I'm back from Israel, complete with unending jet-lag and a blog to chronicle the details. The blog about Israel is here.
I have a confession to make. I'm liking the wordpress.com vibe. Am I nuts? I'm going to have to choose.
Anyway, quick story about Israel. I was in the city of Tiberias which is on the Sea of Galilee, and an old guy is playing an accordian down by the sea (lake, actually). I walk up to listen to him, and then tell him, "Very nice," after which I place a dollar in his hat. He is very excited that I am an American, and tells me, "We want only America here." I told him that I wanted only Israel, too, because that seemed like an appropriate response.
He is so happy that he proceeds to play me our national anthem on the accordian. He began...
(Hum the words in "accordian" sound to get the full picture)
"Happy Birthday to You..."
"Happy Birthday to You..."
...
I saluted him as he was playing. I think he was pleased.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Israel Trip
I'm in Israel. I'm posting about it here.
Up 'till just this morning (6:15 AM local time, 12:15 AM CST [7 hours behind]), I am reminded of a story from a former State Youth Director at our youth camp.
He asked a young boy at the end of the week how the camp had been. "Great!" the boys said, "Still have the same underwear on I came with!"
Up 'till just this morning (6:15 AM local time, 12:15 AM CST [7 hours behind]), I am reminded of a story from a former State Youth Director at our youth camp.
He asked a young boy at the end of the week how the camp had been. "Great!" the boys said, "Still have the same underwear on I came with!"
Friday, March 14, 2008
From the Side of I-40
For clarification, I am not actually on the side of Interstate 40 East, but...
Sitting on a grassy knoll for 2 hours next to large trucks passing by dangerously close at 75+ mph can make one reflective. Well, it at least makes for an unnerving break in the chaos of life.
Let me back up.
Leaving at 3:30 in the afternoon which turned into 4:00 was the start of the quick jaunt to Crossville. The mission was to take three teenage boys to meet with a girlfriend's mother, who would travel the rest of the way for a weekend youth event in Knoxville. Understanding on the way that the boys had not brought the money they were supposed to have because clearly they thought I would pay for it and they could just pay me back brought about a wonderful conversation to pass the time. For punishment, I put in a Christmas musical CD and I believe my point was made.
Have you ever had a moment when you thought about something just before it happened? Well, I was thinking how driving down the interstate would be a bad place to have a flat, especially considering that my spare tire had a nail it in that I had neglected to fix beforehand. No matter, I could take care of that when I got home.
Reflecting on that irony as well as many others while sitting on the side of the interstate brought not anger, but a gentle smile across my face. It truly was an impressive display of "hole" in the tire. I'm not quite sure what had caused it, but that was only to focus on the past, which I am not a man who is want to do. Luckily, when all of the snacks the boys had brought had been consumed by me at a couple of hours later, a football was found and as the sun was setting at around 7:00 PM, no one found themselves bored.
It was at that time that the State Trooper pulled up to see why we were on the side of the road. I informed him that I had called Verizon and they were supposed to send someone, but that was some time ago. He nodded, and drove off. Thankful that not only he, but the other policemen who had passed by without stopping in the time before would be so dedicated to their job of driving the interstates in search of the true ticket quota solutions, I took my spot back on the knoll. Another call to Verizon informed me that the tow truck was 1 mile away, and I walked back closer to the vehicle.
Ten minutes later a car stopped to see if we needed assistance. I informed him of the tow truck being virtually upon us and we discussed the problem with being stuck on the side of the road. Some time later, the tow truck arrived and went through the process of hooking us up. Room was found for the three boys in the cab with the driver, and a discussion was had about the place I wanted to take my car. The driver eventually learned that I did not know where I was, or where a proper tire place was located, and proceeded to drive five miles in the direction I was heading in order to turn around and go twelve miles in the other direction to the tire shop of choice.
Riding in the car on the top of a tow truck gives one time to think. One of the things I thought of was my gratefulness of the fact that I do not suffer from seizures, because the blinking lights that were now at front windshield level would have put a lesser man into such a state. I felt bad for those who have seizures. I also reflected on the physics of wind and resistance, along with the "push" of side wind that comes from semi-trucks. The marvels of the modern truck amazes me.
I in a short time that tire places are closed at 8:00 PM, and that the tow rate after the 10 miles that Verizon will cover comes to around $3 a mile. Interesting. Having remembered that Wal-Mart could be a solution, I requested a trip to one I had noticed from my lofty position a mile or so before. The auto department was closing, as we found out from the drivers cell phone conversation, but I could purchase a tire and put it on myself. This was good news, however I thought of a flaw in the plan. Disappointed the tow driver was when he learned that I had no means to take a tire off of the existing rim, much less put a new tire on said rim. He hadn't thought of this because he buys all of his tires at a junkyard with the rim already on. What to do... what to do?
It was then that I informed him of the reason for requesting Wal-Mart. There is a tire plug kit for around $6 in Wal-Mart that could give a solution to the spare with the nail. Off we go, pulling out onto the road from the parking lot of the closed tire shop and in search of the plug kit. From my position in the car above the tow truck, I sensed a problem while sitting at a traffic light. It had turned green, but we were not moving. Alas, this is what happens to all vehicles when all of the fuel has been expired.
Apparently, tow trucks have a "back tank" where after a few more moments in the middle of the road can be accessed for emergency fuel. Off we were to the Wal-Mart gas station again, which was only a long walk from the actual store itself. Having gotten there, a request was made for the use of my cell phone, as the driver of the tow truck had left his in the road during the time of gas-less-ness. A supervisor shows up, and the driver leaves to retrieve his phone. This was a foolish mission, it seems, because the phone had been run over by passing vehicles several times, including one as the driver was standing by waiting to go into the road to retrieve his phone.
I learned that a tow truck driver, or supervisor, will not take a check card. I also learned that they will not lower a car from the back of a tow truck without payment. With this information came also the knowledge that Verizon had in fact made a mistake with their direction of the event, but the extra tow miles were probably not reimbursable by them. They also hoped I would have a better day. This is the reason I stay with Verizon, their commitment to the integrity of their policy and beliefs.
I learned then, however, that a solution could be for me to put $12 worth of diesel into another tow truck that the supervisor was driving and all could be worked out. This could be done on my check card at the pump, so I obliged. After getting $12.01 worth of fuel for his truck the driver was satisfied. I felt sorry for the man, however, because I believe that he has a hearing problem, seeing that he did not give me the penny in return even after I had asked for it.
Three hours after the initial call I thanked the gentlemen from Express Towing Company for their efficiency and innovative solutions to the financial dilemmas that we had faced.
Finding a plug kit after a walk to the Wal-Mart brought joy and expectancy into the moment. Work was done while the parent and girlfriend, who had traveled to our location at the Wal-Mart, watched in awe. It was like grace in motion, teenage boys changing a tire. Showing them the 3 minute procedure of plugging a tire was a moment for learning, which is something I always try to work into times like these. Air was placed into the tire by one of the boys, and then released from twice the pressure than was necessary. Again, a learning moment for a young lad.
The $200 dollars that I had in my possession went directly into the hands of the boys to pay the bill of the trip. Not to worry, I will get it back I was assured. Two of them would currently like to get jobs. Knowing that I, in fact, owned a money tree was assuring to them and caused them not to even worry about how the bill for the event would be paid.
Pulling out of Wal-Mart at 9:43 PM was highlighted by a Taco Bell across the street. This was providential, because I was both hungry and had to survey the area to determine exactly the direction and distance of the interstate from my present location. With full stomach, I ventured back home.
My wife was in bed at 11:30, and as I got under the covers she told me that she was happy that I was home.
I missed her on the side of I-40.
Sitting on a grassy knoll for 2 hours next to large trucks passing by dangerously close at 75+ mph can make one reflective. Well, it at least makes for an unnerving break in the chaos of life.
Let me back up.
Leaving at 3:30 in the afternoon which turned into 4:00 was the start of the quick jaunt to Crossville. The mission was to take three teenage boys to meet with a girlfriend's mother, who would travel the rest of the way for a weekend youth event in Knoxville. Understanding on the way that the boys had not brought the money they were supposed to have because clearly they thought I would pay for it and they could just pay me back brought about a wonderful conversation to pass the time. For punishment, I put in a Christmas musical CD and I believe my point was made.
Have you ever had a moment when you thought about something just before it happened? Well, I was thinking how driving down the interstate would be a bad place to have a flat, especially considering that my spare tire had a nail it in that I had neglected to fix beforehand. No matter, I could take care of that when I got home.
Reflecting on that irony as well as many others while sitting on the side of the interstate brought not anger, but a gentle smile across my face. It truly was an impressive display of "hole" in the tire. I'm not quite sure what had caused it, but that was only to focus on the past, which I am not a man who is want to do. Luckily, when all of the snacks the boys had brought had been consumed by me at a couple of hours later, a football was found and as the sun was setting at around 7:00 PM, no one found themselves bored.
It was at that time that the State Trooper pulled up to see why we were on the side of the road. I informed him that I had called Verizon and they were supposed to send someone, but that was some time ago. He nodded, and drove off. Thankful that not only he, but the other policemen who had passed by without stopping in the time before would be so dedicated to their job of driving the interstates in search of the true ticket quota solutions, I took my spot back on the knoll. Another call to Verizon informed me that the tow truck was 1 mile away, and I walked back closer to the vehicle.
Ten minutes later a car stopped to see if we needed assistance. I informed him of the tow truck being virtually upon us and we discussed the problem with being stuck on the side of the road. Some time later, the tow truck arrived and went through the process of hooking us up. Room was found for the three boys in the cab with the driver, and a discussion was had about the place I wanted to take my car. The driver eventually learned that I did not know where I was, or where a proper tire place was located, and proceeded to drive five miles in the direction I was heading in order to turn around and go twelve miles in the other direction to the tire shop of choice.
Riding in the car on the top of a tow truck gives one time to think. One of the things I thought of was my gratefulness of the fact that I do not suffer from seizures, because the blinking lights that were now at front windshield level would have put a lesser man into such a state. I felt bad for those who have seizures. I also reflected on the physics of wind and resistance, along with the "push" of side wind that comes from semi-trucks. The marvels of the modern truck amazes me.
I in a short time that tire places are closed at 8:00 PM, and that the tow rate after the 10 miles that Verizon will cover comes to around $3 a mile. Interesting. Having remembered that Wal-Mart could be a solution, I requested a trip to one I had noticed from my lofty position a mile or so before. The auto department was closing, as we found out from the drivers cell phone conversation, but I could purchase a tire and put it on myself. This was good news, however I thought of a flaw in the plan. Disappointed the tow driver was when he learned that I had no means to take a tire off of the existing rim, much less put a new tire on said rim. He hadn't thought of this because he buys all of his tires at a junkyard with the rim already on. What to do... what to do?
It was then that I informed him of the reason for requesting Wal-Mart. There is a tire plug kit for around $6 in Wal-Mart that could give a solution to the spare with the nail. Off we go, pulling out onto the road from the parking lot of the closed tire shop and in search of the plug kit. From my position in the car above the tow truck, I sensed a problem while sitting at a traffic light. It had turned green, but we were not moving. Alas, this is what happens to all vehicles when all of the fuel has been expired.
Apparently, tow trucks have a "back tank" where after a few more moments in the middle of the road can be accessed for emergency fuel. Off we were to the Wal-Mart gas station again, which was only a long walk from the actual store itself. Having gotten there, a request was made for the use of my cell phone, as the driver of the tow truck had left his in the road during the time of gas-less-ness. A supervisor shows up, and the driver leaves to retrieve his phone. This was a foolish mission, it seems, because the phone had been run over by passing vehicles several times, including one as the driver was standing by waiting to go into the road to retrieve his phone.
I learned that a tow truck driver, or supervisor, will not take a check card. I also learned that they will not lower a car from the back of a tow truck without payment. With this information came also the knowledge that Verizon had in fact made a mistake with their direction of the event, but the extra tow miles were probably not reimbursable by them. They also hoped I would have a better day. This is the reason I stay with Verizon, their commitment to the integrity of their policy and beliefs.
I learned then, however, that a solution could be for me to put $12 worth of diesel into another tow truck that the supervisor was driving and all could be worked out. This could be done on my check card at the pump, so I obliged. After getting $12.01 worth of fuel for his truck the driver was satisfied. I felt sorry for the man, however, because I believe that he has a hearing problem, seeing that he did not give me the penny in return even after I had asked for it.
Three hours after the initial call I thanked the gentlemen from Express Towing Company for their efficiency and innovative solutions to the financial dilemmas that we had faced.
Finding a plug kit after a walk to the Wal-Mart brought joy and expectancy into the moment. Work was done while the parent and girlfriend, who had traveled to our location at the Wal-Mart, watched in awe. It was like grace in motion, teenage boys changing a tire. Showing them the 3 minute procedure of plugging a tire was a moment for learning, which is something I always try to work into times like these. Air was placed into the tire by one of the boys, and then released from twice the pressure than was necessary. Again, a learning moment for a young lad.
The $200 dollars that I had in my possession went directly into the hands of the boys to pay the bill of the trip. Not to worry, I will get it back I was assured. Two of them would currently like to get jobs. Knowing that I, in fact, owned a money tree was assuring to them and caused them not to even worry about how the bill for the event would be paid.
Pulling out of Wal-Mart at 9:43 PM was highlighted by a Taco Bell across the street. This was providential, because I was both hungry and had to survey the area to determine exactly the direction and distance of the interstate from my present location. With full stomach, I ventured back home.
My wife was in bed at 11:30, and as I got under the covers she told me that she was happy that I was home.
I missed her on the side of I-40.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What's In Your Garbage?
Sounds like a crummy game show, doesn't it? Or maybe a great one... who knows?!?
The more specific question is actually, "What is in your office garbage?" I don't care about shredding documents or such, but I think the garbage in your office might reflect your day.
Mine was full to the top (and almost overflowing) with McDonald's cups and Dr. Pepper cans.
Just wondering...
The more specific question is actually, "What is in your office garbage?" I don't care about shredding documents or such, but I think the garbage in your office might reflect your day.
Mine was full to the top (and almost overflowing) with McDonald's cups and Dr. Pepper cans.
Just wondering...
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
My Wife is a Genius
Now, I realize that all should think this about their significant others, but I really am impressed with my wife. The reasons are many, but the one that immediately comes to mind is her ability to pull desserts out of thin air.
I remember when I knew we didn't have ANY food in our home, and Hol goes into the kitchen and 15 minutes or so later she comes out with peanut butter cookies. Now we add chocolate chips to the mix and it is the best cookie ever!
My youngest son is allergic to everything, but she mixes a bunch of stuff up and whoop-de-ding-dong-dang... Isaac Surprise Cookies! He asked if she could make more, and her response was, "I don't know. I really don't know how I made them."
Last night moved her into a new realm of dessert goodieness. The kids are in bed and we are watching TV. I get up to go into the kitchen for some reason and notice wrappers for both a Hershey's Dark Chocolate bar and a Little Debbie brownie. I question the availability of more. Alas, they were old wrappers that had escaped the trash a short time before. However, she then asks if I want a snack.
Introducing:
I remember when I knew we didn't have ANY food in our home, and Hol goes into the kitchen and 15 minutes or so later she comes out with peanut butter cookies. Now we add chocolate chips to the mix and it is the best cookie ever!
My youngest son is allergic to everything, but she mixes a bunch of stuff up and whoop-de-ding-dong-dang... Isaac Surprise Cookies! He asked if she could make more, and her response was, "I don't know. I really don't know how I made them."
Last night moved her into a new realm of dessert goodieness. The kids are in bed and we are watching TV. I get up to go into the kitchen for some reason and notice wrappers for both a Hershey's Dark Chocolate bar and a Little Debbie brownie. I question the availability of more. Alas, they were old wrappers that had escaped the trash a short time before. However, she then asks if I want a snack.
"Do you want something salty or sweet?" she asks.She goes into the kitchen again, and begins to look into cabinets. Again, a little later a plate was brought out with a "this will probably not be good" look on her face. I tasted it.
"Holly, how long have we been married?" I respond.
Introducing:
Marshmerrios
Yes, marshmerrios.
She asked for improvements. I said, "Hol, whatever you've done... you did it."
The ingredients:
Marshmallows, Sugar, Butter, Remnant chocolate chips, Possibly something else, & Cheerios
There needs to be some type of cooking show on Food Network that is about pulling desserts out of nothing. Hol would win it.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Royal Flush(ed) Out
For starters, I am beginning a new phase of my blogging life that includes being a little more clever with my titles. I hope that you understand. It's not you... it's me.
That said, I begin with my phrase of a few weeks ago:
It seems that word had leaked out about Prince Harry of Great Britain (3rd in line to the throne) and his service in Afghanistan. He had been serving since December, and the knowledge of that fact was kept in secrecy for obvious reasons. Well, now that I mention it, perhaps they weren't so obvious. If word had gotten out that he was serving in a certain area, then both he and his unit would have been targeted in a greater measure than in normal warfare scenarios. There are other reason, but this is the main one.
The word had begun to leak, but leave it to the "news" organizations of the American press to totally open the faucet. Now, because our press has run with the story, he is being sent away from his unit and back home.
Does the press have NO sense whatsoever????? Geraldo gives away troop locations. News anchors follow limited movements to report atrocities and believe they are giving the big picture. Now, the press has no idea of what the word "secret" means.
The life and security of Harry trumps their choice to report... or it should. He had put himself in harms way for a cause, but it was his choice. His choice was to save the life of others. The press attempted to put the life of another in greater jeopardy to exercise their "choice" of free speech.
I cannot falsely scream "Fire!" in a crowed room because it would endanger the lives of the people in that room. In the name of reporting, the press screamed "fire." They put lives in jeopardy for a scoop, not a story.
What a stupid choice.
That said, I begin with my phrase of a few weeks ago:
Life trumps Choice... every time.
It seems that word had leaked out about Prince Harry of Great Britain (3rd in line to the throne) and his service in Afghanistan. He had been serving since December, and the knowledge of that fact was kept in secrecy for obvious reasons. Well, now that I mention it, perhaps they weren't so obvious. If word had gotten out that he was serving in a certain area, then both he and his unit would have been targeted in a greater measure than in normal warfare scenarios. There are other reason, but this is the main one.
The word had begun to leak, but leave it to the "news" organizations of the American press to totally open the faucet. Now, because our press has run with the story, he is being sent away from his unit and back home.
Does the press have NO sense whatsoever????? Geraldo gives away troop locations. News anchors follow limited movements to report atrocities and believe they are giving the big picture. Now, the press has no idea of what the word "secret" means.
The life and security of Harry trumps their choice to report... or it should. He had put himself in harms way for a cause, but it was his choice. His choice was to save the life of others. The press attempted to put the life of another in greater jeopardy to exercise their "choice" of free speech.
I cannot falsely scream "Fire!" in a crowed room because it would endanger the lives of the people in that room. In the name of reporting, the press screamed "fire." They put lives in jeopardy for a scoop, not a story.
What a stupid choice.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Fixing my thoughts...
A few weeks ago, I was sitting at my favorite mexican restaurant in Shelbyville (and we have a few) and the topic of a certain movie came up. It doesn't really matter what the movie was, so it will go nameless. One of the men stated that he had finally gotten to see this movie, and as he spoke he mentioned that it was not a movie that he would recommend. His disappointment was not in the quality of the filmaking or acting, but in some of the content that he wasn't pleased with. A young kid (teenager) had seen this movie as well, and began to go on and on about the greatness of this movie.
I was impressed in the character of the man in that he didn't scold the boy, but simply stated in a low key manner that he wished he had not seen the film. He didn't wish to embarrass the boy because young boys are, well, young boys; and it wasn't the time for a discussion of the reasons not to see the film. Taking his cue, I quickly distracted all by a totally irrelevant, but captivating topic that we could then move to.
I have found that each heart and spirit is a little different. We have a way of making others feel less by chiding them for what they cannot watch. I do not say that they cannot because of rule or regulations, but for other reasons. For some, the reason might be that they have made a commitment to themselves and their God that they will not view certain things. If this is done because they are made to by an organization, then it is fruitless. If it is a personal decision that is guiding only by their honor, then it will in fact reap benefits. For others, the reason they cannot view certain things is that they know their minds.
For instance, a totally harmless show can be on tv and my youngest son will cover his eyes when the "scary music" is heard. Others have problems dealing with gore, or sex, or other things and know that if they witness it then it will stay in and on their minds. We judge on both sides of the issue. Those that have no problem with viewing the film Saw (not the subject of the earlier conversation) riducule those who do not wish to view it. Those who choose not to see the film instantly judge the heart of those who do. So, what is the answer?
In the book of Philippians, chapter 4, Paul writes in the Word of God that there is a procedure for what we think about:
This has always helped me. Does what I am watching fit into these criteria? If so they will be good for me. If they don't, then I am probably setting myself up for thoughts that will take a while to get out of my head.
I was impressed in the character of the man in that he didn't scold the boy, but simply stated in a low key manner that he wished he had not seen the film. He didn't wish to embarrass the boy because young boys are, well, young boys; and it wasn't the time for a discussion of the reasons not to see the film. Taking his cue, I quickly distracted all by a totally irrelevant, but captivating topic that we could then move to.
I have found that each heart and spirit is a little different. We have a way of making others feel less by chiding them for what they cannot watch. I do not say that they cannot because of rule or regulations, but for other reasons. For some, the reason might be that they have made a commitment to themselves and their God that they will not view certain things. If this is done because they are made to by an organization, then it is fruitless. If it is a personal decision that is guiding only by their honor, then it will in fact reap benefits. For others, the reason they cannot view certain things is that they know their minds.
For instance, a totally harmless show can be on tv and my youngest son will cover his eyes when the "scary music" is heard. Others have problems dealing with gore, or sex, or other things and know that if they witness it then it will stay in and on their minds. We judge on both sides of the issue. Those that have no problem with viewing the film Saw (not the subject of the earlier conversation) riducule those who do not wish to view it. Those who choose not to see the film instantly judge the heart of those who do. So, what is the answer?
In the book of Philippians, chapter 4, Paul writes in the Word of God that there is a procedure for what we think about:
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what
is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think
about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
This has always helped me. Does what I am watching fit into these criteria? If so they will be good for me. If they don't, then I am probably setting myself up for thoughts that will take a while to get out of my head.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Together into Eternity
Last night, while driving the 4 hours home from East TN, I received a phone call. It seems that a family of four was killed in an automobile accident in LaFayette, TN, one of the towns hit hardest by the tornados a few days ago. This family was well known to mine, as Michael Welch was a fellow pastor in Shelbyville for the first few years I was here.
I have been to the Welch's home, climbed their tree-house, and laughed by a campfire with them. Michael and his family had moved to LaFayette to pastor a Methodist Church and had well entrenched themselves into the community. In fact, they had spent the day yesterday meeting and praying with the families who has lost everything in the storm. On the way back home, their vehicle was hit by a semi and Michael, Julie, Jesse & Hannah left this world for the next.
It is tragic because they will be missed. They were good people. Michael came to Chattanooga to give his sympathies when my mom died in 2001. Michael took me to lunch and showed me a used book store in Nashville to get me away from the hospital when my youngest son's life was in the balance, and my days were filled sitting in a hospital waiting room. Julie was a friend and leader in the things of God in this community. The kids loved animals, and Michael took great joy that he looked old enough to be their grandfather but they were his!
They are Christians not because they were good people, however. They are Christians because they had allowed Christ to forgive their sins and then committed their lives to Him as Lord. This gave them a promise.
I drove in to get to the house between 12:30 & 1:00 AM, and the boys were surprised because I wasn't due home until later today. We told them what had happened, and Jonah, my 10-year-old was profound.
Imagine the moment. They might have been shocked and looked at each other because they breathed the air of earth only moments before. Then, with smiles and a feeling of completion, they joined hands and strolled into eternity with the King... together.
I have been to the Welch's home, climbed their tree-house, and laughed by a campfire with them. Michael and his family had moved to LaFayette to pastor a Methodist Church and had well entrenched themselves into the community. In fact, they had spent the day yesterday meeting and praying with the families who has lost everything in the storm. On the way back home, their vehicle was hit by a semi and Michael, Julie, Jesse & Hannah left this world for the next.
It is tragic because they will be missed. They were good people. Michael came to Chattanooga to give his sympathies when my mom died in 2001. Michael took me to lunch and showed me a used book store in Nashville to get me away from the hospital when my youngest son's life was in the balance, and my days were filled sitting in a hospital waiting room. Julie was a friend and leader in the things of God in this community. The kids loved animals, and Michael took great joy that he looked old enough to be their grandfather but they were his!
They are Christians not because they were good people, however. They are Christians because they had allowed Christ to forgive their sins and then committed their lives to Him as Lord. This gave them a promise.
I drove in to get to the house between 12:30 & 1:00 AM, and the boys were surprised because I wasn't due home until later today. We told them what had happened, and Jonah, my 10-year-old was profound.
"Dad, it's bad but kinda good, too."
"How son?" (I knew, but I wanted him to think it out)
"They get to be together in heaven."
Imagine the moment. They might have been shocked and looked at each other because they breathed the air of earth only moments before. Then, with smiles and a feeling of completion, they joined hands and strolled into eternity with the King... together.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Life Trumps Choice
In the previous post I linked to a story about a woman forgoing treatment so that she could carry her baby to near-term and give birth. It is a beautiful story of sacrifice and resolve for something that she believed strongly in and a love that is almost unimaginable. I ran across the story after a few days of pondering the idea that "life trumps choice."
I was in my car and heard a comment about the arrogance of the pro-lifers who would take away the choice of a woman. The thought of pro-life being a put down is actually amusing to me, because that would mean the opposite end of the spectrum is "anti-life." This actually goes to the core of the debate, however, because the "choice" crowd says they are looking out for the rights of the living woman, and her privacy right cannot be infringed upon.
Interesting.
Not willing to make this post too long, and thereby causing the three people who would normally skim the site to bypass it altogether, I simply say, "Life trumps Choice"... every time.
It is my life, and my privacy in my car gives me a choice to drive 109 miles an hour through a playground. However, the life that is in the playground (parents, children and even dogs) will cause the authorities to not allow me drive dangerously. Their life trumps my choice.
I can own a gun, and love to fire it. If you are standing in front of my target and I choose to fire, then you will die. I will then be punished for my choice to fire. Your life trumps my choice.
The argument might then be made (and it is really where the true issue lies) that the unborn is not life but part of the woman's body. I don't think that anyone has ever stooped to name the fetus "property", but privacy issues are always brought up. Forget the fact that when "private" is mentioned in the Constitution it actually refers to property and the illegal taking of. The abortion debate really, then, centers on whether the unborn is a life in and of itself or the property of the woman.
If it can be proven with 100% accuracy (note the 100%) that the unborn is not a life on it's own, the it is truly a part of the woman and nothing can be said. However, this cannot be proven. In fact, the overwhelming medical (scientific) evidence puts the unborn at the status of a separate life. (Do your own actual research before trying to blast this one). With this being said, even if there was only a 1% chance that the unborn was "life", then we must always err on the side of life.
Then remember... Life trumps Choice. Your choice and mine.
Every time.
I was in my car and heard a comment about the arrogance of the pro-lifers who would take away the choice of a woman. The thought of pro-life being a put down is actually amusing to me, because that would mean the opposite end of the spectrum is "anti-life." This actually goes to the core of the debate, however, because the "choice" crowd says they are looking out for the rights of the living woman, and her privacy right cannot be infringed upon.
Interesting.
Not willing to make this post too long, and thereby causing the three people who would normally skim the site to bypass it altogether, I simply say, "Life trumps Choice"... every time.
It is my life, and my privacy in my car gives me a choice to drive 109 miles an hour through a playground. However, the life that is in the playground (parents, children and even dogs) will cause the authorities to not allow me drive dangerously. Their life trumps my choice.
I can own a gun, and love to fire it. If you are standing in front of my target and I choose to fire, then you will die. I will then be punished for my choice to fire. Your life trumps my choice.
The argument might then be made (and it is really where the true issue lies) that the unborn is not life but part of the woman's body. I don't think that anyone has ever stooped to name the fetus "property", but privacy issues are always brought up. Forget the fact that when "private" is mentioned in the Constitution it actually refers to property and the illegal taking of. The abortion debate really, then, centers on whether the unborn is a life in and of itself or the property of the woman.
If it can be proven with 100% accuracy (note the 100%) that the unborn is not a life on it's own, the it is truly a part of the woman and nothing can be said. However, this cannot be proven. In fact, the overwhelming medical (scientific) evidence puts the unborn at the status of a separate life. (Do your own actual research before trying to blast this one). With this being said, even if there was only a 1% chance that the unborn was "life", then we must always err on the side of life.
Then remember... Life trumps Choice. Your choice and mine.
Every time.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Life & Choice
I have been pondering for a few days the issues surrounding the abortion debate in this country. I will weigh in on those thoughts shortly, but until then check out this touching story I came across today.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,325458,00.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,325458,00.html
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Accusations
It's funny, not in a "ha ha" way but in that other way, that a regime known for propaganda is accusing the United States of propaganda. One line and I can see the labels flying!!!! This has nothing to do with a debate on whether or not we should be in a war or anything, but a comment on the irony that is human nature. The recent video from the U.S. showing provocation and the newest video not showing provocation brings this post to mind.
Oh wait, it also reminds me of the old joke:
I digress.
Now, I have found that accusations are delicate things. First, you can never really defend yourself without sounding defensive, no matter the level of truth (or untruth) of the accusation itself.
Second, a lot of the time the accusation is based on the actions of the accuser, and not the one being accused. Again, the propaganda regime of Iran has accused America of propaganda. There is some comment about a pot, a kettle, and the color black that might be appropriate here.
This is nothing new. In the Bible there is a story about a young shepherd boy who goes to a battlefield to see his brothers and carry news back to his father. When he gets there, he finds that the army is not doing its job in confronting an enemy threat. As he asks about it, he is accused by his oldest brother that he is being "prideful". It is interesting, because in the previous chapter, this same oldest brother had been passed over because of the condition of his heart. The only reason that God will pass over or resist choosing us is pride. Pretty ironic, eh?
The reason that men (and women) accuse based on their own weakness is this: It will make them look better. You see, if I am a thief, and I accuse you of being a thief; then I am not the only thief around. If I am louder than you in my accusation, or if I find the case that there is already an agenda against you, then all will forget about me being a thief and will focus their attention on you, the new (although false) thief. If I am hateful or bitter, but can spot an instance of accusation, whether real or contrived, of you being the same, then I can take the pressure off of me. You are no better than me, so I am not so bad.
I don't know. Just a thought.
Oh wait, it also reminds me of the old joke:
Spray this can of elephant retardant in the air and it will get rid of all of the elephants. There are no elephants in the room. See, it's working already.
I digress.
Now, I have found that accusations are delicate things. First, you can never really defend yourself without sounding defensive, no matter the level of truth (or untruth) of the accusation itself.
Sir, have you stopped beating your wife?!?
No... I mean YES... no I mean I have never beaten my wife!!!
Second, a lot of the time the accusation is based on the actions of the accuser, and not the one being accused. Again, the propaganda regime of Iran has accused America of propaganda. There is some comment about a pot, a kettle, and the color black that might be appropriate here.
This is nothing new. In the Bible there is a story about a young shepherd boy who goes to a battlefield to see his brothers and carry news back to his father. When he gets there, he finds that the army is not doing its job in confronting an enemy threat. As he asks about it, he is accused by his oldest brother that he is being "prideful". It is interesting, because in the previous chapter, this same oldest brother had been passed over because of the condition of his heart. The only reason that God will pass over or resist choosing us is pride. Pretty ironic, eh?
The reason that men (and women) accuse based on their own weakness is this: It will make them look better. You see, if I am a thief, and I accuse you of being a thief; then I am not the only thief around. If I am louder than you in my accusation, or if I find the case that there is already an agenda against you, then all will forget about me being a thief and will focus their attention on you, the new (although false) thief. If I am hateful or bitter, but can spot an instance of accusation, whether real or contrived, of you being the same, then I can take the pressure off of me. You are no better than me, so I am not so bad.
I don't know. Just a thought.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
To Question...
I have blogged about this before, but I still wonder about those who question everything! As my general disclaimer usually goes, I hate the labels and stereotyping of placing people in extreme categories. With that said, do those who are constantly questioning really want an answer?
You see, there are those who consider themselves "intellectual" just because they are always discussing the profound. The fact that they are unsure of anything is mistakenly seen as being "open-minded." However, isn't endless discussion really just futility???
When someone is sure of something that disagrees with a belief set of those who question, the "sure" one is seen as brainwashed or intellectually inferior or some such nonsense as that. Note it is the disagreement that the ever questioning have a problem with. Now, I believe that there are times when we draw lines that aren't there, and set as foundation points items that are really nothing more than opinion or tradition. This creates a wall that those who are truly still searching cannot seem to climb over or get around. The bottom line, though, is that the only real reason to question is to find an answer.
Is it too much to believe that there is an answer out there? While I am still unsure of a lot, to be intellectually alert you must concede that there is a chance that I have asked some questions myself that I have actually found an answer for. That doesn't make me brainwashed or close minded, but it means that I have followed a line of rational thinking and come to a conclusion. If anything, I am not thick-headed enough to miss the forest for the trees.
The scientific method is this (at it's basic level):
You see, there are those who consider themselves "intellectual" just because they are always discussing the profound. The fact that they are unsure of anything is mistakenly seen as being "open-minded." However, isn't endless discussion really just futility???
When someone is sure of something that disagrees with a belief set of those who question, the "sure" one is seen as brainwashed or intellectually inferior or some such nonsense as that. Note it is the disagreement that the ever questioning have a problem with. Now, I believe that there are times when we draw lines that aren't there, and set as foundation points items that are really nothing more than opinion or tradition. This creates a wall that those who are truly still searching cannot seem to climb over or get around. The bottom line, though, is that the only real reason to question is to find an answer.
Is it too much to believe that there is an answer out there? While I am still unsure of a lot, to be intellectually alert you must concede that there is a chance that I have asked some questions myself that I have actually found an answer for. That doesn't make me brainwashed or close minded, but it means that I have followed a line of rational thinking and come to a conclusion. If anything, I am not thick-headed enough to miss the forest for the trees.
The scientific method is this (at it's basic level):
- You have an idea (theory)
- You run some tests to see if the idea is correct (or not)
- You go with the results of the test
Most of the ultra-questioners, however:
- Start with an idea
- Look for results that would prove their idea, or fix the test (question) to back up their idea
- Continue to question anyone who thinks otherwise
With regard to the Christian faith, and my belief in Christ... I am sure. I have questioned and found the answer. He is Jesus.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Creation declares...
Kermit the frog used to opine, "It's not easy being green..." You know, in the world of labels that we live in, we tend to categorize others in an "either/or" box by overlooking the common ground and focusing with laser intensity on the beliefs or thoughts that are different than ours.
"Oh, you drive an SUV? You must hate the earth!"
"Solar panels?? You're one of those un-bathed green freaks!"
I hate labels. The reason I do is that they tend to come not from our immediate perception, but from a belief set in previous time by a past experience or taught lesson. If we could begin to see each other in an immediate light, I believe that there is vast common ground.
Before the 13th century, most did not think about nature. It wasn't until 1410 that a small painting was done of a landscape. It's the first known time that nature was appreciated just for being beautiful. So, from no thought of the beauty of creation we move to an awareness of it. It seems that we shifted sometime from that to a "Mother Earth" scenario where we (humans) somehow don't belong here. Who knows where we are now?!?
Now, with my hatred of labels and a disclaimer that I don't throw trash on the ground (and thereby making the Indian cry) and I love clean air and think solar panels are cool; and I don't drive a tiny gas efficient car because I have a family of five and I believe that the theories on the whole climate "change" (used to be "warming") thing are based on sketchy science and agenda driven and stuff... I offer this thought:
God created all, and it is good.
Creation itself declares (reveals) the glory of God.
I want to stop and view creation and be in wonder. I want that wonder to drive me to the author of it all.
A few months ago I was sitting outside my house gazing at the sky. It was light enough to still see, but dark enough that the stars were visible. I suddenly became aware at the vastness of the universe, and how God was bigger than it all. I became humbled, because I realized my size relative to the size of the universe. I then realized that as small as I am, God still knows me and loves me. I took a moment to thank Him for that.
That was a revelation I would not have received had I not been appreciating nature.
Patrick Morley gives this thought about Man and Creation (and the observation of):
"Oh, you drive an SUV? You must hate the earth!"
"Solar panels?? You're one of those un-bathed green freaks!"
I hate labels. The reason I do is that they tend to come not from our immediate perception, but from a belief set in previous time by a past experience or taught lesson. If we could begin to see each other in an immediate light, I believe that there is vast common ground.
Before the 13th century, most did not think about nature. It wasn't until 1410 that a small painting was done of a landscape. It's the first known time that nature was appreciated just for being beautiful. So, from no thought of the beauty of creation we move to an awareness of it. It seems that we shifted sometime from that to a "Mother Earth" scenario where we (humans) somehow don't belong here. Who knows where we are now?!?
Now, with my hatred of labels and a disclaimer that I don't throw trash on the ground (and thereby making the Indian cry) and I love clean air and think solar panels are cool; and I don't drive a tiny gas efficient car because I have a family of five and I believe that the theories on the whole climate "change" (used to be "warming") thing are based on sketchy science and agenda driven and stuff... I offer this thought:
God created all, and it is good.
Creation itself declares (reveals) the glory of God.
I want to stop and view creation and be in wonder. I want that wonder to drive me to the author of it all.
A few months ago I was sitting outside my house gazing at the sky. It was light enough to still see, but dark enough that the stars were visible. I suddenly became aware at the vastness of the universe, and how God was bigger than it all. I became humbled, because I realized my size relative to the size of the universe. I then realized that as small as I am, God still knows me and loves me. I took a moment to thank Him for that.
That was a revelation I would not have received had I not been appreciating nature.
Patrick Morley gives this thought about Man and Creation (and the observation of):
Look at a mountain and think how long it would take one person to cart it away, or make one, or climb it.
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