Thursday, March 23, 2006
Why? - Humor
I love humor. Having grown up in a family of comedians and pranksters, mainly my dad and brother, I learned to enjoy all sorts of humor. Working as a chaplain in Trauma Centers across the Plains, Midwest and East Coast I have developed a morbid sense of humor as well. Some sarcastic, some witty, and too often critical. Also, at times, inappropriate. Life is a great lesson to be learned.
Humor is God's way of healing the body. This is why it is important to laugh when we are hurting emotionally. To smile when a harsh word has been spoken. Laughter and humor release endomorphins in our system that act as 'anti depressants'
#1...Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
#2..Why do banks charge a fee for "insufficient funds" when they know there is no money in the account?
#3...Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
#4...Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
#5...Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
#6...Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
#7...Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
#8...Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
#9...Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
#10..If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
#11..Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
#12..Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
#13..Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
#14..Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
#15..Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end you first try?
#16..How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
#17..When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a
shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
#18..Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
#19..In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
#20..How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
#21..If at first you don't succeed, shouldn't you try it like your wife told you to do it in the first place?
#22..And obviously if at first you don't succeed, then don't take up sky diving!
And my FAVORITE......
#23...The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends, if they're okay, .then it's you.
Humor is God's way of healing the body. This is why it is important to laugh when we are hurting emotionally. To smile when a harsh word has been spoken. Laughter and humor release endomorphins in our system that act as 'anti depressants'
#1...Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
#2..Why do banks charge a fee for "insufficient funds" when they know there is no money in the account?
#3...Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
#4...Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
#5...Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
#6...Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
#7...Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
#8...Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
#9...Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
#10..If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
#11..Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
#12..Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
#13..Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
#14..Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
#15..Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end you first try?
#16..How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
#17..When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a
shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
#18..Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
#19..In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
#20..How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
#21..If at first you don't succeed, shouldn't you try it like your wife told you to do it in the first place?
#22..And obviously if at first you don't succeed, then don't take up sky diving!
And my FAVORITE......
#23...The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends, if they're okay, .then it's you.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Marine
Saturday, March 11, 2006
When Death Doesn't Die #1
Recently. a young boy, not in his teens, committed suicide. Why? Possibly for many reasons or, maybe, for no reason at all. We may never know. To many, outside of the hospital staff and the boy’s family, no one will really care. Another "stupid kid" doing a "dumb thing' or a “disturbed child” killed himself. What does it matter? What does it matter?
It matters greatly!
This boy was not "stupid', he was not “off” in any mental way. He was a little boy who was hurting and angry. He was a young boy who made a tragic mistake. Holding the emotions of growing up inside did no good to alleviate the hurting. So he did something traumatic to get his voice heard. He got the attention he was seeking at the expense of his own life. A life this young boy never wanted to give away. Yes, this boy's life mattered and he now knows it. I know it and you know it.
We blew it!
Now the focus turns to the parents, friends and other family. The focus turns to us, society in total. No one is to blame, but feelings of guilt fill the soul and mind of many. Questions. “Why did he kill himself?" “What did I say?" "What didn't I do?" "Could I have stopped him?' Anger and guilt are tangled up in a spaghetti like mosaic, unable to be separated nor understood. Feelings are encountered without reasons.. Are there answers? No, not really. Is there help? Yes, if sought. There are friends, counselors and clergy who are able to share the journey of grief. Most importantly, there is, God, who not sparing His only boy, understands the pain of a non-caring society and the grief of death,
When people hurt; when they grieve and express the myriad of feelings boiling within, God is present. Sometimes God is invited into the pain and depression; sometimes God is ignored, blamed, or even chased away. A pain that is so deep that everything around us seems meaningless. God seems to have abandoned us. Our world is as dark as the grave where the little boy is buried. Yet, God is there.
God Is there!
The boy matters to God. All children and adults matter to God. There is not one life that is forgotten or forsaken by God. Not the unborn, the death row inmates, the homeless, handicapped, or illuminati. Not our soldiers, the terrorists, the politicians or CEOs. Not you, not your family and not me. And definitely not that little boy. Like the sparrows mentioned in Matthew’s gospel. They are valued by God. Our worth in God's view is so much more than that of sparrows. All of us matter to God.
We should matter to each other.
A chorus by Crosby, Stills, and Nash begins:
"Teach your children well, their father's hell,
Will slowly go by... "
We must break the mold of self-destruction. The mold is of our own choosing. However, it cannot be broken by our own means. The Instruments of destruction can only be shattered by God. Respect the children. Listen to their needs. To their pain as well as their joy. Their childhood passes very slowly if the failures of adults are relived daily. Don’t repeat the past failures. Listen. Learn. Understand.
Teach the ways of God. The ways of a moral and ethical life so that right decisions will be made. Teach them the ways of our successes and failures. We often teach them to fall without the means to get up. God directs children to obey parents. The same scripture commands parents not to exasperate, bring hardship upon the children.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children Eph. 5: 1(NIV)
It matters greatly!
This boy was not "stupid', he was not “off” in any mental way. He was a little boy who was hurting and angry. He was a young boy who made a tragic mistake. Holding the emotions of growing up inside did no good to alleviate the hurting. So he did something traumatic to get his voice heard. He got the attention he was seeking at the expense of his own life. A life this young boy never wanted to give away. Yes, this boy's life mattered and he now knows it. I know it and you know it.
We blew it!
Now the focus turns to the parents, friends and other family. The focus turns to us, society in total. No one is to blame, but feelings of guilt fill the soul and mind of many. Questions. “Why did he kill himself?" “What did I say?" "What didn't I do?" "Could I have stopped him?' Anger and guilt are tangled up in a spaghetti like mosaic, unable to be separated nor understood. Feelings are encountered without reasons.. Are there answers? No, not really. Is there help? Yes, if sought. There are friends, counselors and clergy who are able to share the journey of grief. Most importantly, there is, God, who not sparing His only boy, understands the pain of a non-caring society and the grief of death,
When people hurt; when they grieve and express the myriad of feelings boiling within, God is present. Sometimes God is invited into the pain and depression; sometimes God is ignored, blamed, or even chased away. A pain that is so deep that everything around us seems meaningless. God seems to have abandoned us. Our world is as dark as the grave where the little boy is buried. Yet, God is there.
God Is there!
The boy matters to God. All children and adults matter to God. There is not one life that is forgotten or forsaken by God. Not the unborn, the death row inmates, the homeless, handicapped, or illuminati. Not our soldiers, the terrorists, the politicians or CEOs. Not you, not your family and not me. And definitely not that little boy. Like the sparrows mentioned in Matthew’s gospel. They are valued by God. Our worth in God's view is so much more than that of sparrows. All of us matter to God.
We should matter to each other.
A chorus by Crosby, Stills, and Nash begins:
"Teach your children well, their father's hell,
Will slowly go by... "
We must break the mold of self-destruction. The mold is of our own choosing. However, it cannot be broken by our own means. The Instruments of destruction can only be shattered by God. Respect the children. Listen to their needs. To their pain as well as their joy. Their childhood passes very slowly if the failures of adults are relived daily. Don’t repeat the past failures. Listen. Learn. Understand.
Teach the ways of God. The ways of a moral and ethical life so that right decisions will be made. Teach them the ways of our successes and failures. We often teach them to fall without the means to get up. God directs children to obey parents. The same scripture commands parents not to exasperate, bring hardship upon the children.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children Eph. 5: 1(NIV)
Love and discipline are married, brought together by the authority of God.
To love one another is discipline. To "do unto other as you would went them to do unto you” is a sign of love for self and others (Malt. 7:12). It is painful work to discipline ourselves to be people of love, of integrity, to be people of God.
People of God!
We are people of worth. Sometimes we forget who we are in relationship with God. Very often we forget others in relationship to ourselves.
A little boy is dead. Maybe because he thought his life did not matter. Did his life matter to others? Why bother? For now it matters to me and that is why I write these troubled words. In time this boy’s death will fade from my memory. Forever, to parents and family, his life mattered. His untimely death will not die for them. They will live with the pain of grief and guilt for a long time. Hopefully, with help, they will be healed and live a good life, Life will continue regardless of their emotional state of being.
Life does matter!
This death makes no sense. What makes sense is God. God is caring for this young boy.
I pray God is caring for the survivors.
Idiots Rule
Ever run into people and wonder what planet they came from. The TV show of the 90's "Third Rock" was a scream. It poked fun at "earthlings" and their behavior, attitudes and customs. Many times they pointed out how 'silly' humans can be, sound, and think.
Case in point. A lady was in McDonald's the other day and was deciding on what size of McNuggets to buy. They come in 6, 9, and 12 piece portions. She asked the young man at the counter for "a half dozen". He replied,"We don't have a half dozen, only 6, 9, and 12 piece." Looking incredulous at the McNumby, she said,"I'll take 6 McNuggets."
What happened? When did a half dozen not mean six? Maybe this is an extreme but it did happen.
How about this? When I lived in Philadelphia, PA this was in the local Radnor paper. Police in Radnor, Pa., interrogated a suspect by placing a metal colander on his head and connecting it with wires to a photocopy machine. The message "He's lying" was placed in the copier, and police pressed the copy button each time they thought the suspect wasn't telling the truth. Believing the "lie detector" was working, the suspect confessed.
Then we have our government. Fifteen marines are being courtmartialed for allegedly murdering Iraqi insurgents without first attempting to find out if they were hostile. This after two Marines were wounded and one killed after taking automatic weapons fire. It seems that a reporter embedded with the USMC unit reported that the marines did not identify whether they were engaging the enemy before returning fire. The Pentagon is preparing charges of murder against these men.
Have we gone nuts? Are we losing common sense. How can we expect our military to protect our interests, other's freedoms and themselves if they constantly have to second guess their position when under fire. It just proves the point if you can't make it in the real world, get elected to Congress. _ _ _ _ Idiots rule.
Case in point. A lady was in McDonald's the other day and was deciding on what size of McNuggets to buy. They come in 6, 9, and 12 piece portions. She asked the young man at the counter for "a half dozen". He replied,"We don't have a half dozen, only 6, 9, and 12 piece." Looking incredulous at the McNumby, she said,"I'll take 6 McNuggets."
What happened? When did a half dozen not mean six? Maybe this is an extreme but it did happen.
How about this? When I lived in Philadelphia, PA this was in the local Radnor paper. Police in Radnor, Pa., interrogated a suspect by placing a metal colander on his head and connecting it with wires to a photocopy machine. The message "He's lying" was placed in the copier, and police pressed the copy button each time they thought the suspect wasn't telling the truth. Believing the "lie detector" was working, the suspect confessed.
Then we have our government. Fifteen marines are being courtmartialed for allegedly murdering Iraqi insurgents without first attempting to find out if they were hostile. This after two Marines were wounded and one killed after taking automatic weapons fire. It seems that a reporter embedded with the USMC unit reported that the marines did not identify whether they were engaging the enemy before returning fire. The Pentagon is preparing charges of murder against these men.
Have we gone nuts? Are we losing common sense. How can we expect our military to protect our interests, other's freedoms and themselves if they constantly have to second guess their position when under fire. It just proves the point if you can't make it in the real world, get elected to Congress. _ _ _ _ Idiots rule.
National Security?
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127: 1,2 (NIV)
Well, where to start. What do you think of United Arabs Emirates and DP World's attempt to operate port terminals? What are your thoughts and feelings about N. Korea and Iran processing uranium and possibly building nuclear weapons? What about President Clinton selling nuclear secrets to the Chinese or President Bush and the wiretap scandal? Is the war in Iraq a mistake or are there legitimate reasons to be involved? Who is benefiting from all the pork barrel addendums to congressional bills? Is there really a gas crisis or just one created by big business? Who cares who is MVP, National Champion, Super Bowl or World Series or World Cup Champions?
You know there is a gluttonous amount of 'scandal' surrounding and intrinsic to politics and government. I might add it is prevalent on all levels of government; local, state and national. And as important as it is to be aware and even involved in the process of government, it is not my primary concern. Yes, I want to be secure in my home and my country. But more importantly, I would want my home, city, state and country be under the guidance of Christ.
Did God build this house; this country? Yes, He did. Abe Lincoln said,"Our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." Jesus said in the Gospel,"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
These 'fathers' dedicated their lives to liberty and freedom. Freedom of many acts of tyranny and liberty to persue happiness that does not infringe on others. Their bliefs were based on a belief in God, a Creator Being and that God would sustain them if they held to a straight and true course. A course 'by the people and for the people." Any more we are seeing community, a state, a nation only focused on the needs of the politicians and not their constituency.
Are the 'watchmen' standing guard in vain? Yes, the 'watchmen' are more occupied with minutia and their selfish endeavers rather than the soverenty of the community, state or nation and rather han serving its citizens. And why are we, also watchmen and women, not being more diligent in keeping our elected protectors doing the work for which they were 'hired'.
We are apathetic and lazy. The people of this nation are made up of individuals only focused on self. People accept rather than resist inflationary practices. People either can't or don't know how to unite. The people of this nation split along party, religious and philosophical lines, many time without consideration of what is best for their neighbors.
Rom 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (NIV)
I remember dad assisting people in need. Not just his immediate friends and neighbors but strangers as well. I remember a trip to North Platte for one of my tennis matches in high school. Dad stopped to help another farmer gather in some cattle that had walked over a down fence. We didn't know the man, but he need our help. Back then the mentality of the nation was of 'service to others', the exception was 'individuality'. The transition to self gratification is blurred. But I do know this, I am a result of this blurring. For years thinking of only myself, even as a pastor. Now, though the ugly head of selfishness still raises its head, I am aware of when it does and process the moment. But why do I have to process my self serving character? Where did I and so many others in this 'land of the free and home of the brave' change priorities. When did we become the 'land of big business and home of the big government'?
Was it the '60s free love movement? The '70s confusion? The 80's recovery? The 90s excessiveness? I believe each generation since WW II has contributed to the problem of national explotation and societal rape exponentially compounded the nation's ideal of bigger and better until the bigger element has enslaved the smaller component of the country.
George Orwell wrote in ANIMAL FARM, "The boar asserts, 'Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished for ever. Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals.' "
Unless we overcome ourselves, our self centered, unhealthy egocentric nature, we will be destroyed by our greed and false pride. We are no better than the next person to whom we stand. We are no better than the immigrant, the executive, the homeless, the preacher, the housewife or factory worker if we fail to see the equality of personhood. A twist on the words of Oliver Hazard Perry from the Battle of Lake Erie, 1812, "We have met the enemy and it is us."
What will it take for us to be friends with ourselves much less others? We need revival. We need to 'grow up' politically and spiritually. Vote your faith, not your party.
Well, where to start. What do you think of United Arabs Emirates and DP World's attempt to operate port terminals? What are your thoughts and feelings about N. Korea and Iran processing uranium and possibly building nuclear weapons? What about President Clinton selling nuclear secrets to the Chinese or President Bush and the wiretap scandal? Is the war in Iraq a mistake or are there legitimate reasons to be involved? Who is benefiting from all the pork barrel addendums to congressional bills? Is there really a gas crisis or just one created by big business? Who cares who is MVP, National Champion, Super Bowl or World Series or World Cup Champions?
You know there is a gluttonous amount of 'scandal' surrounding and intrinsic to politics and government. I might add it is prevalent on all levels of government; local, state and national. And as important as it is to be aware and even involved in the process of government, it is not my primary concern. Yes, I want to be secure in my home and my country. But more importantly, I would want my home, city, state and country be under the guidance of Christ.
Did God build this house; this country? Yes, He did. Abe Lincoln said,"Our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." Jesus said in the Gospel,"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
These 'fathers' dedicated their lives to liberty and freedom. Freedom of many acts of tyranny and liberty to persue happiness that does not infringe on others. Their bliefs were based on a belief in God, a Creator Being and that God would sustain them if they held to a straight and true course. A course 'by the people and for the people." Any more we are seeing community, a state, a nation only focused on the needs of the politicians and not their constituency.
Are the 'watchmen' standing guard in vain? Yes, the 'watchmen' are more occupied with minutia and their selfish endeavers rather than the soverenty of the community, state or nation and rather han serving its citizens. And why are we, also watchmen and women, not being more diligent in keeping our elected protectors doing the work for which they were 'hired'.
We are apathetic and lazy. The people of this nation are made up of individuals only focused on self. People accept rather than resist inflationary practices. People either can't or don't know how to unite. The people of this nation split along party, religious and philosophical lines, many time without consideration of what is best for their neighbors.
Rom 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (NIV)
I remember dad assisting people in need. Not just his immediate friends and neighbors but strangers as well. I remember a trip to North Platte for one of my tennis matches in high school. Dad stopped to help another farmer gather in some cattle that had walked over a down fence. We didn't know the man, but he need our help. Back then the mentality of the nation was of 'service to others', the exception was 'individuality'. The transition to self gratification is blurred. But I do know this, I am a result of this blurring. For years thinking of only myself, even as a pastor. Now, though the ugly head of selfishness still raises its head, I am aware of when it does and process the moment. But why do I have to process my self serving character? Where did I and so many others in this 'land of the free and home of the brave' change priorities. When did we become the 'land of big business and home of the big government'?
Was it the '60s free love movement? The '70s confusion? The 80's recovery? The 90s excessiveness? I believe each generation since WW II has contributed to the problem of national explotation and societal rape exponentially compounded the nation's ideal of bigger and better until the bigger element has enslaved the smaller component of the country.
George Orwell wrote in ANIMAL FARM, "The boar asserts, 'Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished for ever. Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals.' "
Unless we overcome ourselves, our self centered, unhealthy egocentric nature, we will be destroyed by our greed and false pride. We are no better than the next person to whom we stand. We are no better than the immigrant, the executive, the homeless, the preacher, the housewife or factory worker if we fail to see the equality of personhood. A twist on the words of Oliver Hazard Perry from the Battle of Lake Erie, 1812, "We have met the enemy and it is us."
What will it take for us to be friends with ourselves much less others? We need revival. We need to 'grow up' politically and spiritually. Vote your faith, not your party.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Watermelon Biker
Thursday, March 09, 2006
SEVEN SECRETS to SPIRITUAL SUCCESS
I read a book, SEVEN SECRETS TO SPIRITUAL SUCCESS by Woodrow Michael Kroll. He provides a formula to gaining a fulfilled life according to Christ's will. As I am sure, most of us know following the will of God is not the easiest thing to do. Our will seems to be more of a priority. I, too, want to be spiritually successful and believe these points help me do so. Even when self-will rules. Anyway, I am providing the Seven Secrets believing other want the same. In order to conserve space I have become restrained in the narrative. I ask that you use your God given brain to interpret the comments after each point. I am sure you will realize the 'secrets to spiritual success' are not really secrets at all. Form your own means on how to interpret the vignette of a particular 'secret'.
1. Accept the limitations of human efforts and plans.
While God gave us brains to think with, sometimes we don’t
have enough cleverness on our own to do the job.
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor 4: 6,7 (NIV)
2. Trust the word of Jesus even if it doesn’t make sense.
When Jesus finished speaking, he said to Peter, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Luke 5: 4 How do you think the fisherman felt, you know, Peter, James, and John? What would they feel taking advice from a carpenter turned preacher? What did he know about fishing. Didn’t they know fishing? After all, it was their business.
3. Be willing to take risks.
Think of how a bird must feel the first time its pushed from the nest by its mother. The feeling must begin with fear, but as the bird stretches its wings and soars, it becomes exhilaration. Risk is a part of all achievement. A risk-free life is terribly dull. Hmmm? A leap of faith?
4. Persevere even through disappointment and fatigue.
I used to ride my bicycle extensively. I would enter weekend marathons and fund-raisers just to ride my bike 50, 75, 100 miles in a day. There’s a sensation you get called a “runner’s high” named after the experience marathon runners encountered. In all sports it only comes after an athlete has pushed past his fatigue and kept on going when every cell in the body is yelling to STOP. For me it would come at about the twenty mile and 60 mile point on rides. The feeling of exhaustion gives in to a wonderful feeling of euphoria. It only happens, however, if we are willing to keep on going when we feel like quitting. Spiritual perserverance?
5. Remember the importance of team work.
Two men riding a bicycle built for two came to a long, steep hill. It took a great deal of struggle for the men to complete what proved to be a very stiff climb. When they got to the top, the one in front turned to the other and said, “Boy, that sure was a hard climb.” The fellow in back replied, “Yes, and if I hadn’t kept the brakes on all the way, we would certainly have rolled down backwards.” Work with not against each other in all things.
6. Remember, God can give us more than we ask or imagine.
Jesus offers life wherever he goes:
-- water becomes wine at a wedding in Cana;
-- a little boy receives life at the point of death;
-- a man, once lame, “takes up” his “mat and” walks;
-- stormy waters of the sea set the stage for a midnight stroll;
-- a blind man sees;
-- and, Lazarus, bandages and all, comes out of his tomb.
7. Be humble in your success.
Nikita Khrushchev and President Kennedy were having a vigorous exchange of strong opinions. Finally, Kennedy asked Khrushchev, “Do you ever admit a mistake?” The Soviet Premier responded, “Certainly I do. In a speech before the Twentieth Party Congress, I admitted all of Stalin’s mistakes.” I had a T-shirt that said, "When you're as great as I am, its hard to be humble." Hmmmm?
I have always been a risk taker and not so often humble. My struggle is to live the life Christ desires for me and not what I want for myself. Victory over that stuggle develops perserverance. And, as the following scripture states, I desire to increase my spiritual maturity and be complete in my relationship with others but especially with God.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:4,5 (NIV)
What is your goal of Spirituallity?
1. Accept the limitations of human efforts and plans.
While God gave us brains to think with, sometimes we don’t
have enough cleverness on our own to do the job.
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor 4: 6,7 (NIV)
2. Trust the word of Jesus even if it doesn’t make sense.
When Jesus finished speaking, he said to Peter, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Luke 5: 4 How do you think the fisherman felt, you know, Peter, James, and John? What would they feel taking advice from a carpenter turned preacher? What did he know about fishing. Didn’t they know fishing? After all, it was their business.
3. Be willing to take risks.
Think of how a bird must feel the first time its pushed from the nest by its mother. The feeling must begin with fear, but as the bird stretches its wings and soars, it becomes exhilaration. Risk is a part of all achievement. A risk-free life is terribly dull. Hmmm? A leap of faith?
4. Persevere even through disappointment and fatigue.
I used to ride my bicycle extensively. I would enter weekend marathons and fund-raisers just to ride my bike 50, 75, 100 miles in a day. There’s a sensation you get called a “runner’s high” named after the experience marathon runners encountered. In all sports it only comes after an athlete has pushed past his fatigue and kept on going when every cell in the body is yelling to STOP. For me it would come at about the twenty mile and 60 mile point on rides. The feeling of exhaustion gives in to a wonderful feeling of euphoria. It only happens, however, if we are willing to keep on going when we feel like quitting. Spiritual perserverance?
5. Remember the importance of team work.
Two men riding a bicycle built for two came to a long, steep hill. It took a great deal of struggle for the men to complete what proved to be a very stiff climb. When they got to the top, the one in front turned to the other and said, “Boy, that sure was a hard climb.” The fellow in back replied, “Yes, and if I hadn’t kept the brakes on all the way, we would certainly have rolled down backwards.” Work with not against each other in all things.
6. Remember, God can give us more than we ask or imagine.
Jesus offers life wherever he goes:
-- water becomes wine at a wedding in Cana;
-- a little boy receives life at the point of death;
-- a man, once lame, “takes up” his “mat and” walks;
-- stormy waters of the sea set the stage for a midnight stroll;
-- a blind man sees;
-- and, Lazarus, bandages and all, comes out of his tomb.
7. Be humble in your success.
Nikita Khrushchev and President Kennedy were having a vigorous exchange of strong opinions. Finally, Kennedy asked Khrushchev, “Do you ever admit a mistake?” The Soviet Premier responded, “Certainly I do. In a speech before the Twentieth Party Congress, I admitted all of Stalin’s mistakes.” I had a T-shirt that said, "When you're as great as I am, its hard to be humble." Hmmmm?
I have always been a risk taker and not so often humble. My struggle is to live the life Christ desires for me and not what I want for myself. Victory over that stuggle develops perserverance. And, as the following scripture states, I desire to increase my spiritual maturity and be complete in my relationship with others but especially with God.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:4,5 (NIV)
What is your goal of Spirituallity?
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
What If?
What If?
In my earlier years and, yes, even in days not so long ago, I have found myself playing god. Personal desires, frustrating circumstances, and percieved injustices were foundational to my "spitting in the face" of God. No details will be provided suffice to say that my arrogance, pride and selfish desires led me from an era of contentment to a time of shame. This led to events from recovery is in process. God and I are on track again and the world is a great place to live again.
With that said, the things I write and post here are an attempt to give you, the reader, pause and generate reflection. Some will be original thought and others will be from documentmented sources. I welcome and enjoy all comments. Enjoy, learn and live. Journey with the Father of Love.
WHAT IF?
What if, -- God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if, -- God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if, -- we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?
What if, -- God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if, -- God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?
What if, -- God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if,-- God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin.
>
What if, -- the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
>
What if, -- God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if, -- God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?
What if, -- God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if, -- God met our needs the way we give Him our lives???
Unknown Source
" Have the determination of a mirror. It never loses its ability to reflect, even if it is broken into thousand pieces."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Naren Dharmaraj --- Tamilnadu, India
In my earlier years and, yes, even in days not so long ago, I have found myself playing god. Personal desires, frustrating circumstances, and percieved injustices were foundational to my "spitting in the face" of God. No details will be provided suffice to say that my arrogance, pride and selfish desires led me from an era of contentment to a time of shame. This led to events from recovery is in process. God and I are on track again and the world is a great place to live again.
With that said, the things I write and post here are an attempt to give you, the reader, pause and generate reflection. Some will be original thought and others will be from documentmented sources. I welcome and enjoy all comments. Enjoy, learn and live. Journey with the Father of Love.
WHAT IF?
What if, -- God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if, -- God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if, -- we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?
What if, -- God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if, -- God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?
What if, -- God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if,-- God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin.
>
What if, -- the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
>
What if, -- God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if, -- God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?
What if, -- God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if, -- God met our needs the way we give Him our lives???
Unknown Source
" Have the determination of a mirror. It never loses its ability to reflect, even if it is broken into thousand pieces."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Naren Dharmaraj --- Tamilnadu, India
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Let's Laugh
Good humor is the ability to feel inner joy, peace and harmony within yourself and with your surroundings. It means discovering that we are all a part of a divine comedy. When we become too serious, we help create the components for stress, rigid thinking, helplessness, cynicism, and hardening of the attitude. When we see the humor in ourselves or in our situation, we are able to go from Oh no! to Ah ha!
Research shows that a child typically laughs between 300 and 400 times a day. By the time we reach adulthood, the number drops below 15. As we laugh, hormones are released into the bloodstream that relieve pain and give us a lift. The relaxation phase following laughter (when you're "weak with laughter") has a calming effect.
Joy diffuses rage. Humor banishes the tightness and severity, which are necessary for anger. Humor and depression are incompatible. With only the exception of the most severe degrees of depression, humor relieves the heavy grip of depression. At times of tragedy, humans turn instinctively to comedy for its depression lifting effects. We seek to laugh rather than to cry.
Try this self-test. Do you use humor to improve your outlook and your heart.
Research shows that a child typically laughs between 300 and 400 times a day. By the time we reach adulthood, the number drops below 15. As we laugh, hormones are released into the bloodstream that relieve pain and give us a lift. The relaxation phase following laughter (when you're "weak with laughter") has a calming effect.
Joy diffuses rage. Humor banishes the tightness and severity, which are necessary for anger. Humor and depression are incompatible. With only the exception of the most severe degrees of depression, humor relieves the heavy grip of depression. At times of tragedy, humans turn instinctively to comedy for its depression lifting effects. We seek to laugh rather than to cry.
Try this self-test. Do you use humor to improve your outlook and your heart.
Indicate "Yes" or "No" as it applies to you.
1. I am considered an optimist rather than a pessimist when dealing
with others.
2. I consider the daily use of humor a must.
3. I can laugh at myself and take a joke when it's played on me.
4. My presence creates a friendly, jovial, and non-judgmental
atmosphere at work and home.
5. I encourage others to be funny.
6. I clip cartoons, rehearse humorous stories and save funny bones frequently.
7. I avoid ethnic and sexist humor as well as embarrassing or intimidating jokes.
8. I defuse potentially explosive situations with humor and lighthearted diversions.
9. I act out humorous incidents while relating them to others at work or home.
10. I send lighthearted notes, jokes, and cartoons to my friends, family, and work associates.
Unkown source
1. I am considered an optimist rather than a pessimist when dealing
with others.
2. I consider the daily use of humor a must.
3. I can laugh at myself and take a joke when it's played on me.
4. My presence creates a friendly, jovial, and non-judgmental
atmosphere at work and home.
5. I encourage others to be funny.
6. I clip cartoons, rehearse humorous stories and save funny bones frequently.
7. I avoid ethnic and sexist humor as well as embarrassing or intimidating jokes.
8. I defuse potentially explosive situations with humor and lighthearted diversions.
9. I act out humorous incidents while relating them to others at work or home.
10. I send lighthearted notes, jokes, and cartoons to my friends, family, and work associates.
Unkown source
Monday, March 06, 2006
Welcome
This is my new blog for all created beings. Even if you are an apple and can post; you are welcome. I particularly enjoy automotive activities surrounding Muscle Cars of the 50's - 70's and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Prefer Stock muscle cars and customized V-Twin bikes.
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