Children all go through funny little stages as they grow and discover the world around them. Sometimes discoveries happen very close to home, as in the case of young Nicolas right now. These past couple weeks he has taken a particular fascination to his little belly-button. He walks around most of the day touching it, falls asleep holding it, and whenever we take off clothing which would “conceal” the adored button, such as overalls or footy jammies, he eagerly reaches for it. Almost like a security object, only he’ll never have to worry about losing it! Here is a picture of him enjoying his beloved tummy-button!
Shake-up at Nortel
I came into work this morning only to discover that Nortel fired several top execs with cause, including the CEO. Some are speculating that the books were cooked to activate a massive executive bonus that the board had approved.
How sad. Pride can come before a fall, but I suppose greed will suffice.
Of course, there are financial consequences for those worker bees that didn’t get the massive bonuses. Since the first sign of the accounting problems broke, our Nortel shares in 401(k)s, stock options, etc. have all been frozen out while the stock price has been in a freefall. Which is not to bemoan my lot in life or claim financial hardship, but rather to highlight the injustice.
I can’t help but reflect on the Kingdom of God, in which there are no false weights and measures, men live in God’s image by speaking the truth, and our work is blessed and fruitful. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
[edited 4/29/2004]
Think no more?
Those of you who read the early days of “House of Horne” and its previous version, “Cogito Ergo Blog”, may be under the impression that very little “thinking things through” takes place in the Horne household these days. In the early going, I posted frequently on a range of topics. Over time, the site has morphed into something more akin to a family journal, a constantly updated Christmas letter.
Now, I don’t view this change as negative, but I did want to offer an explanation. In January of 2003 I became a ruling elder at our church, Town North Presbyterian Church. Since that time, I have discovered that most of my energy spent on writing down thoughts has been directed at preparing lessons for Sunday School and writing position papers for the Session. Though I’ve contemplated posting a paper now and then, I tend to want to err on the side of discretion. If I’m trying to influence or dialogue with fellow elders at a particular church on a topic, it feels awkward to broadcast my view before a mutual decision is reached. Once such a decision is reached, it still doesn’t seem appropriate to broadcast my views, particularly if my thoughts diverge from the consensus position.
Over time, I would think that a couple things will alleviate this set of issues. First, my sense of discretion will hopefully become more refined, thus allowing me a better sense of when my thoughts can be freely shared. Second, as certain topics age, I may feel the liberty to go back and post what I had written.
In reality, though, I’m guessing that the audience of this site has changed with the content, so that there isn’t exactly pent up demand for my ramblings…
Good News!
I’ve been sitting on a bit of wonderful news for some time now, but it only seemed proper that I save my excitement until after Bloggy posted an official announcement on his own page. My baby brother is engaged!! Hooray!! We are so thrilled that soon he and Miss Jamison, as she is fondly referred to around here, will be married. We are all absolutely smitten with the future Mrs. Brunone. Our children ask at least once a day when the wedding will be.
Our prayers and best wishes are with the happy couple as they prepare to start this new phase of life. Thanks be to God for bringing them together and may He richly bless them in their upcoming marriage.
What’s playing in Jay’s car?
Okay, folks, the only rule is: no Google! Now, who can name the band I’m listening to these days in my car? Here’s a few lyrical snippets from one of their albums…
“It can’t be all coincidence
Too many things are evident
You tell me you’re an unbeliever
Spiritualist? Well me I’m neither
But wouldn’t you like to know
The truth?”
“There’s a time to live and a time to die
When it’s time to meet the maker
There’s a time to live but isn’t it strange
That as soon as you’re born you’re dying”
“Only the good die young
All the evil seem to live forever”
There you have it. The band is…?