My friend Kevin Bussey (www.kevinbussey.wordpress.com) in his blog "Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee" asked a very profound question last week. One of his posts was entitled "What Happened to My Brady Bunch World?"
And now, more than ever, that is a very real and relevant question.
As the events of recent days have so drastically have reminded us, this world (and those of us who still inhabit it) have a problem with "pain." I can't begin to imagine what the people connected to Virginia Tech must be experiencing now--and the level of pain they must endure.
I can't begin to imagine how those families who lost loved ones and friends in the Twin Towers tragedy (almost 6 years ago now) must have felt then, and must still be feeling.
But I can say that I have not been immune to pain in my own life. I have known the pain of being abandoned as a baby, and being raised without parents. And even though I wasn't aware of the pain at the time, I did feel it's realities some years later.
I have known the pain of being betrayed by family members, and being abused by those whom you trusted. It's no fun, but that didn't stop it from happening.
I have known the pain of being betrayed by friends whom you knew would be there--and for some reason they weren't. And I've been guilty of doing the same thing, sadly enough.
But, as I look back on the incidents of "pain"--I'm reminded of what the Apostle Paul said to the Christians in Corinth, when he referred to all the "pain" in his life and ministry as "these light afflictions."
I'm very thankful that "this world" is not all that we have, or can look forward to in the future. I'm eternally grateful for the promise that we can indeed hold a title to the "City Whose Builder and Maker is God."
The writer of Hebrews tells us of God's people who endured all kinds of things (Chapter 11), and he/she ends that particular thought with these profound, sobering words: "of whom the world was not worthy...."
Oh, that my life and moreso, my outlook on life, would be like that!
A marvelous hymn that I learned many, many years ago has these precious words:
"Some through the water
Some through the flood
Some through the fire
But all through the blood.
Some through great sorrow
But God gives the song,
In the night season
And all the day long."
It's those very precious "songs in the night" that reminds me that God knows, feels, and understands my pain.
Even when it's self-inflicted (but that's an entirely separate post).
But any pain that I might feel could never compare to what a miracle-working, humble, generous man felt one day more than 2000 years ago when he stood on a lonely hill outside Jerusalem and cried. He was on a Cross. He felt forsaken and alone.
But even in His pain, He took the criminal on one side of His cross to Paradise that very day.
He never denied His own pain. But He never let it stop Him from doing what had to be done.
That man, Jesus Christ, made a way for me to endure the pain, by enduring His own pain. He made a way for me to see "beyond the pain" because He saw beyond His own.
The words of John the Revelator says it so well..."I John saw the holy city....no more pain, nor sorrow...."
I look forward to that time. Really, I do.
But until then....
When it doesn't make "sense"
Like the rest of this nation--and indeed a large part of the world--I was horrified by the needless slaughter of 32 people at Virginia Polytechnical University in Blacksburg, VA yesterday.
The gunman, a young 23-year old Senior, killed 32 people before ending his own life. How terribly tragic!
Even now as I am watching the "Convocation" on television, I am profoundly saddened by what has happened almost a thousand miles from me here in the Windy City.
Last night, Charlie Gibson (anchor of World News Tonight) just about brought me to tears. He always ends his "half hour" with the words: "I hope you've had a good day." But last night he couldn't end his broadcast that way. He simply said, "I wish it had been a good day, but it wasn't.." He seemed to choke up, and so did I.
The Governor of Virginia flew back from a trade mission in Japan just to be with "his people" in Virginia. In the broadcast a few minutes ago, he practically preached a gospel message in the midst of all this unspeakable sorrow. He reminded the gathered students, faculty and friends--along with the rest of the world--that the pain felt in this community and in this nation, reminds us of the pain of God's Son who cried from a lonely hill, "My God, My God why have You forsaken Me?"
What a powerful, powerful reminder.
Let's keep this nation in prayer. We desperately need it.
The gunman, a young 23-year old Senior, killed 32 people before ending his own life. How terribly tragic!
Even now as I am watching the "Convocation" on television, I am profoundly saddened by what has happened almost a thousand miles from me here in the Windy City.
Last night, Charlie Gibson (anchor of World News Tonight) just about brought me to tears. He always ends his "half hour" with the words: "I hope you've had a good day." But last night he couldn't end his broadcast that way. He simply said, "I wish it had been a good day, but it wasn't.." He seemed to choke up, and so did I.
The Governor of Virginia flew back from a trade mission in Japan just to be with "his people" in Virginia. In the broadcast a few minutes ago, he practically preached a gospel message in the midst of all this unspeakable sorrow. He reminded the gathered students, faculty and friends--along with the rest of the world--that the pain felt in this community and in this nation, reminds us of the pain of God's Son who cried from a lonely hill, "My God, My God why have You forsaken Me?"
What a powerful, powerful reminder.
Let's keep this nation in prayer. We desperately need it.
This is EXACTLY how I feel...
Thanks to CNN for posting this commentary. And this is pretty much how I feel about the whole "world of politics" right now....and how Christ-followers should relate:
________________________________________
Editor's note: Roland Martin is a CNN contributor and talk-show host on WVON-AM in Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of "Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith."
NEW YORK (CNN) -- When did it come to the point that being a Christian meant only caring about two issues, abortion and homosexuality? Ask the nonreligious what being a Christian today means, and based on what we see and read, it's a good bet they will say that followers of Jesus Christ are preoccupied with those two points.
Poverty? Whatever.
Homelessness? An afterthought.
A widening gap between the have and have-nots? Immaterial.
Divorce? The divorce rate of Christians mirrors the national average, so that's no big deal.
The point is that being a Christian should be about more than abortion and homosexuality, and it's high time that those not considered a part of the religious right expose the hypocrisy of our brothers and sisters in Christianity and take back the faith. And those on the left who believe they have a "get out of sin free" card must not be allowed to justify their actions.
Many people believe we are engaged in a holy war. And we are. But it's not with Muslims. The real war -- the silent war -- is being engaged among Christians, and that's what we must set our sights on.
As we celebrate Holy Week, our focus is on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But aren't we also to recommit ourselves to live more like Jesus? Did Jesus spend his time focusing on all that he didn't like, or did Jesus raise the consciousness of the people to understand love, compassion and teach them about following the will of God?
As a layman studying to receive a master's in Christian communications, and the husband of an ordained minister, it's troubling to listen to "Christian radio" and hear the kind of hate spewing out of the mouths of my brothers and sisters in the faith. In fact, I've grown tired of people who pimp God. That's right; we have a litany of individuals today who are holy, holy, holy, sing hallelujah, talk about how they love the Lord, but when it's time to walk the walk, somehow the spirit evaporates.
A couple of years ago I took exception to an e-mail blast from the Concerned Women for America. The group was angry that Democrats were blocking certain judges put up for the federal bench by President Bush. It called on Americans to fight Democrats who wanted to keep Christians off the bench. So I called and sent an e-mail asking, "So, where were you when President Clinton appointed Christian judges to the bench? Were they truly behind Christian judges, or Republican Christian judges?
Surprise, surprise. There was never a response.
An African-American pastor I know in the Midwest was asked by a group of mostly white clergy to march in an anti-abortion rally. He was fine with that, but then asked the clergy if they would work with him to fight crack houses in predominantly black neighborhoods.
"That's really your problem," he was told. They saw abortion as a moral imperative, but not a community ravaged by crack.
If abortion and gay marriage are part of the Christian agenda, I have no issue with that. Those are moral issues that should be of importance to people of the faith, but the agenda should be much, much broader.
I'm looking for the day when Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Joyce Meyer, James Dobson, Tony Perkins, James Kennedy, Rod Parsley, " Patriot Pastors" and Rick Warren will sit at the same table as Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Cynthia Hale, Eddie L. Long, James Meek, Fred Price, Emmanuel Cleaver and Floyd Flake to establish a call to arms on racism, AIDS, police brutality, a national health care policy, our sorry education system.
If they all say they love and worship one God, one Jesus, let's see them rally their members behind one agenda.
I stand here today not as a Republican or a liberal. And don't bother calling me a Democrat or a conservative.
I am a man, an African-American man who has professed that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that's to whom I bow down. If you concur, it's time to stop allowing a chosen few to speak for the masses.
Quit letting them define the agenda.
So put on the full armor of God because we have work to do.
________________________________________
Editor's note: Roland Martin is a CNN contributor and talk-show host on WVON-AM in Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of "Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith."
NEW YORK (CNN) -- When did it come to the point that being a Christian meant only caring about two issues, abortion and homosexuality? Ask the nonreligious what being a Christian today means, and based on what we see and read, it's a good bet they will say that followers of Jesus Christ are preoccupied with those two points.
Poverty? Whatever.
Homelessness? An afterthought.
A widening gap between the have and have-nots? Immaterial.
Divorce? The divorce rate of Christians mirrors the national average, so that's no big deal.
The point is that being a Christian should be about more than abortion and homosexuality, and it's high time that those not considered a part of the religious right expose the hypocrisy of our brothers and sisters in Christianity and take back the faith. And those on the left who believe they have a "get out of sin free" card must not be allowed to justify their actions.
Many people believe we are engaged in a holy war. And we are. But it's not with Muslims. The real war -- the silent war -- is being engaged among Christians, and that's what we must set our sights on.
As we celebrate Holy Week, our focus is on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But aren't we also to recommit ourselves to live more like Jesus? Did Jesus spend his time focusing on all that he didn't like, or did Jesus raise the consciousness of the people to understand love, compassion and teach them about following the will of God?
As a layman studying to receive a master's in Christian communications, and the husband of an ordained minister, it's troubling to listen to "Christian radio" and hear the kind of hate spewing out of the mouths of my brothers and sisters in the faith. In fact, I've grown tired of people who pimp God. That's right; we have a litany of individuals today who are holy, holy, holy, sing hallelujah, talk about how they love the Lord, but when it's time to walk the walk, somehow the spirit evaporates.
A couple of years ago I took exception to an e-mail blast from the Concerned Women for America. The group was angry that Democrats were blocking certain judges put up for the federal bench by President Bush. It called on Americans to fight Democrats who wanted to keep Christians off the bench. So I called and sent an e-mail asking, "So, where were you when President Clinton appointed Christian judges to the bench? Were they truly behind Christian judges, or Republican Christian judges?
Surprise, surprise. There was never a response.
An African-American pastor I know in the Midwest was asked by a group of mostly white clergy to march in an anti-abortion rally. He was fine with that, but then asked the clergy if they would work with him to fight crack houses in predominantly black neighborhoods.
"That's really your problem," he was told. They saw abortion as a moral imperative, but not a community ravaged by crack.
If abortion and gay marriage are part of the Christian agenda, I have no issue with that. Those are moral issues that should be of importance to people of the faith, but the agenda should be much, much broader.
I'm looking for the day when Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Joyce Meyer, James Dobson, Tony Perkins, James Kennedy, Rod Parsley, " Patriot Pastors" and Rick Warren will sit at the same table as Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Cynthia Hale, Eddie L. Long, James Meek, Fred Price, Emmanuel Cleaver and Floyd Flake to establish a call to arms on racism, AIDS, police brutality, a national health care policy, our sorry education system.
If they all say they love and worship one God, one Jesus, let's see them rally their members behind one agenda.
I stand here today not as a Republican or a liberal. And don't bother calling me a Democrat or a conservative.
I am a man, an African-American man who has professed that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that's to whom I bow down. If you concur, it's time to stop allowing a chosen few to speak for the masses.
Quit letting them define the agenda.
So put on the full armor of God because we have work to do.
Does John MacArthur like anyone?
In his current volume The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception, Pastor/teacher John MacArthur (Grace Church of Sun Valley, California) goes after the "Emerging church" folks this time.
Let me recap for all those who may not be familiar with John MacArthur's past publications:
In the late 70s/early 80s, he wrote a book called Those Charismatics. In this volume, MacArthur (who pastors a mega-church in Southern California) basically blasted, with skewed information I might add, all those in the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles with whom he disagreed. He went after practically everyone...few, if any remained unscathed.
In the mid-1990s, he republished his book (with some much needed editorial revisions) under the title Charismatic Chaos. This effort didn't even deserve a yawn--much less a read.
Now he seems to have nothing better to do than go after Rob Bell (Velvet Elvis fame) and anyone else who dares to reach people with Gospel of Jesus Christ using methods other than what he has used over the last forty years.
He really should be ashamed of himself. Really, he should.
Confession time here.
When I was in college, I absolutely LOVED John MacArthur's daily broadcast "Grace to You." As a matter of fact I have several of his books from way back then, and I still enjoy re-reading them. His commentary series has been very helpful in many ways as well.
But, my question remains. Does John MacArthur like anything or anyone that doesn't "do it his way"?
I'm not sure. But I wish he would document why he doesn't like all these people?
What will MacArthur say when he gets to glory and see all these people who have come to saving faith in Christ because of these ministries?
Let me recap for all those who may not be familiar with John MacArthur's past publications:
In the late 70s/early 80s, he wrote a book called Those Charismatics. In this volume, MacArthur (who pastors a mega-church in Southern California) basically blasted, with skewed information I might add, all those in the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles with whom he disagreed. He went after practically everyone...few, if any remained unscathed.
In the mid-1990s, he republished his book (with some much needed editorial revisions) under the title Charismatic Chaos. This effort didn't even deserve a yawn--much less a read.
Now he seems to have nothing better to do than go after Rob Bell (Velvet Elvis fame) and anyone else who dares to reach people with Gospel of Jesus Christ using methods other than what he has used over the last forty years.
He really should be ashamed of himself. Really, he should.
Confession time here.
When I was in college, I absolutely LOVED John MacArthur's daily broadcast "Grace to You." As a matter of fact I have several of his books from way back then, and I still enjoy re-reading them. His commentary series has been very helpful in many ways as well.
But, my question remains. Does John MacArthur like anything or anyone that doesn't "do it his way"?
I'm not sure. But I wish he would document why he doesn't like all these people?
What will MacArthur say when he gets to glory and see all these people who have come to saving faith in Christ because of these ministries?
Best Barbeque Sauce I've ever tasted!
http://mcclards.com/
I first encountered the wonderful, wonderful food of McClard's BBQ about 14 years ago when I was visiting friends in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Brad and Jennifer (my hosts) decided that we needed to go camping over near the lake. We did...and we also stopped at McClard's for dinner that night.
Without a doubt, it is the BEST barbeque I've ever put in my mouth...hands down!
Fast forward some 13 years, and one of my students came in for some academic advising one day...and mentioned that he was from Hot Springs, Arkansas...and I mentioned McClard's. His jaw just about hit the floor!
I went online, and ordered several bottles of their wonderful BBQ sauce, and it was delivered via UPS less than a week later.
Oh the joy those bottles of barbeque sauce brought to my soul! And my stomach!
I've just re-ordered, and this time I bought a case!
I also called the owner of McClard's and told him of my great joy in his products. He was delighted to hear of my satisfaction and glee with their "family tradition."
Please check out their website, and visit their online store. Order some of that BBQ sauce, you will certainly be glad that you did!
It's worth ever delicious ounce.
I first encountered the wonderful, wonderful food of McClard's BBQ about 14 years ago when I was visiting friends in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Brad and Jennifer (my hosts) decided that we needed to go camping over near the lake. We did...and we also stopped at McClard's for dinner that night.
Without a doubt, it is the BEST barbeque I've ever put in my mouth...hands down!
Fast forward some 13 years, and one of my students came in for some academic advising one day...and mentioned that he was from Hot Springs, Arkansas...and I mentioned McClard's. His jaw just about hit the floor!
I went online, and ordered several bottles of their wonderful BBQ sauce, and it was delivered via UPS less than a week later.
Oh the joy those bottles of barbeque sauce brought to my soul! And my stomach!
I've just re-ordered, and this time I bought a case!
I also called the owner of McClard's and told him of my great joy in his products. He was delighted to hear of my satisfaction and glee with their "family tradition."
Please check out their website, and visit their online store. Order some of that BBQ sauce, you will certainly be glad that you did!
It's worth ever delicious ounce.
Rosie O'Donnell...just be quiet, please!
Rosie,
I must confess that I loved your show some 13-14 years ago. I thought you were funny, informative, and very entertaining.
I even defended your right to publicly proclaim your status as a "lesbian" in an interview with Diane Sawyer some four years ago on a Primetime Special. I do not agree with your "stance", but I defended your right to be an adoptive parent, and to provide the safety and security for children whom you have chosen to give a home.
But you have obviously crossed the line over the last year or two.
You have singlehandedly managed to offend every military person in this country--active duty and veteran. You are entitled to your opinions concerning policies coming out of Washington, just like every good American is entitled to theirs.
You are not entitled to insult people of faith with whom you disagree. Those same people are not entitled to insult you either. They may vehemently disagree with you. And most of us do.
But please, be quiet for a while. Take a long vacation.
A very long one.
I must confess that I loved your show some 13-14 years ago. I thought you were funny, informative, and very entertaining.
I even defended your right to publicly proclaim your status as a "lesbian" in an interview with Diane Sawyer some four years ago on a Primetime Special. I do not agree with your "stance", but I defended your right to be an adoptive parent, and to provide the safety and security for children whom you have chosen to give a home.
But you have obviously crossed the line over the last year or two.
You have singlehandedly managed to offend every military person in this country--active duty and veteran. You are entitled to your opinions concerning policies coming out of Washington, just like every good American is entitled to theirs.
You are not entitled to insult people of faith with whom you disagree. Those same people are not entitled to insult you either. They may vehemently disagree with you. And most of us do.
But please, be quiet for a while. Take a long vacation.
A very long one.
Dealing with "abandonment" issues.
For those of you who may not know me, I want to divulge a small part of my personal history. I was abandoned by my parents, shortly after I was born. My biological mother and father abandoned each other (eventually divorcing) and thus, abandoned me. I was less than a year old.
Even though my wonderful Grandmother Hoover raised me--and did a marvelous job--with lots of help from the "village" I still feel "abandoned" at times.
These feelings/issues/emotions are not constant...but they are recurring, and usually at the most "inconvenient" times. But when is "abandonment" ever a 'convenient' emotion?
In doing a self-analysis, I am beginning to think that my subconscious fear of being "abandoned" is one of the reasons that I've never married, nor even seriously dated (in a long time). It's not that I don't trust anyone--I just don't want to put myself into a place where I could be abandoned again--by anyone.
I've read and am re-reading Gordon Dalby's marvelous book Healing the Masculine Soul realizing that my own soul does need some "serious" healing. The sooner the better.
And when I think about what "abandonment" really is, and all the "issues" involved, it can be pretty overwhelming. Some of the "issues" are intimacy, relationships, finances, stability, productivity, and even spirituality. And I'm beginning to believe that I've not even scratched the surface.
My saving grace is that Christ has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. I can count on that. Even when other people have.
Even though my wonderful Grandmother Hoover raised me--and did a marvelous job--with lots of help from the "village" I still feel "abandoned" at times.
These feelings/issues/emotions are not constant...but they are recurring, and usually at the most "inconvenient" times. But when is "abandonment" ever a 'convenient' emotion?
In doing a self-analysis, I am beginning to think that my subconscious fear of being "abandoned" is one of the reasons that I've never married, nor even seriously dated (in a long time). It's not that I don't trust anyone--I just don't want to put myself into a place where I could be abandoned again--by anyone.
I've read and am re-reading Gordon Dalby's marvelous book Healing the Masculine Soul realizing that my own soul does need some "serious" healing. The sooner the better.
And when I think about what "abandonment" really is, and all the "issues" involved, it can be pretty overwhelming. Some of the "issues" are intimacy, relationships, finances, stability, productivity, and even spirituality. And I'm beginning to believe that I've not even scratched the surface.
My saving grace is that Christ has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. I can count on that. Even when other people have.
Words for today
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don't ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that's a picture of the "prosperous life." At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.
Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.
Don't let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, "God is trying to trip me up." God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one's way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.
So, my very dear friends, don't get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.
Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.
But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.
Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don't ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that's a picture of the "prosperous life." At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.
Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.
Don't let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, "God is trying to trip me up." God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one's way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.
So, my very dear friends, don't get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.
Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.
But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.
Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.
Attorney General Gonzales: Resign, please!
Mr Attorney General,
You have done some great things in your professional life. You educated yourself, became a very successful attorney in Texas, and was even on the Texas State Supreme Court. You were asked to come to Washington DC with all the other Bush clan in 2001. You worked in the White House, and you were nominated to be the Attorney General of the United States.
In the last few months, you have lost complete control of the Department of Justice, which you were confirmed to run. You have no idea what your staff has been doing. You allowed eight good United States Attorneys to be fired--and really for no apparent reason--other than politics.
You have been "asleep at the wheel."
It's time for you to go.
You made a fool of yourself in Chicago yesterday, by walking out of a press conference that was supposed to last for 15 minutes. You cut it short at 3 minutes...
That's neither adult nor professional.
If George W Bush doesn't have the fortitude to ask for your resignation, you should offer it...and do it today. Don't take "no" for an answer.
Go back to Texas, set up a law practice, and make the big bucks.
You have continually proven you are in over your head at the Department of Justice.
Do the honorable thing now: Resign!
You have done some great things in your professional life. You educated yourself, became a very successful attorney in Texas, and was even on the Texas State Supreme Court. You were asked to come to Washington DC with all the other Bush clan in 2001. You worked in the White House, and you were nominated to be the Attorney General of the United States.
In the last few months, you have lost complete control of the Department of Justice, which you were confirmed to run. You have no idea what your staff has been doing. You allowed eight good United States Attorneys to be fired--and really for no apparent reason--other than politics.
You have been "asleep at the wheel."
It's time for you to go.
You made a fool of yourself in Chicago yesterday, by walking out of a press conference that was supposed to last for 15 minutes. You cut it short at 3 minutes...
That's neither adult nor professional.
If George W Bush doesn't have the fortitude to ask for your resignation, you should offer it...and do it today. Don't take "no" for an answer.
Go back to Texas, set up a law practice, and make the big bucks.
You have continually proven you are in over your head at the Department of Justice.
Do the honorable thing now: Resign!
Parents, please raise your children!
I was abandoned by my parents when I was just an infant. They abandoned each other--and then abandoned me.
My paternal Grandmother raised me, for all intents and purposes. She had already raised 10 children of her own, and was caring for her invalid husband (my Grandfather). She should have been able to enjoy the "golden years." But alas, she wasn't afforded that opportunity.
I grew up in abject poverty: no designer gym shoes, $200 jeans, iPods, computers, or any of the other stuff that "teenagers" take for granted today. Most of the time I didn't even have the "essentials"--meaning more than two pairs of dress paints, and more than one pair of shoes--dress shoes, at that.
But I did have this:
I grew up learning good manners. Respect. Class.
I knew better then (and still to this day) than to "smart off" at an adult, for any reason. I knew that "Yes sir" "Yes ma'am" "Thank you" "Please" "You're Welcome" and all the other vocabulary in this seemingly foreign language were absolutes in our home, in our neighborhood, and in my life. There were no excuses for not using these phrases all the time.
Repercussions were swift and certain if I didn't use them.
Teachers in the public schools where I attended knew that my Grandmother was their absolute best ally---and I knew that too. I knew that I would never "live" to be a problem student, so it was out of the question at an early age....it never crossed my mind.
MY HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED!
It is a rare thing to find good manners in the current generation--and occasionally I do. These fine young people are sadly the exception--not the rule.
And really, I can't blame them. I can certainly blame their parents though.
This "travesty" on society can be approached from several viewpoints, but I'll tackle only one of them today: Parents, raise your children!
I personally have nothing against sports, extracurricular activities, and all the "stuff" that children and teenagers have today. What does bother me a great deal though is when these "things" are given to kids, teenagers as a poor substitute for good parenting.
Parents, your children deserve and must have your attention! You made the decision to take on the responsibility of being a parent. God gave you the blessing and honor being a parent, and now isn't it time to "honor God" by raising your children?
Don't let XBOX, video games, iPods, Cellphones, and all the "stuff" raise your children. That is your responsibility. "Smart mouths" can be corrected...and MUST be corrected. We called it "attitude adjustments" when I was growing up.
Sure, Senator Clinton was right: It does take a village. But that "village" must start in your living room, long before it ever starts in the public school classroom. It is not reasonable to expect school teachers to "raise" your children. And they shouldn't ever have to do your job.
The Church can certainly help you in this regard. But then again, the church can never be the "parent" for your children--even though many wonderful, godly people helped to raise me, and bless them for doing so.
I'm not coming down hard on anyone...but I want to see a far better generation than the ones I'm currently seeing.
Parents, raise your children.
My paternal Grandmother raised me, for all intents and purposes. She had already raised 10 children of her own, and was caring for her invalid husband (my Grandfather). She should have been able to enjoy the "golden years." But alas, she wasn't afforded that opportunity.
I grew up in abject poverty: no designer gym shoes, $200 jeans, iPods, computers, or any of the other stuff that "teenagers" take for granted today. Most of the time I didn't even have the "essentials"--meaning more than two pairs of dress paints, and more than one pair of shoes--dress shoes, at that.
But I did have this:
I grew up learning good manners. Respect. Class.
I knew better then (and still to this day) than to "smart off" at an adult, for any reason. I knew that "Yes sir" "Yes ma'am" "Thank you" "Please" "You're Welcome" and all the other vocabulary in this seemingly foreign language were absolutes in our home, in our neighborhood, and in my life. There were no excuses for not using these phrases all the time.
Repercussions were swift and certain if I didn't use them.
Teachers in the public schools where I attended knew that my Grandmother was their absolute best ally---and I knew that too. I knew that I would never "live" to be a problem student, so it was out of the question at an early age....it never crossed my mind.
MY HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED!
It is a rare thing to find good manners in the current generation--and occasionally I do. These fine young people are sadly the exception--not the rule.
And really, I can't blame them. I can certainly blame their parents though.
This "travesty" on society can be approached from several viewpoints, but I'll tackle only one of them today: Parents, raise your children!
I personally have nothing against sports, extracurricular activities, and all the "stuff" that children and teenagers have today. What does bother me a great deal though is when these "things" are given to kids, teenagers as a poor substitute for good parenting.
Parents, your children deserve and must have your attention! You made the decision to take on the responsibility of being a parent. God gave you the blessing and honor being a parent, and now isn't it time to "honor God" by raising your children?
Don't let XBOX, video games, iPods, Cellphones, and all the "stuff" raise your children. That is your responsibility. "Smart mouths" can be corrected...and MUST be corrected. We called it "attitude adjustments" when I was growing up.
Sure, Senator Clinton was right: It does take a village. But that "village" must start in your living room, long before it ever starts in the public school classroom. It is not reasonable to expect school teachers to "raise" your children. And they shouldn't ever have to do your job.
The Church can certainly help you in this regard. But then again, the church can never be the "parent" for your children--even though many wonderful, godly people helped to raise me, and bless them for doing so.
I'm not coming down hard on anyone...but I want to see a far better generation than the ones I'm currently seeing.
Parents, raise your children.
Mr President, Let them Testify!
President Bush has promised the Senate of the United States a bruising fight if White House Advisor Karl Rove and the former White House Legal Counsel (and jilted Supreme Court nominee) Harriet Miers are subpoenaed to testify before the Senate.
What a travesty!
This President, if he is the "ethical" man that he claims to be, should follow the mandate of the subpoenas--if they do occur--and insist that both Rove and Miers testify about the firing of the eight United States Attorneys back in December.
Mr President, stop your political posturing--the same thing you are accusing the Senate of doing!
If the Senate calls for sworn testimony under oath, then so be it.
And Mr President, should you "put up a fight" I hope you lose...and lose big!
What a travesty!
This President, if he is the "ethical" man that he claims to be, should follow the mandate of the subpoenas--if they do occur--and insist that both Rove and Miers testify about the firing of the eight United States Attorneys back in December.
Mr President, stop your political posturing--the same thing you are accusing the Senate of doing!
If the Senate calls for sworn testimony under oath, then so be it.
And Mr President, should you "put up a fight" I hope you lose...and lose big!
General Peter Pace: You are Absolutely right!
I'm a military veteran, having served in the United States Air Force for a little more than ten years. I was active duty when the whole "gays in the military" hullabaloo blew open in January 1993, after President Clinton took office the first time.
I remember all the hypothesizing, theologizing, demagoguery, etc from every side and every angle of the issue.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, Marine General Peter Pace, recently did an interview with the Editorial Board of the Chicago Tribune. The newspaper editors obviously asked General Pace about the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that was adopted by the Pentagon more than a dozen years ago.
General Pace gave his personal views that "immorality" does not belong in the military services of this country. He said that "heterosexual immorality" and "homosexual acts" are both wrong, and they are both IMMORAL...and have no place in the military.
I couldn't agree more...and thank you, General Pace for stating your personal convictions.
As a Christ-follower, I have to view "immorality" for what it is: Sin.
It's nothing less, and nothing more. Sin will destroy any and everything it touches. Sin is an offense to a holy, righteous and loving God--who gave His Son to conquer sin.
General Pace, thank you...thank you!
I remember all the hypothesizing, theologizing, demagoguery, etc from every side and every angle of the issue.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, Marine General Peter Pace, recently did an interview with the Editorial Board of the Chicago Tribune. The newspaper editors obviously asked General Pace about the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that was adopted by the Pentagon more than a dozen years ago.
General Pace gave his personal views that "immorality" does not belong in the military services of this country. He said that "heterosexual immorality" and "homosexual acts" are both wrong, and they are both IMMORAL...and have no place in the military.
I couldn't agree more...and thank you, General Pace for stating your personal convictions.
As a Christ-follower, I have to view "immorality" for what it is: Sin.
It's nothing less, and nothing more. Sin will destroy any and everything it touches. Sin is an offense to a holy, righteous and loving God--who gave His Son to conquer sin.
General Pace, thank you...thank you!
And finally....
Happy Birthday to me....Actually, I'm wishing myself a happy birthday a day early.
Forty-five years ago on March 13, 1962 I was born in Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, Alabama!
It's been quite a journey over the last 45 years....and God has kept me safe and sound (at least I think so) over all those years.
There have been SO many people who have loved me, cared for me, and made sure that I was headed in a good direction, or at least in some direction.
I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to alot of people, and I would be terribly remiss if I started naming them all, because undoubtedly I'd miss some one who means the world to me.
So, I guess it's Happy 45th Birthday to me!
I am a very fortunate, lucky, and blest man! Better than anyone else, I truly realize and appreciate that.
Forty-five years ago on March 13, 1962 I was born in Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, Alabama!
It's been quite a journey over the last 45 years....and God has kept me safe and sound (at least I think so) over all those years.
There have been SO many people who have loved me, cared for me, and made sure that I was headed in a good direction, or at least in some direction.
I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to alot of people, and I would be terribly remiss if I started naming them all, because undoubtedly I'd miss some one who means the world to me.
So, I guess it's Happy 45th Birthday to me!
I am a very fortunate, lucky, and blest man! Better than anyone else, I truly realize and appreciate that.
He's 59--Happy Birthday, Jim Moses!
My wonderful friend, Jim Moses (Kevin, Regina, and Cynthia's dad) is FIFTY-NINE years old today!
Jim is one of the smartest and most gracious people I know. He's an engineer in the Lexington, Kentucky area. He and his wife, Luvadia, are "family" to me. Their son, Kevin (whose birthday we celebrated last month) is probably my very best friend.
Jim grew up in the church, since his parents were in full-time ministry. Jim is still faithful to God's work and will in his life. He is a marvelous example of what it means to love God, love family, love people, and still strive for "excellence."
I think his humor is great--most of the time....
His children don't always agree with me. Actually, most of the time they think I'm just as "wacked out" as their father...at least I'm in good company.
Happy Birthday, Jim!
Jim is one of the smartest and most gracious people I know. He's an engineer in the Lexington, Kentucky area. He and his wife, Luvadia, are "family" to me. Their son, Kevin (whose birthday we celebrated last month) is probably my very best friend.
Jim grew up in the church, since his parents were in full-time ministry. Jim is still faithful to God's work and will in his life. He is a marvelous example of what it means to love God, love family, love people, and still strive for "excellence."
I think his humor is great--most of the time....
His children don't always agree with me. Actually, most of the time they think I'm just as "wacked out" as their father...at least I'm in good company.
Happy Birthday, Jim!
"The Rock"--take a listen.....
www.southerngospelhits.com
A good buddy of mine sent me an email a few days ago, telling me about this wonderful Internet station playing "southern gospel songs, just like we used to sing in our churches..."
It's called "The Rock"--and it is great!
I'm hearing the wonderful songs that hallowed my childhood from people who have always been my heroes:
The Speers
The Downings
The Goodmans
The Hemphills
The Talleys
And so many more....
So, go ahead, tune in, and see what you think.....
A good buddy of mine sent me an email a few days ago, telling me about this wonderful Internet station playing "southern gospel songs, just like we used to sing in our churches..."
It's called "The Rock"--and it is great!
I'm hearing the wonderful songs that hallowed my childhood from people who have always been my heroes:
The Speers
The Downings
The Goodmans
The Hemphills
The Talleys
And so many more....
So, go ahead, tune in, and see what you think.....
Twenty years ago this month...
I had my very first encounter with the Denver First Church of the Nazarene. (www.dfcnaz.org)
I had just made a permanent change-of-station (PCS) move with the United States Air Force to Lowry AFB, in nearby Aurora, Colorado.
Having been a pretty much lifelong "Pentecostal" I wanted to find a great church where I could become a regular part of the congregation, worshipping God, and serving as needed.
I visited several congregations in the greater Denver area...and just didn't feel at home in any of them. I began to get discouraged.
One Sunday afternoon, I just happened to be reading the Rocky Mountain News, and saw an advertisement for the "Winter Campmeeting" at the Denver First Church of the Nazarene--and the Speer Family would singing....I was gonna be there...
I grew up loving, loving, LOVING the music of the Speers (one of the premier family groups in Southern Gospel Music), and so I had to go.
I wasn't prepared for what would happen to me when I got the Denver First Church facilities that evening.
As soon as I walked into the breezeway, I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that I was "home" while stationed in the Denver area...that I would not have to search any further for a church family. I had found it..and them. Senior Pastor Doctor Donald Wellman and the entire congregation became my family from then on...
The evening meeting was tremendous. Reverend Jim Diehl was the guest speaker. At the time, Rev. Diehl was the District Superintendent for the Colorado District of the Nazarenes. Some two years later, he would leave the District Superintendent's office and become the pastor of Denver First Church. He now serves as one fhe General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene.
I was only part of this congregation for a few months, but these precious, precious people loved and cared about me...and from all indications, still do.
I still have the "Worship in Song" (old Nazarene hymnal) that someone gave me, when I told them I needed a good devotional hymnal to use. I treasure that precious volume.
If you are ever in the Denver area, please visit the Denver First Church of the Nazarene. You will treat yourself to a wonderful blessing.
Tell my friend, Pastor Tim Stearman, that Phil Hoover sent you.
I had just made a permanent change-of-station (PCS) move with the United States Air Force to Lowry AFB, in nearby Aurora, Colorado.
Having been a pretty much lifelong "Pentecostal" I wanted to find a great church where I could become a regular part of the congregation, worshipping God, and serving as needed.
I visited several congregations in the greater Denver area...and just didn't feel at home in any of them. I began to get discouraged.
One Sunday afternoon, I just happened to be reading the Rocky Mountain News, and saw an advertisement for the "Winter Campmeeting" at the Denver First Church of the Nazarene--and the Speer Family would singing....I was gonna be there...
I grew up loving, loving, LOVING the music of the Speers (one of the premier family groups in Southern Gospel Music), and so I had to go.
I wasn't prepared for what would happen to me when I got the Denver First Church facilities that evening.
As soon as I walked into the breezeway, I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that I was "home" while stationed in the Denver area...that I would not have to search any further for a church family. I had found it..and them. Senior Pastor Doctor Donald Wellman and the entire congregation became my family from then on...
The evening meeting was tremendous. Reverend Jim Diehl was the guest speaker. At the time, Rev. Diehl was the District Superintendent for the Colorado District of the Nazarenes. Some two years later, he would leave the District Superintendent's office and become the pastor of Denver First Church. He now serves as one fhe General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene.
I was only part of this congregation for a few months, but these precious, precious people loved and cared about me...and from all indications, still do.
I still have the "Worship in Song" (old Nazarene hymnal) that someone gave me, when I told them I needed a good devotional hymnal to use. I treasure that precious volume.
If you are ever in the Denver area, please visit the Denver First Church of the Nazarene. You will treat yourself to a wonderful blessing.
Tell my friend, Pastor Tim Stearman, that Phil Hoover sent you.
When brave Americans die...
One of the things that I have disciplined myself to do over the last few years is to watch the Newshour with Jim Lehrer (I've always loved that show anyway), and particularly at the end of the broadcast when the Newshour staff honors those service personnel who have been killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
I am profoundly grateful to the Newshour for honoring these brave men and women who answered the call of duty in the face of danger.
I always read each name carefully, and at the end of the listing I ask the Lord to be near the loved ones who are left behind to grieve this brave person's death.
I served in the United States Air Force for ten years. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve God and country in the military. In hundreds of ways, it was a life-changing experience for me.
I know many people who are serving now, and I pray for them all the time.
As Americans, we owe an infinite debt of gratitude to these people. And in some small way, we must be ready to repay it.
I am profoundly grateful to the Newshour for honoring these brave men and women who answered the call of duty in the face of danger.
I always read each name carefully, and at the end of the listing I ask the Lord to be near the loved ones who are left behind to grieve this brave person's death.
I served in the United States Air Force for ten years. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve God and country in the military. In hundreds of ways, it was a life-changing experience for me.
I know many people who are serving now, and I pray for them all the time.
As Americans, we owe an infinite debt of gratitude to these people. And in some small way, we must be ready to repay it.
Cleaning up the "Rumsfeld" mess...
When then President-elect George W Bush nominated Donald Rumsfeld to be the Secretary of Defense in December 2000 (after a very contentious election), I was just horrified....
Even though I was a child when Rumsfeld served in the Nixon-Ford administrations, I can still remember the debaucle that we call the "Vietnam War."
Why on earth would then President-elect Bush nominate someone who had been a "failure" in a previous administration in the Department of Defense? Were there no other choices?
Of course there were.
And six years after Donald Rumsfeld bumbled and fumbled every action he took as the Pentagon Chief, he finally had the fortitude to insist on his own resignation. By his own accounting, he had offered the President his resignation at least three times before, and George W Bush refused to accept it.
Thus, Bush-Cheney didn't get my vote in 2004.
The current Pentagon chief, Secretary Robert Gates, is now in the process of cleaning up the debris at the Department of Defense.
And thanks to the Washington Post, Secretary Gates is starting with the Department of the Army, and more specifically with Walter Reed Medical Center. Two generals and the Secretary of the Army have already been "relieved" of their duties.
Bob Gates means business.
He has my eternal gratitude.
Even though I was a child when Rumsfeld served in the Nixon-Ford administrations, I can still remember the debaucle that we call the "Vietnam War."
Why on earth would then President-elect Bush nominate someone who had been a "failure" in a previous administration in the Department of Defense? Were there no other choices?
Of course there were.
And six years after Donald Rumsfeld bumbled and fumbled every action he took as the Pentagon Chief, he finally had the fortitude to insist on his own resignation. By his own accounting, he had offered the President his resignation at least three times before, and George W Bush refused to accept it.
Thus, Bush-Cheney didn't get my vote in 2004.
The current Pentagon chief, Secretary Robert Gates, is now in the process of cleaning up the debris at the Department of Defense.
And thanks to the Washington Post, Secretary Gates is starting with the Department of the Army, and more specifically with Walter Reed Medical Center. Two generals and the Secretary of the Army have already been "relieved" of their duties.
Bob Gates means business.
He has my eternal gratitude.
"The Long Road Home"
Martha Raddatz, the ABCNews correspondent who covers the White House (and has reported from Iraq 12 times since the war began) has authored this wonderful book. I want to encourage everyone to get a copy and read it:
The Long Road Home
Martha does this nation a great service is giving us an otherwise unreported perspective concerning what our brave military service personnel are enduring.
I plan to read it very, very soon.
The Long Road Home
Martha does this nation a great service is giving us an otherwise unreported perspective concerning what our brave military service personnel are enduring.
I plan to read it very, very soon.
Profoundly saddened...
One of the smartest things I've ever done was the decision to serve my country in the United States Air Force. I knew this was the "right thing" from the very first time I looked through the promotional materials before I signed on the "dotted line."
With very few exceptions, I received very, very good medical care while I was on active duty. Like I just stated, there were a few exceptions, but there were indeed "some."
What troubles me greatly now is the reports coming from places like Walter Reed Medical Center, and the examples given by Bob Woodruff concerning the neglect of some troops that have suffered life-threatening injuries in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
I was riveted by report in the Washington Post last week about how poorly military veterans were treated once they left "in patient" care at the finest medical center in the country, Walter Reed Medical Center. Dana Priest, a staffer from the newspaper spent four months researching the atrocities at WRMC--and did so with little, if any, interruption.
Bob Woodruff just about died covering the conflict in Iraq--being injured, airlifted to both Landstuhl Medical Center (Kaiserslautern, Germany) and then to the Naval Military Medical Center at Bethesda, Maryland. Bob, much to his everlasting credit, has done alot of follow-up with those brave men and women who have suffered traumatic brain injury...and what he has found in many cases is not good news.
Our military veterans deserve much, much, much better treatment than what has been revealed.
One question keeps swirling around my mind: " Why would it take two reporters, a near-death experience for one of them, and a four-day expose' in a national newspaper with worldwide readership for the "powers-that-be" in the nation's capitol to discover all of these things? Defense Secretary Robert Gates has promised the nation a full investigation, and that this matter would be rectified immediately. Too bad his predecessor wasn't nearly as attentive--or maybe this mess wouldn't have happened in the first place. I do not miss Donald Rumsfeld.
Secretary Nicholson from the Department of Veterans Affairs has made a nationwide promise that our brave military personnel returning from war zones will receive immediate and far superior care to what they have been receiving--on a long term basis.
We owe these men and women the very best.
It's time we deliver...
And with all due haste.
With very few exceptions, I received very, very good medical care while I was on active duty. Like I just stated, there were a few exceptions, but there were indeed "some."
What troubles me greatly now is the reports coming from places like Walter Reed Medical Center, and the examples given by Bob Woodruff concerning the neglect of some troops that have suffered life-threatening injuries in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
I was riveted by report in the Washington Post last week about how poorly military veterans were treated once they left "in patient" care at the finest medical center in the country, Walter Reed Medical Center. Dana Priest, a staffer from the newspaper spent four months researching the atrocities at WRMC--and did so with little, if any, interruption.
Bob Woodruff just about died covering the conflict in Iraq--being injured, airlifted to both Landstuhl Medical Center (Kaiserslautern, Germany) and then to the Naval Military Medical Center at Bethesda, Maryland. Bob, much to his everlasting credit, has done alot of follow-up with those brave men and women who have suffered traumatic brain injury...and what he has found in many cases is not good news.
Our military veterans deserve much, much, much better treatment than what has been revealed.
One question keeps swirling around my mind: " Why would it take two reporters, a near-death experience for one of them, and a four-day expose' in a national newspaper with worldwide readership for the "powers-that-be" in the nation's capitol to discover all of these things? Defense Secretary Robert Gates has promised the nation a full investigation, and that this matter would be rectified immediately. Too bad his predecessor wasn't nearly as attentive--or maybe this mess wouldn't have happened in the first place. I do not miss Donald Rumsfeld.
Secretary Nicholson from the Department of Veterans Affairs has made a nationwide promise that our brave military personnel returning from war zones will receive immediate and far superior care to what they have been receiving--on a long term basis.
We owe these men and women the very best.
It's time we deliver...
And with all due haste.
Happy Birthday, Tim Elston!
Tim is an amazing man!
He and I became good friends almost 27 years ago when we were freshmen in college in southeastern Tennessee.
Spring 1981 semester, we were actually roommates. How he ever put up with me is still "amazing" in itself....but then again, maybe I wasn't that difficult to live with after all.
Tim is originally from the great state of Oregon. His parents served in the pastorate for many years, so Tim has a deep and rich heritage in the church.
He's a marvelous trumpet player. He's also a military veteran--and there are lots of stories we could tell about our military service, and how we seem to always bump into each other all over the world.
Tim is probably one of the brightest people I have ever known. He has such a brilliant mind, and he can always think outside the "box"--however that box is defined.
I wanted to wish my pal, Robert Timothy Elston, a wonderfully happy Birthday!
He and I became good friends almost 27 years ago when we were freshmen in college in southeastern Tennessee.
Spring 1981 semester, we were actually roommates. How he ever put up with me is still "amazing" in itself....but then again, maybe I wasn't that difficult to live with after all.
Tim is originally from the great state of Oregon. His parents served in the pastorate for many years, so Tim has a deep and rich heritage in the church.
He's a marvelous trumpet player. He's also a military veteran--and there are lots of stories we could tell about our military service, and how we seem to always bump into each other all over the world.
Tim is probably one of the brightest people I have ever known. He has such a brilliant mind, and he can always think outside the "box"--however that box is defined.
I wanted to wish my pal, Robert Timothy Elston, a wonderfully happy Birthday!
Bob Woodruff, welcome back!
ABC's Bob Woodruff, is returning to work in the news division of ABC. He was injured some 13 months ago (January 2006) while reporting from a Humvee in Iraq. He, along with one of his cameramen, sustained life-threatening injuries to his head and brain.
Bob made an appearance on Good Morning, America today. There is a special that will be on ABC tonite, 9 p.m. Central/10 p.m. Eastern time.
Bob is the husband of Lee, and the father of four wonderful children.
His injuries were so great that he was in a coma for some 40+ days. His wife and children helped him immensely in his recovery, once he left the hospital. These five most important people in his life helped me learn the "words" and "signs" of every day existence again.
Bob credits the wonderful men and women of the United States military for saving his life.
Before becoming a journalist, Bob was a lawyer. He also is quite the linguist, speaking Chinese, French, and Italian in addition to English.
It did my heart good to see him on television this morning. I look forward to his documentary tonite.
Bob made an appearance on Good Morning, America today. There is a special that will be on ABC tonite, 9 p.m. Central/10 p.m. Eastern time.
Bob is the husband of Lee, and the father of four wonderful children.
His injuries were so great that he was in a coma for some 40+ days. His wife and children helped him immensely in his recovery, once he left the hospital. These five most important people in his life helped me learn the "words" and "signs" of every day existence again.
Bob credits the wonderful men and women of the United States military for saving his life.
Before becoming a journalist, Bob was a lawyer. He also is quite the linguist, speaking Chinese, French, and Italian in addition to English.
It did my heart good to see him on television this morning. I look forward to his documentary tonite.
Jennifer, forget about "Simon"....
Jennifer Hudson....uh, excuse me, Academy Award Winner, Jennifer Hudson....
Girlfriend, you rocked the house!
Even though I did not see your "performance" on American Idol...I did see you win the OSCAR last night in Hollywood!
I just hope that Simon Cowell was watching, and now he can issue a nationally-televised apology for how wrong he was about your skills and talents.
After all, "Simon" doesn't have an Oscar...
You do!
Girlfriend, you rocked the house!
Even though I did not see your "performance" on American Idol...I did see you win the OSCAR last night in Hollywood!
I just hope that Simon Cowell was watching, and now he can issue a nationally-televised apology for how wrong he was about your skills and talents.
After all, "Simon" doesn't have an Oscar...
You do!
Happy Birthday, Matt Foster
Matt Foster, one of my pals (who also happens to be an attorney) will be celebrating a birthday tomorrow....He's in his 40s, and doesn't look a day over 30...
That's what makes all of us so blessed mad!
Twenty six years ago this August, I first met Matt Foster when he and I wound up in the same men's dorm at college. I was a sophomore and he was an incoming freshman.
He's originally from Oklahoma, and has a rich heritage in the Kingdom of God. His family raised him right...for the most part.
Matt was instrumental in my introduction to such wonderful musicians as Bryan Duncan, Ed DeGarmo, et al.
He's also one of those people that I can tell anything to--regardless of the subject matter.
I hope he reads this post about him...
Happy Birthday, Matt!
That's what makes all of us so blessed mad!
Twenty six years ago this August, I first met Matt Foster when he and I wound up in the same men's dorm at college. I was a sophomore and he was an incoming freshman.
He's originally from Oklahoma, and has a rich heritage in the Kingdom of God. His family raised him right...for the most part.
Matt was instrumental in my introduction to such wonderful musicians as Bryan Duncan, Ed DeGarmo, et al.
He's also one of those people that I can tell anything to--regardless of the subject matter.
I hope he reads this post about him...
Happy Birthday, Matt!
Why we need FATHERS in this nation....
More than ever before, I'm beginning to see just what tragedy we are experiencing here in the United States due to the lack of "active fathers" in our culture.
Just look around:
Brittany Spears---no mention of her father, ever.
Paris Hilton---again, little, if no mention of her father, ever.
And those are just two of the more notable figures....
But we see this tragedy on a very local and personal scale everywhere.
In my job, I am always talking with young men (and some young women) are who single parents. And most of these folk are still "babies" themselves, by and large. They want the best for their children--at least that's what they tell me. I tend to believe them....at least some of the time.
What really bugs me is the fact that so many children are growing up in a deranged, distorted, and dangerous society where the value of "fathers" is increasingly being scoffed, or worse yet, being ignored.
No child in this country should be forced to grow up (and they will grow up, whether we like it or not) wondering what the value of a "man" really is. These precious children did not come into the world on their own, or with only the help of their mother. God created them a product of both a man and a woman.
Children need both images in their life.
Why am I so concerned about this now?
Because I grew up without a father in my life.
My parents divorced when I was a few weeks old, and then abandoned me. Even though I know them both, I was the victim of their dropping in and out of my life at their convenience. My precious paternal grandmother raised me the best she knew how--and she did a remarkable job, if I must say so myself.
I never knew what a strong, good man was like for a long, long time. I never knew the tenderness of a dad who would teach me how to pitch a ball, or mow a lawn, or any of the other stuff that every "boy" needs. No child (boy or girl) deserves a bully as a dad, but they do deserve a dad.
God has brought me a long way since those days many, many years ago. There have been several great men in my life who continue to demonstrate just what it means to be a "strong, gracious" man of God. These men have become "fathers" to me in ways that only eternity will reveal.
But, as Gordon Dalbey so eloquently states in his Healing the Masculine Soul, we need strong and godly men in this nation. Those strong and godly men are needed in their families.
We can't afford to allow children to raise themselves anymore. And we certainly can't afford to allow "children" to raise children anymore.
What shall we do?
Just look around:
Brittany Spears---no mention of her father, ever.
Paris Hilton---again, little, if no mention of her father, ever.
And those are just two of the more notable figures....
But we see this tragedy on a very local and personal scale everywhere.
In my job, I am always talking with young men (and some young women) are who single parents. And most of these folk are still "babies" themselves, by and large. They want the best for their children--at least that's what they tell me. I tend to believe them....at least some of the time.
What really bugs me is the fact that so many children are growing up in a deranged, distorted, and dangerous society where the value of "fathers" is increasingly being scoffed, or worse yet, being ignored.
No child in this country should be forced to grow up (and they will grow up, whether we like it or not) wondering what the value of a "man" really is. These precious children did not come into the world on their own, or with only the help of their mother. God created them a product of both a man and a woman.
Children need both images in their life.
Why am I so concerned about this now?
Because I grew up without a father in my life.
My parents divorced when I was a few weeks old, and then abandoned me. Even though I know them both, I was the victim of their dropping in and out of my life at their convenience. My precious paternal grandmother raised me the best she knew how--and she did a remarkable job, if I must say so myself.
I never knew what a strong, good man was like for a long, long time. I never knew the tenderness of a dad who would teach me how to pitch a ball, or mow a lawn, or any of the other stuff that every "boy" needs. No child (boy or girl) deserves a bully as a dad, but they do deserve a dad.
God has brought me a long way since those days many, many years ago. There have been several great men in my life who continue to demonstrate just what it means to be a "strong, gracious" man of God. These men have become "fathers" to me in ways that only eternity will reveal.
But, as Gordon Dalbey so eloquently states in his Healing the Masculine Soul, we need strong and godly men in this nation. Those strong and godly men are needed in their families.
We can't afford to allow children to raise themselves anymore. And we certainly can't afford to allow "children" to raise children anymore.
What shall we do?
In a quandry right now...
A few weeks ago I posted a "prayer request" about a Job opportunity that had come my way...
The position is the State Coordinator/Recruiter for the Troops To Teachers program here in the State of Illinois through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
I received the call this morning, offering me the position. After a good conversation with the Human Resources personnel, I found out the budget for the position had been cut as of this week, and that several other responsibilities will be added to the person who accepts this job.
My first inclination is to decline the job offer. I really don't want to be traveling 3 weeks out of the month, and I am not that fond of hotel rooms.
The salary was cut significantly from the original job listing. From what I was offered, I would be making less than 5% more than where my current salary stands.
Right now, in my mind, it's just not worth all the "transition" effort that it would require.
I like my current job, and my employer is very happy with me.
I'll have to make a decision soon.
The position is the State Coordinator/Recruiter for the Troops To Teachers program here in the State of Illinois through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
I received the call this morning, offering me the position. After a good conversation with the Human Resources personnel, I found out the budget for the position had been cut as of this week, and that several other responsibilities will be added to the person who accepts this job.
My first inclination is to decline the job offer. I really don't want to be traveling 3 weeks out of the month, and I am not that fond of hotel rooms.
The salary was cut significantly from the original job listing. From what I was offered, I would be making less than 5% more than where my current salary stands.
Right now, in my mind, it's just not worth all the "transition" effort that it would require.
I like my current job, and my employer is very happy with me.
I'll have to make a decision soon.
I never thought I would ever....
watch American Idol...but I did.
Last night, as a matter of fact.
And for only one reason.
My friend, Phil Stacey, is one of the contestants on the competition this season.
Phil is an amazing man. Truly, truly amazing.
He is the son and grandson of Church of God ministers. He has a deep and rich heritage in the Kingdom of God. His parents currently pastor the Hendersonville Church of God, right outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
Phil and his wife Kendra are graduates of Lee University--also my alma mater.
Phil is currently serving on active duty with the United States Navy, stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife are very active in their local church there. He and Kendra have two beautiful daughters.
I first heard Phil's beautiful voice about 8 years ago when sung "I"ll Be Here" at his cousin Matt's wedding in the Knoxville area. It was just wonderful.
He also has that kind, gracious, and gentle spirit that characterizes so much of his heritage.
Phil, I know you don't have time to read this, but if you do:
I'll vote for you.
And since I'm in Chicago, I'll take the late Mayor Richard Daley's advice:
Vote early and vote often.
Last night, as a matter of fact.
And for only one reason.
My friend, Phil Stacey, is one of the contestants on the competition this season.
Phil is an amazing man. Truly, truly amazing.
He is the son and grandson of Church of God ministers. He has a deep and rich heritage in the Kingdom of God. His parents currently pastor the Hendersonville Church of God, right outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
Phil and his wife Kendra are graduates of Lee University--also my alma mater.
Phil is currently serving on active duty with the United States Navy, stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife are very active in their local church there. He and Kendra have two beautiful daughters.
I first heard Phil's beautiful voice about 8 years ago when sung "I"ll Be Here" at his cousin Matt's wedding in the Knoxville area. It was just wonderful.
He also has that kind, gracious, and gentle spirit that characterizes so much of his heritage.
Phil, I know you don't have time to read this, but if you do:
I'll vote for you.
And since I'm in Chicago, I'll take the late Mayor Richard Daley's advice:
Vote early and vote often.
So is he "black" enough?
Listening to "Talk of the Nation" on our local NPR (National Public Radio) station. The discussion is the candidacy of Barack Obama, junior Senator from the state of Illinois.
The question has come up, "Is he black enough for us?"
What a dumb question...absolutely assinine!
Did the "black" folks--and I'm not one--ever learn anything from Dr King's "I Have a Dream" speech? Can we judge Senator Obama's character instead of the color of his skin?
I really hope that the voting citizenry of the United States contemplate the substantive issues of the Presidential Race for 2008. "Race" in my opinion isn't one of them.
Except for the "human" race. Whoever gets my vote must be "human."
Asking alot, huh?
The question has come up, "Is he black enough for us?"
What a dumb question...absolutely assinine!
Did the "black" folks--and I'm not one--ever learn anything from Dr King's "I Have a Dream" speech? Can we judge Senator Obama's character instead of the color of his skin?
I really hope that the voting citizenry of the United States contemplate the substantive issues of the Presidential Race for 2008. "Race" in my opinion isn't one of them.
Except for the "human" race. Whoever gets my vote must be "human."
Asking alot, huh?
I was thinking....
What would life be like IF:
1) We knew we could always trust those with whom we have deep, meaningful relationships:
Pastors trusting members
Members trusting pastors
Family members trusting each other
Church members trusting each other.
2) We knew that when a fellow believer tells us something, that we can:
Know that it is the truth--and that no information has been conveniently omitted
Know that "their word is their bond"--no need to double check "the facts."
Know that the "best interests" of all persons involved were being taken to heart.
I guess I've gotten somewhat cynical over the last 15 months. Back in November 2005 I was betrayed and bruised by a very ugly situation in the local church where I was a faithful member and attendee. The senior leadership of that congregation made false statements to me and about me. I can't remember when I've been as hurt and wounded as I was by those actions.
Up until that time I felt that I could trust that pastor with anything, regardless of how personal or "embarrassing" it might be. I confessed things to him that I had never told anyone else.
And yet, for some crazy reason, I was betrayed. I was gossiped about, lied to, and accused.
I still love that congregation and even the leadership there. But I was hurt, and there really was never an apology, or any reasonable explanation for all the "things" that happened.
The law of love was clearly violated. The Body of Christ was bruised, and that hurts me even more than my own personal injuries.
God knows. God sees, and I have to leave it all in His hands.
But it still bugs me from time to time. Goes to show that I really did care, and that it was such a vital part of me.
1) We knew we could always trust those with whom we have deep, meaningful relationships:
Pastors trusting members
Members trusting pastors
Family members trusting each other
Church members trusting each other.
2) We knew that when a fellow believer tells us something, that we can:
Know that it is the truth--and that no information has been conveniently omitted
Know that "their word is their bond"--no need to double check "the facts."
Know that the "best interests" of all persons involved were being taken to heart.
I guess I've gotten somewhat cynical over the last 15 months. Back in November 2005 I was betrayed and bruised by a very ugly situation in the local church where I was a faithful member and attendee. The senior leadership of that congregation made false statements to me and about me. I can't remember when I've been as hurt and wounded as I was by those actions.
Up until that time I felt that I could trust that pastor with anything, regardless of how personal or "embarrassing" it might be. I confessed things to him that I had never told anyone else.
And yet, for some crazy reason, I was betrayed. I was gossiped about, lied to, and accused.
I still love that congregation and even the leadership there. But I was hurt, and there really was never an apology, or any reasonable explanation for all the "things" that happened.
The law of love was clearly violated. The Body of Christ was bruised, and that hurts me even more than my own personal injuries.
God knows. God sees, and I have to leave it all in His hands.
But it still bugs me from time to time. Goes to show that I really did care, and that it was such a vital part of me.
Happy Birthday, Kevin Moses!
Dear Kevin,
Happy 32nd Birthday to you!
Even though I've already called and wished you a wonderful day (actually your birthday is tomorrow, Feb 9th), and you've already received your birthday gift from me--I just wanted all of "cyber space" to know that it's your birthday!
We've been very close friends now for ten years. Ten wonderful, exhilirating, learning and stretching years. We've both grown alot since that Spring semester 1997.
You are now the proud (rightfully so) father of two wonderful sons, and the husband of a wonderful, wonderful lady! Monica, Micah, and Caleb are your gifts from God. And YOU, Kevin, are God's gift to them. Always remember that.
You've been my brother through thick and thin. You've seen my good side, and some of my not-so-good sides, and yet you've "hung in there" with me. You've been the face of Christ to me at times when I wasn't sure what He looked like. You've been God's love--with skin on--when I felt unloved, and unlovable.
Wishing I were there in Georgia with you to celebrate, but alas, I'm not.
Happy Birthday!
Happy 32nd Birthday to you!
Even though I've already called and wished you a wonderful day (actually your birthday is tomorrow, Feb 9th), and you've already received your birthday gift from me--I just wanted all of "cyber space" to know that it's your birthday!
We've been very close friends now for ten years. Ten wonderful, exhilirating, learning and stretching years. We've both grown alot since that Spring semester 1997.
You are now the proud (rightfully so) father of two wonderful sons, and the husband of a wonderful, wonderful lady! Monica, Micah, and Caleb are your gifts from God. And YOU, Kevin, are God's gift to them. Always remember that.
You've been my brother through thick and thin. You've seen my good side, and some of my not-so-good sides, and yet you've "hung in there" with me. You've been the face of Christ to me at times when I wasn't sure what He looked like. You've been God's love--with skin on--when I felt unloved, and unlovable.
Wishing I were there in Georgia with you to celebrate, but alas, I'm not.
Happy Birthday!
Poignant Reminders...
It's been brutally cold here in Chicago for the last several days...and I do mean brutally cold.
And what's more interesting is that the "water" system into our condominium complex has been down ever since Monday sometime...
Now I grew up in the "sticks" in north Alabama, where we didn't have running water in our home until I was almost twelve years old. But that was a long time ago....
We still don't have "running water" in our complex as of this writing. I've been forced to get creative, just so I could shave and bathe for the last couple of days....
Yet, it seems that God has reminded me of all the people...multiplied millions of them, around the world that don't have fresh water to drink or use--EVERY DAY!
Here I am feeling that I am "deprived"--when millions around the world, and MANY here in the United States don't have fresh water to use whenever they want it.
I should be ashamed of myself....and in some ways, I am.
This situation has also been a stark reminder that millions--multiplied millions--don't have the "Water of Life"--Jesus Christ, God's Son.
I sit in a wonderful sanctuary here in Chicago every week. I offer my acts of worship to the Lord among His people regularly. The gospel is preached clearly, passionately, and with great power.
Yet, how many have never received this "Water"?
There are multiplied millions (I've used that term several times already, huh?) who have never received...or maybe haven't even heard about this Water?
Yes, my "light affliction" over the last few days has been a very poignant reminder.
And what's more interesting is that the "water" system into our condominium complex has been down ever since Monday sometime...
Now I grew up in the "sticks" in north Alabama, where we didn't have running water in our home until I was almost twelve years old. But that was a long time ago....
We still don't have "running water" in our complex as of this writing. I've been forced to get creative, just so I could shave and bathe for the last couple of days....
Yet, it seems that God has reminded me of all the people...multiplied millions of them, around the world that don't have fresh water to drink or use--EVERY DAY!
Here I am feeling that I am "deprived"--when millions around the world, and MANY here in the United States don't have fresh water to use whenever they want it.
I should be ashamed of myself....and in some ways, I am.
This situation has also been a stark reminder that millions--multiplied millions--don't have the "Water of Life"--Jesus Christ, God's Son.
I sit in a wonderful sanctuary here in Chicago every week. I offer my acts of worship to the Lord among His people regularly. The gospel is preached clearly, passionately, and with great power.
Yet, how many have never received this "Water"?
There are multiplied millions (I've used that term several times already, huh?) who have never received...or maybe haven't even heard about this Water?
Yes, my "light affliction" over the last few days has been a very poignant reminder.
Congratulations!
Congratulations are in order for the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS for winning Super Bowl XLI!
I've never been a big football fan--mainly because I just didn't understand the game.
Then, about three years ago, I had an epiphany...
One of my pals (about 20 years my junior) sat me down one Sunday afternoon, and explained the game to me.
Thanks Christian...even though you are a Green Bay Packers fan...
It was an interesting game last night--or at least the first quarter was.
And two commercials were terrific:
The one with Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman
And the one about the "connectile dysfunction..."
The rest were okay...
I've never been a big football fan--mainly because I just didn't understand the game.
Then, about three years ago, I had an epiphany...
One of my pals (about 20 years my junior) sat me down one Sunday afternoon, and explained the game to me.
Thanks Christian...even though you are a Green Bay Packers fan...
It was an interesting game last night--or at least the first quarter was.
And two commercials were terrific:
The one with Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman
And the one about the "connectile dysfunction..."
The rest were okay...
A blast from the past...
For some wonderful reason this great song from my childhood came to my heart this morning. I was actually showering, when these words came to my mouth:
Hear the blessed Saviour
Calling the oppressed
"O ye heavy ladened,
Come to Me and rest.
Come, no longer tarry
I your load will share
Bring Me every burden
Bring me every care."
"Come unto Me
I will give you rest!
Take My yoke upon you,
Hear Me, and be blest!
I am meek and lowly
Come and trust My might!
Come, My yoke is easy,
And My burden light."
I can well remember this wonderful song, written by Charles P Jones, being sung in our country church back in north Alabama, more than thirty years ago.
That was back when we really did believe that we could "take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there."
But now, in 2007, I still hear the Savior say "Come unto Me, I will give you rest...Take My yoke upon you, HEAR ME and be blest!"
When my heart is heavy, and I'm falling beneath the load, I need to remember these precious words, and this precious promise. And even more, I need to trust the ONE who made the promise in the first place.
So do you!
Hear the blessed Saviour
Calling the oppressed
"O ye heavy ladened,
Come to Me and rest.
Come, no longer tarry
I your load will share
Bring Me every burden
Bring me every care."
"Come unto Me
I will give you rest!
Take My yoke upon you,
Hear Me, and be blest!
I am meek and lowly
Come and trust My might!
Come, My yoke is easy,
And My burden light."
I can well remember this wonderful song, written by Charles P Jones, being sung in our country church back in north Alabama, more than thirty years ago.
That was back when we really did believe that we could "take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there."
But now, in 2007, I still hear the Savior say "Come unto Me, I will give you rest...Take My yoke upon you, HEAR ME and be blest!"
When my heart is heavy, and I'm falling beneath the load, I need to remember these precious words, and this precious promise. And even more, I need to trust the ONE who made the promise in the first place.
So do you!
Pray for me today....
I have been invited to a job interview for a high-level position for the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. I did not go seeking this position--it came seeking me.
I will be interviewing today, and should know the results of the interview in a week or so.
I'm very happy in my current job, and have no reason to leave. However, my current supervisor told me that I should "always explore other options"--and I agree.
I'll let everyone know how it goes...
I will be interviewing today, and should know the results of the interview in a week or so.
I'm very happy in my current job, and have no reason to leave. However, my current supervisor told me that I should "always explore other options"--and I agree.
I'll let everyone know how it goes...
Dear Senator Obama
First, please allow me the opportunity to say how very proud all of us here in Illinois are to have you serve in the United States Senate on our behalf. At one time I would have vigorously supported your Republican opponent in the 2004 election (Former Ambassador Alan Keyes), but he made that nigh to impossible. I was happy to cast my vote for you.
Second, I was quite dismayed that you voted against both Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito for the Supreme Court. And unless I'm missing something, you've never told the good people of this state why you cast the "No" vote against these two public servants. Don't you think we deserve some type of explanation?
Third, I have read The Audacity of Hope once, and am now re-reading it. You articulate some very worthy ideas, and have started a "deep conversation" in which all Americans need to participate. Sadly though, I'm not sure that many of my fellow citizens want to think "beyond themselves" and to see what could lie ahead for this great nation. We are a "self-consumed" nation, even if I must say so myself. You give us much to think about in your excellent volume--it's so good that I am having to re-read it, just so I can digest it more fully.
Fourth, even though I think that Oprah Winfrey is a great person, don't take her press releases concerning you too terribly seriously. You, as well as anyone in public life, know that you are "never as good as the reports" and that you are "certainly never as bad as the reports" make you out to be (or become). Oprah's opinion does carry alot of weight with alot of folks--as well as it should--she's earned her right to voice her opinion on the issues. But remember also, Senator, that Oprah is one vote...just like everyone else who is eligible to participate in the process.
Fifth, you've made a commitment to your family. Your beautiful wife, and those two darling little girls (Malia and Sasha) are your FIRST priorities. In the long run, what happens in YOUR HOUSE is far more important than what happens in the WHITE HOUSE. God has favored you and Michelle with two precious gifts--and those gifts are sacred trusts which must be nurtured, guarded and guided with all that you have within you. God knew that He could trust those two girls to the two of you--don't betray His trust of your daughters to you. There are plenty of other people who can run for the Presidency. But only YOU can be the father that God intended for your daughters, and the husband for your wife.
Finally, Senator Obama you are a good man. You are called to be "good" and to be "faithful." Make sure you that you lean on this Christ whom you trusted years ago. Follow Him wherever He leads.
Second, I was quite dismayed that you voted against both Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito for the Supreme Court. And unless I'm missing something, you've never told the good people of this state why you cast the "No" vote against these two public servants. Don't you think we deserve some type of explanation?
Third, I have read The Audacity of Hope once, and am now re-reading it. You articulate some very worthy ideas, and have started a "deep conversation" in which all Americans need to participate. Sadly though, I'm not sure that many of my fellow citizens want to think "beyond themselves" and to see what could lie ahead for this great nation. We are a "self-consumed" nation, even if I must say so myself. You give us much to think about in your excellent volume--it's so good that I am having to re-read it, just so I can digest it more fully.
Fourth, even though I think that Oprah Winfrey is a great person, don't take her press releases concerning you too terribly seriously. You, as well as anyone in public life, know that you are "never as good as the reports" and that you are "certainly never as bad as the reports" make you out to be (or become). Oprah's opinion does carry alot of weight with alot of folks--as well as it should--she's earned her right to voice her opinion on the issues. But remember also, Senator, that Oprah is one vote...just like everyone else who is eligible to participate in the process.
Fifth, you've made a commitment to your family. Your beautiful wife, and those two darling little girls (Malia and Sasha) are your FIRST priorities. In the long run, what happens in YOUR HOUSE is far more important than what happens in the WHITE HOUSE. God has favored you and Michelle with two precious gifts--and those gifts are sacred trusts which must be nurtured, guarded and guided with all that you have within you. God knew that He could trust those two girls to the two of you--don't betray His trust of your daughters to you. There are plenty of other people who can run for the Presidency. But only YOU can be the father that God intended for your daughters, and the husband for your wife.
Finally, Senator Obama you are a good man. You are called to be "good" and to be "faithful." Make sure you that you lean on this Christ whom you trusted years ago. Follow Him wherever He leads.
Dear Senator Clinton
First, let me say "Congratulations" on your decision to seek the Presidency of the United States. I hope that you will find much encouragement and many supporters as you pursue the nation's highest elected office. I was so hoping that you would enter the race, because America needs to see just what you are made of--and those "building materials" are much stronger than many will believe, I'm sure.
Second, I have admired you ever since you become our First Lady in January 1993. I didn't vote for your husband in either 1992 or 1996, but I prayed for both of you often, as you sought to serve the people of this great nation. I want to say that my "admiration" should not be translated as my "total agreement" with you, or some of the positions that you held on a number of issues. But, admire you I certainly did. I was in awe of your intellect, your ability to grasp details, and to understand as well as sort through some of the most complex issues in our contemporary society. I still admire you.
Third, this nation owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude for all the hard work you performed in 1993-1994 in bring the "health care" issues to daylight for all Americans. Even though your plan and proposals were defeated, in reality you (and those who worked with you) did this nation a great favor. You spotlighted health care and what it should mean to every citizen of this great land. You are to be profusely thanked for doing such a deed.
Fourth, while you are seeking the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, and should you get it--and be elected to fill the Oval Office in January 2009--please don't forget your own "living history." Please remember all the working people in this nation who have prayed for you, admired you, and listened to you. I've learned a great deal, simply by listening to what you have to say. I've not always agreed--and you probably didn't expect me to always agree. As someone once said "if two agree on everything, then one of them is unnecessary." You have been blest and privileged to hold a great amount of power and influence over significant numbers of inhabitants here in the United States. You have almost had "Rock Star" celebrity status in other nations. Please don't squander that.
Finally, Be honest and ethical in all that you do. Love your husband and your daughter more than you love power, position, or possession. Love your God, and follow His commandments. This life is short, and we only have a limited amount of time to do the very best that we can to honor God and please Him. Be one who forgives, who reconciles, and who builds bridges instead of burning them. We've had enough "burning bridges" already.
The world is watching, Senator Clinton. America is watching. And so is God.
Do it well!
Second, I have admired you ever since you become our First Lady in January 1993. I didn't vote for your husband in either 1992 or 1996, but I prayed for both of you often, as you sought to serve the people of this great nation. I want to say that my "admiration" should not be translated as my "total agreement" with you, or some of the positions that you held on a number of issues. But, admire you I certainly did. I was in awe of your intellect, your ability to grasp details, and to understand as well as sort through some of the most complex issues in our contemporary society. I still admire you.
Third, this nation owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude for all the hard work you performed in 1993-1994 in bring the "health care" issues to daylight for all Americans. Even though your plan and proposals were defeated, in reality you (and those who worked with you) did this nation a great favor. You spotlighted health care and what it should mean to every citizen of this great land. You are to be profusely thanked for doing such a deed.
Fourth, while you are seeking the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, and should you get it--and be elected to fill the Oval Office in January 2009--please don't forget your own "living history." Please remember all the working people in this nation who have prayed for you, admired you, and listened to you. I've learned a great deal, simply by listening to what you have to say. I've not always agreed--and you probably didn't expect me to always agree. As someone once said "if two agree on everything, then one of them is unnecessary." You have been blest and privileged to hold a great amount of power and influence over significant numbers of inhabitants here in the United States. You have almost had "Rock Star" celebrity status in other nations. Please don't squander that.
Finally, Be honest and ethical in all that you do. Love your husband and your daughter more than you love power, position, or possession. Love your God, and follow His commandments. This life is short, and we only have a limited amount of time to do the very best that we can to honor God and please Him. Be one who forgives, who reconciles, and who builds bridges instead of burning them. We've had enough "burning bridges" already.
The world is watching, Senator Clinton. America is watching. And so is God.
Do it well!
And BABY makes three....
A couple of days ago, my great friend Mark Brucato broke the news to me: He and his gorgeous (and wonderful) wife Ruth are expecting their first child!
I'm gonna be an uncle (again)!
Mark and I have been friends now for six years. We became pals during my first year here in Chicago, when he was a freshman at the Moody Bible Institute. We actually became acquainted at the Senior Recital of our mutual friend Tim Stafford, where I was attending the reception after the concert.
We became "buds" then, and have remained so over the years. We've had our ups and downs like every strong relationship has--but he's been a marvelously committed brother in Jesus, and that always encourages my heart.
Mark is the one of four boys born to Andrew and Linda Brucato, who are currently serving as missionaries in Italy. They have been there now for more than 20 years.
Ruth is the "California girl..." Gorgeous, charming, wonderful, and a marvelous person all around. Her parents have also been missionaries. She is currently a school teacher in the Oak Park area--a western suburb of Chicago.
I'm excited....VERY VERY excited.
Congratulations, Mark and Ruth!
I'm gonna be an uncle (again)!
Mark and I have been friends now for six years. We became pals during my first year here in Chicago, when he was a freshman at the Moody Bible Institute. We actually became acquainted at the Senior Recital of our mutual friend Tim Stafford, where I was attending the reception after the concert.
We became "buds" then, and have remained so over the years. We've had our ups and downs like every strong relationship has--but he's been a marvelously committed brother in Jesus, and that always encourages my heart.
Mark is the one of four boys born to Andrew and Linda Brucato, who are currently serving as missionaries in Italy. They have been there now for more than 20 years.
Ruth is the "California girl..." Gorgeous, charming, wonderful, and a marvelous person all around. Her parents have also been missionaries. She is currently a school teacher in the Oak Park area--a western suburb of Chicago.
I'm excited....VERY VERY excited.
Congratulations, Mark and Ruth!
All the way to Miami: GO CHICAGO BEARS!
Yes, the "monsters of the Midway" have proven they can win the NFC Championship, and go to Super Bowl # 41 in Miami!
"DA Bears" put a royal whuppin' on the New Orleans Saints yesterday. And boy, was it a good one!
As someone at church said,
The saints will come marchin' in,
And they will go limping out...
Amen, Amen!
And I'm not even that much of a sports fan, either!
But the Chicago Bears need to just go win it all!
Lovie Smith is a gracious and great man. He is a superb coach, and deserves to win it all!
GO BEARS!~
"DA Bears" put a royal whuppin' on the New Orleans Saints yesterday. And boy, was it a good one!
As someone at church said,
The saints will come marchin' in,
And they will go limping out...
Amen, Amen!
And I'm not even that much of a sports fan, either!
But the Chicago Bears need to just go win it all!
Lovie Smith is a gracious and great man. He is a superb coach, and deserves to win it all!
GO BEARS!~
There was a time...
There was a time, not too long ago, when Christ-followers were readily distinguishable from the "rest of the world." We looked a certain way, had a different disposition, and lived with the expectation of the "blessed hope" that Jesus would soon return.
But now, we pretty much just "blend into the landscape." I honestly wish that I couldn't say that--but it's so true.
Or at least it has been from where I'm sitting these days.
I remember when:
1) We sang about Heaven and Eternity in our local churches. We rejoiced because of the great promise that Jesus made when He said, "I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go, I will come again..." (John 14). Now, I'm not sure exactly what we sing about---but heaven seems to be an afterthought with far too many of us.
2) We lived as though Christ would come today--tomorrow, at the latest. We worked feverishly at our jobs, and lived with the great expectancy that Jesus would split the skies wide open, the angel would give the trumpet blast, and we would leave the ground in a shout! Now, we are still pretty certain that Jesus is coming--but we want to do all the stuff (get married, have a home, a successful career, and 2.5 children), thus we hope that He will wait awhile.
3) We lived as though this world is not our final home. Of course, we were busy about our daily chores, but we kept that "heavenward gaze" firmly fixed in our souls. We were convinced that a world, far better than this one, does indeed exist. We were people who were humbled by our privilege to go to that City Whose Builder and Maker is God (Hebrews 11). Now, it's pretty hard to convince some "believers" that Heaven is infinitely superior to the finest this world could ever offer.
Maybe my Grandmother Hoover (and all those other wonderful saints who have gone on before) was right after all: We have more, much, much more to look forward to than just this "stuff" down here!
Could it be that we need to "get back" to those times?
But now, we pretty much just "blend into the landscape." I honestly wish that I couldn't say that--but it's so true.
Or at least it has been from where I'm sitting these days.
I remember when:
1) We sang about Heaven and Eternity in our local churches. We rejoiced because of the great promise that Jesus made when He said, "I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go, I will come again..." (John 14). Now, I'm not sure exactly what we sing about---but heaven seems to be an afterthought with far too many of us.
2) We lived as though Christ would come today--tomorrow, at the latest. We worked feverishly at our jobs, and lived with the great expectancy that Jesus would split the skies wide open, the angel would give the trumpet blast, and we would leave the ground in a shout! Now, we are still pretty certain that Jesus is coming--but we want to do all the stuff (get married, have a home, a successful career, and 2.5 children), thus we hope that He will wait awhile.
3) We lived as though this world is not our final home. Of course, we were busy about our daily chores, but we kept that "heavenward gaze" firmly fixed in our souls. We were convinced that a world, far better than this one, does indeed exist. We were people who were humbled by our privilege to go to that City Whose Builder and Maker is God (Hebrews 11). Now, it's pretty hard to convince some "believers" that Heaven is infinitely superior to the finest this world could ever offer.
Maybe my Grandmother Hoover (and all those other wonderful saints who have gone on before) was right after all: We have more, much, much more to look forward to than just this "stuff" down here!
Could it be that we need to "get back" to those times?
A book recommendation...
Who Are You to Judge? Learning to Distinguish Between Truths, Half-Truths, and Lies (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2002).
By Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor, The Moody Church, Chicago.
I well remember when Pastor Lutzer preached this incredible series of sermons in the Fall of 2002. In the Introduction, he states that this book is about "discernment, the ability to distinguish the false from the true, or better, the false from the half-true."
Here are the Chapter Titles:
Why Are We Afraid to Judge?
Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged
When You Judge Doctrine
When You Judge False Prophets
When You Judge Miracles
When You Judge Entertainment
When You Judge Appearances
When You Judge Neopaganism
When You Judge Ghosts, Angels, and Shrines
When You Judge Conduct
When You Judge Character
One doesn't always have to agree with everything that any writer states, pastor or not, but Dr Lutzer's messages will definitely open up these subjects for discussion, debate, and the search for scriptural truths.
You can also contact Moody Church Media Ministries (1-800-215-5001) and get this series on CDs. The staff at Media Ministries will be glad to help you with your order.
I want to highly and heartily recommend this great volume.
By Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor, The Moody Church, Chicago.
I well remember when Pastor Lutzer preached this incredible series of sermons in the Fall of 2002. In the Introduction, he states that this book is about "discernment, the ability to distinguish the false from the true, or better, the false from the half-true."
Here are the Chapter Titles:
Why Are We Afraid to Judge?
Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged
When You Judge Doctrine
When You Judge False Prophets
When You Judge Miracles
When You Judge Entertainment
When You Judge Appearances
When You Judge Neopaganism
When You Judge Ghosts, Angels, and Shrines
When You Judge Conduct
When You Judge Character
One doesn't always have to agree with everything that any writer states, pastor or not, but Dr Lutzer's messages will definitely open up these subjects for discussion, debate, and the search for scriptural truths.
You can also contact Moody Church Media Ministries (1-800-215-5001) and get this series on CDs. The staff at Media Ministries will be glad to help you with your order.
I want to highly and heartily recommend this great volume.
Another confession...
Someone once said that "honest confession is good for the soul..."
Not sure to whom that should be attributed, but here goes anyway:
1) I am in an emotional/spiritual battle right now. The emotional side of it has been waging on for a while...and I need to get "spiritual victory" in my mind over some very personal things.
2) I am beginning to wonder if the "church" as we know it here in America is really a "congregation of saints" or just a "collection of individuals." I've wondered that for a long time.
3) I am sometimes really bored with all the "christianese" that I hear--particularly when it's an isolated language that Christ-followers use among ourselves....and often doesn't relate to anyone outside of our "clan"--and many times to no one inside the clan either.
Pray for me. I need a spiritual "break through."
Not sure to whom that should be attributed, but here goes anyway:
1) I am in an emotional/spiritual battle right now. The emotional side of it has been waging on for a while...and I need to get "spiritual victory" in my mind over some very personal things.
2) I am beginning to wonder if the "church" as we know it here in America is really a "congregation of saints" or just a "collection of individuals." I've wondered that for a long time.
3) I am sometimes really bored with all the "christianese" that I hear--particularly when it's an isolated language that Christ-followers use among ourselves....and often doesn't relate to anyone outside of our "clan"--and many times to no one inside the clan either.
Pray for me. I need a spiritual "break through."
When the truth hurts...and sometimes it does...
Pastor Charles Butler read this in our weekly prayer meeting last night:
Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.'
"So the father divided the property between them. It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.
"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father.
"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'
"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.
"All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.'
"The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!'
"His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'"
This is the story of the "Prodigal son" as Jesus told it in Luke 15. This happens to be from THE MESSAGE which is a translation that I love to read regularly.
Several things did stand out for me though, about this story. These are things that are not normally considered:
1) His father saw him when he was a long-way off. The father didn't go looking for him, and didn't cajole, badger, or harrass him into coming home.
2) His father didn't have any obstructions that would prevent him from seeing the wayward child when he was still "a long way off."
3) The "prodigal who stayed home" just didn't get it. While the "sins" of the one who left prevented the "one who left" from being in fellowship with his father, the "self-righteousness" of the one who stayed home prevented him from enjoying and benefiting from all that was already his.
4) The "one who stayed home" never came to his senses--or at least we are not told that he ever did.
So who was the real prodigal?
Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.'
"So the father divided the property between them. It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.
"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father.
"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'
"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.
"All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.'
"The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!'
"His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'"
This is the story of the "Prodigal son" as Jesus told it in Luke 15. This happens to be from THE MESSAGE which is a translation that I love to read regularly.
Several things did stand out for me though, about this story. These are things that are not normally considered:
1) His father saw him when he was a long-way off. The father didn't go looking for him, and didn't cajole, badger, or harrass him into coming home.
2) His father didn't have any obstructions that would prevent him from seeing the wayward child when he was still "a long way off."
3) The "prodigal who stayed home" just didn't get it. While the "sins" of the one who left prevented the "one who left" from being in fellowship with his father, the "self-righteousness" of the one who stayed home prevented him from enjoying and benefiting from all that was already his.
4) The "one who stayed home" never came to his senses--or at least we are not told that he ever did.
So who was the real prodigal?
When God comes to Church...
Last Sunday Dr Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church here in Chicago began a wonderful series preaching through 1 Thessalonians, entitled "When God Comes to Church."
We at The Moody Church are excited about 2007! We are praying for the prodigals on Wednesday evening, praying "one hour with Jesus" every week, and watching God do marvelous things in our midst.
I want to ask everyone who visits this site to breathe a prayer to the Lord for His guidance this year. Please intercede for your brothers and sisters in Christ here at The Moody Church.
Check out our website too:
www.moodychurch.org
I'll be posting more as time goes on.
We at The Moody Church are excited about 2007! We are praying for the prodigals on Wednesday evening, praying "one hour with Jesus" every week, and watching God do marvelous things in our midst.
I want to ask everyone who visits this site to breathe a prayer to the Lord for His guidance this year. Please intercede for your brothers and sisters in Christ here at The Moody Church.
Check out our website too:
www.moodychurch.org
I'll be posting more as time goes on.
Life's Little Instructions...
I was searching the Borders Bookstore for a flip-calendar Saturday night. Of course, since there were 50% off, I decided that I could buy more than one.
So I have one at home, and one at the office. The one here in my office is from Jackson Brown's
Life's Little Instructions series.
I want to share some of them here:
Never enter your boss's office without a notepad and pencil.
Learn to say "no" politely.
Don't forget that contentment is the greatest wealth.
Don't feel you have to express your opinion on every subject. (Ouch!!)
If a friend offers you a breath mint, take it.
Remember, there is no substitute for getting started.
Don't intentionally embarrass anyone...even your enemies.
Refrain from envy. No one has it as good as it seems.
Don't be reluctant to say to a salesperson, "I'm sorry, that's more than I wanted to spend" and then just walk away.
"Super-size" meals only if you want to be super-sized yourself.
Always stop at kids' lemonade stands. You might be the only customer they have all day.
Say nice things about people. You'll never regret it.
Don't buy cheap drapes; it's better to live with bare windows. (Busted, again).
Never complain about a meal you are eating--that someone else is paying for.
Remember that no one is perfect, and that no one needs to be.
So I have one at home, and one at the office. The one here in my office is from Jackson Brown's
Life's Little Instructions series.
I want to share some of them here:
Never enter your boss's office without a notepad and pencil.
Learn to say "no" politely.
Don't forget that contentment is the greatest wealth.
Don't feel you have to express your opinion on every subject. (Ouch!!)
If a friend offers you a breath mint, take it.
Remember, there is no substitute for getting started.
Don't intentionally embarrass anyone...even your enemies.
Refrain from envy. No one has it as good as it seems.
Don't be reluctant to say to a salesperson, "I'm sorry, that's more than I wanted to spend" and then just walk away.
"Super-size" meals only if you want to be super-sized yourself.
Always stop at kids' lemonade stands. You might be the only customer they have all day.
Say nice things about people. You'll never regret it.
Don't buy cheap drapes; it's better to live with bare windows. (Busted, again).
Never complain about a meal you are eating--that someone else is paying for.
Remember that no one is perfect, and that no one needs to be.
My buddy Paul...off to Iraq
I have a wonderful, wonderful friend who serves in the United States Army. His name is Paul. He and I have been "pals" now for several years, and he is very much "family" to me. He feels the same way about our relationship, and I am grateful.
He called last night to tell me that he is being deployed to Iraq--maybe as soon as this weekend. He will be gone for at least a year, possibly longer.
Paul is one of the most gracious and godly people that I know. He has a heart of gold. He is one of those people that I feel signally blest to call "brother" and "friend" and "family."
He and his wife have one teenage son in their home. Their teenager is getting ready to graduate high school this summer--and really does need Paul to be there, which doesn't look likely right now.
I'm asking all my readers and friends to please pray for Paul, as he does his country's bidding.
Pray for:
His safety, peace of mind, and effectiveness
His wife and son, who will be remaining here in the USA
His parents who live here in the Midwest
His siblings who are scattered around the country.
Due to security issues, I can't say much more about my buddy. But I will miss him dearly and think of him daily.
He called last night to tell me that he is being deployed to Iraq--maybe as soon as this weekend. He will be gone for at least a year, possibly longer.
Paul is one of the most gracious and godly people that I know. He has a heart of gold. He is one of those people that I feel signally blest to call "brother" and "friend" and "family."
He and his wife have one teenage son in their home. Their teenager is getting ready to graduate high school this summer--and really does need Paul to be there, which doesn't look likely right now.
I'm asking all my readers and friends to please pray for Paul, as he does his country's bidding.
Pray for:
His safety, peace of mind, and effectiveness
His wife and son, who will be remaining here in the USA
His parents who live here in the Midwest
His siblings who are scattered around the country.
Due to security issues, I can't say much more about my buddy. But I will miss him dearly and think of him daily.
What ever happened.....
to "Christian civility"?
Maybe I'm a bit outdated, but I can remember--and remember well, at that--when Christ-followers treated each as "brothers and sisters" in the Lord--even when we disagreed with one another.
That doesn't seem to happen much anymore.
And it's sad.
I was sitting here at my desk remembering how I was vilified and demonized more than two years ago--by people I've known a long time--because I refused to vote for the re-election of the current President of the United States and his ensuing administration.
I was made out to be some "monster" that would destroy the United States--just because I didn't vote for Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld, et al. I was called just about every name in the book, and some that I had never heard of before. All because I exercised my legal, lawful, Constitutionally-guaranteed privilege of "freedom of speech."
Of course some of the same people who have "monster-ized" me claim to be Spirit-filled believers. I have no doubt in my mind they are indeed.
But what bothers me--and I may wax lengthy, if not eloquent here--is that too many Christ-followers now allow little room for diversity and difference in points of view when it comes to non-essential matters.
We Christ-followers have gotten mighty hasty in labeling people...believing that if we can "label them" that we fully understand them.
Nothing is further from the truth.
We are quick to call people "liberal" or "sectarian" or "less-spiritual" or "out-there"---particularly when we don't agree with them. If there are biblical bases for not agreeing, we can do so, but we are still enjoined to use grace and goodness--
Even in our disagreements.
Go ahead, call me a name. But make sure you are honoring the Christ to whom we all belong when you do it.
Maybe I'm a bit outdated, but I can remember--and remember well, at that--when Christ-followers treated each as "brothers and sisters" in the Lord--even when we disagreed with one another.
That doesn't seem to happen much anymore.
And it's sad.
I was sitting here at my desk remembering how I was vilified and demonized more than two years ago--by people I've known a long time--because I refused to vote for the re-election of the current President of the United States and his ensuing administration.
I was made out to be some "monster" that would destroy the United States--just because I didn't vote for Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld, et al. I was called just about every name in the book, and some that I had never heard of before. All because I exercised my legal, lawful, Constitutionally-guaranteed privilege of "freedom of speech."
Of course some of the same people who have "monster-ized" me claim to be Spirit-filled believers. I have no doubt in my mind they are indeed.
But what bothers me--and I may wax lengthy, if not eloquent here--is that too many Christ-followers now allow little room for diversity and difference in points of view when it comes to non-essential matters.
We Christ-followers have gotten mighty hasty in labeling people...believing that if we can "label them" that we fully understand them.
Nothing is further from the truth.
We are quick to call people "liberal" or "sectarian" or "less-spiritual" or "out-there"---particularly when we don't agree with them. If there are biblical bases for not agreeing, we can do so, but we are still enjoined to use grace and goodness--
Even in our disagreements.
Go ahead, call me a name. But make sure you are honoring the Christ to whom we all belong when you do it.
Mitchell Tolle Galleries...
http://www.mitchelltolle.com/
Please visit the website of my good friend Mitchell Tolle.
Mitchell is one of the premier artist in the United States today. He is a wonderful, godly man--who loves God, God's people, and God's creation.
I was privileged to have Thanksgiving Dinner at his home in Kentucky back in November. His nephew (Kevin Moses) has been a precious friend of mine now for many years. We were even roommates waaaay back when in Tennessee, when we were both seminary students.
Mitchell's work is marvelous. I can stand and look at it for hours. More amazing than the man's work is the man's character. He is a person of integrity, honesty, and quality. He and his wife Linda are precious examples of what it means to be Christ-followers, in all they do.
Please visit his website, and buy a few things. These pieces of art will bless the recipients for years to come.
I promise.
Please visit the website of my good friend Mitchell Tolle.
Mitchell is one of the premier artist in the United States today. He is a wonderful, godly man--who loves God, God's people, and God's creation.
I was privileged to have Thanksgiving Dinner at his home in Kentucky back in November. His nephew (Kevin Moses) has been a precious friend of mine now for many years. We were even roommates waaaay back when in Tennessee, when we were both seminary students.
Mitchell's work is marvelous. I can stand and look at it for hours. More amazing than the man's work is the man's character. He is a person of integrity, honesty, and quality. He and his wife Linda are precious examples of what it means to be Christ-followers, in all they do.
Please visit his website, and buy a few things. These pieces of art will bless the recipients for years to come.
I promise.
Praying for the Prodigals...
The Wednesday night prayer meeting at The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org) is focusing on praying for the "Prodigals" in the families of our congregation.
Last night was the first such prayer meeting--and it was marvelous!
And very, very powerful!
I can't remember when I have been in a prayer service where people were crying out to God, and weeping over their "prodigal" family members.
Our precious pastor, Dr Erwin Lutzer, led this gathering in calling on the name of the Lord, and believing in faith that He would hear and answer our cries to Him.
One of my New Year's resolutions was that I would faithfully attend the Wednesday evening prayer service of my local church. With God's help, I'll be there next week too.
Please pray for us.
Please...
Last night was the first such prayer meeting--and it was marvelous!
And very, very powerful!
I can't remember when I have been in a prayer service where people were crying out to God, and weeping over their "prodigal" family members.
Our precious pastor, Dr Erwin Lutzer, led this gathering in calling on the name of the Lord, and believing in faith that He would hear and answer our cries to Him.
One of my New Year's resolutions was that I would faithfully attend the Wednesday evening prayer service of my local church. With God's help, I'll be there next week too.
Please pray for us.
Please...
369 Days ago....
I gave up my "caffeine" habit.
I forsook the:
Coca Colas
Mountain Dews
Three Musketeer Bars
Caribou Lattes
And I have missed them terribly!
I feel much better, sleep much better, and don't have the awful "I-need-a-fix" headaches first thing in the morning...
I'm actually saving money too---and that's a good thing.
This may not seem like too much for some of the readers, but it was a GARGANTUAN thing for me...
And I'm appropriately satisfied with my progress thus far.
I forsook the:
Coca Colas
Mountain Dews
Three Musketeer Bars
Caribou Lattes
And I have missed them terribly!
I feel much better, sleep much better, and don't have the awful "I-need-a-fix" headaches first thing in the morning...
I'm actually saving money too---and that's a good thing.
This may not seem like too much for some of the readers, but it was a GARGANTUAN thing for me...
And I'm appropriately satisfied with my progress thus far.
Rest in peace, Mr President.
I never had the wonderful opportunity to meet our 38th President, the late Gerald R Ford, but I certainly would have availed myself if the chance had ever arisen.
I was only 12 years old when Congressman Ford became the Vice President and then the President of the United States.
He was truly a "uniter" and knew that "healing the nation" would be a struggle--but one worthy of his efforts.
He died a few days ago at the age of 93. He and his wife Betty have demonstrated what it means to be human, and gracious, and kind, and compassionate.
The nation mourns at his death. But we are all the better because Gerald R Ford was our leader for 895 days.
God, give us more Gerald Fords.
I was only 12 years old when Congressman Ford became the Vice President and then the President of the United States.
He was truly a "uniter" and knew that "healing the nation" would be a struggle--but one worthy of his efforts.
He died a few days ago at the age of 93. He and his wife Betty have demonstrated what it means to be human, and gracious, and kind, and compassionate.
The nation mourns at his death. But we are all the better because Gerald R Ford was our leader for 895 days.
God, give us more Gerald Fords.
For One More Day....
My friend Laurie Winton (Office Manager for Ann Downing Ministries--www.anndowning.com) sent me a wonderful book as a gift.
It is Mitch Albom's latest FOR ONE MORE DAY and I must say it is a "page turner..." I can hardly put it down. I started reading it Friday afternoon when it came in the mail, and I couldn't put it down.
I first became acquainted with Mitch's work about seven years ago when he released TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE. Other than the Bible, I cannot remember when I have read a more powerful book than "Tuesdays with Morrie." I would highly, absolutely recommend it to every one...and I do mean everyone!
TUESDAYS is a powerful story of love, devotion, dedication, and service. It's not a very long volume, but it speaks clearly, plainly, and loudly to our contemporary, narcissistic, self-aggrandizing society---and yes, even to some Christ-followers who have embraced those dead-end values.
I'll be sure and pass this one on....
Get it and read it.
It is Mitch Albom's latest FOR ONE MORE DAY and I must say it is a "page turner..." I can hardly put it down. I started reading it Friday afternoon when it came in the mail, and I couldn't put it down.
I first became acquainted with Mitch's work about seven years ago when he released TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE. Other than the Bible, I cannot remember when I have read a more powerful book than "Tuesdays with Morrie." I would highly, absolutely recommend it to every one...and I do mean everyone!
TUESDAYS is a powerful story of love, devotion, dedication, and service. It's not a very long volume, but it speaks clearly, plainly, and loudly to our contemporary, narcissistic, self-aggrandizing society---and yes, even to some Christ-followers who have embraced those dead-end values.
I'll be sure and pass this one on....
Get it and read it.
Happy New Year...2007
Happy New Year to all my friends who stop by and read "Something to Consider."
I appreciate the fact that you take time out of your schedule to see what ole Phil is posting, and that some of you even comment.
I am excited about this New Year, and sincerely covet your prayers as I seek to serve God, His people, and those with whom I come in regular contact.
I appreciate the fact that you take time out of your schedule to see what ole Phil is posting, and that some of you even comment.
I am excited about this New Year, and sincerely covet your prayers as I seek to serve God, His people, and those with whom I come in regular contact.
2006...it was a good year....
WOW, it's almost over...and I'm just now getting the hang of writing "2006" on everything.
It's been a decent year. Let's see if I can recount some of the highlights for me, personally:
1) Caffeine Free. Up until December 30, 2005 I was a huge Mountain Dew man. And I decided that I need to "kick the habit" for 2006. I have been very successful in kicking the caffeine habit. I've had nothing with caffeine in it, except for a couple pieces of chocolate.
2) Flu/Cold Free. I need to count my blessings on this one. I almost always develop bronchitis, or a cold or some other upper respiratory ailment at least once every year. I've managed to avoid that this year. I'm thankful. My wallet is also.
3) Reconnecting with friends. I've done quite a bit of traveling this year--more so than in recent years. I've been to:
Huntsville, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Tomah, Wisconsin
Belleville, Illinois
Lexington, Kentucky
Atlanta, Georgia
Greer, South Carolina
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the Windy City is a necessity sometimes. I've been very fortunate in the fact that I've gotten to visit friends and family that I've not seen in many years--some of them as long as 20 years ago. It's been great.
4) Sunday School at The Moody Church. I've gotten involved in the Moody Business Network (MBN) Sunday School Class at The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org) where I worship regularly every week. This has been so encouraging and refreshing for me, after having been away from Sunday School for more than three years.
These "things" may seem little to alot of folks who will read this post. Yet, these "little things" are very, very important to me, and what God is doing in my life.
And I will look forward with great anticipation to 2007.
It's been a decent year. Let's see if I can recount some of the highlights for me, personally:
1) Caffeine Free. Up until December 30, 2005 I was a huge Mountain Dew man. And I decided that I need to "kick the habit" for 2006. I have been very successful in kicking the caffeine habit. I've had nothing with caffeine in it, except for a couple pieces of chocolate.
2) Flu/Cold Free. I need to count my blessings on this one. I almost always develop bronchitis, or a cold or some other upper respiratory ailment at least once every year. I've managed to avoid that this year. I'm thankful. My wallet is also.
3) Reconnecting with friends. I've done quite a bit of traveling this year--more so than in recent years. I've been to:
Huntsville, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Tomah, Wisconsin
Belleville, Illinois
Lexington, Kentucky
Atlanta, Georgia
Greer, South Carolina
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the Windy City is a necessity sometimes. I've been very fortunate in the fact that I've gotten to visit friends and family that I've not seen in many years--some of them as long as 20 years ago. It's been great.
4) Sunday School at The Moody Church. I've gotten involved in the Moody Business Network (MBN) Sunday School Class at The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org) where I worship regularly every week. This has been so encouraging and refreshing for me, after having been away from Sunday School for more than three years.
These "things" may seem little to alot of folks who will read this post. Yet, these "little things" are very, very important to me, and what God is doing in my life.
And I will look forward with great anticipation to 2007.
Stuff....
I'm beginning to wonder why we all have so much "stuff."
While I'm very appreciative of every gift I've ever received, I often muse about how much "stuff" I have, and why I really have it.
I have plenty of clothes, and lots of friends. The first will eventually wear out, while the latter is eternal.
I have good health, and a good strong mind (and there are views to the contrary on the latter, I'm sure).
I have the promise of a home in heaven, and the grace of Jesus Christ while traveling here on this side of eternity.
So what about all this "stuff"?
What do you think?
While I'm very appreciative of every gift I've ever received, I often muse about how much "stuff" I have, and why I really have it.
I have plenty of clothes, and lots of friends. The first will eventually wear out, while the latter is eternal.
I have good health, and a good strong mind (and there are views to the contrary on the latter, I'm sure).
I have the promise of a home in heaven, and the grace of Jesus Christ while traveling here on this side of eternity.
So what about all this "stuff"?
What do you think?
Thanks a million!
This is the first time I've had the opportunity to thank my good friends Pastor Byron and Cindy Morrell in Greer, South Carolina. I was their house guest for the Christmas holiday weekend.
It was wonderful!
Byron and I have been pals for more than 26 years now--we met when we were college freshmen in Cleveland TN in August, 1980.
We've been "buds" ever since.
He pastors a wonderful congregation in Greer--and they love him dearly. I can see why. I had the great privilege of sharing God's Word with this congregation last Sunday morning. What a precious group of people!
Byron and Cindy are two of the kindest and most gracious people that I know.
It was joy to be with them, and their two sons Zachary and Ezekiel.
It was a delight to be with Byron's family on Christmas Eve (all 20+ of them), and to be with Cindy's family on Christmas Day. I ate way too much, and received such warmth and kindness--far more than I deserved.
I just wanted to say "Thank You" publicly.
It was wonderful!
Byron and I have been pals for more than 26 years now--we met when we were college freshmen in Cleveland TN in August, 1980.
We've been "buds" ever since.
He pastors a wonderful congregation in Greer--and they love him dearly. I can see why. I had the great privilege of sharing God's Word with this congregation last Sunday morning. What a precious group of people!
Byron and Cindy are two of the kindest and most gracious people that I know.
It was joy to be with them, and their two sons Zachary and Ezekiel.
It was a delight to be with Byron's family on Christmas Eve (all 20+ of them), and to be with Cindy's family on Christmas Day. I ate way too much, and received such warmth and kindness--far more than I deserved.
I just wanted to say "Thank You" publicly.
What will you bring to Christmas? Part II
Yes, we have worshipped Christ, the newborn babe in the cattle stall. But He didn't remain there...
The Scriptures tell us that Jesus grew in stature, and in favor with both God and man. God the Son became a fully grown man! That boggles the mind for most, if not all of us. I often wonder if He had to "take out the trash" or "do his own laundry..."--after all HE was a man, huh?
Some thirty-three years after this wonderful birth in Bethlehem, we see a different gift that requires our response.
Jesus has quite a reputation now. He has:
Turned water into the BEST vintage of wine at a wedding
Healed the sick
Raised the Dead
Told a Samaritan Woman everything she had ever done
Paid His taxes from the mouth of a fish
Feed thousands with five loaves and two fish
Walked on water
Just for headliners. But now, He offers us another gift. He rides into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey. He cries over this city. He overturns the moneychangers in the temple, and instructs His disciples to prepare a meal in an Upper Room. This meal would be the last one the Twelve would have together. Jesus explains exactly why this meal was necessary. He describes the "Cup of His blood"...and insists they all drink from it. This was a common cup--and it represented the communion that Christ wanted to have with them, and that Christ wanted them to have with one another. The Gospels of Luke and John both tell us as much.
After this event, we know that Christ went into Gethsemane's Garden, and prayed "If It be Thy will, let this CUP pass from Me....Not my will, but Yours." In other words Jesus "prayed through."
He prayed through to the place where He (fully God and fully man) could say, "Father, Your will, not Mine." He knew the suffering that He was about to endure. He knew that it would be bitter, but He also was ready to do whatever His Father saw fit to happen.
So, we must ask, now that we are seeing this gift of "His Cup"--what do we need to bring to our Garden of Gethsemane? What do we need to look deeply within ourselves and find--and then bring it to the "Garden"?
Maybe it's that disappointment of someone betraying you. Maybe it's the unreasonable family member whom you just don't know how to reach? Maybe it's a wayward child, or a person that is far too distant, and you were once close. Maybe, just maybe it's a financial situation, and you just can't seem to gain clarity on it?
Are you ready to pray through..."Father, Not my will, but Yours"?
We are partaking of this CUP of His surrender to the Father's will. Every time we partake of the Lord's Supper (Eucharist), we are saying, when we drink the fruit of the vine, "Lord, not my will, but Yours."
This too, is a gift of Christmas.
The Scriptures tell us that Jesus grew in stature, and in favor with both God and man. God the Son became a fully grown man! That boggles the mind for most, if not all of us. I often wonder if He had to "take out the trash" or "do his own laundry..."--after all HE was a man, huh?
Some thirty-three years after this wonderful birth in Bethlehem, we see a different gift that requires our response.
Jesus has quite a reputation now. He has:
Turned water into the BEST vintage of wine at a wedding
Healed the sick
Raised the Dead
Told a Samaritan Woman everything she had ever done
Paid His taxes from the mouth of a fish
Feed thousands with five loaves and two fish
Walked on water
Just for headliners. But now, He offers us another gift. He rides into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey. He cries over this city. He overturns the moneychangers in the temple, and instructs His disciples to prepare a meal in an Upper Room. This meal would be the last one the Twelve would have together. Jesus explains exactly why this meal was necessary. He describes the "Cup of His blood"...and insists they all drink from it. This was a common cup--and it represented the communion that Christ wanted to have with them, and that Christ wanted them to have with one another. The Gospels of Luke and John both tell us as much.
After this event, we know that Christ went into Gethsemane's Garden, and prayed "If It be Thy will, let this CUP pass from Me....Not my will, but Yours." In other words Jesus "prayed through."
He prayed through to the place where He (fully God and fully man) could say, "Father, Your will, not Mine." He knew the suffering that He was about to endure. He knew that it would be bitter, but He also was ready to do whatever His Father saw fit to happen.
So, we must ask, now that we are seeing this gift of "His Cup"--what do we need to bring to our Garden of Gethsemane? What do we need to look deeply within ourselves and find--and then bring it to the "Garden"?
Maybe it's that disappointment of someone betraying you. Maybe it's the unreasonable family member whom you just don't know how to reach? Maybe it's a wayward child, or a person that is far too distant, and you were once close. Maybe, just maybe it's a financial situation, and you just can't seem to gain clarity on it?
Are you ready to pray through..."Father, Not my will, but Yours"?
We are partaking of this CUP of His surrender to the Father's will. Every time we partake of the Lord's Supper (Eucharist), we are saying, when we drink the fruit of the vine, "Lord, not my will, but Yours."
This too, is a gift of Christmas.
What will you bring to Christmas? Part I
One the things that has always bugged me about going somewhere, particularly to the family, for the holidays is that someone will always ask "Well, what are you bringing?" Well-meaning though they are, I am just annoyed that we automatically assume that someone MUST bring something...
When the angel appeared to Mary, and later to Joseph, they both knew what this "baby boy" would bring: Salvation. Matthew 1:21 tells us "You shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins."
So, now we will come to Christmas....that most blessed of all nights, when God took the form of man, and came to live among us. We first come to the "cradle" and see a tiny baby, in a barn with straw in his hair, laying among the cattle that surrounded him. We hear a different announcement now: "Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward all men." That "goodwill" would be GOD'S will toward the sinful creatures who had rebelled against Him. It's important to remember that GOD lay in that cattle stall...Fully God and Fully Man. We can sing with the legions of saints who have gone before us:
O Come Let Us Adore Him!
O Come Let Us Adore Him!
O Come Let Us Adore Him!
Christ, Our Lord!
When the angel appeared to Mary, and later to Joseph, they both knew what this "baby boy" would bring: Salvation. Matthew 1:21 tells us "You shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins."
So, now we will come to Christmas....that most blessed of all nights, when God took the form of man, and came to live among us. We first come to the "cradle" and see a tiny baby, in a barn with straw in his hair, laying among the cattle that surrounded him. We hear a different announcement now: "Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward all men." That "goodwill" would be GOD'S will toward the sinful creatures who had rebelled against Him. It's important to remember that GOD lay in that cattle stall...Fully God and Fully Man. We can sing with the legions of saints who have gone before us:
O Come Let Us Adore Him!
O Come Let Us Adore Him!
O Come Let Us Adore Him!
Christ, Our Lord!
Now this is funny.....
Or at least I thought so. My friend Tim (a pastor in Florida) passed it on...
____________________________________-
This is the time of year when we think back to the very first Christmas, when the Three Wise Men -- Gaspar, Balthazar, and Herb -- went to see the baby Jesus and, according to the Book of Matthew, "presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
These are simple words, but if we analyze them carefully, we discover an important, yet often overlooked, theological fact: there is no mention of wrapping paper.
If there had been wrapping paper, Matthew would have said so: "And lo, the gifts were inside 600 square cubits of paper. And the paper was festooned with pictures of Frosty the Snowman. And Joseph was going to throweth it away, but Mary saideth unto him, she saideth, 'Holdeth it! That is nice paper! Saveth it for next year!' And Joseph did rolleth his eyeballs. And the baby Jesus was more interested in the paper than the frankincense."
But these words do not appear in the Bible, which means that the very first Christmas gifts were NOT wrapped.
This is because the people giving those gifts had two important characteristics:
1. They were wise.
2. They were men.
Men are not big gift wrappers. Men do not understand the point of putting paper on a gift just so somebody else can tear it off. This is not just my opinion, this is a scientific fact based on a statistical survey of two guys I know. One is Rob, who said the only time he ever wraps a gift is "if it's such a poor gift that I don't want to be there when the person opens it." The other is Gene, who told me he does wrap gifts, but as a matter of principle never takes more than 15 seconds per gift. "No one ever had to wonder which presents daddy wrapped at Christmas," Gene said. "They were the ones that looked like enormous spitballs."
I also wrap gifts, but because of some defect in my motor skills, I can never completely wrap them. I can take a gift the size of a deck of cards and put it the exact center of a piece of wrapping paper the size of a regulation volleyball court, but when I am done folding and taping, you can still see a sector of the gift peeking out. (Sometimes I camouflage this sector with a marking pen.)
If I had been an ancient Egyptian in the field of mummies, the lower half of the Pharaoh's body would be covered only by Scotch tape. On the other hand, if you give my wife a 12-inch square of wrapping paper, she can wrap a C-130 cargo plane. My wife, like many women, actually likes wrapping things. If she gives you a gift that requires batteries, she wraps the batteries separately, which to me is very close to being a symptom of mental illness. If it were possible, my wife would wrap each individual volt.
My point is that gift-wrapping is one of those skills like having babies that come more naturally to women than to men.
That is why today I am presenting: Gift Wrapping Tips for Men:
* Whenever possible, buy gifts that are already wrapped. If, when the recipient opens the gift, neither one of you recognizes it, you can claim that it's myrrh.
* The editors of Woman's Day magazine recently ran an item on how to make your own wrapping paper by printing a design on it with an apple sliced in half horizontally and dipped in a mixture of food coloring and liquid starch.
They must be smoking crack.
If you're giving a hard-to-wrap gift, skip the wrapping paper! Just put it inside a bag and stick one of those little adhesive bows on it. This creates a festive visual effect that is sure to delight the lucky recipient on Christmas morning:
YOUR WIFE: Why is there a Hefty trash bag under the tree?
YOU: It's a gift! See? It has a bow!
YOUR WIFE (peering into the trash bag): It's a leaf blower.
YOU: Gas-powered! Five horsepower!
YOUR WIFE: I want a divorce.
YOU: I also got you some myrrh.
In conclusion, remember that the important thing is not what you give, or how you wrap it. The important thing, during this very special time of year, is that you save the receipt!
____________________________________-
This is the time of year when we think back to the very first Christmas, when the Three Wise Men -- Gaspar, Balthazar, and Herb -- went to see the baby Jesus and, according to the Book of Matthew, "presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
These are simple words, but if we analyze them carefully, we discover an important, yet often overlooked, theological fact: there is no mention of wrapping paper.
If there had been wrapping paper, Matthew would have said so: "And lo, the gifts were inside 600 square cubits of paper. And the paper was festooned with pictures of Frosty the Snowman. And Joseph was going to throweth it away, but Mary saideth unto him, she saideth, 'Holdeth it! That is nice paper! Saveth it for next year!' And Joseph did rolleth his eyeballs. And the baby Jesus was more interested in the paper than the frankincense."
But these words do not appear in the Bible, which means that the very first Christmas gifts were NOT wrapped.
This is because the people giving those gifts had two important characteristics:
1. They were wise.
2. They were men.
Men are not big gift wrappers. Men do not understand the point of putting paper on a gift just so somebody else can tear it off. This is not just my opinion, this is a scientific fact based on a statistical survey of two guys I know. One is Rob, who said the only time he ever wraps a gift is "if it's such a poor gift that I don't want to be there when the person opens it." The other is Gene, who told me he does wrap gifts, but as a matter of principle never takes more than 15 seconds per gift. "No one ever had to wonder which presents daddy wrapped at Christmas," Gene said. "They were the ones that looked like enormous spitballs."
I also wrap gifts, but because of some defect in my motor skills, I can never completely wrap them. I can take a gift the size of a deck of cards and put it the exact center of a piece of wrapping paper the size of a regulation volleyball court, but when I am done folding and taping, you can still see a sector of the gift peeking out. (Sometimes I camouflage this sector with a marking pen.)
If I had been an ancient Egyptian in the field of mummies, the lower half of the Pharaoh's body would be covered only by Scotch tape. On the other hand, if you give my wife a 12-inch square of wrapping paper, she can wrap a C-130 cargo plane. My wife, like many women, actually likes wrapping things. If she gives you a gift that requires batteries, she wraps the batteries separately, which to me is very close to being a symptom of mental illness. If it were possible, my wife would wrap each individual volt.
My point is that gift-wrapping is one of those skills like having babies that come more naturally to women than to men.
That is why today I am presenting: Gift Wrapping Tips for Men:
* Whenever possible, buy gifts that are already wrapped. If, when the recipient opens the gift, neither one of you recognizes it, you can claim that it's myrrh.
* The editors of Woman's Day magazine recently ran an item on how to make your own wrapping paper by printing a design on it with an apple sliced in half horizontally and dipped in a mixture of food coloring and liquid starch.
They must be smoking crack.
If you're giving a hard-to-wrap gift, skip the wrapping paper! Just put it inside a bag and stick one of those little adhesive bows on it. This creates a festive visual effect that is sure to delight the lucky recipient on Christmas morning:
YOUR WIFE: Why is there a Hefty trash bag under the tree?
YOU: It's a gift! See? It has a bow!
YOUR WIFE (peering into the trash bag): It's a leaf blower.
YOU: Gas-powered! Five horsepower!
YOUR WIFE: I want a divorce.
YOU: I also got you some myrrh.
In conclusion, remember that the important thing is not what you give, or how you wrap it. The important thing, during this very special time of year, is that you save the receipt!
Abusing this drug....
I was watching an interview with someone on public television two nights ago, and the person being interviewed mentioned a phrase that immediately "drew me in." He's somewhat famous because of the family name, but he has had a real battle with drugs, alcohol, and depression.
The phrase he used was "the narcotic of being noticed." It seems that many people have developed a habit of "abusing" this drug....the "narcotic" of being noticed.
Why?
I guess I have my theories...since I've been guilty of such abuse. Not too many years ago, I desperately wanted to be "noticed" for all the "stuff" that I had accomplished, or the talents which I thought I possessed, etc.
Folks are constantly thinking they will be "discovered" or "noticed" for whatever it is they feel themselves worthy of being noticed or discovered.
Time and experience has taught me that being "noticed" isn't so important, in the eternal scope of things. God requires me to do the very "best" that I can do in everything I do, and that HE alone keeps an accurate account of my life. HIS account is far more accurate than the one that I or anyone else can record.
He doesn't miss a thing.
Fame and fortune...or recognition can be a good thing.
But life has to consist of more than just fame, fortune, recognition.
I remember Jesus telling a group of people "A man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of things he possesses."
What happens so often is that we get "noticed"--and being noticed once is never enough.
Never. Then we have to make sure that we are "noticed" again and again.
But then we must ask the question: "How much is enough?"
And a very smart man once answered: "Just a little bit more."
That's greed. Plain and simple.
Sure, I'd love to be recognized as a smart, generous, gracious, and solid person. I'd love to see my name in "lights" or in "print" once or twice...
But in the scope of eternity, what would it matter?
Am I doing all this "stuff" just so I can be noticed?
What about you?
The phrase he used was "the narcotic of being noticed." It seems that many people have developed a habit of "abusing" this drug....the "narcotic" of being noticed.
Why?
I guess I have my theories...since I've been guilty of such abuse. Not too many years ago, I desperately wanted to be "noticed" for all the "stuff" that I had accomplished, or the talents which I thought I possessed, etc.
Folks are constantly thinking they will be "discovered" or "noticed" for whatever it is they feel themselves worthy of being noticed or discovered.
Time and experience has taught me that being "noticed" isn't so important, in the eternal scope of things. God requires me to do the very "best" that I can do in everything I do, and that HE alone keeps an accurate account of my life. HIS account is far more accurate than the one that I or anyone else can record.
He doesn't miss a thing.
Fame and fortune...or recognition can be a good thing.
But life has to consist of more than just fame, fortune, recognition.
I remember Jesus telling a group of people "A man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of things he possesses."
What happens so often is that we get "noticed"--and being noticed once is never enough.
Never. Then we have to make sure that we are "noticed" again and again.
But then we must ask the question: "How much is enough?"
And a very smart man once answered: "Just a little bit more."
That's greed. Plain and simple.
Sure, I'd love to be recognized as a smart, generous, gracious, and solid person. I'd love to see my name in "lights" or in "print" once or twice...
But in the scope of eternity, what would it matter?
Am I doing all this "stuff" just so I can be noticed?
What about you?
"I Will Go On"
Bill and Gloria Gaither are two of the most prolific songwriters of our time. Their music always speaks to the real "issues" of life for me.
I remember hearing this powerful piece more than twenty years ago, and I've been wanting to post it for a long time. Now is that time:
I repent for moments I have spent
Recalling all the pain and failures of my past.
I repent for dwelling on the things
Beyond my power to change
The chains that held me fast.
I will go on
My past I leave behind me
I gladly take His mercy and His love.
He is joy and He is peace
He is strength and sweet release
I know He is, and I am His
I will go on.
I give up the bitterness and hate
And blaming men and fate
For all my discontent.
The guilt and pain I empty from my cup
So God can fill it up
With peace and sweet content.
I will go on
My past I leave behind me,
I gladly take His mercy and His love!
He is joy and He is peace,
He is strength and sweet release.
I know He is, and I am His,
I will go on!
Many thanks to this legendary duo for reminding us of how great our God really is, and that He is and I am His....
There are days..sometimes many of them, when I have to be reminded of this powerful, powerful truth.
I will go on.
I remember hearing this powerful piece more than twenty years ago, and I've been wanting to post it for a long time. Now is that time:
I repent for moments I have spent
Recalling all the pain and failures of my past.
I repent for dwelling on the things
Beyond my power to change
The chains that held me fast.
I will go on
My past I leave behind me
I gladly take His mercy and His love.
He is joy and He is peace
He is strength and sweet release
I know He is, and I am His
I will go on.
I give up the bitterness and hate
And blaming men and fate
For all my discontent.
The guilt and pain I empty from my cup
So God can fill it up
With peace and sweet content.
I will go on
My past I leave behind me,
I gladly take His mercy and His love!
He is joy and He is peace,
He is strength and sweet release.
I know He is, and I am His,
I will go on!
Many thanks to this legendary duo for reminding us of how great our God really is, and that He is and I am His....
There are days..sometimes many of them, when I have to be reminded of this powerful, powerful truth.
I will go on.
And a Happy Holidays it is!
I have every intention of celebrating CHRISTmas...realizing that without the Birth of Christ, there would be no need for this holiday, or any other holiday for that matter.
But I refuse to get my "nighties in a knot" over how people use the season to issue greetings of one type or another.
The word "holiday" is actually derived from the phrase "holy day"--so no reason to be all paranoid and cantankerous.
I honestly believe that far too many CHRIST-followers get their blood pressures elevated when "lost people" behave like "lost people."
We want everyone to be "Christian-ized" whether they really do follow "Christ" or not. Or at least that's the impression I've been getting lately.
There are certain societal mores that should, need to be, and must be respected.
However insisting that everyone say "Merry Christmas" isn't one of them.
Unless I now live in the Vatican City.
And I don't.
But I refuse to get my "nighties in a knot" over how people use the season to issue greetings of one type or another.
The word "holiday" is actually derived from the phrase "holy day"--so no reason to be all paranoid and cantankerous.
I honestly believe that far too many CHRIST-followers get their blood pressures elevated when "lost people" behave like "lost people."
We want everyone to be "Christian-ized" whether they really do follow "Christ" or not. Or at least that's the impression I've been getting lately.
There are certain societal mores that should, need to be, and must be respected.
However insisting that everyone say "Merry Christmas" isn't one of them.
Unless I now live in the Vatican City.
And I don't.
The day I've waited for....
The Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by Former Secretary of State James A Baker III, and Former Congressman Lee H Hamilton (Indiana) released their 142-page report to the President of the United States today.
I've even downloaded it, so I can read it tonite. I watched the national press conference this morning. I was impressed by the depth of their 79 recommendations, and also the seriousness with which the report was issued.
Now, if the President of the United States will get equally serious, and realize all the blunders that have been committed in the last 3+ years since our invasion of Iraq, maybe we can see something productive take place.
This commission was bi-partisan and consisted of some of the great minds in the political life of our nation:
James A Baker III
Lee Hamilton
Lawrence Eagleburger
Leon Panetta
Vernon Jordan
Dr William Perry
Edwin Meese
Sandra Day O'Connor
Bob Gates (until he was nominated as the new Secretary of Defense, at which point he resigned the Study Group).
It's time for all the ballyhooing of both major political parties to cease, and for the "hard work" to either start or at least be accelerated. Our United States House of Representatives works less than 150 days a year, and needs to be held accountable for their "slack."
The same can be said for the United States Senate.
This Study Group did the job they were assigned.
I only wish our elected public officials would follow their lead.
I've even downloaded it, so I can read it tonite. I watched the national press conference this morning. I was impressed by the depth of their 79 recommendations, and also the seriousness with which the report was issued.
Now, if the President of the United States will get equally serious, and realize all the blunders that have been committed in the last 3+ years since our invasion of Iraq, maybe we can see something productive take place.
This commission was bi-partisan and consisted of some of the great minds in the political life of our nation:
James A Baker III
Lee Hamilton
Lawrence Eagleburger
Leon Panetta
Vernon Jordan
Dr William Perry
Edwin Meese
Sandra Day O'Connor
Bob Gates (until he was nominated as the new Secretary of Defense, at which point he resigned the Study Group).
It's time for all the ballyhooing of both major political parties to cease, and for the "hard work" to either start or at least be accelerated. Our United States House of Representatives works less than 150 days a year, and needs to be held accountable for their "slack."
The same can be said for the United States Senate.
This Study Group did the job they were assigned.
I only wish our elected public officials would follow their lead.
Stubborn Obstructionism, oh really?
So President Bush now has to nominate a new United States Ambassador to the United Nations, since the newly minted Senate (come January 2007) will absolutely refuse to confirm John Bolton as the American representative to the U.N.
Anyone surprised?
The Republican-controlled Senate refused to confirm Bolton some 18 months ago, and the President insisted on giving him a "recess" appointment anyway.
So who is the "stubborn obstructionist" in this matter?
It's not the Senate, that's for sure. Those fine men and women did their job in refusing to advise and consent to a nomination in which they vehemently disagreed.
I said it then, and I say it again now, "Mr President, send a worthy nominee to the Senate for confirmation." It's time to stop playing the ideological games, and to send a qualified, confirmable candidate to the United States Senate for confirmation as Ambassador of this great nation.
There are plenty of qualified people out there.
And, even though he did an admirable job in his time at the U.N., Mr. Bolton, overall, was not one of them.
Send a good candidate, and please hurry.
Anyone surprised?
The Republican-controlled Senate refused to confirm Bolton some 18 months ago, and the President insisted on giving him a "recess" appointment anyway.
So who is the "stubborn obstructionist" in this matter?
It's not the Senate, that's for sure. Those fine men and women did their job in refusing to advise and consent to a nomination in which they vehemently disagreed.
I said it then, and I say it again now, "Mr President, send a worthy nominee to the Senate for confirmation." It's time to stop playing the ideological games, and to send a qualified, confirmable candidate to the United States Senate for confirmation as Ambassador of this great nation.
There are plenty of qualified people out there.
And, even though he did an admirable job in his time at the U.N., Mr. Bolton, overall, was not one of them.
Send a good candidate, and please hurry.
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