IPads at work...

The video below was created to encourage people and businesses to look at relocating to Stockholm. They do an excellent job of selling some of the finer points...in a very unique way...IPad users will love this! 

Say it's not so!

The description reads: 'This book is about a 14 year old girl who goes on a diet and is transformed from being extremely overweight and insecure to a normal sized girl who becomes the school soccer star. (So an overweight child can't join a soccer team and loose weight as nature takes it's course?)

'Through time, exercise and hard work, Maggie becomes more and more confident and develops a positive self image.'

Barnes & Noble, which is already offering the book for pre-order, lists it with a recommended reading age of six to 12. Amazon offers it to an even younger readership, suggesting ages four to eight.

I can't believe it! During a time that children should be playing and learning in a comfortable, safe, controlled environment...up pops a book about being over-weight! Aren't there enough "self image" issues without books like this?

I am flabbergasted! And no, I have not read it so I cannot address the content nor the writing style, I am too shocked at the subject matter! Why can't we let our children be children? Why must we make them grow up so quickly and before they're ready?

My grandson lives with us...and yes, by standards, he would be listed as overweight. He eats a healthy diet and loves to play and I do know that in time, his height and weight will come in line. I also know that if he read this book or even thought someone would apply this to him he would be crushed! And for what? To fit society's image of how he should look? Madison Ave. controls the self image of far too many teenagers and adults...keep your hands off our children!

Having it all...

Today's media would have us believe that we can have it all, do it all and we deserve it all. I have an issue with this statement, particularly the last...do we, in fact, deserve it all?

Society is allowing itself to be defined by "Madison Ave." and many of us fall prey to their advertising. Loud, upbeat music, smiling "pretty" people try to convince us we won't be complete until we buy such and thus. Did you know you were unhappy? Did you know you'll never be "complete" unless you pull out your credit card and go online or call? I don't know what bothers me more, the fact that they say it or the fact that so many of us buy into the lie. What would happen if each time we started to purchase anything we looked at it under the magnifying glass and asked...do I need this or do I just want it? If you want it, why? Because it is something that will make you happy? Or have you just been told it will make you happy? Go back and re-read Philippians 4: 11 ( ...I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstance) and Luke 12:23-24 (...yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds) use this as part of your measuring stick.

I have reached the point in my life that I realize I can't do it all, don't even want to try. I can't have it all, besides, where would I put it? And lastly, I do not deserve it all. I don't deserve what I have...do any of us? Let us rejoice in the gifts we do have...the love of God the Father, the salvation of Jesus Christ and the companionship of the Holy Spirit. What can man create to match these gifts?