emily elizabeth

It seems like christianity is this enormous paradox with layer upon layer of little paradoxes that you find along the way. In my life, I often find myself wanting a smooth, peaceful life without too many unexpected interuptions and I am constantly laboring in hopes of making that happen. And yet I’ve realized that maybe this isn’t the best way to go about life. I want character to be present in my life, but I don’t want to have to go through the circumstances that produce that character. We usually pray for things that will make life go smoothly (safety, provision, blessing, etc.) but sometimes the answers to those prayers are just the opposite of what we ask for. I think it’s because, regardless of our agenda, God is determined to build character and virtue in us. And still sometimes, the unexpected answer to those prayers bring more to us than if we would have gotten what we asked for.
It’s a hard transistion to make, but maybe the smooth, peaceful life isn’t the goal. So I guess that I need to change the way I think, to renew my mind. It seems really hard sometimes. You have the best of intentions and really want to think differently, but often find solice and security, maybe even effortlessness in the way that you’ve always lived. But I press on to take hold of that which Christ has already taken hold of for me.

It’s interesting to look back on the history of the formation of our nation and see the intention of our founding fathers. The constitution is the document that the entire legal process of our country is built upon. What does it say? Why was it written? I have a lot to learn on this matter and if you’re looking for some intelligent political insight, well then you had better visit Chris and Jenni’s blog.

What I find interesting is that when founded, the government was intended to be limited to protecting and securing our rights. That was it, end of story. No government programs, no heavy taxation, no meddling in other issues. Taxes accounted for about 10% of your income vs. roughly 30-40% today. Today you have to work Jan-April just to pay for all the taxes that you pay annually – doesn’t that motivate you to get up and go to work tomorrow.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are some government programs that fill the physical, mental and emotional needs of our society. But aren’t they more or less just a crutch so that we, as a community of people, don’t have to be responsible for others. Why is the government taking this responsibility? Let’s face it, the government isn’t exactly a good steward of its resources. No private corporation could get away with its accounting practices. And yet we keep paying. Just thoughts to think about before you approve your tax dollars to go toward another program that can more than likely be managed more efficiently without the presence of beauracracy.