Thoughts on Patriotism and celebrating the 4th...

Patriotism Revisited...
So, I've started commenting on this idea a few times now, but just haven't found the words to express it quite right.
First, let me 'splain. (**Cue the dream sequence harp music to signify some sort of time warp and/or disclaimer). I came darn close to joining the military on at least a couple of occasions in my life. I got several persuasive and persistent calls from recruiters after I scored in the upper ***th percentile on the ASVAB in High School and was promised quite a bit should I decide to join. I have also thought about it on several other occasions. Needless to say, I love our country, feel very patriotic and proud and have defended our countries honor (at least verbally) while on foreign soil; As it happens, I had the occasion to exchange fairly harsh words with a South African park ranger/tour guide while exploring a cave in the Mpumalanga province This park ranger made nasty comments about US taxes and needing to fund the "War Machine" - kinda cheesed me off - so, I felt the need to set him straight about what we are really fighting for. At any rate - I am a patriot - true-blue, red-blooded, proud, "ugly American." End of preface****

One thing that breaks my heart is how I recall that after 9-11 so many Americans came back home to the church, as if they realized that they knew they were missing something and knew where they could find it. One of my favorite worship songs ("We will embrace Your move" by Darrell Evans) contains the words - "to those who've rejected Him, He's reaching His arms out again..." That one line really summed up what was happening across the U.S. in the weeks following the 9-11 tragedy. The problem is, for many what they found in the church was not the true answer, but rather a call to patriotism. In a word - we are guilty as a nation of substituting patriotism for a geniune relationship with Christ.
Don't get me wrong - many churches get it right day after day, week after week, solidly preaching and living out the message of hope through a true relationship with Jesus. But why hasn't the church really grown in the wake of such tragedy? One thing we are guilty of is that as a church in generl, we have allowed people to buy into the lie that just being a "good" and patriotic American citizen, that God will bless and protect them, and somehow they will earn a spot for themselves beyond the "pearly gates" when they die.
What is the answer? I certainly wouldn't propose that we become ashamed of our heritage or anything but exceptional. My point is, I think it is a tragedy in itself that in many instances the church has somehow missed the opportunity to bring people the true message of hope. We Americans willingly settle for patriotism instead of the grace, forgiveness and true sense of purpose that can only be found in a relationship with Jesus.

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Other intersting stuff!!!!! (To me anyway...)
Just keeping up with tradition here, but I found it interesting that Joey Chestnut won his FOURTH coveted Yellow Mustard Belt in the 95th annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, held at Coney Island, N.Y. Read more about it here.
Apparently, this years' competition was a bit easier for Chestnut who ate just 54 dogs to defend his title. He set a new world's record last year downing 68 dogs and buns in 10 minutes. The REAL excitement occurred a few minutes after the competition was over when former 6-time winnner (and Chestnut's arch-rival) Takeru Kobayashi (who couldn't compete due to contractual restrictions) tried to rush the stage and was apprehended by police and subsequently taken into custody. Phew! Talk about your sour grapes (or weenies?). Better luck next year Kobayashi!

In Other News...
We had a great day with Kimberly and the boys. We ate dinner (Bratz, Pulled Pork and LOTS of other great stuff). We then went to a concert where Christopher and Clayton played with a commuity band at the Gazebo in Community Park. Cool Stuff.
Later it was fireworks at Nichols park with Darian, Erica, Beth, Cameron and Austin (Bryce stayed home with a sneezing fit - alergies?) At any rate - I'm pooped!

Could you pass?

So, I took a watered-down online version of the Citizenship test today. (Go check it out!!!!)

I did o.k., but admittedly, my grasp of civics needs at least a small improvement. My main problem areas were specific amendments - which ones don't deal with voting rights? (7th, 15th, 24th, 19th??????) How about when the constitution was written (1776, 1787, 1812, 1876??????) - it's 1787 if you were wondering. Can you name the original 13 colonies? ...or at least recognize them on a list and distinguish them in a multiple choice test? Pretty tough stuff for the average Joe (or JoAnne).

Don't get me wrong - I think it's great that we encourage (require) would-be citizens to learn about our history, culture and freedoms - a large part of how our country became so great. However, I was aghast at how much guesswork went into my own answers - and I consider myself to be somewhat well-informed (something that I should probably re-think...)

Maybe I would have done a little better had I paid more attention in civics as a H.S. senior instead of accidentally lighting my hair on fire, and other nonsense like that...... (Sadly, true story for another day - a long, long, long way off......maybe......)