In the movie "Saving Private Ryan" a soldier who gave his life to save Private Ryan grabs him in the collar just before dying and says, "Make it Count."-Then he died.
At the end of the movie, Ryan cries over the man's grave wondering did he live a life that was worth the sacrifice the soldiers made for him to live.
Youth are able to do many things because of the sacrifices of parents and others, but I wonder sometimes, is it all being wasted?
A student who has honor roll capabilities, but does not perform on that level; a person who squanders a talent or another who involves himself in criminal activities; do they all waste the sacrifices made for them?
Adults squander paychecks, gamble away futures and waste countless years on loose living and small expectations. Have they wasted the sacrifices made for them?
Then, I think of how Christ died to save us from our sins and we constantly return to them. Was it wasted on us?
There is a bible verse in 2 Corinthians 6:1 that says, "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."
God is blessing us today for a purpose.
Let's make it count.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, October 08, 2009
What Shacking Means
I met a fine couple once who lived together but were not married. They explained that they loved each other but were not ready to commit to each other.
In the interim they enjoyed each other, had sex and shared space. Since neither would commit to the other, they would continue this arrangement with the full knowledge that at any given time one of them would walk away if the chips are down.
I thought about that and wondered at the time lost by two people who were just using each other.
Why would anyone want to be used? Yet, that is what shacking means: Using each other without any promises.
Committment means: If you get sick, I'm there. If you are down on your luck, I'm there.
If you get fat, I'm there. If you are depressed, I'm there.
If you win or lose, I'm there.
If you become disfigured and hard to look at, I'm there.
When you embarass your self and me too, I'm there.
If you are dying in the spirit, I'll love you back to life. If you are attacked, I'm there.
If you are dead broke, I'm there.
People who shack up do not share these attitudes. They use each other as fallbacks, financial crutches, vibrators, and simple instruments of convenience and pleasure, but if things get tough one or the other will be tossed aside.
In a shacking relationship at least one partner refuses to say "I'll be there for you." What they really say is, "If the chips are down, don't count on me."
When your mate refuses to committ, then your mate should find someone else to use as a banker, social worker, landlord, cook, driver, billpayer, vibrator or sperm receptacle.
In plain language: He or she should commit to you or get out!
I told that to the couple.
Six months later they sent me a wedding invitation and a thank you card!
In the interim they enjoyed each other, had sex and shared space. Since neither would commit to the other, they would continue this arrangement with the full knowledge that at any given time one of them would walk away if the chips are down.
I thought about that and wondered at the time lost by two people who were just using each other.
Why would anyone want to be used? Yet, that is what shacking means: Using each other without any promises.
Committment means: If you get sick, I'm there. If you are down on your luck, I'm there.
If you get fat, I'm there. If you are depressed, I'm there.
If you win or lose, I'm there.
If you become disfigured and hard to look at, I'm there.
When you embarass your self and me too, I'm there.
If you are dying in the spirit, I'll love you back to life. If you are attacked, I'm there.
If you are dead broke, I'm there.
People who shack up do not share these attitudes. They use each other as fallbacks, financial crutches, vibrators, and simple instruments of convenience and pleasure, but if things get tough one or the other will be tossed aside.
In a shacking relationship at least one partner refuses to say "I'll be there for you." What they really say is, "If the chips are down, don't count on me."
When your mate refuses to committ, then your mate should find someone else to use as a banker, social worker, landlord, cook, driver, billpayer, vibrator or sperm receptacle.
In plain language: He or she should commit to you or get out!
I told that to the couple.
Six months later they sent me a wedding invitation and a thank you card!
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
They Pushed God To the Edge
God is back on the dollar coin, or will be soon!
I collect coins, so I found it interesting, like millions of others, that many of the new Presidential dollar coins did not have the inscription “In God We Trust” on their face.
I didn’t notice it until I started getting emails from believers all over the country asking me to refuse the new coins because they left God out.
I checked it out. Sure enough, in 2007 the Congress authorized a series of presidential dollar coins commemorating U.S. Presidents. The design took “In God We Trust” off the face of the coin and put it on the edge or rim along with the words “E Pluribus Unum.”
That caused quit a stir across the country. The internet was abuzz. Most of the emails urged believers to refuse the coins because God had been removed.
Last year the Congress voted to have “In God we trust” placed back on the face of the coins beginning in 2009 as soon as doing so would be practical.
So it appears that we pushed God to the edge and now we’re bringing him back to the face.
That took an act of Congress.
Will it also take an act of Congress to move God one final time? Where?
...To the forefront of our hearts.
I collect coins, so I found it interesting, like millions of others, that many of the new Presidential dollar coins did not have the inscription “In God We Trust” on their face.
I didn’t notice it until I started getting emails from believers all over the country asking me to refuse the new coins because they left God out.
I checked it out. Sure enough, in 2007 the Congress authorized a series of presidential dollar coins commemorating U.S. Presidents. The design took “In God We Trust” off the face of the coin and put it on the edge or rim along with the words “E Pluribus Unum.”
That caused quit a stir across the country. The internet was abuzz. Most of the emails urged believers to refuse the coins because God had been removed.
Last year the Congress voted to have “In God we trust” placed back on the face of the coins beginning in 2009 as soon as doing so would be practical.
So it appears that we pushed God to the edge and now we’re bringing him back to the face.
That took an act of Congress.
Will it also take an act of Congress to move God one final time? Where?
...To the forefront of our hearts.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
I Finally Have My Diplomas
I graduated from college twice and haven't seen my diplomas in 25 years.
When I was young it was drilled into me that I should get a formal education so that I could better understand and appreciate the world I would step into. I was told that a formal education would make it possible for me to take advantage of opportunities that might come to me, especially those where a general formal education was required.
So, in 1967 I enrolled in Northeast Louisiana State College as a music major. Over the course of the next eight years that major changed several times: Radio and television, Education, Pre-law, Political science, Speech and Drama, and Journalism.
I didn't have any place to live in my first semester so I hung around the buildings until night and slept on the floors under desks, washing out my two shirts and underwear in the bathroom sink and going to class the next day. I started a little fly sheet and wrote about campus life and sold it to students to pay my tuition and get food. (I'm still printing that fly sheet. It's called the Monroe Free Press newspaper.)
I also enrolled in a seminary in Texas and took correspondence bible courses, too.
In 1972 I graduated the first time and graduated again in 1975.
They gave me two diplomas that I threw in a closet somewhere. In 1984 I stumbled upon them and carried them to be framed. Before I could pick them up the shop closed and my diploma's disappeared.
I didn't have the diplomas but I had the information. Those who advised me in my youth were right, the education I received opened my eyes to the world. The fact that I had a little "edgumacation" made others take me serious and made me see things more seriously.
This year, 25 years after the framing shop closed down, a lady came to my office with a package. She had bought the building used by the frame shop and found my diplomas.
Twenty five years later, I finally have my diplomas.
But what's better, I have what they represent.
When I was young it was drilled into me that I should get a formal education so that I could better understand and appreciate the world I would step into. I was told that a formal education would make it possible for me to take advantage of opportunities that might come to me, especially those where a general formal education was required.
So, in 1967 I enrolled in Northeast Louisiana State College as a music major. Over the course of the next eight years that major changed several times: Radio and television, Education, Pre-law, Political science, Speech and Drama, and Journalism.
I didn't have any place to live in my first semester so I hung around the buildings until night and slept on the floors under desks, washing out my two shirts and underwear in the bathroom sink and going to class the next day. I started a little fly sheet and wrote about campus life and sold it to students to pay my tuition and get food. (I'm still printing that fly sheet. It's called the Monroe Free Press newspaper.)
I also enrolled in a seminary in Texas and took correspondence bible courses, too.
In 1972 I graduated the first time and graduated again in 1975.
They gave me two diplomas that I threw in a closet somewhere. In 1984 I stumbled upon them and carried them to be framed. Before I could pick them up the shop closed and my diploma's disappeared.
I didn't have the diplomas but I had the information. Those who advised me in my youth were right, the education I received opened my eyes to the world. The fact that I had a little "edgumacation" made others take me serious and made me see things more seriously.
This year, 25 years after the framing shop closed down, a lady came to my office with a package. She had bought the building used by the frame shop and found my diplomas.
Twenty five years later, I finally have my diplomas.
But what's better, I have what they represent.
Monday, June 29, 2009
One of my birthdays I turned 60
I celebrate three birthdays. On one of them I turned 60 years old this year.
When I was in the care of my father, he told me that my birthday was June 22, 1949. So, those that he paid to care for me arranged birthday parties and other activities celebrating June 22nd as the year of my birth.
When I visited my mother she told me that my birthday was June 29, 1949. She described how I was born on a sofa in the living room of a house at 119 S. 20th Street in the early morning hours of June 29th. She said my father didn’t know what the date was because he wasn’t there when it all happened. Dr. M.J. Foster came to the house and delivered me right there in the living room.
Years later I saw my birth certificate which indicated June 28, 1949 as my birthdate. It was signed by my mother and, of course, Dr. Foster. That means that on every official record my birthday is listed as June 28th.
When I was around my father it was June 22nd and when I was around my mother it was June 29th.
I asked my mother why would she signed a birth certificate with the wrong birthdate on it and she said, “I was hurting. I saw it had the wrong date but I was hurting so bad I just signed it.” She told me to take her word for it, it was June 29th.
As a result I have three birthdays. One of them is the real one.
I'm going to enjoy the 60's. It will be a lot of fun.
I would have enjoyed the other 59 years even more had I known then what I know now.
I would have learned more in school and pursued a higher degree than I obtained.
I would have managed my money and resources better.
I would have spent less time trying to save the world and more with those closer to me.
Those things aside, its been a ball.
I’m generally a healthy person. I take one pill that Dr. Claude Minor insists I take to control my blood pressure.
I don’t have any real worries of my own; most of my worries are about other people. (I’m still trying to save the world and every lost child, I guess).
I can’t wait to see what the 60’s will be.
I look forward to the discounts, AARP, and special treatment that folks in the 60’s get. (I will love to be eligible for Medicare instead of this $755 a month I pay for health care.)
Wow!
So, on one of these days: June 22, 28, or 29th I turned 60.
"This is the day the Lord has made, I will be rejoice and be glade in it."
When I was in the care of my father, he told me that my birthday was June 22, 1949. So, those that he paid to care for me arranged birthday parties and other activities celebrating June 22nd as the year of my birth.
When I visited my mother she told me that my birthday was June 29, 1949. She described how I was born on a sofa in the living room of a house at 119 S. 20th Street in the early morning hours of June 29th. She said my father didn’t know what the date was because he wasn’t there when it all happened. Dr. M.J. Foster came to the house and delivered me right there in the living room.
Years later I saw my birth certificate which indicated June 28, 1949 as my birthdate. It was signed by my mother and, of course, Dr. Foster. That means that on every official record my birthday is listed as June 28th.
When I was around my father it was June 22nd and when I was around my mother it was June 29th.
I asked my mother why would she signed a birth certificate with the wrong birthdate on it and she said, “I was hurting. I saw it had the wrong date but I was hurting so bad I just signed it.” She told me to take her word for it, it was June 29th.
As a result I have three birthdays. One of them is the real one.
I'm going to enjoy the 60's. It will be a lot of fun.
I would have enjoyed the other 59 years even more had I known then what I know now.
I would have learned more in school and pursued a higher degree than I obtained.
I would have managed my money and resources better.
I would have spent less time trying to save the world and more with those closer to me.
Those things aside, its been a ball.
I’m generally a healthy person. I take one pill that Dr. Claude Minor insists I take to control my blood pressure.
I don’t have any real worries of my own; most of my worries are about other people. (I’m still trying to save the world and every lost child, I guess).
I can’t wait to see what the 60’s will be.
I look forward to the discounts, AARP, and special treatment that folks in the 60’s get. (I will love to be eligible for Medicare instead of this $755 a month I pay for health care.)
Wow!
So, on one of these days: June 22, 28, or 29th I turned 60.
"This is the day the Lord has made, I will be rejoice and be glade in it."
Sunday, June 21, 2009
"This Little Piggie" and a tickle
The more time we spend around our fathers, the more we know about them and in some ways we emulate them.
As a child I never spent more than a week under the same roof with my father, but there were several men from whom I drew inspiration, guidance and nurture.
My father didn't know much about being a father; I suppose he tried. After he and my mother divorced in 1951 he had the task or raising a two year old boy. He had to be a father, without much instruction.
He compensated by paying a variety of people to keep me in their homes during the fall, winter and spring, and sent me to live with his mother in the summer. From time to time I hung out around his cab stand and watched the drivers come and go.
Mostly, I hung around, stayed out of the way and watched. It's what I watched that I learned and remember most from him.
I watched him wear a tie as he drove his cab. I later grew up with a respect for men who wear ties.
I watched him reach for his glasses so he could read; I do the same.
I watched buy two way radios and electric gadgets for his business; I still keep up with the latest technology in my own business.
I watched him read the newspaper from front to back. I later grew up reading the newspaper daily, then owning one.
I watched him save his money, pay his bills and pay others. I later grew up saving my money, too and paying others.
I watched him buy a dinner, eat half of it and save the other half for the next day. Believe or not, I often do the same.
I watched him buy Ford automobiles. I do the same.
I watched his attraction to high yellow women; he married two and had two children by another one, but one died.. I married only one, had four children by her, but one died.
I watched him attend church on occasion. I became a preacher.
I watched him become an old man, now I'm the age that I considered him old.
He never rode me on his back and played horsie. He rarely had time to do foolish, father things with me. We never went on trips, had vacations or rolled around on the floor in fun. We rarely laughed together.
I mostly watched, then learned most everything else from the other fathers he paid to care for me.
I remember what they taught me but there are two pictures that loom in my mind. They overshadowed the memory of all the other surrogate fathers I have had.
I remember him playing, "This little piggie with my toes" and tickling me in the side to make me laugh. I remember those two things. They have been amplified to be more fun in my memory than they probably were, but I remember them.
I have his sense of independence, business acumen, and tendency toward frugality.
I look like him, so do two of his grandsons and one of his great grandsons. Some of them have some of his traits, too.
I don't know what my own sons will remember about me, you never know what lingers in the mind. I have never asked.
Every Father's Day I don't think about what my father did not do for me or labor on what it might have been had I been a better son and he a better father.
What I choose to remember is, "This little Piggie" and the tickle in my side. The other memories will fade in time.
He never knew how to be a father. I never knew how to be a son.
His grandsons and great-grandchildren should be proud of him. Whatever he was, he now lives in them.
It probably wasn't important to them, and may have been forgotten, but when all three of them were very small, I played "This little piggie on their toes" and tickled them in the sides, hoping they would have at least two fond memories of my feeble attempt at fatherhood
As a child I never spent more than a week under the same roof with my father, but there were several men from whom I drew inspiration, guidance and nurture.
My father didn't know much about being a father; I suppose he tried. After he and my mother divorced in 1951 he had the task or raising a two year old boy. He had to be a father, without much instruction.
He compensated by paying a variety of people to keep me in their homes during the fall, winter and spring, and sent me to live with his mother in the summer. From time to time I hung out around his cab stand and watched the drivers come and go.
Mostly, I hung around, stayed out of the way and watched. It's what I watched that I learned and remember most from him.
I watched him wear a tie as he drove his cab. I later grew up with a respect for men who wear ties.
I watched him reach for his glasses so he could read; I do the same.
I watched buy two way radios and electric gadgets for his business; I still keep up with the latest technology in my own business.
I watched him read the newspaper from front to back. I later grew up reading the newspaper daily, then owning one.
I watched him save his money, pay his bills and pay others. I later grew up saving my money, too and paying others.
I watched him buy a dinner, eat half of it and save the other half for the next day. Believe or not, I often do the same.
I watched him buy Ford automobiles. I do the same.
I watched his attraction to high yellow women; he married two and had two children by another one, but one died.. I married only one, had four children by her, but one died.
I watched him attend church on occasion. I became a preacher.
I watched him become an old man, now I'm the age that I considered him old.
He never rode me on his back and played horsie. He rarely had time to do foolish, father things with me. We never went on trips, had vacations or rolled around on the floor in fun. We rarely laughed together.
I mostly watched, then learned most everything else from the other fathers he paid to care for me.
I remember what they taught me but there are two pictures that loom in my mind. They overshadowed the memory of all the other surrogate fathers I have had.
I remember him playing, "This little piggie with my toes" and tickling me in the side to make me laugh. I remember those two things. They have been amplified to be more fun in my memory than they probably were, but I remember them.
I have his sense of independence, business acumen, and tendency toward frugality.
I look like him, so do two of his grandsons and one of his great grandsons. Some of them have some of his traits, too.
I don't know what my own sons will remember about me, you never know what lingers in the mind. I have never asked.
Every Father's Day I don't think about what my father did not do for me or labor on what it might have been had I been a better son and he a better father.
What I choose to remember is, "This little Piggie" and the tickle in my side. The other memories will fade in time.
He never knew how to be a father. I never knew how to be a son.
His grandsons and great-grandchildren should be proud of him. Whatever he was, he now lives in them.
It probably wasn't important to them, and may have been forgotten, but when all three of them were very small, I played "This little piggie on their toes" and tickled them in the sides, hoping they would have at least two fond memories of my feeble attempt at fatherhood
Sunday, May 10, 2009
I swept, she scraped
I saw a small group of people erect an entire church building in just 24 hours, complete with carpet, furnishings, baptizing pool and electronics.
When saw it on the evening news my wife and I were so excited about the prospect of something like that happening that we put on tennis shoes, grabbed a vacum cleaner and went to join in the fun.
A small Pentecostal Church in Sterlington, La., with only 30 members, received help from the United Pentecostal Church and a swarm of volunteers came to erect a church for them in just one day. It's part of something the Pentacostals call "Church-in-a-day." In which others help small churches get started.
It was an amazing thing to see. Carpenters, bricklayers, cooks, electricians and just plain folks from all over the country converged on little Sterlington at 7 a.m. Friday morning, facing nothing but a concrete slab. By noon, they had the frame built. By mid afternoon the roof and shingles were in place, along with electrical wiring and air conditioning.
My wife and I were the among the handful of locals who were present. We're not Pentecostal, we just saw a wonderful thing happening and decided to pitch in. We were asked to help clean the floors for the carpet. I pushed a broom and my wife handled a floor scraper like a pro.
Just as promised, in 24 hours they built a church.
I sat and listened to friendly conversations, everyone addressed as "My Brother or My Sister." There was spirit of fellowship in the air. For a few hours there was a heavenly atmosphere, all races, ages and varying denominations all working together for a common cause.
We watched and talked about what we saw and pondered what would happen if more people would do a little less lip service and little more real service without the thought of being paid or recognized?
There is a bible scripture in Nehemiah 4:6 that says, "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work."
The North Pointe Pentacostal Church is up now. They had a mind to work.
They are having their first worship in the new building today.
I was glad to be a floor sweeper in the project.
See video.
When saw it on the evening news my wife and I were so excited about the prospect of something like that happening that we put on tennis shoes, grabbed a vacum cleaner and went to join in the fun.
A small Pentecostal Church in Sterlington, La., with only 30 members, received help from the United Pentecostal Church and a swarm of volunteers came to erect a church for them in just one day. It's part of something the Pentacostals call "Church-in-a-day." In which others help small churches get started.
It was an amazing thing to see. Carpenters, bricklayers, cooks, electricians and just plain folks from all over the country converged on little Sterlington at 7 a.m. Friday morning, facing nothing but a concrete slab. By noon, they had the frame built. By mid afternoon the roof and shingles were in place, along with electrical wiring and air conditioning.
My wife and I were the among the handful of locals who were present. We're not Pentecostal, we just saw a wonderful thing happening and decided to pitch in. We were asked to help clean the floors for the carpet. I pushed a broom and my wife handled a floor scraper like a pro.
Just as promised, in 24 hours they built a church.
I sat and listened to friendly conversations, everyone addressed as "My Brother or My Sister." There was spirit of fellowship in the air. For a few hours there was a heavenly atmosphere, all races, ages and varying denominations all working together for a common cause.
We watched and talked about what we saw and pondered what would happen if more people would do a little less lip service and little more real service without the thought of being paid or recognized?
There is a bible scripture in Nehemiah 4:6 that says, "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work."
The North Pointe Pentacostal Church is up now. They had a mind to work.
They are having their first worship in the new building today.
I was glad to be a floor sweeper in the project.
See video.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
I saw the roses this morning
Across the street from my house, my neighbor has several rose bushes that bloom this time of the year. They are beautiful.
Apparently the roses have been in bloom for quite some time but I hardly paid them any attention. This morning I focused on them and appreciated their beauty. They have always been there, brightening up our street, I've just been so busy that I did not see them.
Life can get that way sometimes. We can be so busy that we don't see the little things that make it enjoyable. It's great to see the forest, but the real joy is in the trees.
We worry about paying bills, getting ahead, making money, succeeding and many of the other details of what we call life. In the meantime we often miss the simple joys all around us: friends, family, and a plethora of little things that are important but often go unnoticed.
While I saw the roses today,I sat still for a few minutes and I also heard the birds singing and the wind rustling through the trees.
They've all been there all the time, I just didn't notice them.
Song of Solomon 2:1 says, "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."
Sometimes we get so busy, we miss HIM, too.
Apparently the roses have been in bloom for quite some time but I hardly paid them any attention. This morning I focused on them and appreciated their beauty. They have always been there, brightening up our street, I've just been so busy that I did not see them.
Life can get that way sometimes. We can be so busy that we don't see the little things that make it enjoyable. It's great to see the forest, but the real joy is in the trees.
We worry about paying bills, getting ahead, making money, succeeding and many of the other details of what we call life. In the meantime we often miss the simple joys all around us: friends, family, and a plethora of little things that are important but often go unnoticed.
While I saw the roses today,I sat still for a few minutes and I also heard the birds singing and the wind rustling through the trees.
They've all been there all the time, I just didn't notice them.
Song of Solomon 2:1 says, "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."
Sometimes we get so busy, we miss HIM, too.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Price of Principle
What price are you willing to pay to stand on your principles? If you are Carrie Prejean, the price is not winning the Miss USA title.
On Sunday, April 19, 2009 Prejean was a finalist in the Miss USA pageant representing the State of California.
Her interview question asked whether or not she supported gay marriage. Since she was considered an odds on favorite to win the pageant, her answer would be decisive. She could give the politically correct answer and win. She could answer truthfully and lose.
She chose truth.
Prejean said that it is great that in America people have a right to choice their own lifestyles but she personally believes that marriage is between a man and a woman because that was the way she was reared.
That answer didn’t fare to well with the judges. She was named 1st runner up instead.
In the aftermath she said that she considered the question a test of her faith, especially since she had prayed not to be asked that question. Since the question was asked she viewed it as God's will and stood on her principles.
Since Sunday, the woman who did not win has become an instant celebrity. She’s appeared on television news shows, talk shows and has been the subject of thousands of news reports. In fact, the winner of the pageant is rarely mentioned.
It appears that Prejean didn’t get the title but she’s receiving the love and adoration of most of the nation, especially those who know and follow the teachings of the bible.
Standing on principles is hard to do for every Christian. We have been warned that we will pay a price for any decision that we make for Christ. We have also been promised that we will be blessed if we do.
For Prejean the blessings will be obvious. It will be Prejean that will get the book deals, movie offers and celebrity. The winner of the pageant will drift away namelessly into history.
There is a bible verse that is appropriate. Luke 21:17-19 says, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.”
On Sunday, April 19, 2009 Prejean was a finalist in the Miss USA pageant representing the State of California.
Her interview question asked whether or not she supported gay marriage. Since she was considered an odds on favorite to win the pageant, her answer would be decisive. She could give the politically correct answer and win. She could answer truthfully and lose.
She chose truth.
Prejean said that it is great that in America people have a right to choice their own lifestyles but she personally believes that marriage is between a man and a woman because that was the way she was reared.
That answer didn’t fare to well with the judges. She was named 1st runner up instead.
In the aftermath she said that she considered the question a test of her faith, especially since she had prayed not to be asked that question. Since the question was asked she viewed it as God's will and stood on her principles.
Since Sunday, the woman who did not win has become an instant celebrity. She’s appeared on television news shows, talk shows and has been the subject of thousands of news reports. In fact, the winner of the pageant is rarely mentioned.
It appears that Prejean didn’t get the title but she’s receiving the love and adoration of most of the nation, especially those who know and follow the teachings of the bible.
Standing on principles is hard to do for every Christian. We have been warned that we will pay a price for any decision that we make for Christ. We have also been promised that we will be blessed if we do.
For Prejean the blessings will be obvious. It will be Prejean that will get the book deals, movie offers and celebrity. The winner of the pageant will drift away namelessly into history.
There is a bible verse that is appropriate. Luke 21:17-19 says, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.”
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Not throwing in the towel
Dr. James Dobson, head of Focus on the Family, analyzed the massive effort he has led to re-establish Christian values in America as a failure.
Dobson said the massive fight against abortion, homosexuality and a plethora of other ungodly living has been turned around as new generations abandon godly principles in pursuit of their own. He cited some gains but concluded that Christians are losing the moral war. He quickly added, however, that God is in control. (http://tinyurl.com/cy3w9c)
In some respects Dr. Dobson may be right. The present generation seems to be "me" oriented and not "Him" (God) oriented. This generation gives the pretense of worship because it expects something for "me" in return; not simply for the greatness of the Lord. It is long on "me" oriented praise but very short on service.
It seems to shape its values around its own expectations. To appeal to this generation, Churches have resorted to slick packaged emotionally charged concerts that tickle the ears of the crowds rather than the more difficult task of standing on principle.
To draw crowds, the standard has been lowered and social deviance has been tolerated; and in some cases promoted.
Unlike Dr. Dobson, I'm not throwing in the towel. I choose to be among the remnant that believes in old fashioned way. God, family and moral uprightness are the key elements of the old fashioned belief. Like 15 minute grits, home made biscuits, mama's pound cake; the old way is slower, doesn't attract mega crowds, but it's the right way.
There is a thought in Ephesians 6:12-13 that says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "
I suspect that are millions of Christians are not as pessimistic as Dr. Dobson; they are willing to stand, if they have to stand alone.
We're not throwing in the towel.
Dobson said the massive fight against abortion, homosexuality and a plethora of other ungodly living has been turned around as new generations abandon godly principles in pursuit of their own. He cited some gains but concluded that Christians are losing the moral war. He quickly added, however, that God is in control. (http://tinyurl.com/cy3w9c)
In some respects Dr. Dobson may be right. The present generation seems to be "me" oriented and not "Him" (God) oriented. This generation gives the pretense of worship because it expects something for "me" in return; not simply for the greatness of the Lord. It is long on "me" oriented praise but very short on service.
It seems to shape its values around its own expectations. To appeal to this generation, Churches have resorted to slick packaged emotionally charged concerts that tickle the ears of the crowds rather than the more difficult task of standing on principle.
To draw crowds, the standard has been lowered and social deviance has been tolerated; and in some cases promoted.
Unlike Dr. Dobson, I'm not throwing in the towel. I choose to be among the remnant that believes in old fashioned way. God, family and moral uprightness are the key elements of the old fashioned belief. Like 15 minute grits, home made biscuits, mama's pound cake; the old way is slower, doesn't attract mega crowds, but it's the right way.
There is a thought in Ephesians 6:12-13 that says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "
I suspect that are millions of Christians are not as pessimistic as Dr. Dobson; they are willing to stand, if they have to stand alone.
We're not throwing in the towel.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Giving fathers a bad name
This morning I read about a man in Flint Michigan who has been jailed because he owes $530,000 in child support for 14 children he fathered by 13 women.-Prosecutors say he's giving fathers a bad name.
I read the particulars of the incident and pondered on it.
The man's name is Thomas Frazier and he may hold the unenviable title of biggest deadbeat dad.
"This guy gives fathers a bad name," said Genesee County Friend of the Court Jack Battles.
Frazier says he's not sure all of the children are his, but he hasn't paid any support claims for that he owns. He says he's the victim because he faces about $3,000 a month in child support payments
In October of 2008, Friend of the Court officials said Frazier gave them a false Social Security number and tried to convince investigators he was someone else.
He remained under the radar until late last month when he got pulled over in Iowa for a broken taillight on his Mercedes Benz.
Frazier says he "messed up" and wants to take care of his mistakes, but hopes the Friend of the Court will knock down his bill to a more manageable $200,000 and set him free.
What is the responsibility of a father? Is it to simply father as many children as possible then leave the children to fend for themselves? A man with one child usally finds that it takes most of his time, talent and energy to provide true nurture. A man with more than one child doesn't have a life of his own anymore, he belongs to them.
Generally, children require more than just a child support check. They require a father's time, counsel, love and resources. Child support only considers the money part; and a very small part at that.
What caught the headlines for Mr. Frazier is the fact that he owes $530,000 in child support for 14 children that grows at the rate of $3,000 a month. What's not in the news is the time, counsel and love that he also owes.
Most of the children he has never seen,or spoken to, let alone provided for.
In rearing my three sons I found it necessary to be present in every aspect of their lives as a father: School PTA, Scouts, music lesson, plays, church, and recreation. It meant teaching them to type, use a computer (computers were new then), write a fluid sentence, handle money, and to be sexually responsible. Even doing all of that I fell short in many areas.
Fatherhood is a tough job.
Fathers who neglect their children provoke them in later years to hate them and to disrespect the name of image. That is not what God intended.
Ephesians 6:4 put it this way, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
It's bad enough that some fathers must be forced by courts to support their children. It's even worse, when even then they do shierk their responsibilities.
They give millions of good fathers a bad name and they lose favor with our heavenly father who never misses a day supporting us.
I read the particulars of the incident and pondered on it.
The man's name is Thomas Frazier and he may hold the unenviable title of biggest deadbeat dad.
"This guy gives fathers a bad name," said Genesee County Friend of the Court Jack Battles.
Frazier says he's not sure all of the children are his, but he hasn't paid any support claims for that he owns. He says he's the victim because he faces about $3,000 a month in child support payments
In October of 2008, Friend of the Court officials said Frazier gave them a false Social Security number and tried to convince investigators he was someone else.
He remained under the radar until late last month when he got pulled over in Iowa for a broken taillight on his Mercedes Benz.
Frazier says he "messed up" and wants to take care of his mistakes, but hopes the Friend of the Court will knock down his bill to a more manageable $200,000 and set him free.
What is the responsibility of a father? Is it to simply father as many children as possible then leave the children to fend for themselves? A man with one child usally finds that it takes most of his time, talent and energy to provide true nurture. A man with more than one child doesn't have a life of his own anymore, he belongs to them.
Generally, children require more than just a child support check. They require a father's time, counsel, love and resources. Child support only considers the money part; and a very small part at that.
What caught the headlines for Mr. Frazier is the fact that he owes $530,000 in child support for 14 children that grows at the rate of $3,000 a month. What's not in the news is the time, counsel and love that he also owes.
Most of the children he has never seen,or spoken to, let alone provided for.
In rearing my three sons I found it necessary to be present in every aspect of their lives as a father: School PTA, Scouts, music lesson, plays, church, and recreation. It meant teaching them to type, use a computer (computers were new then), write a fluid sentence, handle money, and to be sexually responsible. Even doing all of that I fell short in many areas.
Fatherhood is a tough job.
Fathers who neglect their children provoke them in later years to hate them and to disrespect the name of image. That is not what God intended.
Ephesians 6:4 put it this way, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
It's bad enough that some fathers must be forced by courts to support their children. It's even worse, when even then they do shierk their responsibilities.
They give millions of good fathers a bad name and they lose favor with our heavenly father who never misses a day supporting us.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Early morning people
I arose this morning at 3:30 a.m. It's Sunday morning.
I'm a morning person. I do my best thinking, planning, meditation and study early in the morning. In the evenings my batteries run down. I need about four hours sleep and I'm fully charged; so I arise early.
It's not unusual for my Facebook posts, commentaries, blogs, emails and Twitter links to be posted at 4:00 a.m. in the morning because that's one of the times each day that I block out to read an respond to the prior day's mesages. Following that I have a self imposed 90 minutes of prayer and bible study in the morning and another at the close of the day (Three hours a day).
I'm at my best early in the morning. No coffeee or energy boosters; I'm rolling at full steam between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. By 9 a.m. my day is really rolling. By noon I'm in high gear. After p.m. I'm still rolling but attend to mostly housekeeping functions, no new ideas, fresh writing, or studying complicated ideas. By 8 p.m. I begin a slow shut down. Around 9 p.m. my final 90 minutes of of reading, prayer and bible study begins. Usually by 11ish it's lights out for me.
Traditional Black preachers end their sermons with "but, Early Sunday morning he arose from the grave." The emphasis is on "Early." For over 200 years black folks have been getting excitied when we hear "Early Sunday morning!"
Early on the morning of the resurrection Christ arose from the dead.
It seems that Jesus was an early morning person too, at least on that Sunday morning.
While the world was still asleep, He arose early to complete salvation. Even to day long before we think about our problems, he's up Early, at full steam.
Some will ask does God ever sleep?
The answer is in Psalm 121, "He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers or sleeps."
I woke up early this morning, but my Lord was alread on the job!
I'm a morning person. I do my best thinking, planning, meditation and study early in the morning. In the evenings my batteries run down. I need about four hours sleep and I'm fully charged; so I arise early.
It's not unusual for my Facebook posts, commentaries, blogs, emails and Twitter links to be posted at 4:00 a.m. in the morning because that's one of the times each day that I block out to read an respond to the prior day's mesages. Following that I have a self imposed 90 minutes of prayer and bible study in the morning and another at the close of the day (Three hours a day).
I'm at my best early in the morning. No coffeee or energy boosters; I'm rolling at full steam between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. By 9 a.m. my day is really rolling. By noon I'm in high gear. After p.m. I'm still rolling but attend to mostly housekeeping functions, no new ideas, fresh writing, or studying complicated ideas. By 8 p.m. I begin a slow shut down. Around 9 p.m. my final 90 minutes of of reading, prayer and bible study begins. Usually by 11ish it's lights out for me.
Traditional Black preachers end their sermons with "but, Early Sunday morning he arose from the grave." The emphasis is on "Early." For over 200 years black folks have been getting excitied when we hear "Early Sunday morning!"
Early on the morning of the resurrection Christ arose from the dead.
It seems that Jesus was an early morning person too, at least on that Sunday morning.
While the world was still asleep, He arose early to complete salvation. Even to day long before we think about our problems, he's up Early, at full steam.
Some will ask does God ever sleep?
The answer is in Psalm 121, "He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers or sleeps."
I woke up early this morning, but my Lord was alread on the job!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
We still need mom and pop.
Vermont has become the 4th State to legalize same-sex marriage. Vermont's actions follows that of Iowa by only a few days. It seems to be a growing trend.
Without being overly judgmental, I fail to see the ultimate point of the clamor for the title "marriage" as opposed to civil union.
A civil union is an arrangement between two parties that is recognized in a court of law. It allows for parties to designate whom they wish to care for them, receive benefits of their benevolence and any other rights they want to extend to each other under the civil law.
In America, persons have the right to associate themselves with whomever they choose and to enter into contractual arrangements at their pleasure, even if that arrangement angers their neighbors or the their neighbor's God.
Marriage on the other hand goes beyond a mere civil union. It's purpose is procreation; which is impossible in same-sex civil unions. A marriage produces a child that has a mother and a father. A civil union, at best, can adopt a child that will either have two mothers or two fathers.
I can accept civil unions for those who choose that route; I draw the line, however, when it comes to moving one step further and calling such unions marriages.
I just keep hearing the words of Genesis 1:28 "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
God ordained marriages as the means of replenishing the earth. Civil unions are ordained by man, for his own satisfaction, but without a godly sanction or procreative purpose.
It appears that God has charged his creation to be fruitful and multiply, among humans marriage is the instrument.
It may acceptable to have civilized unions, but I think we still need mom and pop.
Without being overly judgmental, I fail to see the ultimate point of the clamor for the title "marriage" as opposed to civil union.
A civil union is an arrangement between two parties that is recognized in a court of law. It allows for parties to designate whom they wish to care for them, receive benefits of their benevolence and any other rights they want to extend to each other under the civil law.
In America, persons have the right to associate themselves with whomever they choose and to enter into contractual arrangements at their pleasure, even if that arrangement angers their neighbors or the their neighbor's God.
Marriage on the other hand goes beyond a mere civil union. It's purpose is procreation; which is impossible in same-sex civil unions. A marriage produces a child that has a mother and a father. A civil union, at best, can adopt a child that will either have two mothers or two fathers.
I can accept civil unions for those who choose that route; I draw the line, however, when it comes to moving one step further and calling such unions marriages.
I just keep hearing the words of Genesis 1:28 "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
God ordained marriages as the means of replenishing the earth. Civil unions are ordained by man, for his own satisfaction, but without a godly sanction or procreative purpose.
It appears that God has charged his creation to be fruitful and multiply, among humans marriage is the instrument.
It may acceptable to have civilized unions, but I think we still need mom and pop.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Taking in the Flowers
An April freeze in Louisiana is unusual; but that's what we had last night.
The weather forecast predicted temperatures of approximately 31 degrees and the news was filled with accounts of farmers trying to protect their crops from the cold weather.
In the middle of the report was an item that made reference to the Salvation Army suspending its rules to allow repeat persons to get shelter in light of the expected cold.
My wife began a scramble to take in her pot plants that sit outside. At first she was preparing to cover them with plastic, but the newscaster said, "Don't cover your flowers with plastic," so she brought them inside.
Flowers, crops and homeless people isn't that a strange mix.
What was interesting about the newscast is that most of the report had to do with protecting flowers and crops; there was just a blurb about helping people.
In an ideal world, helping people would have been the main concern and crops and flowers last.
We should be concerned about the poor and the homeless for therein is our blessing.
There is a passage in the bible that has these words, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in." (Matthew 25:35)
Save the crops, bring in the flowers, but let's be sure to save the "least of these first."
The weather forecast predicted temperatures of approximately 31 degrees and the news was filled with accounts of farmers trying to protect their crops from the cold weather.
In the middle of the report was an item that made reference to the Salvation Army suspending its rules to allow repeat persons to get shelter in light of the expected cold.
My wife began a scramble to take in her pot plants that sit outside. At first she was preparing to cover them with plastic, but the newscaster said, "Don't cover your flowers with plastic," so she brought them inside.
Flowers, crops and homeless people isn't that a strange mix.
What was interesting about the newscast is that most of the report had to do with protecting flowers and crops; there was just a blurb about helping people.
In an ideal world, helping people would have been the main concern and crops and flowers last.
We should be concerned about the poor and the homeless for therein is our blessing.
There is a passage in the bible that has these words, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in." (Matthew 25:35)
Save the crops, bring in the flowers, but let's be sure to save the "least of these first."
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