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.

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

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:

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.

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 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.

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):

Look at a mountain and think how long it would take one person to cart it away, or make one, or climb it.

Caldwell Cakes beware!

There is an up and coming cake making team at Caldwell Cakes that dares to be reckoned with. I do so dare.

The Scott Boys GingerBread Home Builders have picked up the gauntlet.

Note the apple on the left lawn. It is to hold up the sliding roof. Also, the use of fondant was forgone for the non-biodegradable and unedible plastic tray of lawn. The leaning of the figures in front is a statment regarding the chaos of Christmas and the family.

All done for $8.95 + tax from Wal-Mart. Kit complete with ingredients.

Moving Forward

I mentioned in a previous post about the kid's movie Meet the Robinsons that there was a quote from Walt Disney himself at the end of the film. The quote was about "moving forward," or to continue on despite setbacks. The lesson of getting beyond past failure needs to be learned and embraced by all. One time the characters even applauded failure by the lead because he had eliminated one way not to do something. Brilliant.

However, I believe that an even greater obstacle to moving forward is not the remembrance of past failure, but the fear of potential future failure. It is the question that speaks, "What if I blow it?" It is very real, and it can paralyze you at every step.

At houses of worship across the world we are told to "step out in faith." What keeps us from doing this is the thought, "Well, what if God doesn't come through?" I think we need to turn the question around. The new thought should be, "What if God does come through?" Instead of focusing on what might not happen, look to what would happen if things did work out! This is not some "power of positive thinking" scheme, but a push toward thinking positively enough to "keep moving forward." It will give you a push to try something that has never been done before because, quite frankly, it just might work.

I think Edison said something about finding 900 ways not to make a light bulb before he succeeded. You life might have 900 lessons on how not to make a friend, or build a relationship, or get a job, or whatever. Learn from these lessons, and move forward.

I had a boss/pastor who told me his motto. I was immediately impressed because I knew few people who had a motto. I was equally impressed with the motto itself:

If you are going to make a mistake, make a new one.

As Tumone and Pumba in the Lion King would say:

You have to put your behind in your past.

This one doesn't have the same ring to it, but you get the point.

Being a Christian is not something I do, but someone I am.

What do you want to do today?

I know what you are thinking... "Huh?"

It's an open ended question, though. The question is not, "What do you need to do today?", but a directive toward that nagging issue of desire. It is ironic because what I want to write about is the quote from the previous post, but I feel as if I need to get this off of my chest.

You see, my days are filled with things that need to get done. "To Do" lists are made and checked off accordingly. There are times when the need must wait for the following day, and there are also times when the list is completed early. The "productive" days of early completion are usually met with additional "needed" items that had either been put off from days before, or newly placed on the list by a phone call or an unplanned visitor.

To be honest, it all feels like running in the hamster wheel.

I'm tired of running in the hamster wheel.

I have taught classes on "Organization for the Un-Organized." Those that are around me sometimes feel as if I am an unorganized person. I really am not. I have a style that borders on the chaotic, it's true; but there is a rhyme and reason to it all. My problem is not my schedule, but the reality that my schedule is oftentimes set by others rather than myself.

There is a principle that I teach, but all too often fail to live by. The principle is this:

Don't prioritize your schedule. Schedule your priorities.

Simply put, schedule in times for the priorities and let every thing else find a place if it can. This is not shirking responsibility, but rather being responsible for things that really matter. Going a step further, it also means taking some time to schedule in your "wants" as well as your needs.

Think about this... "Who are you?"

I am a pastor, but I am also a husband, a father, a brother and brother-in-law, a son and son-in-law. I am an uncle and a nephew, as well as a grandchild. (This is beginning to sound like the song, "I'm my own grandpa.") I am a friend, a citizen of my country and my community. I am a leader, a Christian, and a human being. I could go on and on. With that in mind, the tasks of the job are only one piece of the puzzle. The other faces of my schizophrenic life must have their time as well. What do those parts "want" to do?

• I want to be silly with my boys.
• I want to hold my wife's hand.
• I want to write a book.
• I want to start a new ministry.
• I want to send the card and make the phone call.
• I want to take a nap without guilt.
• I want to influence and impact my community.
• I want to pray more.

Oh, there is more.

I want to dream.

I'm going to schedule a time for that.

Keep Moving Forward

Friday nights have become "pajama night" at the Scott home. The tradition is complete with the following elements:

1. Snacks purchased at Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart.
2. Meal planned of quick and tasty (although not healthy) food.
3. Movie rented or purchased from cheap movie bin at store.
4. Sleeping bags and blankets in the living room.
5. Everyone in pajamas or sweats.

Generally, the movie is picked out by one of the boys; and on an occasional adventurous night there is a double feature. This has become a well-loved tradition, especially by our youngest, Isaac. There are plenty of movies out there to view because there has been a cold spell of sorts as to our actually going to the movie theater. One movie that was out was the film Meet the Robinsons, and this was our choice for last night's viewing. Jonathan had actually seen it in school, which was neither here nor there other than the fact that I'm not sure why he saw it while in school. I digress.

The film was pleasant for all, and it ended with a quote from Walt Disney himself.

"Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

I think it speaks for itself, but in the next day or two I will attempt to unpack how it speaks to me.

Wanted to give a quick note to reference the blog for my church about meditation (of sorts).

I feel as if I need to have two blogs, but they will probably tend to overlap.

Anyway:
bobscott.wordpress.com

Capture and Keeping the Presence

Some met for a time of prayer last night at the church. There is a sense that we need God and His Will more than ever in our lives, and in turn, the ministry here in Shelbyville. It is a small beginning, but we aren't hindered by that fact.

As I began to pray, I sensed in a very real way that God was with us. I even almost spoke to those there about being "aware" of God's presence, but I simply remained in a state of awareness myself. I welcomed Him there, and continued to simply invite Him more and more. After a few moments, and I don't know when the switch happened, but I realized that I was no longer aware of God, but had begun to focus on some Christmas decorations that were in a box on the floor. I thought of the layout of the room and how it would be decorated, and my mind wandered.

I know that this simply sounds like an attention-span problem, but there was something different happening. I sensed that this was a picture of a large portion of the body of believers. We become aware of the presence of God for a moment, and are even awed by it. Then, we become distracted. This leads to a basic "forgetfulness" of God. You see, we don't hate Him; we just ignore Him. This is not done in a vicious way, either; but it happens at a sub-conscience level that manifests itself into the conscience. At the risk of creating a maddening cliche, Christmas is remembered more than Christ.

So, I wonder...
How do we capture the presence of Christ, thereby keeping that presences real and in the forefront of our mind?

We must find ourselves in the presence of God, then we must be changed by that presence.

I'm going to Israel in March, and I learned something yesterday afternoon about the Wailing Wall. The protocol is that you pray with your hands against the wall. When you are finished, you back away 5 paces or so, with you head still bowed and while still facing the wall. Then, you turn with your head bowed and walk away.

In Jewish tradition, you do not turn your back on the presence of God.

Global Warming... er... Climate Change

I have found in my exhaustive research (or maybe it was just not being stupid of people and attitudes) that the environment tends to be one of those "either / or" issues. Note: I don't think it really is but since we label people if we hear those certain trigger phrases come out of one's mouth it becomes an "either/or."

If you believe warming/climate change then you are a wacko, tree-hugging liberal OR if you question the premise (at all) then you are a earth-hating, money-hungry Republican. I will note that you will never be called a "conservative," but you will automatically fit into the Republican camp (with the big "R"). This is how some (a lot) think, so you better get used to the labeling!

I have my views, and will further explain them beginning soon in a new blog I am working on, but for now I veer from the usual fodder of the site to simply observe that:

This thing is genius for those who want to capitalize on it!

"What do you mean?" you gasp. "This is a real threat!" Well, that is not really the debate here, but the opportunity for some to cash in is.

Here goes:

If the entire planet gets 178 thousand degrees in a few years, those in power can say, "Big business pushed us past the breaking point. If only we would have started sooner. Maybe now we can punish big business" However, if it all turns around, then it can be said, "Look what we have done! Our efforts at saving the planet have worked! We must not stop the Utopian process. More, more, more!!!!!"

You see?

Win. Win.

Water and the Wine

This past weekend I was attacked by the worst case of Strep that had ever been documented. This was not actually told to me by the clinic because of concern for my mental stability in my already weakened physical state, but I am sure they taken the proper procedures to see that my case is studied. I think I need a team, like the elephant man.

Thursday I did begin antibiotics and went through the process of resting my body, in general, and my throat in specific. Being a pastor and needed to speak on Sunday morning, it was imperative that I rested as much as possible. God, and Holly, were gracious to me.

On Sunday morning, I spoke about "giving" by using the 22 chapter of Luke as a backdrop. This was a perfect passage because I was not (and will not be for the next few weeks) focused on financial giving. The thought was, using the "Lord's Supper" as a launch, that Jesus was not focused on giving from Himself, but of Himself. He gave His body and His blood in order that all might receive HIM.

So many times we are content to give an item, when we really need to focus on giving ourselves. Anyone can donate, but when is the last time you put down the pen and the check and poured yourself into a cause. Not to make light of it, but it comes down to the difference between having eggs or bacon. The chicken makes a donation. The pig makes a commitment. Your life is meant to one that is given to others. It's a commitment that matters in the long run.

If just would have given from Himself to you, then there would be less for me. However, He gave of Himself. He gave His life for you, and me, and then you, and you, and you...

Enough for all.

Enough, now that is a startling word. When is the last time I had "enough?" I will ponder on that one a little while.

As a follow-up and finish to the message, I had a table of communion (bread and juice) prepared for the people in the congregation. However, during my message I walked over to the table and demonstrated as I spoke. I mentioned the idea of the "dipping" meal, and I dipped the bread into the cup. The imagery stunned my for a moment.

The "body" covered in "blood."

Then, because of the throat concern, I had a glass of water near me. I mentioned that at times water is included in the communion meal. Blood and water flowed from His side. I mentioned that when wine is used instead of juice, the taste with the bread takes on a bitterness that is really more appropriate as to the nature of the remembrance. The water, then, will cleanse the bitterness like the refreshing of the Spirit. As I spoke of this I took a small drink of the water. I cannot explain the emotion and overwhelming awareness of God that I experienced at that moment.

The bitter sorrows of my life washed away by a cleansing of the Spirit. The process that I could never accomplish on my own is achieved in the death of the One called Savior. All I have to do is receive.

Wow.

The Love / Hate of Politics

To dream, or not to dream... ah, there is the rub.

I love politics, and I hate it. It reminds me of the joke from the mental hospital:

Roses are red, violets are blue. I'm a schizophrenic, and so am I.

Lovely.

I love the thought that ideas can be debated and exchanged. The notion that we are all in it for the same purpose, the betterment of the country, with only the nuances of how the system can accomplish it's goal being different. I love that we wave the flag and shake hands with our colleagues and are in awe of the halls of Congress.

I hate that it has become about sound-bites and rallying the crowd. I hate that the only thing that is said is what the particular group you are standing in front of wants to hear. I hate that if you are "for" something it automatically means that you are violently against something else. I hate that the ones who are for "less government" are taking away our freedom and liberty and those who are for "equality for all" are willing to deny the rights of those they don't agree with.

If you have a "D" by your name you are seen as a whack-job and if you have an "R" your are seen as a war-monger. I hate that we label just as soon as we hear a thought. In this, we don't hear all of the ideas of anyone, OR we just assume that we know what is meant because they are one of "them." (Insert any party)

We need to heed the words of Franklin as to our government. We have,

A Republic, if you [we] can keep it.

This means we look for leaders who we trust enough to do what is right, even if it is not popular. This means we look for leaders who will stand on the basic principles this country was founded on, not just the whim of the day. This means we actually get involved in the process, while respecting the rights (and actually, mandate) of others to get involved as well.

Oh, and I have a way to fix the problem with Social Security.

New Blog for Gateway Church

As pastor of Gateway Church in Shelbyville, TN, I have attempted a blog in the past just for those interested from a local church prospective. I am making a renewed effort to use this other blog for a resource related to sermons, teaching, etc.

I will have a link to this blog on the side, and I wanted to explain what it was.

http://bobscott.wordpress.com/

An Example to All

I have started eating green beans.

I hate green beans. I always have. I like peas, which is odd, but I hate green beans. However, I am apparently an example to my children, so I have started eating green beans.

I had 5 last night.

Rite of Passage - Wax On Style

A rite of passage was taken by my boys on a recent family movie night.

They saw The Karate Kid for the first time.

It was slow at first, but they now can understand references to "wax on... wax off". After the crane kick thing at the very end, they practiced karate on each other for a while.

It was a beautiful moment.

Oh, and I was gone on Saturday, and they watched it again.

Yet another fundamental difference between the ages.

The other Monday night I realized a fundamental difference between a child and an adult. Holly and I were in the van most of the day, well... the entire day. We traveled to do some errands without 2 of the 3 boys, with the theory that it would be easier that way. We handled our business, only to see that we were running kind of behind. A 40 minute travel later and we checked the other 2 out of school for doctor appointments. Then, we traveled 45 minutes BACK to where we were for the visits. The extra time was because of traffic. Our plan was to get home earlier in the evening, but this was shot because the appointments took longer than expected.

Now to the difference:

When we got home an hour or so before the kid's bedtime, all I wanted to do is sit and watch tv. I was spent. The boys, however, were ready to go, and wrestled, played with a balloon, and ate and ate. When I'm cooped up, it zaps me. When kids are cooped up, they become wild freakazoids that chomp at the bit to run around and destroy a house.

Spirit of Adam

Where is the creativity in the Church? I realize that this is a generalized question, and there are some that are very creative, but I am talking about the Church as a whole.

We serve the creative God. We are made to be in His image and likeness, so creativity is to flow from us as well. All too often, however, we (the church) simply rips off what the world is doing. We do need to speak to our society, but we need to innovative as well.

Where is the song that has never been sung? What painting has never been displayed on canvas? I speak more about this in a previous blog entry.

Briefly, I believe that the problem is that we don't know what to call what we do, so we don't "do" it. We feel that it must have a title or something easily recognizable to be considered "ministry" so we just allow thoughts to flow through our brain, never seeing the light of day as action.

In the garden after creation, Adam was given the job of naming the animals. They had never been named before, but he was naming what had been created out of nothing. I believe that God wants us to put those nameless things that are stuck bouncing around in our spirits into action, and then worry about naming them later, as well as stop worrying that another person cannot name it for us.

In other words, creation doesn't just make what is already created, but it creates something new. Then it works to figure out what it is called.

We need the spirit of a pre-sin Adam, in that we create the new, and then allow God to give it a name.