I don't know about you but I'm a sucker for 'happily ever after' stories. They always give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Are they possible? Does happily ever after even exist? Don't you want to believe in 'happily ever after'? How do you know when happily ever after occurs? WHERE is happily ever after!!! I'm not entirely being facetious with those questions. They aren't frivolous.
I do believe that 'happily...' is a mindset first, before it can be a fact. Think for a moment about what brings you joy and happiness. Is it a person? 'thing'? condition? Then... why? Why does it bring you joy? Is it because stress is reduced? You are engaged in those activities that always brighten your outlook? What and Who is in your time of 'happily'? We all have these times and places and people - but sometimes we forget and need to remind ourselves.
Happily ever after may not be a permanent state... at least in this world. But it can be yours. It is your attitude, thus your choice. Even in the midst of 'trying times' you can approach the problems and issues with a mindset that isn't negative. 'Happily...' is not a pie in the sky or rose colored glasses, it doesn't deny reality but it is a different mindset, a glass half full, silver lining mindset. This approach provides far more opportunities for creative responses to those problems and issues.
How can you develop this kind of approach? Stop looking at problems in the same way you always look at problems (remember the quote attributed to Einstein). Focus instead on the potential positive aspects of the problems. There aren't any? I do doubt that but if you can't see any then look at the potential options to resolution. The more options you can develop then the more opportunities for looking at the situation more positively. Remember a 'cut your losses' decision is not necessarily a negative - it depends on how you look at it.
... but what do you think?
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
A simple equation
I have said in countless ways, countless times that it is what we believe, how we think, what we feel that is demonstrated in our behavior, our actions - a simple formula. So why am I beating a dead horse? Probably because I don't think you can say it enough. It is so fundamental, so critical that you need to know, deep in your spirit, this truth. When you look at your behavior, your actions it speaks volumes about what you believe, think, and feel; unfortunately while it is obvious to others it may not be to us. All are intimately interwoven. Do you see the relationship, the equation?
A simple example: you can't talk about love with anger in your heart - what you believe or think or feel will be seen and believed more than your words. The opposite of what you say you believe and think and feel is mirrored by your actions, your behavior. And what others see will always be given more credence. Children intuitively know this. Have you ever said something, somewhat unthinking, to a child and then seen their look of 'ya right'? You know, just as others do, when there is a disconnect between belief and action.
Hiding what you really believe, I think, is totally ineffective. I realize that there are countless numbers of people that would disagree with me. Perhaps a more accurate statement is a question - why would you hide what you believe? Are you protecting yourself? And to what end and at what cost? Actually, what is the easiest to change - behavior or thinking? But my point is that, minimally, you have to be honest with yourself because you fool no one.
Believe+Think+Feel = Behavior, Action. It is a simple equation to really know what is believed and not by just words. What you do always speaks volumes. Can it lie? Interesting question. My initial response is - no because it is what you do that defines for you and everyone else your beliefs and thoughts. But, perhaps you can change your behavior to disguise your true thoughts and feelings. However, I don't believe you can sustain this. And to what purpose?
... but what do you think?
A simple example: you can't talk about love with anger in your heart - what you believe or think or feel will be seen and believed more than your words. The opposite of what you say you believe and think and feel is mirrored by your actions, your behavior. And what others see will always be given more credence. Children intuitively know this. Have you ever said something, somewhat unthinking, to a child and then seen their look of 'ya right'? You know, just as others do, when there is a disconnect between belief and action.
Hiding what you really believe, I think, is totally ineffective. I realize that there are countless numbers of people that would disagree with me. Perhaps a more accurate statement is a question - why would you hide what you believe? Are you protecting yourself? And to what end and at what cost? Actually, what is the easiest to change - behavior or thinking? But my point is that, minimally, you have to be honest with yourself because you fool no one.
Believe+Think+Feel = Behavior, Action. It is a simple equation to really know what is believed and not by just words. What you do always speaks volumes. Can it lie? Interesting question. My initial response is - no because it is what you do that defines for you and everyone else your beliefs and thoughts. But, perhaps you can change your behavior to disguise your true thoughts and feelings. However, I don't believe you can sustain this. And to what purpose?
... but what do you think?
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Count your blessings...
Do you? Or do you focus on your needs, wants, situation, etc.? Do you ever count your blessings? There was a song, actually three but I'm referring to Irving Berlin's, called "Count Your Blessings" that became a huge 'hit' in 1954. It calls on us, especially in the difficult times, to remember our blessings and think on them, to count them one by one.
I realize that in the midst of the difficulties we may currently be facing that it's extremely difficult to shift our focus from our current 'what is' to a mindset of looking at the blessings we have received, 'have' being the operative word. However, it's what's been that should encourage us and rally our faith. One of my favorite scriptures is found in Isaiah 50:2 when God asked man if man thinks that God's arm is too short that He cannot save. The rhetorical question is answered with - 'No'. He always is present and able.. and does act on our behalf.
Hard and difficult times always come, it is inevitable. But how we respond to them is in our control. We may be at the mercy of something or someone else but our response is all ours. When these times come, your attitude and past behavior of reacting to difficulties immediate come into our consciousness. I am not suggesting that you deny or ignore what is happening - that's foolishness, but I do suggest that you remember that God has a plan, He's not surprise at what's happening, He will provide a way through.
The Christian version of this title is a very old hymn by Johnson Oatman and tells us: "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done." The point is that we have truly been blessed innumerable times but we tend to forget them. However, if we 'rehearse' by remembering then we'll see the marvelous and mighty hand of the Lord. He always comes to our aid.
...but, what do you believe?
I realize that in the midst of the difficulties we may currently be facing that it's extremely difficult to shift our focus from our current 'what is' to a mindset of looking at the blessings we have received, 'have' being the operative word. However, it's what's been that should encourage us and rally our faith. One of my favorite scriptures is found in Isaiah 50:2 when God asked man if man thinks that God's arm is too short that He cannot save. The rhetorical question is answered with - 'No'. He always is present and able.. and does act on our behalf.
Hard and difficult times always come, it is inevitable. But how we respond to them is in our control. We may be at the mercy of something or someone else but our response is all ours. When these times come, your attitude and past behavior of reacting to difficulties immediate come into our consciousness. I am not suggesting that you deny or ignore what is happening - that's foolishness, but I do suggest that you remember that God has a plan, He's not surprise at what's happening, He will provide a way through.
The Christian version of this title is a very old hymn by Johnson Oatman and tells us: "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done." The point is that we have truly been blessed innumerable times but we tend to forget them. However, if we 'rehearse' by remembering then we'll see the marvelous and mighty hand of the Lord. He always comes to our aid.
...but, what do you believe?
Monday, December 24, 2012
Surprise and Wonder
Do you realize just how delightful those two words are?! Translated into attitudes those words make life a truly marvelous adventure. And what do these words cost you? Absolutely nothing. Which only adds to their splend-ness. What does surprise and wonder 'look' like? All you need do is to look into the face of a small child at Christmas and you catch a sense of what I'm saying. However, you don't have to be a child, if you are an 'adult' you can still experience the joy of surprise and wonder. (This is another one of those attitude opportunities.)
A few years ago the pat phrase was... 'let your inner child out'. Much of the hoopla surrounding this phrase is just plain silly (in my estimation) but there's still some truth to it. One does need to approach life expectant, child like (not childish) in order for surprise and wonder to be 'seen'. It's not casting off restraint as much as it's letting creativity out. I think that what was being communicated, or at least the attempt was, to allow for another way of looking at life.
What am I meaning? I'm suggesting that we also embrace the attitudes of joy, of possibilities, a 'stop and smell the roses' mindset. Before even thinking, it can't be done or it's silly to even attempt this, listen to what this lifestyle is trying to convey. Perhaps the method can't be employed but the idea, the concept can be. More of a 'why not' approach. This is a new or different way of 'seeing' but it offers tremendous rewards.
Surprise and wonder arrive in a variety of sizes and shapes at sundry times. It comes in the ordinary and the extraordinary. But my suggestion is to intentionally look for those things and people in our lives that embody surprise, because surprise and wonder can lead you to places you never thought you'd go. And... you'll be the richer for it. When you approach others and 'events' with a measure of looking for something extraordinary, you may just find it.
...but, what do you believe?
A few years ago the pat phrase was... 'let your inner child out'. Much of the hoopla surrounding this phrase is just plain silly (in my estimation) but there's still some truth to it. One does need to approach life expectant, child like (not childish) in order for surprise and wonder to be 'seen'. It's not casting off restraint as much as it's letting creativity out. I think that what was being communicated, or at least the attempt was, to allow for another way of looking at life.
What am I meaning? I'm suggesting that we also embrace the attitudes of joy, of possibilities, a 'stop and smell the roses' mindset. Before even thinking, it can't be done or it's silly to even attempt this, listen to what this lifestyle is trying to convey. Perhaps the method can't be employed but the idea, the concept can be. More of a 'why not' approach. This is a new or different way of 'seeing' but it offers tremendous rewards.
Surprise and wonder arrive in a variety of sizes and shapes at sundry times. It comes in the ordinary and the extraordinary. But my suggestion is to intentionally look for those things and people in our lives that embody surprise, because surprise and wonder can lead you to places you never thought you'd go. And... you'll be the richer for it. When you approach others and 'events' with a measure of looking for something extraordinary, you may just find it.
...but, what do you believe?
Friday, December 21, 2012
Submission
Talk about misconception!!! This is probably the most misunderstood word and concept in the history of mankind - including (especially?) the Christian world. Everyone uses it but no one seems to either have a correct definition or application of the word. So often it is simply used to control but that has no bearing whatsoever on what the word means. Therefore let's look first for a definition, one of Webster's definition: "the act of submitting to the power of another". Free choice? Control to continue or change in the hand of the 'submitted'? Is 'power' the operative condition?
It's interesting to look at the root word, submit, to discover that it's defined as: " to give in to the authority, power or desires of another. to allow oneself to be subjected...." Give in, allow oneself seems to indicate that the person submitting has the initial authority/power to act. However, the one word that often is associated with submission is not included - subjected. Subjected and submission are NOT the same though they often have been related and submission is used to subjugate.
One very clear point about submission is that the individual chooses. It is a state no one can force upon another... at least not the spirit of a person. So how do we apply this? It seems that this is a 'joint' agreement, never forced. Scripture talks about mutual submitting (Ephesians 5:21) and nowhere that I've read do we lord it over the other person. (Even though there has been a total misunderstanding of what Paul was teaching.) Actually quite the opposite. Jesus talks about being a servant to others (Matthew 23:11-12) and then demonstrates it (John 13:3-5).
Granted this is a difficult concept to understand, the point is that we have the choice about who and what we submit to. (I'm obviously eliminating those situations, such as during war, when the choice is determined by the strongest.) The person submitting needs to be very certain concerning what they are doing. And the person in the 'dominant' position needs to appreciate that submission is mutual.
...but, what do you believe?
It's interesting to look at the root word, submit, to discover that it's defined as: " to give in to the authority, power or desires of another. to allow oneself to be subjected...." Give in, allow oneself seems to indicate that the person submitting has the initial authority/power to act. However, the one word that often is associated with submission is not included - subjected. Subjected and submission are NOT the same though they often have been related and submission is used to subjugate.
One very clear point about submission is that the individual chooses. It is a state no one can force upon another... at least not the spirit of a person. So how do we apply this? It seems that this is a 'joint' agreement, never forced. Scripture talks about mutual submitting (Ephesians 5:21) and nowhere that I've read do we lord it over the other person. (Even though there has been a total misunderstanding of what Paul was teaching.) Actually quite the opposite. Jesus talks about being a servant to others (Matthew 23:11-12) and then demonstrates it (John 13:3-5).
Granted this is a difficult concept to understand, the point is that we have the choice about who and what we submit to. (I'm obviously eliminating those situations, such as during war, when the choice is determined by the strongest.) The person submitting needs to be very certain concerning what they are doing. And the person in the 'dominant' position needs to appreciate that submission is mutual.
...but, what do you believe?
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Voice
Do you feel you have one? Are your thoughts and ideas, your beliefs and 'philosophy' heard? Perhaps a definition of what I mean by 'having a voice' would help: a voice is the ability to express your thoughts, ideas, beliefs and know that they have been heard. In my world of definitions, 'voice' has both components of expression and being heard. Two questions: 1- Is this true for you? Is there at least one other person that gives value (not necessarily agreement) to what you say? and 2- Are you conscious of what it is that you are saying? Are you saying what you want to say?
Perhaps 'hear' is the most important part of voice. We may have the ability, the freedom to speak our thoughts but the critical consideration is that these thoughts are actually heard. I find that if I am having to find a variety of ways to express the same thought that I need to look at my 'how' and with what words I use to communicate. Sometimes the hearing isn't the issue, it's the clarity of message. The issue is really whether or not we believe our message is important - that it has a voice. But in order for this to occur we have to be equally concerned with whether it is actually heard.
Other times there seems to be so much 'noise' that communication is garbled. Noise can be more than actual volume, it can be definitions, word usage, semantics. Noise is more deadly than we can realize especially if we feel we have communicate clearly and the other seems to 'understand'. So our issue at this point is to determine if what we said is what is heard. How? Ask questions or seek the other's opinion - their response will give you the necessary information as to whether or not it was heard.
Voice and being heard really are intimately tied together. Having a voice becomes less important if what you say isn't heard completely. The message should be the focus. You need to determine if what you want to say needs to be heard and then decide what is the most effective method to 'get the message out'. Never place voice and heard ahead of message.
... but what do you think?
Perhaps 'hear' is the most important part of voice. We may have the ability, the freedom to speak our thoughts but the critical consideration is that these thoughts are actually heard. I find that if I am having to find a variety of ways to express the same thought that I need to look at my 'how' and with what words I use to communicate. Sometimes the hearing isn't the issue, it's the clarity of message. The issue is really whether or not we believe our message is important - that it has a voice. But in order for this to occur we have to be equally concerned with whether it is actually heard.
Other times there seems to be so much 'noise' that communication is garbled. Noise can be more than actual volume, it can be definitions, word usage, semantics. Noise is more deadly than we can realize especially if we feel we have communicate clearly and the other seems to 'understand'. So our issue at this point is to determine if what we said is what is heard. How? Ask questions or seek the other's opinion - their response will give you the necessary information as to whether or not it was heard.
Voice and being heard really are intimately tied together. Having a voice becomes less important if what you say isn't heard completely. The message should be the focus. You need to determine if what you want to say needs to be heard and then decide what is the most effective method to 'get the message out'. Never place voice and heard ahead of message.
... but what do you think?
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Offend...
I would suggest that the Church world would consider themselves as inoffensive, acceptable to the world. That we try to be tolerant of all and inclusive of all. The church has/does bend over backwards ... to what end? I was musing about how Paul would react to who/what the church is today. I suspect he would be terribly disappointed. Though this may sound harsh, I think the church has moved into the lukewarm status that's mentioned in Revelations. And that is scary.
Other 'religions' have absolutely no qualms about being your face, about unequivocally stating what they believe. I wonder how we have gotten so hesitant and apologetic about what our standards are? Often we indicate our standards but somewhat embarrassed and we are quick to add that it is your option to accept or not. We stood by when they took prayer out of the schools. We stood by when they attempted to eliminate 'in God we trust' from the Pledge of Allegiance and from the currency. We, the church, have stood by on so many issues - why!?
Why have we bought into the mindset that Christianity HAS to be accepting of those who hate what we stand for and who we stand for? Yet we, with open arms, so often disregard our own standards and beliefs in the name of tolerance. Politically correct? Was Jesus politically correct? or the disciples and followers? I suspect that had they succumbed to being politically correct, Christianity would have died an agonizing death centuries ago.
It's difficult to share a powerless idea and impossible to attract new believers. And, in fact, Christianity is anything but powerless. But do you believe this? Do you act as a redeemed, child of God? How do you share your transformation from unrighteous to ambassador? Do you believe that Jesus is the Savior and there is none like Him? After listening to you would you become a Christian? It is the only answer and if you don't believe this, if you think this is only one of a variety of paths then why join your group? What does it offer that the others don't? Christianity offers everything and you, when you accepted Jesus as Lord, became a spokesperson. Are you? Or are you afraid you'd offend?
... but, what do you believe?
Other 'religions' have absolutely no qualms about being your face, about unequivocally stating what they believe. I wonder how we have gotten so hesitant and apologetic about what our standards are? Often we indicate our standards but somewhat embarrassed and we are quick to add that it is your option to accept or not. We stood by when they took prayer out of the schools. We stood by when they attempted to eliminate 'in God we trust' from the Pledge of Allegiance and from the currency. We, the church, have stood by on so many issues - why!?
Why have we bought into the mindset that Christianity HAS to be accepting of those who hate what we stand for and who we stand for? Yet we, with open arms, so often disregard our own standards and beliefs in the name of tolerance. Politically correct? Was Jesus politically correct? or the disciples and followers? I suspect that had they succumbed to being politically correct, Christianity would have died an agonizing death centuries ago.
It's difficult to share a powerless idea and impossible to attract new believers. And, in fact, Christianity is anything but powerless. But do you believe this? Do you act as a redeemed, child of God? How do you share your transformation from unrighteous to ambassador? Do you believe that Jesus is the Savior and there is none like Him? After listening to you would you become a Christian? It is the only answer and if you don't believe this, if you think this is only one of a variety of paths then why join your group? What does it offer that the others don't? Christianity offers everything and you, when you accepted Jesus as Lord, became a spokesperson. Are you? Or are you afraid you'd offend?
... but, what do you believe?
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
What's it all about???
Do you ever find yourself asking this question? Perhaps frustrated. Perhaps confused. But definitely needing an answer. And not just any old answer or someone else's answer - your answer! Of course you've been in this quandary... probably multiple times. But the real question is - did you find your answer? Or at least enough of an answer to continue until you once again came face-to-face with this question. Then what? What happened to the answer? Do you feel that there is something 'missing' in your life?
It probably could be argued that how you behave during these times really defines your character. If nothing else, it does define what you do when you are in a direction-less state. What you fall back on during these times does speak volumes about who you are. So what do you rely on? What do you do when there doesn't seem to be anything you can do?
Everyone develops their own coping mechanisms to extricate themselves from these situations but the effectiveness is the question. Does it extricate you permanently? For long periods? Quick return? Can the mechanism be applied in all cases? No one wants a quick out and then return to the same state. I suspect we all seek some peace from the issue that's plaguing us. Our basic problem is to not compromise in order to escape to even a momentary peace.
One danger we all seem to face is to rush to judgment - make a decision, any decision whether or not it seems to be your answer. But let me propose a series of simple steps as an alternative. First: stop, do nothing and calm down. When you don't have an answer to what's it's all about, don't simply land on the first thing that strikes you. Two: pray. Ask the answer-giver for direction. God's right there, let him help. Three: analyze what it is that you want it to be about - your answer. Four: look at where you are and where you want to be and see if you can discern a path. Five: stop again, see if your path is the best way to resolving your question. Six: once, on the way, reassess as you go along because new information can change your path, your answer.
What's it's all about... it's about You. And about who you are and what you do. If you are confused or frustrated then something's happened to alter your situation. You need your questions to arrive at your answers.
...but, what do you believe?
It probably could be argued that how you behave during these times really defines your character. If nothing else, it does define what you do when you are in a direction-less state. What you fall back on during these times does speak volumes about who you are. So what do you rely on? What do you do when there doesn't seem to be anything you can do?
Everyone develops their own coping mechanisms to extricate themselves from these situations but the effectiveness is the question. Does it extricate you permanently? For long periods? Quick return? Can the mechanism be applied in all cases? No one wants a quick out and then return to the same state. I suspect we all seek some peace from the issue that's plaguing us. Our basic problem is to not compromise in order to escape to even a momentary peace.
One danger we all seem to face is to rush to judgment - make a decision, any decision whether or not it seems to be your answer. But let me propose a series of simple steps as an alternative. First: stop, do nothing and calm down. When you don't have an answer to what's it's all about, don't simply land on the first thing that strikes you. Two: pray. Ask the answer-giver for direction. God's right there, let him help. Three: analyze what it is that you want it to be about - your answer. Four: look at where you are and where you want to be and see if you can discern a path. Five: stop again, see if your path is the best way to resolving your question. Six: once, on the way, reassess as you go along because new information can change your path, your answer.
What's it's all about... it's about You. And about who you are and what you do. If you are confused or frustrated then something's happened to alter your situation. You need your questions to arrive at your answers.
...but, what do you believe?
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Facts... or Faith
These two words are not necessarily incompatible but we can use wanting 'facts' as an excuse. I believe we have a choice to live by facts or to live by faith. And yes, that is a somewhat simplistic view... or is it? Do you live only according to the 'facts' or do you live according to faith - is there a middle ground? The last point is the one that most of us would like to accept but in certain areas, you can't.
So when we 'live' by facts what does this say? We're logical? We're rational? Not necessarily. Supposedly living by facts presupposes an acceptance of the source of the facts. So the logical, rational question would be - what or who is your source? This is a 'rubber meets the road' question. Do you even consider your source? Just how reliable has this source been for you in the past. Before I pound this into the ground, I suspect you see the point I'm making.
Living by faith? How? Why? Same questions? Perhaps an interesting consideration is that faith requires something from you. You have to have faith, and typically in something or someone outside of yourself or 'control'. Facts, on the other hand, are just that. You can reject them but it doesn't take from their being fact. Faith requires much more from you - an intellectual and emotional agreement... a belief.
I read somewhere (?) that a prisoner in a concentration camp carved the following: "I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine. I believe in love, even when it isn't shown. I believe in God, even when He doesn't speak." What a marvelous mindset, especially considering where the person was. A slightly different way of phrasing the same thought is found in 2 Corinthians 4:28: "We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will only last a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever." Both quotes are testimonies to faith.
...but what do you believe?
So when we 'live' by facts what does this say? We're logical? We're rational? Not necessarily. Supposedly living by facts presupposes an acceptance of the source of the facts. So the logical, rational question would be - what or who is your source? This is a 'rubber meets the road' question. Do you even consider your source? Just how reliable has this source been for you in the past. Before I pound this into the ground, I suspect you see the point I'm making.
Living by faith? How? Why? Same questions? Perhaps an interesting consideration is that faith requires something from you. You have to have faith, and typically in something or someone outside of yourself or 'control'. Facts, on the other hand, are just that. You can reject them but it doesn't take from their being fact. Faith requires much more from you - an intellectual and emotional agreement... a belief.
I read somewhere (?) that a prisoner in a concentration camp carved the following: "I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine. I believe in love, even when it isn't shown. I believe in God, even when He doesn't speak." What a marvelous mindset, especially considering where the person was. A slightly different way of phrasing the same thought is found in 2 Corinthians 4:28: "We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will only last a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever." Both quotes are testimonies to faith.
...but what do you believe?
Friday, December 7, 2012
Application
I think that my biggest criticism of most of 'education' is that it seems to have no relevance to most people's lives. Or rather that the application to one's life is not taught. My contention would be that though there is 'education for education sake' there is also a huge need for putting what is learned to use. And I'm not talking about 'technical school' training, though they do know how to put what they do to practical use. But isn't it possible to put the learning in other areas to practical use too?
To be totally honest, I have the same criticism of most sermons. I remember that when I was a child I made up a game for myself which was to find at least one comment the minister made in his sermon that I could actually use in my life. It was always a challenge to find something because simply because you have a title as preacher or teacher doesn't necessarily translate into preaching or teaching. Not everyone has the ability to make what they say as a point to discover what you believe and how you 'put it into practice'.
I find it 'interesting' that the two most important influences on our lives, the two that should help us develop our personal standards have little to no relationship to the 'how' we live our lives. And I'm not suggesting that they dictate how we react and interrelate, but they really do little to focus us on developing these standards. I would never suggest that they tell us what to do, who we are but I would suggest that they take a bit more time in helping people apply what they learn.
What we need to do is to develop critical thinking that has as its end - how we apply what we have just learned. Education's maxim has always been: tell them (the students) what you are going to tell them, then tell them, and finally to summarize what you just said. This is a good tool but it is missing the critical component - asking them how, what they just learned, is relevant to who they are and what they do. What 'lessons' they learned.
...but what do you think?
To be totally honest, I have the same criticism of most sermons. I remember that when I was a child I made up a game for myself which was to find at least one comment the minister made in his sermon that I could actually use in my life. It was always a challenge to find something because simply because you have a title as preacher or teacher doesn't necessarily translate into preaching or teaching. Not everyone has the ability to make what they say as a point to discover what you believe and how you 'put it into practice'.
I find it 'interesting' that the two most important influences on our lives, the two that should help us develop our personal standards have little to no relationship to the 'how' we live our lives. And I'm not suggesting that they dictate how we react and interrelate, but they really do little to focus us on developing these standards. I would never suggest that they tell us what to do, who we are but I would suggest that they take a bit more time in helping people apply what they learn.
What we need to do is to develop critical thinking that has as its end - how we apply what we have just learned. Education's maxim has always been: tell them (the students) what you are going to tell them, then tell them, and finally to summarize what you just said. This is a good tool but it is missing the critical component - asking them how, what they just learned, is relevant to who they are and what they do. What 'lessons' they learned.
...but what do you think?
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Sacrifice
What images flash in your mind when you see or hear that word? Is it a personal reaction? Does it cause fear to rise? Perhaps it evokes a memory? Maybe it makes you think of a time when you chose not to accept your opportunity to sacrifice? Or maybe it reminds you of a time you did sacrifice... But what do you believe, how do you define 'sacrifice'?
According to Webster, sacrifice can be either a noun or a verb. If, when it's a verb, it's an action word... something you do. However, I really don't like any of the definitions. The reason is that it really is a negative, something you have to do, something required. It always means loss, but not necessarily a loss chosen by you. Who would want to do that?!! Or to accept that 'fate'? For the most part, there's little to commend 'sacrifice'.
Therefore, I would like to propose a different definition, a different way of looking at sacrifice. In my world, sacrifice would mean a proactive choosing. Besides, in the final analysis it does depend on our attitude toward the word and the consequences and/or opportunities that are presented. What if you have no choice? I realize that sacrifice may not be a choice but your attitude regarding it is.
These kinds of situations, regardless of choice, are difficult to understand or accept but our choice of reacting is ours. We need to feel some form of control is ours, even if it's only how we react. Being a silver-lining, glass half full type does make this easier but only slightly. It's difficult to do what eagles do when storms approach... they fly into them head on. Then again, this propels them up and over the storm. Perhaps we can do the same.
...but, what do you think?
According to Webster, sacrifice can be either a noun or a verb. If, when it's a verb, it's an action word... something you do. However, I really don't like any of the definitions. The reason is that it really is a negative, something you have to do, something required. It always means loss, but not necessarily a loss chosen by you. Who would want to do that?!! Or to accept that 'fate'? For the most part, there's little to commend 'sacrifice'.
Therefore, I would like to propose a different definition, a different way of looking at sacrifice. In my world, sacrifice would mean a proactive choosing. Besides, in the final analysis it does depend on our attitude toward the word and the consequences and/or opportunities that are presented. What if you have no choice? I realize that sacrifice may not be a choice but your attitude regarding it is.
These kinds of situations, regardless of choice, are difficult to understand or accept but our choice of reacting is ours. We need to feel some form of control is ours, even if it's only how we react. Being a silver-lining, glass half full type does make this easier but only slightly. It's difficult to do what eagles do when storms approach... they fly into them head on. Then again, this propels them up and over the storm. Perhaps we can do the same.
...but, what do you think?
Sunday, December 2, 2012
'Much'
So exactly what is 'much'? It really has no definition and yet multiple ones. Much is more than more... but that really doesn't help us because that would mean we would need to quantify 'more' somehow. And that's part of the problem - there really is no standard for either word. And why am I whinging on about much? Because of the scripture that says: To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Personally I'm a much given person, but what is much required?
To attempt to answer that, the first point is that this should not inspire fear. Scripture (1Timothy 1:7) states that we have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. If you are feeling fearful then maybe the problem is that you are looking to 'do' much from your own strength. That never works. It really isn't about you. And that isn't what the scripture says. Waiting until your 'much' instructions are written in the sky doesn't accomplish anything either. What's at your hand to do?
One of the problems that the church world faces is that we all tend to find scriptures and/or promises that we like and then repeat them to the point that they often seem to take on a life apart from what is said. The first thing we need to do is to read scripture in light of the verses before and after what we are quoting. What was happening when Jesus made that comment in Luke? He was teaching. He was helping his disciples to understand what this life was and what their responsibilities were. And this particular verse is at the end of the teaching on the faithful and evil servant.
Once you begin to remember other scriptures that will strengthen you for your 'much' then suddenly you don't need to feel that you aren't 'ready' to do... much. And when you see your 'much' as an extension of who you are and not necessarily a limelight event, then you can go forward confidently. 'Much' is not a one time flash-in-the-pan event but is based on your willingness and availability to be and to do... much.
...but, what do you think?
To attempt to answer that, the first point is that this should not inspire fear. Scripture (1Timothy 1:7) states that we have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. If you are feeling fearful then maybe the problem is that you are looking to 'do' much from your own strength. That never works. It really isn't about you. And that isn't what the scripture says. Waiting until your 'much' instructions are written in the sky doesn't accomplish anything either. What's at your hand to do?
One of the problems that the church world faces is that we all tend to find scriptures and/or promises that we like and then repeat them to the point that they often seem to take on a life apart from what is said. The first thing we need to do is to read scripture in light of the verses before and after what we are quoting. What was happening when Jesus made that comment in Luke? He was teaching. He was helping his disciples to understand what this life was and what their responsibilities were. And this particular verse is at the end of the teaching on the faithful and evil servant.
Once you begin to remember other scriptures that will strengthen you for your 'much' then suddenly you don't need to feel that you aren't 'ready' to do... much. And when you see your 'much' as an extension of who you are and not necessarily a limelight event, then you can go forward confidently. 'Much' is not a one time flash-in-the-pan event but is based on your willingness and availability to be and to do... much.
...but, what do you think?
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