Have you ever sat down with someone and asked, "If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, past or present, who would it be?" Far and away the number one response is, "Jesus Christ," the most polarizing person ever to walk the earth--and a Superstar (I had the record and saw the show). His life, death, and resurrection has had such an effect on the world that today's date is even based on what happened 2015 years ago.
Many of us know a lot about Jesus, but we all have a decision to make that must travel the farthest distance--from the head to the heart. I can learn and know about Jesus from what I read and hear, but until I experience him personally, I can't really know him.
We live in a broken world. It can shake you and it can break you. It can cause you to stumble and fall. Years before I met my wife, I had a surgery to remove some cancer--the first of three bouts over the years. After many tests, the result came back that I was statistically unable to have kids. "If you ever get serious with someone, you may have to tell them that your chances of having children are slim and none." Those words can cause bitterness and despair or they can cause you to place your trust in God. I chose to place my faith in the ladder in spite of these circumstances. “Slim” is now 19 and “None” is 17. As I continue through my latest prognosis, my trust in God’s unfailing love continues to grow.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
The Party
Think of the most fun party you have ever been to or been a part of.......OK that's enough time. For some of you it was last night, for others it was kids ago right? We are told that heaven is going to be like that; times infinity! A never ending party; the best food and wine, friends, family, and famous folks you only read or heard about. Surf, sand, and Son. Opus One, Grand Cru, Microbrew. An eternity to party on dude! Picture this; Jesus the host, throwing it for us, because we fought for the right to party! Everyone is invited, several RSVP,even then some who accepted the invite ultimately allow excuses to get in the way and don't show. Most, however, decline the invite altogether.
Our fight is not of flesh and blood but spiritual. Working at (Trader Joe's, with the public, I constantly have eye candy dangling before my eyes. It's a fight to put on the blinders, nine out of ten times I fail. I'm a much faster repenter than I used to be. Thank God it's by grace through faith, not of doing good deeds or keeping a clean slate, or one would be able to boast and think they made it to the party of their own doing. Nope, it's all about accepting the invite, and fighting to follow through and showing up at the party we have been chosen to attend. How do I get the invite? I'm glad you asked.
Our fight is not of flesh and blood but spiritual. Working at (Trader Joe's, with the public, I constantly have eye candy dangling before my eyes. It's a fight to put on the blinders, nine out of ten times I fail. I'm a much faster repenter than I used to be. Thank God it's by grace through faith, not of doing good deeds or keeping a clean slate, or one would be able to boast and think they made it to the party of their own doing. Nope, it's all about accepting the invite, and fighting to follow through and showing up at the party we have been chosen to attend. How do I get the invite? I'm glad you asked.
I want you to think the most famous verse is Proverbs 5:19, but it isn't, it's close, but no. The most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16 Go ahead just blurt it out when you have it. "For God so loved.." the people that go to Church, no...THE WORLD that he gave is only son...everlasting life to party on dude.
So we've established that we all have an invite, what happens next is your response, your RSVP. In the mean time, check out the life we are called to in Ephesians 1:3-13 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A3-13&version=NLT The passage gives us a cross; our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationships with the world.
You Are Special
You Are Special
You can only protect your kids for so long before our broken world catches up. We had a V-chip on the TV while our two boys were growing up. They thought TV was all about Zooboomafoo, Arthur, Antiques Roadshow, and of course Charger football because hey, ours only had two channels. So one day one of the boys friends comes up and "fixes" the TV. I hear "dad, the TV is fixed." Yes, the kid showed them how to defeat the chip.
Up until the time of the fixed TV, we all watched Veggie Tales, and this one film by Max Lucado called "You Are Special" It was all about being labeled with "dots" or "stars" that were stuck to you via your peers. The ending has some great lines. "Who are they to give dots or stars, they're just like you. Those dots and stars (labels) only matter if you let them. All that matters is what I think, and I think you are special...because you are mine and you matter to me. For now, just come to me everyday, and I'll remind you of just how special you are. Remember, you are special because I made you and I don't make mistakes." Even before the world was, we were chosen, adopted, and loved. Ephesians 1:3-7 and Psalm 139.
The Perfect Storm
Read-Ecclesiastes 2:17-23, Matt 6:19-21Reflect-The Perfect Storm is when a rare combination of events aggravates a situation drastically.I'd never lost in the game Monopoly. To win, you buy properties, place homes on them, and ultimately place expensive hotels on them. Essentially, you make more than your peers, while picking up as many properties as you can. In real life, I tried to follow that model. Paid off house; not enough. 40 apartment rentals; not enough. A bunch of Victorian homes; nope, not enough. Hotel investor; now I'm set. But wait, there's more...The economic events of 2008 wiped it clean, a vapor, dust in the wind...hebel!Hebel: Emptiness, futility. a vapor that vanishes quickly and leaves nothing behind. The economic perfect storm of 2008 could have been avoided if I hadn't been so success driven. It is is something I never should have had to put my family through, it caused immense stress and we nearly didn't make it through the storm. Matthew 6:19-21 talks about what can happen when all your time, effort and money gets invested in the here and now, rather than seeking and trusting God first in all things.Having to start over a few years ago gave me a new perspective; a paradigm shift from making money, to making a difference.React-Gut check. Are you all about the money, the cars, the homes, the college your kids are going to go? Maybe it's time to audit where you spend your pursuits of time, effort, and money?
Sweet Communion
Theme: Breaking Bread in NicaraguaRead: “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27 (NLT)Reflect: I've been both affluent and I've been jobless and poor. While I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in, I've never been destitute to the point that there was no hope for the future.My youngest son and I just returned from spending time with widows and orphans in Nicaragua. This is a communist country where $80 a month is a typical wage for a family of five, which sounds to me like a hopeless situation. I thought we would go and bless these people, but instead we were the ones who were blessed. While we didn't have the elements of bread and wine shared this weekend, we were able to spend time sharing simple meals of rice and beans and clean water.At the end of our trip, they encircled us and prayed for us, shedding heart-felt tears. Such a sweet communion we enjoyed with them; one we will treasure the rest of our lives. We didn't need to know or speak much Spanish to enjoy the unity we experienced in our weeks spent there. The community we enjoyed in Christ broke through any language barrier, country boundary, or economic wall I may have thought existed.React: Esperanza or hope is one of the benefits we have in Christ. Celebrating the hope we have in him as we break the bread and drink the wine reminds us we are united in his love.
A Dad Moment
It's been twenty years since my dad graduated from this life.
At his ceremony, it was standing room only, and the line to get in ran around the block. Rather shy and demure, he rarely spoke but let his actions speak louder than words.
The day of his passing still to this day brings tears to my eyes, so let me just give you a glimpse of his servanthood style. Hospice said that day would be his last, so the whole family was present in the kitchen remembering some of the funnier stories we each had of him as a dad, spouse, friend, son, and brother. All of a sudden, we heard a thump down the hall.
Mom loved to take extended baths on Saturdays. It was Saturday. My dad had pulled out all the tubes, and crawled on all fours to the bathroom to run water for my mom, when thump, he slipped and fell in. A servant to the end. Later that day he passed, his hands raised and a smile on his face as if reaching for his heavenly father.
At his ceremony, it was standing room only, and the line to get in ran around the block. Rather shy and demure, he rarely spoke but let his actions speak louder than words.
The day of his passing still to this day brings tears to my eyes, so let me just give you a glimpse of his servanthood style. Hospice said that day would be his last, so the whole family was present in the kitchen remembering some of the funnier stories we each had of him as a dad, spouse, friend, son, and brother. All of a sudden, we heard a thump down the hall.
Mom loved to take extended baths on Saturdays. It was Saturday. My dad had pulled out all the tubes, and crawled on all fours to the bathroom to run water for my mom, when thump, he slipped and fell in. A servant to the end. Later that day he passed, his hands raised and a smile on his face as if reaching for his heavenly father.
Who do You Know?
Theme: It's Not What You Know, it's Who You Know
Read: Matthew 28:19,20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Reflect: When we were living in Atlanta, Pastor Andy Stanley would often say "Go and be the person God has called you to be, and as people cross paths with you, eventually there may come a time when the conversations cross paths with talking about God." I run a local wine room, and anyone who has been in tasting with me knows I can be fairly passionate about what I know about a certain wine. Eventually, if you come often enough, (some do come every day,) I am able to leverage what I know, with who I know!
Everyone in our small group started through that wine room! Now, I have to say some don't attend Eastlake Church where we go, or any other church for that matter, so for some, we are their church! We are currently going through the Right Now Media series "The Grave Robber" and the first installment was about Jesus first miracle of turning water into wine! Talk about spirited discussion, I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't turn water into "Two Buck Chuck", but rather a 100pt wine for the ages! Now here's a thought that might piss off your Baptist friends- If they ran out of wine, let's put it this way; no one was driving home. UBER would be the call, yet Jesus still made more.
React: Eventually, as you "go and be," God has created each of us with unique talents and strengths, and He will strategically place people in your path that need faith, hope and love, are you ready?
The Reason for the Season
Theme-Jesus IS the Reason for the Season
Read: Luke 19:9-11, Ephesians 2:8 Today is the day of salvation for I have come to seek and save all who are lost. For it's by grace you are saved through faith not of yourselves but as a gift from God...
Reflect-Like many of you, I grew up with organized religion with CC&Rs, do's and don'ts, all kind of ways to "earn" points with God? It left me empty and confused, burdened; so I left everything about it.
Fast forward a couple years and I'm at a college party, three gals just fell to the ground; I had just shared my personal stash of an illegal substance with them. Chaos and confusion caused the party to break as everyone took off, including me, never knowing the fate of those three women. I was in shock, the reality hit that my dealer was trying to take me out... God was silent in my life. I was afraid. I was confused. I was alone. So I fell to my knees a few days later and barked at God "If you are who you say you are, and can change this messed up life, then dude, I give it to you." That was nearly 40 years ago.
When Jesus came into the world, it was messed up, and like today, religion was amuk with a bunch of nonsense and craziness. God said "Hey Jesus, it's your turn baby."
This season isn't about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, credit theft and hacking. It's about Jesus, and what you do with Him.
React- It's easy to get caught up in all the festivities of the season, but the reality is this whole idea of giving is because God gave us the ultimate gift in his son Jesus. What are you going to do with him?
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Grass Monster
"It's my job to hurt 'em and your job to heal 'em."
Now before you call CPS, let me explain...
That's what I used to tell my wife when my boys and I--well, actually all the neighborhood kids--would gather to play Grass Monster. We live on a hill and had planted super thick St. Augustine grass. That's the stuff you can bounce a kid off. Well, not really, but it is extremely thick and forgiving. As grass monster, I would be on all fours. When the kids attacked me all at once, I would fling them every which way. And every once in a while someone would get hurt, the kind of hurt only a mom's kiss would heal.
Good times.
As a father, when real danger is lurking, I am here to protect and serve my family. How much more do you think our Heavenly Father cares for us?
Now before you call CPS, let me explain...
That's what I used to tell my wife when my boys and I--well, actually all the neighborhood kids--would gather to play Grass Monster. We live on a hill and had planted super thick St. Augustine grass. That's the stuff you can bounce a kid off. Well, not really, but it is extremely thick and forgiving. As grass monster, I would be on all fours. When the kids attacked me all at once, I would fling them every which way. And every once in a while someone would get hurt, the kind of hurt only a mom's kiss would heal.
Good times.
As a father, when real danger is lurking, I am here to protect and serve my family. How much more do you think our Heavenly Father cares for us?
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
In Spite Of All Going On Around Us We Have To Stay Strong
So, I had coffee with a new friend yesterday. He's been going through some stuff that I went through. He used to be a VP; I was a P. He couldn't find work for a while; I couldn't find work for while. He likes to project manage; I was a project manager. He likes beer. I like wine, Okay, so we have differences, the fact is tht sometimes we go through stuff so we can be a light to others having issues. The important thing to remember in all this is that God cares, God know, and God is in control. God knows what's going on yesterday, today and tomorrow so my responsibility is to stay strong..
I just got a text from a friend who told me to "stay strong." so please watch the youtube vid below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTRUvttsTsU
I just got a text from a friend who told me to "stay strong." so please watch the youtube vid below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTRUvttsTsU
Monday, April 7, 2014
Rocky
Treat!
You've never heard a louder cat, or one that trips you up when you say that word. Rocky peacefully passed away today in Austin's arms.
He was a good cat, a great cat. He once saved the boys from certain death when a huge German Shepard ran into the yard sizing up the boys for a meal...Rocky jumped into action, leaped onto the dogs back, sunk his claws deep into it's nose and rode him like Mr Toad's Wild Ride. Okay, so I embellished. It was the timid dog from down the street, the boys lives were never in peril. but the rest is true. That dog never came back up here to leave presents in the yard for the kids to step in.
I'm going to miss that cat; he was a rescue, and I think he always knew that his whole 14 years. He heaped tons of love on us, was an excellent pillow with built in purr vibrations. Lap cat, cuddle cat smelly cat.
We love you Rocky
You've never heard a louder cat, or one that trips you up when you say that word. Rocky peacefully passed away today in Austin's arms.
He was a good cat, a great cat. He once saved the boys from certain death when a huge German Shepard ran into the yard sizing up the boys for a meal...Rocky jumped into action, leaped onto the dogs back, sunk his claws deep into it's nose and rode him like Mr Toad's Wild Ride. Okay, so I embellished. It was the timid dog from down the street, the boys lives were never in peril. but the rest is true. That dog never came back up here to leave presents in the yard for the kids to step in.
I'm going to miss that cat; he was a rescue, and I think he always knew that his whole 14 years. He heaped tons of love on us, was an excellent pillow with built in purr vibrations. Lap cat, cuddle cat smelly cat.
We love you Rocky
Friday, April 4, 2014
There Could Never Be a More Beautiful You
Johnny Diaz has a great song about how unique each of us are.
So I'm sitting here at Starbucks overhearing a conversation between a mom and daughter. The kid is on spring break and says she doesn't think she got into the Sorority because of her nose. Really? Her nose is fine! She's asking her parents to pay for a nose job. Here's the thing there is only one of her! She is special, everyone is unique! Check out the video below.
Here is Ps 139
3 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Back from the Cruise
Jerry, one of the cruisers I met while at sea has no idea he only has a few weeks to live. His daughter brought him along so they could enjoy his company as he enjoys his final life adventure. I had many conversations with him as we passed back story after story. He is ready to meet his maker.
If you knew you only had a short time to live how would you spend it?
Another cruiser eating at the table next to us had just announced her candidacy for Congress and was on board for strategic planning.
The Las Vegas Rock and Roll Wine group was there, well, at least 50 of them anyway, partying their way from bar to bar every night, looking for the next high, hoping that would fill the void in their hearts. One gal, a former Miss Nevada kept losing her bikini top......hmm.
Your direction determines your destination; where are you headed? How does one be in the world but not of it? How can one change the attitude that determines our altitude from making money to making a difference?
This short video gives a glimpse...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Yasgzjc0w
If you knew you only had a short time to live how would you spend it?
Another cruiser eating at the table next to us had just announced her candidacy for Congress and was on board for strategic planning.
The Las Vegas Rock and Roll Wine group was there, well, at least 50 of them anyway, partying their way from bar to bar every night, looking for the next high, hoping that would fill the void in their hearts. One gal, a former Miss Nevada kept losing her bikini top......hmm.
Your direction determines your destination; where are you headed? How does one be in the world but not of it? How can one change the attitude that determines our altitude from making money to making a difference?
This short video gives a glimpse...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Yasgzjc0w
Friday, March 14, 2014
We are Going on a Cruise!
It's been a couple years since we went on a vacation, but we are going on a cruise next week!
Sometimes we get so busy with the performance part of our lives; going to work, running a household, being a husband or wife, parent, and friend, that we forget the most important role we are to play. The role of being God’s chosen child here on this earth. Throughout the day, think of any benefits you may have to being a chosen one? Like Ps 8:5 “crowned us w/ glory and honor.” Favor and honor can be interchanged; James 4 says we have not because we don’t ask and when we do it’s with wrong motives. Many of us today need to ask Him for favor, honor and glory!
I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at SDSU in 1980; I remember vividly hearing the story about a guy who has never been on a cruise before saves up for this trip. He brings along a backpack full of cheese, bread and snacks; things he thinks will last him through the cruise to his destination. A few days into it, the bread is getting moldy, the cheese is hard, he’s running low on water…
There are so many benefits to remembering that one simple fact. I am God’s own special child and he loves me unconditionally. He loves me whether I am lovable, grumpy, angry, worried, or depressed. He is always there waiting to have a relationship with me. What an amazing God that has adopted me into his family, if I will only choose to call him Father and live the life He chooses. Like the guy in the story above, while he got to go on the cruise, he failed to enjoy the benefits that come with; all the food (some pretty darn good), beverages, activities. A steward noticed him one day and asked him why he was eating crusty bread? “Didn’t you read the ‘guide’, your cruise come with all the choices of food and drink you want, it’s all part of the package!”
I am in awe of how God loves each one of us distinctly regardless of our circumstances. While our circumstances change from time to time, His love, grace and mercy always abound. Matthew 5:1-12 is a reflection of how deeply God loves each and every one of us, forever and always.
Have you thought about how special you are to God? Remember your uniqueness in God’s eyes and share the love of God with those that maybe aren’t so lovable, but are loved by God.
Sometimes we get so busy with the performance part of our lives; going to work, running a household, being a husband or wife, parent, and friend, that we forget the most important role we are to play. The role of being God’s chosen child here on this earth. Throughout the day, think of any benefits you may have to being a chosen one? Like Ps 8:5 “crowned us w/ glory and honor.” Favor and honor can be interchanged; James 4 says we have not because we don’t ask and when we do it’s with wrong motives. Many of us today need to ask Him for favor, honor and glory!
I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at SDSU in 1980; I remember vividly hearing the story about a guy who has never been on a cruise before saves up for this trip. He brings along a backpack full of cheese, bread and snacks; things he thinks will last him through the cruise to his destination. A few days into it, the bread is getting moldy, the cheese is hard, he’s running low on water…
There are so many benefits to remembering that one simple fact. I am God’s own special child and he loves me unconditionally. He loves me whether I am lovable, grumpy, angry, worried, or depressed. He is always there waiting to have a relationship with me. What an amazing God that has adopted me into his family, if I will only choose to call him Father and live the life He chooses. Like the guy in the story above, while he got to go on the cruise, he failed to enjoy the benefits that come with; all the food (some pretty darn good), beverages, activities. A steward noticed him one day and asked him why he was eating crusty bread? “Didn’t you read the ‘guide’, your cruise come with all the choices of food and drink you want, it’s all part of the package!”
I am in awe of how God loves each one of us distinctly regardless of our circumstances. While our circumstances change from time to time, His love, grace and mercy always abound. Matthew 5:1-12 is a reflection of how deeply God loves each and every one of us, forever and always.
Have you thought about how special you are to God? Remember your uniqueness in God’s eyes and share the love of God with those that maybe aren’t so lovable, but are loved by God.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Legalism Revisited
It can be pretty exhausting and frustrating to try to live a moral life. Frustration and sometimes apathy can grow in your heart if you let it. Living a life of faith can consume you and saddle you with obligation and responsibility. Sometimes with all the time commitments and pressures of life, you may not know exactly where you are spiritually
You find yourself going through the motions, checking off those items that tend to make up a spiritual to do list, and then what? You still feel empty; that feeling of there's got to be more to this life.
My wife once said I didn't care about her spirituality, and frankly, at the time I didn't, why should I? We both went to church that had a 2 hour morning service, a 2 hour evening service with afterglow time, Wednesday Bible study, small group, listened to Christian radio for the commute both ways, had Christian music playing at home (maybe too loud) all the time. Additionally she was doing a thing called BSF, I was doing a weekly mentoring, we both had daily quiet time, and on and on it went. We're talking 30 hours a week for Jesus! We must have been spiritual giants right?
Nope! Mostly legalism and head knowledge.
Mary and Martha revisited
You find yourself going through the motions, checking off those items that tend to make up a spiritual to do list, and then what? You still feel empty; that feeling of there's got to be more to this life.
My wife once said I didn't care about her spirituality, and frankly, at the time I didn't, why should I? We both went to church that had a 2 hour morning service, a 2 hour evening service with afterglow time, Wednesday Bible study, small group, listened to Christian radio for the commute both ways, had Christian music playing at home (maybe too loud) all the time. Additionally she was doing a thing called BSF, I was doing a weekly mentoring, we both had daily quiet time, and on and on it went. We're talking 30 hours a week for Jesus! We must have been spiritual giants right?
Nope! Mostly legalism and head knowledge.
Mary and Martha revisited
Friday, July 12, 2013
Nuke a Gay Baby Whale for Jesus
Five controversial topics that cause many to choose sides...It was a bumper sticker I had in the early 80's, however, someone thought I was serious and scraped it off.
We've all heard the biblical renderings of how Christ followers should be in, but not of, the world. In a practical approach, how does that work?
I consider myself a Christ follower for nearly three decades now. Now, more than ever, I understand a little more the how and why of Christ being crucified and what Easter truly means. We are called to be salt and light. We are told to love God and love our neighbor and in doing so all the prior laws are not really needed theoretically as they are all met. We are told the world will know we are Christ followers by our love for one another.
I use the word Christ follower rather than the more common and inflammatory name of Christian. That derogatory term can and is used to mean anything...and nothing. Just check out the use during the Crusades from the past and the current batch killing people in Africa under that "political" guise, burning Korans, being vinegar rather than honey...
If you seriously search scripture and it's application, you quickly come to realize how to be in but not of. What business is it of ours to bash any group? None of my business. Imagine for a moment you are enjoying a "Double Double, Animal Style" at In and Out Burger, and a Vegan group approaches you, and tries to coerce you into court and sue you for eating meat prompting the case to go to the highest court.
Here's the problem with that mentality; you never signed up to be Vegan and aren't held accountable to the Vegan standards of eating. While they maybe noble in their way, it's not my way; I/we all have free will, right? They don't really have the right to sue you or force you to obey the vegan way! The same is true with "the world" As a Christ follower, I have no business coercing you to the Christian way of life that you never signed up for.
I'm not called to save anyone; that's God's responsibility. I'm only called to love, set an example like Christ did, love God.
Get it, got it, good.
We've all heard the biblical renderings of how Christ followers should be in, but not of, the world. In a practical approach, how does that work?
I consider myself a Christ follower for nearly three decades now. Now, more than ever, I understand a little more the how and why of Christ being crucified and what Easter truly means. We are called to be salt and light. We are told to love God and love our neighbor and in doing so all the prior laws are not really needed theoretically as they are all met. We are told the world will know we are Christ followers by our love for one another.
I use the word Christ follower rather than the more common and inflammatory name of Christian. That derogatory term can and is used to mean anything...and nothing. Just check out the use during the Crusades from the past and the current batch killing people in Africa under that "political" guise, burning Korans, being vinegar rather than honey...
If you seriously search scripture and it's application, you quickly come to realize how to be in but not of. What business is it of ours to bash any group? None of my business. Imagine for a moment you are enjoying a "Double Double, Animal Style" at In and Out Burger, and a Vegan group approaches you, and tries to coerce you into court and sue you for eating meat prompting the case to go to the highest court.
Here's the problem with that mentality; you never signed up to be Vegan and aren't held accountable to the Vegan standards of eating. While they maybe noble in their way, it's not my way; I/we all have free will, right? They don't really have the right to sue you or force you to obey the vegan way! The same is true with "the world" As a Christ follower, I have no business coercing you to the Christian way of life that you never signed up for.
I'm not called to save anyone; that's God's responsibility. I'm only called to love, set an example like Christ did, love God.
Get it, got it, good.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Complacent
Ryan Matthews of the San Diego Chargers made a comment earlier this week that the reason the Chargers lost so many games this past season was because the team (he) had become complacent about Norm and the coaching staff. Remember LT a few years ago couldn't play one game due to his little toe. He was on my fantasy tem so I was a bit miffed; really, a little toe? Remember, it's the little toe that provides balance, allows for his signature stop on a dine cuts. No matter how small you may think you are, you are very important and special.
Complacent is defined as a mark of self satisfaction accompanied by an unawareness of a deficiency or danger. In other words who cares or whatever.
We all go through times of complacency, for instance, I realized that I hadn't done a blog entry in months! I had intentions to do a couple a week, but things come up, and these do take some time to do. The idea is, if I can do this and bless just a few people with each post, then it's worth it for me to pursue...So I checked stats and realized I had 4700+hits last week, and a spark went off inside. Lately I'm been living life as if it is population one...me.
So check out this 3 minute video- My Own Little World http://youtu.be/M9Yasgzjc0w
Complacent is defined as a mark of self satisfaction accompanied by an unawareness of a deficiency or danger. In other words who cares or whatever.
We all go through times of complacency, for instance, I realized that I hadn't done a blog entry in months! I had intentions to do a couple a week, but things come up, and these do take some time to do. The idea is, if I can do this and bless just a few people with each post, then it's worth it for me to pursue...So I checked stats and realized I had 4700+hits last week, and a spark went off inside. Lately I'm been living life as if it is population one...me.
So check out this 3 minute video- My Own Little World http://youtu.be/M9Yasgzjc0w
Monday, December 17, 2012
Dirty Windows
You've probably heard the story about the old couple who live next to a young couple who hangs the laundry out to dry? The old lady always makes snide comments about how dirty the sheets are and how someone should teach her how to do laundry or use the correct amount of soap...This goes on for weeks, but then one morning, the old lady sees clean sheets hanging out to dry. Being very curious, the old lady says "Well it's about time she finally learned how to do wash, someone must have gone over and taught her a lesson." The old man replies "No, No, that's not it; I got up early and washed the windows so you you can see more clearly."
My Cousin Vinny is one of my favorite movies; I actually prefer the TV version as the language can get a bit crude at times. One of my favorite scenes is when Vinny is asking questions to Mr Crane one of the witnesses...
Vinny Gambini: Mr. Crane, what are these pictures of?
Ernie Crane: My house and stuff.
Vinny Gambini: House and stuff. And what is this brown stuff on your window.
Ernie Crane: Dirt.
Vinny Gambini: Dirt. And what is this rusty, dusty, dirty looking thing that's covering your window?
Ernie Crane: That's a screen.
Vinny Gambini: A screen! It's a screen. And what are these really big things that are right in the middle of your view of the Sac-o-Suds and your kitchen window, what do we call these big things?
Ernie Crane: Trees?
Vinny Gambini: Trees, that's right, don't be afraid just shout 'em right out when you know 'em. And what are these thousands of little things that are on trees?
Ernie Crane: Leaves.
Vinny Gambini: And these big bushy things between the trees.
Ernie Crane: Bushes.
Ernie Crane: Bushes. So, Mr. Crane, you can positively identify the defendants, for a moment of 2 seconds, looking through this dirty window, this crud covered screen, all of these trees, with all of these leaves on them, and I don't know how many bushes.
Ernie Crane: Looks like five.
Vinny Gambini: Uh, uh, uh, don't forget, this one and this one.
Ernie Crane: Seven bushes!
Vinny Gambini: Seven bushes. So, what do you think? Isn't possible you just saw two guys in a green convertable and not necessarily these two particular guys?
Ernie Crane: I suppose.
Vinny Gambini: I'm finished with this guy.
Life really depends on the aperture we use doesn't it? The world's filter is quite different than God's filter. Jesus was born to proclaim good news and tells us to Love God and Love others. If we filter all or actions and attitudes through that lens what a wonderful world it would be.
My Cousin Vinny is one of my favorite movies; I actually prefer the TV version as the language can get a bit crude at times. One of my favorite scenes is when Vinny is asking questions to Mr Crane one of the witnesses...
Vinny Gambini: Mr. Crane, what are these pictures of?
Ernie Crane: My house and stuff.
Vinny Gambini: House and stuff. And what is this brown stuff on your window.
Ernie Crane: Dirt.
Vinny Gambini: Dirt. And what is this rusty, dusty, dirty looking thing that's covering your window?
Ernie Crane: That's a screen.
Vinny Gambini: A screen! It's a screen. And what are these really big things that are right in the middle of your view of the Sac-o-Suds and your kitchen window, what do we call these big things?
Ernie Crane: Trees?
Vinny Gambini: Trees, that's right, don't be afraid just shout 'em right out when you know 'em. And what are these thousands of little things that are on trees?
Ernie Crane: Leaves.
Vinny Gambini: And these big bushy things between the trees.
Ernie Crane: Bushes.
Ernie Crane: Bushes. So, Mr. Crane, you can positively identify the defendants, for a moment of 2 seconds, looking through this dirty window, this crud covered screen, all of these trees, with all of these leaves on them, and I don't know how many bushes.
Ernie Crane: Looks like five.
Vinny Gambini: Uh, uh, uh, don't forget, this one and this one.
Ernie Crane: Seven bushes!
Vinny Gambini: Seven bushes. So, what do you think? Isn't possible you just saw two guys in a green convertable and not necessarily these two particular guys?
Ernie Crane: I suppose.
Vinny Gambini: I'm finished with this guy.
Life really depends on the aperture we use doesn't it? The world's filter is quite different than God's filter. Jesus was born to proclaim good news and tells us to Love God and Love others. If we filter all or actions and attitudes through that lens what a wonderful world it would be.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Memorable Zig Ziglar Quotes
Zig Ziglar passed away today.
Some of my favorite one liners are
"Your attitude determines your altitude."
"People don't buy for logical reasons; they buy for emotional reasons."
"Failure is an event, not a person."
"Want a friend? Be a friend."
"Expect the best but prepare for the worst."
"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Or that might be one of Covey's?
Some of my favorite one liners are
"Your attitude determines your altitude."
"People don't buy for logical reasons; they buy for emotional reasons."
"Failure is an event, not a person."
"Want a friend? Be a friend."
"Expect the best but prepare for the worst."
"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Or that might be one of Covey's?
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thanksgiving 2012
A quick recap
1621- The few remaining Pilgrims gathered together to give thanks and praise to God.
1770- The Doxology written by Ken Thomas after 70% of London burned down yet his church survived "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
1863 President Lincoln establishes Thanksgiving a National Holiday-
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
1943- Corrie Ten Boom gives thanks for the fleas-The Nazi's would not enter her barracks to abuse them because of the fleas.
2012- It's all about Black Friday.
1621- The few remaining Pilgrims gathered together to give thanks and praise to God.
1770- The Doxology written by Ken Thomas after 70% of London burned down yet his church survived "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
1863 President Lincoln establishes Thanksgiving a National Holiday-
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
1943- Corrie Ten Boom gives thanks for the fleas-The Nazi's would not enter her barracks to abuse them because of the fleas.
2012- It's all about Black Friday.
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