REMEMBER WHEN we were kids and we actually asked to go outside and play, because we were full of energy and needed an outlet to work it off?
REMEMBER WHEN, once we got outside, we used our imagination to come up with activities that only children could think of, using such props as cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and sticks we found in the yard?
REMEMBER WHEN we played cops and robbers, using bandanas as masks and pointed fingers as guns?And nobody considered our behavior abnormal or dangerous for doing so?
REMEMBER WHEN our parents scolded us for interrupting when adults were talking?
REMEMBER WHEN the family invited friends or relatives over for Sunday dinner after church and the children ate after the adults, due to lack of seating, and no one left hungry?
REMEMBER WHEN each household had only one TV, and Dad had first dibs on which program we watched?
REMEMBER WHEN the networks had family-oriented values and profanity and nudity were taboo?
REMEMBER WHEN children were taught to respect their elders, and spending the weekend at grandma's house was a special treat?
REMEMBER WHEN chewing gum in class was considered a major infraction, and teachers were highly esteemed members of the community?
REMEMBER WHEN Little League games were played without over-zealous parents embarassing the players?
REMEMBER WHEN neighbors looked out for each other and shared house keys during vacation time?
REMEMBER WHEN moral absolutes were proclaimed from our pulpits and re-taught at home?
REMEMBER WHEN Hollywood movie stars were too busy making movies to pose as political experts?
AND REMEMBER WHEN politicians actually cared about voting the voice of their electors?
I'm just saying...
Monday, March 22, 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
MORE THAN A BABE
The wise still seek Jesus--He's more than a Babe,
For He grew in God's favor, perfection portrayed.
He ministered daily, confounding them all,
For even in childhood, He acknowledged His call.
He spoke with great wisdom, to scholars' alarm,
And yet blessed the children with mercy and charm.
He walked among sinners, the poorest on earth,
Shunning honor and riches for Heavenly worth.
He healed many, fed thousands, raised others to life,
Bringing joy and contentment where once there was strife.
While He prayed in the garden, His own men asleep,
He hid not from soldiers, His mission to keep.
He endured a mock trial, with scourging and shame,
Yet He said not a word in defense of His name.
Then He bore His own cross to the place of the skull,
Where in death He declared sin's account "Paid in full."
In a new tomb they laid Him to await the third day,
When in triumph He rose, as the stone rolled away.
So, don't bow at His manger; don't worship His cross,
For the grave could not hold him--mankind's gain, Satan's loss.
(Winner of the 2009 Florida Christian Writer's Conference Poetry Award)
Saturday, May 23, 2009
ARE YOU IN A FRIENDSHIP FRENZY?
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to make friends wherever they go, while others are content to remain anonymous, limiting their sphere of influence to "us four and no more"? Do you find it difficult to meet new people and develop new relationships? Or are you one of those who welcomes a job change, and gets excited about moving to a new neighborhood? Do you look at a long line at the checkout counter as another wonderful opportunity to share your day with a total stranger? Or do you find the shortest line in the "express" checkout, praying no one tries to engage you in meaningless conversation?
Your answers to these questions are dependent to a great degree upon your personality type--basically whether you're an extrovert, who seldom meets a stranger he doesn't like, or an introvert, who likes to keep his distance from the community-at-large. (More on personality types in a later blog.) A true extrovert lives life from the viewpoint that everyone he meets has a real desire to get to know him on a personal level. Frances Littauer, inspirational speaker, author, and comic, jokes that she actually enjoys waiting in checkout lines, and she can hardly wait to call family members to tell them about all the new friends she made while shopping. On the contrary, someone who is an introvert tends to keep to himself, and resents others making "personal" inquiries into his very private life. (Can you see a pattern of conflict developing when an extrovert and an introvert are joined in holy matrimony? Holy mackerel!!)
According to Webster's Dictionary, the word "friend" is defined as follows: "one who is attached to another by affection or esteem; an acquaintance; one that is not hostile; one that favors or promotes a cause; a favored companion."
Bill Gothard, founder of The Institute in Basic Life Principles, makes the following observation: "Many fail to achieve meaningful friendships because they do not have a clear understanding of the levels of friendship. There are specific freedoms and responsibilities on each level."
The first level of friendship is that of an acquaintance. At this level, the relationship is based on occasional contacts, such as sporting events, work-related conferences, seminars, etc. In such a relationship, each person should be free to ask general questions: type of occupation, job titles, city of residence, etc. Each acquaintance should be viewed as a divine appointment, rather than a mere coincidence, for it is at this level that every relationship begins. How are you viewing the active acquaintances in your life today?
A casual friendship is sometimes called a level two friendship, and is based on common interests, activities and concerns. These would include attending the same church, club memberships, sharing the same hobbies, being next-door neighbors, sharing similar political views and affiliations, having children who are involved in the same activities, etc.
At this second level, each person should have the freedom to ask more specific questions of the other: effects of the slowing economy, place and length of employment (if employed), personal opinions on various issues, family makeup, etc. Questions and conversations should stem from a genuine heart of concern for the other person's well-being, with the goal of building mutual trust and confidence. As someone has so aptly put it: No one cares how much you know, until he knows how much you care." And, as the relationship develops, listen more and talk less. And learn to hear the person's heart, and not just his words.
The third friendship level is that of a close friendship. It is at this level that further development of the relationship also involves fellowship, an increase in the personal involvement and participation in each other's lives. This third level is the beginning of what I like to call the "accountability factor", the process in which each person becomes accountable to the other for his attitudes, actions, and personal struggles and successes. In effect, each person becomes a type of sounding board for the other, (hopefully without either one becoming "bored" in the exchange). Sharing such items as personal life goals, family values and visions, and spiritual insights and inspirations is vital in this stage of the relationship. Obviously, the time and energy demands are critical, as well. One of the main goals at this level is for each person to be an encouragement to the other. Side note: A third grade teacher asked her class to define the word fellowship. After some thought, one student proudly exclaimed, "That's easy! It's two or more fellows in a ship!
The fourth and uppermost friendship level is that of an intimate friendship. This level of development in the relationship is centered around the process of mutual character enrichment. Each person should be free to correct the other, and to point out character deficiencies, or "blind spots," that may have otherwise gone undetected. This level can be referred to as the "detect and correct" phase of the friendship, and requires long term commitments from both parties in order to work through the various issues. Speaking the truth in love is key to discovering previously unresolved root problems: bitterness, resentment, rejection, holding grudges, anger, etc. Root problems have root causes that must be dealt with to begin the quest for emotional healing and wellness. Don't be like the boy who buried his dead cat--with the tail sticking out, so he could make sure the cat was still there!!
A problem addressed and confessed is a problem under arrest! God's desire for each of us is that we would walk in emotional and spiritual freedom, and He uses our friendships in the process.
STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO OF THIS SERIES.
Your answers to these questions are dependent to a great degree upon your personality type--basically whether you're an extrovert, who seldom meets a stranger he doesn't like, or an introvert, who likes to keep his distance from the community-at-large. (More on personality types in a later blog.) A true extrovert lives life from the viewpoint that everyone he meets has a real desire to get to know him on a personal level. Frances Littauer, inspirational speaker, author, and comic, jokes that she actually enjoys waiting in checkout lines, and she can hardly wait to call family members to tell them about all the new friends she made while shopping. On the contrary, someone who is an introvert tends to keep to himself, and resents others making "personal" inquiries into his very private life. (Can you see a pattern of conflict developing when an extrovert and an introvert are joined in holy matrimony? Holy mackerel!!)
According to Webster's Dictionary, the word "friend" is defined as follows: "one who is attached to another by affection or esteem; an acquaintance; one that is not hostile; one that favors or promotes a cause; a favored companion."
Bill Gothard, founder of The Institute in Basic Life Principles, makes the following observation: "Many fail to achieve meaningful friendships because they do not have a clear understanding of the levels of friendship. There are specific freedoms and responsibilities on each level."
The first level of friendship is that of an acquaintance. At this level, the relationship is based on occasional contacts, such as sporting events, work-related conferences, seminars, etc. In such a relationship, each person should be free to ask general questions: type of occupation, job titles, city of residence, etc. Each acquaintance should be viewed as a divine appointment, rather than a mere coincidence, for it is at this level that every relationship begins. How are you viewing the active acquaintances in your life today?
A casual friendship is sometimes called a level two friendship, and is based on common interests, activities and concerns. These would include attending the same church, club memberships, sharing the same hobbies, being next-door neighbors, sharing similar political views and affiliations, having children who are involved in the same activities, etc.
At this second level, each person should have the freedom to ask more specific questions of the other: effects of the slowing economy, place and length of employment (if employed), personal opinions on various issues, family makeup, etc. Questions and conversations should stem from a genuine heart of concern for the other person's well-being, with the goal of building mutual trust and confidence. As someone has so aptly put it: No one cares how much you know, until he knows how much you care." And, as the relationship develops, listen more and talk less. And learn to hear the person's heart, and not just his words.
The third friendship level is that of a close friendship. It is at this level that further development of the relationship also involves fellowship, an increase in the personal involvement and participation in each other's lives. This third level is the beginning of what I like to call the "accountability factor", the process in which each person becomes accountable to the other for his attitudes, actions, and personal struggles and successes. In effect, each person becomes a type of sounding board for the other, (hopefully without either one becoming "bored" in the exchange). Sharing such items as personal life goals, family values and visions, and spiritual insights and inspirations is vital in this stage of the relationship. Obviously, the time and energy demands are critical, as well. One of the main goals at this level is for each person to be an encouragement to the other. Side note: A third grade teacher asked her class to define the word fellowship. After some thought, one student proudly exclaimed, "That's easy! It's two or more fellows in a ship!
The fourth and uppermost friendship level is that of an intimate friendship. This level of development in the relationship is centered around the process of mutual character enrichment. Each person should be free to correct the other, and to point out character deficiencies, or "blind spots," that may have otherwise gone undetected. This level can be referred to as the "detect and correct" phase of the friendship, and requires long term commitments from both parties in order to work through the various issues. Speaking the truth in love is key to discovering previously unresolved root problems: bitterness, resentment, rejection, holding grudges, anger, etc. Root problems have root causes that must be dealt with to begin the quest for emotional healing and wellness. Don't be like the boy who buried his dead cat--with the tail sticking out, so he could make sure the cat was still there!!
A problem addressed and confessed is a problem under arrest! God's desire for each of us is that we would walk in emotional and spiritual freedom, and He uses our friendships in the process.
STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO OF THIS SERIES.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
NAVIGATING LIFE'S STORMS: Part 3
In this final installment dealing with life's storms, let's look at some misconceptions as to why we go through these times of turbulence and uncertainty. Some of them are the result of man's attempt to spiritualize events that seem to have no understandable explanation. Others stem from man's insatiable need to attach blame, rather than to accept personal responsibility for his/her own wrong actions or choices.
Perhaps the most commonly used explanation for the storms we all encounter is the presence of sin in the individual's life. One of best examples of this type of reasoning is found in the Old Testament account of Job. The story is found in the book that bears his name. It's a true "riches-to-rags (and back to riches)" episode.
Job is described as both righteous and wealthy, a enviable position by any standard. His status, however, was questioned by Satan, who argued with God that hardship and blessing deprivation would lead even Job to sin. (Notice that while God did not order these calamities upon Job's life, He did give Satan permission to "test" him.)
In the midst of his affliction, even Job's closest friends urged him to confess that he had sinned against God. And his wife encouraged him to curse God and die, to put him out of his misery. But Job remained steadfast, declaring that even if it meant his death, he would still praise God.
Job's misfortune returned to fortune when he ended his confrontation with God and prayed for his accusers.
While sin is at the root of most, if not all, of our personal failures, unexplained storms are a fact of life for all of us. We live in a broken, imperfect world, full of broken, equally imperfect people. And while God allows these unexplained happenings--the sudden death of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, and the loss of earthly possessions, etc.--He also extends mercy and grace to all who will receive it. His grace truly is sufficient!!
Another common misconception as to why adversity sometimes seems to be a constant companion is the belief that problems come our way to develop our character. In simple terms, character is what God knows we are, while reputation is what others think we are. And while life's hardships may test our character, they merely reveal our depth of character, bringing to light what God already knows about us.
It has been said that character is what we are when no one's looking. In a recent survey of college students, 65 percent admitted to cheating on exams. And while such exams do not build character, hopefully they help develop the prayer life of at least some of the students. In another revelation of personal character, or lack of such, adult mall shoppers were asked, "Would you do something illegal, if you knew that absolutely no one would ever find out?"
Almost half of those questioned answered "yes".
If it is true that adversity builds character, some of us would have multiple degrees in the subject. The true test of a man's character lies not in his/her circumstances, but in how he/she responds to them. So when the storms of life are raging, don't look down at the tossing billows. Look up for the rainbow. It's there somewhere!!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Two men looked out from prison bars. One saw mud. The other saw stars.
Perhaps the most commonly used explanation for the storms we all encounter is the presence of sin in the individual's life. One of best examples of this type of reasoning is found in the Old Testament account of Job. The story is found in the book that bears his name. It's a true "riches-to-rags (and back to riches)" episode.
Job is described as both righteous and wealthy, a enviable position by any standard. His status, however, was questioned by Satan, who argued with God that hardship and blessing deprivation would lead even Job to sin. (Notice that while God did not order these calamities upon Job's life, He did give Satan permission to "test" him.)
In the midst of his affliction, even Job's closest friends urged him to confess that he had sinned against God. And his wife encouraged him to curse God and die, to put him out of his misery. But Job remained steadfast, declaring that even if it meant his death, he would still praise God.
Job's misfortune returned to fortune when he ended his confrontation with God and prayed for his accusers.
While sin is at the root of most, if not all, of our personal failures, unexplained storms are a fact of life for all of us. We live in a broken, imperfect world, full of broken, equally imperfect people. And while God allows these unexplained happenings--the sudden death of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, and the loss of earthly possessions, etc.--He also extends mercy and grace to all who will receive it. His grace truly is sufficient!!
Another common misconception as to why adversity sometimes seems to be a constant companion is the belief that problems come our way to develop our character. In simple terms, character is what God knows we are, while reputation is what others think we are. And while life's hardships may test our character, they merely reveal our depth of character, bringing to light what God already knows about us.
It has been said that character is what we are when no one's looking. In a recent survey of college students, 65 percent admitted to cheating on exams. And while such exams do not build character, hopefully they help develop the prayer life of at least some of the students. In another revelation of personal character, or lack of such, adult mall shoppers were asked, "Would you do something illegal, if you knew that absolutely no one would ever find out?"
Almost half of those questioned answered "yes".
If it is true that adversity builds character, some of us would have multiple degrees in the subject. The true test of a man's character lies not in his/her circumstances, but in how he/she responds to them. So when the storms of life are raging, don't look down at the tossing billows. Look up for the rainbow. It's there somewhere!!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Two men looked out from prison bars. One saw mud. The other saw stars.
Friday, March 27, 2009
NAVIGATING LIFE'S STORMS: Part Two
How many times have you heard someone say (in response to an unexpected happening), "If only I had known beforehand, I could have been better prepared to accept it!" Bringing it closer to home, how often have you and I reacted similarly?
The old expression, "To be forewarned is to be forearmed", isn't always true in our personal life experiences. Truthfully, most of us would worry ourselves into bed, if we knew when and where life's next crisis would confront us. I call it worrying on the installment plan. And in our futile efforts to avoid the storms, we would abort God's ultimate plan to bring comfort out of the chaos.
Though I don't believe God originates and orchestrates life's turmoil and troubles, He does allow them, even for the most godly and dedicated among us. And, although Christians are certainly not exempt from these storms, we do not go through them alone. God is not a heavenly battering ram, going ahead of us to clear the way. He is our Comforter, to walk alongside us through life's setbacks and difficulties. And, though we may tremble on the Rock, the Rock (Jesus Christ) will never tremble under us.
Just as a math professor at times must work through a series of equations to lead his class to the right conclusion to a problem, so you and I must work through our hurts, hangups, and habits to become the people of God that He has designed us to be. And just as Jesus was with the disciples during the storm at sea, so He has promised to be with us, in the good times and the bad times, and on the mountaintop, as well as in life's valleys. FEAR NOT!
The old expression, "To be forewarned is to be forearmed", isn't always true in our personal life experiences. Truthfully, most of us would worry ourselves into bed, if we knew when and where life's next crisis would confront us. I call it worrying on the installment plan. And in our futile efforts to avoid the storms, we would abort God's ultimate plan to bring comfort out of the chaos.
Though I don't believe God originates and orchestrates life's turmoil and troubles, He does allow them, even for the most godly and dedicated among us. And, although Christians are certainly not exempt from these storms, we do not go through them alone. God is not a heavenly battering ram, going ahead of us to clear the way. He is our Comforter, to walk alongside us through life's setbacks and difficulties. And, though we may tremble on the Rock, the Rock (Jesus Christ) will never tremble under us.
Just as a math professor at times must work through a series of equations to lead his class to the right conclusion to a problem, so you and I must work through our hurts, hangups, and habits to become the people of God that He has designed us to be. And just as Jesus was with the disciples during the storm at sea, so He has promised to be with us, in the good times and the bad times, and on the mountaintop, as well as in life's valleys. FEAR NOT!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
NAVIGATING THE STORMS OF LIFE
Imagine the following scenario:
You've just received boarding passes for that long-awaited 10-day family cruise to an exotic Pacific island getaway. After verifying and locating your cabin assignment, you unlock the door, breathing deeply, all the while contemplating the reality and excitement of your impending adventure.
In keeping with your expectations, a banquet-like spread awaits your dining pleasure. Activity abounds and the fun-in-the-sun is non-stop. Two days into the cruise, you're still in awe of your continued good fortune. How could life posssibly be better? And then it happens.
Ominous black clouds begin to form on the horizon. An unexpected announcement interrupts the merriment: "Ladies and gentlemen, the ship is heading into the path of a potentially dangerous storm. Everyone please return to your cabins and secure your belongings, as a precautionary measure. There is no need to panic, as the captain and his crew will have everything under control."
Just as you finish reassuring those in your party that there's nothing to worry about, another announcement follows: "Ladies and gentlemen, we seem to have misplaced the captain, and are awaiting further instructions from him. We will keep you posted of further developments. Again, there is no reason to panic."
Although the above illustration is admittedly a bit exaggerated, how would you have reacted to the captain's unexplained disappearance in a time of great need?
According to one gospel account, Jesus' disciples faced a similar situation. On an otherwise normal seafaring trip, a storm threatened their security. Naturally, fear overtook them, causing them to summon Him for help. Finding their leader asleep, they questioned his lack of concern for their safety. Couldn't He have done something to avoid the storm? With three simple words, "Peace, be still!" the storm abated.
Have you had any storms interrupt your life lately? If you haven't, you will. And when your storm comes, you can either focus on how severe the storm is, or you can focus on the God who has promised to be with you through it.
Just remember: The presence of a storm doesn't mean the absence of God.
You've just received boarding passes for that long-awaited 10-day family cruise to an exotic Pacific island getaway. After verifying and locating your cabin assignment, you unlock the door, breathing deeply, all the while contemplating the reality and excitement of your impending adventure.
In keeping with your expectations, a banquet-like spread awaits your dining pleasure. Activity abounds and the fun-in-the-sun is non-stop. Two days into the cruise, you're still in awe of your continued good fortune. How could life posssibly be better? And then it happens.
Ominous black clouds begin to form on the horizon. An unexpected announcement interrupts the merriment: "Ladies and gentlemen, the ship is heading into the path of a potentially dangerous storm. Everyone please return to your cabins and secure your belongings, as a precautionary measure. There is no need to panic, as the captain and his crew will have everything under control."
Just as you finish reassuring those in your party that there's nothing to worry about, another announcement follows: "Ladies and gentlemen, we seem to have misplaced the captain, and are awaiting further instructions from him. We will keep you posted of further developments. Again, there is no reason to panic."
Although the above illustration is admittedly a bit exaggerated, how would you have reacted to the captain's unexplained disappearance in a time of great need?
According to one gospel account, Jesus' disciples faced a similar situation. On an otherwise normal seafaring trip, a storm threatened their security. Naturally, fear overtook them, causing them to summon Him for help. Finding their leader asleep, they questioned his lack of concern for their safety. Couldn't He have done something to avoid the storm? With three simple words, "Peace, be still!" the storm abated.
Have you had any storms interrupt your life lately? If you haven't, you will. And when your storm comes, you can either focus on how severe the storm is, or you can focus on the God who has promised to be with you through it.
Just remember: The presence of a storm doesn't mean the absence of God.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Inspiration Demands Activation
When was the last time you experienced an "aha moment," whether through a best-selling book, a dynamic motivational speech, or an unexpected creative idea while you were driving to work?
Did you write down your inspiration? Perhaps you shared it with your spouse or a close friend. Or maybe you did a voice recording . Or did you consider it one of your crazy ideas that probably wouldn't work even if you followed through with it?
My point is this: Inspiration without activation equals frustration.
What have you done to activate your inspiration? How far along are you on the path to converting that vision, dream, or idea into a reality? If you are like most of us, you're waiting for the right time, the right conditions, or the right opportunity.
I attended a Christian writer's conference last week, and at age 62 I assumed I would be one of the oldest conferees. I was amazed to discover folks in their seventies --many of whom were first-timers, as I was. They were seniors on a mission--to put into words what their heart had dictated years earlier. I came home determined that, if they could do it, so could I.
And so I am, as one middle-aged lady put it, embarking on a new career. I am a Christian writer, and you are reading my first blog.
Thanks for the encouragement!!
Did you write down your inspiration? Perhaps you shared it with your spouse or a close friend. Or maybe you did a voice recording . Or did you consider it one of your crazy ideas that probably wouldn't work even if you followed through with it?
My point is this: Inspiration without activation equals frustration.
What have you done to activate your inspiration? How far along are you on the path to converting that vision, dream, or idea into a reality? If you are like most of us, you're waiting for the right time, the right conditions, or the right opportunity.
I attended a Christian writer's conference last week, and at age 62 I assumed I would be one of the oldest conferees. I was amazed to discover folks in their seventies --many of whom were first-timers, as I was. They were seniors on a mission--to put into words what their heart had dictated years earlier. I came home determined that, if they could do it, so could I.
And so I am, as one middle-aged lady put it, embarking on a new career. I am a Christian writer, and you are reading my first blog.
Thanks for the encouragement!!
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