Personal News

It seems like most of the time I find myself talking about current events that are reported in the newspaper or some current events blog. I have received requests from some readers to include more personal events. Normally I don't have anything to report. This time, it is different.

News Item #1: College

It has finally occurred: 3 schools, 5 majors, 8 years, and 133 semester hours later, I now have a 2 year degree! Ok, so I have two 2 year degrees. Either way, it is a significant milestone, and now I can pursue my 4 year degree. I'm thinking only one of the those, however!

News Item #2: Girlfriend

Now, before the jokes start, let me address some of them head-on.

1. Yes, she is real - not imaginary
2. Yes, she knows how tall I am (and is taller than I)
3. No, she is not looking for a green card.

I've known Lauren for about three years now. We met over a game of Monopoly during a power outage. Since then we have played multiple games of Chess.

Right now we are geographically separated, but thanks to the magic of the VOIP, IM, and Web Cams, we get to do more than just send mail back and forth. We will be moving to the same timezone this summer. For now, we have to keep track of the hours of difference between us.

Here is a photo of her from her blog.

I'm sure there will be more news to follow!

Bad News

Bad

Sometimes it seems like things are going rough.  Even with the report that economy grew in the first quarter, "signs of mounting problems for the U.S. economy are everywhere."  

Prices for fuel are up (a fill-up cost me $25 at the pump three years ago but now costs me $46).  Prices for food are up.

Things may be more expensive for me - but God has met all of my needs.

It could be much worse.  In the US, we're only limited to 200 pounds of rice per visit to a grocery store!

Worse

12000 people are still buried in rubble following an earthquake in China - 72 hours after it struck and the death toll could rise to 50000.

In Myanmar,  "the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimated the death toll was between 68,833 and 127,990. The U.N. says more than 100,000 may have died.

"The U.N. and the Red Cross say between 1.6 and 2.5 million people are in urgent need of food, water and shelter. Only 270,000 have been reached so far by the aid groups."

But direct military flights cannot be made to the people - because the government of Myanmar will not allow it.

Reaction

So how are we to react to such horrible news?  Some ignore it; others complain.  Some people even turn to video games. (Side note: I'm not saying all video games are escaping bad news - but when the choice forced by lack of money is video games or food and someone has to think about it (like from the article: "I'd probably give up my cellphone," he said. "Probably not food. That's really tough. I like food.")

I find that there are only two ways to react: pray and help when able.  Donation sites are already set up for the China Earthquake, but financial aid is not everything, nor the most important thing.  I do not worry about what I will eat, drink, sleep or wear.  Not because I am loaded with resources (though I am not lacking either) but because I have a Heavenly Father who knows I need such things. 

33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:33-34

The best way to help is to make sure that people have heard about Jesus before the bad news.  If the bad news happens first, take care of the immediate need as well as sharing the love of God with them.  One without the other will not be truly loving a neighbor.

Updates

Well, now that I have a few days to not be traveling, I have the time to sort through the piles of... stuff... that have accumulated.  I can almost identify which trip the piles are from just digging through it.

Almost like an archeological dig, I find some things that I am glad about still having - certificates, mementos, etc.  Unfortunately that also means that I find things that I am not glad that I still have - presents that have dates (calendars), letters (from me), and... well, trash.  Not garbage, just trash - junk mail, old receipts, Google maps, etc.

From the looks of things, some spring cleaning is in order.  Good thing I have the time!