A week has now passed since I last used my prescription pain medication given to me following my shoulder surgery. It hasn't been pain-free, of course. The last half of the week, I have felt more aches in the shoulder than pain, as I have (per the doctor's instruction) begun to use my arm lightly again. (I am typing with both hands now.
Although I have a long way to go before I'm back to my post at work, I am thankful to be farther along than I thought I would be at this point. When I knew I was to have surgery, in my mind, I thought I would be confined to a sling for 6 weeks with no moving my arm at all.
This brings me to the main point of this update... I'm learning to be thankful in and for the little things. I have recounted a few of these things in other posts whether here or elsewhere, but I don't think I'd be going out on a limb to say that the following things are almost always taken for granted.
The Top Three Reasons I Thank God I'm Not on Pain Pills.
3. I can drive again! (It is difficult to fasten a seat belt, though.)
2. I don't feel like I could fall asleep at any moment of the day.
1. Bodily functions, such as pooping and peeing, are back to normal!!!!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
What are you storing?
As this may be the last post for a while, (I will be back to one-handedness after surgery in several hours) I wanted to write this before I forget or find typing inconvenient. For close to a week, mortality has been on my mind. You might think this stems from surgery looming ahead. I'm not saying that didn't have any effect, because, although "I'm a few credits shy of a degree in medicine", clearly having any surgery has at least some chance of the patient dying. Of course, you and I are not even guaranteed our next breath, so whether you have surgery or not, there's a chance you may die tomorrow. I really started thinking about it probably from Friday on, when I went to Missouri with my mom and aunt to visit family. Part of the reason for going was the estate sale auction for my grandpa's estate. He has Alzheimer's and now lives in a nursing home. To say that my grandpa is a pack-rat would be an understatement. You see, when he was able, he liked to go to auctions and estate sales to pick up things he might need/want or just bargains in general. It was very much like the person who has to have a garage sale because they went to too many garage sales. My uncle, the executor of the estate, spent countless hours over many months going through stuff, pitching or burning the junk and setting aside the many many many things that would be sold at auction.
I'm not really sure why auctioneers have a cadence that is so hard to understand but can be understood perfectly when they're not auctioning something. Saturday, it started raining right around the time we got to the auction house. I hear that buyers get the best deals in nasty weather, and I believe it, because not a whole lot of people are going to venture out into the nastiness. That said, we were able to pick up some things (some sentimental, some not) for not much money. Maybe it was the sheer volume of items that struck me. But the more I think about it, I think it was the fact that often things were going for pennies on the dollar of what the items could be purchased for at a resale store/consignment shop. In fact, when the auctioneer couldn't draw even a $1 bid, he would lump things together to garner more interest. On a side note, that's how I temporarily acquired a porta-potty for a camper (I was bidding on something else), which I gave to my cousins' cousin, who plans to use it while hunting. "One man's trash is another man's treasure.
Before we returned home, we stopped to visit my grandpa in the nursing home. It was hard to see how far he'd gone downhill (both physically and mentally) since the last time I saw him. He had to have help getting around, and his speech that day was unintelligible. We understood words but there was no meaning. But in a nursing home, due to the size of the rooms, a patient is very limited on personal items. What a change, to go from all the accumulated stuff to a room with a few personal items. You see, "you can't take it with you."
I thought of Solomon, the richest and wisest king. He, too, found out that things don't make you happy.
I'm not really sure why auctioneers have a cadence that is so hard to understand but can be understood perfectly when they're not auctioning something. Saturday, it started raining right around the time we got to the auction house. I hear that buyers get the best deals in nasty weather, and I believe it, because not a whole lot of people are going to venture out into the nastiness. That said, we were able to pick up some things (some sentimental, some not) for not much money. Maybe it was the sheer volume of items that struck me. But the more I think about it, I think it was the fact that often things were going for pennies on the dollar of what the items could be purchased for at a resale store/consignment shop. In fact, when the auctioneer couldn't draw even a $1 bid, he would lump things together to garner more interest. On a side note, that's how I temporarily acquired a porta-potty for a camper (I was bidding on something else), which I gave to my cousins' cousin, who plans to use it while hunting. "One man's trash is another man's treasure.
Before we returned home, we stopped to visit my grandpa in the nursing home. It was hard to see how far he'd gone downhill (both physically and mentally) since the last time I saw him. He had to have help getting around, and his speech that day was unintelligible. We understood words but there was no meaning. But in a nursing home, due to the size of the rooms, a patient is very limited on personal items. What a change, to go from all the accumulated stuff to a room with a few personal items. You see, "you can't take it with you."
I thought of Solomon, the richest and wisest king. He, too, found out that things don't make you happy.
17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 2:17-19 NIV)I thought of the rich man in Luke 12:
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 14 Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" 15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 16 And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17 He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 18 "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' 20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself ?' 21 "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."It's getting late, and my mind is starting to wander, but basically the point is
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.(Matthew 6:19-24 NIV)We MUST stop putting so much of our energy, time, hope, and effort towards things that are or may be considered worthless by other people. After you're gone, the stuff will probably be sold for next to nothing, and your life here will be over. We, like the apostle Paul said, must please God rather than men. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness..." (Matthew 6:33a) Store up treasures in heaven!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Killing Time
Last Tuesday, I had an appointment to get the oil changed and no other concrete plans, but I did have a few other things I wanted to do. You know, important things like picking up Modern Warfare 3 (which had come out that day), going to the chiropractor due to tightness in my lower back, and the possibility of meeting with my friend Michael for Bible study. With that possibility looming, I really didn't want to drive all the way home only to turn around and drive to Granger, so I went in a few stores to pass some time.
While I was in Dollar Tree, Alyssa came in and said hi to me. My favorite memory of Alyssa is that when she was in jr. high, I used to drive her crazy--picking on her by raising only one eyebrow. (I was a jr. high small group leader at the time.) But I digress... As we talked, she asked what I was doing? Without a lot of thought, I said, "Killing time... waiting for surgery." For those who may not be aware, I'm scheduled for shoulder surgery at the end of the month, after I've been off work since my latest dislocation 10/15. Now, some time off is good, but I'd much rather be working than have all this time off due to this physical injury. Still, if those words didn't hit me as soon as they came out of my mouth, it wasn't long for the gravity of what I had said to sink in. "Killing time... waiting for surgery."
As if the twenty-one (plus) days are a waste of my life. As if there is nothing productive (physically or spiritually) that I can do until surgery.
The problem is in the mindset! My time is not my own, as my life is not my own. I CANNOT live according to my flesh in such a way that I feel like such a length of time is to be wasted! This has greater ramifications than just that, though. How can I, going forward, spend so much time and money feeding the flesh?
While I was in Dollar Tree, Alyssa came in and said hi to me. My favorite memory of Alyssa is that when she was in jr. high, I used to drive her crazy--picking on her by raising only one eyebrow. (I was a jr. high small group leader at the time.) But I digress... As we talked, she asked what I was doing? Without a lot of thought, I said, "Killing time... waiting for surgery." For those who may not be aware, I'm scheduled for shoulder surgery at the end of the month, after I've been off work since my latest dislocation 10/15. Now, some time off is good, but I'd much rather be working than have all this time off due to this physical injury. Still, if those words didn't hit me as soon as they came out of my mouth, it wasn't long for the gravity of what I had said to sink in. "Killing time... waiting for surgery."
As if the twenty-one (plus) days are a waste of my life. As if there is nothing productive (physically or spiritually) that I can do until surgery.
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIVHere's something I found on specifically on verse 16, as other translations substitute "redeeming the time" for "making the most of every opportunity":
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Redeeming the time - The word rendered here as "redeeming," means "to purchase; to buy up" from the possession or power of anyone; and then to redeem, to set free - as from service or bondage; notes, Galatians 3:13. Here it means, to rescue or recover our time from waste; to improve it for great and important purposes.
The problem is in the mindset! My time is not my own, as my life is not my own. I CANNOT live according to my flesh in such a way that I feel like such a length of time is to be wasted! This has greater ramifications than just that, though. How can I, going forward, spend so much time and money feeding the flesh?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
taking things for granted
After a long hiatus from blogging, I'm compelled to write this tonight. Most of you who read this know that I dislocated my shoulder (again) on Saturday while I was working. So here I sit, typing with my left hand while my right is in a sling.
It seems to me we don't always appreciate things, big or small, until they are taken away from us (or are nearly taken).
Here's a list in no particular order of things that I now have difficulty doing that I have taken for granted.
typing, using a mouse, writing (I'm right-handed), tying my shoes, fastening my pants (button, zipper, and belt), driving (it's hard to change gears and to start the car, closing the passenger door, accessing my right pockets, opening child-proof medicine bottles, doing laundry, folding clothes, brushing my teeth, shaving (can't stretch the skin to get a closer shave), cooking, stirring stuff, taking things out of the oven, using a can opener, taping a shipping label on a package, playing video games, opening containers, getting comfortable, showering (while trying to keep the sling dry)
Surely there are more I can't think of right now. That leads to a bigger question, though. What things are you taking for granted in your everyday lives? The air you breathe? The fact that you can breathe? Your safety? Your health? Your job? Your God?
God, although I'm not fond of my situation, thanks for reminding me to be thankful!
It seems to me we don't always appreciate things, big or small, until they are taken away from us (or are nearly taken).
Here's a list in no particular order of things that I now have difficulty doing that I have taken for granted.
typing, using a mouse, writing (I'm right-handed), tying my shoes, fastening my pants (button, zipper, and belt), driving (it's hard to change gears and to start the car, closing the passenger door, accessing my right pockets, opening child-proof medicine bottles, doing laundry, folding clothes, brushing my teeth, shaving (can't stretch the skin to get a closer shave), cooking, stirring stuff, taking things out of the oven, using a can opener, taping a shipping label on a package, playing video games, opening containers, getting comfortable, showering (while trying to keep the sling dry)
Surely there are more I can't think of right now. That leads to a bigger question, though. What things are you taking for granted in your everyday lives? The air you breathe? The fact that you can breathe? Your safety? Your health? Your job? Your God?
God, although I'm not fond of my situation, thanks for reminding me to be thankful!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Sabbath = Good
i'm not sure why my phone refuses to insert capital letters. this may be the first time i have blogged on the mobile browser.
regardless, i feel really relaxed right now. Hey, what do you know? I figured out the trick to capitalize in this browser. Sorry, ADD moment... Seriously, though, after working what seems like a lot of days in a row, I got some time off to go to a union convention followed by vacation in California.
I started this post on my phone on 6/24, but I gave up when it wouldn't let me make corrections or add anything.
During my time off, I was very relaxed. I didn't have the pressures of work or projects around the house. I was free to enjoy the awesome family God has given me, free to sleep in more than I usually can, and free to enjoy the days without any rain (as we had so much rain in the days and weeks prior to that). We enjoyed In-n-Out a few times. (They need to bring one out this way!) I didn't have to go to bed so early, because I was going to be sleeping at 5:30 when the alarm normally goes off 6 days a week. I read Tolkien's The Hobbit in its entirety and began reading The Fellowship of the Ring. I didn't spend as much time in the Word as I probably otherwise would have, but I was enjoying Him through enjoying that which He has given. We drove up Mt. Baldy and took the "scenic route" (read long way) down. It was absolutely beautiful. It reminded me of the mountains that we lived among in Bolivia. While we were up on the mountain, I found two pine cones that were each about 12 inches long... I didn't know they could get that big! Oh, and I didn't mention them specifically before, but my niece and nephew are both adorable (and I miss them lots)!
Anyway, now that I've been back going on two weeks, it's hard to remember to sabbath; or perhaps more accurately, it's just hard to set aside everything (that has piled up) and focus on and really enjoy our Creator. It's really hard--especially when you work basically every day and then have major catch up to do at home. Enough of that, though. Tomorrow is Sunday, and I get to enjoy family and friends, brothers and sisters, and, of course, God himself!
goodnight!
I started this post on my phone on 6/24, but I gave up when it wouldn't let me make corrections or add anything.
During my time off, I was very relaxed. I didn't have the pressures of work or projects around the house. I was free to enjoy the awesome family God has given me, free to sleep in more than I usually can, and free to enjoy the days without any rain (as we had so much rain in the days and weeks prior to that). We enjoyed In-n-Out a few times. (They need to bring one out this way!) I didn't have to go to bed so early, because I was going to be sleeping at 5:30 when the alarm normally goes off 6 days a week. I read Tolkien's The Hobbit in its entirety and began reading The Fellowship of the Ring. I didn't spend as much time in the Word as I probably otherwise would have, but I was enjoying Him through enjoying that which He has given. We drove up Mt. Baldy and took the "scenic route" (read long way) down. It was absolutely beautiful. It reminded me of the mountains that we lived among in Bolivia. While we were up on the mountain, I found two pine cones that were each about 12 inches long... I didn't know they could get that big! Oh, and I didn't mention them specifically before, but my niece and nephew are both adorable (and I miss them lots)!
Anyway, now that I've been back going on two weeks, it's hard to remember to sabbath; or perhaps more accurately, it's just hard to set aside everything (that has piled up) and focus on and really enjoy our Creator. It's really hard--especially when you work basically every day and then have major catch up to do at home. Enough of that, though. Tomorrow is Sunday, and I get to enjoy family and friends, brothers and sisters, and, of course, God himself!
goodnight!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Clutter
My house is filled with clutter. There is a mess in every room save for the bathrooms. In the past, I've said, "I have a project in every room of the house." Whatever I call it doesn't change its nature. The clutter consists of books, cds, dvds, video games and systems, boxes/shipping materials for selling said video games/systems, t-shirts, tools, and other paper clutter.
The task of cleaning the mess is so daunting I don't know where to begin. It's not that I don't know where things are; I have a pretty good handle on that. The problem is that things are piled up just about everywhere. When I invite people over, I intend to get the other rooms in order, but I just end up cleaning the living room, bathroom, and the kitchen, ie. the presentable rooms. Also, when I do start cleaning, I get distracted easily.
This leads me to a couple of quick thoughts, which I'll throw out there now, since I've been putting off packing or going to bed.
1. Do we (like my cleaning for company) only work on the parts of our lives we project to others, or do we thoroughly clean (or allow Him to clean) our internal mess?
2. Do we have too many distractions in our lives (whether tangible items, work, people, events, etc.) that we can't hear God's voice?
The task of cleaning the mess is so daunting I don't know where to begin. It's not that I don't know where things are; I have a pretty good handle on that. The problem is that things are piled up just about everywhere. When I invite people over, I intend to get the other rooms in order, but I just end up cleaning the living room, bathroom, and the kitchen, ie. the presentable rooms. Also, when I do start cleaning, I get distracted easily.
This leads me to a couple of quick thoughts, which I'll throw out there now, since I've been putting off packing or going to bed.
1. Do we (like my cleaning for company) only work on the parts of our lives we project to others, or do we thoroughly clean (or allow Him to clean) our internal mess?
2. Do we have too many distractions in our lives (whether tangible items, work, people, events, etc.) that we can't hear God's voice?
Friday, June 10, 2011
wowsers
Wowsers... it's been a while since I've posted anything or read the other blogs I'm following.
Today, I was glad to find out that the place I had fix my tire yesterday isn't incompetent. As I was delivering mail today, I heard the sound of air escaping my tire (the one that was fixed yesterday). It seemed like it was coming from the same spot, so I headed to the tire place, mildly annoyed that "their patch wasn't holding." Coming to find out, though, it was not the same hole but a different one... :o/ I'm thankful they got me in and out quickly both days!
As I've been reading the Psalms lately, God has been speaking to me about being thankful. It isn't easy to have an attitude of thanks unless you remain focused on Him. I still need work on that...
Today, I was glad to find out that the place I had fix my tire yesterday isn't incompetent. As I was delivering mail today, I heard the sound of air escaping my tire (the one that was fixed yesterday). It seemed like it was coming from the same spot, so I headed to the tire place, mildly annoyed that "their patch wasn't holding." Coming to find out, though, it was not the same hole but a different one... :o/ I'm thankful they got me in and out quickly both days!
As I've been reading the Psalms lately, God has been speaking to me about being thankful. It isn't easy to have an attitude of thanks unless you remain focused on Him. I still need work on that...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Plank or Speck?
Although I haven't read it recently, this passage came to my mind within the last week.
(Matthew 7:1-5 NIV)
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
I guess I'm ok at pointing out things in others' lives that aren't necessarily visible to them. Am I being critical of them? My question is what is the obvious thing (lacking/needing attention/etc.) in my own life that's not so obvious to me? In addition to that, are the things I see in others things that have been spiritually discerned such that I should be extra careful whether to share them with that person, or am I just judging myself better than them in some way, shape or form?
(Matthew 7:1-5 NIV)
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
I guess I'm ok at pointing out things in others' lives that aren't necessarily visible to them. Am I being critical of them? My question is what is the obvious thing (lacking/needing attention/etc.) in my own life that's not so obvious to me? In addition to that, are the things I see in others things that have been spiritually discerned such that I should be extra careful whether to share them with that person, or am I just judging myself better than them in some way, shape or form?
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A song in my head
Anyone who currently works with me knows that I get pleasure out of getting a song stuck in their heads. The one that I've been using for that has (for the last few months) been Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline." I also like to "song drop." When words of a lyric of a song are mentioned in conversation, I'll sing or whistle a bit of the song, even if I only know a little of it. All of the "Sweet Caroline" nonsense started when we were talking about how many co-workers were expecting grandkids. Dan, a city carrier, was saying he didn't know the gender of his yet-unborn grandchild but that the names that had been picked out were Caroline and George. Without a thought, I belted out a bit of the song, and the rest, as they say, is history. I think most of them probably hate that song by now. Incidentally, the child was a boy and was named George, but the joke still goes on at least a couple times a week.
That said, a song that has been in my head on and off for the last day or two has been Kelly Clarkson's "Never Again." Here's an excerpt of the song.
Two examples of this (off the top of my head) are Jesus and Stephen. Jesus, as He was in extreme agony, dying on the cross, cried out, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) Stephen, as the crowd was stoning him, cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60)
As I alluded to earlier, there were/are situations in my life where the normal/common/accepted thing would be to curse or hate those who hurt me. And I sure was there for a while. This, of course, did absolutely nothing to the other person, but it kept me from healing, kept me from freedom, and kept me in bondage to bitterness and anger. But God had and has more for me than that. To free me, He had to bring me to the place of remembering the pain to be able to forgive and release it.
Part of God's call is "to proclaim good news to the poor... to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners..." (from Isaiah 61:1) Just how are people supposed to do that if they haven't yet experienced it for themselves? Let's find freedom and healing, so we're able to move -- beyond "not wishing bad things" on those who have hurt us-- to loving as God loves.
That said, a song that has been in my head on and off for the last day or two has been Kelly Clarkson's "Never Again." Here's an excerpt of the song.
I would never wish bad thingsWhile I can identify with some of the lyrics here and elsewhere in the song from life experiences, the part that stuck out to me was the first two lines of the quoted section, which say, "I would never wish bad things, but I don't wish you well." At first glance or first listen, as it were, this doesn't sound too bad. After I thought about it, I realized that doing this sounds slightly different from the normal/natural tendency, which is to "love your neighbor and hate your enemy" (Matthew 5:43). But this is not up to the standard Jesus called us to, which is to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (v44) He called us to this, saying "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (v48)
But I don't wish you well
Could you tell
By the flames that burned your words?
I never read your letter
'Cause I knew what you'd say
Give me that Sunday school answer
Try and make it all okay
Does it hurt
To know I'll never be there?
Bet it sucks
To see my face everywhere
It was you
Who chose to end it like you did
I was the last to know
You knew
Exactly what you would do
Don't say
You simply lost your way
She may believe you
But I never will
Never again
Two examples of this (off the top of my head) are Jesus and Stephen. Jesus, as He was in extreme agony, dying on the cross, cried out, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) Stephen, as the crowd was stoning him, cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60)
As I alluded to earlier, there were/are situations in my life where the normal/common/accepted thing would be to curse or hate those who hurt me. And I sure was there for a while. This, of course, did absolutely nothing to the other person, but it kept me from healing, kept me from freedom, and kept me in bondage to bitterness and anger. But God had and has more for me than that. To free me, He had to bring me to the place of remembering the pain to be able to forgive and release it.
Part of God's call is "to proclaim good news to the poor... to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners..." (from Isaiah 61:1) Just how are people supposed to do that if they haven't yet experienced it for themselves? Let's find freedom and healing, so we're able to move -- beyond "not wishing bad things" on those who have hurt us-- to loving as God loves.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Draw your own conclusions.
This evening, after browsing the Xbox Live Marketplace, I decided to look for more Microsoft points to add to my account. Of course, this is not a need, by any stretch of the imagination. As I did price comparison, I was surprised and mildly annoyed to find the instant code download is more expensive than having a vendor ship a tangible, printed card with a code on it. I mean, really, there's little to no cost for the downloadable code to the seller, but the physical card has more cost associated with it-- material for the card, design cost, ink, packaging material, some sort of envelope, and shipping.
After I posed the question on my facebook status, I made the comment, "Clearly there is more cost associated with receiving something physical." And then it hit me... Clearly a real relationship of knowing someone and spending time with them costs more than a virtual one (ie. a facebook friendship).
Alright! That's it for me. Goodnight everybody!
After I posed the question on my facebook status, I made the comment, "Clearly there is more cost associated with receiving something physical." And then it hit me... Clearly a real relationship of knowing someone and spending time with them costs more than a virtual one (ie. a facebook friendship).
Alright! That's it for me. Goodnight everybody!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Looking for more...
I've got to say it. I'm getting pretty sick of it... What am I getting sick of? At the moment, it's all the hullabaloo about what Rob Bell believes, what people think of him, and all the wannabe theologians writing reviews of Bell's latest book or interview. Oh, and all the commentary about American Idol and the Bachelor. During football season, it's reading all the posts about football on Saturdays and Sundays.
Don't get me wrong. I like Rob Bell. I like the Nooma videos I've watched. I used to enjoy American Idol. I like football. I like Notre Dame and da Bears. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with these things. I think what bugs me about these things is how common, how fleshly these things are. I'm looking for more...
I want to see people passionate about Him, "seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." I want my brothers and sisters to wake up and realize that spiritual gifts were not only for the first century--but that according to Paul, they're something to desire and seek. I desire to see healing (emotional and physical) take place in order that His name be glorified. I long to see reconciliation and forgiveness take place where they need to. And I also really want to see the Church: a) unified in Christ, putting aside petty differences, and b) follow Christ'sinstruction mandate to "...make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
Don't get me wrong. I like Rob Bell. I like the Nooma videos I've watched. I used to enjoy American Idol. I like football. I like Notre Dame and da Bears. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with these things. I think what bugs me about these things is how common, how fleshly these things are. I'm looking for more...
I want to see people passionate about Him, "seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." I want my brothers and sisters to wake up and realize that spiritual gifts were not only for the first century--but that according to Paul, they're something to desire and seek. I desire to see healing (emotional and physical) take place in order that His name be glorified. I long to see reconciliation and forgiveness take place where they need to. And I also really want to see the Church: a) unified in Christ, putting aside petty differences, and b) follow Christ's
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Party like it's 1999?
The other night I signed in to Xbox LIVE and was just browsing the Dashboard, looking at new Arcade games and add-ons for my current games. When I went to the "Music Marketplace" tab, I saw that the Xbox LIVE featured artist is Britney Spears... who hasn't been cool in a long time... like say, before the existence of Xbox. The lyrics of one of her newer songs (I laughingly watched the 30 second preview) is actually a play on a lame/bad joke. I can't imagine there are a lot of gamers spending Microsoft points to buy BS songs or music videos.
Monday, February 28, 2011
A month without pop.
Today is the last day of February. Over a month ago, I decided to cut out pop for the month of February. This was not a fast (this post would defeat the purpose of that if it was) or something for Lent. I just decided on a whim to see if I could go a month without any pop, so I decided with only 28 days (most years), February would be the easiest. Before I started, I (publicly) challenged my brother to join me, which he did begrudgingly.
A month without pop doesn't seem like much until you consider how saturated our culture is with those carbonated beverages. Nearly every value meal includes one, and there aren't many stores/restaurants that don't carry them. Soft drinks of the fountain variety are a huge moneymaker for the vendor. A lot of sit-down restaurants charge around $2 for a drink that probably costs them less than $0.25. Regardless, soft drinks often are also a source of too much sugar and caffeine for the consumer.
Where was I going with this? Oh yeah, how readily pop is available... Like many people, I stock up on pop when it is on sale. And no, in spite of advertisements trying to tell me otherwise, 3 12 packs for $11 is NOT "on sale." :o] Because I have it on hand, I've found it really easy to just grab one for work but then end up drinking another in the evening.
That said, I didn't have too much trouble going without pop. It was a good exercise in willpower. I really didn't experience additional headaches, other than my usual weekend one, either. My brother, on the other hand, who was likely more addicted than I, therefore had more trouble. I think we're both glad we did it, and he's expressed something about continuing for 3 more days to have a full 31 in. Me? Nah, I'm going to enjoy the best U.S. pop tomorrow-- a McDonald's Coke.
Still, I've also been thinking I need to start exercising more (and to quit making excuses for not doing so). I look forward to warmer weather, which will be awesome for riding bike. I think I'll also check out craigslist or garage sales for some sort of home gym too.
A month without pop doesn't seem like much until you consider how saturated our culture is with those carbonated beverages. Nearly every value meal includes one, and there aren't many stores/restaurants that don't carry them. Soft drinks of the fountain variety are a huge moneymaker for the vendor. A lot of sit-down restaurants charge around $2 for a drink that probably costs them less than $0.25. Regardless, soft drinks often are also a source of too much sugar and caffeine for the consumer.
Where was I going with this? Oh yeah, how readily pop is available... Like many people, I stock up on pop when it is on sale. And no, in spite of advertisements trying to tell me otherwise, 3 12 packs for $11 is NOT "on sale." :o] Because I have it on hand, I've found it really easy to just grab one for work but then end up drinking another in the evening.
That said, I didn't have too much trouble going without pop. It was a good exercise in willpower. I really didn't experience additional headaches, other than my usual weekend one, either. My brother, on the other hand, who was likely more addicted than I, therefore had more trouble. I think we're both glad we did it, and he's expressed something about continuing for 3 more days to have a full 31 in. Me? Nah, I'm going to enjoy the best U.S. pop tomorrow-- a McDonald's Coke.
Still, I've also been thinking I need to start exercising more (and to quit making excuses for not doing so). I look forward to warmer weather, which will be awesome for riding bike. I think I'll also check out craigslist or garage sales for some sort of home gym too.
Bank of Gomorrah
I just got off the phone with Bank of Gomorrah, after receiving their Visa bill in today's mail. For some reason, they decided not to accept my online payment until 5 days after I made it, which made it 4 days late. Naturally, there was a late fee that needed to be waived. Their website was giving me issues today, too. I will say that I didn't have to sit on hold waiting to talk to them, though. When I get my taxes done, I'll be paying them off... I don't want to carry a balance anymore, nor do I want my (well, truthfully His) money going into such incompetent hands.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Read the whole letter.
When you receive a letter, do you read the whole thing, or do you just read a paragraph or two and finish the rest at another time?
Today, I got to thinking about how the modern publishers/printers of Bibles have done us a disservice by dividing the books of the Bible down to chapters and verses. Granted, I realize that this allows us to find passages quickly and easily. However, I can't help but think this has given us license to become complacent and satisfied with reading small portions of Scripture, whereby we also lose the greater context of the passage.
Many of the books of the New Testament were written as letters to churches or to individuals. Take Romans, for example. It isn't particularly long, and it was certainly read aloud in one sitting upon its receipt. The problem is that the chapters make them seem longer than they really are. When we read for pleasure, are not chapters much longer than 4 to 6 paragraphs? Aren't they often more like 20 pages? Yet we struggle to "get into the Word." It was a blessing for me to read Romans all at once today.
Perhaps the problem isn't the writers' division of chapters. Maybe the problem is that we've become too distracted, busy and lazy to sit at His feet, to soak up his Word, and to listen and wait (expectantly) to hear His voice. I know that's been an issue for me too, one I don't want to have anymore.
Today, I got to thinking about how the modern publishers/printers of Bibles have done us a disservice by dividing the books of the Bible down to chapters and verses. Granted, I realize that this allows us to find passages quickly and easily. However, I can't help but think this has given us license to become complacent and satisfied with reading small portions of Scripture, whereby we also lose the greater context of the passage.
Many of the books of the New Testament were written as letters to churches or to individuals. Take Romans, for example. It isn't particularly long, and it was certainly read aloud in one sitting upon its receipt. The problem is that the chapters make them seem longer than they really are. When we read for pleasure, are not chapters much longer than 4 to 6 paragraphs? Aren't they often more like 20 pages? Yet we struggle to "get into the Word." It was a blessing for me to read Romans all at once today.
Perhaps the problem isn't the writers' division of chapters. Maybe the problem is that we've become too distracted, busy and lazy to sit at His feet, to soak up his Word, and to listen and wait (expectantly) to hear His voice. I know that's been an issue for me too, one I don't want to have anymore.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Crappy Valentine's Day!
I think Valentine's Day is a joke of a day. I do not write this out of bitterness due to my relationship status. When I've been in relationships in the past, I felt the same way. Valentine's Day is a lame and pathetic reason to show your love and appreciation for your spouse or significant other. This should be done throughout the year because we want to, not because we feel obligated due to this marketing that has been shoved down our throats every January/February since we can remember!
Think about it... who wants to pay $70 for a dozen roses during a one-week period when they're a max $30 the rest of the year? Ridiculous! Want to know what my mom paid in Bolivia for a dozen roses??? About $1 US. Oh, and you may not want to go anywhere nice to eat on 2/14, because everyone else is doing that too.
Who benefits from this day? Off the top of my head, it would be the flower industry (if you can call it that), candy (especially chocolate) makers, jewelry stores, hotels, online dating sites, Hallmark and other card companies, and people who work in these lines.
What's wrong with this? One thing would be unfair expectations/pressure. No joke, I was in a relationship where the woman knew my strong feelings about the bs nature of the day in question and said she understood, but then she was still upset when I didn't do anything that day! Nevermind the fact that she was many states away and was unable to do anything that day anyway.
This all being said, put your hopes, dreams, sense of meaning/purpose/belonging/worth in the Eternal One, Christ Jesus.
Think about it... who wants to pay $70 for a dozen roses during a one-week period when they're a max $30 the rest of the year? Ridiculous! Want to know what my mom paid in Bolivia for a dozen roses??? About $1 US. Oh, and you may not want to go anywhere nice to eat on 2/14, because everyone else is doing that too.
Who benefits from this day? Off the top of my head, it would be the flower industry (if you can call it that), candy (especially chocolate) makers, jewelry stores, hotels, online dating sites, Hallmark and other card companies, and people who work in these lines.
What's wrong with this? One thing would be unfair expectations/pressure. No joke, I was in a relationship where the woman knew my strong feelings about the bs nature of the day in question and said she understood, but then she was still upset when I didn't do anything that day! Nevermind the fact that she was many states away and was unable to do anything that day anyway.
This all being said, put your hopes, dreams, sense of meaning/purpose/belonging/worth in the Eternal One, Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Reasons I haven't blogged much.
If you've read this blog or any of the previous incarnations that were my blogs, you've probably noticed that I struggle to write consistently. I have a lot of reasons (read 'excuses') for this. Here are a few in no particular order.
I studied Christian Ministries and Biblical Literature at Bethel College. My preference would be to take tests rather than to write long papers, but I had to do a lot of the latter. When I graduated, I decided I didn't want to write or go back to school any time soon. Sometimes I equate blogging with writing papers.
I'm too busy/tired/etc... (We make time for the important things.) It's easier and more natural to play Xbox 360, and there is some instant gratification there.
I haven't seen much fruit from it. At the time of this writing, I have 3 blog followers. Not that this is a plea for people to follow, but can a blog make an impact? (I know it can, I'm just saying here that this is a thought I've had.)
I don't have anything to say. Sometimes, this is due to a "valley" in my spiritual life, but other times I just don't want to be transparent. Maybe the first step is to decide that all my posts do not have to "be spiritual" in nature. We'll see...
In the meantime, I need to go to bed. Morning comes quickly.
I studied Christian Ministries and Biblical Literature at Bethel College. My preference would be to take tests rather than to write long papers, but I had to do a lot of the latter. When I graduated, I decided I didn't want to write or go back to school any time soon. Sometimes I equate blogging with writing papers.
I'm too busy/tired/etc... (We make time for the important things.) It's easier and more natural to play Xbox 360, and there is some instant gratification there.
I haven't seen much fruit from it. At the time of this writing, I have 3 blog followers. Not that this is a plea for people to follow, but can a blog make an impact? (I know it can, I'm just saying here that this is a thought I've had.)
I don't have anything to say. Sometimes, this is due to a "valley" in my spiritual life, but other times I just don't want to be transparent. Maybe the first step is to decide that all my posts do not have to "be spiritual" in nature. We'll see...
In the meantime, I need to go to bed. Morning comes quickly.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Different!?!?
I think I'll be different here... I think I'll share some thoughts without sharing the context or the lens from which I've been seeing them. I hope to come back and share more of the context at a later date.
If we are said to be "in the world but not of the world," why do we
1. care how the world sees us?
2. identify ourselves in worldly terms/possessions?
3. view the present in terms of permanence and the eternal in terms of theory?
Why do we get so concerned with the day to day? Do we not recognize that the kingdom of heaven "is at hand"?
If we are said to be "in the world but not of the world," why do we
1. care how the world sees us?
2. identify ourselves in worldly terms/possessions?
3. view the present in terms of permanence and the eternal in terms of theory?
Why do we get so concerned with the day to day? Do we not recognize that the kingdom of heaven "is at hand"?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Blind man seeing?
In Matthew 20, two blind men were sitting by the roadside, presumably begging. When they heard the crowd (following Jesus), they wondered what was going on. Finding out that it was Jesus passing that way, they began to shout. The crowd tried unsuccessfully to shush them, because they got Jesus' attention. Jesus, of course, asked them what they wanted, and they said they wanted to see. So, in compassion, He touched them, and they could see.
Think about how weird it would be after a lifetime of being blind to be able to see. There would be a whole new world to explore with another sense. But think also of having to connect what you knew through hearing with now being able to see. You would not immediately know what to fear (not so much fear, rather what you would have to watch out for) or what was good or bad...
Now, to Christ's disciples,--I hope that's you-- have you forgotten that you were blind? Have you forgotten the wonder of the sight He has given you? Should we not have more grace towards those who are still blind?
To anyone else--do you want your sight too? He is still compassionate and wants to touch you too.
Think about how weird it would be after a lifetime of being blind to be able to see. There would be a whole new world to explore with another sense. But think also of having to connect what you knew through hearing with now being able to see. You would not immediately know what to fear (not so much fear, rather what you would have to watch out for) or what was good or bad...
Now, to Christ's disciples,--I hope that's you-- have you forgotten that you were blind? Have you forgotten the wonder of the sight He has given you? Should we not have more grace towards those who are still blind?
To anyone else--do you want your sight too? He is still compassionate and wants to touch you too.
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