In court, everyone sits on the same hard bench
It's a humbling experience when you go to court. Everyone sits on the same hard bench, blending into a sea of nameless faces oblivious of title and position. Every one of the accused is exposed, and completely vulnerable; unable to avoid the embarassing revelations about to be revealed.
I attended a court session yesterday. A former congressman had to appear in court on charges that he pulled a gun on two black youth accusing them of stealing his wallet. I watched the Congressman, sitting on the last row in the court to avoid being noticed. I also watched as he tried to justify pulling the gun. They were not the suspects. He was wrong.
Police didn't jail him because of his status. He missed two other trial dates because of his status. Unable to avoid it any longer he stood before a judge, stripped of title and prestige to answer for his acts.
Standing in front of the judge, he plead No Contest to his charge.
One day each of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. It will be a humbling experience that will prove to be an equalizer. Our positions, titles and influence won't matter. When our record is read and the highlight video of our life is replayed, we may have to plead "No contest."
I thought of a bible passage that says, in Romans 14:10-12 "...for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
Like the Congressman we may plead "No contest" or "Guilty" but unlike him our hope is in Christ's promise to intercede on our behalf to get the final sentence -"Forgiven."
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I spill, you spill, oil spills; who cleans it up?
I spill things sometimes, who cleans it up?
Occasionally, I spill things: a glass a water here, a can of soda there. Often not much damage is done except the time I spilled a can of Coke on my lap top computer. I once spilled spaghetti on my necktie, it dropped right off the spoon. A trash bag burst once and all of the contents spilled on to my wife's newly waxed floor. I spilled a whole glass of water once on the crouch area of my pants once; people stared because it looked as if I had wet myself. It was a big spot.
We all spill things, the question is: "Who cleans up afterwards?"
I usually grab a towel or whatever is available and try to clean up behind myself, but my wife says my efforts to cleanup only mess up more. She has to take over to get it done right.
When I spill something, it's usually small. What if I spilled something bigger?
In New Orleans there is a massive oil spill that is devastating the Louisiana Coast. An oil well owned by British Petroleum, Inc. (BP) exploded, killed many workers and is spewing over 210,000 gallons of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico. Birds, fish and livelihoods are being threatened. BP has promised to clean it up and pay everyone for their losses including the state and individual businesses and families.
Even that huge commitment is not enough at present because the oil is still spewing into the water and it appears to worsen daily. The complaints are multiplying.
When it's all over who will clean it up? Except for the lives lost, BP promises to restore everything. It may be too big a job for BP alone. Some want that government to take over and manage the recovery.
Sometimes we mess up in our lives. Like a giant spill we mess up everything. Like BP, we promise to make it all right but despite our best plans we can't stop the massive seepage everyday.
It's obvious that we need a higher power to take over and manage our recovery. We can't save ourselves from ourselves. We need God's help. He has the power to get the job done. We need God's power for restoration.
There is a bible passage that says, "Psalms 51:10-12 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
That can of Coke that spilled on my laptop cost me about $1,500 to replace the unit. That's one spill that won't happen again.
My life spills costs a lot too; that's why I'm taking extra caution to insure that they don't happen again.
Occasionally, I spill things: a glass a water here, a can of soda there. Often not much damage is done except the time I spilled a can of Coke on my lap top computer. I once spilled spaghetti on my necktie, it dropped right off the spoon. A trash bag burst once and all of the contents spilled on to my wife's newly waxed floor. I spilled a whole glass of water once on the crouch area of my pants once; people stared because it looked as if I had wet myself. It was a big spot.
We all spill things, the question is: "Who cleans up afterwards?"
I usually grab a towel or whatever is available and try to clean up behind myself, but my wife says my efforts to cleanup only mess up more. She has to take over to get it done right.
When I spill something, it's usually small. What if I spilled something bigger?
In New Orleans there is a massive oil spill that is devastating the Louisiana Coast. An oil well owned by British Petroleum, Inc. (BP) exploded, killed many workers and is spewing over 210,000 gallons of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico. Birds, fish and livelihoods are being threatened. BP has promised to clean it up and pay everyone for their losses including the state and individual businesses and families.
Even that huge commitment is not enough at present because the oil is still spewing into the water and it appears to worsen daily. The complaints are multiplying.
When it's all over who will clean it up? Except for the lives lost, BP promises to restore everything. It may be too big a job for BP alone. Some want that government to take over and manage the recovery.
Sometimes we mess up in our lives. Like a giant spill we mess up everything. Like BP, we promise to make it all right but despite our best plans we can't stop the massive seepage everyday.
It's obvious that we need a higher power to take over and manage our recovery. We can't save ourselves from ourselves. We need God's help. He has the power to get the job done. We need God's power for restoration.
There is a bible passage that says, "Psalms 51:10-12 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
That can of Coke that spilled on my laptop cost me about $1,500 to replace the unit. That's one spill that won't happen again.
My life spills costs a lot too; that's why I'm taking extra caution to insure that they don't happen again.
Monday, May 24, 2010
A fight, bullhorns and shouts at a graduation?
A fight and shouts at a graduation? Believe it.
I attended a graduation last week but couldn't really enjoy the moment because of the distractions. I sat behind man who held a half dozen helium filled balloons that blocked the view of the stage of about 100 people behind him. To my left, two women were pulling on each other, fighting over something that must have been senseless; they stopped before it escalated too far. On the podium, the graduates marched across the stage but their names were inaudible as their "fans" blew bull horns and screams. It all made the graduation less enjoyable because of all of the distractions.
I always thought that graduations were joyous but extremely dignified events. For the parents and grandparents in the audience graduations have even more importance because many made great sacrifices to for their family graduate to walk across the stage. To have that moment stolen by foolish antics, fighting, and shouting is disheartening. They worked so long to hear that name called, only to have it drowned out or upstaged by the undisciplined.
Those who did their own thing and stole the moment from others had fun themselves, but they did not act wisely or prudently.
There is a bible verse that says,(Proverbs 10:23) It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Those who act foolishly at graduations, might deserve a few days of detention; at least until they learn wisdom.
I attended a graduation last week but couldn't really enjoy the moment because of the distractions. I sat behind man who held a half dozen helium filled balloons that blocked the view of the stage of about 100 people behind him. To my left, two women were pulling on each other, fighting over something that must have been senseless; they stopped before it escalated too far. On the podium, the graduates marched across the stage but their names were inaudible as their "fans" blew bull horns and screams. It all made the graduation less enjoyable because of all of the distractions.
I always thought that graduations were joyous but extremely dignified events. For the parents and grandparents in the audience graduations have even more importance because many made great sacrifices to for their family graduate to walk across the stage. To have that moment stolen by foolish antics, fighting, and shouting is disheartening. They worked so long to hear that name called, only to have it drowned out or upstaged by the undisciplined.
Those who did their own thing and stole the moment from others had fun themselves, but they did not act wisely or prudently.
There is a bible verse that says,(Proverbs 10:23) It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Those who act foolishly at graduations, might deserve a few days of detention; at least until they learn wisdom.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Saint on Sunday thug the rest of the week
He was a pastor but he looked like a thug; he said people should not judge him.
The young man was pastor of an old church in our community. On Sunday, he preached a powerful word that was truly awesome. On other days he, cursed loudly, dressed with with his pants sagging, sported wife beater tee-shirts, played gangsta rap music loudly from his car, and was constantly in the news for confrontations with his boyfriend that got him arrested. He said people should not judge him, only God do that. He even challenged members of his church to cast the first stone.
Somehow the young man didn't get the picture. His Sunday picture differed from the picture people saw the remaining six days. He became upset when other believers rightly expected both pictures to be the same.
That expectation applies not just to pastors, but to believers, too. It's confusing to non-believers when they see God's best doing the same sinful things that they do. Is Sunday the only day that believers are expected to be holy?
I hope I give an example of a life lived with restraint, though error proned. I hope I give the image of a person bubbling with enthusiasm, highly committed and energized but willing to admit mistakes and redirect. I hope I give the right image to those who see me; if I don't then I am an embarrassment to the cross.
There is a passage of scripture in 1 Peter 1:15-17 "As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy." You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God."
That young minister eventually left the church and moved to another city. He left his pastorate, all he really had to do was change his life.
The young man was pastor of an old church in our community. On Sunday, he preached a powerful word that was truly awesome. On other days he, cursed loudly, dressed with with his pants sagging, sported wife beater tee-shirts, played gangsta rap music loudly from his car, and was constantly in the news for confrontations with his boyfriend that got him arrested. He said people should not judge him, only God do that. He even challenged members of his church to cast the first stone.
Somehow the young man didn't get the picture. His Sunday picture differed from the picture people saw the remaining six days. He became upset when other believers rightly expected both pictures to be the same.
That expectation applies not just to pastors, but to believers, too. It's confusing to non-believers when they see God's best doing the same sinful things that they do. Is Sunday the only day that believers are expected to be holy?
I hope I give an example of a life lived with restraint, though error proned. I hope I give the image of a person bubbling with enthusiasm, highly committed and energized but willing to admit mistakes and redirect. I hope I give the right image to those who see me; if I don't then I am an embarrassment to the cross.
There is a passage of scripture in 1 Peter 1:15-17 "As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy." You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God."
That young minister eventually left the church and moved to another city. He left his pastorate, all he really had to do was change his life.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Selling her life at a rummage sale
A friend died this year, everything she owned is being sold at a rummage sale today.
A friend of ours died this year. She spent her life helping people and serving God. All of her worldly goods were stored in a warehouse but were given to our Boy Scout Troop to sell at a rummage sale. Furniture, silverware, microwave oven, jewelry, designer purses (with money in them) and much more are all being sold today for 10cents, $1 dollar and other low prices.
It's amazing what we value so much in life is worth so little when we leave. That's why its important to store up treasures in heaven. What's important to us in this life, will be sold by others for a dime; but what's stored in heaven will be enjoyed by you for eternity.
There is a bible verse that says, Matthew 6:19-20 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars."
At the rummage sale today, we will sell what she left behind; remnants of her life. But her real treasure is in heaven.
A friend of ours died this year. She spent her life helping people and serving God. All of her worldly goods were stored in a warehouse but were given to our Boy Scout Troop to sell at a rummage sale. Furniture, silverware, microwave oven, jewelry, designer purses (with money in them) and much more are all being sold today for 10cents, $1 dollar and other low prices.
It's amazing what we value so much in life is worth so little when we leave. That's why its important to store up treasures in heaven. What's important to us in this life, will be sold by others for a dime; but what's stored in heaven will be enjoyed by you for eternity.
There is a bible verse that says, Matthew 6:19-20 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars."
At the rummage sale today, we will sell what she left behind; remnants of her life. But her real treasure is in heaven.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
I lost my signal in the middle of my call.
Right in the middle of our conversation, I lost my signal.
The phone call was rather important I thought, especially since the two of us had been trying to connect for quite some time but had been playing phone tag. When we finally caught up with each other our exchange of information began; then suddenly the phone went dead.
"Hello, Hello, Can you hear me?" -There was no answer. Either I lost my signal or he lost his.
With all of the pressing technology that exists today no one should expect to finish a conversation because the prospect of an interrupted signal always exists.
When I thought about that I wondered about our conversations with God. Is it possible that some of us have been playing phone tag with God; He's been leaving us messages and we've been promising to get back to Him at our earliest convenience. That's when we promise to pray, read a devotional, or to attend a worship but never get around to it.
Even worse, there are times when we really need to talk to God but we lose our signal. You see, God hangs up on us if we try to talk to him while we are in the midst of our sins. Sometimes He looks at the ID, sees it's from someone who wants something but doesn't want to repent to get it. I'm sure when I'm in that state, my call gets ignored. It's like trying to talk to your grandmother while smoking a joint; she won't hear a word you have to say.
Better than Verizon or AT ant T, God can connect with us anywhere. There are no dead zones; but he has rules. We can't ask for blessings, healings,and guidance while we are willfully living sinful lives without repentance. If we want to get a call through without an interruption, we should make our first call an earnest plea for forgiveness; God will know it and pick up the phone.
There is a bible passage in Psalms 66:18 that says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
When we are straight with God the followings verses say in Psalms 66:19-20, "But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."
It's best that I try to straighten myself out before I try to hookup with God, or he may just hang up; or worse, not answer.
When he calls the next time, I'll change my location; find a signal and stay there, so I won't be interrupted again.
I'll do the same for my business caller, too.
The phone call was rather important I thought, especially since the two of us had been trying to connect for quite some time but had been playing phone tag. When we finally caught up with each other our exchange of information began; then suddenly the phone went dead.
"Hello, Hello, Can you hear me?" -There was no answer. Either I lost my signal or he lost his.
With all of the pressing technology that exists today no one should expect to finish a conversation because the prospect of an interrupted signal always exists.
When I thought about that I wondered about our conversations with God. Is it possible that some of us have been playing phone tag with God; He's been leaving us messages and we've been promising to get back to Him at our earliest convenience. That's when we promise to pray, read a devotional, or to attend a worship but never get around to it.
Even worse, there are times when we really need to talk to God but we lose our signal. You see, God hangs up on us if we try to talk to him while we are in the midst of our sins. Sometimes He looks at the ID, sees it's from someone who wants something but doesn't want to repent to get it. I'm sure when I'm in that state, my call gets ignored. It's like trying to talk to your grandmother while smoking a joint; she won't hear a word you have to say.
Better than Verizon or AT ant T, God can connect with us anywhere. There are no dead zones; but he has rules. We can't ask for blessings, healings,and guidance while we are willfully living sinful lives without repentance. If we want to get a call through without an interruption, we should make our first call an earnest plea for forgiveness; God will know it and pick up the phone.
There is a bible passage in Psalms 66:18 that says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
When we are straight with God the followings verses say in Psalms 66:19-20, "But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."
It's best that I try to straighten myself out before I try to hookup with God, or he may just hang up; or worse, not answer.
When he calls the next time, I'll change my location; find a signal and stay there, so I won't be interrupted again.
I'll do the same for my business caller, too.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I didn't look old enough for my discount
They didn't want to give me my discount; I didn't look old enough.
One of the advantages of being 61 is that you get all of these senior discounts. Some places give seniors as much as twenty percent discounts. Hotels, restaurants, stores, buses; the list is limitless. It's great! So, imagine my surprise yesterday when the cashier at a local Chinese Restaurant refused to give me my 10 percent discount. She said I didn't look old enough.
It might have been because they stared at me as I sat at a table alone using my I-Pad 3G and read 10 newspapers, scanned the State Legislative agenda, sent two emails and wrote a lengthy blog; all while sipping hot and sour soup, and nibbling fried rice covered with vegetables. I guess I didn't look or act old.
How is a 61 year old supposed to act? Bent? Broken? Out of touch? How am I supposed to look? Wrinkled? Tattered? Should I have small slow steps? Should my voice quiver and hand shake? Should I need help opening a door? Should I think Youtube is a tire and not recognize Lil Wayne?
Health and awareness is not reserved for the young; millions of seniors have the peculiar advantage of the wisdom of age and the health, strength and awareness to take advantage of what life has taught. They don't look or act old although they surely have many miles on their motors.
Moses lived to be 120 and the bible says his eyes were not dimmed and his force was not diminished. That Moses dude was cool. I like his style; he didn't even have a funeral, he lived to the last day then disappeared. Way to go!
Psalms 92:14 says, "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing." That just about describes it!
The cashier made me produce my driver's license then said, "You won't turn 61 until next month."
"That's true," I said as I pointed to discount sign posted near the register, "But I turned 60 last year."
I got my discount and logged into my Twitter account as I walked out of the door.
One of the advantages of being 61 is that you get all of these senior discounts. Some places give seniors as much as twenty percent discounts. Hotels, restaurants, stores, buses; the list is limitless. It's great! So, imagine my surprise yesterday when the cashier at a local Chinese Restaurant refused to give me my 10 percent discount. She said I didn't look old enough.
It might have been because they stared at me as I sat at a table alone using my I-Pad 3G and read 10 newspapers, scanned the State Legislative agenda, sent two emails and wrote a lengthy blog; all while sipping hot and sour soup, and nibbling fried rice covered with vegetables. I guess I didn't look or act old.
How is a 61 year old supposed to act? Bent? Broken? Out of touch? How am I supposed to look? Wrinkled? Tattered? Should I have small slow steps? Should my voice quiver and hand shake? Should I need help opening a door? Should I think Youtube is a tire and not recognize Lil Wayne?
Health and awareness is not reserved for the young; millions of seniors have the peculiar advantage of the wisdom of age and the health, strength and awareness to take advantage of what life has taught. They don't look or act old although they surely have many miles on their motors.
Moses lived to be 120 and the bible says his eyes were not dimmed and his force was not diminished. That Moses dude was cool. I like his style; he didn't even have a funeral, he lived to the last day then disappeared. Way to go!
Psalms 92:14 says, "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing." That just about describes it!
The cashier made me produce my driver's license then said, "You won't turn 61 until next month."
"That's true," I said as I pointed to discount sign posted near the register, "But I turned 60 last year."
I got my discount and logged into my Twitter account as I walked out of the door.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
No knife or fork, just chicken and french fries
She didn't know how to use a knife and fork,why was I surprised?
Yesterday, I met a young lady, about 20 years old, who caught my attention when I discovered that she did not know how to use a knife and fork to cut her meat at dinner. It was a revelation because she admitted that many in her generation don't eat foods that require cutting. "We eat chicken, nuggets and french fries," she said. Then I recalled a few years ago I attended a dinner in which steaks were served and I noticed an 18 year old trying to cut the steak with the dull side of the knife. It dawned on me that she did notknow how to use the knife because meats that required cutting were not in her diet.
A generation that has been reared on junk food and fast food has no need for knives at the dinner table; they only order finger foods and quick foods anyway.
There are many in life who are not ready to receive the rich blessings that God has for them in all matters of life because they have junk food expectations. If God delivered them an 18 ounce steak sized blessing, they wouldn't know how to handle it because they are accustomed to finger foods. A small blessing is all they want or expect out of life.
Finger foods: owning a car, not owning the dealership.
Finger foods: being a nurse's aide, not a nurse
Finger foods: wearing knockoffs, not the originals.
Finger foods: working at McDonald's, not owning the franchise.
Big blessings require a little cutting; they are too big to digest at one time. Little blessing can be nibbled and digested in small nuggets.
Many are not ready for the big blessings but will settle for french fries all of their lives. The Lord prepares a table of big blessings for each of us but often we pick over the good stuff, looking for chicken and french fry blessings.
Yet, God has prepared some big stuff for us in life. He has spread out a full course of possibilities. The big things he has planned for us are tasty, but they won't be nuggets; we'll have to work with them to spiritually digest them, but they will be good for us.
The bible says, in Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
The young lady I met told me that it didn't matter how fancy the restaurant, she would still browse the menu looking chicken and french fries; that's all she wants, that's all she will get.
Yesterday, I met a young lady, about 20 years old, who caught my attention when I discovered that she did not know how to use a knife and fork to cut her meat at dinner. It was a revelation because she admitted that many in her generation don't eat foods that require cutting. "We eat chicken, nuggets and french fries," she said. Then I recalled a few years ago I attended a dinner in which steaks were served and I noticed an 18 year old trying to cut the steak with the dull side of the knife. It dawned on me that she did notknow how to use the knife because meats that required cutting were not in her diet.
A generation that has been reared on junk food and fast food has no need for knives at the dinner table; they only order finger foods and quick foods anyway.
There are many in life who are not ready to receive the rich blessings that God has for them in all matters of life because they have junk food expectations. If God delivered them an 18 ounce steak sized blessing, they wouldn't know how to handle it because they are accustomed to finger foods. A small blessing is all they want or expect out of life.
Finger foods: owning a car, not owning the dealership.
Finger foods: being a nurse's aide, not a nurse
Finger foods: wearing knockoffs, not the originals.
Finger foods: working at McDonald's, not owning the franchise.
Big blessings require a little cutting; they are too big to digest at one time. Little blessing can be nibbled and digested in small nuggets.
Many are not ready for the big blessings but will settle for french fries all of their lives. The Lord prepares a table of big blessings for each of us but often we pick over the good stuff, looking for chicken and french fry blessings.
Yet, God has prepared some big stuff for us in life. He has spread out a full course of possibilities. The big things he has planned for us are tasty, but they won't be nuggets; we'll have to work with them to spiritually digest them, but they will be good for us.
The bible says, in Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
The young lady I met told me that it didn't matter how fancy the restaurant, she would still browse the menu looking chicken and french fries; that's all she wants, that's all she will get.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The preacher was a wedding no-show, three times
The preacher didn't show up for my wedding; three times!
Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. It has been 36 years that began with the three failed marriage attempts, and 12 years of messups on my part.
In 1974 my wife and I decided to get married after two years of courtship. We contacted a local preacher to marry us but he didn't show up; he forgot. We ate the food, drank the punch and set another wedding date two weeks later, using the same preacher. He didn't show up for that one either. With a week left on the license we found another preacher, and set another date. He didn't show up either.
Finally, we found a preacher, he hurriedly signed the license before the expiration date, we filed it in the Caldwell Parish Courthouse and we went back to work. Done deal. No vows, no ceremony, no punch; but it was legal.
Since that time I have tried to be a good husband.
I think the last 24 years have been closer to the ideal than the first twelve. During the first 12 years of our marriage my ministry and business persuits were all consuming. My wife and family were secondary and it caused us considerable problems as I plunged all of our meager resources into what I called ministry but were really candies for my ego.
In the 12th year I came home to find my wife crying. She was pouring out her soul and her face was covered with tears. She had followed me in every pursuit: business, pastorate, politics and community service but did not enjoy the fact that she and my three sons were always second place to whatever new venture I conjured up. It would have been better if I had a mistress, someone to physically compete with, but how do you compete with an ego based dream that was so big that it took in the whole world but had little room for those close to it? It fact, it was all consuming.
She said, "You are saving the world but losing your own family."
That was staggering. I was faithful, I paid the bills, and kept food on the table. I thought that was all that was required. I thought I could give lectures to others about how to make a marriage work; but the sight of my wife crying said I needed to take the class, not teach it.
I got the message.
That same year I resigned as: President of the NAACP, President of the Baptist Association, and as a member of seven boards and committees. I tried to resign as pastor of the church but the church wouldn't accept my resignation. They told me to take off when I needed and whenever we did take off, they provided for her to go as well.
Since that day I operate with a different set of priorities: God, family, the world. Yes, I'm still trying to save the world I guess, but I'm trying to save my wife and family FIRST, then the world.
She doesn't cry anymore. We laugh a lot. We fight poverty together. We spend an inordinate amount of time and money helping youth. We plunge into civic projects together. Then sometimes, regardless to what anybody thinks, we take off and just disappear to who knows where; sometimes without notice.
She likes that.
God gave me a good thing. Through her, he has blessed me for 36 years of marriage and two years of courtship.
The bibles says, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
About that wedding ceremony we never had; we plan to have one on our 50th anniversary! I'll get my son to perform the ceremony; I know he'll show up.
Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. It has been 36 years that began with the three failed marriage attempts, and 12 years of messups on my part.
In 1974 my wife and I decided to get married after two years of courtship. We contacted a local preacher to marry us but he didn't show up; he forgot. We ate the food, drank the punch and set another wedding date two weeks later, using the same preacher. He didn't show up for that one either. With a week left on the license we found another preacher, and set another date. He didn't show up either.
Finally, we found a preacher, he hurriedly signed the license before the expiration date, we filed it in the Caldwell Parish Courthouse and we went back to work. Done deal. No vows, no ceremony, no punch; but it was legal.
Since that time I have tried to be a good husband.
I think the last 24 years have been closer to the ideal than the first twelve. During the first 12 years of our marriage my ministry and business persuits were all consuming. My wife and family were secondary and it caused us considerable problems as I plunged all of our meager resources into what I called ministry but were really candies for my ego.
In the 12th year I came home to find my wife crying. She was pouring out her soul and her face was covered with tears. She had followed me in every pursuit: business, pastorate, politics and community service but did not enjoy the fact that she and my three sons were always second place to whatever new venture I conjured up. It would have been better if I had a mistress, someone to physically compete with, but how do you compete with an ego based dream that was so big that it took in the whole world but had little room for those close to it? It fact, it was all consuming.
She said, "You are saving the world but losing your own family."
That was staggering. I was faithful, I paid the bills, and kept food on the table. I thought that was all that was required. I thought I could give lectures to others about how to make a marriage work; but the sight of my wife crying said I needed to take the class, not teach it.
I got the message.
That same year I resigned as: President of the NAACP, President of the Baptist Association, and as a member of seven boards and committees. I tried to resign as pastor of the church but the church wouldn't accept my resignation. They told me to take off when I needed and whenever we did take off, they provided for her to go as well.
Since that day I operate with a different set of priorities: God, family, the world. Yes, I'm still trying to save the world I guess, but I'm trying to save my wife and family FIRST, then the world.
She doesn't cry anymore. We laugh a lot. We fight poverty together. We spend an inordinate amount of time and money helping youth. We plunge into civic projects together. Then sometimes, regardless to what anybody thinks, we take off and just disappear to who knows where; sometimes without notice.
She likes that.
God gave me a good thing. Through her, he has blessed me for 36 years of marriage and two years of courtship.
The bibles says, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
About that wedding ceremony we never had; we plan to have one on our 50th anniversary! I'll get my son to perform the ceremony; I know he'll show up.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
We rode above the storm.
Life looked so peaceful above the clouds; who would have thought there was a storm below!
My wife and I took a few days off last week and flew to Chicago for a dinner, a movie and some shopping. On the flight I heard the captain announce over the intercom that we would be cruising at 35,000 feet but there was a storm underway in the Chicago area. In fact, he expected the flight to be delayed a few minutes waiting for storm related runway clearances.
If there was a storm brewing below we couldn't tell. Outside our window the clouds floated like puffy white balls of cotton, gliding peacefully and quietly. The plane seemed oblivious to the storm that was forming below and the cotton candy clouds were an awesome display of God's ability to manage our situation while pushing our jet through the skies at 600 miles per hour.
We were riding above the storm nestled in the relative peace and security of the clouds, sipping orange juice and in-flight nick-knacks, while God cleared a path for our plane to land. The captain said there was a storm below; he didn't seem to worry about it, we didn't either. We read the sky mall magazine and laughed as we floated on the jet stream.
I remember a passage from Psalms 36:5 that says, "Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds."
God controls the storms of our lives. If we will trust him he will hold us above the storm, then reach into the clouds and guide us gently to the ground, Hallelujah.
When our plane touched down, the storm had passed and the sun was shining. As we stepped off the plane we heard two captains say, "Have a great day!"
Two captains: One flew the plane and the other held it in the air.
My wife and I took a few days off last week and flew to Chicago for a dinner, a movie and some shopping. On the flight I heard the captain announce over the intercom that we would be cruising at 35,000 feet but there was a storm underway in the Chicago area. In fact, he expected the flight to be delayed a few minutes waiting for storm related runway clearances.
If there was a storm brewing below we couldn't tell. Outside our window the clouds floated like puffy white balls of cotton, gliding peacefully and quietly. The plane seemed oblivious to the storm that was forming below and the cotton candy clouds were an awesome display of God's ability to manage our situation while pushing our jet through the skies at 600 miles per hour.
We were riding above the storm nestled in the relative peace and security of the clouds, sipping orange juice and in-flight nick-knacks, while God cleared a path for our plane to land. The captain said there was a storm below; he didn't seem to worry about it, we didn't either. We read the sky mall magazine and laughed as we floated on the jet stream.
I remember a passage from Psalms 36:5 that says, "Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds."
God controls the storms of our lives. If we will trust him he will hold us above the storm, then reach into the clouds and guide us gently to the ground, Hallelujah.
When our plane touched down, the storm had passed and the sun was shining. As we stepped off the plane we heard two captains say, "Have a great day!"
Two captains: One flew the plane and the other held it in the air.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Is a dog chained to a pole really a pet?
The dogs are chained to a pole, run in circles and they never stop barking.
Several of our neighbors have dogs that they claim as pets. I'm puzzled that they keep the dogs on chains tied to poles. One has a little rickety looking dog house and others have nothing. There is a trench in their yards where the dogs have run in circles, barking and pulling against their chains. I wonder if the dogs feel like pets? Their food is thrown to them on the ground, they are rarely walked, never experience a day without chains and even spend winters and rainy days outside.
Some tell me that they are dogs and being chained to a pole is not unusual or even cruel. I wondered about that. If I were a dog, would I consider myself a pet if I were kept chained to a pole?
It seems cruel to me because my idea of a pet is someone or something special. I thought pets get special favor and attention. If being a pet means being chained to a pole, you can have it.
Did you know that often God treats believers let pets? He doesn't keep us chained to a pole and ignore us. He doesn't keep us caged up and tied to a bunch of archaic rules either, but he favors us with enormous blessings on a daily basis; especially those who strive hard to please him.
In fact, God blesses us so much that the devil gets jealous. Once the devil saw how God favored a believer named Job and he said in Job 1:10, "Why, no one ever had it so good! You pamper him like a pet, make sure nothing bad ever happens to him or his family or his possessions, bless everything he does—he can't lose!"
Now that's a pet.
I don't mind being God's pet anytime.
The dogs pull against the chains and bark all through the night. Somehow, I can't believe that they are barking because they are happy.
Several of our neighbors have dogs that they claim as pets. I'm puzzled that they keep the dogs on chains tied to poles. One has a little rickety looking dog house and others have nothing. There is a trench in their yards where the dogs have run in circles, barking and pulling against their chains. I wonder if the dogs feel like pets? Their food is thrown to them on the ground, they are rarely walked, never experience a day without chains and even spend winters and rainy days outside.
Some tell me that they are dogs and being chained to a pole is not unusual or even cruel. I wondered about that. If I were a dog, would I consider myself a pet if I were kept chained to a pole?
It seems cruel to me because my idea of a pet is someone or something special. I thought pets get special favor and attention. If being a pet means being chained to a pole, you can have it.
Did you know that often God treats believers let pets? He doesn't keep us chained to a pole and ignore us. He doesn't keep us caged up and tied to a bunch of archaic rules either, but he favors us with enormous blessings on a daily basis; especially those who strive hard to please him.
In fact, God blesses us so much that the devil gets jealous. Once the devil saw how God favored a believer named Job and he said in Job 1:10, "Why, no one ever had it so good! You pamper him like a pet, make sure nothing bad ever happens to him or his family or his possessions, bless everything he does—he can't lose!"
Now that's a pet.
I don't mind being God's pet anytime.
The dogs pull against the chains and bark all through the night. Somehow, I can't believe that they are barking because they are happy.
Friday, April 23, 2010
I used my cell phone at a funeral
I confess; I pulled out my phone at a funeral.
A few years ago it was a distraction to see people manipulating their cell phones during worship services; that's changing. I know it's true because I carry my bible, and over 200 study guides, dictionaries, concordances, and reference books on my phone. It's quick, convenient and efficient for me.
When I was a child I was taught the bible in the old fashioned bible drills The idea was to learn how to find bible scriptures quickly.
I was fast then, but today, I find them on my phone using my thumb even faster.
I have a library of study books, maps and translations that I paid thousands of dollars for over the years. I now have nearly every one of those books on my phone. I probably paid less than $200 to get them there; most were free.
So, recently when I attended a funeral I felt the stares of people in the audience when I pulled out my cell phone to read the passage and tapped on it to take notes during the eulogy. On second thought, it probably looked disrespectful to those from another generation.
There is a thought in Malachi 3:6 that says, "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."
God does not change, but the technology that allows us to know him, study his word and feel his presence has changed. Same God, different day-different way.
The times are changing.
I wasn't the only one at that funeral with a cell phone. Sitting behind the speaker, I noticed that he read his scripture from a cell phone, too.
I rest my case.
A few years ago it was a distraction to see people manipulating their cell phones during worship services; that's changing. I know it's true because I carry my bible, and over 200 study guides, dictionaries, concordances, and reference books on my phone. It's quick, convenient and efficient for me.
When I was a child I was taught the bible in the old fashioned bible drills The idea was to learn how to find bible scriptures quickly.
I was fast then, but today, I find them on my phone using my thumb even faster.
I have a library of study books, maps and translations that I paid thousands of dollars for over the years. I now have nearly every one of those books on my phone. I probably paid less than $200 to get them there; most were free.
So, recently when I attended a funeral I felt the stares of people in the audience when I pulled out my cell phone to read the passage and tapped on it to take notes during the eulogy. On second thought, it probably looked disrespectful to those from another generation.
There is a thought in Malachi 3:6 that says, "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."
God does not change, but the technology that allows us to know him, study his word and feel his presence has changed. Same God, different day-different way.
The times are changing.
I wasn't the only one at that funeral with a cell phone. Sitting behind the speaker, I noticed that he read his scripture from a cell phone, too.
I rest my case.
Monday, April 19, 2010
I forgot to fill the bird bath
There was no water for the bird.
I stood in my yard and watched a blue jay come to a birdbath we sat up in our front yard. The bird pecked around the edges but seemed to twitch strangely and suddenly flew away. Usually, the birds flit for a moment then pluck their heads into the water for a quick drink and fly away. After it left I realized the problem. There was no water in the bird bath. It was dry. I went into the house, grabbed few pots filled with water and refilled it.
The blue jay didn't come back, but others did.
It's it good to know that God always keeps an eye on us. Unlike my management of a dry birdbath, there will never be a time when God neglects to check on us or provide for us.
There is a passage in Luke 12:24 that says, "Luke 12:24 Look at the ravens—they don’t plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right—for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
As for the water in the birdbath. I keep an eye on it now, but it's good the birds don't depend on me.
I stood in my yard and watched a blue jay come to a birdbath we sat up in our front yard. The bird pecked around the edges but seemed to twitch strangely and suddenly flew away. Usually, the birds flit for a moment then pluck their heads into the water for a quick drink and fly away. After it left I realized the problem. There was no water in the bird bath. It was dry. I went into the house, grabbed few pots filled with water and refilled it.
The blue jay didn't come back, but others did.
It's it good to know that God always keeps an eye on us. Unlike my management of a dry birdbath, there will never be a time when God neglects to check on us or provide for us.
There is a passage in Luke 12:24 that says, "Luke 12:24 Look at the ravens—they don’t plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right—for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
As for the water in the birdbath. I keep an eye on it now, but it's good the birds don't depend on me.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Somebody's listening on your phone
Somebody's listening on your phone!
I watched a movie called Eagle Eye yesterday. It depicted a government security network that spied on the conversations of citizens. The system listened to cell phone conversations, tracked the movements and recorded the activities of millions of people. It targeted those considered threats for elimination by causing auto accidents and other seemingly unsuspecting maladies. From a satellite, the Eagle Eye monitored everyone, everywhere.
A similar idea is projected in Will Smith's Enemy of the State-somebody up there is watching you.
While it is science fiction; it is scientifically possible for everything in both movies to happen. It could be happening right now. Someone, somewhere is monitoring your web posts, purchases, and the very pages you read online.
There's somebody up there watching! Hmmmmm
The bible says there is somebody up there watching, but it's no machine. God watches us and he also watches over us every day. That is reassuring and it is also a warning if we consider straying.
There is a bible passage that refers to this. It's Psalms 139:2-5 "I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going."
Just like the movie Eagle Eye, God hears our cell phone conversations; and more.
He can hear us even when our cell phones are turned off!
Need help? He heard your thought; it's on the way!
I watched a movie called Eagle Eye yesterday. It depicted a government security network that spied on the conversations of citizens. The system listened to cell phone conversations, tracked the movements and recorded the activities of millions of people. It targeted those considered threats for elimination by causing auto accidents and other seemingly unsuspecting maladies. From a satellite, the Eagle Eye monitored everyone, everywhere.
A similar idea is projected in Will Smith's Enemy of the State-somebody up there is watching you.
While it is science fiction; it is scientifically possible for everything in both movies to happen. It could be happening right now. Someone, somewhere is monitoring your web posts, purchases, and the very pages you read online.
There's somebody up there watching! Hmmmmm
The bible says there is somebody up there watching, but it's no machine. God watches us and he also watches over us every day. That is reassuring and it is also a warning if we consider straying.
There is a bible passage that refers to this. It's Psalms 139:2-5 "I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going."
Just like the movie Eagle Eye, God hears our cell phone conversations; and more.
He can hear us even when our cell phones are turned off!
Need help? He heard your thought; it's on the way!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
They shot back!
I promised not to throw rocks any more!
As a child I enjoyed throwing rocks; sometimes at other boys. Once I was disciplined for doing just that. It seems that I threw rocks at them and they threw rocks at me. I had to promise not to throw any more rocks, so I did. However, I didn't promise that I wouldn't use my sling shot and I popped all of those guys one more time.
I thought about that when I read about President Obama's efforts to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world. Russia has approximately 2,780 deployed strategic warheads, compared with around 2,100 in the US. Each country is promising to stop using nuclear weapons, but each one plans to keep 1,500 on the side just in case.
It only takes one big nuclear bomb on each side to wipe us all out but we'll keep 1,500; Russia will keep 1,500 and the Iran and North Korea are busy trying to get one bomb each that could blow the whole world asunder.
We are struggling trying to achieve it, but the day of peace is coming. The prophet Michah prophesied it in Micah 4:3 "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
I never threw rocks at those boys anymore. They didn't throw back either. I shot at them with my slingshot.
..and they shot back!
As a child I enjoyed throwing rocks; sometimes at other boys. Once I was disciplined for doing just that. It seems that I threw rocks at them and they threw rocks at me. I had to promise not to throw any more rocks, so I did. However, I didn't promise that I wouldn't use my sling shot and I popped all of those guys one more time.
I thought about that when I read about President Obama's efforts to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world. Russia has approximately 2,780 deployed strategic warheads, compared with around 2,100 in the US. Each country is promising to stop using nuclear weapons, but each one plans to keep 1,500 on the side just in case.
It only takes one big nuclear bomb on each side to wipe us all out but we'll keep 1,500; Russia will keep 1,500 and the Iran and North Korea are busy trying to get one bomb each that could blow the whole world asunder.
We are struggling trying to achieve it, but the day of peace is coming. The prophet Michah prophesied it in Micah 4:3 "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
I never threw rocks at those boys anymore. They didn't throw back either. I shot at them with my slingshot.
..and they shot back!
Monday, April 12, 2010
You preach like my daddy!
He said I was like his daddy!
My grandson spent the weekend with me; it's always interesting to listen to three year olds. After worship yesterday he played in the yard for a spell and for a short time afterwards intensely watched a video clip of me preaching. He seemed to study every word. At the end he said, "You preach just like my daddy. He says, 'Yeahhhhh' and 'Yeahhhhh." I smiled.
There is an old saying that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. I guess that means that if you find an acorn, look acorn because the tree it fell from is not far away. In many ways we emulate the characteristics of our parents; not exactly or intentionally; it just happens. I suppose its in the genetic makeup of each family.
John 14:9 Jesus said, " he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.."
I guess that means that in an ideal situation there is not much difference between a father and a son. Sandwich a grandson in between and there is amazement if they are similar in many ways.
As far as my grandson is concerned, I preach like his father. So, when I grow up, I'm going to be just like his father!
He doesn't know it but when he grows up, in many ways, he will be just like his father, too.
My grandson spent the weekend with me; it's always interesting to listen to three year olds. After worship yesterday he played in the yard for a spell and for a short time afterwards intensely watched a video clip of me preaching. He seemed to study every word. At the end he said, "You preach just like my daddy. He says, 'Yeahhhhh' and 'Yeahhhhh." I smiled.
There is an old saying that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. I guess that means that if you find an acorn, look acorn because the tree it fell from is not far away. In many ways we emulate the characteristics of our parents; not exactly or intentionally; it just happens. I suppose its in the genetic makeup of each family.
John 14:9 Jesus said, " he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.."
I guess that means that in an ideal situation there is not much difference between a father and a son. Sandwich a grandson in between and there is amazement if they are similar in many ways.
As far as my grandson is concerned, I preach like his father. So, when I grow up, I'm going to be just like his father!
He doesn't know it but when he grows up, in many ways, he will be just like his father, too.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
It wasn't new but they thought so
He thought he had something new, but it was old school.
Two men had an exchange on my Facebook page yesterday. One announced that "It takes a fool to learn that love don't love nobody." The other chided him for stealing his lyrics. The latter styled himself as someone who was original. Both of them thought they came up with the idea. I could not resist spoiling their conversation by noting that in actuality, before they were born, the Spinners produced the song. It has been recorded several times since even by Eric Clapton. Neither of them answered.
It's hard to think of anything new. Many of today's big music hits include samplings of the hits of yesteryear. New fashions are based on old ones. How many ways can we style our hair until we make it full circle to something that was fashionable 40 years ago, but we didn't know about it.
There is a bible verse, Ecclesiastes 1:9 that says, "That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun."
The only new thing that is really new is the mercy and love that God showers on us everyday. Lamentations 3:23 says, "They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!"
I'm ready for today's blessing; it won't sample yesterday, but It'll be brand new.
Two men had an exchange on my Facebook page yesterday. One announced that "It takes a fool to learn that love don't love nobody." The other chided him for stealing his lyrics. The latter styled himself as someone who was original. Both of them thought they came up with the idea. I could not resist spoiling their conversation by noting that in actuality, before they were born, the Spinners produced the song. It has been recorded several times since even by Eric Clapton. Neither of them answered.
It's hard to think of anything new. Many of today's big music hits include samplings of the hits of yesteryear. New fashions are based on old ones. How many ways can we style our hair until we make it full circle to something that was fashionable 40 years ago, but we didn't know about it.
There is a bible verse, Ecclesiastes 1:9 that says, "That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun."
The only new thing that is really new is the mercy and love that God showers on us everyday. Lamentations 3:23 says, "They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!"
I'm ready for today's blessing; it won't sample yesterday, but It'll be brand new.
Monday, April 05, 2010
I said my Easter Speech, 55 years later
I said my Easter speech Sunday, 55 years later.
Yesterday, the children of New Tabernacle continued a long standing tradition of reciting Easter speeches. They ranged from two word speeches, ("Easter Easter") to elaborate poems all presented to a receptive audience. To just about every one's surprise, I gave the last Easter speech.
When I was about six years old I somehow remember attending a small church in Atlanta, Georgia in which I was given an Easter speech to recite. I had a small bunny rabbit that I carried with me as I stood on a box and recited my Easter speech, loudly and with confidence. Afterwards there were plenty of adults who praised me and said, "That boy is going to be a preacher one day."
Four years later, in Monroe I stood on a box to say an Easter speech at Tabernacle. Eight years after that the box changed; I stood behind the pulpit at Tabernacle to preach my first sermon. Two years later I was named the church youth minister. Six years after that I was installed as pastor in the same church. I've been standing behind that same pulpit for 34 years.
Sunday, to every one's surprise I stood on a box at Tabernacle and recited my Easter speech from 55 years ago. (without the bunny rabbit).
"Easter after Easter the message is the same
Easter after Easter God's word to proclaim!
Happy Easter Everybody!
The surprised congregation applauded and the children rolled with laughter
A bible verse in Proverbs 22:6 that says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."
That definitely proved true for me. I've been one soapbox or another most of my life.
I wonder what happened to that bunny rabbit?
Yesterday, the children of New Tabernacle continued a long standing tradition of reciting Easter speeches. They ranged from two word speeches, ("Easter Easter") to elaborate poems all presented to a receptive audience. To just about every one's surprise, I gave the last Easter speech.
When I was about six years old I somehow remember attending a small church in Atlanta, Georgia in which I was given an Easter speech to recite. I had a small bunny rabbit that I carried with me as I stood on a box and recited my Easter speech, loudly and with confidence. Afterwards there were plenty of adults who praised me and said, "That boy is going to be a preacher one day."
Four years later, in Monroe I stood on a box to say an Easter speech at Tabernacle. Eight years after that the box changed; I stood behind the pulpit at Tabernacle to preach my first sermon. Two years later I was named the church youth minister. Six years after that I was installed as pastor in the same church. I've been standing behind that same pulpit for 34 years.
Sunday, to every one's surprise I stood on a box at Tabernacle and recited my Easter speech from 55 years ago. (without the bunny rabbit).
"Easter after Easter the message is the same
Easter after Easter God's word to proclaim!
Happy Easter Everybody!
The surprised congregation applauded and the children rolled with laughter
A bible verse in Proverbs 22:6 that says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."
That definitely proved true for me. I've been one soapbox or another most of my life.
I wonder what happened to that bunny rabbit?
Saturday, April 03, 2010
I won't get my I-Pad today
I won't get an I-Pad today!
I have been waiting patiently to get the new Apple I-Pad. There will no doubt be lines in stores all around the world as millions anxiously struggle to their hands on the new device. Those who will plunk down about $500 or more today for the gadget apparently didn't read the advance material. What they read is what the gadget can do; they didn't want to read the other part, or they ignored it. The I-Pad is a light weight e-machine that will allow reading of books, browsing the Internet, operation of of I-Phone apps and scores of other things.
However, the ones being sold in stores today will only do what consumers want done with a Wifi connection. To enjoy it they must remain close to a wifi source; otherwise the gadget is a downer. Later this month Apple will release a version that contains a 3G universal Internet connection. Those who buy today, probably won't be able to upgrade, but will want to. Many will buy another, more expensive unit two weeks from now. (Of course that's probably the marketing plan anyway).
Life is like that sometimes. We can't wait for what we want; we must have it now. In the urgency of the moment what we get often limited. We soon see that we need more. We sense that we need to be universally connected to something greater than ourselves not just a temporary "hot spot" connection.
Sometimes it's better to wait for opportunities, adventures; even for love. What we need comes from God. Only He can provide that kind of 3-G (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) connection. We should not settle for a temporary hot spot, but connect with Him.
This truth is noted in Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
I pre-ordered my I-Pad a month ago. I'll patiently wait until the real one arrives; I think I'll enjoy it more.
I have been waiting patiently to get the new Apple I-Pad. There will no doubt be lines in stores all around the world as millions anxiously struggle to their hands on the new device. Those who will plunk down about $500 or more today for the gadget apparently didn't read the advance material. What they read is what the gadget can do; they didn't want to read the other part, or they ignored it. The I-Pad is a light weight e-machine that will allow reading of books, browsing the Internet, operation of of I-Phone apps and scores of other things.
However, the ones being sold in stores today will only do what consumers want done with a Wifi connection. To enjoy it they must remain close to a wifi source; otherwise the gadget is a downer. Later this month Apple will release a version that contains a 3G universal Internet connection. Those who buy today, probably won't be able to upgrade, but will want to. Many will buy another, more expensive unit two weeks from now. (Of course that's probably the marketing plan anyway).
Life is like that sometimes. We can't wait for what we want; we must have it now. In the urgency of the moment what we get often limited. We soon see that we need more. We sense that we need to be universally connected to something greater than ourselves not just a temporary "hot spot" connection.
Sometimes it's better to wait for opportunities, adventures; even for love. What we need comes from God. Only He can provide that kind of 3-G (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) connection. We should not settle for a temporary hot spot, but connect with Him.
This truth is noted in Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
I pre-ordered my I-Pad a month ago. I'll patiently wait until the real one arrives; I think I'll enjoy it more.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
A flooded living room-April Fool!
It was a good joke! I was really fooled.
I left home early this morning for some quiet time and meditation. As I read several passages of scripture and thought on them the phone rang and my wife, in a very excited voice, started telling me how the living room of our home was covered with water. She said the hot water tank must have burst; water was everywhere. I envisioned a living room full of water, mop buckets, ruined furniture and the whole works. Then she said..April Fool!
We laughed. Not to make it any better,I used our automated caller and called every member of our church and told them that President Obama had declared today a holiday and no one had to go to work- then quickly followed it with...April Fool!
She played a joke on me. I played a joke on all of my members and everybody will probably be playing jokes on each other all day today.
Everybody gets a good laugh, but they don't get the day off.
There is a verse in the bible that when taken personally becomes a confession for each of us. It's in 1 Samuel 26:21 "behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly."
At one time or the other the devil has prompted all of us to play the fool. We have played the pitiful joke of faithlessness on ourselves and on others.
The truth is, God is good all of the time.
And that's no joke.
I left home early this morning for some quiet time and meditation. As I read several passages of scripture and thought on them the phone rang and my wife, in a very excited voice, started telling me how the living room of our home was covered with water. She said the hot water tank must have burst; water was everywhere. I envisioned a living room full of water, mop buckets, ruined furniture and the whole works. Then she said..April Fool!
We laughed. Not to make it any better,I used our automated caller and called every member of our church and told them that President Obama had declared today a holiday and no one had to go to work- then quickly followed it with...April Fool!
She played a joke on me. I played a joke on all of my members and everybody will probably be playing jokes on each other all day today.
Everybody gets a good laugh, but they don't get the day off.
There is a verse in the bible that when taken personally becomes a confession for each of us. It's in 1 Samuel 26:21 "behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly."
At one time or the other the devil has prompted all of us to play the fool. We have played the pitiful joke of faithlessness on ourselves and on others.
The truth is, God is good all of the time.
And that's no joke.
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