government, family, church, education, community) have specific rights, responsibilities, and structures, and that no one sphere has the right to exercise authority over another. The American concept of Freedom of Religion derives in part from this idea: the government is one sphere and it should not be directly controlling the church. Still, if we examine this idea and then look at the state of governments around the world, we see to varying degrees that sphere sovereignty has been violated. In many places, the government has sovereignty over areas in which it has no business being involved (such as the family size limits of China or the attempts in the US to re-define marriage.
I like the concept of sphere sovereignty, but bringing it to a practical level is tricky. These institutions all involve the same groups of people, and the part that's hard for me to grasp is where the boundaries are. For instance, is it a violation of sphere sovereignty for the government to enact child labor laws? Is it a violation of sphere sovereignty for the government to enact minimum wage laws? I instinctively want to say no to the first and yes to the second, but I feel like I'm contradicting myself.
While we are blessed here in America to have a decent government and to be able to be involved in government, I am becoming increasingly concerned that as a country, we are looking to government to be for us what it cannot be: God, our source and our provider. But that is a discussion for another post.
Prince Caspian Quiz 25
(This one should be easy)
55. How does the Narnian army sneak into Miraz’s castle to attack?
A. They don’t sneak in; they launch a frontal assault
B. They ride in on gryphons
C. They scale the walls
D. They don’t attack Miraz’s castle. They know better.
56. When Caspian reaches Miraz’s bed chamber, what does he do?
A. He offers Miraz a chance to join him
B. He doesn’t ever reach Miraz’s chamber because they never attack the castle.
C. He puts a sword to Miraz’s throat and almost kills him.
D. He says, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father; prepare to die.”
57. How does Dr. Cornelius escape from the Miraz’s castle?
A. He is rescued by Caspian during the attack on the castle
B. He sneaks away before Miraz can do anything
C. He pretends to be going to gather herbs and never comes back
D. He rappels out using a bed sheet
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
500th Post! And Caspian Quiz 24
According to the official blog statistics, this is post 500, quite a milestone, I guess, for a blog that only publishes twice a week (usually). So, yay for 500. Now, on to the quiz...
52. Once Peter arrives at Aslan’s How, what course of action does he first suggest?
A. Challenge Miraz to single combat
B. Attack Miraz’s army by night
C. Attack Miraz’s castle
D. Attack Miraz’s army by day
53. What is Peter’s attitude toward Aslan once he arrives at Aslan’s How?
A. We don’t know
B. He thinks that Aslan won’t help them this time and that they will have to fight on their own
C. He trusts Aslan, but knows that Aslan has given him the task of dealing with Miraz
D. He wishes Aslan were there
54. Whose idea is it to attack Miraz’s Castle?
A. Peter’s
B. Reepicheep’s
C. Trufflehunter’s
D. Dr. Cornelius’s
52. Once Peter arrives at Aslan’s How, what course of action does he first suggest?
A. Challenge Miraz to single combat
B. Attack Miraz’s army by night
C. Attack Miraz’s castle
D. Attack Miraz’s army by day
53. What is Peter’s attitude toward Aslan once he arrives at Aslan’s How?
A. We don’t know
B. He thinks that Aslan won’t help them this time and that they will have to fight on their own
C. He trusts Aslan, but knows that Aslan has given him the task of dealing with Miraz
D. He wishes Aslan were there
54. Whose idea is it to attack Miraz’s Castle?
A. Peter’s
B. Reepicheep’s
C. Trufflehunter’s
D. Dr. Cornelius’s
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Springs Begins, As Does the Weather & Caspian Quiz 23
Astronomically-speaking, Spring began on Friday. As far as the weather goes, I would say that Spring begins tomorrow, with our first real chance of significant severe weather in the region. Unfortunately, the factors all are forecast to be in place tomorrow for some sort of severe weather to occur throughout the Central Plains. From what the Storm Prediction Center has said over the past couple of days, it appears that they think the main threat for significant weather lies just to the south of Topeka (and by just, I mean about 10-15 miles) and then roughly along I-35 down to Oklahoma City. Still, that risk could shift slightly north or south as we draw nearer to Monday and as we see how the weather system evolves. The models have been wrong plenty of times before. Still, it appears that the late afternoon and early evening hours tomorrow could contain some active weather for many living nearby. Hopefully, nothing serious occurs. Severe weather would be a terrible way to start off Spring.
Prince Caspian Quiz 23
49. Which of the following enters Aslan’s How first?
A. Caspian
B. Peter, Edmund, and Trumpkin
C. Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy
D. Peter and Edmund
50. How do the Pevensies find out what Aslan’s How is?
A. They discover the Stone Table on their own
B. Caspian shows them the Stone Table
C. Peter figures it out based on Trumpkin’s description of it
D. The tourist guide to Narnia that they picked up at Beruna tells them
51. How many of the Pevensies visit Aslan’s How?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Prince Caspian Quiz 23
49. Which of the following enters Aslan’s How first?
A. Caspian
B. Peter, Edmund, and Trumpkin
C. Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy
D. Peter and Edmund
50. How do the Pevensies find out what Aslan’s How is?
A. They discover the Stone Table on their own
B. Caspian shows them the Stone Table
C. Peter figures it out based on Trumpkin’s description of it
D. The tourist guide to Narnia that they picked up at Beruna tells them
51. How many of the Pevensies visit Aslan’s How?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Flu, Spring Break, and Prince Caspian Quiz 22
It's been a beautiful week in terms of weather, so far. I had great plans to get some yard work done, to do some little errands around the house, maybe take a day trip out of town, etc. Unfortunately, those plans were thwarted by a nasty case of the flu. If you haven't had the flu virus that's floating around, let me tell you that it's one nasty bug. I get colds aplenty, about 1-2 times a year, but it's a rare thing for me to get the flu. This time, though, I got it in its fullest: high temperature, body ache, stuffiness, and nausea. By the grace of God, the high fever has vanished, but I'm still not 100% back, yet. It could be another day or two before I'm 100%, and I sure hope so. There's a lot coming down the pike over the next couple of weeks.
The only good thing about getting the flu is that I got it over Spring Break. Now, don't get me wrong. I would have loved to have had a week of rest and relaxation instead of a week of sickness. But if I have to be out for a week, it's far easier on me psychologically to be out on a week when I don't have to do anything than to be shut down on a normal week when I would have 6 classes for which I have responsibility. Still, I'm ready to be up and about, again. I'm sick of being trapped inside the house, and I'd like to get a little bit of real rest prior to the last leg of the marathon sprint that is 4th quarter.
Prince Caspian Quiz 22
46. How does Caspian’s army get weapons? (Choose all that apply)
A. Reepicheep leads a party to raid the Telmarine army at Beruna
B. They make them
C. They find them hidden in Aslan’s How
D. We don’t know
47. How does Caspian feel about Peter?
A. He never meets Peter
B. He both likes and dislikes Peter
C. He sees him as a challenge to his authority
D. He likes him and defers to his authority
48. Who decides that Aslan’s How will be where the Narnian army sets up camp?
A. Peter
B. Caspian
C. Dr. Cornelius
D. We don’t know
The only good thing about getting the flu is that I got it over Spring Break. Now, don't get me wrong. I would have loved to have had a week of rest and relaxation instead of a week of sickness. But if I have to be out for a week, it's far easier on me psychologically to be out on a week when I don't have to do anything than to be shut down on a normal week when I would have 6 classes for which I have responsibility. Still, I'm ready to be up and about, again. I'm sick of being trapped inside the house, and I'd like to get a little bit of real rest prior to the last leg of the marathon sprint that is 4th quarter.
Prince Caspian Quiz 22
46. How does Caspian’s army get weapons? (Choose all that apply)
A. Reepicheep leads a party to raid the Telmarine army at Beruna
B. They make them
C. They find them hidden in Aslan’s How
D. We don’t know
47. How does Caspian feel about Peter?
A. He never meets Peter
B. He both likes and dislikes Peter
C. He sees him as a challenge to his authority
D. He likes him and defers to his authority
48. Who decides that Aslan’s How will be where the Narnian army sets up camp?
A. Peter
B. Caspian
C. Dr. Cornelius
D. We don’t know
Sunday, March 15, 2009
How I Read When in a Hurry and Prince Caspian Quiz 21
I find it quite interesting how I read when I'm in a hurry. I only read the first couple of sentences and then the last sentence or two in each paragraph, skipping that's all in between. As a result, I can say without disagreement that the proliferation of biscotti has led to an increase in tea consumption throughout the macro-economically under-performing sectors of the global economy. This fact in no way diminishes the fact that gerbils taste great when cooked on a grill after being marinated in a light orange sauce. Using an orange sauce, however, barely beats out the drilling of ice cores in the South Pacific as a way of determining historical temperature records. And we must never forget that baking soda and baking powder are two different substances. Have you ever read only the first and last couple of sentences in something? If so, then what's in the middle will be as meaningful to you as what I just wrote in the middle of this paragraph.
Too often, it seems, authors waste time on meaningless details in the middle of their paragraphs instead of just making their point. Admittedly, however, the meat of many arguments can be found in the middle. So, whether I skim or not depends on the era the author is from and how interested I am in the subject matter.
Prince Caspian Quiz 21
43. How do the Pevensies and Trumpkin meet Caspian and his army?
A. They encounter the army as it moves through the woods
B. Aslan leads the Pevensies and Trumpkin to Aslan’s How
C. Caspian meets them at Beruna
D. They never meet
44. What is the nature of the first encounter between Peter and Caspian?
A. Peter helps Caspian in a fight that breaks out in the war council under Aslan’s How
B. Aslan introduces them
C. They fight
D. They bump into each other at the grocery store
45. How many of the Pevensies meet Caspian?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Too often, it seems, authors waste time on meaningless details in the middle of their paragraphs instead of just making their point. Admittedly, however, the meat of many arguments can be found in the middle. So, whether I skim or not depends on the era the author is from and how interested I am in the subject matter.
Prince Caspian Quiz 21
43. How do the Pevensies and Trumpkin meet Caspian and his army?
A. They encounter the army as it moves through the woods
B. Aslan leads the Pevensies and Trumpkin to Aslan’s How
C. Caspian meets them at Beruna
D. They never meet
44. What is the nature of the first encounter between Peter and Caspian?
A. Peter helps Caspian in a fight that breaks out in the war council under Aslan’s How
B. Aslan introduces them
C. They fight
D. They bump into each other at the grocery store
45. How many of the Pevensies meet Caspian?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 20
41. When does Lucy see the trees dancing/alive, and is she awake or dreaming?
A. Before they cross the river, awake
B. Before they cross the river, dreaming
C. After they cross the river, awake
D. After they cross the river, dreaming
42. How many of the Pevensies and Trumpkin see Aslan by the time they reach Aslan’s How?
A. 3
B. 2
C. 1
D. 5
A. Before they cross the river, awake
B. Before they cross the river, dreaming
C. After they cross the river, awake
D. After they cross the river, dreaming
42. How many of the Pevensies and Trumpkin see Aslan by the time they reach Aslan’s How?
A. 3
B. 2
C. 1
D. 5
Sunday, March 08, 2009
On Ideas that Disappear and Prince Caspian Quiz 19
It seems like during the week, I have all sorts of good ideas about what to write about on this blog, but when the time comes for me to write something, all of them have vanished into the same hole that a portion of our country's economy has gone. I guess it's time for me to write down these ideas as they come to me. That way, I'll have something meaningful to post here. For now, I'll have to settle for posting this lament.
Prince Caspian Quiz 19
38. When the Pevensies and Trumpkin arrive at Beruna, why can they not cross the river?
A. They are attacked by sentries from Miraz’s outpost at Beruna
B. Miraz’s army is busy building a bridge
C. The river is flooded
D. They cross the river
39. How do the Pevensies and Trumpkin cross the River Rushing?
A. They swim
B. Lucy falls through a weak place on the edge of the upper bank, which leads them to safe path across
C. Aslan leads them up the gorge of the river and across far upstream
D. They ride gryphons
40. At what time of day do the Pevensies and Trumpkin cross the river?
A. At sunrise
B. Day
C. At sunset
D. Night
Prince Caspian Quiz 19
38. When the Pevensies and Trumpkin arrive at Beruna, why can they not cross the river?
A. They are attacked by sentries from Miraz’s outpost at Beruna
B. Miraz’s army is busy building a bridge
C. The river is flooded
D. They cross the river
39. How do the Pevensies and Trumpkin cross the River Rushing?
A. They swim
B. Lucy falls through a weak place on the edge of the upper bank, which leads them to safe path across
C. Aslan leads them up the gorge of the river and across far upstream
D. They ride gryphons
40. At what time of day do the Pevensies and Trumpkin cross the river?
A. At sunrise
B. Day
C. At sunset
D. Night
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 18
36. To where are the Pevensies and Trumpkin headed in order to meet Caspian?
A. The Shuddering Woods
B. Aslan’s How
C. The Fords of Beruna
D. The Pit of Despair
37. What is the response of Old Narnians to the thought of Caspian helping them?
A. They flatly reject him
B. They all recognize him as king and accept him with relative ease
C. They decide to let Roonwit the Centaur lead instead
D. They do not accept him until a centaur convinces them otherwise
A. The Shuddering Woods
B. Aslan’s How
C. The Fords of Beruna
D. The Pit of Despair
37. What is the response of Old Narnians to the thought of Caspian helping them?
A. They flatly reject him
B. They all recognize him as king and accept him with relative ease
C. They decide to let Roonwit the Centaur lead instead
D. They do not accept him until a centaur convinces them otherwise
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 17
33. When is Trumpkin first called “dear little friend” or “DLF?”
A. When the Pevensies bring him ashore at Cair Paravel
B. After Edmund beats him in a sword fight at Cair Paravel
C. While the Pevensies and Trumpkin are walking towards Aslan’s How
D. At the very end of the story
34. Who first refers to Trumpkin as “dear little friend” or “DLF?”
A. Peter
B. Susan
C. Edmund
D. Lucy
35. What is Trumpkin’s response to being called “DLF?”
A. “Oh, that’s not at all patronizing, is it?”
B. “Quite the nickname, eh? Why don’t I start called you PESL?”
C. “No more of that, your majesty, if you love me.”
D. “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
A. When the Pevensies bring him ashore at Cair Paravel
B. After Edmund beats him in a sword fight at Cair Paravel
C. While the Pevensies and Trumpkin are walking towards Aslan’s How
D. At the very end of the story
34. Who first refers to Trumpkin as “dear little friend” or “DLF?”
A. Peter
B. Susan
C. Edmund
D. Lucy
35. What is Trumpkin’s response to being called “DLF?”
A. “Oh, that’s not at all patronizing, is it?”
B. “Quite the nickname, eh? Why don’t I start called you PESL?”
C. “No more of that, your majesty, if you love me.”
D. “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Interesting Statement about Climate Change
I ran across an interesting statement given before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee by Dr. William Happer on February 25, 2009. In it, Dr. Happer lays out some solid, scientific reasons why global warming is not the major cause for alarm. You can read the original statement, in PDF form, from the U.S. Senate Archives, or in HTML form from Captialist Magazine. The two are identical, so choose whichever will work in your browser. I'm partial to original sources, myself.
The debate about global warming is far from over, despite attempts by many to stifle it. Read Dr. Happer's statement for some fascinating scientific arguments.
The debate about global warming is far from over, despite attempts by many to stifle it. Read Dr. Happer's statement for some fascinating scientific arguments.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 16
31. How many times are Caspian and company attacked by Telmarine soliders as the seek out Old Narnia?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
32. Who gets wounded when the Telmarine soldiers attack Caspian and Company?
A. Caspian
B. Trufflehunter
C. Nikabrik
D. No one. They are never attacked
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
32. Who gets wounded when the Telmarine soldiers attack Caspian and Company?
A. Caspian
B. Trufflehunter
C. Nikabrik
D. No one. They are never attacked
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 15
29. What member(s) of Old Narnia does Caspian meet first after he leaves Trufflehunter’s cave?
A. The Bulgy Bears
B. Pattertwig
C. Reepicheep
D. The Centaurs
30. How does Caspian meet Reepicheep?
A. Reepicheep shows up at the Council of Old Narnians
B. Reepicheep tries to attack Caspian, mistaking him for a Telmarine solider
C. Trufflehunter introduces them as he takes Caspian around to meet all of the Old Narnians
D. He shows up at Aslan’s How
A. The Bulgy Bears
B. Pattertwig
C. Reepicheep
D. The Centaurs
30. How does Caspian meet Reepicheep?
A. Reepicheep shows up at the Council of Old Narnians
B. Reepicheep tries to attack Caspian, mistaking him for a Telmarine solider
C. Trufflehunter introduces them as he takes Caspian around to meet all of the Old Narnians
D. He shows up at Aslan’s How
The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1, NIV).
The past two weeks in Sunday School, we've been focusing on the purpose of science, on how the universe declares God's glory if we'll stop long enough to look, and on the materialistic view of science that has produced modern Cosmology and Evolutionary Theory. Part of what fascinates me is that many of the theories advanced in the last 150 years are starting to fall apart. The Standard Model, for instance, cannot explain why there was a singularity from which it says everything came. And Darwinian Evolution is on the ropes. Between a lack of gradual transition forms, the irreducible complexity argument, and the intricate workings of even the smallest cell, scientists are discovering that life is so vastly complex that it cannot have evolved as Darwin proposed. The vast complexity of life and the wonderful intricacies that make up this world in which we live point strongly to the possibility that everything in this world, including us, has been designed by Someone greater than ourselves. As Christians, we know that this Someone is the Triune God of Scripture. The skies do indeed proclaim that they are the work of God's hands.
Interestingly, despite the evidence from all aspects of Creation, most scientists are not willing to say that there had to be an intelligent designer. This reluctance is partially understandable. We've taught our children for the last 150 years that science deals only with what can be measured, analyzed, and probed. A Creator outside of the system cannot be scientifically investigated in this manner. Another aspect to this reluctance, however, is a moral/philosophical one. If there is a Creator, then we are all accountable to Him. And we humans do not like to be accountable to anyone but ourselves. We want to live how we want to live without anyone telling us how to live. The Bible calls that "sin," and unless they repent and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, they have set before them an eternity without the blessings of our loving Creator. Given that every good and perfect gift is from God, this separation from Him is not something to be desired, cynical comments from atheists notwithstanding.
And I digress. My point is that many scientists who continue to cling to Evolutionary Theory are doing so not because of the scientific evidence but because of a philosophical predisposition. As a result, whenever the Theory of Evolution (for example) comes into question, they have very little evidence to support the Theory, instead resorting to ad hominem attacks. It is disappointing that a true scientific debate cannot occur on these issues, but I've already shared some of my thoughts on this part of the issue in my post about the movie "Expelled."
The debate, obviously, will rage on, ad hominem attacks or not. The "particles-to-people" theory of evolution is on the ropes, but it's not down, yet. And even if it is shown to be false, I would be shocked if Intelligent Design took its place as the dominant theory. Too many scientists are too committed to materialistic science to allow I.D. to become the main theory. After all, if I.D. is right, and God exists and has a legitimate claim on them, then they have a lot to lose.
The past two weeks in Sunday School, we've been focusing on the purpose of science, on how the universe declares God's glory if we'll stop long enough to look, and on the materialistic view of science that has produced modern Cosmology and Evolutionary Theory. Part of what fascinates me is that many of the theories advanced in the last 150 years are starting to fall apart. The Standard Model, for instance, cannot explain why there was a singularity from which it says everything came. And Darwinian Evolution is on the ropes. Between a lack of gradual transition forms, the irreducible complexity argument, and the intricate workings of even the smallest cell, scientists are discovering that life is so vastly complex that it cannot have evolved as Darwin proposed. The vast complexity of life and the wonderful intricacies that make up this world in which we live point strongly to the possibility that everything in this world, including us, has been designed by Someone greater than ourselves. As Christians, we know that this Someone is the Triune God of Scripture. The skies do indeed proclaim that they are the work of God's hands.
Interestingly, despite the evidence from all aspects of Creation, most scientists are not willing to say that there had to be an intelligent designer. This reluctance is partially understandable. We've taught our children for the last 150 years that science deals only with what can be measured, analyzed, and probed. A Creator outside of the system cannot be scientifically investigated in this manner. Another aspect to this reluctance, however, is a moral/philosophical one. If there is a Creator, then we are all accountable to Him. And we humans do not like to be accountable to anyone but ourselves. We want to live how we want to live without anyone telling us how to live. The Bible calls that "sin," and unless they repent and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, they have set before them an eternity without the blessings of our loving Creator. Given that every good and perfect gift is from God, this separation from Him is not something to be desired, cynical comments from atheists notwithstanding.
And I digress. My point is that many scientists who continue to cling to Evolutionary Theory are doing so not because of the scientific evidence but because of a philosophical predisposition. As a result, whenever the Theory of Evolution (for example) comes into question, they have very little evidence to support the Theory, instead resorting to ad hominem attacks. It is disappointing that a true scientific debate cannot occur on these issues, but I've already shared some of my thoughts on this part of the issue in my post about the movie "Expelled."
The debate, obviously, will rage on, ad hominem attacks or not. The "particles-to-people" theory of evolution is on the ropes, but it's not down, yet. And even if it is shown to be false, I would be shocked if Intelligent Design took its place as the dominant theory. Too many scientists are too committed to materialistic science to allow I.D. to become the main theory. After all, if I.D. is right, and God exists and has a legitimate claim on them, then they have a lot to lose.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 14
27. When Caspian leaves Trufflehunter’s cave, where is going?
A. To find his horse
B. To meet the other Old Narnians with Trufflehunter and company
C. Out on his own to try to find the other Narnians
D. To his agent to check on whether he’s won the Oscar for Best Actor, yet
28. Who goes with (or follows) Caspian? (Choose all that apply)
A. Trufflehunter
B. Nikabrik
C. Trumpkin
D. Saruman
A. To find his horse
B. To meet the other Old Narnians with Trufflehunter and company
C. Out on his own to try to find the other Narnians
D. To his agent to check on whether he’s won the Oscar for Best Actor, yet
28. Who goes with (or follows) Caspian? (Choose all that apply)
A. Trufflehunter
B. Nikabrik
C. Trumpkin
D. Saruman
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tempus Fugit and Prince Caspian Quiz 13
Every so often, I have a sort of existential moment, where I find myself wondering, "What happened to the last 4 or 5 years of my life? In some ways, I don't feel that far removed from 24, yet here I am, more than a couple of years older." I noticed it today, when I was looking over the people in the sanctuary at church and noticed that a lot of them seemed like kids. Then, I realized that these "kids" had toddlers with them. And then I started feeling sick.
I realize that a part of life is getting older, but why does age have to creep up on us so subtly? I'm not that old, yet, and yet I'm obviously older than I think I am. In my mind, I'm still at about 27, maybe even 25. Yet, when I look in the mirror and see the first hints of gray hair, or when I look around church like I did today, I can't help but feel that, somehow, time is getting away from and I'm not doing with my life everything that God would have me do. I feel like I'm missing something, but I can't quite put my finger, yet, on what it is I'm supposed to do.
Maybe I'm just over-thinking everything. I could be doing exactly what God wants me to do. And there certainly have been some wonderful blessings in the past 7 years of living here in Topeka. But at the same time, I don't ever want to become complacent. I need to be as responsive to His leading as I was 7 years ago, when I moved here. He may not have me be here the rest of my life, or He might. The important thing is that I stay aware of His voice and His leading, so that if it becomes time for the Lord to lead me elsewhere, my response is, "I'll start packing."
Prince Caspian Quiz 13
25. Under what circumstances does the bear attack Lucy?
A. It bursts at her from out of the trees
B. It sneaks up on her from behind
C. It charges at her from in front of her
D. Lucy tries to talk to it and it charges her
26. Who kills the bear?
A. Peter
B. Susan
C. Edmund
D. Trumpkin
I realize that a part of life is getting older, but why does age have to creep up on us so subtly? I'm not that old, yet, and yet I'm obviously older than I think I am. In my mind, I'm still at about 27, maybe even 25. Yet, when I look in the mirror and see the first hints of gray hair, or when I look around church like I did today, I can't help but feel that, somehow, time is getting away from and I'm not doing with my life everything that God would have me do. I feel like I'm missing something, but I can't quite put my finger, yet, on what it is I'm supposed to do.
Maybe I'm just over-thinking everything. I could be doing exactly what God wants me to do. And there certainly have been some wonderful blessings in the past 7 years of living here in Topeka. But at the same time, I don't ever want to become complacent. I need to be as responsive to His leading as I was 7 years ago, when I moved here. He may not have me be here the rest of my life, or He might. The important thing is that I stay aware of His voice and His leading, so that if it becomes time for the Lord to lead me elsewhere, my response is, "I'll start packing."
Prince Caspian Quiz 13
25. Under what circumstances does the bear attack Lucy?
A. It bursts at her from out of the trees
B. It sneaks up on her from behind
C. It charges at her from in front of her
D. Lucy tries to talk to it and it charges her
26. Who kills the bear?
A. Peter
B. Susan
C. Edmund
D. Trumpkin
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 12
23. What happens to Dr. Cornelius after Caspian escapes?
A. He switches sides and helps Miraz locate Caspian
B. He is arrested by Miraz and thrown into the dungeon
C. He sneaks away from the castle before Miraz can detain him
D. Nothing of any consequence
24. Where are the Pevensies and Trumpkin when Lucy gets attacked by a bear?
A. At Aslan’s How
B. On the shore of a river
C. In the forest
D. At Cair Paravel
A. He switches sides and helps Miraz locate Caspian
B. He is arrested by Miraz and thrown into the dungeon
C. He sneaks away from the castle before Miraz can detain him
D. Nothing of any consequence
24. Where are the Pevensies and Trumpkin when Lucy gets attacked by a bear?
A. At Aslan’s How
B. On the shore of a river
C. In the forest
D. At Cair Paravel
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Stimulus Plan and Prince Caspian Quiz 11
I'm not an economic expert, and I don't know exactly what it will take to bring our struggling economy back into shape, except maybe time. I'm not convinced that a massive amount of government spending, which is still over 50% of the current stimulus plan, is the answer. Any spending that the government does will have short-term effects at best. Once the public works projects and other infrastructure improvements are done, the workers that were employed will be unemployed again, unless the private sector begins to hire more workers, again. The private sector will only start to hire workers, though, when it can afford to. Right now, the current situation is one where companies are not hiring. Clearly, something needs to be done to try to find a way to encourage businesses to hire. I don't know what that something is. Lowering tax rates on businesses would, in theory, give businesses the extra capital to make infrastructure improvements and hiring more workers. In practice, though, we've seen some of the stupid things that businesses have done with their excess capital: insane executive pay and benefits, luxury items like private jets, etc. In the end, the best thing to do, to my mind, is to let the economy correct itself. I realize that such a laissez faire approach to the situation will look like apathy on the part of politicians, so there is little hope that they will take a hands-off approach. They want to be able to say, "Look what I did!" to their constituents. The danger, of course, in trying to do something to fix the economy is that 2 years from now, the economy might still be struggling because of the interventions of government. Then, the constituents of these politicians might well be the ones saying, in frustration, to their representatives, "Look what you did!"
Prince Caspian Quiz 11
21. What are Caspian’s first words to the Narnian creatures?
A. “If we’re taking a vote, I’m with him.”
B. “Could I have some of that soup, please?”
C. “Gentlemen, whatever you do to me, I hope you will be kind to my poor horse.”
D. “Hey, Trufflehunter, Wisconsin called. They want their mascot costume back.”
22. What does Caspian do first when he regains consciousness?
A. He lays in bed, dazed, and Trufflehunter gives him something to drink
B. He gets out of bed and tries to fight his way out of the wave with a fireplace poker
C. He breaks into a song and dance number
D. He counts his fingers to make sure that he doesn’t have a concussion
Prince Caspian Quiz 11
21. What are Caspian’s first words to the Narnian creatures?
A. “If we’re taking a vote, I’m with him.”
B. “Could I have some of that soup, please?”
C. “Gentlemen, whatever you do to me, I hope you will be kind to my poor horse.”
D. “Hey, Trufflehunter, Wisconsin called. They want their mascot costume back.”
22. What does Caspian do first when he regains consciousness?
A. He lays in bed, dazed, and Trufflehunter gives him something to drink
B. He gets out of bed and tries to fight his way out of the wave with a fireplace poker
C. He breaks into a song and dance number
D. He counts his fingers to make sure that he doesn’t have a concussion
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 10
19. What are the first words that Caspian hears upon regaining consciousness?
A. “Pass the bacon, please.” “
B. “And now, before it wakes up, we must decide what to do with it.”
C. “This bread is so stale.”
D. "What are we going to do tonight, Brain?”
20. How many Narnian creatures are there in Trufflehunter’s cave?
A. 0 – Caspian is alone in the cave
B. 1 -- Trufflehunter
C. 2 – Trufflehunter and Nikabrik
D. 3 – Trufflehunter, Nikabrik, and Trumpkin
A. “Pass the bacon, please.” “
B. “And now, before it wakes up, we must decide what to do with it.”
C. “This bread is so stale.”
D. "What are we going to do tonight, Brain?”
20. How many Narnian creatures are there in Trufflehunter’s cave?
A. 0 – Caspian is alone in the cave
B. 1 -- Trufflehunter
C. 2 – Trufflehunter and Nikabrik
D. 3 – Trufflehunter, Nikabrik, and Trumpkin
Sunday, February 01, 2009
February & Prince Caspian Quiz 9
February. Bah. Humbug.
Okay, so I'm exaggerating, but of all of the months of the year, February always seems to be the one I least look forward to. It's not that good things don't happen in February, and it's not that I don't enjoy myself during this month. I just have to work a little harder at it in order to survive this shortest of months, which Gilbert and Sullivan referred to as a "beastly month." There are several factors that work together to create this challenge.
First, this month features the celebration of things that are not really worth celebrating. I think February ought to be designated "National Month Month" because it seems like (although it's not true) that the majority of the "National __________ Months" are all in February. Some are worthy of celebration, like National Black History Month, but most, such as National Boost-Your-Self-Esteem Month and National Canned Food Month, are hardly laudatory.
Second, this month features a holiday that I, as a meteorologist, dislike: Groundhog Day. If you've ever seen the movie of the same name and remember the scorn poured on the "holiday" by Phil Connors, then you'll know about how I feel, although with less disdain and cynicism. (Besides, there's always this nagging fear in the back of my mind that I'm going to get stuck in an endless cycle of living the same day over and over again. [grin])
Third, this month is often the coldest month of the year, and, since I know that Spring is right around the corner, it seems like one of the longer months of the year. With warmer weather looming, the anticipation makes time seem to come to a crawl.
Finally, this month contains February 14th, enough said.
Like I said, those are all reasons that February is a hard month for me to enjoy. That doesn't mean that I won't enjoy it, however. I'm determined to persevere through these annoyances and live my life enjoying the blessings that God has given me, now that I've vented a little about some of the minor annoyances.
Prince Caspian Quiz 9
17. What are Trumpkin’s first words to the Pevensies?
A. “Drop him?! That’s the best you could come up with?”
B. “Next time, try shooting them before they drop me in the water, ok, missy?”
C. “Well, whatever they say, you don’t feel like ghosts?”
D. “Where’s Legolas?”
18. How do the Pevensies convince Trumpkin that they are indeed the old Kings and Queens of Narnia? (Choose as many as apply)
A. Edmund beats Trumpkin in a sword fight
B. Susan beats Trumpkin at an archery contest
C. Lucy heals Trumpkin’s wounds with her cordial
D. Peter gives Trumpkin a tour of Cair Paravel
Okay, so I'm exaggerating, but of all of the months of the year, February always seems to be the one I least look forward to. It's not that good things don't happen in February, and it's not that I don't enjoy myself during this month. I just have to work a little harder at it in order to survive this shortest of months, which Gilbert and Sullivan referred to as a "beastly month." There are several factors that work together to create this challenge.
First, this month features the celebration of things that are not really worth celebrating. I think February ought to be designated "National Month Month" because it seems like (although it's not true) that the majority of the "National __________ Months" are all in February. Some are worthy of celebration, like National Black History Month, but most, such as National Boost-Your-Self-Esteem Month and National Canned Food Month, are hardly laudatory.
Second, this month features a holiday that I, as a meteorologist, dislike: Groundhog Day. If you've ever seen the movie of the same name and remember the scorn poured on the "holiday" by Phil Connors, then you'll know about how I feel, although with less disdain and cynicism. (Besides, there's always this nagging fear in the back of my mind that I'm going to get stuck in an endless cycle of living the same day over and over again. [grin])
Third, this month is often the coldest month of the year, and, since I know that Spring is right around the corner, it seems like one of the longer months of the year. With warmer weather looming, the anticipation makes time seem to come to a crawl.
Finally, this month contains February 14th, enough said.
Like I said, those are all reasons that February is a hard month for me to enjoy. That doesn't mean that I won't enjoy it, however. I'm determined to persevere through these annoyances and live my life enjoying the blessings that God has given me, now that I've vented a little about some of the minor annoyances.
Prince Caspian Quiz 9
17. What are Trumpkin’s first words to the Pevensies?
A. “Drop him?! That’s the best you could come up with?”
B. “Next time, try shooting them before they drop me in the water, ok, missy?”
C. “Well, whatever they say, you don’t feel like ghosts?”
D. “Where’s Legolas?”
18. How do the Pevensies convince Trumpkin that they are indeed the old Kings and Queens of Narnia? (Choose as many as apply)
A. Edmund beats Trumpkin in a sword fight
B. Susan beats Trumpkin at an archery contest
C. Lucy heals Trumpkin’s wounds with her cordial
D. Peter gives Trumpkin a tour of Cair Paravel
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Prince Caspian Quiz 8
15. What do the Telmarines do after Susan fires her warning shot into their boat?
A. Start rowing frantically away from Cair Paravel
B. Drop Trumpkin in the river and attempt to shoot back
C. Panic. Susan fires a second arrow and they both abandon ship
D. Break out into a song and dance number
16. What instrument is used to cut Trumpkin’s bonds?
A. Peter’s sword
B. Edmund’s pocket knife
C. One of Susan’s arrowheads
D. Lucy’s dagger
A. Start rowing frantically away from Cair Paravel
B. Drop Trumpkin in the river and attempt to shoot back
C. Panic. Susan fires a second arrow and they both abandon ship
D. Break out into a song and dance number
16. What instrument is used to cut Trumpkin’s bonds?
A. Peter’s sword
B. Edmund’s pocket knife
C. One of Susan’s arrowheads
D. Lucy’s dagger
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