I'm in a bit of a dilemma right now.
Actually, I've been in this same dilemma for the last few years. Are you ready for this....are you sure?
I've resided in the great Windy City now for 6 years (less two months). I've lived in some fairly affluent neighborhoods, and in some not-so-affluent neighborhoods.
Where I live now (Logan Square) is right in the "middle" of the "affluency" scale.
This is the dilemma: I am constantly being approached by "pan-handlers." All the time. I am trying to remember a single day when I've not been asked for "change for the homeless...." Usually this is at the train stop, near the bus stops, near the places of business where I frequenty (grocery store, pharmacy, mostly), and even in front of the Church facilities on Sunday mornings.
And many times, it's the same people. I wonder why, many times.
I don't want to seem cold-hearted, non-compassionate, or uncaring--but I'm basically weary from getting "hit up" all the time.
When I first moved to Chicago, I remember going in a drugstore and buying a sandwich for a man who said he was "hungry and need something to eat." I spent my own money, and even asked him what he would like. He said "a sandwich." So I spent four bucks on a sandwich.
Which he promptly threw in the garbage can as soon as I turned my head. I walked over to the trash receptacle, and sure enough, the unopened sandwich was right there!
Sometimes the people asking for "spare change for the homeless" have a cigarette in their mouths, and often smell of alcohol. If they are truly hungry, I don't mind buying them a sandwich---but they will not con me into giving them "change" of any kind.
I can remember a lady holding a child down near all the Marshall Field's State Street store and telling me this sob story of how she needed to get on the bus with her baby, and how she needed 2 dollars to do this. I heard her out, and then waited for the bus with her.
When the bus arrived, I got on first, and offered to pay the bus driver to take the lady wherever she needed to go.
The lady REFUSED to get on the bus. The bus driver told me that she is one of the "regular con artists" at that busy area. She just wanted my cash--which she didn't get.
So what is a Christian supposed to do?
What say ye?
Even in the church....
I found this recently....read it, and pay attention:
***********************************************
A Crying Shame: Charlatans In the House
6/19/06
By J. Lee Grady
You've probably heard it on Christian television before. An evangelist opens his Bible, reads a Scripture and then suggests that you send an odd amount of money to keep your favorite program on the air for another month.
He begs. He pleads. He cries. And then he tells you that if you hurry and give right now, "while God is stirring the waters," the Holy Spirit will reward you in an extra-special way.
"Those who use manipulation, strong-arm tactics or Scripture-twisting to get money are not going to release any form of blessing." I've heard different amounts suggested?such as $64.11, or $72.14, or $53.24, to correlate with some obscure Old Testament Scripture reference. The implication is that if you write a check for this magical amount, God will release some kind of special blessing on you, such as the salvation of loved ones or the quick sale of a house.
To the untrained ear this may sound like a formula for blessing. Actually it is more akin to superstition?or worse, witchcraft. It's not even remotely biblical, but those of us in the charismatic movement are so used to tolerating such shenanigans that we think this is standard procedure for fundraising.
Some ministers who raise money for Christian television stations have succumbed to the infamous "debt reduction" tactic. It goes like this: "God says that if you will give a $1,000 sacrificial offering right now (God always seems to be in crisis mode in these situations), you will supernaturally get out of debt! The miracle anointing is here! You can release it by writing that check! And we take credit cards, too!"
Talk about voodoo economics. This kind of manipulation is actually against the law in Canada. The U.S. government allows American evangelists to get away with it, but that doesn't mean it's right. It is a spiritualized form of arm-twisting.
And believe it or not, it is getting more blatant and bizarre.
A widely traveled minister recently gave a message about what he called "the Boaz anointing" at a prominent church in Florida. He then invited anyone who wanted this "new" blessing to come to the altar, where gullible souls were encouraged to deposit a check for $1,500 in the basket.
Apparently the Boaz anointing can be yours if you can afford this hefty price.
At another church in my city of Orlando, a self-proclaimed prophet said that he would have a personal word of blessing to pronounce over any person who could give $1,000 in the offering. That's right?he was selling personal prophecies. Those who actually gave the amount (yes, some people actually fell for this charlatan) stood up to receive "words."
I want to rip my shirt in half and throw dust on my head.
Why should we be surprised that the church in America is making such a weak impact on society when we are allowing greedy impostors to pollute our pulpits? They are no different than the sons of Eli, who took the people's offerings "by force" so that they could spend it on their own selfish wants (see 1 Sam.2:12-16). They have fallen into the error of the sorcerer Simon, who offered to buy the power of the Holy Spirit so that he could impress people (see Acts 8:18-20).
And what happens to the people who buy into this craziness? I've heard some suggest that "God will bless anyone who gives," even if they give to a crook.
That's hogwash. Seed must be sown in good ground if it's going to produce. Those who use manipulation, strong-arm tactics or Scripture-twisting to get money, or who sell the anointing of God so they can buy clothes and houses are not going to release any form of blessing.
In fact, they just might release curses?of poverty, bankruptcy, fraud and confusion. Such dark forces actually follow ministries that have given themselves over to this spirit of financial manipulation. The Bible actually says that charlatans?those who follow the "error of Balaam"?will face a harsh judgment in the "black darkness" of hell (Jude 11,13).
What can you do about this? You don't have to stop giving. God loves a cheerful giver, but He does not want us to give under compulsion. Nor does He want us to reward the modern sons of Eli.
Speak out. Confront those who misuse the Bible to dig for money. Change the channel. Get up and walk out. Give to ministries that focus on meeting real needs and maintain ethical accounting standards. This financial foolishness will end when all of us take a stand.
----------------------------------
J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma.
***********************************************
A Crying Shame: Charlatans In the House
6/19/06
By J. Lee Grady
You've probably heard it on Christian television before. An evangelist opens his Bible, reads a Scripture and then suggests that you send an odd amount of money to keep your favorite program on the air for another month.
He begs. He pleads. He cries. And then he tells you that if you hurry and give right now, "while God is stirring the waters," the Holy Spirit will reward you in an extra-special way.
"Those who use manipulation, strong-arm tactics or Scripture-twisting to get money are not going to release any form of blessing." I've heard different amounts suggested?such as $64.11, or $72.14, or $53.24, to correlate with some obscure Old Testament Scripture reference. The implication is that if you write a check for this magical amount, God will release some kind of special blessing on you, such as the salvation of loved ones or the quick sale of a house.
To the untrained ear this may sound like a formula for blessing. Actually it is more akin to superstition?or worse, witchcraft. It's not even remotely biblical, but those of us in the charismatic movement are so used to tolerating such shenanigans that we think this is standard procedure for fundraising.
Some ministers who raise money for Christian television stations have succumbed to the infamous "debt reduction" tactic. It goes like this: "God says that if you will give a $1,000 sacrificial offering right now (God always seems to be in crisis mode in these situations), you will supernaturally get out of debt! The miracle anointing is here! You can release it by writing that check! And we take credit cards, too!"
Talk about voodoo economics. This kind of manipulation is actually against the law in Canada. The U.S. government allows American evangelists to get away with it, but that doesn't mean it's right. It is a spiritualized form of arm-twisting.
And believe it or not, it is getting more blatant and bizarre.
A widely traveled minister recently gave a message about what he called "the Boaz anointing" at a prominent church in Florida. He then invited anyone who wanted this "new" blessing to come to the altar, where gullible souls were encouraged to deposit a check for $1,500 in the basket.
Apparently the Boaz anointing can be yours if you can afford this hefty price.
At another church in my city of Orlando, a self-proclaimed prophet said that he would have a personal word of blessing to pronounce over any person who could give $1,000 in the offering. That's right?he was selling personal prophecies. Those who actually gave the amount (yes, some people actually fell for this charlatan) stood up to receive "words."
I want to rip my shirt in half and throw dust on my head.
Why should we be surprised that the church in America is making such a weak impact on society when we are allowing greedy impostors to pollute our pulpits? They are no different than the sons of Eli, who took the people's offerings "by force" so that they could spend it on their own selfish wants (see 1 Sam.2:12-16). They have fallen into the error of the sorcerer Simon, who offered to buy the power of the Holy Spirit so that he could impress people (see Acts 8:18-20).
And what happens to the people who buy into this craziness? I've heard some suggest that "God will bless anyone who gives," even if they give to a crook.
That's hogwash. Seed must be sown in good ground if it's going to produce. Those who use manipulation, strong-arm tactics or Scripture-twisting to get money, or who sell the anointing of God so they can buy clothes and houses are not going to release any form of blessing.
In fact, they just might release curses?of poverty, bankruptcy, fraud and confusion. Such dark forces actually follow ministries that have given themselves over to this spirit of financial manipulation. The Bible actually says that charlatans?those who follow the "error of Balaam"?will face a harsh judgment in the "black darkness" of hell (Jude 11,13).
What can you do about this? You don't have to stop giving. God loves a cheerful giver, but He does not want us to give under compulsion. Nor does He want us to reward the modern sons of Eli.
Speak out. Confront those who misuse the Bible to dig for money. Change the channel. Get up and walk out. Give to ministries that focus on meeting real needs and maintain ethical accounting standards. This financial foolishness will end when all of us take a stand.
----------------------------------
J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma.
A very sad day for our nation...
Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of Houston, and Pfc. Thomas Tucker, 25, of Madras, Ore., disappeared Friday after an attack on a checkpoint they were manning near Yusifiyah, about 20 miles southwest of Baghdad. The area is located in the so-called Sunni Triangle, a hotbed of insurgency activity.
A third soldier, Spc. David Babineau, 25, of Springfield, Mass., died in the attack.
All three were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
The three brave men have given their lives in Iraq over the last few days. Privates Menchaca and Tucker were beheaded after they were captured in a surprise attack last week. Specialist Babineau was killed immediately in the attack.
I grieve for all of the brave men and women have given their lives in the military service, regardless of their locations.
Having served in the military, I feel such a loss.
But my loss can't come anything close to the incredible tragedy that more than 2500 families have experienced since March 2003. And those numbers don't include the American/coalition civilians, as well as Iraqis who have given their life.
Let us pray.
A third soldier, Spc. David Babineau, 25, of Springfield, Mass., died in the attack.
All three were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
The three brave men have given their lives in Iraq over the last few days. Privates Menchaca and Tucker were beheaded after they were captured in a surprise attack last week. Specialist Babineau was killed immediately in the attack.
I grieve for all of the brave men and women have given their lives in the military service, regardless of their locations.
Having served in the military, I feel such a loss.
But my loss can't come anything close to the incredible tragedy that more than 2500 families have experienced since March 2003. And those numbers don't include the American/coalition civilians, as well as Iraqis who have given their life.
Let us pray.
A very dangerous regime...indeed!
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has correctly and properly warned the sadistic, evil, and idiotic regime of the People's Republic of North Korea of the dire consequences should they exercise their "despotism" and launch a missile with the capabilities of reaching any part of the United States, her territorities, or protectorates.
While starving their populace to death, the North Koreans have been attempting to arm themselves to the "teeth" for the last 50-plus years. Their desperation for "world attention"--mainly exhibited through their sinister and evil acts--has endured them to no one.
Not even the once-friendly Chinese who borders them on the north.
I served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the lower, Southwestern edge of the Republic of South Korea from January 11, 1990 until January 1, 1991, at Kunsan Air Base. We were made extremely aware of just how real the "threat" from the despots in the North actually was.
Two days after my arrival on the peninsula, military officials found three tunnels being built underground from Pyongyang to reach the capital city of Seoul. This literally scared the "crap" out of me--physically, emotionally, and militarily. I became acutely aware that I was facing a "real enemy"--and there would be no negotiating with them.
Somewhere along the time of mid-tour, I had the incredible opportunity of taking a trip to the Demilitarized Zone, along the 38th Parallel. Better known as the "DMZ" this border was spine-chilling at best. Looking across the border into North Korea was something akin to looking into the face of "hell"--not that I've ever seen hades, but you get the picture.
So, I've said all "that" to say this:
We are dealing with a very dangerous regime in North Korea. Far more dangerous than most of our other "international" enemies.
We need to pray for Secretary Rice as she assists the President in making some very important decisions.
Sixty-five million South Koreans are counting on us "getting it right."
This time, we must.
While starving their populace to death, the North Koreans have been attempting to arm themselves to the "teeth" for the last 50-plus years. Their desperation for "world attention"--mainly exhibited through their sinister and evil acts--has endured them to no one.
Not even the once-friendly Chinese who borders them on the north.
I served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the lower, Southwestern edge of the Republic of South Korea from January 11, 1990 until January 1, 1991, at Kunsan Air Base. We were made extremely aware of just how real the "threat" from the despots in the North actually was.
Two days after my arrival on the peninsula, military officials found three tunnels being built underground from Pyongyang to reach the capital city of Seoul. This literally scared the "crap" out of me--physically, emotionally, and militarily. I became acutely aware that I was facing a "real enemy"--and there would be no negotiating with them.
Somewhere along the time of mid-tour, I had the incredible opportunity of taking a trip to the Demilitarized Zone, along the 38th Parallel. Better known as the "DMZ" this border was spine-chilling at best. Looking across the border into North Korea was something akin to looking into the face of "hell"--not that I've ever seen hades, but you get the picture.
So, I've said all "that" to say this:
We are dealing with a very dangerous regime in North Korea. Far more dangerous than most of our other "international" enemies.
We need to pray for Secretary Rice as she assists the President in making some very important decisions.
Sixty-five million South Koreans are counting on us "getting it right."
This time, we must.
The Church....
I've been a follower of Jesus Christ now for 38 of my 44 years on earth. I came to Jesus when I was a small lad at the Greenfield Church of Christ, out near the County Lake, in rural Madison County, Alabama.
I remember the time, and I can take you to place--to quote one of the great songs of the "singing South."
I've worshipped among the "largest congregation" in the world--the Yoido Central Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea.
I've also had the magnanimous privilege of worshipping in homes, and in small congregations of varying sizes, and denominational flavors over the last many years.
But I've often wondered, "What does it mean to be the Church?"
Dr Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org) here in Chicago always ends our morning worship gatherings by encouraging the congregants to "go be the Church" this week.
Great advice...however, what does it mean to "be the church"? How can I, little ole Phil Hoover in this large city of Chicago "be the church" to someone? How and where does that happen?
With all the trials and heartaches associated with just daily living, I'm beginning to "re-think" what it means to "be the church"--in practical terms. And the verdict is in: I've got a lot to learn.
What did the New Testament Church possess that the "contemporary" church is missing? Could it be:
Vibrant, unpretentious worship?
Committed and contagious community?
Exciting and exhilirating evangelism?
Simple and sold-out servanthood?
From what I'm reading in the New Testament, it was all of these things.
But sadly, it seems like many in contemporary society will "evaluate" (since we Christians are "far too spiritual" to ever judge ) a group of people by how good the "show" is on Sunday morning.
Not whether God is pleased and present among those gathered to offer spiritual worship to His Son, Jesus Christ.
We will evaluate a congregation/group of leaders by all the "externals" that we can see, not by the "hidden" things that take some probing, praying, and thinking.
Quite honestly, I'm tired of the "show." I was part of a congregation for three years where the "show" was the main activity of the "church." Few people really wanted to "be the church" outside of the parameters of the twice-weekly show.
Of course, any time I made mention of what the New Testament Church could possibly look like, I was always reminded that I wasn't in charge. Often I was accused of being rude, rebellious, and disrespectful.
But as long as the "show" continued, then everything had to "blest by God." After all, God couldn't possibly speak through someone who had committed their life to the congregation, and wanted to see "real community" take root.
But the "show" had to go continue, regardless.
So what does it mean to "be the church"?
I'm not sure, right now.
What about you? What say ye?
I remember the time, and I can take you to place--to quote one of the great songs of the "singing South."
I've worshipped among the "largest congregation" in the world--the Yoido Central Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea.
I've also had the magnanimous privilege of worshipping in homes, and in small congregations of varying sizes, and denominational flavors over the last many years.
But I've often wondered, "What does it mean to be the Church?"
Dr Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org) here in Chicago always ends our morning worship gatherings by encouraging the congregants to "go be the Church" this week.
Great advice...however, what does it mean to "be the church"? How can I, little ole Phil Hoover in this large city of Chicago "be the church" to someone? How and where does that happen?
With all the trials and heartaches associated with just daily living, I'm beginning to "re-think" what it means to "be the church"--in practical terms. And the verdict is in: I've got a lot to learn.
What did the New Testament Church possess that the "contemporary" church is missing? Could it be:
Vibrant, unpretentious worship?
Committed and contagious community?
Exciting and exhilirating evangelism?
Simple and sold-out servanthood?
From what I'm reading in the New Testament, it was all of these things.
But sadly, it seems like many in contemporary society will "evaluate" (since we Christians are "far too spiritual" to ever judge ) a group of people by how good the "show" is on Sunday morning.
Not whether God is pleased and present among those gathered to offer spiritual worship to His Son, Jesus Christ.
We will evaluate a congregation/group of leaders by all the "externals" that we can see, not by the "hidden" things that take some probing, praying, and thinking.
Quite honestly, I'm tired of the "show." I was part of a congregation for three years where the "show" was the main activity of the "church." Few people really wanted to "be the church" outside of the parameters of the twice-weekly show.
Of course, any time I made mention of what the New Testament Church could possibly look like, I was always reminded that I wasn't in charge. Often I was accused of being rude, rebellious, and disrespectful.
But as long as the "show" continued, then everything had to "blest by God." After all, God couldn't possibly speak through someone who had committed their life to the congregation, and wanted to see "real community" take root.
But the "show" had to go continue, regardless.
So what does it mean to "be the church"?
I'm not sure, right now.
What about you? What say ye?
"Big Russ and Me"
I know that I've mentioned Tim Russert's (of MEET THE PRESS fame) book about his life and how his father has played an unequivocal role in it. The book is entitled Big Russ and Me.
I read this book a couple of weeks ago, and have gone back started re-reading it. This is a wonderfully warm, and humorous book about Russert's development and formation into the great man that he is today.
And it all started in Buffalo, New York.
I've always enjoyed watching "Meet The Press"--when I have the opportunity to tune in. Here in Chicago, it comes on at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, and I'm almost always in Sunday Morning worship at that hour.
But I do love "Meet the Press."
Big Russ and Me masterfully weaves the fabric of a city's kid's life, showing the grace and power of "doing right"--and realizing the worth of life, and the blessings of God therein.
It's a great read.
I read this book a couple of weeks ago, and have gone back started re-reading it. This is a wonderfully warm, and humorous book about Russert's development and formation into the great man that he is today.
And it all started in Buffalo, New York.
I've always enjoyed watching "Meet The Press"--when I have the opportunity to tune in. Here in Chicago, it comes on at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, and I'm almost always in Sunday Morning worship at that hour.
But I do love "Meet the Press."
Big Russ and Me masterfully weaves the fabric of a city's kid's life, showing the grace and power of "doing right"--and realizing the worth of life, and the blessings of God therein.
It's a great read.
Better Late than never....I guess....
H A P P Y F A T H E R ' S D A Y!
There are alot of very special men in my life who, over the years have been a "father" to me, when I've most needed one.
I want to be very gracious in my remarks here, but suffice it to say, that my own "biological father" was a scoundrel.
Yet, my Heavenly Father knew that I would need "lots of fathers" to help me become the person that He wants me to be.
I want to say "Happy Father's Day" to the following men:
Leonard Kendrick
Jim Pearson Sr
Pastor Gary Langley
Dr Bill Sheeks
Howard Timmons
Pastor Phillip Morris, Sr
Will Baker
Dr R Hollis Gause
Pastor Chris Losey
Pastor Travis Robinson
Just to name a few. Each of these men have been very special in my life over the last 20+ years. They are constant sources of encouragement, edification, and have instructed and enriched my life in ways that only Heaven will be able to fully reveal.
I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to each of them.
Happy Father's Day.
What Happened?
As a child of the Deep South, I grew up hearing about "Heaven."
We sang about this glorious place in Church on Sunday--at least one song was about Heaven.
We heard sermons about this marvelous promise regularly--and not just at funerals either.
What happened?
Has contemporary society become so overwhelmed with the cares of "this life" and "these light afflictions" that we no longer gaze and long for that "City Whose Builder and Maker is God"?
Are we so convinced that we "have it all here" and that it doesn't "get any better than this" so why even think about these precious promises of God for eternal life hereafter?
What happened?
While I sincerely appreciate all the great things that are happening in the Body of Christ here in North America, I feel that we have truly cheated ourselves by not keeping "heaven" as prominent doctrine and an EVERLASTING reality in our local churches, in our families, and in our lifestyles.
I'm convinced that one of the reasons the "Bill Gaither and Friends Homecoming" tours and videos are so wildly popular is because these instruments are helping many belivers reconnect with the reality and promise of "the glory world" in the not-too-distant future.
I remember one of those grand songs that I learned as a child, and I still sing it often:
How beautiful heaven must be!
Sweet home of the happy and free!
Fair Haven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be!
I have a precious Grandmother whom I loved and adored (and who raised me when I was abandoned by my parents as a baby) who is worshipping the Risen Christ up there.
In heaven!
I have many, many precious friends--marvelous saints of God--whom I've been blest to know through the years...who are now residing in that glorious place.
Heaven!
It's a real place, with real people!
We sang about this glorious place in Church on Sunday--at least one song was about Heaven.
We heard sermons about this marvelous promise regularly--and not just at funerals either.
What happened?
Has contemporary society become so overwhelmed with the cares of "this life" and "these light afflictions" that we no longer gaze and long for that "City Whose Builder and Maker is God"?
Are we so convinced that we "have it all here" and that it doesn't "get any better than this" so why even think about these precious promises of God for eternal life hereafter?
What happened?
While I sincerely appreciate all the great things that are happening in the Body of Christ here in North America, I feel that we have truly cheated ourselves by not keeping "heaven" as prominent doctrine and an EVERLASTING reality in our local churches, in our families, and in our lifestyles.
I'm convinced that one of the reasons the "Bill Gaither and Friends Homecoming" tours and videos are so wildly popular is because these instruments are helping many belivers reconnect with the reality and promise of "the glory world" in the not-too-distant future.
I remember one of those grand songs that I learned as a child, and I still sing it often:
How beautiful heaven must be!
Sweet home of the happy and free!
Fair Haven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be!
I have a precious Grandmother whom I loved and adored (and who raised me when I was abandoned by my parents as a baby) who is worshipping the Risen Christ up there.
In heaven!
I have many, many precious friends--marvelous saints of God--whom I've been blest to know through the years...who are now residing in that glorious place.
Heaven!
It's a real place, with real people!
"Special People"....
Julie Nixon Eisenhower wrote a wonderful book about 15 years ago (give or take a year) that she entitled Special People. This daughter of the late President Richard Nixon and his late wife Pat, wrote a very moving and detailed account about five special people in her life.
I've often thought that I would like to write such a book as well. There are so many special people who's stories should be told, and preserved for all who will come after us.
I can think of several very special people whom I'd love to chronicle:
Dr R Hollis Gause, Professor, Church of God Theological Seminary, Cleveland, TN
Bishop Raymond M Pruitt, retired minister, Oxford, MS.
Mrs Jane F Pearson, retired teacher, and mom "extraordinaire".
Dr Charles Paul Conn, President, Lee University, Cleveland, TN
Richard M. Daley, Mayor, The City of Chicago.
Mrs. Mary Smith Morris, Musician/teacher/mother and so many others things, Crisfield, MD.
Maybe I do need to start writing that book, after all.
If you were writing about "special people"--whom would you choose?
Why?
I've often thought that I would like to write such a book as well. There are so many special people who's stories should be told, and preserved for all who will come after us.
I can think of several very special people whom I'd love to chronicle:
Dr R Hollis Gause, Professor, Church of God Theological Seminary, Cleveland, TN
Bishop Raymond M Pruitt, retired minister, Oxford, MS.
Mrs Jane F Pearson, retired teacher, and mom "extraordinaire".
Dr Charles Paul Conn, President, Lee University, Cleveland, TN
Richard M. Daley, Mayor, The City of Chicago.
Mrs. Mary Smith Morris, Musician/teacher/mother and so many others things, Crisfield, MD.
Maybe I do need to start writing that book, after all.
If you were writing about "special people"--whom would you choose?
Why?
Taking Measure of Our Manners...
From this morning's CHICAGO TRIBUNE, the best mannered cities in the United States are:
1) Charleston, South Carolina
2) San Diego, California
3) Seattle, Washington
4) Peoria, Illinois
5) Omaha, Nebraska
6) Quad Cities (Moline and Rock Island IL, Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa)
7) Hollywood, Florida
8) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
9) Houston, Texas
10) Salt Lake City, Utah
First, congratulations to these ten areas that were named "the best mannered" by etiquette expert Marjabelle Young Stewart, who has compiled this list for the last twenty-eight years.
Second, it speaks well of the inhabitants of these areas that "good manners" and good "social skills" are important to the fabric of their societies.
It would do all of us a world of good to improve our manners. Sadly, in the "cyber age" far too many have disintegrating social skills and no earthly idea how to relate to others in an acceptable fashion.
Finally, maybe we do need to become a "bi-lingual" nation after all. And this foreign language is actually quite easy, and it's vocabulary is simple. Here it is:
"Thank You"
"You're Welcome"
"Yes" (sir/ma'am)
"No" (sir/ma'am)
"Please"
"May I?"
"How can I help you?"
And that's a language I wouldn't mind hearing.
All the time.
1) Charleston, South Carolina
2) San Diego, California
3) Seattle, Washington
4) Peoria, Illinois
5) Omaha, Nebraska
6) Quad Cities (Moline and Rock Island IL, Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa)
7) Hollywood, Florida
8) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
9) Houston, Texas
10) Salt Lake City, Utah
First, congratulations to these ten areas that were named "the best mannered" by etiquette expert Marjabelle Young Stewart, who has compiled this list for the last twenty-eight years.
Second, it speaks well of the inhabitants of these areas that "good manners" and good "social skills" are important to the fabric of their societies.
It would do all of us a world of good to improve our manners. Sadly, in the "cyber age" far too many have disintegrating social skills and no earthly idea how to relate to others in an acceptable fashion.
Finally, maybe we do need to become a "bi-lingual" nation after all. And this foreign language is actually quite easy, and it's vocabulary is simple. Here it is:
"Thank You"
"You're Welcome"
"Yes" (sir/ma'am)
"No" (sir/ma'am)
"Please"
"May I?"
"How can I help you?"
And that's a language I wouldn't mind hearing.
All the time.
165 Days and Counting.....No Caffeine
For years I had contemplated the possibility of giving up my "caffeine" habit. Now I wasn't a compulsive "all day with a cup of coffee each hour" kind of addict. Not hardly....but I did have a Mountain Dew affinity that I wasn't too keen on shaking.
But on December 30, 2005 I decided that I had imbibed my last 20 ounce bottle of Mountain Dew.
I've not touched caffeine since. I've only had very, very small amounts of chocolate--very negligible amounts, no coffee and no caffeinated sodas at all.
No hot chocolate, no caffeinated tea....
Nothing.
And I'm feeling great. The headaches have been minimal, and my energy levels have been much greater than any time in recent or even distant memory.
I've lost a few pounds, and I'm feeling good about that too. My personal physician is quite pleased with my progress....and so am I.
Now don't get me wrong---there has been a grieving process for me in all of this. I grieve every time I pass a soda machine and see the picture of my beloved Mountain Dew right there for my personal viewing.
But I am glad that I've come this far. I just remember the "12 steps." It is exactly 12 steps to get me out of the door, and away from the vending machine.
I often taken them.
And in a hurry at that.
But on December 30, 2005 I decided that I had imbibed my last 20 ounce bottle of Mountain Dew.
I've not touched caffeine since. I've only had very, very small amounts of chocolate--very negligible amounts, no coffee and no caffeinated sodas at all.
No hot chocolate, no caffeinated tea....
Nothing.
And I'm feeling great. The headaches have been minimal, and my energy levels have been much greater than any time in recent or even distant memory.
I've lost a few pounds, and I'm feeling good about that too. My personal physician is quite pleased with my progress....and so am I.
Now don't get me wrong---there has been a grieving process for me in all of this. I grieve every time I pass a soda machine and see the picture of my beloved Mountain Dew right there for my personal viewing.
But I am glad that I've come this far. I just remember the "12 steps." It is exactly 12 steps to get me out of the door, and away from the vending machine.
I often taken them.
And in a hurry at that.
Great, Great book! Get it!
http://www.wisdomofourfathers.com/
Tim Russert, the NBC Washington Bureau Chief and the Sunday Morning host of MEET THE PRESS has written/compiled an amazing book, The Wisdom of Our Fathers.
I have admired Mr Russert for years on Meet the Press and read his first book, Big Russ and Me a few weeks ago. It was a fascinating, entertaining, and truly heartwarming account of his life. But more than that, it was a marvelous retelling of how supremely important his earthly father, "Big Russ" has been and continues to be in his life.
Russert was in Chicago at Borders Bookstore on State Street two weeks ago tomorrow. I had a business appointment, and was rushing into Borders just as he was leaving. I was so disappointed. I wanted to personally tell him how much "Big Russ" has meant to me, even though I've never met the man.
Watching an interview with Tim Russert last week on WTTW (PBS station here in Chicago), more than 60,000 people have also felt that special connection with "Big Russ" as well as his son Tim, and Tim's now "grown son" Luke--a sophomore at Boston College.
The Wisdom of Our Fathers is a fascinating collection of stories that Russert received in response to his first work, "Big Russ and Me."
It's a wonderful compilation. Get it. And give several to the important men in your life.
They will deeply appreciate such a gift.
And so will you.
Tim Russert, the NBC Washington Bureau Chief and the Sunday Morning host of MEET THE PRESS has written/compiled an amazing book, The Wisdom of Our Fathers.
I have admired Mr Russert for years on Meet the Press and read his first book, Big Russ and Me a few weeks ago. It was a fascinating, entertaining, and truly heartwarming account of his life. But more than that, it was a marvelous retelling of how supremely important his earthly father, "Big Russ" has been and continues to be in his life.
Russert was in Chicago at Borders Bookstore on State Street two weeks ago tomorrow. I had a business appointment, and was rushing into Borders just as he was leaving. I was so disappointed. I wanted to personally tell him how much "Big Russ" has meant to me, even though I've never met the man.
Watching an interview with Tim Russert last week on WTTW (PBS station here in Chicago), more than 60,000 people have also felt that special connection with "Big Russ" as well as his son Tim, and Tim's now "grown son" Luke--a sophomore at Boston College.
The Wisdom of Our Fathers is a fascinating collection of stories that Russert received in response to his first work, "Big Russ and Me."
It's a wonderful compilation. Get it. And give several to the important men in your life.
They will deeply appreciate such a gift.
And so will you.
Things I've Learned....for this week
These brilliant maxims are taking from LIVE and LEARN and PASS IT ON compiled by H Jackson Brown Jr (Nashville: Rutledge Hill Press) 1992.
______________________
I've learned that you can inherit wealth, but never wisdom.
I've learned that you shouldn't speak unless you can improve on the silence.
I've learned that relationships are more important than rules.
I've learned that the trick is to "live a long time" without growing old.
I've learned that you "form a committee to study the matter" when you REALLY would rather not do anything.
I've learned that people are influenced by how much I care rather than by how much I know.
______________________
I've learned that you can inherit wealth, but never wisdom.
I've learned that you shouldn't speak unless you can improve on the silence.
I've learned that relationships are more important than rules.
I've learned that the trick is to "live a long time" without growing old.
I've learned that you "form a committee to study the matter" when you REALLY would rather not do anything.
I've learned that people are influenced by how much I care rather than by how much I know.
My favorite verse.....
"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13).
For many years I always used "John 15:13" after my signature on personal correspondence. For some reason I stopped doing that. At least for a prolonged period of time, anyway.
And now that I'm having my "midlife crisis"--that's your signal to laugh out loud--I'm beginning to rethink this whole idea of "friends" and exactly what it means in life.
And what it means to me. What should it mean to me?
There are people all over North America (and many in other countries) that I consider my "friends." Some of them are very close to me, and have a huge place in my heart. Some of them know that I care deeply about them, and would do anything that I possibly could on their behalf.
And some of them....well, I just wonder about.
I don't like "utilitarianism" in relationships that are supposed to be "friends." What I mean by this phrase is the way that someone befriends another, only if there is something to "gain" from that befriending in the first place. Can the one who is being "befriended" benefit me in some way? Do they fill a "need" or can they "do something for me"?
Or do I just value them as a person regardless of what they may or may not contribute to me?
These are difficult questions in a society (even in the church) that is submerged in the philosophy that only when people "contribute" to our goals is when the possess any value. And after they have finished "contributing" (or better yet have caught on to the selfishness inherit in such a philosophy) then said person ceases to have value.
If that's the way we measure friendships, then we are no better than those who do not claim Christ as Saviour--and in many ways, much worse. Our love has conditions, if we only "use people" for what they can do for us.
It's happen to me before. And sadly, I may have done it to someone--and I'm profoundly sorry if I have.
God help us.
For many years I always used "John 15:13" after my signature on personal correspondence. For some reason I stopped doing that. At least for a prolonged period of time, anyway.
And now that I'm having my "midlife crisis"--that's your signal to laugh out loud--I'm beginning to rethink this whole idea of "friends" and exactly what it means in life.
And what it means to me. What should it mean to me?
There are people all over North America (and many in other countries) that I consider my "friends." Some of them are very close to me, and have a huge place in my heart. Some of them know that I care deeply about them, and would do anything that I possibly could on their behalf.
And some of them....well, I just wonder about.
I don't like "utilitarianism" in relationships that are supposed to be "friends." What I mean by this phrase is the way that someone befriends another, only if there is something to "gain" from that befriending in the first place. Can the one who is being "befriended" benefit me in some way? Do they fill a "need" or can they "do something for me"?
Or do I just value them as a person regardless of what they may or may not contribute to me?
These are difficult questions in a society (even in the church) that is submerged in the philosophy that only when people "contribute" to our goals is when the possess any value. And after they have finished "contributing" (or better yet have caught on to the selfishness inherit in such a philosophy) then said person ceases to have value.
If that's the way we measure friendships, then we are no better than those who do not claim Christ as Saviour--and in many ways, much worse. Our love has conditions, if we only "use people" for what they can do for us.
It's happen to me before. And sadly, I may have done it to someone--and I'm profoundly sorry if I have.
God help us.
Happy Birthday, JULIA STONE!
Though she is not "really" my niece...I've always felt that she is. Her mom, Marti has been like a sister to me for the last 30+ years. And what a great sister she has been.
I remember when Miss Julia was just a very small young lass--and what a delight she was to her mom and dad, her grandparents (on both sides) and to her Uncle Jim and Aunt Ginger.
And to me, her "Uncle" Phil-who has spent the majority of her life either in the Air Force, in seminary, and in Chicago.
My memories of Julia are grand though. I remember about 7 years ago when she, along with her parents, were driving through Cleveland TN, and stopped by my apartment. My longtime friend, and wonderful roommate Kevin Moses (who was celebrated in this forum back in February) welcomed them in as I was still on my way back to the apartment.
We also just happened to have some ice cream there....it was "Moose Tracks"...
Kevin and Julia had a heyday with that ice cream that hot July afternoon.
And now she is all grown up....18 years old to be exact.
She has graduated from Madison County High School--my alma mater, and also the alma mater of her mom, Uncle Jim, along with various and sundry other Alabama natives.
She is a wonderful, gracious, beautiful, and delightful young woman. She will be entering the University of Alabama in Huntsville this fall as a University freshman. I'm very proud of her!
So, in lieu of my being there, Julia....let me say for the entire "cyber world"...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I remember when Miss Julia was just a very small young lass--and what a delight she was to her mom and dad, her grandparents (on both sides) and to her Uncle Jim and Aunt Ginger.
And to me, her "Uncle" Phil-who has spent the majority of her life either in the Air Force, in seminary, and in Chicago.
My memories of Julia are grand though. I remember about 7 years ago when she, along with her parents, were driving through Cleveland TN, and stopped by my apartment. My longtime friend, and wonderful roommate Kevin Moses (who was celebrated in this forum back in February) welcomed them in as I was still on my way back to the apartment.
We also just happened to have some ice cream there....it was "Moose Tracks"...
Kevin and Julia had a heyday with that ice cream that hot July afternoon.
And now she is all grown up....18 years old to be exact.
She has graduated from Madison County High School--my alma mater, and also the alma mater of her mom, Uncle Jim, along with various and sundry other Alabama natives.
She is a wonderful, gracious, beautiful, and delightful young woman. She will be entering the University of Alabama in Huntsville this fall as a University freshman. I'm very proud of her!
So, in lieu of my being there, Julia....let me say for the entire "cyber world"...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday, ANN DOWNING!
One of those great gospel groups that I remember from my childhood was the Downings. My earliest memories of the great hit, "Gettin' Ready Today" was Paul, Ann, Joy, and Dony singing that wonderful song about HEAVEN and how we are looking for "that mansion fair."
Of course, that was almost 40 years ago, and Paul is now in that wonderful place he sang about for so long.
But his precious wife, ANN DOWNING, is still carrying the "gospel in song" all over the country, and she is also celebrating her birthday today.
Her website is www.anndowning.com
So, my precious friend Ann....Happy Birthday from Chicago!
Have a great one!
Of course, that was almost 40 years ago, and Paul is now in that wonderful place he sang about for so long.
But his precious wife, ANN DOWNING, is still carrying the "gospel in song" all over the country, and she is also celebrating her birthday today.
Her website is www.anndowning.com
So, my precious friend Ann....Happy Birthday from Chicago!
Have a great one!
The REAL Jesus....
Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church here in Chicago (where I worship every week) is preaching a series on "The Real Jesus: Lies told about the man who claimed to be the Son of God"--and it has been great.
You can find more information about Moody Church and these sermons right here:
www.moodychurch.org
Check it out.
You can find more information about Moody Church and these sermons right here:
www.moodychurch.org
Check it out.
So what is this passage really saying?
"Therefore if thou bringest thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way; First be reconciled to thy brother and then come offer thy gift" (Matthew 5:23, 24).
It seems like many of us in the Kingdom are far too quick to dismiss other brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ--particularly those we have had conflict with in the past. I'm no stranger to this phenomenon....nor am I "lily-white" from all the guilt that can be associated with it.
The congregation where I grew up in the mid-late 1970s emphasized the biblical commands on good relationships in the Body. It seems that we knew that we had BETTER be in good relationship with our fellow believers, and that God would expect and accept no less.
Doesn't seem to be that way anymore.
Someone whom I considered a good friend for several years has decided that I'm nothing more than a "manipulator" and a "coward"--in his words. Of course he didn't have the courage to say this to my face. He used other means. He lives here in Chicago...and I even attended his wedding a few weeks ago--since I received a personal invitation from him.
His accusations are baseless, and he's only following the lead of someone who now holds me in low regard, even though that wasn't always the case.
I don't like conflict...really I don't. But even less do I like people who can hurl accusations and falsehoods with impugnity--just because they are in a "professional ministry" position.
At one time, this brother considered me a good friend. Has eaten at my house, has prayed with more many times as a brother, and has asked my advice on a number of issues. We have been close....
That obviously isn't the case any more.
So, when do we reconcile?
Maybe we need to "save those gifts" for a while, until we do.
It seems like many of us in the Kingdom are far too quick to dismiss other brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ--particularly those we have had conflict with in the past. I'm no stranger to this phenomenon....nor am I "lily-white" from all the guilt that can be associated with it.
The congregation where I grew up in the mid-late 1970s emphasized the biblical commands on good relationships in the Body. It seems that we knew that we had BETTER be in good relationship with our fellow believers, and that God would expect and accept no less.
Doesn't seem to be that way anymore.
Someone whom I considered a good friend for several years has decided that I'm nothing more than a "manipulator" and a "coward"--in his words. Of course he didn't have the courage to say this to my face. He used other means. He lives here in Chicago...and I even attended his wedding a few weeks ago--since I received a personal invitation from him.
His accusations are baseless, and he's only following the lead of someone who now holds me in low regard, even though that wasn't always the case.
I don't like conflict...really I don't. But even less do I like people who can hurl accusations and falsehoods with impugnity--just because they are in a "professional ministry" position.
At one time, this brother considered me a good friend. Has eaten at my house, has prayed with more many times as a brother, and has asked my advice on a number of issues. We have been close....
That obviously isn't the case any more.
So, when do we reconcile?
Maybe we need to "save those gifts" for a while, until we do.
Happy Birthday, BETH!
One of the most wonderful women I have ever known in my short life is Mrs Beth (Nettles) Fender! She is celebrating her birthday today, and I wanted to take this opportunity here in "my space" to wish her a wonderful day!
Beth and her late husband, Pastor Billy Nettles, came into my life some thirty-plus years ago at the West Huntsville Church of God of Prophecy, where I was a parishioner.
Sister Beth was the finest example of class, elegance and grace that anyone would ever want to meet, and eventually emulate.
She still is just that today: classy and worthy of emulation!
Happy Birthday, Beth!
Beth and her late husband, Pastor Billy Nettles, came into my life some thirty-plus years ago at the West Huntsville Church of God of Prophecy, where I was a parishioner.
Sister Beth was the finest example of class, elegance and grace that anyone would ever want to meet, and eventually emulate.
She still is just that today: classy and worthy of emulation!
Happy Birthday, Beth!
"Musical Mush"'---Amen, Chuck, Amen!
Musical Mush - Are We Impairing our Capacity to Think?
A BreakPoint commentary by Chuck Colson
When church music directors lead the congregation in singing some praise music, I often listen stoically with teeth clenched. But one Sunday morning, I cracked. We had been led through endless repetitions of a meaningless ditty called, “Draw Me Close to You.” The song has zero theological content and could be sung in a nightclub, for that matter. When I thought it was finally and mercifully over, the music leader beamed at us and said in a cheerful voice, “Let’s sing that again, shall we?” “No!” I shouted loudly. Heads all around me spun while my wife cringed.
I admit I prefer more traditional hymns. But even given that, I am convinced that much of the music being written for the Church today reflects an unfortunate trend—slipping across the line from worship to entertainment. Evangelicals are in danger of amusing ourselves to death, to borrow the title of the classic Neil Postman book.
The trend is also true of Christian radio, historically an important source of in-depth teaching.
Many stations have recently dropped serious programming in favor of all-music formats. For example, a major Baltimore station dropped four talk shows to add music. A respected broadcaster recently dropped “Focus on the Family,” claiming it had become too focused on “moral issues.”
When a Cincinnati station replaced “BreakPoint” with music, I told the station manager that believers need to think Christianly about major worldview issues. Her reply? Younger women want “something to help them cope with life.”
This view was confirmed by a Christian homemaker during a TV special on evangelicalism. She is so busy, she explained, with her kids, Bible study, cooking, and all, that she does not even get to read the newspaper. Church for her is getting her spirits lifted.
Now admittedly, modern life creates enormous stress, but can't the Church offer comfort and help people confront the culture?
Of course, music is important in the life of the Church. But it cannot replace solid teaching. The decision by Christian broadcasters to avoid moral controversies could result in the Church withdrawing from the culture as it tragically did a century ago.
The great strength of radio, as with books, has been to present in-depth teaching that engages Christians cognitively. Unfortunately, thinking analytically is something Christians find increasingly difficult. According to a government study, the average college graduate’s proficient literacy in English has declined from 40 percent in 1992 to 31 percent ten years later. The study defines proficient literacy as the ability to read lengthy, complex texts and draw complicated inferences. This is horrifying.
The Gospel above everything else is revealed propositional truth - truth that speaks to all of life. Sure, the Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand. But if you want to study doctrine and worldview, you need the capacity to engage ideas cognitively. Doctrine and biblical teaching does not consist of dry, abstract notions. It is the truth that must be carried to the heart and applied. And there is no escaping that it is truth that must he learned.
When Postman published his book two decades ago, he feared television would impair our capacity to think. He was right. But can we learn from this - or are we destined to follow suit, with the Church blissfully amusing itself into irrelevance?
***************************************************************
Some of the current faux-music in the church has become nothing more than "charismatic jingles"--and not very good ones at that.
Not all of the "current" music is theologically thin, but this is true for a lot more than we want to admit. Most of the "contemporary" choruses that have inundated local congregations teach absolutely none of the great doctrinal truths of the Scriptures. And that is tragically sad for those like me who grew up singing the great songs of testimony about God, heaven, eternity, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
So what say ye?
A BreakPoint commentary by Chuck Colson
When church music directors lead the congregation in singing some praise music, I often listen stoically with teeth clenched. But one Sunday morning, I cracked. We had been led through endless repetitions of a meaningless ditty called, “Draw Me Close to You.” The song has zero theological content and could be sung in a nightclub, for that matter. When I thought it was finally and mercifully over, the music leader beamed at us and said in a cheerful voice, “Let’s sing that again, shall we?” “No!” I shouted loudly. Heads all around me spun while my wife cringed.
I admit I prefer more traditional hymns. But even given that, I am convinced that much of the music being written for the Church today reflects an unfortunate trend—slipping across the line from worship to entertainment. Evangelicals are in danger of amusing ourselves to death, to borrow the title of the classic Neil Postman book.
The trend is also true of Christian radio, historically an important source of in-depth teaching.
Many stations have recently dropped serious programming in favor of all-music formats. For example, a major Baltimore station dropped four talk shows to add music. A respected broadcaster recently dropped “Focus on the Family,” claiming it had become too focused on “moral issues.”
When a Cincinnati station replaced “BreakPoint” with music, I told the station manager that believers need to think Christianly about major worldview issues. Her reply? Younger women want “something to help them cope with life.”
This view was confirmed by a Christian homemaker during a TV special on evangelicalism. She is so busy, she explained, with her kids, Bible study, cooking, and all, that she does not even get to read the newspaper. Church for her is getting her spirits lifted.
Now admittedly, modern life creates enormous stress, but can't the Church offer comfort and help people confront the culture?
Of course, music is important in the life of the Church. But it cannot replace solid teaching. The decision by Christian broadcasters to avoid moral controversies could result in the Church withdrawing from the culture as it tragically did a century ago.
The great strength of radio, as with books, has been to present in-depth teaching that engages Christians cognitively. Unfortunately, thinking analytically is something Christians find increasingly difficult. According to a government study, the average college graduate’s proficient literacy in English has declined from 40 percent in 1992 to 31 percent ten years later. The study defines proficient literacy as the ability to read lengthy, complex texts and draw complicated inferences. This is horrifying.
The Gospel above everything else is revealed propositional truth - truth that speaks to all of life. Sure, the Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand. But if you want to study doctrine and worldview, you need the capacity to engage ideas cognitively. Doctrine and biblical teaching does not consist of dry, abstract notions. It is the truth that must be carried to the heart and applied. And there is no escaping that it is truth that must he learned.
When Postman published his book two decades ago, he feared television would impair our capacity to think. He was right. But can we learn from this - or are we destined to follow suit, with the Church blissfully amusing itself into irrelevance?
***************************************************************
Some of the current faux-music in the church has become nothing more than "charismatic jingles"--and not very good ones at that.
Not all of the "current" music is theologically thin, but this is true for a lot more than we want to admit. Most of the "contemporary" choruses that have inundated local congregations teach absolutely none of the great doctrinal truths of the Scriptures. And that is tragically sad for those like me who grew up singing the great songs of testimony about God, heaven, eternity, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
So what say ye?
And even more from the "I've Learned" department
I've learned that if you genuinely care, it will show.
I've learned that education, experience, and memories are 3 things that no one can take away from you.
I've learned that it is far easier to react than it is to just think.
I've learned that the best thing about growing older is that I don't feel the urge to impress anyone.
I've learned there is NOTHING you cannot teach yourself by reading....
I've learned that when "things" go wrong, that I don't have to go with them.
I've learned that people can become intoxicated with power more easily than they can with alcohol.
So what say ye?
I've learned that education, experience, and memories are 3 things that no one can take away from you.
I've learned that it is far easier to react than it is to just think.
I've learned that the best thing about growing older is that I don't feel the urge to impress anyone.
I've learned there is NOTHING you cannot teach yourself by reading....
I've learned that when "things" go wrong, that I don't have to go with them.
I've learned that people can become intoxicated with power more easily than they can with alcohol.
So what say ye?
The Gospel According to "OPRAH"....hmmmm
I remember when Miss Oprah was in Baltimore, before making it big in Chicago many years ago. And I also remember watching her television show when it was an interactive, Phil Donahue-like exchange for the 60 minutes (minus the commercial breaks) every week day.
Things have changed.
And so has Oprah.
I was browsing in the local Borders Bookstore on State Street Friday afternoon, waiting for a friend with whom I would be having dinner to show up. I was in the "Religion" section, and just perusing through all the different volumes, large and small, that captured my attention.
On the very bottom shelf of the last column of the section, was this small paperback by Marcia Nelson entitled The Gospel According to Oprah. Immediately it had my attention. So much so, that I decided to buy the book, and read through it.
I finished the book Sunday morning, right before leaving my place to attend Morning Worship at The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org) where I am a regular congregant.
I arrived at the church building, and received a worship bulletin. Much to my surprise, Erwin Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church was preaching the second message in a series "The Jesus Deception"--a series of sermons about the misconceptions and lies told about God's only begotten Son--and why we should be aware of these untruths.
The opening quote for his sermon was from Oprah herself: "It is a serious mistake to believe that there is only one way to God. There are many ways to God."
Pastor Lutzer wasted no time in dispelling and rebuffing Oprah's claims. And he did it all without slandering or badmouthing Miss Winfrey as a person. He even mentioned that he had read The Gospel According to Oprah.
I just about fell out of my seat! The message was truly informative, and not a political or personal diatribe against the "queen of television talk." Yet, Pastor Lutzer made no bones about Jesus Christ being the ONLY way to God the Father.
But even so, this book merits a very close reading. And particularly so by the Christian community, and those who are engaged in full-time ministry. The writer, Marcia Nelson, a self-proclaimed "woman of faith" studies Oprah for more than a year. She has made some very keen and astute observations concerning the "attraction"-factor to the whole Oprah enterprise. Here are some of the factors:
Oprah listens.
Oprah encourages.
Oprah provides community.
Oprah exhibits generosity.
Oprah demands accountability.
And there are several more important characteristics that are examined in this short paperback volume.
I would encourage everyone to get the book, read it discerningly and thoroughly. And then reach your own conclusions.
Could it be that Miss Winfrey has learned lessons about "life" and "people" that the Church should be learning and employing?
I think so.
Things have changed.
And so has Oprah.
I was browsing in the local Borders Bookstore on State Street Friday afternoon, waiting for a friend with whom I would be having dinner to show up. I was in the "Religion" section, and just perusing through all the different volumes, large and small, that captured my attention.
On the very bottom shelf of the last column of the section, was this small paperback by Marcia Nelson entitled The Gospel According to Oprah. Immediately it had my attention. So much so, that I decided to buy the book, and read through it.
I finished the book Sunday morning, right before leaving my place to attend Morning Worship at The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org) where I am a regular congregant.
I arrived at the church building, and received a worship bulletin. Much to my surprise, Erwin Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church was preaching the second message in a series "The Jesus Deception"--a series of sermons about the misconceptions and lies told about God's only begotten Son--and why we should be aware of these untruths.
The opening quote for his sermon was from Oprah herself: "It is a serious mistake to believe that there is only one way to God. There are many ways to God."
Pastor Lutzer wasted no time in dispelling and rebuffing Oprah's claims. And he did it all without slandering or badmouthing Miss Winfrey as a person. He even mentioned that he had read The Gospel According to Oprah.
I just about fell out of my seat! The message was truly informative, and not a political or personal diatribe against the "queen of television talk." Yet, Pastor Lutzer made no bones about Jesus Christ being the ONLY way to God the Father.
But even so, this book merits a very close reading. And particularly so by the Christian community, and those who are engaged in full-time ministry. The writer, Marcia Nelson, a self-proclaimed "woman of faith" studies Oprah for more than a year. She has made some very keen and astute observations concerning the "attraction"-factor to the whole Oprah enterprise. Here are some of the factors:
Oprah listens.
Oprah encourages.
Oprah provides community.
Oprah exhibits generosity.
Oprah demands accountability.
And there are several more important characteristics that are examined in this short paperback volume.
I would encourage everyone to get the book, read it discerningly and thoroughly. And then reach your own conclusions.
Could it be that Miss Winfrey has learned lessons about "life" and "people" that the Church should be learning and employing?
I think so.
More from the "I've Learned" Department.....
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned that you should NEVER be too busy to say "please" and "thank you."
I've learned that money is a LOUSY means of keeping score.
I've learned that you shouldn't have a $1000 meeting to solve a $100 problem.
I've learned that a pig dressed in a tuxedo is still a pig.
I've learned that ANGER manages everything poorly.
I've learned that the person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts.
I've learned that when I give advice, it's BEST to make it BRIEF.
I've learned that expensive new silk ties are the only ones that attract spaghetti sauce.
I've learned that everything sounds romantic in a FOREIGN language, regardless of what was said!
I've learned the ARK was built by Amateurs, and the TITANIC was built by professionals.
I've learned to never confuse "success" with "usefulness."
So what say ye?
I've learned that you should NEVER be too busy to say "please" and "thank you."
I've learned that money is a LOUSY means of keeping score.
I've learned that you shouldn't have a $1000 meeting to solve a $100 problem.
I've learned that a pig dressed in a tuxedo is still a pig.
I've learned that ANGER manages everything poorly.
I've learned that the person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts.
I've learned that when I give advice, it's BEST to make it BRIEF.
I've learned that expensive new silk ties are the only ones that attract spaghetti sauce.
I've learned that everything sounds romantic in a FOREIGN language, regardless of what was said!
I've learned the ARK was built by Amateurs, and the TITANIC was built by professionals.
I've learned to never confuse "success" with "usefulness."
So what say ye?
Some of the things that I've learned.....
These bits of wisdom are taken from Live and Learn and Pass It on:
I've learned that it is impossible to accomplish anything worthwhile without the help of other people.
I've learned that it is easier to "keep up" than it is to "catch up."
I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.
I've learned that even when I have pains, that I don't have to be one.
I've learned that I cannot change the past, but I can LET it go...
I've learned that it's easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble.
I've learned that when you can either be brilliant or pleasant, always choose "pleasant."
So what say ye?
I've learned that it is impossible to accomplish anything worthwhile without the help of other people.
I've learned that it is easier to "keep up" than it is to "catch up."
I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.
I've learned that even when I have pains, that I don't have to be one.
I've learned that I cannot change the past, but I can LET it go...
I've learned that it's easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble.
I've learned that when you can either be brilliant or pleasant, always choose "pleasant."
So what say ye?
Oh no! He's a BISHOP now!
My good friend Pastor Travis Johnson (www.pastortrav.blogspot.com) is now an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God (headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee).
This man is truly amazing....and on many levels.
He was a terrific Single's Pastor at the North Cleveland Church of God (several years ago).
He was a terrific pastor here in the Windy City for a good season.
He has lead the "Life Pointe" Church in Florida now for a while, and God is blessing that work.
He has a wonderful wife, and two beautiful daughters. If you don't believe him...just go to his website and ask him.
Congratulations, Bishop Johnson!
Manifold blessings to you!
This man is truly amazing....and on many levels.
He was a terrific Single's Pastor at the North Cleveland Church of God (several years ago).
He was a terrific pastor here in the Windy City for a good season.
He has lead the "Life Pointe" Church in Florida now for a while, and God is blessing that work.
He has a wonderful wife, and two beautiful daughters. If you don't believe him...just go to his website and ask him.
Congratulations, Bishop Johnson!
Manifold blessings to you!
"Casa De Grant"---Thanks a million!
I had the most wonderful weekend just passed....
I had the marvelous blessing of traveling some 4 hours (by Amtrak) to central Wisconsin and visit my friends, Paul and Cynthia Grant and their son Jason.
It was wonderful.
Cynthia is the oldest sister of my great friend Kevin Moses (whom I celebrated back in February on his birthday in this very blog), and we have been friends for almost ten years now. Her husband, Paul and I have become good friends over the last two years. I've also known Jason since he was much younger than he is now. He's a strapping 17 year old high schooler.
Paul and Cynthia came to Chicago back in early April to "honeymoon"--since they had never taken an official "honeymoon" in their years of marriage. I was happy to be their "tour" guide sporadically during their four days here in the Windy City.
At that time, these two extended an invitation for me to come visit them in Wisconsin. And I did. It was just fabulous!
I needed to get out of the city for a few days, and get back to the "country side." And since I had never spent any significant time in Wisconsin, this would be the perfect opportunity to do so.
I arrived Friday evening, and was thrilled to see the three of them. Saturday found us hiking and mountain climbing over at Devil's Lake, some 50 miles from Tomah, Wisconsin--where the Grant household lives. It was definitely exhilirating. It has been many moons since I climbed a mountain....and it felt great. The weather cooperated...the people were all friendly, and the view was breath-taking from the very first steps.
And if that wasn't enough, Paul, Jason and myself decided that we needed to stop at the Wisconsin Dells and ride the Roller Coasters for a while.
Now, that was a rush....I've not felt that kind of gravity pull in many, many years. I'm still feeling a little bit of the "gravity" forces I do believe!
After a wonderful meal (and alot of laughs) at the Cracker Barrel, we headed home, and prepared for a good night's rest. And then worship on Sunday at their local church.
Before I jump over into the land of "boring you all silly"--I wanted to take this precious space and thank the three marvelous people in Casa De Grant for such a wonderful weekend. Everything was absolutely perfect.
So Paul, Cynthia, Jason if you are reading this....
Much love, and manifold thanks to all three of you.
It was perfect.
I had the marvelous blessing of traveling some 4 hours (by Amtrak) to central Wisconsin and visit my friends, Paul and Cynthia Grant and their son Jason.
It was wonderful.
Cynthia is the oldest sister of my great friend Kevin Moses (whom I celebrated back in February on his birthday in this very blog), and we have been friends for almost ten years now. Her husband, Paul and I have become good friends over the last two years. I've also known Jason since he was much younger than he is now. He's a strapping 17 year old high schooler.
Paul and Cynthia came to Chicago back in early April to "honeymoon"--since they had never taken an official "honeymoon" in their years of marriage. I was happy to be their "tour" guide sporadically during their four days here in the Windy City.
At that time, these two extended an invitation for me to come visit them in Wisconsin. And I did. It was just fabulous!
I needed to get out of the city for a few days, and get back to the "country side." And since I had never spent any significant time in Wisconsin, this would be the perfect opportunity to do so.
I arrived Friday evening, and was thrilled to see the three of them. Saturday found us hiking and mountain climbing over at Devil's Lake, some 50 miles from Tomah, Wisconsin--where the Grant household lives. It was definitely exhilirating. It has been many moons since I climbed a mountain....and it felt great. The weather cooperated...the people were all friendly, and the view was breath-taking from the very first steps.
And if that wasn't enough, Paul, Jason and myself decided that we needed to stop at the Wisconsin Dells and ride the Roller Coasters for a while.
Now, that was a rush....I've not felt that kind of gravity pull in many, many years. I'm still feeling a little bit of the "gravity" forces I do believe!
After a wonderful meal (and alot of laughs) at the Cracker Barrel, we headed home, and prepared for a good night's rest. And then worship on Sunday at their local church.
Before I jump over into the land of "boring you all silly"--I wanted to take this precious space and thank the three marvelous people in Casa De Grant for such a wonderful weekend. Everything was absolutely perfect.
So Paul, Cynthia, Jason if you are reading this....
Much love, and manifold thanks to all three of you.
It was perfect.
A Pastor...not a "Pope."
With all due respect to my Roman Catholic friends, I want to say some of the things that I have been feeling for a very long time:
1) Men and women who are called into pastoral ministry are called to "shepherds" not Chief Executive Officers. Now admittedly, administrative duties go with these positions in many local churches---but "people" are the business of the Kingdom...not paper work. Not committee meetings, or constant, eternal, unending "planning" sessions.
2) People in the local church want men and women who will be "pastors" not popes. Sadly, I thought I had a "pastor" for three years, and when the rubber met the road last November, I found out that I had been sitting under the authority of a system that regarded the "pastor/shepherd" as the infallible pope of the local congregation. When God calls men and women to be "pastors"--that is the FIRST and FOREMOST task at hand for that particular person.
3) I've been a Christian for the last 38 years of my life. Now I'm 44. I've seen wonderful men and women of God who loved God's sheep, and who were ready to give their lives for those same sheep. Sadly, I've also seen a miserable few who knew "their gravy" was made...and could care less about the sheep in their care.
4) I've been wounded by someone who did not keep their word--and that person was also a "spiritual authority" over me--and it was devastating, on many levels. And to this day, that person professes their great love for me. But their actions speak much louder than their words ever will. And it's been very painful for me.
May God grant to His people those pastors who are after His own heart...and who truly exemplify the power of the Gospel and the Great Shepherd when He said, "No greater love has any man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends..." (John 15:13).
I want a pastor like that.
1) Men and women who are called into pastoral ministry are called to "shepherds" not Chief Executive Officers. Now admittedly, administrative duties go with these positions in many local churches---but "people" are the business of the Kingdom...not paper work. Not committee meetings, or constant, eternal, unending "planning" sessions.
2) People in the local church want men and women who will be "pastors" not popes. Sadly, I thought I had a "pastor" for three years, and when the rubber met the road last November, I found out that I had been sitting under the authority of a system that regarded the "pastor/shepherd" as the infallible pope of the local congregation. When God calls men and women to be "pastors"--that is the FIRST and FOREMOST task at hand for that particular person.
3) I've been a Christian for the last 38 years of my life. Now I'm 44. I've seen wonderful men and women of God who loved God's sheep, and who were ready to give their lives for those same sheep. Sadly, I've also seen a miserable few who knew "their gravy" was made...and could care less about the sheep in their care.
4) I've been wounded by someone who did not keep their word--and that person was also a "spiritual authority" over me--and it was devastating, on many levels. And to this day, that person professes their great love for me. But their actions speak much louder than their words ever will. And it's been very painful for me.
May God grant to His people those pastors who are after His own heart...and who truly exemplify the power of the Gospel and the Great Shepherd when He said, "No greater love has any man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends..." (John 15:13).
I want a pastor like that.
Do we really understand "relationships"?
It seems like the entire world revolves around "relationships"--of one sort or another....
God(the Original Intelligent Designer) created the Universe--thus establishing that "relationship."
God (the OID) created humanity: males and females--and thus enabling both entities to have meaningful relationships with Himself, and with each other.
We have "relationships" with alot of different entities in our lives:
Colleagues at work
Family Member
Fellow students
Our neighbors where we live
and "the family of God" in our local congregations.
The reason I'm writing this one, is because there seems to be a somewhat disintegration--breakdown--stranglehold...something or another where relationships are concerned.
I wrote a year or more ago that "relationships" in the Kingdom of God are not supposed to be just "utilitarian" vessels through which we accomplish our oft-selfish purposes. From my understanding of the Scriptures, people actually do matter!
I recently (well actually about six months ago) felt it necessary to change my regular place of worship on Sunday mornings (and other times) to a different congregation. It was a very difficult and very painful decision--but also one that had to be made. And the reason: Sour, unhealthy relationships in the old church.
Relationships that were utilitarian, and untrustworthy. Relationships that were not solid, and unreliable.
So now, I'm beginning to do a serious study of the New Testament on what "relationships" should really be like...beginning at the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter one.
What do you think?
God(the Original Intelligent Designer) created the Universe--thus establishing that "relationship."
God (the OID) created humanity: males and females--and thus enabling both entities to have meaningful relationships with Himself, and with each other.
We have "relationships" with alot of different entities in our lives:
Colleagues at work
Family Member
Fellow students
Our neighbors where we live
and "the family of God" in our local congregations.
The reason I'm writing this one, is because there seems to be a somewhat disintegration--breakdown--stranglehold...something or another where relationships are concerned.
I wrote a year or more ago that "relationships" in the Kingdom of God are not supposed to be just "utilitarian" vessels through which we accomplish our oft-selfish purposes. From my understanding of the Scriptures, people actually do matter!
I recently (well actually about six months ago) felt it necessary to change my regular place of worship on Sunday mornings (and other times) to a different congregation. It was a very difficult and very painful decision--but also one that had to be made. And the reason: Sour, unhealthy relationships in the old church.
Relationships that were utilitarian, and untrustworthy. Relationships that were not solid, and unreliable.
So now, I'm beginning to do a serious study of the New Testament on what "relationships" should really be like...beginning at the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter one.
What do you think?
230 years later...it's about time!
So the United States Senate has finally decided that "English" needs to be the official, unifying language of these here "Nifty Fifty."
Well, Mergatroid!
What took them so long!
I wonder how those 100 people arrived at the conclusion that "taxpayers" are as mad as mad can get about the absolute arbitrary waste of OUR money on translating every possible government document for people who REFUSE to learn the prevailing language of the law and commerce in this nation.
Just how long did it take for that "revelation" to occur?
Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) is just DEAD wrong about this amendment being "racist." He's a bright man...and a Mormon at that....he should know better.
Or maybe those people in Nevada aren't having the "illegal" immigrant difficulties the rest of the nation has experienced....but I hardly doubt it.
Make ENGLISH the official language of this country. And make sure that EVERYONE understands that learning the "official language" is a priority here.
Not just a passing thought.
Well, Mergatroid!
What took them so long!
I wonder how those 100 people arrived at the conclusion that "taxpayers" are as mad as mad can get about the absolute arbitrary waste of OUR money on translating every possible government document for people who REFUSE to learn the prevailing language of the law and commerce in this nation.
Just how long did it take for that "revelation" to occur?
Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) is just DEAD wrong about this amendment being "racist." He's a bright man...and a Mormon at that....he should know better.
Or maybe those people in Nevada aren't having the "illegal" immigrant difficulties the rest of the nation has experienced....but I hardly doubt it.
Make ENGLISH the official language of this country. And make sure that EVERYONE understands that learning the "official language" is a priority here.
Not just a passing thought.
More about "Bobby Moscillo"....
Last week I posted an article about a Marine who was killed in the line of duty in the Middle East. I posted the write-up from the Boston Globe and the Nazarene News Service.
This morning I received this email (it was signed, but the author shall remain anonymous) from someone who read my "blog":
****************************************************
Good evening,
My name is ***********, and I came across your blog as I was searching the internet for articles on Robert Moscillo, the Marine from New Hampshire who was killed recently.
I had the privilege and the honor to be Bobby’s first youth pastor. I wanted to say thank you for paying respects to him in your blog. Bobby touched a lot of people, I knew him when he was young, maybe a freshman or sophomore in high school. I was a rookie, very green and made a lot of mistakes, but Bobby stuck with me and stuck up FOR me.
I spent two years with him as his youth pastor, and I am pretty sure I learned more from him than he could have learned from me.
I would like to pass on a story that I heard today from my best friend from home, I moved away from New England about 3 years ago, so I was not able to be at his funeral yesterday, so he was filling me in on the proceedings.
A story came out about a gentleman that was attending Bobby’s church off and on. The church Bobby went to specializes in helping adults through recovery, this gentleman had come in drunk on two occasions, and each time Bobby had talked with him, worked with him, and simply tried to love him. One Sunday it paid off, the gentleman committed as best as he could to getting his life into shape. Two days later Bobby left for Iraq. The gentleman continued to attend church, and continued to recover. No one thought anything more of Bobby’s involvement, to the general public it looked like he had talked with this man briefly, and had been nice to him.
The gentleman showed up to Bobby’s funeral, and was just devastated, I mean wrecked. The pastor of Bobby’s church, who had been very close to Bobby, went to the gentleman, not really understanding why the man was so hurt and broken up, he had only talked with Bobby maybe once or twice really in his life. The man looked up at the pastor and said the following, “Bobby and I have talked quite a bit actually, he has been writing me every week from Iraq, encouraging me to keep with my recovery, to give my life to God and the church, I don’t know what I am going to do without that kind of support.”
I am humbled by the man that Bobby Moscillo had become.
Please pray for his family, that God will use his passing to glorify His own name. Please pray for all of his friends, and would you please pray for me? I am struggling with a lot of feelings I did not expect.
************************************************************
Not only did Bobby's family lose a son, but that congregation lost a valiant and wonderful saint of God. And it appears that many people have lost a great, great friend.
Let's pray for all of our troops and their families.
This morning I received this email (it was signed, but the author shall remain anonymous) from someone who read my "blog":
****************************************************
Good evening,
My name is ***********, and I came across your blog as I was searching the internet for articles on Robert Moscillo, the Marine from New Hampshire who was killed recently.
I had the privilege and the honor to be Bobby’s first youth pastor. I wanted to say thank you for paying respects to him in your blog. Bobby touched a lot of people, I knew him when he was young, maybe a freshman or sophomore in high school. I was a rookie, very green and made a lot of mistakes, but Bobby stuck with me and stuck up FOR me.
I spent two years with him as his youth pastor, and I am pretty sure I learned more from him than he could have learned from me.
I would like to pass on a story that I heard today from my best friend from home, I moved away from New England about 3 years ago, so I was not able to be at his funeral yesterday, so he was filling me in on the proceedings.
A story came out about a gentleman that was attending Bobby’s church off and on. The church Bobby went to specializes in helping adults through recovery, this gentleman had come in drunk on two occasions, and each time Bobby had talked with him, worked with him, and simply tried to love him. One Sunday it paid off, the gentleman committed as best as he could to getting his life into shape. Two days later Bobby left for Iraq. The gentleman continued to attend church, and continued to recover. No one thought anything more of Bobby’s involvement, to the general public it looked like he had talked with this man briefly, and had been nice to him.
The gentleman showed up to Bobby’s funeral, and was just devastated, I mean wrecked. The pastor of Bobby’s church, who had been very close to Bobby, went to the gentleman, not really understanding why the man was so hurt and broken up, he had only talked with Bobby maybe once or twice really in his life. The man looked up at the pastor and said the following, “Bobby and I have talked quite a bit actually, he has been writing me every week from Iraq, encouraging me to keep with my recovery, to give my life to God and the church, I don’t know what I am going to do without that kind of support.”
I am humbled by the man that Bobby Moscillo had become.
Please pray for his family, that God will use his passing to glorify His own name. Please pray for all of his friends, and would you please pray for me? I am struggling with a lot of feelings I did not expect.
************************************************************
Not only did Bobby's family lose a son, but that congregation lost a valiant and wonderful saint of God. And it appears that many people have lost a great, great friend.
Let's pray for all of our troops and their families.
Just for my many MOMS....A Special Tribute!
God knew that I would need many, many women to play the role of "Mom" for me in the last 44+ years....and in my small way, I want to honor them here:
My Grandmother Clara Hoover: She's been in Heaven now for almost 14 years. She is the bravest and most courageous woman I've ever known. She raised me when both parents abandoned me, and she had already raised ten children of her own. Having only a 4th grade education herself, she made sure that I had a "world class" education--in all the things that mattered. I miss her so much.
My Grandmother Kathy Fields: She's my only surviving grandparent, and what a treasure she has become to me over the years. I'm proud to be her grandson.
Mrs. Linda Turner: My blessed Fourth Grade Teacher (whom I wrote about a few days ago). This lady just exemplifies all that it means to be a godly, gracious, and good person. She and her husband Larry have raised three wonderful sons who make their parents proud at every thought of them. Linda has been that friend par excellent for more than 30 years now. She was a strong "mother figure" when I really needed one the most. Needless to say (but I'll say it any way) I adore her!
Mrs. Jane Pearson: Everything I know about class, style, good taste, and just "doing it right"--I learned from Ms Jane. Not only was she (and her family) wonderful neighbors, but they all became "my family" when I most needed them to be my family. They have remained in that "sacred place" for me...and I love them all dearly. I learned the important lessons of life from Jane, sitting at her kitchen table. I still enjoy our table talks--but they just aren't frequent enough for me. There is so much to say about her...and I just can't tell it all right now.
Mrs. Tereasa Rollings: This woman has played so many important roles in my life. She has been a teacher, a mentor, a confidant, a consoler, an encourager, an advisor, and most of all, my terrific friend now for more than 30 years. She has played every role SUPERBLY! Every person needs a friend like Tereasa. And I'm glad that I have "mine."
Mrs. Faye Hardin: One of the three women who inspired me to become the musician that I am today--limited though it is. She was the church pianist for many years, always faithful and always tremendously talented. She and her husband Ray are some of the dearest friends that I've ever had. She's been the "mom" for me in many situations when I've needed someone to listen with their ears and their heart.
Mrs. Georgie Timmons: My precious "mom" out in West Texas. She, along with her husband Howard, became dear friends during my Air Force stint in Lubbock, TX. Now almost ten years after my leaving that area, we are still in touch. Georgie has helped pray me through some very difficult and challenging times. Her encouraging words, her heartfelt humor, and her gentle touch continue to refresh and inspire me--and just when I always need it the most.
Mrs. Gail Lemmert: I went to Undergraduate School with her son, Randy more than 20 years ago. She and I became good friends when I returned to Tennessee for graduate school. In so many ways she has encouraged, mentored, exhorted, and instructed me for the better. Her very life is one of tremendous wisdom, instruction, and grace. She is a true "mom" to me in many, many ways. And she isn't aware of most of them.
The wonderful ladies mean the world to me.
I want to wish them all a very "Happy Mothers' Day"
My Grandmother Clara Hoover: She's been in Heaven now for almost 14 years. She is the bravest and most courageous woman I've ever known. She raised me when both parents abandoned me, and she had already raised ten children of her own. Having only a 4th grade education herself, she made sure that I had a "world class" education--in all the things that mattered. I miss her so much.
My Grandmother Kathy Fields: She's my only surviving grandparent, and what a treasure she has become to me over the years. I'm proud to be her grandson.
Mrs. Linda Turner: My blessed Fourth Grade Teacher (whom I wrote about a few days ago). This lady just exemplifies all that it means to be a godly, gracious, and good person. She and her husband Larry have raised three wonderful sons who make their parents proud at every thought of them. Linda has been that friend par excellent for more than 30 years now. She was a strong "mother figure" when I really needed one the most. Needless to say (but I'll say it any way) I adore her!
Mrs. Jane Pearson: Everything I know about class, style, good taste, and just "doing it right"--I learned from Ms Jane. Not only was she (and her family) wonderful neighbors, but they all became "my family" when I most needed them to be my family. They have remained in that "sacred place" for me...and I love them all dearly. I learned the important lessons of life from Jane, sitting at her kitchen table. I still enjoy our table talks--but they just aren't frequent enough for me. There is so much to say about her...and I just can't tell it all right now.
Mrs. Tereasa Rollings: This woman has played so many important roles in my life. She has been a teacher, a mentor, a confidant, a consoler, an encourager, an advisor, and most of all, my terrific friend now for more than 30 years. She has played every role SUPERBLY! Every person needs a friend like Tereasa. And I'm glad that I have "mine."
Mrs. Faye Hardin: One of the three women who inspired me to become the musician that I am today--limited though it is. She was the church pianist for many years, always faithful and always tremendously talented. She and her husband Ray are some of the dearest friends that I've ever had. She's been the "mom" for me in many situations when I've needed someone to listen with their ears and their heart.
Mrs. Georgie Timmons: My precious "mom" out in West Texas. She, along with her husband Howard, became dear friends during my Air Force stint in Lubbock, TX. Now almost ten years after my leaving that area, we are still in touch. Georgie has helped pray me through some very difficult and challenging times. Her encouraging words, her heartfelt humor, and her gentle touch continue to refresh and inspire me--and just when I always need it the most.
Mrs. Gail Lemmert: I went to Undergraduate School with her son, Randy more than 20 years ago. She and I became good friends when I returned to Tennessee for graduate school. In so many ways she has encouraged, mentored, exhorted, and instructed me for the better. Her very life is one of tremendous wisdom, instruction, and grace. She is a true "mom" to me in many, many ways. And she isn't aware of most of them.
The wonderful ladies mean the world to me.
I want to wish them all a very "Happy Mothers' Day"
He just wanted to "help people..."
From the Boston Globe, as reported by the Nazarene News Service:
Salem, New Hampshire-(Boston Globe)
After a rocky adolescence, Robert Moscillo found a plan for his life: he wanted to become a pastor, he told family and friends, but first, he would have to attend college. To finance his education, the Salem, New Hampshire resident decided to join the military.
"He said that he found that God really did love him; it was a somewhat difficult thing for him to grasp," said Pastor Dennis M. Scott of Community Bible Fellowship Church of the Nazarene in Manchester. "But he did come to understand that God had a plan for his life."
Lance Corporal Moscillo, 21, who left for Iraq 10 weeks ago, was killed when his Humvee detonated a land mine Tuesday, May 2, his family said.
The Marine's death, which came after years of struggling to find himself, left Scott shaken. The pastor had cared for Moscillo for four years. "It's difficult for me to see this as part of God's plan," Scott said. "But God doesn't always reveal his plan to me."
Moscillo lived with Scott during his high school years, at the request of his mother, a struggling single parent who could not handle her rebellious son, said Scott.
Moscillo "saw it as a new beginning," Scott said.
For four years, Moscillo buckled down, mostly staying out of trouble and performing respectably at Salem High. Following his graduation, Moscillo again felt restless and adrift, Scott said. Again, Moscillo sought out the pastor's assistance and advice, ultimately finding direction and purpose in his spiritual life.
"He came to the point where he decided he needed to settle down and establish some priorities," Scott said. "He felt the Lord had been talking to him about becoming a pastor." Moscillo wanted to attend Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, then seminary, Scott said. The Marines would provide the financial means, but his duty in Iraq was not only an economic tool.
"He appreciated freedom and believed he was going to Iraq to help other people go free," Scott said.
At Camp Pendleton, California, where he went through boot camp, Moscillo was nicknamed "The Chaplain" for pushing his fellow Marines to attend church, his family said. He shipped out to Iraq on February 25. "We would ask him what he was doing over there," Jeffrey said. "He would always just laugh and say, 'I'd rather not get into it.'"
Moscillo leaves his father, Frank of Beverly, and his mother, Donna of Salem, as well as three siblings, Sandra and Joseph of Salem, and David, who is in Marine boot camp.
Scott last saw Moscillo in February, just days before he was to head for the war zone. "We talked about the possibility of his not coming back," Scott said. "And Bob said, 'I want to come back, but if I go to heaven, I'm ready.'"
--Boston Globe (Boston.com)
As a military veteran, this story has made me weep more than once in the last two days. Life is fragile, and we may not be here for very long. Let's pray for all of our troops.
Salem, New Hampshire-(Boston Globe)
After a rocky adolescence, Robert Moscillo found a plan for his life: he wanted to become a pastor, he told family and friends, but first, he would have to attend college. To finance his education, the Salem, New Hampshire resident decided to join the military.
"He said that he found that God really did love him; it was a somewhat difficult thing for him to grasp," said Pastor Dennis M. Scott of Community Bible Fellowship Church of the Nazarene in Manchester. "But he did come to understand that God had a plan for his life."
Lance Corporal Moscillo, 21, who left for Iraq 10 weeks ago, was killed when his Humvee detonated a land mine Tuesday, May 2, his family said.
The Marine's death, which came after years of struggling to find himself, left Scott shaken. The pastor had cared for Moscillo for four years. "It's difficult for me to see this as part of God's plan," Scott said. "But God doesn't always reveal his plan to me."
Moscillo lived with Scott during his high school years, at the request of his mother, a struggling single parent who could not handle her rebellious son, said Scott.
Moscillo "saw it as a new beginning," Scott said.
For four years, Moscillo buckled down, mostly staying out of trouble and performing respectably at Salem High. Following his graduation, Moscillo again felt restless and adrift, Scott said. Again, Moscillo sought out the pastor's assistance and advice, ultimately finding direction and purpose in his spiritual life.
"He came to the point where he decided he needed to settle down and establish some priorities," Scott said. "He felt the Lord had been talking to him about becoming a pastor." Moscillo wanted to attend Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, then seminary, Scott said. The Marines would provide the financial means, but his duty in Iraq was not only an economic tool.
"He appreciated freedom and believed he was going to Iraq to help other people go free," Scott said.
At Camp Pendleton, California, where he went through boot camp, Moscillo was nicknamed "The Chaplain" for pushing his fellow Marines to attend church, his family said. He shipped out to Iraq on February 25. "We would ask him what he was doing over there," Jeffrey said. "He would always just laugh and say, 'I'd rather not get into it.'"
Moscillo leaves his father, Frank of Beverly, and his mother, Donna of Salem, as well as three siblings, Sandra and Joseph of Salem, and David, who is in Marine boot camp.
Scott last saw Moscillo in February, just days before he was to head for the war zone. "We talked about the possibility of his not coming back," Scott said. "And Bob said, 'I want to come back, but if I go to heaven, I'm ready.'"
--Boston Globe (Boston.com)
As a military veteran, this story has made me weep more than once in the last two days. Life is fragile, and we may not be here for very long. Let's pray for all of our troops.
What a life! Dr David Horton goes to Heaven!
Received this email first thing when I arrived at my office today:
Dear Lee University alumni
There is deep sorrow on our campus this morning as we mourn the sudden loss of Dr. David Horton.
Dr. Horton suffered a fatal heart attack last night while in Nassau, Bahamas with his wife Virginia and the members of the Campus Choir. The Hortons and the choir were there for a week-long ministry tour following commencement.
If you attended Lee during the past thirty years -- or even if you didn't -- you know that David had a huge impact on our campus. He has been on our music faculty since the late 1960's, and he and Virginia traveled around the world with Lee students in music ministry.
He invested himself completely in the ministry of the Campus Choir, and was deeply loved by hundreds of students who were part of that group.
At this point (Tuesday morning), we are trying to sort out the details of getting everyone back home to campus, so there is no information yet on services to remember David.
We will send another email when we have information to share. But for now, I wanted you to know that the Lee family around the world has lost a brother and colleague who gave everything he had to Lee students.
Please join all of us here at Lee in prayer for Virginia, their son Jonathan, and the Campus Choir members still in Nassau.
Sadly,
Paul Conn
Needless to say, this was not the way I wanted to greet Tuesday morning at work. Yet, it is true, and my heart is deeply grieved.
I sang in Campus Choir under Dr Horton's direction for two years (1983-85). It was a tremendous learning experience, and a tremendous joy to be part of that group. David Horton had no problem rehearsing until it was "perfect." His love for music was only exceeded by his tremendous love for his wife Virginia and his only son, Jonathan. He supremely loved God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He always worshipped the Saviour.
Dr Horton had the generous and gracious spirit about him, regardless of where you would see him. Many times I can remember sitting in his office, and laughing about some of the wonderful things that happened on Choir tour, or during a rehearsal in the old "Brown Auditorium." I can remember when we encountered the LIVING GOD in those rehearsals....on more than one occasion.
No one could lead a congregation in singing "O Happy Day" like David Horton could. This gentle giant of a man completely embodied what it means to be a "worshipper in Spirit and in truth." More than once he might stop the singing, because he felt impressed of God to personally "speak a word" to someone the Lord would bring to mind.
I'm not sure just what I am feeling right now. I feel like crying, because of the loss that so many of us here on earth are feeling. I feel like rejoicing (even in pain) because David Horton is now safely in that "City whose Builder and Maker is God." I feel like worshipping God, because He allowed this marvelous man to serve Him, and to bless so many people in that same service of Jesus Christ.
For those who may see my blog, please remember his wife Virginia, and their son Jonathan, and all the many students and colleagues of David Horton at Lee University, where he was still teaching at the time of his passing on to glory.
Only what we do for Jesus will count. It's a constant reminder.
Dear Lee University alumni
There is deep sorrow on our campus this morning as we mourn the sudden loss of Dr. David Horton.
Dr. Horton suffered a fatal heart attack last night while in Nassau, Bahamas with his wife Virginia and the members of the Campus Choir. The Hortons and the choir were there for a week-long ministry tour following commencement.
If you attended Lee during the past thirty years -- or even if you didn't -- you know that David had a huge impact on our campus. He has been on our music faculty since the late 1960's, and he and Virginia traveled around the world with Lee students in music ministry.
He invested himself completely in the ministry of the Campus Choir, and was deeply loved by hundreds of students who were part of that group.
At this point (Tuesday morning), we are trying to sort out the details of getting everyone back home to campus, so there is no information yet on services to remember David.
We will send another email when we have information to share. But for now, I wanted you to know that the Lee family around the world has lost a brother and colleague who gave everything he had to Lee students.
Please join all of us here at Lee in prayer for Virginia, their son Jonathan, and the Campus Choir members still in Nassau.
Sadly,
Paul Conn
Needless to say, this was not the way I wanted to greet Tuesday morning at work. Yet, it is true, and my heart is deeply grieved.
I sang in Campus Choir under Dr Horton's direction for two years (1983-85). It was a tremendous learning experience, and a tremendous joy to be part of that group. David Horton had no problem rehearsing until it was "perfect." His love for music was only exceeded by his tremendous love for his wife Virginia and his only son, Jonathan. He supremely loved God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He always worshipped the Saviour.
Dr Horton had the generous and gracious spirit about him, regardless of where you would see him. Many times I can remember sitting in his office, and laughing about some of the wonderful things that happened on Choir tour, or during a rehearsal in the old "Brown Auditorium." I can remember when we encountered the LIVING GOD in those rehearsals....on more than one occasion.
No one could lead a congregation in singing "O Happy Day" like David Horton could. This gentle giant of a man completely embodied what it means to be a "worshipper in Spirit and in truth." More than once he might stop the singing, because he felt impressed of God to personally "speak a word" to someone the Lord would bring to mind.
I'm not sure just what I am feeling right now. I feel like crying, because of the loss that so many of us here on earth are feeling. I feel like rejoicing (even in pain) because David Horton is now safely in that "City whose Builder and Maker is God." I feel like worshipping God, because He allowed this marvelous man to serve Him, and to bless so many people in that same service of Jesus Christ.
For those who may see my blog, please remember his wife Virginia, and their son Jonathan, and all the many students and colleagues of David Horton at Lee University, where he was still teaching at the time of his passing on to glory.
Only what we do for Jesus will count. It's a constant reminder.
Get this Book.....quickly!
http://www.growinguppentecostal.com/
Retired pastor and author, J Stephen Conn has written a fascinating memoir entitled "Growing Up Pentecostal"--and it is a marvelous read.
I can't remember when I have laughed so hard, and felt like crying so often as when I was reading Steve's book.
His younger brother, Dr C. Paul Conn is the president of Lee University--of which both the author and myself are alumni.
I remember Conn's mother...and also remember when the Lord took her home to heaven almost ten years ago.
You can purchase this book from Amazon.com, or through Barnes and Noble's website. You can also follow the ordering instructions on Conn's website as well.
It is a truly TREMENDOUS book.
Even if you are not a Pentecostal!
Retired pastor and author, J Stephen Conn has written a fascinating memoir entitled "Growing Up Pentecostal"--and it is a marvelous read.
I can't remember when I have laughed so hard, and felt like crying so often as when I was reading Steve's book.
His younger brother, Dr C. Paul Conn is the president of Lee University--of which both the author and myself are alumni.
I remember Conn's mother...and also remember when the Lord took her home to heaven almost ten years ago.
You can purchase this book from Amazon.com, or through Barnes and Noble's website. You can also follow the ordering instructions on Conn's website as well.
It is a truly TREMENDOUS book.
Even if you are not a Pentecostal!
Let me welcome.....
My good friend Joe (and no, I'm not talking about the cup of Java that so many enjoy--this one is a real person.) who told me that he has been reading my blog.
Welcome, and feel free to make comments on any and every thing you read.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for being a real brother, and a real friend.
That means a great deal.
Welcome, and feel free to make comments on any and every thing you read.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for being a real brother, and a real friend.
That means a great deal.
Linda Turner...what a wonderful lady!
Back in 1972, I had to change schools. I had spent the first three years at Riverton School in rural Madison county, and due to some rezoning issues, I would no longer be attending Riverton School.
Now I would be riding the bus to Brownsboro School every day. My fourth grade year would be spent in an entirely new school, with new friends, and a new environment.
I was ready for the challenge.
I remember that first day of fourth grade as though it were yesterday. I walked down to the end of the hall of that small school building, and waiting at the door to greet me was the most beautiful, blonde lady I had ever seen. In the words of many a Southerner, she was just "gawjus..."
She work a lovely pink dress, white shoes, and had her hair pulled back in a pony-tail fashion.
Her name was Mrs Turner. This would be her first year teaching in Alabama, and what a year it would be!
Mrs Turner did many marvelous things during that school year! She introduced me to a new world of "reading"--I remember how she read "Charlotte's Web" to us during our "quiet period" every day for several weeks. I was fascinated by the story then...and am still fascinated by it now.
Mrs. Turner once bribed me to be "quiet"--okay, I was a talker...to put it mildly. She let me have an entire half hour recess if I would just be quiet for a certain period of time. She bought me popcorn, and an ice cream. I do remember that much.
I learned how to do Fractions...or should I say, I learned to be frustrated by "fractions" in Mrs. Turner's fourth grade class.
When my Grandfather Hoover was in the hospital, and was near death, this same wonderful teacher made sure that I had a way to get to school every day. Her generosity in this manner will always be remembered, and appreciated.
When I graduated from high school (1980), Mrs. Turner came to my graduation, and brought her two oldest sons, Matthew and Mark. She even wrote one of the letters of recommendation for me to get into college that fall.
We lost touch for several years, in that her husband Larry was transferred to Europe with his job, and the Turners were off to Deutschland for a long time.
I reconnected with Linda and Larry shortly after I entered the United States Air Force. We have managed to stay in touch ever since. When I moved from California to South Korea, Linda wrote me many precious letters of encouragement--letters that I still have somewhere amidst all the "stuff" in my home.
When I was getting ready to move from South Korea to Norway, Linda was good enough to help me make hotel reservations in New York City during the 18 hours of "layover" I would have in the Big Apple. This was all before "the world wide web" became a common phrase in the households of the world....or even just the United States. She was always supremely helpful in anything that I needed or asked for.
She's just that kind of lady.
My precious Grandmother Hoover departed this life in May 1992. I was stationed in Norway at the time, and was able to get back to Huntsville, Alabama about 10 days before she died. Shortly after my Grandmother's death, Linda contacted me to express her profound sympathies for me. She knew that my Grandmother meant the world to me.
On Thursday, when I went to the funeral home, Linda met me there. She was the first one there, and stayed for a very long time--she knew that I would need her there...But more than that, I knew that I would need her there! What a precious friend!
So fastforward to April 2006.
I had the marvelous privilege of spending an evening with Linda Turner, and her wonderful husband Larry. Her three children are all grown, and spread out all over the world. Her oldest Matt, lives and works in the Tuscaloosa, AL area. Her middle child Mark, is now stationed with the United States Embassy in Bejing, China as a State Department Diplomat. The youngest, Jack lives and works in the Nation's Capitol.
Linda and Larry have a very, very special place in my heart! I have always said that she was the absolute best teacher that I've ever had--bar none. And I still feel that way.
Any child would be honored and blest to have Linda as a teacher, and more importantly as a life-long friend.
This child certainly has been.
Now I would be riding the bus to Brownsboro School every day. My fourth grade year would be spent in an entirely new school, with new friends, and a new environment.
I was ready for the challenge.
I remember that first day of fourth grade as though it were yesterday. I walked down to the end of the hall of that small school building, and waiting at the door to greet me was the most beautiful, blonde lady I had ever seen. In the words of many a Southerner, she was just "gawjus..."
She work a lovely pink dress, white shoes, and had her hair pulled back in a pony-tail fashion.
Her name was Mrs Turner. This would be her first year teaching in Alabama, and what a year it would be!
Mrs Turner did many marvelous things during that school year! She introduced me to a new world of "reading"--I remember how she read "Charlotte's Web" to us during our "quiet period" every day for several weeks. I was fascinated by the story then...and am still fascinated by it now.
Mrs. Turner once bribed me to be "quiet"--okay, I was a talker...to put it mildly. She let me have an entire half hour recess if I would just be quiet for a certain period of time. She bought me popcorn, and an ice cream. I do remember that much.
I learned how to do Fractions...or should I say, I learned to be frustrated by "fractions" in Mrs. Turner's fourth grade class.
When my Grandfather Hoover was in the hospital, and was near death, this same wonderful teacher made sure that I had a way to get to school every day. Her generosity in this manner will always be remembered, and appreciated.
When I graduated from high school (1980), Mrs. Turner came to my graduation, and brought her two oldest sons, Matthew and Mark. She even wrote one of the letters of recommendation for me to get into college that fall.
We lost touch for several years, in that her husband Larry was transferred to Europe with his job, and the Turners were off to Deutschland for a long time.
I reconnected with Linda and Larry shortly after I entered the United States Air Force. We have managed to stay in touch ever since. When I moved from California to South Korea, Linda wrote me many precious letters of encouragement--letters that I still have somewhere amidst all the "stuff" in my home.
When I was getting ready to move from South Korea to Norway, Linda was good enough to help me make hotel reservations in New York City during the 18 hours of "layover" I would have in the Big Apple. This was all before "the world wide web" became a common phrase in the households of the world....or even just the United States. She was always supremely helpful in anything that I needed or asked for.
She's just that kind of lady.
My precious Grandmother Hoover departed this life in May 1992. I was stationed in Norway at the time, and was able to get back to Huntsville, Alabama about 10 days before she died. Shortly after my Grandmother's death, Linda contacted me to express her profound sympathies for me. She knew that my Grandmother meant the world to me.
On Thursday, when I went to the funeral home, Linda met me there. She was the first one there, and stayed for a very long time--she knew that I would need her there...But more than that, I knew that I would need her there! What a precious friend!
So fastforward to April 2006.
I had the marvelous privilege of spending an evening with Linda Turner, and her wonderful husband Larry. Her three children are all grown, and spread out all over the world. Her oldest Matt, lives and works in the Tuscaloosa, AL area. Her middle child Mark, is now stationed with the United States Embassy in Bejing, China as a State Department Diplomat. The youngest, Jack lives and works in the Nation's Capitol.
Linda and Larry have a very, very special place in my heart! I have always said that she was the absolute best teacher that I've ever had--bar none. And I still feel that way.
Any child would be honored and blest to have Linda as a teacher, and more importantly as a life-long friend.
This child certainly has been.
So all the "illegals" want to march on Monday?
The latest buzz on the news networks is that all of our "illegal" immigrants (and many of those supporting them) who think they have "divine rights" in these United States, are planning to have a massive, nationwide "March" on Monday, May 1, 2006.
Almost 300, 000 are expected to march right here in Chicago.
Many people (mostly immigrants, both legal and otherwise) are encouraging the Latinos (and other immigrants) to boycott work, school, and other obligations on Monday, so "their voices can be heard."
I am not a racist, and the farthest thing from ever being one. However:
If you want to have a peaceful demonstration....go ahead. And then, when you miss work, school, and your other obligations, then go peacefully to the Unemployment Office, and try to explain why you no longer have a job.
See if "those good people" buy your story.
I have a strong hunch they won't fall for it.
Almost 300, 000 are expected to march right here in Chicago.
Many people (mostly immigrants, both legal and otherwise) are encouraging the Latinos (and other immigrants) to boycott work, school, and other obligations on Monday, so "their voices can be heard."
I am not a racist, and the farthest thing from ever being one. However:
If you want to have a peaceful demonstration....go ahead. And then, when you miss work, school, and your other obligations, then go peacefully to the Unemployment Office, and try to explain why you no longer have a job.
See if "those good people" buy your story.
I have a strong hunch they won't fall for it.
"Dear Congressman"
Someone sent the following to me, and I thought it was very good....Judge for yourself:
________________________________
Dear Congressman:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family, and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements.
I know you can help with this. I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over?
Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying further down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico.
I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
_________________________________________
What a letter!
________________________________
Dear Congressman:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family, and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements.
I know you can help with this. I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over?
Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying further down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico.
I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
_________________________________________
What a letter!
Easter Sunday 2006: Great friends, Great food!
For the first time in many years, I celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in Huntsville, Alabama with friends and family.
My "sister" and "brother-in-law" (in quotations, only because we are not blood-related, but that doesn't matter after all these years) Marti and Anthony Stone invited me to worship with them at the First United Methodist Church of Huntsville. It was terrific. The Senior Pastor, Don Cross, preached an incredible message on the "Mysterious Ways of God"--it was profound.
I had never worshipped among this congregation, even though I had heard of them for years, and was very well aware of their location.
After lunch, the "clan" gathered at the home of Jim and Jane Pearson (Marti's mom). These two wonderful people have been "parents" to me in many ways for more than 20+ years now. I grew up in a trailor about 1.5 miles from them. The Pearsons continue to be the epitome of class, grace, and what it means to be all-around great people.
The meal was marvelous (as always in Jane's kitchen). Everything I know about "class and style" I learned in the home of Jane Pearson. I can thank her for everything I have learned about dignity, and "doing it right."
Later that evening, I was blest to see my good friend Rod Stansky. Rod and I have a friendship history that stretches more than twenty years also. We became friends while students at Lee College (now Lee University...www.leeuniversity.edu), and have remained friends over the years. I have known his parents for many years. His precious mother (Frances) never forgets my birthday, or any other special occasion. I can always count on a card, or a gift from she and her husband, Bernard.
Rod and I found our way to a TGI-Fridays, where we had a great meal (I paid, of course), and some wonderful conversation. Rod is one of those people that I can pour my heart out to, regardless of the subject matter. He and I have discussed things that I would never--not in a million years--even breathe to anyone else.
Few people have had the profound and strategic impact on my life that Rod has had over our many years of friendship. His sense of humor, his graciousness, and his open-heart continues to endear him to me, and many others.
So Easter 2006 was indeed a great day for me. It was a day of "Resurrection" in more ways than one.
My "sister" and "brother-in-law" (in quotations, only because we are not blood-related, but that doesn't matter after all these years) Marti and Anthony Stone invited me to worship with them at the First United Methodist Church of Huntsville. It was terrific. The Senior Pastor, Don Cross, preached an incredible message on the "Mysterious Ways of God"--it was profound.
I had never worshipped among this congregation, even though I had heard of them for years, and was very well aware of their location.
After lunch, the "clan" gathered at the home of Jim and Jane Pearson (Marti's mom). These two wonderful people have been "parents" to me in many ways for more than 20+ years now. I grew up in a trailor about 1.5 miles from them. The Pearsons continue to be the epitome of class, grace, and what it means to be all-around great people.
The meal was marvelous (as always in Jane's kitchen). Everything I know about "class and style" I learned in the home of Jane Pearson. I can thank her for everything I have learned about dignity, and "doing it right."
Later that evening, I was blest to see my good friend Rod Stansky. Rod and I have a friendship history that stretches more than twenty years also. We became friends while students at Lee College (now Lee University...www.leeuniversity.edu), and have remained friends over the years. I have known his parents for many years. His precious mother (Frances) never forgets my birthday, or any other special occasion. I can always count on a card, or a gift from she and her husband, Bernard.
Rod and I found our way to a TGI-Fridays, where we had a great meal (I paid, of course), and some wonderful conversation. Rod is one of those people that I can pour my heart out to, regardless of the subject matter. He and I have discussed things that I would never--not in a million years--even breathe to anyone else.
Few people have had the profound and strategic impact on my life that Rod has had over our many years of friendship. His sense of humor, his graciousness, and his open-heart continues to endear him to me, and many others.
So Easter 2006 was indeed a great day for me. It was a day of "Resurrection" in more ways than one.
Friday's Agenda: Great friends, Great food!
During my just completed vacation to Alabama, I had the priceless opportunity to reconnect with people who have meant a great deal to me over at least 3.5 decades.
Teresa Rollings (one of the five most important women in my life--then and now) was my High School Anatomy and Physiology teacher, as well as my Chemistry instructor. She won my heart in so many ways, and became that mentor, encourager, strengthener, and tremendous friend that EVERYONE needs when they are a confused high schooler. Now Tereasa is the High School Principal at Madison Academy in the Huntsville area. Here's a link to her:
http://www.macademy.org/administration/hs-principal.php
Tereasa and I had a wonderful lunch at this place called "Covington's" over in the downtown district of Huntsville. It was just delightful. We had many laughs, and a few tears. Tereasa is my hero in so many ways. She always will be.
That evening, my great friends Anthony and Marti (my sort-of adopted sister) Stone treated me to dinner in the city, and I can't remember when I have enjoyed dinner and conversation more than I did that evening. I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but we did sit outside on the patio, and it was marvelous. The cheese plate was scrumptious, and the entrees were terrific. Our server...dont' remember his name either...was a delight, and the conversation with him was load-lifting.
It seems like all I did that day was "eat."
Oh well, what are vacations for anyway?
Teresa Rollings (one of the five most important women in my life--then and now) was my High School Anatomy and Physiology teacher, as well as my Chemistry instructor. She won my heart in so many ways, and became that mentor, encourager, strengthener, and tremendous friend that EVERYONE needs when they are a confused high schooler. Now Tereasa is the High School Principal at Madison Academy in the Huntsville area. Here's a link to her:
http://www.macademy.org/administration/hs-principal.php
Tereasa and I had a wonderful lunch at this place called "Covington's" over in the downtown district of Huntsville. It was just delightful. We had many laughs, and a few tears. Tereasa is my hero in so many ways. She always will be.
That evening, my great friends Anthony and Marti (my sort-of adopted sister) Stone treated me to dinner in the city, and I can't remember when I have enjoyed dinner and conversation more than I did that evening. I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but we did sit outside on the patio, and it was marvelous. The cheese plate was scrumptious, and the entrees were terrific. Our server...dont' remember his name either...was a delight, and the conversation with him was load-lifting.
It seems like all I did that day was "eat."
Oh well, what are vacations for anyway?
Back HOME in Chicago!
For those of you who regularly "check my blog..." please forgive me for not writing a bit more frequently.
From April 13th through 23rd, I was not available to access my blog page, and create a new entry, detailing my "goings-on." So I'll try to recap some of the last ten days in this forum.
April 13th: Going back to Dixie
Thanks to the wonderful generosity of a wonderful family member, I was able to get on a flight from Chicago-O'Hare International Airport (at "O-dark thirty") and fly nonstop to Huntsville, Alabama--my place of birth, rearing, and coming of puberty, and somewhat adulthood.
Most of my biological and extended family still live in North Alabama..
I must say that it was "hotter than blazes" in the Huntsville area--and I knew it immediately.
I was wearing a long-sleeved pull over, and some jeans.
The minute I walked out of the aircraft into the Huntsville airport, I started "clutching" my throat, because of the heat. It was almost 90 degrees that day!
The pollen was swirling all over the place. The gorgeous flowers (or as the South Georgians would say, "Gawjus flairs") were blooming, and decorating the area with their fabulous colors.
And my precious grandmother, who will soon be 84 years old, was delighted to see her oldest grandson.
I was glad to see her also.
More to come.
From April 13th through 23rd, I was not available to access my blog page, and create a new entry, detailing my "goings-on." So I'll try to recap some of the last ten days in this forum.
April 13th: Going back to Dixie
Thanks to the wonderful generosity of a wonderful family member, I was able to get on a flight from Chicago-O'Hare International Airport (at "O-dark thirty") and fly nonstop to Huntsville, Alabama--my place of birth, rearing, and coming of puberty, and somewhat adulthood.
Most of my biological and extended family still live in North Alabama..
I must say that it was "hotter than blazes" in the Huntsville area--and I knew it immediately.
I was wearing a long-sleeved pull over, and some jeans.
The minute I walked out of the aircraft into the Huntsville airport, I started "clutching" my throat, because of the heat. It was almost 90 degrees that day!
The pollen was swirling all over the place. The gorgeous flowers (or as the South Georgians would say, "Gawjus flairs") were blooming, and decorating the area with their fabulous colors.
And my precious grandmother, who will soon be 84 years old, was delighted to see her oldest grandson.
I was glad to see her also.
More to come.
Pray for my friend David....
My friend David just lost his dad--unexpectedly, and very suddenly.
I don't know all the details, but I do know that David is pretty devastated with all that has happened in the last 48 hours. I know that he has a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, and that God will be his comfort, when all other means are either exhausted or have failed.
David lives a very full life as it is. He is an accomplished author, an occasional public speaker, and an otherwise working man--like so many of us.
Please pray for him.
I don't know all the details, but I do know that David is pretty devastated with all that has happened in the last 48 hours. I know that he has a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, and that God will be his comfort, when all other means are either exhausted or have failed.
David lives a very full life as it is. He is an accomplished author, an occasional public speaker, and an otherwise working man--like so many of us.
Please pray for him.
So, what should be done about the "immigrants"?
It seems that the "illegal immigrants" (also known as the "lawbreakers") in the United States are forcing the Federal, State, and Municipal government officials to finally pay attention to them and their plight.
Don't get me wrong here, though. I am still very much against placating anyone who insists on coming to this country illegally and then demanding rights and privileges to which they are not entitled.
I wonder just how much my grocery bill would increase if we deported all the "illegal immigrants"--since many of them harvest the crops for meager wages?
I wonder just how my life would change without 11+ million illegal immigrants inhabiting this land undocumented?
One cannot help but notice all the "marches" and all the ballyhooing from every corner of the nation.
But one cannot help but notice also that the "end" does not justify the means....and particularly not where legal residence in this country is concerned.
I have a few suggestions for those who want to come here and be treated with all the rights and privileges thereof:
1) Learn the English language. Teach your children to speak the language.
2) Fly the AMERICAN FLAG. If you are not in love with this country, I want to personally invite you to go back to a country that you are in love with enough to fly their flag.
3) Learn the customs and courtesies of the United States. Teach them to your children, and enforce them rigorously.
4) Insist that anyone who employs you FOLLOW THE LAWS of this land. You will do yourself and every other American a huge favor.
God bless the United States of America!
Don't get me wrong here, though. I am still very much against placating anyone who insists on coming to this country illegally and then demanding rights and privileges to which they are not entitled.
I wonder just how much my grocery bill would increase if we deported all the "illegal immigrants"--since many of them harvest the crops for meager wages?
I wonder just how my life would change without 11+ million illegal immigrants inhabiting this land undocumented?
One cannot help but notice all the "marches" and all the ballyhooing from every corner of the nation.
But one cannot help but notice also that the "end" does not justify the means....and particularly not where legal residence in this country is concerned.
I have a few suggestions for those who want to come here and be treated with all the rights and privileges thereof:
1) Learn the English language. Teach your children to speak the language.
2) Fly the AMERICAN FLAG. If you are not in love with this country, I want to personally invite you to go back to a country that you are in love with enough to fly their flag.
3) Learn the customs and courtesies of the United States. Teach them to your children, and enforce them rigorously.
4) Insist that anyone who employs you FOLLOW THE LAWS of this land. You will do yourself and every other American a huge favor.
God bless the United States of America!
When you are in Chicago...
Please visit these wonderful places:
For Sunday Morning worship: The Moody Church 1609 N LaSalle Street (at the tri-corner of Clark Street, North Avenue, and LaSalle Street). The website is: www.moodychurch.org
Senior Pastor, Dr Erwin Lutzer, and the saints at The Moody Church will give you a warm, hearty, and genuine welcome to be part of a historic congregation in the heart of the Windy City.
For a wonderful lunch:
The Signature Room on the 95th Floor of the John Hancock Building (North Michigan Avenue), the Buffet Lunch (Monday through Saturday) is about $18 and worth every penny of it. The fabulous view of the city alone is worth that price. And the food is scrumptious. And for really picky eaters, you can order from the menu.
And take the CTA buses and get a grand view of this spectacular city that I've called "home" now for almost six years.
Chicago: Home of the 2005 World Series Champion CHICAGO WHITE SOX!
For Sunday Morning worship: The Moody Church 1609 N LaSalle Street (at the tri-corner of Clark Street, North Avenue, and LaSalle Street). The website is: www.moodychurch.org
Senior Pastor, Dr Erwin Lutzer, and the saints at The Moody Church will give you a warm, hearty, and genuine welcome to be part of a historic congregation in the heart of the Windy City.
For a wonderful lunch:
The Signature Room on the 95th Floor of the John Hancock Building (North Michigan Avenue), the Buffet Lunch (Monday through Saturday) is about $18 and worth every penny of it. The fabulous view of the city alone is worth that price. And the food is scrumptious. And for really picky eaters, you can order from the menu.
And take the CTA buses and get a grand view of this spectacular city that I've called "home" now for almost six years.
Chicago: Home of the 2005 World Series Champion CHICAGO WHITE SOX!
Compassionate and Legal.....
With all the brouhaha about "illegal immigrants" and their so-called rights, I feel that I must weigh in on this one. I live in a largely Hispanic neighborhood here in Chicago, where I have bought my very first home. About 90% of my neighbors and the local businesses are Hispanic owned and operated. So I can speak somewhat knowledgeably about this issue. Here goes:
1) There is a RIGHT way to enter this country. Thousands enter this country the RIGHT way every year. And that rule should and MUST apply to everyone.
2) Anyone who enters this country illegally is breaking the laws of this land. We call that "crimes." Those are largely nonviolent crimes...but crimes nonetheless. And those crimes--and the people who commit them--should and must have consequences.
3) Businesses and employers who provide jobs (regardless of the wage structure of those jobs) to people who are not legally authorized to work in this country are committing crimes. Those crimes should and must have consequences as well. Regardless of who the employer is.
4) If someone wants to enter this country and become a permanent resident here, they should be STRONGLY encouraged to:
Learn the prevailing language of business and commerce: That would be ENGLISH.
Do everything possible to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.
Ensure that all family members/friends/etc understand that this is a nation of LAWS, and
those laws are not suggestions, nor arbitrary.
5) All 500,000 people who marched in Los Angeles last Saturday and Sunday are FREE to return to their "former countries" as far as I am concerned. If America is so great (and it is), then become an American, or at least come here legally. That means you will display the American flag when you are marching....not the Mexican flag, or from any other country. If you are so in love with your "native land"--then go back. It's that simple.
6) Our economy may take a few hits when we realize that obeying the labor laws is in our national interests both now and in the future. But the economy will rebound, and the nation will be better for it. As it stands now, we are setting ourselves up for a horrific tragedy from which we may never fully recover.
7) Our social and safety nets are there for a purpose. Empowering people to come and reside here illegally is NOT compassionate, socially responsible, or a good idea. We must become a people who respect the laws of this land again. And work to change those that are not compassionate, socially responsible or a good idea.
8) Every person who has ever come to this country LEGALLY from another land is being SLAPPED in the face by those who insist on coming here against the laws of this land. Tell the Pakistani taxi driver, or the Nigerian food service worker-- who has risked their lives to come here LEGALLY--that it can't be done. They have done it....Legally!
I am personally very tired of hearing about "we have the right to....." Because when you break the laws of the land, you have abdicated any privileges and rights that you may have otherwise eventually been able to obtain. No one has the right to break the IMMIGRATION laws of the United States of America, and get away with it.
It's that simple.
1) There is a RIGHT way to enter this country. Thousands enter this country the RIGHT way every year. And that rule should and MUST apply to everyone.
2) Anyone who enters this country illegally is breaking the laws of this land. We call that "crimes." Those are largely nonviolent crimes...but crimes nonetheless. And those crimes--and the people who commit them--should and must have consequences.
3) Businesses and employers who provide jobs (regardless of the wage structure of those jobs) to people who are not legally authorized to work in this country are committing crimes. Those crimes should and must have consequences as well. Regardless of who the employer is.
4) If someone wants to enter this country and become a permanent resident here, they should be STRONGLY encouraged to:
Learn the prevailing language of business and commerce: That would be ENGLISH.
Do everything possible to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.
Ensure that all family members/friends/etc understand that this is a nation of LAWS, and
those laws are not suggestions, nor arbitrary.
5) All 500,000 people who marched in Los Angeles last Saturday and Sunday are FREE to return to their "former countries" as far as I am concerned. If America is so great (and it is), then become an American, or at least come here legally. That means you will display the American flag when you are marching....not the Mexican flag, or from any other country. If you are so in love with your "native land"--then go back. It's that simple.
6) Our economy may take a few hits when we realize that obeying the labor laws is in our national interests both now and in the future. But the economy will rebound, and the nation will be better for it. As it stands now, we are setting ourselves up for a horrific tragedy from which we may never fully recover.
7) Our social and safety nets are there for a purpose. Empowering people to come and reside here illegally is NOT compassionate, socially responsible, or a good idea. We must become a people who respect the laws of this land again. And work to change those that are not compassionate, socially responsible or a good idea.
8) Every person who has ever come to this country LEGALLY from another land is being SLAPPED in the face by those who insist on coming here against the laws of this land. Tell the Pakistani taxi driver, or the Nigerian food service worker-- who has risked their lives to come here LEGALLY--that it can't be done. They have done it....Legally!
I am personally very tired of hearing about "we have the right to....." Because when you break the laws of the land, you have abdicated any privileges and rights that you may have otherwise eventually been able to obtain. No one has the right to break the IMMIGRATION laws of the United States of America, and get away with it.
It's that simple.
When It's All Said and Done....
A friend sent this to me a few days ago:
_________________________________
Ben Stein's Last Column...
For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column called "Monday
Night At Morton's." (Morton's is a famous chain of Steakhouses known to be
frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now,
Ben is terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading
his final column is worth a few minutes of your time.
============================================
How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World?
As I begin to write this, I "slug" it, as we writers say, which means I
put a heading on top of the document to identify it. This heading is
"e-online FINAL," and it gives me a shiver to write it. I have been doing
this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started. I loved
writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end.
It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and
the world's change have overtaken it. On a small scale, Morton's, while
better than ever, no longer attracts as many stars as it used to. It still
brings in the rich people in droves and definitely some stars. I saw
Samuel L. Jackson there a few days ago, and we had a nice visit, and right before
that, I saw and had a splendid talk with Warren Beatty in an elevator, in
which we agreed that Splendor in the Grass was a super movie. But Morton's
is not the star galaxy it once was, though it probably will be again.
Beyond that, a bigger change has happened. I no longer think Hollywood
stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and
they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who
makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a
camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to.
How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane
luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a "star" we mean someone
bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? Real stars are not
riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained
in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese
girls do their nails.
They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any
longer. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked
his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met
by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam
Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world.
A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a
road north of Baghdad. He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him.
A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S.
soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded
ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her
aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family
desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad.
The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish
weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two
of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for
the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists.
We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our
magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay
but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and
near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die.
I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor
values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that
who is eating at Morton's is a big subject.
There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament...the policemen
and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they
will return alive; the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who
have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery; the teachers and
nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children;
the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards.
Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World
Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a
real hero.
I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that
matters. This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another
way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier
or as good a comic as Steve Martin...or Martin Mull or Fred Willard--or as
good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald.
Or even remotely close to any of them.
But I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to my wife and, above
all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to
be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well
with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister's help). I cared
for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my
father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then entered
immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms.
This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers
in Iraq or the firefighters in New York. I came to realize that life lived
to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in
return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has
placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human.
Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.
By Ben Stein
>
_________________________________
Ben Stein's Last Column...
For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column called "Monday
Night At Morton's." (Morton's is a famous chain of Steakhouses known to be
frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now,
Ben is terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading
his final column is worth a few minutes of your time.
============================================
How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World?
As I begin to write this, I "slug" it, as we writers say, which means I
put a heading on top of the document to identify it. This heading is
"e-online FINAL," and it gives me a shiver to write it. I have been doing
this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started. I loved
writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end.
It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and
the world's change have overtaken it. On a small scale, Morton's, while
better than ever, no longer attracts as many stars as it used to. It still
brings in the rich people in droves and definitely some stars. I saw
Samuel L. Jackson there a few days ago, and we had a nice visit, and right before
that, I saw and had a splendid talk with Warren Beatty in an elevator, in
which we agreed that Splendor in the Grass was a super movie. But Morton's
is not the star galaxy it once was, though it probably will be again.
Beyond that, a bigger change has happened. I no longer think Hollywood
stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and
they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who
makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a
camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to.
How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane
luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a "star" we mean someone
bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? Real stars are not
riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained
in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese
girls do their nails.
They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any
longer. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked
his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met
by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam
Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world.
A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a
road north of Baghdad. He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him.
A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S.
soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded
ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her
aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family
desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad.
The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish
weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two
of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for
the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists.
We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our
magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay
but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and
near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die.
I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor
values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that
who is eating at Morton's is a big subject.
There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament...the policemen
and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they
will return alive; the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who
have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery; the teachers and
nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children;
the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards.
Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World
Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a
real hero.
I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that
matters. This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another
way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier
or as good a comic as Steve Martin...or Martin Mull or Fred Willard--or as
good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald.
Or even remotely close to any of them.
But I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to my wife and, above
all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to
be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well
with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister's help). I cared
for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my
father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then entered
immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms.
This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers
in Iraq or the firefighters in New York. I came to realize that life lived
to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in
return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has
placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human.
Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.
By Ben Stein
>
Happy Birthday to me!
There are few days in the calendar year that I expect someone to make a FUSS over me.
But my birthday is always one of them.
I was born on this date, 44 years ago in Huntsville, Alabama--and whew, what a ride it has been!
God has been good to me.
But my birthday is always one of them.
I was born on this date, 44 years ago in Huntsville, Alabama--and whew, what a ride it has been!
God has been good to me.
The Power of Words....
The last four months have been very difficult for me--on many different levels.
I've experienced firsthand the power of words to bless and heal, and conversely, the power of words to injure, wound, and destroy.
A man who was my pastor for more than 3 years called me some names that were not only unchristian, but untrue. I've not had a conversation with him now in almost four months. When he was confronted by another brother concerning this situation, this pastor claimed unmitigated innocence. Claiming to "love me"--but betraying those very claims with his own words. Those are the words that injure, wound, and destroy.
But a precious friend here continues to remind me of how very loved and special that I am--to their family and to God and His family. Those are the power of "healing words."
I want to use those "healing words" whenever and wherever possible.
I've experienced firsthand the power of words to bless and heal, and conversely, the power of words to injure, wound, and destroy.
A man who was my pastor for more than 3 years called me some names that were not only unchristian, but untrue. I've not had a conversation with him now in almost four months. When he was confronted by another brother concerning this situation, this pastor claimed unmitigated innocence. Claiming to "love me"--but betraying those very claims with his own words. Those are the words that injure, wound, and destroy.
But a precious friend here continues to remind me of how very loved and special that I am--to their family and to God and His family. Those are the power of "healing words."
I want to use those "healing words" whenever and wherever possible.
HEROES.....think about this...
The Bluegrass/Southern Gospel family group, The Isaacs (www.theisaacs.com) wrote and recorded a marvelous song a couple of years ago. It's called "Heroes."
This wonderful song talks about the "real heroes" in American society: those people who care for children with special needs--physical, emotional, and spiritual.
My next door neighbor is a single mom with a special needs child. He just turned 13 years old a few months ago...yet my neighbor loves his dearly. This song is for her:
Momma combs his hair and Daddy helps him brush his teeth
Day after day for thirty years the same routine
The special needs he lives with make life seem so unfair
But he thanks God every day
Because he knows Mom and Dad are there..
He's a hero and she's a hero
It doesn't matter that nobody knows their name
They keep on giving to make life worth living
Might go unnoticed but they're heroes just the same
They tried for many years to have a baby of their own
But God knew a little girl who didn't have a home
Someone else's burden was their blessing in disguise
And now she's got a Mom and Daddy
there to hold her when she cries
Every single parent who must carry twice the load
And those who sacrifice to raise a child that's not their own
They dedicate their time
to make a difference in someone else's life
And in my eyes...
He's a hero, and she's a hero..
Does'nt matter if anyone knows their names....
They might go unnoticed but they're heroes just the same.
Ain't it the truth?
This wonderful song talks about the "real heroes" in American society: those people who care for children with special needs--physical, emotional, and spiritual.
My next door neighbor is a single mom with a special needs child. He just turned 13 years old a few months ago...yet my neighbor loves his dearly. This song is for her:
Momma combs his hair and Daddy helps him brush his teeth
Day after day for thirty years the same routine
The special needs he lives with make life seem so unfair
But he thanks God every day
Because he knows Mom and Dad are there..
He's a hero and she's a hero
It doesn't matter that nobody knows their name
They keep on giving to make life worth living
Might go unnoticed but they're heroes just the same
They tried for many years to have a baby of their own
But God knew a little girl who didn't have a home
Someone else's burden was their blessing in disguise
And now she's got a Mom and Daddy
there to hold her when she cries
Every single parent who must carry twice the load
And those who sacrifice to raise a child that's not their own
They dedicate their time
to make a difference in someone else's life
And in my eyes...
He's a hero, and she's a hero..
Does'nt matter if anyone knows their names....
They might go unnoticed but they're heroes just the same.
Ain't it the truth?
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