I don’t often read the newspaper, though occasionally I glance at headlines.   I do keep up-to-date with radio and TV news.    But yesterday I picked up the Toronto Star.   Here are a few thoughts from articles in Section A.  My thoughts are in italics.

1) “I love him and I want the whole world to know that”   The grieving wife of Warrant Officer Michelle Brown unashamely declared her unfailing love for her husband who died in Afghanistan while on assignment there.

O that we would be more open about our love for our spouses.   Sadly I have learned of several marriage breakdowns among believers in recent days.    O that God would protect our homes and that we would be more vigilant about making vows.

2) “Stressed out?  Have a little faith”    Stuart Laidlaw reports on the findings of Toronto researchers who discovered that strong religious convictions can lower stress and enhance the performance of basic tasks.     The students (who were tested) came from a variety of backgrounds including Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist.

Does our world-view matter?   Absolutely!   We need to engage our families in thinking through their faith.    That’s why I’m a big fan of Dr. Al Mohler’s radio broadcast – a place for intelligent conversation.

3) Italians told to abstain from texting during Lent.    Roman Catholic bishops in Italy are urging the faithful to go on a high-tech fast for Lent.   ….the Turin diocese is suggesting the faithful not watch television during Lent.  ….Benedict (the current Pope) has praised social sites such as Facebook, but cautioned that online networking could isolate people from real interaction.

Facebook is a mixed blessing.   While we keep in touch with relatives and friends at a distance, it is being used to “link up” old “flames” and past relationships.   Somehow the “ideal” man or woman’s profile seems more appealing that caring for household chores, dealing with a snoring husband, or the stresses of an over-booked schedule.    I agree with the Catholics on this one as they are “trying to balance an increasing appreciation of modern communication with a wariness of new media.”   Let’s be wise in our use of all the gadgets we possess.

May God enable us to think Biblically, thoughtfully and evangelistically as we live in a culture that is shifting rapidly.