Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Radical school posters
Back in San Diego, settling in, getting the boys ready for year around school. Evidently some irresponsible kids and teachers tried to put up a few posters that were just too radical for the district. You be the judge http://www.citizenlink.org/videofeatures/A000012237.cfm
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Camouflage
Most of us have heard or read the story of the prodical son in Luke 15:11-32. You know; the example of The Father's love for his lost son. He squanders his fathers gift and comes back thinking his dad will serve up retribution. No-He's a loving dad who welcomes him back with open arms, even celebrates with a party...
The rest of the story... La la la la la I can't hear you...
The father has two sons we know of; the other, older is more than upset with the grace his dad shows the lost son. While on the outside the older brother appeared to be a success, we learn that his heart contained its own kind of darkness. Jesus described the older brother as "angry" when he learned of the celebration being held for his wayward sibling. He refused to participate in the party and he rejected the pleadings of his father to rejoice with him at his brother's return. He demonstrates his bitterness when he describes himself as "slaving" for his father. He resents his father for never being given his own celebration.
Neither son is credited with understanding the true nature or character of their father. They were both self-centered. They were both mistaken. They both wanted life on their own terms. For one, his sins were public. For the other, his sins were camouflaged, buried just beneath the surface.
And now you know the rest of the story...G'day.
The rest of the story... La la la la la I can't hear you...
The father has two sons we know of; the other, older is more than upset with the grace his dad shows the lost son. While on the outside the older brother appeared to be a success, we learn that his heart contained its own kind of darkness. Jesus described the older brother as "angry" when he learned of the celebration being held for his wayward sibling. He refused to participate in the party and he rejected the pleadings of his father to rejoice with him at his brother's return. He demonstrates his bitterness when he describes himself as "slaving" for his father. He resents his father for never being given his own celebration.
Neither son is credited with understanding the true nature or character of their father. They were both self-centered. They were both mistaken. They both wanted life on their own terms. For one, his sins were public. For the other, his sins were camouflaged, buried just beneath the surface.
And now you know the rest of the story...G'day.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Significance vs success
Echoing on yesterday's blog, Paul in Acts 20, talks to us about the whole giving vs receiving dynamic. Many times (over 600) in the Bible the theme about discovering the joy of giving of your time, talents, and treasures versus the trap of the love of money. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day drama, and to begin to measure success based on wealth, achievement, and status. Yet, true joy comes from looking at God's plan for our lives, and building a life of significance rather than success. I was reminded of this yesterday when I got three calls from three different people I've been involved in the lives of back in Atlanta these past three years.
Acts 20:30-50 (The Message)
29-31"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.
32"Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.
33-35"I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"
Acts 20:30-50 (The Message)
29-31"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.
32"Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.
33-35"I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Sea what defines you
A river runs through it; a river runs to it.
The Sea of Galilee in the middle east is a body of water that receives water from several sources, and passes it on through. The Dead Sea receives the same water from the Sea of Galilee, and just collects and hoards everything it gets, never passes any on through. The direct result of these two very different bodies of water that are fed by the same source is that the Sea of Galilee is vibrant with life, water sports, destination resorts. It attracts a lot of activity. The complete opposite is the Dead Sea. Even though it gets water from the same source, it never passes on the wealth so to speak. It's stagnant. It is 10 times saltier and than any other ocean or sea, and full of minerals. Drink it though, and you will die. It's toxic. Because it is so salty and full of minerals, one can easily float. Stay in too long though, and it will literally suck the life out of you by osmosis.
When we are blessed (and we truly are!) How do we respond with the resources given to us? Pause and take inventory of your blessings, then allow those same blessings to flow through you to others. Choose to be a sea of life rather than a one who takes and sucks the life out of others.
The Sea of Galilee in the middle east is a body of water that receives water from several sources, and passes it on through. The Dead Sea receives the same water from the Sea of Galilee, and just collects and hoards everything it gets, never passes any on through. The direct result of these two very different bodies of water that are fed by the same source is that the Sea of Galilee is vibrant with life, water sports, destination resorts. It attracts a lot of activity. The complete opposite is the Dead Sea. Even though it gets water from the same source, it never passes on the wealth so to speak. It's stagnant. It is 10 times saltier and than any other ocean or sea, and full of minerals. Drink it though, and you will die. It's toxic. Because it is so salty and full of minerals, one can easily float. Stay in too long though, and it will literally suck the life out of you by osmosis.
When we are blessed (and we truly are!) How do we respond with the resources given to us? Pause and take inventory of your blessings, then allow those same blessings to flow through you to others. Choose to be a sea of life rather than a one who takes and sucks the life out of others.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Coach Wooden's Creed
Coach Wooden dead at the age of 88.
He was one of the great coaches known for one liners that helped build character not only in his players lives, but also those of us who remember them. One such quote is his 7 point creed-
"Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day."
One of the board game Trivial Pursuit questions is "What newspaper is famous for the quote "All the news that's fit to print?" That's right the answer is The New York Times...Obviously they thought any reference to spiritual things is not fit to print. Coach Wooden's famous creed was edited recently...Heaven forbid one reads the Bible or Prays for guidance, after all this world is perfect isn't it ? There's no reason to try to improve it! Why seek guidance from the Creator of all things? We are too intelligent and have all the answers to world peace, oil leaks and famine.
Here's another of his quotes- Talent is God given, be humble. Fame is man given, be grateful. Conceit is self given, be careful."
He was one of the great coaches known for one liners that helped build character not only in his players lives, but also those of us who remember them. One such quote is his 7 point creed-
"Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day."
One of the board game Trivial Pursuit questions is "What newspaper is famous for the quote "All the news that's fit to print?" That's right the answer is The New York Times...Obviously they thought any reference to spiritual things is not fit to print. Coach Wooden's famous creed was edited recently...Heaven forbid one reads the Bible or Prays for guidance, after all this world is perfect isn't it ? There's no reason to try to improve it! Why seek guidance from the Creator of all things? We are too intelligent and have all the answers to world peace, oil leaks and famine.
Here's another of his quotes- Talent is God given, be humble. Fame is man given, be grateful. Conceit is self given, be careful."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Mine!
So I'm replacing DVD's in their plastic cases and I come across Finding Nemo. I can watch it over and over and not get tired of viewing. I love the part where the sea gulls are all saying "Mine, Mine, Mine..."
On our trip across country to San Diego last week, I overheard the boys on several occasions say "Stop, don't touch, that's Mine."
Mine. Mine. Mine..God's?
Psalms 24:1 says-The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
It's all His! I'm not the owner-I'm just managing everything He happens to allow me to have or be involved with. Time, efforts, even money and physical things, I need to be a good steward with. The hard part is the trusting.
Trusting that He is good all the time, and that it's okay when we loosen the grasp on, well, everything. The thing is, if we get stripped of some things, it shouldn't stress us since they were His anyway.
My cat's had it going on in N GA. Their backyard was a golf course and lake. Food and fun was prevalent everywhere. So when it came to taking them from that lifestyle, and driving 2000 miles; they freaked! They didn't realize I can be trusted; that I have a good plan for them. They would be fine and safe in my arms. There was no need for the guttural meow of anxiety! Now they are here, and they are settling in nicely. However, as a good "Dad" I have to take away their freedom somewhat in order to protect them from unknown dangers unfamiliar to them-cars, coyotes, cats, and carnivores to name a few. I know what's best for them, and playing outside at night or in the street isn't best.
It's addition by subtraction; I'm adding to their life as I'm taking away potential life changing situations...
On our trip across country to San Diego last week, I overheard the boys on several occasions say "Stop, don't touch, that's Mine."
Mine. Mine. Mine..God's?
Psalms 24:1 says-The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
It's all His! I'm not the owner-I'm just managing everything He happens to allow me to have or be involved with. Time, efforts, even money and physical things, I need to be a good steward with. The hard part is the trusting.
Trusting that He is good all the time, and that it's okay when we loosen the grasp on, well, everything. The thing is, if we get stripped of some things, it shouldn't stress us since they were His anyway.
My cat's had it going on in N GA. Their backyard was a golf course and lake. Food and fun was prevalent everywhere. So when it came to taking them from that lifestyle, and driving 2000 miles; they freaked! They didn't realize I can be trusted; that I have a good plan for them. They would be fine and safe in my arms. There was no need for the guttural meow of anxiety! Now they are here, and they are settling in nicely. However, as a good "Dad" I have to take away their freedom somewhat in order to protect them from unknown dangers unfamiliar to them-cars, coyotes, cats, and carnivores to name a few. I know what's best for them, and playing outside at night or in the street isn't best.
It's addition by subtraction; I'm adding to their life as I'm taking away potential life changing situations...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
