Honda Element(s)

We now have two Honda Elements in our garage. Some neighbors a couple of houses down have two xBs and another neighbor has two BMW 7 series. I guess we're trying to out weird our weird neighbors, especially the guy and gal with the xBs. By buying the Elements we've improved our gas mileage by 22 miles per gallon (we increased by 8 and 14 miles per gallon over our two previous vehicles). We'll use 691 less gallons of gas this year which will save us about $1800-2500 depending on the price of gas. Our monthly outlay for autos remains the same and our insurance went up by $4.00 per year. When you count in the Hondas slower depreciation over the Jeep and the Dodge, we should come out better over time. A cool website that will help you find low cost gasoline and has a side by side fuel savings calculator is here: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/.

Thinking Out Loud

I'm a bit disappointed in the church right now. There is a great push to appease the Anglican Communion for consecrating Gene Robinson. They want us to repent and show regret. I don't believe the church has any need for repentance on this issue and I don't regret that the church consecrated Bp. Robinson. I am saddened that our brothers and sisters are upset by these actions, it grieves me that my brothers and sisters in parts of the communion are distraught, but I do not regret having done it and I hope we will do it again. My gay and lesbian brothers and sisters have just as much right to exercise their ministries as they are called by God as anyone else in the church. If our sins have a bearing on our abilities to minister in God's kingdom, then I should be the first in line to be inhibited. I have lost most of my patience with others on this issue, especially those that are ordained. If we inserted black or Mexican or Asian instead of gay and lesbian, than the outcry would be seen for what it is. But, because it is still acceptable to diminish people who are gay and lesbian, we must repent and regret. Not me. If God wants to punish my gay and lesbian friends to eternal damnation, then send me to hell with them.