I'm reading a book called "The Progress Paradox" by Gregg Easterbrook. I'm not finish yet, but so far it's been an eye opener for me. The main idea so far in the book is to show us that life in the western world has never been better. I for one have always thought that life in the "old days" was somehow better. But measured in almost every way, heath, education, freedom, possibilities to travel more or less every measurable area of life is much better in the western world now than in any other time in history. But we have never been more depressed, lonely and suicidal.

He uses a lot of different research to come to this. As far as I know it's not a so called Christian book, but he keeps showing through different research and statistic, that people that have a good life, live by certain principles. The "good live" is not measured in material things, but in happiness and contentment. What I think is interesting is they have found out that people that are forgiving and thankful have a much better quality of life as far as been happy and content.

As I said I'm not finish with the book, but so far all the principles in this book for a "good life" are the same ones I can find in the Bible.

I heard Dean Sherman say this in his teaching on "Love, Sex and Relationships" there is a book too - a must read if you ask me.
Like he said, every problem relates to something wrong in a relationship somewhere. That I think too much of myself first or too highly about myself, I deserve this or that. Not loving my neighbour as I love myself, but putting myself first!
So,
Problems in my marriage, then someone(s) is thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to.
Problems with my kids, then someone(s) is thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to.
Problems at my work, then someone(s) is thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to.
Problems in my church, then someone(s) is thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to.
Problems in my city, then someone(s) is thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to.
Problems in my country, then someone(s) is thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to.
Problems in my world, then someone(s) is thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to.

Is this too easy? well yes! That's what's so frustrating about it. If I just start loving others as myself. treating people the way I would like them to treat me - what a difference. Think if everyone did that - wow!
But that is not the way life is - why not?

On another blog someone asked the people leaving the church, to please tell them why. I have been thinking a lot about that. I have not stopped going to church, even though I'm sometimes tempted.
The people I know, that have stop going to church, have not turn their backs to God, just the church! So God is not the problem and it is not the building. So what's left? The people! What's wrong with people? Does something happen to them when they come into a church? It sure look that way.
It seems to me that we think we have to be better than we really are to go to church. Even know we say in church we are all sinner, we still do not want anyone to think that I am a sinner. So we take our nice clothes on and our smiling faces and go to church and hope no one see through it all. Then if we do show our real self, we are shown a 5 point plan on how to get on the right track again!
Somehow we need to break this box we have put ourselves in and just be ourselves! Both ways - to be open to show who we really are and to not always have an answer, but just listen and be a friend - a brother or sister!

Something to listen to George Barna

What to do?
Nepal is a beautiful both the country and the people. But they are also one of the poorest countries in the world. When I talk to the people I meet and hear their stories about life in Nepal, I feel so helpless. I go there to teach about worldview and how our worldviews affects our societies. Not only affects, but changes our societies!

What is it that should be changed? Do I want that in 50 to 100 years Nepal to look like Denmark? NO!! So what is it? Well it is not the beauty, kindness and commitment that is part of them. But injustices, oppression of the poor, corruption in business and government.

The smartest thing the King could do, is invited the Maoist leaders into the government to be part of making a "New" Nepal. Then I would not be surprised, if within a short time they, the Maoist, would be just as corrupt as the rest of the people in power! Then the King can go on as before. And the "New" Nepal? - well that will have to wait. Or does it? Is there another way a better way?