Saturday, June 27, 2009

Death...

Michael Jackson has died. While it makes me pause because we are the same age, that is the only reason. As a young person I enjoyed his music...I bought a copy of "Thriller" along with 100 million other people. But I feel the "cult of the famous" has gone too far.

Jonah Goldberg did a better job of putting it into words than I can...

And while we’re at it, his relatively early death wasn’t “tragic.” He was one of the richest people in the world. He spent his money on perpetual childhood and he was perpetually with children not his own.

Meanwhile, in the last ten days, we’ve seen or heard of remarkable people who’ve given their lives for freedom in Iran. We’ve heard of innocents killed because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. In the last decade, America has lost thousands of heroes in noble causes and thousands of innocent bystanders who were denied the simple joys of life through no fault of their own. Those deaths are tragic, and we're hard pressed to think of more than a handful of names to put with the long line of the dead.

If anything, Michael Jackson’s life, not his death, was tragic.

Every year at the Oscars they show a montage of people who died over the previous year. Invariably, the audience only applauds for the really famous people. This has always offended me. Not necessarily because the famous people don’t deserve praise but because it’s so clear that the audience is clapping for the fame. Michael Jackson had many accomplishments. But the press is sanctifying him because he was famous, deservedly so to be sure, but not because he was good. So much of the coverage seems to miss this fundamental point, as if being famous made him good.

I feel sympathy for Jackson’s family and friends who understandably mourn him. But I can't bring myself to mourn him any more than I mourn the random dead I read about in the paper everyday. Indeed, I confess to mourning him less.

Every channel says this is a sad day for America. I agree. But not for the same reasons.

Independence

I make it a point not to discuss politics on this blog. It is written for Youth and others. I don't intend to make a statement about our government one way or the other but do feel as we will soon be celebrating our Independence Day, these news items are worth watching.

The Revolutionary War happened long ago and there hasn't been anyone alive who remembers it first hand for years. Studying it in the history books is the only way we can know what happened and it's really easy to say, "We declared our Independence from Britain on July 4, 1776." Period, end of story. We don't stop to realize the struggle or how long it actually went on...July 4th was not the end of it. We fought for several more years and most Americans paid a price. Many with their livelihood, many more with their lives.

There is a struggle for Independence happening as we speak and should not be ignored. There are people in Iran protesting, fighting and dying for a different form of government. We owe them our attention, and our prayers.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Be Still

When you doubt the lovely silence of a
quiet wooded place,
When you doubt the path of silver of some
moonlit water space,
When you doubt the winds a'blowing,
Flash of lightning, glistening rain,
Sun or starlit heavens above you
On the land or bounding main,
When you doubt the sleep of loved ones
deep beneath some precious sod,
Listen to a soft voice saying,
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Alicia Poole

Thursday, June 25, 2009

They will know...

How hard does a stranger have to look to see God working in your life? Is it obvious? I've asked the youth more than once, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?"

When Jesus was asked, "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." He answered, "I have told you and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's Name testify to me." (John 10:24-25) When John the Baptists followers asked the same question, Jesus replied, "Go back and tell John what you see and hear." (Matt. 11:4)

Take a look at your life. Giving lip service to our faith is nothing when compared to the presence or absence of truth, justice and love in our daily life.

Baby Mine...

Sorry all, it's just one of those days...and so I need to listen
to Allison Krauss...

Monday, June 22, 2009

Monday...

You all know what's been going on in my life and why I haven't
posted...thanks for your thoughts, prayers and telephone calls.
I am holding to Isaiah 65:24 "And it shall come to pass that before
they call, I will answer;and while they are yet speaking, I will
hear."

Friday, June 19, 2009

Patience

For all of us at some point in time, this is a word that will make us angry, frustrated and rebellious. What if we don't want to be patient? Why can't we just get on with the business at hand? Why must we WAIT? A quote by Franklin tells us "He that can have patience can have what he will." Whether we like it or not, patience = waiting.

Allowing a thought, action or idea to "marinate" (to use a cooking term). When you marinate food, you allow all the ingredients to sit together for a while and create a totally new taste. If we take our time with our decisions and/or actions, and pray about them, God will help us see the big picture. How will this affect others? How will it affect me? Is this really the best course of action? While you may never answer all the questions, you can at least be at the point where you are following the path God lays before you.

"He will give eternal life to those who patiently do the will of God..."Romans 2:7

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Muppets!

Some days you just need a little "manamana"

Writer's Block....

Ok, I am not a professional but...I do write a short piece for the church newsletter each week along with whatever I post here. This is in addition to working with the youth as well as a "real" job...

Because this blog was started for the young people, and one of the things I try to give them is consistency, I try to post here every day (I know, I don't manage EVERY day). I like to try to cover a broad range of topics but inevitably come up short...

Saw this piece on Post-It note art and writer's block....been there!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Poem

A Poem by Raquel Jimenez

The Lord looked into her eyes,
filled with complete desperation,
and gently asked her...
"Alisha, who do you believe that I am?"

"Lord", she responded
"I believe you are the Lord,
the One true God, the King."

He paused for a moment
then asked her,
"What do you believe I can do?"

"Lord", she said,
"I believe you can do anything Lord...everything!"

The Lord said to her
"...then let Me Alisha. Give me everything..."

Monday, June 15, 2009

Tower of Babel

When I read this article, the Tower of Babel was the first thought that popped into my head. Climbing to the edge of space, wasn't that tried once before in Genesis 11. I noticed it said that "failure of a few modules would not cause the whole structure to collapse". Well, that makes me feel better, what about you?

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Tornados

I couldn't resist another link...this one shows the "inside" of a tornado! This sight has seldom been witnessed much less taped and is something to behold! Lest we forget the awesome power of God and the world He created!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

A Happy Heart

Mencious tells us "The great man is he that does not lose his child's heart".

My first reaction is to think of those individuals in my life that are a joy to be around. They find the bright side of most every situation and approach life with a smile on their face and laughter in their hearts. These people attract children like magnets...they just know they're going to have a good time.

But as I pondered what to write, another "quote" came to me...And He said:"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matt. 18:3). So there you have it, unless we trust and love God with the abandon of little children we will not see the reward of Heaven. Think of the last time you were greeted by a young one...perhaps you heard them squeal with delight, jump up from their play and run into your arms. What greater expression of love is there? Now while it's impossible to greet God in this manner while we dwell upon this earth, we can do this in our mind and feel the joy in our heart. Take a moment to picture how you would greet Him as you cry "Abba, Father".

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Being an heir...

When we think of becoming an heir, it usually means suffering through the loss of someone close to us. And then inheriting a home, money or something else they felt was equally important to leave us. What we don't think of being is an heir to someone while they're still alive.

If your parents (or grandparents) or someone else close to you has taken you to church and led you to Christ during your childhood and teenage years, you are already an heir. They have given you an heir loomed faith. You carry on what they have begun in you. At some point it is your responsibility to pick it up and make it your own...claim your inheritance. Start living and believing it by choosing to be the person God calls you to be.

We are also heirs with Christ, even though most of us see ourselves as less than Christ. We avoid the full honor as well as the full pain of the Christian life. We fail to remember that the Spirit that guided Jesus guides us. In Romans 8: 16-17, Paul says: "The Spirit himself joins with our spirit to bear witness that we are children of God. And if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ".

Can we fully grasp what this means? Certainly not before we become active participants! When we start living according to this truth, our lives will be radically transformed. We will not only come to know the freedom of being a child of God but also the rejection of the world. It is understandable that we hesitate to claim the honor so as to avoid the pain. We recall the words from Luke (12:48)..."To whom much is given, much is expected..." God does not call us to a life of ease but, if we are willing to share in Christ's suffering, we also will share in His glory.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

D-Day + 65

Today we honor those who fought and died in the invasion of Europe. Many have said this will probably be the last time most of those who actually fought will be able to make the trip as they are in their 80's...

I have had the privilege of visiting the museum, the American cemetery and to stand upon those beaches. To pause and think of what price was paid will truly take your breath. Today it is hard to imagine the chaos, anguish, death, fear and valor of that day. France has left many of the bunkers on the beach so that we may remember. As you leave the beaches and stand amongst the graves in the cemetery, you come face to face with the cost of war, so many lost...9,387 graves and a memorial wall engraved with an additional 1,557 names of those whose remains were never found.

There is a large bronze statue in the center called "Spirit of American Youth rising from the waves" and it is surrounded at the base by these well known words "For mine eyes have seen the glory...". Our hats are off to those who have been called the "Greatest Generation".

Friday, June 5, 2009

Horses, Horses

I've always been a horse lover! Even though I've really only owned (2) in my life, my joy at being in the saddle has never diminished over the years. They are beautiful creatures and can be great fun! We're searching for a couple right now as we have a new crop of nieces and a grandson that need to be introduced to horseback riding.

Saturday is the 141st running of the third leg of the Triple Crown. I would have loved to see Rachel Alexandra run again but understand the owners decision...still, it'll be a great race! In honor of tomorrows race I thought I'd post a little history...check out what is in my mind the greatest single running of the Belmont...

Secretariat....what a horse!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Showreel

Wow...this is amazing to watch!

If I attempted to get into my car that way I'd be in traction...at least!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Hands and Feet

Just noticed Gavin has posted a video montage from Hands and Feet 2008...great job Gav!
We were glad to be a part of this mission project (actually there were several of them) last year and are really looking forward to H & F 2009! Check out the video...It is rather long but hey, there were lots of people and projects to show.

To my youth...be patient...we're all in there!

Fear

It is a natural part of being human to experience fear. It can be a good thing if it protects us from harm or helps us deal with potential danger. But many times fear may keep us from participating in life.

You may feel you are the only person in the world that is scared of ordinary things....water, heights, flying, bugs or public speaking but these fears are very common. The goal in life is not an absence of fear but having the courage to take action that helps us overcome them. We must all learn to face our fears and shape our lives in spite of them.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Great Video

I saw this video and just had to share! At first I had all kinds of comments running through my mind but it speaks for itself! I must say, I love it!

">Piano in the Mayo Clinic

The Peacemaker

Jesus, the Blessed Child of the Father, is a peacemaker. His peace doesn't mean only absence of war. It is not simply harmony or equilibrium. His peace is the fullness of well-being, gratuitously given by God. Jesus says, "Peace I leave to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you" (John 14:27).

Peace is Shalom --- well-being of mind, heart, and body, individually and communally. It can exist in the midst of a war-torn world, even in the midst of unresolved problems and increasing human conflicts. Jesus made that peace by giving his life for his brothers and sisters. This is no easy peace, but it is everlasting and it comes from God. Are we willing to give our lives in the service of peace?
Henri Nouwen