Join Carl Weekends on 98.5 KTIS
March 2nd, 2010
I dropped my 2nd grade daughter off at a birthday party a few weeks ago. Over 40 kids were invited to the party. They enjoyed a wonderful time together, but I immediately felt guilty about the birthday parties WE throw. Ours are significantly more understated affairs. We will allow 7-8 good friends, and play a few games and open a few presents. Our parties have all been at our house. We haven’t rented out the theme park, or the pizza arcade.
I was encouraged to see this story on WCCO last night. An increasing number of parents are beginning to use the birthday parties as a chance to teach social responsibility, and to focus on God’s gifts. (Besides… we REALLY don’t need another Polly Pocket set in our basement!!).
From “book-swap” parties, to trips to Feed My Starving Children, kids are finding ways to celebrate God’s gift of life, by making a difference in the lives of others.
Have you found a creative way to simplify the Birthday Party, or use it as a teaching experience for your children? I’d love to hear it!
Posted under Carl Bliss, Parenting.
Comments: none
February 28th, 2010
My wife and I still smiling after a chilly November race.
About a year ago, I woke up. I realized I really needed to find a way to live healthier, so I took up running. (That in and of itself was quite the journey, but I’ll share that some other time).
Well, that was May. You remember? Warm, beautiful, green… May! The summer was great, but as Winter approached, I became a little concerned. What would happen when the weather outside got “frightful”? I had a few backup plans. We have a tread-mill in our basement (or as my wife calls it: The “Dreadmill”.) I also discovered our community rec-center allowed running in their indoor field house.
I took advantage of both of those, but it just didn’t have the same joy as hitting the open road. So, for Christmas, my wife equipped me with some warmer running gear, and I hit the road. Extra layers, extra traction and extra toughness. I was off!
The experience surprised me. I have really gotten to love winter running. The trails are beautiful, the stars are a little brighter, and the breathing seems a lot easier.
Reading up on it helped a bit too. Here are some great resources from Runners World on cold weather running.
So what about you? What do you do to stay fit when the weather turns cold and we all head indoors? Leave a comment and give me some ideas!
Posted under Carl Bliss.
Comments: none
February 14th, 2010
Watching the Olympics is one of my favorite things to do. Summer and Winter, I look forward to this time every couple of years. If you could have the skills and physical ability to compete in ANY Winter Olympic sport, what would it be?
I think I could get into the Nordic Biathalon. Ski a bit, then just shoot at things.
Posted under Carl Bliss.
Comments: 1
February 13th, 2010
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurenmarek/ / CC BY-NC 2.0
In the park with the dog, on the field with the youth group, or at the beach with the kids. We all have memories of “The Frisbee”. The creator of the Frisbee, Walter Morrison passed away this week at the age of 90.
It was originally marketed as the “Flyin’ Saucer”. But was renamed “The Frisbee” in 1957 when it was picked up by Wham-O.
Here is a great photographic look back at the Frisbee by the BBC
Posted under Carl Bliss.
Comments: none
February 12th, 2010
(Matthias Dietrich / Wikimedia.com / Creative Commons)
A couple of California fishermen sent a message in a bottle, in honor of a friend who had passed away.
The received a response… 2 1/2 years later!
Posted under Carl Bliss.
Comments: none
January 31st, 2010
For 364 days of the year, the “Fast-Forward” button on any video recorder gets a workout during the commercial breaks. Next Sunday, things may be flipped upside down.
I got a kick out of this study that indicated 51% of Superbowl viewers enjoy the commercials more than the game itself.
Why do you tune in?
Posted under Carl Bliss.
Comments: none
January 22nd, 2010
I found this post from “Sesame Street”.
Helping Children Understand Natural Disasters
It includes guidance such as:
- Encourage your child to ask questions
- Offer comfort
- Respect concerns
- Think about ways you can help together
In addition to the suggestions they offer, I would guess your worldview plays an important role in how you work through this.
How do you help your children process disasters? How do you explain it in the context of God and His Creation?
Posted under Carl Bliss, Parenting.
Comments: none
December 22nd, 2009
What or who is where God is supposed to be?
I appreciated this video!
Posted under Carl Bliss.
Comments: none