The Muppet Movie and Chariots of Fire are two of my favorites. Great lines in each movie. This morning in church I was reminded of both of these movies.
In the Muppet Movie, I think it is Fozzie the Bear that says, "A bear in his natural habitat - a Studebaker." In Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell says, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure."
This morning in church, as we were worshipping God and absolutely caught up in it, loving it, I kept thinking to myself the following:
"A Christian in his (or her) natural habitat - church."
"When I worship, I feel God's pleasure."
I hope you had the same fantastic experience I had today in your place of worship. FANTASTIC!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The toughest job I've ever had...
In these current economic times, I am so grateful to have a job. A job that I like, a job that pays me well, and a job that I am still jazzed about (even after 30 years with the same company!). It's great to have a job and I work very hard at being successful at it. What a blessing!
However, that's not my only job. I also have the "job" of being a husband, an elder at Chase Oaks Church, and the leader of a Life Group (together with my wonderful wife, Ellen) at our church. I'm sure that there are more jobs I could list, but by far the toughest job I've ever had is that of being a Dad.
I love my children so much and want nothing but the best for each and every one of them. I care about them so much and have a constant interest in where they are, what they are doing and who they are becoming. I am so blessed to be their Dad and count it an immense privilege to be a part of their lives, even as they become adults and advance into making all decisions on their own completely.
The really difficult part of the job of being a Dad is knowing when to speak into their lives and when not to. I'm sure that parents have struggled with this for years and I'm not the first one to experience this. But, it is really, really hard to know what to do. When you care so much, when you want nothing but the best for them, where is the balance in "letting go completely" and still wanting them to hear your voice?
You see, for many years that was your job - to train them, to teach them, to discipline them, to challenge them, to feed them, to provide for them, etc. Then all of a sudden, most of that becomes less of what you need to be doing. If you really love and care for them, you need to let go and let them be completely on their own. But, that part doesn't happen instantly. It happens more gradually. And all the while you are continually struggling with "Was that the right thing to do?" - "Was that enough - too much?". It's really hard to know.
My biggest consolation is this. These children that were given to me by God really belong to Him. He cares for them even more than I do. He loves them even more than I do. Even if I mess up as their Dad, God can make it right. I still have a part to play in their lives (Praise God for that!), but the results are not up to me. God has a plan for each of their lives and He will accomplish it in His time.
If you are not a Dad (a parent) yet, you may not be able to understand what I am saying here completely. But, hopefully some day you'll have that privilege, and then maybe you'll know a little bit more about what I am talking about...
However, that's not my only job. I also have the "job" of being a husband, an elder at Chase Oaks Church, and the leader of a Life Group (together with my wonderful wife, Ellen) at our church. I'm sure that there are more jobs I could list, but by far the toughest job I've ever had is that of being a Dad.
I love my children so much and want nothing but the best for each and every one of them. I care about them so much and have a constant interest in where they are, what they are doing and who they are becoming. I am so blessed to be their Dad and count it an immense privilege to be a part of their lives, even as they become adults and advance into making all decisions on their own completely.
The really difficult part of the job of being a Dad is knowing when to speak into their lives and when not to. I'm sure that parents have struggled with this for years and I'm not the first one to experience this. But, it is really, really hard to know what to do. When you care so much, when you want nothing but the best for them, where is the balance in "letting go completely" and still wanting them to hear your voice?
You see, for many years that was your job - to train them, to teach them, to discipline them, to challenge them, to feed them, to provide for them, etc. Then all of a sudden, most of that becomes less of what you need to be doing. If you really love and care for them, you need to let go and let them be completely on their own. But, that part doesn't happen instantly. It happens more gradually. And all the while you are continually struggling with "Was that the right thing to do?" - "Was that enough - too much?". It's really hard to know.
My biggest consolation is this. These children that were given to me by God really belong to Him. He cares for them even more than I do. He loves them even more than I do. Even if I mess up as their Dad, God can make it right. I still have a part to play in their lives (Praise God for that!), but the results are not up to me. God has a plan for each of their lives and He will accomplish it in His time.
If you are not a Dad (a parent) yet, you may not be able to understand what I am saying here completely. But, hopefully some day you'll have that privilege, and then maybe you'll know a little bit more about what I am talking about...
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Nothing is Black & White?
All of us have a world view. All of us gravitate towards people who appear to have a similar world view. We may even want to think we are "open-minded." But, the reality is (if we are honest with ourselves) that each one of us is constantly on the lookout for people who support and confirm our particular world view (and our presuppositions). When we find someone who agrees with us (and supports our already determined point of view), we are all the more convinced that our world view is correct.
Politics and elections do funny things to people. During most election seasons, people's true colors really begin to show. What has been thought about in the privacy of our own minds, and perhaps in the company of a few close friends, comes out in who we choose to support and/or vote for.
Unfortunately, moral relativism is alive and well in our country, especially during this election season. Well-meaning people are whole-heartedly submitting to this dangerous philosophy, maybe without even realizing they are doing so. What is moral relativism? It can be described as "a view that ethical standards, morality and positions of right and wrong are culturally based, and therefore subject to a person's individual choice." In other words, moral relativism says that we can all decide what is right for ourselves. You decide what is right for you, and I'll decide what is right for me. Moral relativism says, "It's true for me if I believe it."
In today's society, it is not the politically correct thing to say that some things are right and other things are wrong. But, it's true. According to the Bible, some things ARE right, and other things are just plain WRONG! Morals and ethics are not altered from one situation, person or circumstance to the next. Truth is truth. It always has been.
For example, abortion is murder. Homosexuality is wrong. Marriage is only between one man and one woman. Sex before marriage is wrong. Lying is wrong. Cheating is wrong. Period.
These absolutes do not change or get altered depending on the situation, or based on who is involved (and their motives), or because of the circumstances you find yourself in. Wrong is wrong. Truth is truth.
I am a believer in Jesus Christ. I believe that the Bible is God's Word, and that it is truth. This is unapologetically my world view. So, at the risk of alienating people I know and love, I am telling you in this post that the idea that "nothing is black & white" is just plain wrong. It's moral relativism.
Politics and elections do funny things to people. During most election seasons, people's true colors really begin to show. What has been thought about in the privacy of our own minds, and perhaps in the company of a few close friends, comes out in who we choose to support and/or vote for.
Unfortunately, moral relativism is alive and well in our country, especially during this election season. Well-meaning people are whole-heartedly submitting to this dangerous philosophy, maybe without even realizing they are doing so. What is moral relativism? It can be described as "a view that ethical standards, morality and positions of right and wrong are culturally based, and therefore subject to a person's individual choice." In other words, moral relativism says that we can all decide what is right for ourselves. You decide what is right for you, and I'll decide what is right for me. Moral relativism says, "It's true for me if I believe it."
In today's society, it is not the politically correct thing to say that some things are right and other things are wrong. But, it's true. According to the Bible, some things ARE right, and other things are just plain WRONG! Morals and ethics are not altered from one situation, person or circumstance to the next. Truth is truth. It always has been.
For example, abortion is murder. Homosexuality is wrong. Marriage is only between one man and one woman. Sex before marriage is wrong. Lying is wrong. Cheating is wrong. Period.
These absolutes do not change or get altered depending on the situation, or based on who is involved (and their motives), or because of the circumstances you find yourself in. Wrong is wrong. Truth is truth.
I am a believer in Jesus Christ. I believe that the Bible is God's Word, and that it is truth. This is unapologetically my world view. So, at the risk of alienating people I know and love, I am telling you in this post that the idea that "nothing is black & white" is just plain wrong. It's moral relativism.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Are you a leader?
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams
How about you? Are you a leader? Who are you inspiring to dream more? Who are you inspiring to learn more? Who are you inspiring to do more? Who are you inspiring to become more? We all have a tendency to want this kind of leadership from others, but what are each of us doing to help fill the big leadership void in this world ourselves? Think about it...
How about you? Are you a leader? Who are you inspiring to dream more? Who are you inspiring to learn more? Who are you inspiring to do more? Who are you inspiring to become more? We all have a tendency to want this kind of leadership from others, but what are each of us doing to help fill the big leadership void in this world ourselves? Think about it...
I agree with Jay Leno and David Letterman (actually Craig Smith?), too
This was written by Craig R. Smith on November 20, 2006. But, it has sometimes been attributed to either Jay Leno or David Letterman. They may have eluded to this in one of their monologues at some point. The original is worth revisiting:
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The same magazine that employs Michael (Qurans in the toilets at Gitmo) Isikoff. Here I promised myself this week I would be nice and I start off in this way. Oh what a mean man I am.
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TV's, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen.
No wonder the world loves the U.S. yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did … insane!
Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:
''What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on the earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom. Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States, 'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.' Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and theirs.''
I suggest this Thanksgiving we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful generation.'' A far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy.
Craig R. Smith is an author, commentator and popular media guest because he instantly engages audiences with his common-sense analyses of local, national and global trends. Serving as CEO of Swiss America for over 25 years, Craig understands that Americans want solid answers to the tough questions and that real leadership begins with servanthood. Craig's most recent book is "Black Gold Stranglehold: The Myth of Scarcity and the Politics of Oil," which he co-authored with WND columnist Jerome R. Corsi.
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The same magazine that employs Michael (Qurans in the toilets at Gitmo) Isikoff. Here I promised myself this week I would be nice and I start off in this way. Oh what a mean man I am.
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TV's, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen.
No wonder the world loves the U.S. yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did … insane!
Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:
''What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on the earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom. Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States, 'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.' Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and theirs.''
I suggest this Thanksgiving we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful generation.'' A far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy.
Craig R. Smith is an author, commentator and popular media guest because he instantly engages audiences with his common-sense analyses of local, national and global trends. Serving as CEO of Swiss America for over 25 years, Craig understands that Americans want solid answers to the tough questions and that real leadership begins with servanthood. Craig's most recent book is "Black Gold Stranglehold: The Myth of Scarcity and the Politics of Oil," which he co-authored with WND columnist Jerome R. Corsi.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
I agree with Solomon - Part 1
If you could learn something (anything!) from the richest man who ever lived, would you? If you could benefit from the wisdom of the smartest man who ever lived, would you do that? Seems like a slam-dunk, doesn't it? We'd be foolish not to take advantage of this rich man, smart man's experience and knowledge.
Well, I have good news for you! I'm about to tell you something that this rich man, smart man said. It is recorded in the Bible, the Book of Ecclesiastes, and King Solomon is the one who wrote it. Here's what he said in Chapter 1, verse 9: "That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun."
I am both amused and frustrated these days with people who think that they are so clever, so intelligent, so creative and so revolutionary. There are so many people who seriously think that they are doing things today that have never been done or never been discovered before. That somehow they are "improving" our world, and that what they are doing is so much better than what has been done in the past. How foolish. How thoughtless. How naive.
Solomon got it. He achieved great wealth. I mean, wealth beyond description! He also achieved great wisdom. People actually traveled really long distances to hear what he had to say. He did more than any of us could ever dream of doing. He built things. He experienced things. He tried it all. And yet, he pretty much discounted everything he built, experienced and/or tried in the end. It became tiresome, futile to him. Every new thing he thought could bring him that next great pleasure, that next amazing achievement, that next incredible experience, just disappointed him again. He called it vanity. Vanity of vanities.
There is nothing new under the sun. If someone is trying to tell you different, they're lying. Or they're trying to sell you something. Or they're not as smart as you think they are. Don't be fooled. Don't be duped. Be wise. Understand what Solomon had to say.
So, what are we to do then with this truism that Solomon gave us? Why don't we look at what he said at the end of his life for some clues. Let's look at the Book of Ecclesiastes again, Chapter 12, verses 13 and 14: "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil."
Well, I have good news for you! I'm about to tell you something that this rich man, smart man said. It is recorded in the Bible, the Book of Ecclesiastes, and King Solomon is the one who wrote it. Here's what he said in Chapter 1, verse 9: "That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun."
I am both amused and frustrated these days with people who think that they are so clever, so intelligent, so creative and so revolutionary. There are so many people who seriously think that they are doing things today that have never been done or never been discovered before. That somehow they are "improving" our world, and that what they are doing is so much better than what has been done in the past. How foolish. How thoughtless. How naive.
Solomon got it. He achieved great wealth. I mean, wealth beyond description! He also achieved great wisdom. People actually traveled really long distances to hear what he had to say. He did more than any of us could ever dream of doing. He built things. He experienced things. He tried it all. And yet, he pretty much discounted everything he built, experienced and/or tried in the end. It became tiresome, futile to him. Every new thing he thought could bring him that next great pleasure, that next amazing achievement, that next incredible experience, just disappointed him again. He called it vanity. Vanity of vanities.
There is nothing new under the sun. If someone is trying to tell you different, they're lying. Or they're trying to sell you something. Or they're not as smart as you think they are. Don't be fooled. Don't be duped. Be wise. Understand what Solomon had to say.
So, what are we to do then with this truism that Solomon gave us? Why don't we look at what he said at the end of his life for some clues. Let's look at the Book of Ecclesiastes again, Chapter 12, verses 13 and 14: "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil."
Sunday musings...
Where do I begin? I've been thinking and praying and pondering this blog idea ever since Andy gave me this gift for my birthday on September 30th. Being the logical guy that I am, I've been wondering about answers to the following questions: Why should I write? Who am I writing to? Who will actually be interested in reading this? When do I fit this activity into an already too busy schedule? Is this going to be the best use of my time? Can an old guy like me really be a blogger? Etc.
Well, I think you get the general idea. While blogging comes very naturally to some of you younger folks out there, not so much for me. I feel very self-conscious about it. Seems like I am going to potentially put a very private/hidden part of me "out there" for all of you to read/see. Not sure if I really like that very much. But, it is amazing how many ideas for blogs have been rushing into my head since I knew that I had a place to put them! Wow! The power of the pen! I just looked at my growing list of "ideas for blogs" (Remember? Make a list?) and it totaled 15! So, I guess I really do need to blog. I'm putting my reluctance aside and giving it a try.
Since I am a man of "patterns" and a creature of habit, I understand the benefits of routines (even though there can be some big drawbacks to routines, as well), this is how I'm going to try to make this work. I'll collect ideas throughout the weeks, and then on Sundays look for an opportunity to craft them, refine them and post them on this blog. What the heck. What's the worst thing that could happen? People finding out more about someone they think they know and love, but maybe don't understand completely? Trusting God for the results, I'm taking the plunge. Here goes!
Well, I think you get the general idea. While blogging comes very naturally to some of you younger folks out there, not so much for me. I feel very self-conscious about it. Seems like I am going to potentially put a very private/hidden part of me "out there" for all of you to read/see. Not sure if I really like that very much. But, it is amazing how many ideas for blogs have been rushing into my head since I knew that I had a place to put them! Wow! The power of the pen! I just looked at my growing list of "ideas for blogs" (Remember? Make a list?) and it totaled 15! So, I guess I really do need to blog. I'm putting my reluctance aside and giving it a try.
Since I am a man of "patterns" and a creature of habit, I understand the benefits of routines (even though there can be some big drawbacks to routines, as well), this is how I'm going to try to make this work. I'll collect ideas throughout the weeks, and then on Sundays look for an opportunity to craft them, refine them and post them on this blog. What the heck. What's the worst thing that could happen? People finding out more about someone they think they know and love, but maybe don't understand completely? Trusting God for the results, I'm taking the plunge. Here goes!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
