I'm sorry, but atheists are just as judgmental as anyone.  I agree, it doesn't hurt to stand back and reflect on how Christians can "message" in the modern culture.  But I don't see a tone of reflection here, but rather one of just plain criticism directed personally at Piper.  Piper's no novice, and when he realized he was misunderstood, he corrected it.   

Who's to say?  Can we say whether a particular tragedy is or isn't the wrath of God manifest?  I can't say conclusively anymore than anyone else can, but is it outside the realm of possibility?  Is it a test, like that of Job?  Again, who can say one way or the other, except that for those in crisis it is indeed a test of faith, a trial.  And, I dare say, a test for those near, but not in the crisis.

Was it wise for Piper to allude to Job at that moment of time?  Perhaps, perhaps not.  Yet to the question "do Christians rush to judgment" when tragedies occur?  Really?  ALL people have a tendency to rush to judgment.  Christians aren't immune to that.  But by all means, let's find something else to be outraged about.

Some will find it offensive, others will defend, but to be sure, each in some way will cast their own judgment on the 140-character content of a tweet. 

The exegesis of that tweet will go on for a lot longer, I'm sure.

Cool.  So by various measures:

3 in human yrs:  We're just about done potty training.

21 in dog yrs:  We're legal!  Cheers!

Is there a multiplier for "online years"?

A long time ago, I had a placard that read "Compared to the way things are going for me, Murphy was an optimist." 

It just goes to show, there's all kinds of people.  Even the human kind.

May you find yourself in the company of a Ricochet meetup very soon.

I cannot overstate the importance of providing meals in a crisis like this.  During the week-long blackout following the April 27th, 2011 outbreak, numerous local food providers running on generator power provided meals for first responders and victims throughout our area.  And in my own storm last year, friends and our church community kept us fed for a month in the initial aftermath.

I know quite a few who think providing food means giving unwanted nonperishables to a food pantry.  In this kind of crisis, a cooked meal and the personal interaction with the provider is a precious act of kindness.

Community can be nourished over the dinner table, whether the physical table is there or not.  For these folks, a warm meal provided by a kind heart lets them know they are not alone. 

And let me tell you, that affirmation and confirmation is everything to them right now.

As a recent tornado victim (and I guess, survivor), I have been overwhelmed with emotion for what has been happening in Oklahoma. What my family went through was devastating, but does not come close to the magnitude of this.  By all means, pray. By all means, have a plan and be prepared. And if you can provide aid or assistance, do so. Take it from one who will never be able to see such things the same way again.

I have no words for those who would try to make jokes or political hay out of this.  Only anger, which I struggle mightily to keep in check.

The ironic thing is, I might just have a little more respect for him if he did go Bulworth - in the sense of being "transparent" about who he is.  And then I would lose it again, as the reality of the damage his deception (and that of the political class in general) has done to this nation is reinforced and laid bare.

But it won't happen.

Indeed.  So how long until the race card gets played?

Whether schtick or not, I confess to finding this hilariously funny - a much needed laugh here at the edge of Scandal Cliff.

Lampooning has been something of a lost art over the course of this administration. 

Which scandal?  All these stories are just berries on a weed.  Each terrible in their own right, I suppose, but not surprising.  Why?  Because the real scandal is the accelerating unhinging of our political culture from any established norms required to maintain a civil society.  When rules are optional to those in power or with influence, abuses will follow. 

Ingest too many of these berries, and you're bound to get a tummy ache.  As for me, eating too many of these berries makes me see stars and a flashing "TILT" sign above my head.

The feudal lords are fighting, peasants beware.

Check this out then, Frozen.  I have an original of the photo below.  Jimmy Cagney with Alan Hale, Sr. (father of Alan Hale, Jr., aka the Skipper).  From The Fighting 69th.

The folks at the recent Nashville meet-up call it "the guy in the hat."  Actually, it's James Cagney.  I'm quite a fan of Cagney movies, and have collected all but 14 of his primary films.  This has been my primary online profile image since 2009, and my one and only ever on Ricochet.

The image itself came from a now-defunct fan site, with a caption claiming it was a still shot from his movie The Gallant Hours (playing Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey).  However, I have become convinced that it was actually a photo taken during the filming of Mr. Roberts. 

Either way, I like this image primarily because it captures a little of how I like to see myself - a bit weathered, a bit curmudgeon, but thoughtful and willing to act when necessary.

Nice, Jimmy.  I still have Faster Horses on vinyl.

Honorable mention?  My Ding-a-Ling.

No doubt you'll get a rousing welcome in 'Dega, Dave.  Track might be a bit slick, though, based on the rainy forecast. 

This may be the first time ever that I'll set the DVR for a NASCAR event.   Worth it, though, to get a glimpse of the rig.