I'll take both, please.

The other day, I noticed two signs hanging on a fence.  One read, "Save Money--Yes on C" and the other, "Keep Your Right to Vote--No on C."  I couldn't help but wonder why the people that are so dedicated to making our city, state, and country a better place to live and who "care so much" for the people don't create a proposition that allows me to Save Money AND Keep My Right to Vote.  Is it really wrong to want both?  The funny thing is... I saw an ad in the mail for and against the same proposition and nowhere in the ad could I actually find what the proposition was about.  That's when it hit me...what a sad statement it is; the disregard for the intelligence of the voters that is being displayed.  When it's assumed that all that's needed to get the vote is to put up colorful signs without any explanation at all.  What bothers me more is that they're probably using past experience as the basis for their assumptions... so I guess that means they're probably right.

Don't be afraid to educate your self...and don't be afraid to want both.

Philippians 4:8~  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Just Call Me Norman

I was watching an episode of Star Trek once in which Captain Kirk and a man named Harry Mudd had to outsmart an android.  Kirk told the robot (Norman) that everything Harry says is a lie...at which point, Harry tells the robot that he is lying "right now."  As Norman tries to process this thought, he overloads, his head begins to smoke and eventually shorts out.  (This scene is found about halfway through the above clip.)

Today, I saw a commercial come on TV in which a candidate for governor said that they were going to lower taxes, create jobs and improve the schools and then added that their opponent was a liar.  Immediately following this commercial was another commercial from the "opponent"... THEY stated that THEY were going to lower taxes, create jobs, and improve the schools and again, finished with a similar statement about how THEIR opponent was a liar.  As I tried to process this, my brain overloaded, my head began to smoke, and eventually, I shorted out.

Proverbs 24:28~ Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

My Dirty Dishes

I walked into the kitchen, turned on the light, and discovered that it had happened once again.  During the night, my very fertile, dirty dishes had found a way to reproduce; completely filling up the sink and covering my counter.  The forks, like rabbits, are particularly out of control.  I've not been able to figure out exactly how it is that I do the dishes at night and yet, am never caught up.  I used to think there was some strange black hole that the dishes secretly entered through, but I've decided to assign the black hole theory specifically to the never ending supply of dirty laundry that accumulates hourly.  Moving on...as I prepare to conquer the never ending supply of dirty dishes again, I think to myself what life lesson comes with this?

Allow me to flash back a little and explain a thought pattern I developed a long time ago while sitting at Christmas dinner with my family.   I am able to look at food or something related to food and glean a life lesson, thought-provoking truth, or spiritual analogy from it. For instance, life, like food, tastes great when it's done right, but when overcooked, it loses its flavor.  Another example?   We often approach life in a similar way to how we approach vegetables and healthier foods, we know we're better off when we eat what is good for us, but we're willing to sacrifice our health for temporary satisfactions.  So what life mystery was uncovered through my ongoing battle with the dirty dishes?  Simply put, dirty dishes multiply because I choose to make them dirty again.  They are a reminder that when I try to fix something myself, it's never completely resolved.  However, it also makes me happy to think how perfect God is...He is the only One that is capable of cleaning something or someone in such a way that it never has to be cleaned again.

Acts 10:15~ Again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."

A Stressful Dream

DSF: Heaven's Gate
Originally uploaded by Phota

I had a pretty intense dream the other night. I met a woman who was lost and confused. She was looking as if in a daze, so I approached and started to talk with her. As the conversation progressed, I realized that she was truly lost. I tried to give her the only directions I knew. I explained to her how we are all sinners and we all need forgiveness and that by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, she could be saved, forgiven and have eternal life right away. Her response was that she had heard this before and really felt a tugging in her heart to make the decision, but that she wasn't ready yet. She got in her car and drove away. As I watched her leave, her car was sideswiped by a diesel truck and immediately burst into flames. The next thing I knew, I was standing at the end of a hallway as an observer. I watched as she and her two children walked down the length of the hallway. She was stopped by a figure who said to her children, "You guys can go on by." But to her, he said, "You're going to have to turn and go the other way." She asked, "Why do my kids get to go on without me?" The figure told her, "They were never given a true opportunity to make the decision themselves, so the decision was made for them." To which, she asked, "What decision?" He responded, "The decision to ask for God's forgiveness." She quickly replied, "But I was going to ask! I just wasn't ready yet!" To this, the voice responded as if it were crying, "And you were going to be forgiven as soon as you asked, but you waited too long."

At that moment, I woke up feeling as if I were completely stressed out about something. I started trying to interpret what exactly I was supposed to do with that dream. I started making a mental list of the people that I have told about the salvation of Jesus Christ that haven't yet accepted Him. I know I can't force anyone to believe, but nobody knows when they'll have their last opportunity. So, if I have any message to take from this dream, it's to relentlessly pray for those you love...that they will open their hearts and let Jesus in.

Luke 11:9-10~ "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened."

I Got Ripped!

I had the opportunity to take my son on a school field trip to the zoo this week.  We got to see all the different animals... with all their different features.  It got me thinking...What if Evolution were true?

The concept of evolution is that over some ridiculous amount of millions or billions of years, our bodies kept developing into something better... from one generation to the next; to the point of the bodies we have now.  I think to myself, "What a rip!"  I mean if we were all once fish and I developed into something better than a fish, then why is it that I can't still breathe underwater?  And if my current body is  better than the fish, then why is it that if you were to put me and a shark in the water together, I'd be the one that was eaten;  I'm supposed to at the top of the food chain, right? Or, another thought, if I kept getting better with each generation, then why did birds get wings, but throughout MY childhood, I had to WALK to school?

So fish swim, birds fly, owls can see at night, cats always land on their feet, and all I got was stupid opposable thumbs.  I'm thinking, keep the thumbs! I'd rather be like the lizard that can grow its tail back...it sure would have made it a lot easier for me to count to 20 instead of always getting stuck at 15!

So, for those of you that want to put your faith (yes, FAITH) into a theory that says that long ago, lightning struck a puddle of goo, we crawled out, and became what we are now, then you should really set your expectations higher.  'Cause I'm thinking that these bodies are mediocre... at best!  I'll put my faith in creation, because the new body that I've been promised, has GOT to better than the one that's falling apart now.

Genesis 1:26~ Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

Look Inside!

I knew a girl once when I was a kid that used to sit on my chest, pin my hands under her, and slap my face until I'd cry.  Needless to say, I used to think she was so mean.  This same girl, in the backslidden part of her life, did just about every horrendous thing imaginable that might define a "bad teenager"....and I mean EVERYTHING!  And so, people simply decided that she was just a bad person.  As an adult, she was accused of a crime and arrested.  I clearly remember just about everyone (including her family) trying to figure out why she did it even though she claimed that all the accusations weren't true.  In recent years, this same girl had an unfathomable situation take place that literally tore her family apart.  And predictably, everyone again turned their back on her and her family because she didn't follow their advice and just move on with her life.  Sadly, I've watched this girl get judged more harshly for any "incorrect decision" than any other person I know.

Now the other side of the coin:  the very same girl that made me cry, went out and threatened two boys within inches of their life that if they were to ever bother me or hurt my feelings again, it would be the last thing they would remember doing.  You see, in her heart, she was a protector and a bodyguard and nothing was going to hurt me...except her of course! 

As for the backslidden years?  I often hear people say that they are in too deep, they've done too much wrong, or it's too late, and they can't "come back."  Well, this girl has proven that it is possible to overcome any past lifestyle or mistake and become an example that anyone is "save-able."  You see, in her heart, she is a survivor and the epitome of strength. 

The accusations that were made against her were dropped, because they simply weren't true.  This began a drastic turnaround in her life that started her down a road of doing God's will.  In fact, she is the only person in my own backslidden years that relentlessly stayed on me; asking me when I was going to clean up my life and get right with the Lord.  And yes, I fought her on it, tooth and nail.  It was her persistence that inspired me to recommit my life to the Lord.  You see in her heart, she knows what's right and wrong and does what it takes to get it done.

Finally, the family that was torn apart?  Well, she could've done what the world and everyone around her told her was acceptable and just left; avoiding all the harsh judgment and criticism the ignorant and selfish still give her to this day.  Instead, she took the tougher road and decided that her family was worth fighting for, and that, through God's strength, her family would be restored.  To this day, God holds that family in His hand as a solid unit.  You see, in her heart, she is faithful, not to the world and its opinion, but to God and His will.  To this day, she still gets a harsher judgment put upon her; mostly for her past, sometimes for the present and other times just because of her personality.  But I don't believe that you could find a better heart in very many people alive today, because who she is inside is beautiful and I can see that and I know God can see it too.  Knowing someone on the outside is not really knowing them at all.  I'm glad I know this woman.

1 Samuel 16:7~ But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Why DID the chicken cross the road?

I was out training a driver in some barely-inhabited farmland about 8 bazillion miles from civilization.  As he drove along, I sat comfortably in the passenger seat.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, a chicken ran out in front of our truck.  With no time to react, we...well...what is the "PC" way to put this?...We obliterated the chicken.  And just as quickly as the chicken appeared out of nowhere, came the woman who had been out walking said chicken.  Yes, you heard me right...she was walking her chicken.  Rednecks! 

She was very distraught and irate about what we had done to her chicken.  She made it very clear that she expected the driver and I to be liable for her chicken catastrophe.  I calmly explained to her that we are not accountable for hitting wild animals in the road. Yet, her standpoint was that this chicken was not a wild animal, but rather...her pet.  And so,  back and forth we went with the intensity of our tone growing more and more hostile; both of us trying to validate our points.  I finally blurted out without thinking..."So Ma'am...why WAS your chicken crossing the road?" Upon hearing this question, my driver reacted with an immediate outburst of absolute teary-eyed hysterics; the exact OPPOSITE reaction of the woman who apparently had her funny bone removed as a child, or so it seemed.  As I watched one side laugh and the other boil to the point of explosion, I remembered the importance the words we choose have and their potential effect on people.  If I learned anything from this incident it's that I'll always try to think before I speak....oh yeah, and also to keep an eye out for crazy hillbillys out walking their chickens.

Ephesians 4:29~ Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

We Lost Another...

I just received the sad news that we lost another brother to facebook...a.k.a."The Dark Side".  And so, the TRA (Technology Resistance Army) dwindles just a little more.  Of course, it's also been brought to my attention that saying anything derogatory about facebook would likely offend 90% of the people reading this and get me into a world of hurt.

I remember when my wife used to do everything she could to get me on facebook.  I tried to be completely honest and explain to her that I don't have the time, and certainly not the patience, to read everyone's trivial opinions or current statuses.  I also explained to her that if I did get on, and updated my own status, I would want to be brutally honest.  For example, I might just write something like, "Oh my, I just left the bathroom with a smell that I can't seem to identify!"  My wife seems to think this would not be proper status etiquette.  To which I reply in my defense, "That is the problem...I never seem to be able to utilize etiquette correctly."  I also know myself well enough to know that it would kill me inside to not be able to comment on someone else's status without expressing how I truly feel.  I don't see things in black or white, I believe every situation should be investigated to establish right or wrong.  And sometimes people need to be told that they don't have a clue.  Now, I'm sure some of you are saying right now that I am the one who doesn't have a clue.  At least if you told me that I didn't have a clue in a forum outside of facebook, I could accept it without your cheering squad chiming in to kick me while I'm down.  Just sayin'!

I do, however, see the advantages for facebook as a communication tool.  And truth be told, a blog really isn't that much different in it's purpose.  In fact, if I'm honest with myself, the problem lies within me.  The real reason that I can't sit and stare at the computer into all hours of the night is because it would cut into my own TV time.  You see, I too, have my own vice that I have to deal with.  I joke about losing another brother to facebook, but I often wonder if God tells the angels, "I lost another one to TV."

Leviticus 19:4~ Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods; I am the Lord your God.

The Best Toast EVER!

I was right in the middle of one of those really cool dreams; one of those dreams where it seems nothing can go wrong...and then, my alarm went off signifying that it was time to get up and go to work.  But that's ok...I knew it was for a good reason.

On my morning commute, I came to a realization.  It appears that the county of San Bernardino has somehow secretly installed a sensor in my truck whose sole purpose is to trigger stoplights to turn red as I approach; clearly in an attempt to make my drive to work as painful as possible.  But that's ok, I knew it was for a good reason.

Every decision I made at work that day reminded me of just how smart Murphy was when he wrote his law.  You see, no matter what I did, it seemed that I was wrong.  But that's ok, it was for a good reason.

On my way home, I stopped at one of those warehouse stores to buy 3 items in bulk.  When I went to pay, there were only 2 lanes open, each with a minimum of 12 people, and all pushing at least 3 carts through the checkout.  So I waited in line.  But that's ok, it was for a good reason.

At the end of my 12 hour work day, I walked through the door to see my wife and kids sitting there talking and laughing.  I thought to myself contentedly, "THIS is what I work for."  With that inspiration, I headed to the kitchen to make dinner.  The wife had a craving for omelettes, the girl wanted scrambled eggs, because that is HER preference, and the boy's request? A ham and cheese omelette...after all, he IS the carnivore.  At this point, I decided to go above and beyond.  I got out some chicken and marinated it with a special sauce of my own invention.  In the meantime, my wife decides that we will also need some carbs with our evening "breakfast," so she puts some bread in the toaster.  We all sit down to dinner. I look at my family and reflect on how lucky I am to have such a gracious family that appreciates the sacrifices that I make for them.  It's at this moment that my daughter grabs a piece of toast off her plate and asks, "Who made the toast?"  I reply, "Your mother did."  She then exclaims, "Wow, Mom!  This is the best toast ever!"  And I think to myself,  "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!"

I guess if you are only doing something to be recognized, then it probably didn't come from your heart after all.  SO...I'll just be happy to know that it was all for a good reason.

Galatians 1:10~ For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?  Or am I striving to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

The Queen Has An Issue

Sometimes it's tough being a man.  Especially when you come home and look lovingly into the eyes of your one true love and say to yourself, "Aww, man!  There's trouble afoot!"  If this scenario should fall upon you, remember to stick to the preset rules of survival:

1. Establish if you are the root cause.  I have found in my experience that if you are, the easiest way of survival is to throw yourself immediately at the mercy of the court, or, if possible, divert the anger to someone else (a good reason to have children).
2. If you are NOT the root cause, you will find that most women just want to talk about whatever the issue is.  In this instance, the best survival tactic is to just listen.  However, this is extremely difficult for men, since God did not find it necessary to give us an attention span that can process more than one thought at a time .  AND, it is very rare for a man to come home with that one thought being:  "Today, I'm going to be a GOOD listener!"
3. You discover that your kids are the root cause and have been "off the hook" or have repeatedly done something that brings upon the need for you to assume the role of the enforcer and, if needed, the terminator. Which, as a rule of survival, is good for you...not so good for them.
4. When her gaze tells you there is no time to establish the cause, you just know whatever happened, she's made up her mind...EVERYONE is going to suffer for this one...at which point your only option  is to just run.

Good luck, boys!  Remember...For better or for worse!

Ephesians 5:28~ So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his own wife loves himself.

A Generation of "C" Students

I've always been taught that the enemy of great is good.  I've tried to live by this rule and as a parent I try to instill it into my kids' psyche.  All too often, I see examples of this concept in today's society; people doing just enough to get by and not get noticed or not get in trouble...and being satisfied with that!

Today, the first of many changes coming from the health care reform bill (passed six months ago) will take effect.  Children (up to the age of 26) of those carrying their own medical insurance will now be guaranteed complete health care coverage with no restrictions.  This means that regardless of their marital status, student or not, OR whether or not they are even living with their parent, they will be covered until they are 26 years old.  My concern is that the message being sent with this type of  "reform" is that young adults need not make any strides towards independence until the age of 26. 

Some people have the type of personality which naturally makes them strive to be better than just good, while others need to be pushed.  It's scary to think where would we be if some of our great historical figures would have just settled for "good enough."  What if Thomas Edison would've been OK reading by candlelight? Or if Alexander Graham Bell would've been OK with just sending letters?  Or in a more extreme scenario, can you imagine if Jesus would've said, "Being the Son of God is good enough, I don't need to get up on that cross?"  I'm thinking history would have gone a lot differently.

I am not beyond reproach...I too, often find myself getting complacent and settling, but then I am reminded that my salvation is not based on anything I do.  I am commanded to make a difference, because what I do here in this life will increase my rewards in "the next."  I believe that it is important to look inside yourself to avoid becoming conformed to the generation of "C" students that is being primed to rule the world.  Always remember that good is nothing more than a stepping stone to becoming great.

Matthew 6:19-21~ "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Super-Christian!

Have you ever made a mistake? Have you ever made a mistake and been judged for it?  Were you a parent that made a mistake and got judged by your kids for it?  Have you ever had authority over someone in the workforce and made a mistake that you were later judged for?  If I keep digging, I'm sure I will eventually find a point in time that you weren't perfect and you were judged for it. 

It's obvious to most that the more elevated one becomes in status, the harsher their judgement.  The same (and more so) goes for Christians.  In the news this morning was a report about a sports celebrity getting arrested for a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and the entire focus of the update was whether or not he would be able to play this weekend.  It wasn't so long ago that a similar news report aired of a Christian celebrity involved in the same scenario (minus the arrest) and yet the entire focus of THAT particular broadcast was on the hypocrisy of Christians.

Please don't misunderstand me, I do believe a Christian is expected to adhere to a higher moral code in order to be an example of the salvation provided for us, but sometimes I see Christians (including myself) trying to be "Super Christians" and act like we never make mistakes.  After recommitting my life as a Christian, I used to find myself giving incomplete or "doctored" testimonies so others around me (Christians and non-Christians alike) would think that I was a prime example of what a Christian should be.  People would come to me with spiritual questions and I would have an answer...sometimes Biblically-based, but much to my embarrassment now, often only my best educated guess.  It took me a lot of years to come to the realization that it's ok to say, "I don't know" or "I'll go look it up and get back to you."  It also took me a long time to realize that by openly admitting my mistakes it gave me opportunities to testify on the great things God does for a "wretch" like me.  Don't be fooled...I still get judged and so will you.  If you're going to openly confess you are a "Jesus Freak," then the judgement of this world will probably be a little more harsh.  The good news is...you are not of this world!

So, my fellow superheroes, don't be afraid to take the "S" off your chest and get on your knees, bow your heads, and use your true superpower.  The one who judges our mistakes is the same one who forgives them.

Matthew 10:19-20~ But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.  For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 

No, I Want a Coffee!

Sometimes I think that this world is trying to push me over the edge.  I go to Starbucks and order a large coffee and they ask me, "You want a Venti?" And I respond, "No, I want a coffee."  They sweetly reply, "No, I mean what size do you want?"  I calmly respond, "A large."  They then say, "Ok, a Venti"  I say, "No, a coffee!" And on and on it goes...until I look at the board and I see that my size choices are Tall, Grande, and Venti and I think to myself...how could a Tall and a Grande NOT be a large.  At the same time, I should also automatically know what  a Venti means?" 

The battle continues when I stop for fast food at the drive thru and my daughter wants a burger and a drink...for reasons I don't understand, she doesn't like fries. So, I ask for the burger and before I can finish, they ask me if I'd like the combo and I tell them "No, just the burger and the drink." They respond, "But if you get the combo, it would be cheaper."  So I say, "Why don't you just keep the fries and charge me the same cheap price and then everyone's happy."  To which they have no response, but look at me like I've broken some cardinal fast food law.

Sometimes it seems these little things (when added up) tend to push me over the edge.  I often hear people say that these are attacks by Satan, but I like to believe that God's in charge and they are actually His ways of trying to teach me in an area that I am admittedly lacking in...patience.  So next time you feel you are being attacked, try and remain open-minded.  Maybe God is trying to teach you something.

2 Timothy 2:24~ The Lord's bondservant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged.

Romans 8:28~ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

A Hinder or A Witness?

On "To Every Man an Answer" (a local call-in radio show), I consistently hear people call in and ask, "Is it ok for Christians to have tattoos?"  Often quoting Leviticus 19:28 which states: "You shall  not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord."  The pastors' responses are the same each time.  First they point out that the verse says, "Do not make them for the dead."  Secondly they point out that we are no longer under the law.  Lastly they remind the listener that you can use anything as an opportunity to minister and witness.  They do usually throw in a warning that one needs to be sure it is what they want, because when it is done, it is virtually impossible to UN-do.

I, admittedly, have tattoos on my body.  I never have had any real "hang-ups" about it...other than I am about 15 years past having the body to show them off! :)  I once had a woman in my Bible study who learned that I had tattoos and couldn't understand how I was "ok" with it.  Needless to say, this topic of conversation took over the Bible study that morning.

When I got my first one, there were no spiritual thoughts whatsoever.   However, when I got the last one, I had finally submitted and given myself over to Jesus, realizing that I was saved by grace even though I had spent the majority of my life being a screw-up.  When I look at them, I think how ironic it is that the one that came with no spiritual thoughts whatsoever was that of a skull and crossbones.  And yet, my most recent tattoo is that of a cross made up of two spikes with a Bible verse (Ephesians 2:8) beneath it.  It reminds me that it was me who nailed Jesus to the cross with my sins, but because of grace (undeserved forgiveness) he forgives me of all my mistakes.  And trust me, tattoos are by far the least!

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the free gift of God.

A Case of the Grumpies

Today I caught a case of the "grumpies."  I had one of those "excessively-needy-employees, caught-every-stop-light, there's-never-any-extra-money, nobody-had-anything-nice-to-say" kind of days.  I couldn't pin it down to any one specific instance that set me off, but by the evening I was just flat out GRUMPY!  I didn't really want to take it out on my family, so I just tried to hold it in. And of course...as always...when I try to hold it in, it just comes out in numerous little grumpy spurts.

In Sunday School, I've always tried to teach that it's ridiculous for a Christian to have a bad day.  I mean really, if you know you are going to be in heaven eternally and everyday will eventually be filled with eternal bliss, then what could possibly happen in your roughly 60 to 100 years here on earth that would be SO bad that you wouldn't still have something to look forward to.  Sorry my peeps, it would seem that I don't always practice what I preach.  Shame on me!  Wow...who knew...turns out, I'm not perfect afterall!

After dinner, I sat down and talked with my wife and told her what was on my mind.  And there was a simple comfort with just talking it out.  It's funny how just saying something out loud, can make you feel tremendously better.  So next time you find yourself with a case of the "grumpies," what remedy would I suggest for a quick fix?  Talk to someone; a wife, a friend, or better yet, the best listener ever, God Himself.

Ephesians 4:26-27  Be angry and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and do not give the devil an opportunity.

Viva La Revolucion!

Today my wife's new "Droid" showed up.  And as she began to show me the seemingly unlimited number of things that this little handheld device could do (because using it as a phone is its least important function),  I couldn't help but think of the movie "The Terminator".  Does no one remember the premise that when the computers became self-aware, they decided to take over the world?! 

People want to believe in the evolutionary concept...which, by definition, means "a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage).  However, what I witness in my day to day life points in quite the opposite direction.  The advancement of technology continues to pummel us into a deeper, dumber, more vulnerable state of being.  I, admittedly, am T.C. (Technologically Challenged).  And my ADD doesn't allow me the patience to focus on all the options that today's computers, phones, T.V.s, etc. have to offer.

So, when they DO decide to take over the world, I'm certain that some of us will be spared to serve as slaves to our new automated masters.  But, as we have seen so many times in history, there will be a revolution...and when it starts, I'll be hiding in a cave using my fingers to count the days til Christ's return!

VIVA LA REVOLUCION!

Gal 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery

My Malfunctioning "Filter"

Some people deal with OCD, others struggle with ADD, etc.  I, on the other hand, suffer from S.B.T.  "Speak  Before Thinking" disorder.  When my brain forms a thought, it's supposed to filter that thought before it reaches my mouth.  However, periodically, my filtering system malfunctions.   Over the years I have noted that most men I know also suffer from this disorder, but God was kind enough to create a kind of "substitute" filter.  It's called WOMAN. 

Most of the time, my wife is quite capable of filtering those thoughts with a simple look.  Her eyes work like the "pause" button on a TV remote that, when she senses I 'm having a thought that's going to come out incorrectly, she simply uses a look to trigger the complete paralysis of my mouth. 

Case in point: My son and I were discussing the advantages of temporarily bringing home animals from his class such as snakes, bearded dragons, chinchillas, etc. as a favor to the teacher over the holidays.  My wife quickly realized that my intent was to have my son bring home what I considered to be the "cool" animals. She, with one look, was able to turn my mouth off and "help me" to understand that discussing the bringing home of said animals (which had not gone through the proper approval process) was not an option.

On the other hand, the filter and shut-down mechanisms are not always intended to be JUST for her advantage; she has, quite often, stopped me from choking to death on my own foot.  She can't be around me 24/7, but when I get home and describe my day to her, she is very skilled at removing my foot from my mouth so that I can try, try again!

Pro 13:3

The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

1Cor 11:9

...for indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's sake.

The Innocence of a Child

I really do love the innocence of a child.  I have a prosthetic leg which I have no "hang-ups" about, it doesn't embarrass me, and in most cases, I don't feel self-conscience about it.  So, I wear shorts about 90% of the year and children, without any hesitation, walk right up to me, knock on my leg, and say, "What's this?"  I usually, with a little bit of humor, tell them, "Let's just say, when your parents tell you to look both ways before crossing the street, you better listen!"  And for the most part, they smile back at me and reply, "Ok."  Simple as that!

When I look back at these times, I often find myself wishing that I had the courage to be so bold.  But, as we all know, adults are a different breed altogether.  In fact, I've had people literally go years before they feel comfortable enough to ask me about it.  And when they finally do, their statement usually starts like this..." I've always wanted to ask you about that, but..."  Then, they usually make some sort of cringing face when they ask...like it actually hurts.  And in some cases, they have had others ask for them. So, it really makes me appreciate the innocence of a child and just how easily curiosity will lead them to want to learn.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule.  For instance, when your innocent daughter's curiosity gets the best of her and she decides to walk up to a woman in an IHOP and say, "What's that thing on your face?"  That's when you find out that the innocence of YOUR OWN child comes with a price.

Matthew 18:4 Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Choices Made

I recently witnessed a conversation between one of my fellow supervisors and his employee.  The employee was being held accountable, with discipline, for not adhering to a very inflexible rule. The rule broken is a very common rule and the employee had been trained properly not to break it. Additionally, he had been been warned about it only minutes prior and he chose to break it anyway.


As my partner explained how we discovered the rule was broken and the level of discipline that would be involved, the employee went into a defense mode. However, there was no way he could claim ignorance, So his defense was that everyday he does our company a favor by working hard and getting his job done, that, “the company and the Country were screwed up for forcing him to come work and follow a rule he didn’t agree with.” He also said that he should get some flex on the discipline because he was such a good employee and if he didn’t, he "wouldn’t be doing you guys (the Company) any favors anymore."

After that statement had been made, my partner calmly looked his employee in the eye and said, “Did I wake you up this morning? Did I put your clothes on you this morning? Did I drive you to work? No, you made your choice to do all those things. Everything you did today involved a choice you had to make. Whatever your motives were, you chose to come to work, knowing full well the job came with rules you had to follow.  Being here is not a favor to me, working hard is not a favor to me, getting your job done is not a favor to me. It’s a choice you make. So you need to remember you live by the choices you make and any time you make the wrong choice, you are the one who ultimately has to answer for them.”

I couldn’t help that while I listened  to my partner make this statement, I was thinking, , “How true is that? If I eat junk food, it’s not the food's fault I get fat. Everyday I get in a car, I know there is a chance I could get in an accident... it’s not the car's fault, etc… Then I thought, “Wow! How true that is to my own spiritual walk. God laid out the rules. He has never forced me to follow them, but I do know that there is accountability if I don’t. So, should I blame God for the choice I make?”

Everyday I have to make choices, as we all do.  A lot of times, the right choice is more difficult, but we know by our moral motives, which ones we should make. My favorite poem has always been. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

 

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

 

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

John 12:26 "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Good day and good choices.

The Worst Thing Ever Done

In the Bible study I was leading last week, I presented the following question:  "What was the worst thing you ever did in your life...AND...do you use that as a testimony to glorify God to this day?"  When I ask myself the same question...one particular day always sticks out clearly in my mind...

It was early in the morning and I was on my way to work.  I was in a particularly crummy mood (although I don't really remember why.)  I stopped by the bank to get some cash and as I pulled out of the bank and up to the corner to make my turn, I noticed a homeless man.  He was acting strange, flailing his arms around and shouting.  He ran up to my truck erratically.  Without hesitation, I rolled down the window, looked him straight in the eye and said, "Seriously?  Why are you even here?  Would the world miss you if you were gone? Get away from my truck!  Just vanish and see if anyone notices!"  I then drove away.  As I got further down the street, I began to feel a tugging at my heart...and yet, decided to ignore it altogether.  After all, I felt much more content to remain in my crummy mood.

A few minutes later, I pulled into my parking space at work, turned my truck off, and I heard a voice, clear as day (in my head) say, "I don't even know you right now!"  And at that moment, I felt more ashamed than I can recall ever having felt in my entire life.  It haunted me throughout the rest of the day and night.  I couldn't think of anything else.  Those words just kept ringing over and over...but I kept it to myself. 

The next morning I woke up and there was still no other thought than:  "I don't even know you right now!"  I went into the bathroom and locked the door, fell to my knees, and began praying for forgiveness and that God would change my heart.  I left the house that morning and drove down to the corner to look for the homeless man, but he wasn't there.  I pulled into a parking lot and prayed again, asking for forgiveness and again praying that God would change my heart.  I drove by that corner every day for the next 2 weeks.  I never saw the homeless man again, but everyday I prayed the same prayer asking God's forgiveness and asking him to change my heart.  I had never felt so ugly as I did that day, but I live with the faith that God forgives all sin, no matter how ugly or how severe.  Needless to say, I haven't verbally attacked a homeless person since.  But, more importantly, whenever I feel that I am going to knowingly sin, the memory of this encounter pops quickly into my head and I remember that praying before the sinful act is so much easier than grieving over it later.

My only other prayer regarding this situation was that this man would one day be in Heaven and that I could see him and have the opportunity to tell him that I am sorry.  I continue to use my experience with him to remind me that no matter how bad something is that someone has done, it can be forgiven by God.

Colossians 2:13~When you were dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our sins.

Psalm 51:10~Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Save Me a Parking Spot

So, I pulled into a my parking space, got out of the car and headed into the store. I noticed a woman about 5' 2" and 300 pounds that was also getting out of her car. She was parked in a handicapped parking space. I watched her get out of her car and walk into the store with no visible disability. At the same time, I was passed by a white van that was clearly looking for a spot to park...he found one...at about the very furthest space from the entrance to the store possible, in my same aisle. I had to stop and see if my suspicions were correct...they were. About 2 minutes later, the back doors of the van opened and an electronic lift device slowly began lowering this man and his wheelchair to the ground.


Now let's rewind...about 10 years ago my wife accompanied me to my annual physical (yes, she wants to be involved in everything) and at the end of the visit she asked the doc if I qualified for a handicap placard. The doc laughed and said, "I think that the amputation of his foot easily qualifies him for the placard. I will go ahead and write the note." That was it! Done! Too easy!

Well, on the way home began our discussion...I told her that I saw (and still see) no need for such a "benefit!" There are too many people out there that TRULY need it and I could never see myself infringing on that by using it for convenience purposes only. {For those of you that don't know me, I wear a prosthesis on my left leg, but am not, in ANY way, hindered in my daily activities like walking to and from my car.} We eventually decided on a compromise...we would only use the placard if, and ONLY IF there were no other spots available, possibly during Christmas season, and occasionally at amusement parks. As a side note, it gets used maybe once per year.


Fast forward...this morning my wife read to me this statement from Abe Lincoln:

"If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If any man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool."

If one of our country's founding principles is that the harder you work, the better the reward, then how is it we ended up in this predicament? We have done a 180 degree turn to quite the opposite sentiment. If a loophole exists, the current generation is encouraged to find it. If you can take advantage of "the system," you should! Huge economic bailouts, the outsourcing of labor to other countries, the abuse of the welfare system, the living beyond one's means (i.e. credit abuse), and the lady using her weight as justification for a handicap are only a few examples of the lack of accountability that runs rampant in the United States.

Pro 13:11 Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers by labor increases it.

Does the Bible Translation Matter?

I recently had a discussion with a man I respect very much who teaches from the New International Version (NIV) Bible. My concern was that some Bibles eliminate or change words that I believe change the meaning of scripture. I gave the example of John 3:16 in which the NIV eliminates the word "begotten" before "Son" and replaces it with "one and only Son." I quoted Exodus 4:22 in which God calls Israel His firstborn, John 1:12 which states that we were given the power to become children of God, and Romans 8:16 which states that the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. My point being that if Jesus is the "one and only" Son, then how can God be our Father as well? However, if He is the "begotten" Son, then He is the "birth" Son and we are "adopted" into God's family.

Taken from bibletruths.net: The meaning of only begotten. "Only begotten" is from the Greek monogenes. This word is used nine times in the Greek New Testament. The word is a compound word, mono, meaning only, and gennesis, meaning birth. "Only begotten" (monogenes) is used five times by John, three by Luke, and once by the writer of Hebrews. Luke used the word to describe the widow's son, "only son of his mother" (Lk. 7: 12, see 8: 42, 9: 38). The writer of Hebrews said Abraham "offered up his only begotten son" (Heb. 11: 17).

The man, with whom I was having this conversation, said that "fanatics take each word of the Bible too seriously and it's really about the idea that it's trying to get across." My concern is...when you change or eliminate words, you take the chance on changing the meaning of the scripture...and potentially the only way to salvation. So, does that make me a fanatic?