More than a war on Christmas

Normally, folks, I avoid some of these more controversial issues since this blog is supposed to lean more toward humor. However, people are weird and this war on Christianity is the epitome of weirdness. Read this article. Be prepared to be frustrated and a touch angry.

http://fxn.ws/12AcI9O

Andrew Sweigard

A hearty congratulations to Andrew Sweigard on his marriage to Sara. What a sweet ceremony. Truly proud of them, especially him. He has overcome some tremendous difficulties to complete his college degree and now married.

Being thankful

Many of my friends that I've connected with on Facebook have been doing the month of thankfulness, in which they have posted daily something for which they are thankful.  That was a great idea.  I didn't participate, not because I'm not thankful, but just because, well, just because I didn't.  However, I thought I might encourage you to be in an attitude of thankfulness, not for the month of November, but for the rest of your life.  WOW!  That's a lot!  You're right.  However, let's take a moment to examine that.

Covered bridge tour in Kentucky

James makes an interesting claim: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights". (James 1:17)  I am not going to exegete this, but just know that what I'm saying is not out of context.  James is acknowledging that every good thing comes from a good and loving God, is authored by Him, and is a part of His grand design.  Of course, humanity has corrupted what He has called good in many different ways.  But, I'm not talking about that.  I'm pointing to all good "things", whether experiences or observations.  For instance, one of my favorite past times is to drive into the countryside with my wife and just look.  When I do that, invariably I feel my spirit lift and I find myself breathing deeply and relaxing.  What a good gift from God!  Some of you may know I enjoy jazz, especially instrumental jazz that focuses on trumpets.   Love that stuff.  It gives a bounce to my step and a lift to my spirit.  What a great gift from God!  I watch my wife from across the room interacting with others and I think, "I am truly blessed!"  What a wonderful gift from God!  We were able to provide care for my wife's parents in their last days that not everyone has the privilege to do.  God is good!  What a great gift from God!  I have a job that, yes, is sometimes frustrating but is most often inspiring.  Wow!  Can you believe God would give such a thing to me?  What an excellent gift from God!

James Morrison,
Ausie jazz trumpeter extrordinaire

See, if we accept the premise that all good things are from above - note, ALL good things - then, we have so much to be thankful for.  The list should go on forever.  So, yes, during this season of thanksgiving, know that you have much to be thankful for.  But, don't stop there.  Live your life with thankfulness.  When you see beautiful colors, when you experience those moments that inspire and uplift you, when you even encounter rough patches and discover the small thread of "light" there, be thankful.  God is gifting you with many good things.  

May God make this day and everyday a day filled with good things.  And, may we see them and give Him thanks!

The Bottom Line

I don't know about you, but when I see the phrase "the bottom line" I know that we are finally getting to the most important part.  When you purchase a car, you wheel and deal, argue and counter-argue.  Finally, you reach the end of negotiations.  Whether the end is that you walk away or that you crawl into your new vehicle, at least at this point, is immaterial.  You and the sales person have reached the end.  You are at the bottom line.  Now, all that's left is to make the decision.  The bottom line.

The bottom line to your education, to your past life, and even to your future life is not in the "doing".  We are called into a relationship with Him.  Beyond that, nothing else matters.  All other negotiations are off.  That's the end.  The bottom line.  Live in a right relationship with God and "all these things will be added unto you." (Mt. 6)  We live to, for, and in Him.  That, my friend, IS the bottom line.  Where He sends you, what He gives you to do, those things are the "added unto you" things.  Seek first the Kingdom of God.  Seek first to live in right relationship with Him, and then...

How does this affect your schooling?  In multiple ways.  First, it means that coming to seminary was part of His plan for your life.  Live here.  Second, He has brought you here for a purpose.  This is not a hoop to jump through so that you can do the next thing.  This is your opportunity to increase your relationship with Him through learning how to be a better minister (yes, even those who are not planning to be a pastor are ministers).  Get all you can while you're here.  This is part of the bottom line.  Being in right relationship with Him today means that you are doing all you can today to keep that relationship intact.

Bottom line?  Keep pressing forward.  Keep that relationship with Him healthy.  In the end, it is all that matters.

What makes us different?

The other day I was watching a news channel, listening to three people debate the state of the U. S., in particular, abortion and women's rights. I grew more and more frustrated with the discussion as I realized the bent of liberals (who hold to abortion rights) is actually to deny the soul of humans.  If you've ever been privileged to watch Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, you will note that he often explains how dogs think.  They only think of the moment.  It's the here and now that matters most to them.  Right now.  Nothing else matters.  Consequently, when they want to eat, they want it now.  When they want to run, they run now.  When they want ... etc.  You get the picture.  The only limits they have is when their wish conflicts with "the other's" wish or when their master trains them to only respond when the master says they can respond.  The attempt to make any animal human (or worse, to make humans animals) is to deny personal responsibility.  (Don't worry, I'm coming back to the abortion issue.)  If we can argue that animals only operate in the moment, then responsibility is severely curtailed.  Drugs, though damaging to the individual and to others, should be legalized because then we don't have to worry about the overpopulation of our jails.  Yep, that's right.  That's the argument.  Seriously?!!!  Sorry, that's just really frustrating for me.  Anyway, to continue the argument.  So, if humans are just highly evolved animals that don't have to bother with consequences and responsibilities, then sex should be permitted with whomever, wherever, however, and whenever the urge hits.  That's an open and free society.  Really?

But, let's just suppose for a moment that we humans really are different.  We understand history.  We have a clear understanding of right and wrong.  We can argue there is A single truth against which all else that calls itself true is measured.  Humans can understand that; animals cannot.  IF this is true, then we really are responsible for our own actions.  Whether it involves a zipper, a gun, a bong, a syringe, or just a bad attitude, we are responsible for our actions.  Therefore, the blame of abortion rests with the woman and the man who decided their personal gratification was more important than their own responsibilities, that they did not have to worry about the consequences because our government says they don't.  Guess what - whether the government says so or not, we are still responsible.  The woman who accepts the man into her arms is responsible for what happens next.  Please know that I am not speaking of rape or incest.  I'm talking about the absence of restraint in the face of temptation.  See, if we are animals, we have no restraints except that which is put on us by "the other".  Sorry, folks.  That's just not right.  We are humans.  We have souls.  We have intelligence and no amount of searching for similar intelligence in gorillas, apes, dolphins, or snails is going to link the animals to us other than as fellow occupiers of this place we call earth.  They are trainable and can learn; but they will NEVER have the same responsibility or privileges we humans possess.  Watch how you use what you have.  You are responsible.  Enjoy life, yes.  But, don't use your freedom as a means to solely satisfy yourself regardless of the outcome.  The Apostle Paul wrote: You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.  The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 6:13-14 NIV) Doesn't sound much like an absence of responsibility but a sincere and healthy love of "the other", right?  But, of course, I'm just weird like this. :-)

The Good Lord?

Eh?  The "Good Lord"?  Wazzat?  Okay, a little English lesson.  The word "good" is an adjective that describes the noun, "Lord".  It implies that there is a bad "Lord".  I suppose this is a theological issue, but the implications bother me.  It either says God has a bad side or that there is another God who is as bad as this particular one is good.  That's where the question lies.  Is it possible for there to be multiple gods? Maybe the person calling Him the "Good Lord" is just commenting on one attribute.  Then again, the reverse would also be true - there is a bad Lord as well.  Remember the English lesson above?  You can't have a good without having a bad else where is the comparison?  Just one of my beefs.  I know.  It's just a little pebble in my shoe that I've decided by my own silence that I'll just live with it.  But, let it be known here and now, I DON'T LIKE IT!  There!  I said it.  Now, I'm done.

The Daily Task - You Can Do It!

My summer was great but extremely busy.  Happy for that.  That means things are going well and we're moving in the right direction.  Now school has started and the semester has begun and classes, well, they are classes, right?

Sometimes I catch myself wondering, "What am I doing here?  Hey, God!  Do you really think I can do this?"  I can tell you the answer is an unequivocal "YES!"  If God has called us, brought us and led us to this place, if I have followed Him, He will "supply all your [my] needs according to his riches in glory".  Do the work that is set before you.  Don't worry about tomorrow; just do today.

Last week was a little hair-raising.  It was for me, anyway.  Not only did the semester begin, but we had all sorts of technological issues that just made me feel really unsteady.  However, the other day a thought came to mind that has been a source of great comfort.  It was this: there are 60 seconds in a minute; 60 minutes in an hour; 24 hours a day.  Nothing alters those things.  They just keep ticking away.  They neither plod or race past.  They just go at their own steady rate.  In the middle of that hectic week, I realized, even though it felt like the troubles would never end, they would.  We would get through this.  In other words, in spite of how I feel at this moment, this moment will pass along with all of its corresponding problems.  Unless it is a life-threatening moment, I'll get through it largely unhurt.  What's more, because I am one of God's children, I know that He is fully aware of my troubles and will give me the strength to persevere during this time.

I tell you the above for one thing.  You may be feeling completely overwhelmed.  On the authority of God's Word, you can rest in Him.  You will get through.  Just keep doing the things you need to do today.  Today is full enough that it needs your full attention.  Tomorrow will take care of itself.

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (MT 6:25-34 NASB)

Primary Elections!

Primary Elections for KY are tomorrow, May 22. Put up, or shut up! :-) (Of course, said as kindly as possible.)

I'm sure I've been posting too many comic strips, but I couldn't resist this one. Enjoy!

HA! Doesn't matter which one - I fit either. :-)

Joseph and Mary - Facebook?

This was in a project I graded. WOW!!! Watch this!

The opposite of real trust.

Lead On, O King Eternal!

As happens on occasion, the other day I was driving down the road when an old hymn popped into my mind.  You may or may not enjoy hymns, but this one's title stopped me.  It seemed to me that I could almost hear the gut-wrenching, purposeful, committed, and resolute warrior, through gritted teeth, with determination say, "Lead on, O King Eternal.  I see the storms ahead.  I know the storms I've passed through and the ones I am currently encountering.  Yet, I will trust you.  So, lead on, O King!  I will follow."

I don't know what you encounter.  I don't know what you are living through or what you have been through to get to this point.  I know that for some of us school is difficult.  Due dates for papers, tests, daily interaction, PLUS daily life, all seem to clash on occasion.  You may even be encountering a rough patch in your life or, as you look at the horizon you see major storms brewing.  It's tough.  Life can be brutal at times.  You may even feel like throwing up your hands and quitting - quitting school, quitting work, quitting life, perhaps.

Hold it!  Don't move.  Take a deep breath.  Think about this hymn again.  The writer says, "Lead on!"  Where does that resoluteness come from?  From the past; from learning His strength in battles past.  Has He been with you?  Have you made it to this point?  Perhaps not unscathed, but have you made it?  Yes, you're here reading this right now.  You've made it to this point.  IF He has brought you to this point, He will most definitely lead you on.

Say it with me - "Lead on, O King Eternal".  

1. Lead on, O King eternal, the day of march has come; henceforth in fields of conquest thy tents shall be our home.  Through days of preparation thy grace has made us strong; and now, O King eternal, we lift our battle song.
2. Lead on, O King eternal, till sin's fierce war shall cease, and holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.  For not with swords loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums; with deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.
3. Lead on, O King eternal, we follow, not with fears, for gladness breaks like morning where'er thy face appears. Thy cross is lifted o'er us, we journey in its light; the crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O God of might.

See, it's more than gritted teeth.  It's an attitude of the heart.  Yes, determination.  But, not solely determination that is your own. It is determination that springs out of the heart that has known the trustworthy and compassionate leadership of a God who loves so deeply that He would stoop to care for each person, including me.  So, "Lead on, O King Eternal.  I'm following."

Patience? What is it?

You've heard folks say, "Never pray for patience...". Why? Simple. Your patience will be tried and the idea is that the trying of your patience gives you more patience. However, I gotta ask, just what is patience? Seriously, what is it? It's been touted as a virtue, and yet, I don't think we have a true handle on what it is. I'm beginning to think the better word for it is long-suffering. Suffer? Yes. And, you tolerate it. I also think there is a sense of peace that comes with it. It is the peace in the midst of the storm. When the waves are crashing, the lightning blazing across the sky, the thunder roaring, and the wind is at a gale, rather than ranting and raving about the lack of God's protection, resting at peace in the knowledge of His love - that is the picture of patience. I'm not discounting the concept of long-suffering. But, my innards are more in line with the storm. I get all tied up, frustrated, anxious. To know that God is going to work it out in the end in some way that is to His good pleasure for me, well, that should be enough to help me calm down. After the frustration passes, then the guilt floods over me. Yet, if I'm understanding this properly, then patience defined as trust, complete trust, should be workable and doable by fully trusting in God. So, it may be that we ask amiss when we ask for patience, because we "know not what we ask for." Perhaps, we should be asking for our trust to be increased and the only way that happens is by discovery - we discover over time that God is faithful to His Word and therefore reliable and trustworthy. If we can adopt that stance, we can weather any storm. God, help me to listen to these words and learn to fully rest in Your arms. I'm not asking for trials.  God knows, I don't want any extras.  What I am asking for is faith to live and thrive during those times.  That is, in my estimation, patience.  Resting fully in Him and His timing.  That's it.

Help us to be happy, Lord!

The caption read: "Irrefutable proof that a good woman can bring balance and stability to your life." Uh, yep!

Biblical proportions? ;-)

I'm trying, really trying to come up with something Biblical here but just can't. "Cast your net on the other side"? Hmmmm?

In a recent Bible study, Dr. John Oswalt talked about the connection between salvation and song - strong connection. The music comes from the heart that has found its security and salvation, not in themselves, but in God. We sing out of a joyful heart. Watch this video. Truly amazing.

80+ year old gymnast?

All that I can say is, "Oh, my word!!!" Hope I'm anywhere near this limber at 80+, assuming I make it that long. WOW!!!

Snappy Too

Okay, I'll admit it - I really like this guy.  He's a great musician.  A whole jazz band in just two guys.  Wow!!!

Genetic faith and reason?

How much do genetics play in the way we approach life?  This is going to be an open question.  I don't have an answer.  Just wondering.  See, I know that I avoid conflict as much as possible.  Always have.  I also know that often times I feel quite stupid and remain silent because I don't have answers to questions being raised.  That silence is often interpreted as quiet intelligence when it is actually my attempt to not broadcast my own ignorance.  Perfect illustration: When I was in college, I had to take Biblical Greek.  I did learn a lot and used it extensively in my ministry that followed.  But, in those early days of Greek, I didn't get it.  I sat quietly hoping the professor wouldn't call on me.  One day, before class was started, the professor was chatting with us students.  Sort of poking fun at different ones, just kinda relaxed and enjoying the time together.  He pointed to one of the students and made a comment about the student's outspokenness as illustrative of some sort of negligence or hidden failure.  I don't remember the accusation.  Then, pointing to me, he said, "And, Hale, you know he has to be really smart.  He just sits there and understands everything that is being said."  Riiiiiight!  NOT!  I was barely treading water.  It was kicking my behiney!  Yet, because I remained silent, I appeared to be intelligent.  So, where does all of this come from?  The attitude we all approach life with - where do we get it?  The writer of 4 Maccabees offers an option.

No doubt you are aware of the powerful love that exists between brothers and sisters. Divine and wise providence gives this kind of love through the father and plants it in the mother’s womb. These brothers all spent the same length of time in the same womb. They were formed over the same period of time. They grew from the same blood, and they were brought to full term with the same life. They were born after the same amount of time, and drank milk from the same fountains. The same fond embraces nurtured brotherly love in their souls. 4 Maccabees 13:19-21 CEB

Whadayathink?  Is it possible that my parents contributed more to me than my looks and certain diseases that are only inherent in them, passed to them by their parents, and so continues to their offspring and on forward?  Hmmmm, just wondering. 

Almost right?

As you know, I've been reading for my devotions from the Apochrypha.  Learned a lot that will impact the way I look at ancient and current Jews.  Dedication, I believe, is the key.  4 Maccabees is all about reason in the face of stiff opposition, or any opposition for that matter.  In the following verses, the seven brothers are preparing themselves for certain death at the hands of Antiochus and his henchmen.  Horrible, gruesome, awful tortures follow.  But, listen to these words:

All of them were looking at each other with faces that were bright and full of courage, and said, "Let’s set ourselves apart for God with all our hearts. He gave us our lives, so let’s use our bodies as guards around the Law. Let’s not be afraid of the one who wants to kill us; because the soul’s contest is great, the danger of eternal punishment prepared for those who break God’s command is severe. So then, let’s arm ourselves fully with the power that clear thinking [reason] gives for the control of the emotions. If we die this way, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will give us a warm welcome, and all the ancestors will praise us." 4 Maccabees 13:13-17 CEB (brackets mine)

Keep in mind, in other places, even in the Apochrypha, clear statements of reliance upon God are outlined.  Here, though, my mind is shouting, "Yes!  You're right!  Way to go."  And then, when they say, "Let’s arm ourselves fully with the power that clear thinking [reason] gives for the control of the emotions. If we die this way, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will give us a warm welcome, and all the ancestors will praise us", my thoughts careen wildly off course. I think, "Hey, wait a minute.  You were going so well.  What happened?  You now rely fully on yourselves?  Reason, or as the Common English Bible states, "clear thinking", is important and should be relied upon for nearly everything.  However, there are times when we cannot rely on reason that total faith must take over.  To die for reason alone is beyond belief, literally.  There must be something more than mere reason.  It must include the very being of God, Himself, otherwise all of reason becomes merely an action of the mind and not deep seated in the heart.  I will say, if these seven men did not have any faith or belief in the existence of God, then probably they would not have endured such horrific tortures.  To illustrate the point, the writer  focuses solely on reason without including faith and belief.  That's fine. But, let none of us forget to make a full bodied approach to life which includes reason and faith balancing each other.  The absence of faith will lead to the death of Christ without the redemption of life everlasting.  By balancing the two together, there is no circumstance that can arise that will defeat the believer.

Oddities of Religious Commitment

An interesting passage from 4 Maccabees.  This is a treatise on the place of reason in the life of the devoutly religious Jews.  What makes this interesting is that Antiochus (the king) takes the place of the tempter with some really good, logical temptations.  From 4 Maccabees 8:

"The tyrant looked at them as they stood grouped around their mother like a chorus, and was pleased with them. He was struck by their physical appearance and obvious dignified character, and so he smiled at them and invited them to come closer. He said, "Young men, I feel nothing but admiration and favor for each and every one of you, and I have great respect for the size and beauty of your family. Not only would I counsel you not to express the same insanity as that old man who was just tortured, but I would encourage you to obey me now and so enjoy the privileged life I can offer you. I can be generous to those who obey me in the same way as I can punish those who disobey me. Trust me! Abandon your traditional way of life, and I will give you positions in my government. Enjoy your youth by changing your customs and adopting the Greek way of life. However, if you disobey me and make me angry, you will force me to destroy each and every one of you with terrible punishments and tortures. So take pity on yourselves, since I feel sympathy for your youth and handsome appearance even though I am your enemy. Bear in mind that if you disobey, you have nothing to look forward to except to die on these devices of torture!" As he said these things, he gave orders for the instruments to be brought forward in order to frighten them into eating the polluting food. The guards laid out the instruments in front of them: wheels and machines for pulling joints apart, racks, clubs, and instruments for applying heavy tension, grills and extremely large frying pans, tools to crush fingers, iron claws, wedges, and burning coals. The tyrant continued: "Young men, be afraid. Whatever justice you respect will have mercy on you, since you are being forced to break the Law." The brothers heard the promises and saw the terrible instruments, but they weren’t afraid. Instead, they resisted the tyrant’s arguments with their own philosophy and defeated the power of his tyranny through clear thinking."  (4 Maccabees 8:4-15)

This is followed by legitimate reasoning regarding how the boys could respond.

""What pitiful and stupid people we must be! When the king has invited and urged us to accept his favor, why are we happy to make useless resolutions? Why should we dare to disobey when death will be the outcome? Men and brothers, shouldn’t we be afraid of what these instruments can do and carefully consider the threats of torture? We should run away from our useless beliefs and from our pride that will lead to our destruction! Let’s have compassion on our youth, and show pity for our mother’s old age as well. Let’s take seriously the fact that, if we disobey, we are dead men! Divine justice will not blame us because we were afraid of the king and his power over us. So why should we deprive ourselves of this pleasant life and cheat ourselves out of this sweet world? Let’s not fight against fate or take hollow pride in being tortured. The Law itself would have difficulty giving us the death penalty since we sin out of fear of these instruments."  (4 Maccabees 8:17-25)

Rather than give in to this philosophy, all seven of these young men along with their mother suffered horribly and still refused to give in to Antiochus.  Here's the point I wish to make: Even though temptations come with legitimate arguments, holding firm to one's beliefs are of utmost importance, far greater than preserving one's own life.  Hmmmm, yes, this way of thinking is wholly contrary to the innate self-protection God implanted in each of us.  On the other hand, Jesus clearly states (Matthew 16:24), "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me."  It is an odd thing to live outside of expectations.  But, there ya have it.

Judgement

"Did you see that guy?  He just cut me off.  The dirty little *^*&^$*&^%!!!  What's his hurry?  Probably some jerk who thinks he's something."  Mumble, grumble.  


Minus the curse words, I have heard my own thoughts and the above statements are not far off.  Of course, I do get rather ironically "tickled" when we arrive at the same stop light together.  Then, I remember times that I've been in a hurry and I was doing the bad driving, cutting in and out of traffic, rushing to class, afraid to be late and frustrated that the person in front of me appears to think they have all day to get wherever they're headed.  Can't they see I'm in a hurry?  Better yet, I think they're in my way on purpose!  They saw my turn signal, and, even though they really didn't need to, they turned the same direction as I needed to go just to stay in my way.  HOW RUDE!


Wait a minute, here.  You mean to tell me I can judge what another person is doing even though I'm not in their skin?  I can sit in my car and excuse my bad behavior and not excuse his?  What's up with that?  What about the other non-Biblical rules we all "live by"?  The code we think is all that important is often broken by those strangers who "should know better" even though they aren't from around here or don't have a reason to know, OR, perhaps they have some extenuating circumstances that may force them to break our rules.  Hmmm, what to do?


You may know from some previous posts that I've been having my devotions out of the Apochrypha.  You know, Psalm 151, Judith, Maccabbees, etc, those heretical writings that were not allowed into the cannon of scripture.  Here are some verses that may help shed a little light, or at least enforce a position that the scripture explains elsewhere as well:

7 Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke. 8 Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk. 9 Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not in judgment with sinners.  Sirach 11:7-9

We do not excuse sin.  We don't even sit in the seat of judgement.  We are humans and thereby are prone to mistakes, misjudgements, and all sorts of other ills.  Does that mean we should not sit on a jury?  Absolutely not. It means that in the course of our daily lives, we should work to refrain from being the judge and jury of our fellow sojourners.  We may not agree with them or what they do, but we leave that judgement up to the One who will judge all.

Change, again.

You're right, not a very impressive title.  Sometimes, change isn't impressive or comfortable.  I have discovered that as I age change becomes harder to accept.  When I travel, I've discovered that I'm most relaxed when I have done things in an orderly fashion.  Enter a changed or delayed flight, my stomach churns, my hands shake, and I find I just can't concentrate.  Last summer, I spent the night in the San Francisco airport because I was more comfortable trusting "what was" than taking a chance and switching flights.  You say, "Man, you're crazy!  You need some help."  Perhaps I do, at that.  However, before you go judging me, take a long look in the mirror.  How do you react to change?  What happens in your mind when things don't go the way you had planned?  Can you roll with the punches, sidestep, think clearly, and make the change necessary, still remaining sweet and kind?  If you are one of those people who can do that, my hat is off to you.  I used to think I enjoyed change.  Honestly?  I think my change cup is nearly full. 

What should you do when confronted with inevitable and perhaps even uncomfortable change?  Take your script from Jesus, Himself.  There He is in the Garden.  He has just been anointed, shared a last meal with His most intimate friends, been betrayed, predicted Peter's denial, and now, He is in the Garden of Gethsemane praying while his followers' snores could be heard in the background.  HE knew the change that was coming.  Have you listened to His prayer?  "Father, everything is possible with you.  Please take this cup from me."  Please don't force this change.  It is painful, literally full of pain.  I don't want to go down this road.  Please!  But, then He went on to say (and mean) the extraordinary - "Nevertheless, not as I will, but your will be done."  (Mark 14:36)

How should we approach change?  In trust with God.  "Not as I will, but as You will."  Tough!  Hard?  Yes!  Impossible? "With God, nothing is impossible."  As you continue to live for God, know that He is shaping you, even through the external forces, into the tool He wants you to be.  Trust Him.

John 3:16

'Nuff said!

Take a look at this blog.  Couldn't have said it better myself.  Oh, wait, I did say this.  The whole premise of my blog is just what this person writes about.  He substantiates my arguments.  So, enjoy!

http://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2012/01/13/essay-urges-academics-admit-being-little-weird

While I don't agree with his politics, Robin Williams is one amazing comedian. Oh, btw, I don't really even like most of his routine. But, this is pretty good.

'Nuff said! :-)

The End?

The Mayan Calendar.  Predictions.  Even the good ol' fashioned preaching I grew up on.  "88 Reasons..."  All of these predicted or currently predict the end of all time.  I don't know when the end is.  I do know it's coming.  We can't persist as we are much longer.  But, the scripture is clear.  Don't think His lack of coming is due to some backward thinking on the part of God.  No, He's just not willing for any to perish.  The best I can tell you is to live prepared for His coming, period.  An old song said, "Nothing between my soul and the Savior.  So that His blessed face may be seen.  Nothing preventing the least of His favor.  Keep the way clear, let nothing between."  Live that life and you won't have to worry about the future.  Is the end coming?  Yep.  When?  Dunno.  Just be ready.