No soapbox this go 'round. Just waxing a little nostalgic/philosophical at this point. I always get a little maudlin on New Year's Eve/Day. Perhaps b/c Christmas break is almost over and work awaits. Not that I hate working where I work, it's just that I like being home w/ family and my own schedule. Can't blame a girl for wantin' it her way. :o)
As I look back at the year, all I can say is that time truly does fly. It seems like we just started 2008 and now we're at 2009. Sometimes I feel like I'm HG Wells caught in his Time Machine, but I can't figure out which button to push to make the infernal contraption stop. All I do is sit helpless in the chair and watch as the time rushes by on the outside. Whoosh, and the whole year is gone.
Do you remember the story of the boy who was given the ball of magical yarn? He could pull a little whenever he wanted to make time go by a little faster. The problem was he couldn't control how much time went by even when he pulled just a little. He would pull it when the situation got a little tough and zip to the next area of time in his life. The only problem was he found when he got to the end that he'd missed some of the best times of his life and was just an old man.
Sometimes I feel like that boy. There are times when I want time to go by so quickly. Something good is coming and I want it to get here. It's at those times, however, that the time seems to go by very slowly. Then the good thing comes and time zips by and it's gone. I've never really understood the reverse principle at work here. When I want fast, I get slow and vice versa. Huge puzzle at work.
I have a theory, though. God wants me to appreciate all the times I have. Quit being like the little boy pulling the string. He has me going through all sorts of things so that I will become more complete in Him. If I learn to appreciate the slow, then maybe the fast will slow down a bit because I have come to appreciate it all.
Don't know if it quite works that way, but maybe it's worth a shot.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Myth of the Easy Button
Soapbox warning. Figured I'd announce it up front. I'm stepping up on my soapbox because I'm proclaiming 2009 the year of the Anti-Easy Button. Now before you think I've lost it and am in need of serious psychiatric analysis, let me explain my position. The Easy Button has not only invaded, but is systematically taking over our lives.
How many of you in the last 30 days said "Ah, let's just push the Easy Button," and took the easy way out of some task? Come on. 'Fess up. You know you've said it. We've all been saying it. I'm just as guilty as the rest, but the other day, I had an epiphony. (A sudden burst of brilliance.) It struck me what pushing the Easy Button was causing me to do. I was giving a half effort and settling for the mediocre. That made me pull up short (no height comments) and really stop and think about how this mentality has invaded our lives and what the cost is.
Remember baking sugar cookies when you were kids? That is one of my fondest childhood memories from Christmas. Stirring up the dough and then chilling it. Pulling it out of the 'fridge and rolling it out. Then taking the various cookie cutters and cutting out Christmas trees, stars, angels, reindeer, snowmen... Placing them on the baking sheet and putting them in the oven. Impatiently waiting for them to bake and then cool down. Then came the most fun part, mixing up all the different colored frostings to decorate the cookies. Half the frosting on the cookies; half in the kids, but those cookies tasted so good. So much better than what we get today. Why? Because we've been robbed by the Easy Button. Premade mixes, packaged frostings. Some even come pre-cut so all you have to do is bake them. But they just don't taste the same. What's missing? The effort. In our hustle and bustle, we justify the mediocre because we're just too busy.
That's just one example. I hear this tired old excuse coming to play so many times. Things at work, church, family events. As a teacher, I see it in homework, papers and essays. A half effort that expects, um... demands, an "A" grade. Just too much to do is always the excuse. I know we're busy, but things are beginning to suffer from the infusion of the mediocre. We're settling for 3rd best and missing out. Instead of planning for something really grand, we're pushing the button and getting something that just doesn't fill the bill. I can think of areas where relationships are suffering because we're short cutting too many things. The insidious nature of the Easy Button mentality is sucking excellence out of our society. We're just sitting back and enjoying the ride without contemplating what that truly means. What would you think if you knew that someone only gave a half effort on something they did for you? What would your satisfaction level be?
My remedy? Let's put a moratorium on the Easy Button. Put it away. Heck, run over it with your car. We can find smarter ways to do something without sacrificing the best. God doesn't use an Easy Button. Could you imagine what would have happened if He'd pushed the Easy Button at the Cross? He set the example of giving our all. Counting the costs is what He called it. Maybe it's the commitments we need to cut back on. Instead of trying to be involved in everything, count the cost of participating. Commit to those things we can give our best to. Say "no" to those we can't. "No" is not a bad word. God gave it to us to use in many situations. Instead of the Easy Button, I'm using the "no" voice activation system. When I can't give my best to a situation, I'm pulling out the "no" this year. Maybe this is advanced warning so that you won't be offended when you hear it. I want to give my best to all the endeavors I do this coming year, so "no" has got to be an option.
Maybe you agree with me and maybe you don't. Perhaps the Easy Button is what allows you to get through. You have to make this decision for yourself. Please don't settle for the mediocre. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, and for me that's my best. So, the decision is in your court for you to decide. As for me, I'm revving up my engine and the red button's going down. Better what out for flying plastic!
How many of you in the last 30 days said "Ah, let's just push the Easy Button," and took the easy way out of some task? Come on. 'Fess up. You know you've said it. We've all been saying it. I'm just as guilty as the rest, but the other day, I had an epiphony. (A sudden burst of brilliance.) It struck me what pushing the Easy Button was causing me to do. I was giving a half effort and settling for the mediocre. That made me pull up short (no height comments) and really stop and think about how this mentality has invaded our lives and what the cost is.
Remember baking sugar cookies when you were kids? That is one of my fondest childhood memories from Christmas. Stirring up the dough and then chilling it. Pulling it out of the 'fridge and rolling it out. Then taking the various cookie cutters and cutting out Christmas trees, stars, angels, reindeer, snowmen... Placing them on the baking sheet and putting them in the oven. Impatiently waiting for them to bake and then cool down. Then came the most fun part, mixing up all the different colored frostings to decorate the cookies. Half the frosting on the cookies; half in the kids, but those cookies tasted so good. So much better than what we get today. Why? Because we've been robbed by the Easy Button. Premade mixes, packaged frostings. Some even come pre-cut so all you have to do is bake them. But they just don't taste the same. What's missing? The effort. In our hustle and bustle, we justify the mediocre because we're just too busy.
That's just one example. I hear this tired old excuse coming to play so many times. Things at work, church, family events. As a teacher, I see it in homework, papers and essays. A half effort that expects, um... demands, an "A" grade. Just too much to do is always the excuse. I know we're busy, but things are beginning to suffer from the infusion of the mediocre. We're settling for 3rd best and missing out. Instead of planning for something really grand, we're pushing the button and getting something that just doesn't fill the bill. I can think of areas where relationships are suffering because we're short cutting too many things. The insidious nature of the Easy Button mentality is sucking excellence out of our society. We're just sitting back and enjoying the ride without contemplating what that truly means. What would you think if you knew that someone only gave a half effort on something they did for you? What would your satisfaction level be?
My remedy? Let's put a moratorium on the Easy Button. Put it away. Heck, run over it with your car. We can find smarter ways to do something without sacrificing the best. God doesn't use an Easy Button. Could you imagine what would have happened if He'd pushed the Easy Button at the Cross? He set the example of giving our all. Counting the costs is what He called it. Maybe it's the commitments we need to cut back on. Instead of trying to be involved in everything, count the cost of participating. Commit to those things we can give our best to. Say "no" to those we can't. "No" is not a bad word. God gave it to us to use in many situations. Instead of the Easy Button, I'm using the "no" voice activation system. When I can't give my best to a situation, I'm pulling out the "no" this year. Maybe this is advanced warning so that you won't be offended when you hear it. I want to give my best to all the endeavors I do this coming year, so "no" has got to be an option.
Maybe you agree with me and maybe you don't. Perhaps the Easy Button is what allows you to get through. You have to make this decision for yourself. Please don't settle for the mediocre. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, and for me that's my best. So, the decision is in your court for you to decide. As for me, I'm revving up my engine and the red button's going down. Better what out for flying plastic!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christmas Magic
You know, lately, I've been sitting around doing some contemplation of my navel. No seriously, some deeper thinking below surface level. The tree's up and decorated. The house looks like it barfed up Christmas, but I don't feel really "decorated" inside. Maybe it's the economy and telling the kids that there won't be much for Christmas this year. I understand that this is hard. We're created in our Maker's image and He likes to give good things. Well, so do we. That's why we feel bummed when we can't give those gifts to those we care about. It's more than that, though. This has been going on for quite a while. I think it started when I was in high school.
I got the camera for Christmas that I'd asked for. My parents were delighted to give it, but I just felt nothing inside. No magic, no wonder, no Christmas feeling. I went to my bedroom and cried. My Mom thought I was bummed about the gift, but I told her that the gift was fine. Something just was missing that I couldn't put a finger on. It was lost. What was lost? Christmas magic. Christmas was no longer magic.
I tried hard to regain that feeling. You know that magical feeling we have as kids when we anticipate the arrival of Santa and can hardly wait for the sun to rise. Forget sleep on Christmas Eve. The anticipation was so thick it was palpable. As the first ray cut through the smallest slit in the window coverings, it was bound into the parents' room to rouse them. The gleam in my parents' eyes foretold the wonders beneath the tree. There was no Red Rider BB Gun beneath my tree, but there was the magical Dancerina doll. As beautiful as she was talented. I adored that doll and making her dance. There were so many fun gifts which my parents practically bankrupted themselves to give us. There was so much there, but where was it?
To regain the feeling, I became a decorating fool. Remember the aforementioned house that barfed up Christmas? I baked so many Christmas cookies that Sara Lee was thinking of hiring me to help lighten her load. I tried going to Christmas parties, pageants, Christmas Eve services; carolling parties, just singing Christmas carols. All the normal Christmas things, but still zip. It was like Santa brought me a stocking full of coal and I had to chew on each nugget. I love Christmas, but it just didn't seem to love me anymore.
Don't get me wrong. I really do like doing all this stuff. It still brings joy, but the magic just ain't there. I'd like to say I've finally found the answer to the problem. I know how to bring back Christmas magic, but nope, it ain't there. I don't think it's supposed to be. Oh, I see hints of it from time to time. Just watch your kids open a gift. There's a twinkle of it. A carol sung w/ other voices. As that tune rises, the magic momentarily returns. A connection with the past. I still look for it, but it's not there. I've determined however, that my focus needs to change.
The magic has always been very "me" centered. It's all about me feeling that magic. I am trying to capture something that is gone. I've been depressed at Christmas because I just don't feel it anymore. A lot of I, I, I. The focus needs to get off me. So what do I focus on? The four gifts that Jesus brought when he was born. I know. We know the story of the wisemen bringing gifts. I wrote a Christmas play concerning them, but Jesus brought gifts far better.
So what were those gifts? First is hope. Hope means the assurance of coming good. God is sooooo good. His intentions toward us are good. His desires for us are good. All He wants for us is good. Now this is ultimate good. This doesn't mean a few hurdles to get over, but He helps us over them. He knows that it's good for us to go over them and wants to make sure we do successfully. I can hope in the fact that God means good for me. Jesus brought us hope.
The next is peace. I must confess that I struggle w/ peace because I struggle w/ doubt. I have trouble resting in Him and what He has for me. I'm too much of a control freak. I want to play God and let Him make my desires happen. Because this is my attitude, I miss out on a lot of the gift of peace. This peace, however, is also the peace we have w/ God. Jesus came so that we would have peace w/ the Father. The strife between us because of sin has been wiped away. I have peace w/ God because of the covering of Jesus' righteousness. Jesus brought us peace.
Thirdly, we have joy. Joy is a feeling of total wellbeing and contentment despite our circumstances. It's not happiness which flutters away at the first sign of a wind of discontent. No, joy abides w/ us. It hangs w/ us throughout everything as a reminder that the good will come. Joy allows me to face the next step even though the last took me off a cliff. Joy allows me to stand when the winds blow hardest. Why can I do it? Because Jesus is joy. He stands there or walks with me no matter where I am. Joy reminds me that He will never leave or forsake me. Joy holds my heart in its hand and never lets go. When Jesus came, He brought us joy.
Lastly is love. Jesus is love. Everywhere He goes, He brings love. Not the love based on what I have done. Love based on what He did on the cross. Love that sees beyond, hopes beyond, believes beyond what any of us can see. Love that accepts me no matter the shape I'm in. Jesus loves me so much that He's not content to leave me as a trash-digger. He covers me w/ His righteousness, sets my feet on the Rock and leads me in the path of righteousness. He lets me rest beside quiet waters where He quietly speaks to my heart. He loves me so much that His every thought toward me is good. Love sorta sums up all the other gifts. It's the one that holds it all together. Love became fully understood when Jesus came.
Magic? Well, it's not there. When I was I child, I thought as a child and behaved as a child, but now that I am older.... That's the whole thing, I'm older. The magic has been replaced by reality because I believed in part, but now I know in full. Magic filled in all the cracks because that was all I could understand. It was me, me, me. Now that I'm wiser, it's gotta be more. It's Christ. It's fully receiving the gifts that Christ brought. It's not the glitter in the stores that will satisfy. Not the trees, cookies or decorations. All those are great to share; I'm just not gonna find what I need there. It's hope, peace, joy and love. Those are the true magic or as CS Lewis would have called "deeper magic." You know, most magic tricks can be explained away. All of them are manufactured by man to deceive. Even if they are meant for good, they still are man's. The real magic is the hope, peace, joy and love that Jesus brings us. So, I'm hanging up the stocking, but I'm also trying to focus on those gifts of Jesus and looking for my satisfaction there. Wanna join me?
I got the camera for Christmas that I'd asked for. My parents were delighted to give it, but I just felt nothing inside. No magic, no wonder, no Christmas feeling. I went to my bedroom and cried. My Mom thought I was bummed about the gift, but I told her that the gift was fine. Something just was missing that I couldn't put a finger on. It was lost. What was lost? Christmas magic. Christmas was no longer magic.
I tried hard to regain that feeling. You know that magical feeling we have as kids when we anticipate the arrival of Santa and can hardly wait for the sun to rise. Forget sleep on Christmas Eve. The anticipation was so thick it was palpable. As the first ray cut through the smallest slit in the window coverings, it was bound into the parents' room to rouse them. The gleam in my parents' eyes foretold the wonders beneath the tree. There was no Red Rider BB Gun beneath my tree, but there was the magical Dancerina doll. As beautiful as she was talented. I adored that doll and making her dance. There were so many fun gifts which my parents practically bankrupted themselves to give us. There was so much there, but where was it?
To regain the feeling, I became a decorating fool. Remember the aforementioned house that barfed up Christmas? I baked so many Christmas cookies that Sara Lee was thinking of hiring me to help lighten her load. I tried going to Christmas parties, pageants, Christmas Eve services; carolling parties, just singing Christmas carols. All the normal Christmas things, but still zip. It was like Santa brought me a stocking full of coal and I had to chew on each nugget. I love Christmas, but it just didn't seem to love me anymore.
Don't get me wrong. I really do like doing all this stuff. It still brings joy, but the magic just ain't there. I'd like to say I've finally found the answer to the problem. I know how to bring back Christmas magic, but nope, it ain't there. I don't think it's supposed to be. Oh, I see hints of it from time to time. Just watch your kids open a gift. There's a twinkle of it. A carol sung w/ other voices. As that tune rises, the magic momentarily returns. A connection with the past. I still look for it, but it's not there. I've determined however, that my focus needs to change.
The magic has always been very "me" centered. It's all about me feeling that magic. I am trying to capture something that is gone. I've been depressed at Christmas because I just don't feel it anymore. A lot of I, I, I. The focus needs to get off me. So what do I focus on? The four gifts that Jesus brought when he was born. I know. We know the story of the wisemen bringing gifts. I wrote a Christmas play concerning them, but Jesus brought gifts far better.
So what were those gifts? First is hope. Hope means the assurance of coming good. God is sooooo good. His intentions toward us are good. His desires for us are good. All He wants for us is good. Now this is ultimate good. This doesn't mean a few hurdles to get over, but He helps us over them. He knows that it's good for us to go over them and wants to make sure we do successfully. I can hope in the fact that God means good for me. Jesus brought us hope.
The next is peace. I must confess that I struggle w/ peace because I struggle w/ doubt. I have trouble resting in Him and what He has for me. I'm too much of a control freak. I want to play God and let Him make my desires happen. Because this is my attitude, I miss out on a lot of the gift of peace. This peace, however, is also the peace we have w/ God. Jesus came so that we would have peace w/ the Father. The strife between us because of sin has been wiped away. I have peace w/ God because of the covering of Jesus' righteousness. Jesus brought us peace.
Thirdly, we have joy. Joy is a feeling of total wellbeing and contentment despite our circumstances. It's not happiness which flutters away at the first sign of a wind of discontent. No, joy abides w/ us. It hangs w/ us throughout everything as a reminder that the good will come. Joy allows me to face the next step even though the last took me off a cliff. Joy allows me to stand when the winds blow hardest. Why can I do it? Because Jesus is joy. He stands there or walks with me no matter where I am. Joy reminds me that He will never leave or forsake me. Joy holds my heart in its hand and never lets go. When Jesus came, He brought us joy.
Lastly is love. Jesus is love. Everywhere He goes, He brings love. Not the love based on what I have done. Love based on what He did on the cross. Love that sees beyond, hopes beyond, believes beyond what any of us can see. Love that accepts me no matter the shape I'm in. Jesus loves me so much that He's not content to leave me as a trash-digger. He covers me w/ His righteousness, sets my feet on the Rock and leads me in the path of righteousness. He lets me rest beside quiet waters where He quietly speaks to my heart. He loves me so much that His every thought toward me is good. Love sorta sums up all the other gifts. It's the one that holds it all together. Love became fully understood when Jesus came.
Magic? Well, it's not there. When I was I child, I thought as a child and behaved as a child, but now that I am older.... That's the whole thing, I'm older. The magic has been replaced by reality because I believed in part, but now I know in full. Magic filled in all the cracks because that was all I could understand. It was me, me, me. Now that I'm wiser, it's gotta be more. It's Christ. It's fully receiving the gifts that Christ brought. It's not the glitter in the stores that will satisfy. Not the trees, cookies or decorations. All those are great to share; I'm just not gonna find what I need there. It's hope, peace, joy and love. Those are the true magic or as CS Lewis would have called "deeper magic." You know, most magic tricks can be explained away. All of them are manufactured by man to deceive. Even if they are meant for good, they still are man's. The real magic is the hope, peace, joy and love that Jesus brings us. So, I'm hanging up the stocking, but I'm also trying to focus on those gifts of Jesus and looking for my satisfaction there. Wanna join me?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
What's Going to be Your Response?
Two days, post election. Ballots still be counted in critical, too close to call, races. But really, it's all said and down. All the hoopla of the election is over and we're settling back in to life as normal. We go about our daily routines and the things we normally do, but how have you responded to the election?
Oh yes, some of us have sat around having our gripe sessions. We don't like this or we do like this. This passed and I'm glad. This didn't or did, for that matter, and I'm ticked. We complain about things and then sit around and do what?
We are forgetting something, fellow Americans. We are forgetting that our God, whom we claim to serve, is on the throne. (Isaiah 6:1) The one who is on the throne reigns. He is sovereign. Whatever He wants to do is completely for him to decide. We, as the subjects of the one on the throne, have our duty. To follow the one on the throne, to accept his decrees and to faithfully serve as he directs. That's it guys.
God in His sovereignty, chose the outcome of the election. He orchestrated who would win and what propositions would pass or not. It is HIS choice. HE is on the throne. If we truly believe what Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for the good, then, guess what, this is some of the things that are working together for the good. God knows what we need and don't. He's never going to let us fall from His hand. He knows the plans that He has for us to bring us a future and a hope. (Jer. 29-11) If this is the case, and it is, then we have one response.
Our response is to praise Him. (This comes from reading ibshell's entry for today.) Finding it difficult to praise Him when you don't see how the future's going to work out and the naysayers have predicted calmity? Praise Him for the fact that He knows the future and brings us hope. Praise Him that the transfer of power in our nation is peaceful. Look to the actions of our current president who has opened the doors of the White House wide and is offering to help in any way. Praise God for men like that who bear no political grudges and are willing to assist. Praise God that we live in a nation where we even get the privilege of voting. Thank the Lord that He is working all things together for your good, including this.
So what's your response?
Oh yes, some of us have sat around having our gripe sessions. We don't like this or we do like this. This passed and I'm glad. This didn't or did, for that matter, and I'm ticked. We complain about things and then sit around and do what?
We are forgetting something, fellow Americans. We are forgetting that our God, whom we claim to serve, is on the throne. (Isaiah 6:1) The one who is on the throne reigns. He is sovereign. Whatever He wants to do is completely for him to decide. We, as the subjects of the one on the throne, have our duty. To follow the one on the throne, to accept his decrees and to faithfully serve as he directs. That's it guys.
God in His sovereignty, chose the outcome of the election. He orchestrated who would win and what propositions would pass or not. It is HIS choice. HE is on the throne. If we truly believe what Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for the good, then, guess what, this is some of the things that are working together for the good. God knows what we need and don't. He's never going to let us fall from His hand. He knows the plans that He has for us to bring us a future and a hope. (Jer. 29-11) If this is the case, and it is, then we have one response.
Our response is to praise Him. (This comes from reading ibshell's entry for today.) Finding it difficult to praise Him when you don't see how the future's going to work out and the naysayers have predicted calmity? Praise Him for the fact that He knows the future and brings us hope. Praise Him that the transfer of power in our nation is peaceful. Look to the actions of our current president who has opened the doors of the White House wide and is offering to help in any way. Praise God for men like that who bear no political grudges and are willing to assist. Praise God that we live in a nation where we even get the privilege of voting. Thank the Lord that He is working all things together for your good, including this.
So what's your response?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Day after Halloween, All Saints Day. Confession, I'm a little discouraged today. Have been fighting the battle in the classroom this week. Challenging students to take a stand of what is true and holy. To not give into man's wisdom, but to chose what is right according to God. Elections are tricky subjects to discuss w/ govt. classes. Normally, I'll take a middle of the road stance w/ the kids (not personally mind you). I want them to see the issues from both sides and then make an informed decision according to their convictions. Not this election. Two of the issues are ones that require Christians to take a strong stand. I refused the middle of the road. If the students in my classroom are to learn to stand for Christ, then they've gotta understand it includes the ballot box. We can't choose our own way as we cast our ballots. My pastor sent an election encouragement/admonishment to us w/ just some verses and quotes (after consulting w/ attorneys??? what's America coming to???). In one of the quotes by Samuel Adams (founding father, remember him??), Adams said that we would be held accountable by God for our choices as we vote. Christians, that means us. No more middle of the road.
Just in case you're unclear as to which initiatives on the California ballot I'm referring to... Prop 4 and Prop 8. Prop 4 deals w/ parental notification/waiting period for a minor to receive an abortion. Let me be crystal on this subject. Abortion is MURDER, period. It's not birth control. It's not a choice. God created a life and placed it in the womb of the mother. It's alive. It's on life support in the mommy, but it is alive. When an abortion occurs, that life is ripped out of the womb and destroyed. When a person's life is taken from them by another by that type of force, it's called murder and the perpetrator is taken to court, charged and if convicted forced to pay the penalty for their crime. I believe it should be capital punishment. (And no, there is no equating capital punishment w/ murder. There is an ultimate punishment for the ultimate crime. It's in the Bible, read it.) The Supreme Court of the US in all their "wisdom" decided in Roe v. Wade to uphold the right to an abortion. Read the case sometime and you'll see how even what they said to be acceptable has been taken and blown all out of proportion. What is practiced today is really stretching what they said was permissible. That stated, as Christians, our hands have been tied, legally. There are only certain things that they can do. Thank heavens for the many pro-life clinics out there who counsel women w/ "unwanted" pregnancies and give them godly alternatives to abortion. As Christians, there is something we can do at the ballot box. We can take the step of amending our state constitution to say that parents have to be notified. It's not doing away w/ abortions all together, but it does give a fighting chance for some of those little ones on life support in their mommy's "tummy." Support it. Take a chance. Take a step. Take a stand.
Now for Prop 8, the definition of marriage. In all societies, since civilizations began, marriage has been defined as something between a MAN and a WOMAN. God created man and woman. In the garden, when Adam was alone, God didn't create another man and a woman and say "Yo, Adam, choose one that you think will best meet your needs." No, God, knowing what was best for Adam, created a woman, the perfect helpmate for him. The woman was God's choice for Adam because she was created taking into consideration everything that he would need in a companion. God was the one Who started the pattern because HE knew what was best. Man and woman were the perfect combination. When a society began to allow perversion, same sex relations, that society began to decay, and soon came to a dreadful end. Check this out in the Scriptures and other historical documents. It's true. Shifting to our situation today, the controversey is now over whether same sex couples should be allowed to marry. In class discussion on this topic, one kid said that we were denying them their rights. First of all, I don't recall anything in the US Constitution that says anything about the right to marriage. It does talk of the right to association (assembly). No one is denying anyone the right to association or assembly. What is trying to be upheld is what God created from the start. God's definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman. The student's ascertion was it was a right. Again, no middle of the road stance, I told them that no, it wasn't anything to do with rights. It was about what GOD said was right. I told them they needed to fix their focus. The focus was not on man and his demand for rights. It is about GOD and what HE says IS right. The student's contention was that their sin wasn't hurting anyone, so just let them have their marriage. I told the student that sin is sin to God. He doesn't catagorize our sins by how bad their are and allow some, but not others. Christ died for ALL sin because ANY sin was enough to keep us out of his presence. Gay marriage is a sin in God's eyes, plain and simple. Maybe this is why I got really upset when opponents to Prop 8 were pulling up yardsigns in favor of the initiative last night. When you're afraid to allow the opposition to speak their view points, then there must be no strength behind what you believe. My across the street neighbor has a No on Prop 8 sign in the front yard. As much as I'd like to pull up the sucker because I know that the stand is morally wrong, I won't. Instead, I've been praying for them. They are lost and need the love of Christ in their hearts. They need to understand things from God's point of view, but first of all they need God's point of view. Without Christ, that's hard to understand. Anyway, I digress. The pulling of the signs is distressing because of the hatred in the hearts of those pulling them. It's not hatred for my sign. It's not hatred of those who oppose same sex marriage. It's hatred against God and what He says is right. Same sex marriage requires people to go against what God says is holy, pure, true and right. It's not a matter of preserving someone's "rights." Prop 8 is about preserving what God says is right.
Ok, so back to the road. If we say we love Christ and have accepted Him as our Savior, it's time we acted like it in all areas. It's time for us to take a stand for those things that matter to God and how we vote does matter to Him. We can't afford to take a neutral stance and not say anything. There's a very short time before we hit the ballot box and we've got to speak up. Be sure you vote. Be sure the people you know vote. Be sure you've shared w/ them what these two propostions are really talking about. It's about what God says. Take your stand and get out of the middle of the road. One day, if you don't, you may just find yourself run over by the issues that you knew were wrong, but were afraid to stand for because you didn't want to offend someone. Offend them. They need to know they are wrong if they're ever going to know what's right. As my friend Shell often says, dare to move!
Pass this blog along to others you know and let them read it. Let them comment. I'll try to stay on top of this for the next few days and answer their questions, objections and pray for them. I don't have all their answers, but God does and I know others who do. Let's let our voice be heard. Hey Shell, I've dared to move.
Just in case you're unclear as to which initiatives on the California ballot I'm referring to... Prop 4 and Prop 8. Prop 4 deals w/ parental notification/waiting period for a minor to receive an abortion. Let me be crystal on this subject. Abortion is MURDER, period. It's not birth control. It's not a choice. God created a life and placed it in the womb of the mother. It's alive. It's on life support in the mommy, but it is alive. When an abortion occurs, that life is ripped out of the womb and destroyed. When a person's life is taken from them by another by that type of force, it's called murder and the perpetrator is taken to court, charged and if convicted forced to pay the penalty for their crime. I believe it should be capital punishment. (And no, there is no equating capital punishment w/ murder. There is an ultimate punishment for the ultimate crime. It's in the Bible, read it.) The Supreme Court of the US in all their "wisdom" decided in Roe v. Wade to uphold the right to an abortion. Read the case sometime and you'll see how even what they said to be acceptable has been taken and blown all out of proportion. What is practiced today is really stretching what they said was permissible. That stated, as Christians, our hands have been tied, legally. There are only certain things that they can do. Thank heavens for the many pro-life clinics out there who counsel women w/ "unwanted" pregnancies and give them godly alternatives to abortion. As Christians, there is something we can do at the ballot box. We can take the step of amending our state constitution to say that parents have to be notified. It's not doing away w/ abortions all together, but it does give a fighting chance for some of those little ones on life support in their mommy's "tummy." Support it. Take a chance. Take a step. Take a stand.
Now for Prop 8, the definition of marriage. In all societies, since civilizations began, marriage has been defined as something between a MAN and a WOMAN. God created man and woman. In the garden, when Adam was alone, God didn't create another man and a woman and say "Yo, Adam, choose one that you think will best meet your needs." No, God, knowing what was best for Adam, created a woman, the perfect helpmate for him. The woman was God's choice for Adam because she was created taking into consideration everything that he would need in a companion. God was the one Who started the pattern because HE knew what was best. Man and woman were the perfect combination. When a society began to allow perversion, same sex relations, that society began to decay, and soon came to a dreadful end. Check this out in the Scriptures and other historical documents. It's true. Shifting to our situation today, the controversey is now over whether same sex couples should be allowed to marry. In class discussion on this topic, one kid said that we were denying them their rights. First of all, I don't recall anything in the US Constitution that says anything about the right to marriage. It does talk of the right to association (assembly). No one is denying anyone the right to association or assembly. What is trying to be upheld is what God created from the start. God's definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman. The student's ascertion was it was a right. Again, no middle of the road stance, I told them that no, it wasn't anything to do with rights. It was about what GOD said was right. I told them they needed to fix their focus. The focus was not on man and his demand for rights. It is about GOD and what HE says IS right. The student's contention was that their sin wasn't hurting anyone, so just let them have their marriage. I told the student that sin is sin to God. He doesn't catagorize our sins by how bad their are and allow some, but not others. Christ died for ALL sin because ANY sin was enough to keep us out of his presence. Gay marriage is a sin in God's eyes, plain and simple. Maybe this is why I got really upset when opponents to Prop 8 were pulling up yardsigns in favor of the initiative last night. When you're afraid to allow the opposition to speak their view points, then there must be no strength behind what you believe. My across the street neighbor has a No on Prop 8 sign in the front yard. As much as I'd like to pull up the sucker because I know that the stand is morally wrong, I won't. Instead, I've been praying for them. They are lost and need the love of Christ in their hearts. They need to understand things from God's point of view, but first of all they need God's point of view. Without Christ, that's hard to understand. Anyway, I digress. The pulling of the signs is distressing because of the hatred in the hearts of those pulling them. It's not hatred for my sign. It's not hatred of those who oppose same sex marriage. It's hatred against God and what He says is right. Same sex marriage requires people to go against what God says is holy, pure, true and right. It's not a matter of preserving someone's "rights." Prop 8 is about preserving what God says is right.
Ok, so back to the road. If we say we love Christ and have accepted Him as our Savior, it's time we acted like it in all areas. It's time for us to take a stand for those things that matter to God and how we vote does matter to Him. We can't afford to take a neutral stance and not say anything. There's a very short time before we hit the ballot box and we've got to speak up. Be sure you vote. Be sure the people you know vote. Be sure you've shared w/ them what these two propostions are really talking about. It's about what God says. Take your stand and get out of the middle of the road. One day, if you don't, you may just find yourself run over by the issues that you knew were wrong, but were afraid to stand for because you didn't want to offend someone. Offend them. They need to know they are wrong if they're ever going to know what's right. As my friend Shell often says, dare to move!
Pass this blog along to others you know and let them read it. Let them comment. I'll try to stay on top of this for the next few days and answer their questions, objections and pray for them. I don't have all their answers, but God does and I know others who do. Let's let our voice be heard. Hey Shell, I've dared to move.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Insights from the Phlip-side
I seemed to have been waxing quite philosophical recently. Partly due to time in the Word and partly due to a long convo w/ a dear friend. Both have taken my mind in two places. Kinda like Thoreau finding his fork in the path in the wood, although, I don't see things the transcendentalist way. There is Truth that is just that, Truth. It is not dependent upon what I think. It's dependent upon what God says. I can try to manipulate that Truth to create my own truth, but it will never be Truth. Some of my truth my seem right, but that truth is always open to interpretation. God's Truth remains constant and irrefutable. Try as we might to make it into our own image, the reality is there's only His Image. With this long, rather drawn out dissertation on what Truth is, I'd like to share a couple storylines that contain His Truth.
The Caged Bird -- based on Psalms 124:6-8
What is the cage that holds me prisoner? What is it that holds me back from living 100% for my King? He holds the key which has I already unlocked the door. He flung the door open wide when He arose from the dead. He ascended to heaven and as He did reached His hand in and left His Spirit to help me leave. Yet, here I sit; on my perch; afraid to go. He's healed my clipped wings so I can fly out, yet I doubt their strength and His ability to truly heal, so I don't try. He's reassured me that it's okay to leave, but I don't trust that He'll not slam the door in my face. He's provided a feast right outside the cage, but I'd rather peck at stale seed than enjoy all the goodness He wants to give. I sit on my perch and sing tired, old songs because I haven't allowed Him to put a new song in my heart. Although the prison door stands wide open, I choose captivity. My Savior has done everything, all I have to do is just accept it, but I choose to remain in the prison of my own making.
The Sculptor -- based on a convo w/ Shell (thanks Sis!)
All day long, the passersby hear the ring of the hammer on the chisel. Working tirelessly long into the night, he never seems to weary in his progress. By the time he falls asleep, his busy hands bear the sores of the tedious job. The stone has been unyielding, today. Many times he had to go back over the same spot trying over and over to break away a stubborn piece of stone. Some days the pieces come off easily with little effort. Other days the chunk is stubborn and will not yield to the chisel's touch. He must be careful and precise with where he applies the tool because he could easily destroy the image that is below the surface of the rough stone. He knows that when he is done, his patience will be rewarded. A masterpiece will be revealed, created in the image that he has always intended.
Ok, so this one is allegory, but think about it. The Creator of the Universe holds the chisel in his hand and applies the hammer to it. If you've sculpted before, you'll know that your hand gets very tired and sore from the blows. It does cause you pain. It also causes the stone to break. God knows that the painful blows He applies will cause the hard stone to break away from the image He's created us in. It causes Him pain, too. He doesn't like to have to hammer that rock away. When we yield ourselves to His will, the hammer easily knocks away the stone that is covering that image. But when we resist? Then He has to go over and over the same place. Chipping and chipping away at a stubborn piece of stone that we want to hang on to. He sees how ugly it is making His image, but we insist that it looks just fine. We deny the hand of the Maker because we think we can see more clearly, from inside the stone, than He can, from outside. Until we yield that to Him, He's just got to keep chiseling away. Feeling a little sore in some area of your life? Maybe the Master Sculptor is working on chipping away a stubborn hunk from His image, the image He created in you. Do yourself a favor. Let Him chip it away. You're gonna like the results because He does good work!
The Caged Bird -- based on Psalms 124:6-8
What is the cage that holds me prisoner? What is it that holds me back from living 100% for my King? He holds the key which has I already unlocked the door. He flung the door open wide when He arose from the dead. He ascended to heaven and as He did reached His hand in and left His Spirit to help me leave. Yet, here I sit; on my perch; afraid to go. He's healed my clipped wings so I can fly out, yet I doubt their strength and His ability to truly heal, so I don't try. He's reassured me that it's okay to leave, but I don't trust that He'll not slam the door in my face. He's provided a feast right outside the cage, but I'd rather peck at stale seed than enjoy all the goodness He wants to give. I sit on my perch and sing tired, old songs because I haven't allowed Him to put a new song in my heart. Although the prison door stands wide open, I choose captivity. My Savior has done everything, all I have to do is just accept it, but I choose to remain in the prison of my own making.
The Sculptor -- based on a convo w/ Shell (thanks Sis!)
All day long, the passersby hear the ring of the hammer on the chisel. Working tirelessly long into the night, he never seems to weary in his progress. By the time he falls asleep, his busy hands bear the sores of the tedious job. The stone has been unyielding, today. Many times he had to go back over the same spot trying over and over to break away a stubborn piece of stone. Some days the pieces come off easily with little effort. Other days the chunk is stubborn and will not yield to the chisel's touch. He must be careful and precise with where he applies the tool because he could easily destroy the image that is below the surface of the rough stone. He knows that when he is done, his patience will be rewarded. A masterpiece will be revealed, created in the image that he has always intended.
Ok, so this one is allegory, but think about it. The Creator of the Universe holds the chisel in his hand and applies the hammer to it. If you've sculpted before, you'll know that your hand gets very tired and sore from the blows. It does cause you pain. It also causes the stone to break. God knows that the painful blows He applies will cause the hard stone to break away from the image He's created us in. It causes Him pain, too. He doesn't like to have to hammer that rock away. When we yield ourselves to His will, the hammer easily knocks away the stone that is covering that image. But when we resist? Then He has to go over and over the same place. Chipping and chipping away at a stubborn piece of stone that we want to hang on to. He sees how ugly it is making His image, but we insist that it looks just fine. We deny the hand of the Maker because we think we can see more clearly, from inside the stone, than He can, from outside. Until we yield that to Him, He's just got to keep chiseling away. Feeling a little sore in some area of your life? Maybe the Master Sculptor is working on chipping away a stubborn hunk from His image, the image He created in you. Do yourself a favor. Let Him chip it away. You're gonna like the results because He does good work!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Phlippage Continues
Kid's off at a volleyball game and the Phoenix and Klang have gone w/ her. Got the house to myself. Listening to the Dodger Game. Go Dodger Blue! Sorry for you Cubbies fans out there. Know you've waited a long time for your guys to go far, but gotta back my Dodgers! No bragging b/c both teams are talented. Just wanna see the Dodgers go all the way! Gotta show those Angels fans that the REAL LA team can get the job done. Go Blue!
The story continues...
-----
Deep within a sinister cave in the distant mountains, a gnarled hand reached into a velvet pouch hanging on a cord from a woven belt. Carefully, a pinch was taken from the sack by arthritic fingers and sprinkled over a glassy, black pool in the center of the cave. The precious dust was in short supply and hopefully the small amount used would be enough. Leaving the safety of the cave to search for more was just too risky now. There was too much at stake.
Failing eyes set in a time wrinkled face gazed at the pool. The particles of powder landed on the surface of the water and sunk beneath its surface. Fear and frustration passed across the face that had seen far too many wars. Fear that the pool would not reveal its secrets and frustration that it was taking so long that his presence would be revealed. "There must not be enough dust," he thought as disappointment was rising in his chest. "Grimmach!" he exclaimed aloud. He knew he had only one chance; just one chance in each moon cycle to seek the oracle in the waters. Just as he was readying himself to leave, a faint glow began to come up from the depths. As the light grew brighter, an image began to take shape. He had arrived in time and the dust had been sufficient. It seemed that things were finally coming together.
Patiently he waited for the image to form. It would only come once and would only be a glimpse. He hoped that it would be enough for him to discern how to proceed. There were so many questions left in his mind; so many that had no apparent answers. The fear began to creep into his heart again. "You will fail just as you have done many times!" the familiar, loathsome voice invaded his mind. Would it ever stop? Everytime that voice would echo in his ears. The voice of his master. Many times, as an apprentice, he had tried to please him, but each time, no matter how successful he was, it was never enough. "You're a failure!" The voice haunted his sleep and robbed him of pleasant dreams. "Noooo!" he shouted. "Not this time! I will not let you in; this time! I must succeed! I must! There is no one else left. I must..." His head slumped to his chest and despair. Then the music, faint and clear, began to swell and fill the cave. As he raised his head to catch the melody, the image appeared on the waters. He saw a beautiful lady, a singed wall, a gap in the wall, the lady on the ground and a glowing blue stone rolling from her hand. So, it had begun. He scooped up his belongings and tucked them in his robe and turned to make his way out of the cave. His quest was only beginning.
-----
Stay tuned for more.
The story continues...
-----
Deep within a sinister cave in the distant mountains, a gnarled hand reached into a velvet pouch hanging on a cord from a woven belt. Carefully, a pinch was taken from the sack by arthritic fingers and sprinkled over a glassy, black pool in the center of the cave. The precious dust was in short supply and hopefully the small amount used would be enough. Leaving the safety of the cave to search for more was just too risky now. There was too much at stake.
Failing eyes set in a time wrinkled face gazed at the pool. The particles of powder landed on the surface of the water and sunk beneath its surface. Fear and frustration passed across the face that had seen far too many wars. Fear that the pool would not reveal its secrets and frustration that it was taking so long that his presence would be revealed. "There must not be enough dust," he thought as disappointment was rising in his chest. "Grimmach!" he exclaimed aloud. He knew he had only one chance; just one chance in each moon cycle to seek the oracle in the waters. Just as he was readying himself to leave, a faint glow began to come up from the depths. As the light grew brighter, an image began to take shape. He had arrived in time and the dust had been sufficient. It seemed that things were finally coming together.
Patiently he waited for the image to form. It would only come once and would only be a glimpse. He hoped that it would be enough for him to discern how to proceed. There were so many questions left in his mind; so many that had no apparent answers. The fear began to creep into his heart again. "You will fail just as you have done many times!" the familiar, loathsome voice invaded his mind. Would it ever stop? Everytime that voice would echo in his ears. The voice of his master. Many times, as an apprentice, he had tried to please him, but each time, no matter how successful he was, it was never enough. "You're a failure!" The voice haunted his sleep and robbed him of pleasant dreams. "Noooo!" he shouted. "Not this time! I will not let you in; this time! I must succeed! I must! There is no one else left. I must..." His head slumped to his chest and despair. Then the music, faint and clear, began to swell and fill the cave. As he raised his head to catch the melody, the image appeared on the waters. He saw a beautiful lady, a singed wall, a gap in the wall, the lady on the ground and a glowing blue stone rolling from her hand. So, it had begun. He scooped up his belongings and tucked them in his robe and turned to make his way out of the cave. His quest was only beginning.
-----
Stay tuned for more.
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