Maybe I’m the only one who ever had this problem after the 5th grade – said something or did something that hurt another person. Worse yet, broke their trust. Compound the damage if this is someone close – a friend or family member.
I’ve always told my children that trust is something hard to repair. Only time and opportunities to prove yourself can restore trust. Once you scramble that egg, you are stuck with a mess, especially since that the person you hurt is (understandably) not likely to give you many opportunities to rebuild trust – at least at first.
Of course the KEY is to not break the trust in the first place. I have to admonish each of us to watch our tongues and our actions to be sure we never, ever betray a trust or hurt someone else. But, if you are like me, and all too often have these words of Paul running around in your head: “When I want to do good, I don’t. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway,” [Ro. 7:19 New Living Translation throughout], then as much as you’d like to say differently, you have hurt people by words or actions at least a few times – even since the 5th grade.
Remember, the Bible says, (in James 3:5) “So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do”—warning us of its power of destruction. So we have to admit that this is a common problem with human nature and all people – even Christians. If you have avoided it in your adult life, you are indeed wise and godly.
Once you realize you have betrayed trust in word or deed, you need to repent before God and ask His forgiveness. Then I suggest you ask for strength, spiritual support, because you may need it once the full impact of what you have done hits you, as you see the pain you have caused for another and understand that there is simply nothing you can do to take that back. You must humbly admit your wrong to the injured party and ask forgiveness.
I also suggest you pray that God will help the injured party to be merciful – realizing that the better part of mercy might be holding you accountable even while forgiving you – and for their own peace and strength to work through this too. They may be in for some rough times as well, while dealing with issues or feelings you created.
If you’ve damaged someone’s reputation by gossip – even by telling a truth trusted to you – and God has blessed you by allowing you to truly understand what damage you have done – then you are in a “in for a world of hurt,” as we say in the South, as you face the hard truth. It is painful. I know. I’ve been there. I’d love nothing more than to be able to press the rewind button and unscramble that egg.
So, I suggest lots of prayer for yourself and for the person you harmed – fasting to draw closer to God and live more in line with Him – Bible study to fill your mind, heart and mouth with the right things.
But, although these are all good and right things that you should be doing, they work on the current and future you. The point is, once the dead is done, you can work on never doing it again, but you can’t undo it. Sometimes you get the opportunity to do some repair work, but that is very rare. I wish I could say differently – oh how I wish it!
Proverbs 18:19 warns us that “it is harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city.” I can vouch for that, unfortunately.
So, I have only two rules for us on this:
RULE #1: Do all you can to avoid breaking someone’s trust. Guard your tongue, guard your actions, and think before speaking or taking action.
RULE #2: There is no second chance – go back to rule #1.
I hope this saves us both from scrambled eggs in the future!
Love, Nancy
P.S. You know who you are: to you I say, again, I am terribly sorry.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I KNEW JACK KENNEDY AND YOU ARE NO JACK KENNEDY
I work in sales, an industry where image leads and functionality follows. The two questions I must answer at the very start of the sales process are “Who are you?” and “What can you do for me?”
It is well expressed in this blurb I read recently in an industry publication: "Two basic tenets of selling are that (1) people buy from other people more happily than from faceless corporations, and that (2) in the marketplace as in theater, there is indeed a factor at work called 'the willing suspension of disbelief.' Who stands behind our pancakes? Aunt Jemima. Our angel food cake? Betty Crocker. Our coffee? Juan Valdez. Anyone over the age of 3 knows that it's all myth. But like Santa Claus and the tooth fairy, the myths are comforting."
There is certainly a lot of theatrics going on in our country today. As shows like Saturday Night Live skewer the leaders of the auto industry for greedy adherence to their rich lifestyles while their industry is on the verge of collapse and as Governor Blagojevich resurrects the image of Chicago politics during the reign of the mob, we would all be well advised to consider what kind of impression each of us makes as representatives of our families, our faith, our congregations, and our heavenly Father.
When it comes to “buying” the whole Christian thing, people are going to be just as attracted to people first as they are when it comes to any other sale. We must “sell” the fact that being a Christian is worthwhile, brings happiness and fosters internal peace even when the world is at war. But the main thing we must sell is that Christianity IS love. In this, you are the Aunt Jemima, the Betty Crocker, the Juan Valdez – in other words, the spokesperson, for Christianity.
More narrowly, you are the spokesperson for your congregation. So, when people talk to you or when they walk into the door at church, does everything about you “sell” the congregation with a favorable image? Are you open, smiling, happy, welcoming? Do you meet visitors with a handshake and thank them for coming?
What if it is someone from a group that split off from yours? Do you get to set aside brotherly love in favor of letting them know that you are unhappy with their choice? Do they feel unwelcome? If so, then you are failing to make that sale – not only to them, but also to your own children and others who may be watching your actions. What kind of impression do you think you are making on the six-year-old who can tell you are suddenly tense? What about that even more vulnerable group – teenagers – who are watching you closely? They often will reject the belief system parents have spent years teaching them in response to witnessing a routine disconnect between words and actions.
Christ Jesus calls us His brothers. We are the sons of God. We are made in their image and tasked with becoming more like them, with the help of the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
People have a right to see Christian behavior in the spokespersons for God, for your faith and for your congregation. The image comes first. Then they will be open to the functionality of the Christian walk.
To paraphrase that famous indictment of Dan Quayle during a political debate: we never want anyone to be able to say to us: “I know Christians and you are no Christian!”
Love, Nancy
It is well expressed in this blurb I read recently in an industry publication: "Two basic tenets of selling are that (1) people buy from other people more happily than from faceless corporations, and that (2) in the marketplace as in theater, there is indeed a factor at work called 'the willing suspension of disbelief.' Who stands behind our pancakes? Aunt Jemima. Our angel food cake? Betty Crocker. Our coffee? Juan Valdez. Anyone over the age of 3 knows that it's all myth. But like Santa Claus and the tooth fairy, the myths are comforting."
There is certainly a lot of theatrics going on in our country today. As shows like Saturday Night Live skewer the leaders of the auto industry for greedy adherence to their rich lifestyles while their industry is on the verge of collapse and as Governor Blagojevich resurrects the image of Chicago politics during the reign of the mob, we would all be well advised to consider what kind of impression each of us makes as representatives of our families, our faith, our congregations, and our heavenly Father.
When it comes to “buying” the whole Christian thing, people are going to be just as attracted to people first as they are when it comes to any other sale. We must “sell” the fact that being a Christian is worthwhile, brings happiness and fosters internal peace even when the world is at war. But the main thing we must sell is that Christianity IS love. In this, you are the Aunt Jemima, the Betty Crocker, the Juan Valdez – in other words, the spokesperson, for Christianity.
More narrowly, you are the spokesperson for your congregation. So, when people talk to you or when they walk into the door at church, does everything about you “sell” the congregation with a favorable image? Are you open, smiling, happy, welcoming? Do you meet visitors with a handshake and thank them for coming?
What if it is someone from a group that split off from yours? Do you get to set aside brotherly love in favor of letting them know that you are unhappy with their choice? Do they feel unwelcome? If so, then you are failing to make that sale – not only to them, but also to your own children and others who may be watching your actions. What kind of impression do you think you are making on the six-year-old who can tell you are suddenly tense? What about that even more vulnerable group – teenagers – who are watching you closely? They often will reject the belief system parents have spent years teaching them in response to witnessing a routine disconnect between words and actions.
Christ Jesus calls us His brothers. We are the sons of God. We are made in their image and tasked with becoming more like them, with the help of the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
People have a right to see Christian behavior in the spokespersons for God, for your faith and for your congregation. The image comes first. Then they will be open to the functionality of the Christian walk.
To paraphrase that famous indictment of Dan Quayle during a political debate: we never want anyone to be able to say to us: “I know Christians and you are no Christian!”
Love, Nancy
Saturday, December 6, 2008
TIS THE SEASON
It’s that time of year – a time when people who aren’t religious at all find that their faith is now extremely important and they MUST have a nativity scene on the County Court lawn. A time when companies who don’t do anything religious any other time of the year now find they simply MUST send out holiday cards and/or gifts, they simply MUST put up a tree in a public area. A time when people who don’t help the homeless any other time of the year are asking for canned goods for various programs.
This is the time of the year, this is the holiday season, when those who would NEVER EVER think of committing terrorist acts in the name of religion (like the various Islamic nations), would never go to war over sacred ground (like the Palestinians and Israelis), get all aggressive about what they must be allowed to do, must have and what YOU must have too.
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it thousands of times: say “Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays.” Why? Why this time of year, the time when they MUST show their religious fervor and YOU must not only allow it, but align yourself with it.
Do I insist on a tabernacle (temporary dwelling) being assembled on the County Court lawn during the Feast of Tabernacles? Do I insist they all put blood on their doors at Passover? Of course not. I do ask that you allow me to observe my faith freely and I am willing to offer the same to you.
Let’s be clear – I believe with all my heart that you are wrong, that Christmas is a pagan holiday, and that God is NOT happy with your show of lights, decorated trees and gift buying. I KNOW He is not happy with the trampling of innocent Wal-Mart workers just for first right to some deeply discounted toy or electronics.
I’m not stupid. I realize you believe with all your heart that I am wrong.
However, the thing that is supposed to separate the USA from all these other warring nations is our openness about religion. I am willing to gather canned goods for the needy this time of the year or any other. I am willing to accept it if you want to say “Merry Christmas” to me. I understand that is important to you, but you don’t have a right to command me to say it back or even “Happy Holidays.” I will say “thank you” because being polite knows no season. I do eat cookies even if they are shaped like bells, snowmen or wreaths.
Not all my non-Christmas-keeping fellows feel the same way. Some will, some won’t go to the company Christmas party. Some will, some won’t sign holiday cards if they don’t have the word Christmas on them. Some will, some won’t eat those cookies.
But (to my fellow non-believers) we do all have the responsibility of setting a good example. Just because others get all aggressive about their faith this time of the year doesn’t mean that we have the right to stop being polite, patient and kind. The receptionist who asks for the 5th year in a row if you will sign the holiday cards is just doing her job and warrants only a polite “no thank you” unless she asks you to explain why. At that time, she deserves a polite and direct explanation.
Jesus said “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” He did not say to return behavior in kind. I believe He isn’t happy about Christmas and finds it offensive. I do not believe He is pleased with ugly, rude or angry responses to those ignorant of the truth.
One of the things I hate about Christmas is the rude behavior and frenzied buying it encourages. For people who frequently say “put Christ back in Christmas” I still see the behavior getting worse every year. For that reason alone, I would not ask a Christmas keeper about his/her faith.
The question for me, and all others of similar faith, becomes then “is my behavior this time of year encouraging others to ask about my faith or is it turning them off to it?”
Tis the season to let your like shine to this dark world – not with lights and presents and parties, but with true love shown, with kindness, patience and politeness, even in the face of religious aggression by those who need to know the truth.
Love,
Nancy
This is the time of the year, this is the holiday season, when those who would NEVER EVER think of committing terrorist acts in the name of religion (like the various Islamic nations), would never go to war over sacred ground (like the Palestinians and Israelis), get all aggressive about what they must be allowed to do, must have and what YOU must have too.
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it thousands of times: say “Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays.” Why? Why this time of year, the time when they MUST show their religious fervor and YOU must not only allow it, but align yourself with it.
Do I insist on a tabernacle (temporary dwelling) being assembled on the County Court lawn during the Feast of Tabernacles? Do I insist they all put blood on their doors at Passover? Of course not. I do ask that you allow me to observe my faith freely and I am willing to offer the same to you.
Let’s be clear – I believe with all my heart that you are wrong, that Christmas is a pagan holiday, and that God is NOT happy with your show of lights, decorated trees and gift buying. I KNOW He is not happy with the trampling of innocent Wal-Mart workers just for first right to some deeply discounted toy or electronics.
I’m not stupid. I realize you believe with all your heart that I am wrong.
However, the thing that is supposed to separate the USA from all these other warring nations is our openness about religion. I am willing to gather canned goods for the needy this time of the year or any other. I am willing to accept it if you want to say “Merry Christmas” to me. I understand that is important to you, but you don’t have a right to command me to say it back or even “Happy Holidays.” I will say “thank you” because being polite knows no season. I do eat cookies even if they are shaped like bells, snowmen or wreaths.
Not all my non-Christmas-keeping fellows feel the same way. Some will, some won’t go to the company Christmas party. Some will, some won’t sign holiday cards if they don’t have the word Christmas on them. Some will, some won’t eat those cookies.
But (to my fellow non-believers) we do all have the responsibility of setting a good example. Just because others get all aggressive about their faith this time of the year doesn’t mean that we have the right to stop being polite, patient and kind. The receptionist who asks for the 5th year in a row if you will sign the holiday cards is just doing her job and warrants only a polite “no thank you” unless she asks you to explain why. At that time, she deserves a polite and direct explanation.
Jesus said “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” He did not say to return behavior in kind. I believe He isn’t happy about Christmas and finds it offensive. I do not believe He is pleased with ugly, rude or angry responses to those ignorant of the truth.
One of the things I hate about Christmas is the rude behavior and frenzied buying it encourages. For people who frequently say “put Christ back in Christmas” I still see the behavior getting worse every year. For that reason alone, I would not ask a Christmas keeper about his/her faith.
The question for me, and all others of similar faith, becomes then “is my behavior this time of year encouraging others to ask about my faith or is it turning them off to it?”
Tis the season to let your like shine to this dark world – not with lights and presents and parties, but with true love shown, with kindness, patience and politeness, even in the face of religious aggression by those who need to know the truth.
Love,
Nancy
Friday, November 28, 2008
ARMAGEDDON , NOW WHAT?
According to prevailing marketing industry wisdom, the key emotional hot buttons that influence human behavior are fear, greed, guilt, anger, exclusivity, salvation, flattery and patriotism. I think at least two of these are also on the list of Seven Deadly Sins.
Getting back to my watching of the movie Armageddon: so the world is saved, all people, nations, faiths and colors rejoice that this common disaster has been averted. Sure Paris is decimated, but the French are no one’s favorite people any way.
How long do you think peace would last? Since the peace achieved was accomplished based on fear, my guess is that in the given scenario once the common fear is gone it would be days at best before war among nations would resume. All it would take would be a seed of greed or misguided patriotism or exclusivity (hoarding food and supplies within a country less devastated, for example) to take us from being bound as brothers to World War III.
My father had a favorite lecture he often resorted to when my siblings and I were arguing. It began: “if you are fighting now over this issue now, what will happen when we have only one slice of bread?” My father died before we ever saw those hard times, but he had a point.
Fear is a HUGE motivator. So is greed. When you combine the two you have a lethal mixture.
The world is a slave to the ruler of it – Satan. But Christians, with the Holy Spirit active and following in them, should be immune to it – at least after years of being a Christian.
Armageddon, not just the movie but the actual event, and some ugly times before it are coming to this world. Christians, like everyone, need to be somewhat prepared for tough times.
But should Christians, like those who don’t know better, be thinking in terms of “how can I store up and hoard (for MY family, MY church) the goods I’ll need to survive?” Shouldn’t we be thinking in terms of “how can I seek God first and help others to do the same, so that we have the faith to rely on God when tough times come?”
Before you say, “but…” let me quote a scripture: Mathew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”
Read verses 22 through 34 for the entire guidance. I know the word “thought” can better be understood as anxious care, which makes my point – fine to give it thought, not fine for those thoughts to be about preparing for personal, physical survival of those in your exclusive “group” – whatever that group might entail.
That kind of thinking leads you to fight over that last slice of bread instead of sharing it. That kind of thought leads to comments like “sorry, buddy, you aren’t one of us, so I can’t help you out.” It leads to issues like needing to decide if a person is “of my fellowship” or “a member of our church” before sharing what you have and to saying things like “I can’t help you now because I need this for us/me later.”
A store house of food, money socked away in the stock market or under your bed, gold coins, even a stockpile of firewood for heat are all things that can be stolen, lost or destroyed – and things that someone might someday kill you to get.
None of those things are guarantees against disaster. The only guarantee is an intimate relationship with the creator of all things, our Father Provider. So, I encourage us all to let Spiritual salvation be the key hot button that influences all our behavior, not greed, not fear, not salvation (saving of) the body/this life.
Spend your resources to spread the good word of salvation now. Share your resources now and in the future, even if you find yourself down to one slice of bread. Store treasure in heaven, not your 401K, only there is it truly going to bring dividends for the future.
Love, Nancy
Getting back to my watching of the movie Armageddon: so the world is saved, all people, nations, faiths and colors rejoice that this common disaster has been averted. Sure Paris is decimated, but the French are no one’s favorite people any way.
How long do you think peace would last? Since the peace achieved was accomplished based on fear, my guess is that in the given scenario once the common fear is gone it would be days at best before war among nations would resume. All it would take would be a seed of greed or misguided patriotism or exclusivity (hoarding food and supplies within a country less devastated, for example) to take us from being bound as brothers to World War III.
My father had a favorite lecture he often resorted to when my siblings and I were arguing. It began: “if you are fighting now over this issue now, what will happen when we have only one slice of bread?” My father died before we ever saw those hard times, but he had a point.
Fear is a HUGE motivator. So is greed. When you combine the two you have a lethal mixture.
The world is a slave to the ruler of it – Satan. But Christians, with the Holy Spirit active and following in them, should be immune to it – at least after years of being a Christian.
Armageddon, not just the movie but the actual event, and some ugly times before it are coming to this world. Christians, like everyone, need to be somewhat prepared for tough times.
But should Christians, like those who don’t know better, be thinking in terms of “how can I store up and hoard (for MY family, MY church) the goods I’ll need to survive?” Shouldn’t we be thinking in terms of “how can I seek God first and help others to do the same, so that we have the faith to rely on God when tough times come?”
Before you say, “but…” let me quote a scripture: Mathew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”
Read verses 22 through 34 for the entire guidance. I know the word “thought” can better be understood as anxious care, which makes my point – fine to give it thought, not fine for those thoughts to be about preparing for personal, physical survival of those in your exclusive “group” – whatever that group might entail.
That kind of thinking leads you to fight over that last slice of bread instead of sharing it. That kind of thought leads to comments like “sorry, buddy, you aren’t one of us, so I can’t help you out.” It leads to issues like needing to decide if a person is “of my fellowship” or “a member of our church” before sharing what you have and to saying things like “I can’t help you now because I need this for us/me later.”
A store house of food, money socked away in the stock market or under your bed, gold coins, even a stockpile of firewood for heat are all things that can be stolen, lost or destroyed – and things that someone might someday kill you to get.
None of those things are guarantees against disaster. The only guarantee is an intimate relationship with the creator of all things, our Father Provider. So, I encourage us all to let Spiritual salvation be the key hot button that influences all our behavior, not greed, not fear, not salvation (saving of) the body/this life.
Spend your resources to spread the good word of salvation now. Share your resources now and in the future, even if you find yourself down to one slice of bread. Store treasure in heaven, not your 401K, only there is it truly going to bring dividends for the future.
Love, Nancy
Sunday, November 23, 2008
ARMAGEDDON AND THE ABILITY TO FOCUS
The other night I was flipping through the channels and caught the end of the moving Armageddon – the one with Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler and Ben Afleck. I always cry when Bruce has his last conversation with Liv, a single father, saying good-bye to his only daughter just before he saves the world. I cry even harder just as he pushes the button on the nuke and his life with Liv, including the future he will miss, passes before his eyes.
And, if possible, I collapse further when all the military, NASA technicians, politicians and scientists embrace, slap each other on the back, whoop and holler with glee. But I am not watching them. I am watching Liv Tyler, separated from the group and looking down at the revelry, detached from it all. You can read it on her face, “yes, the world is saved, but I have just lost my father.”
Finally, Billy Bob Thorton’s character looks up and understands what she is going through. He goes to Liv and holds her while she cries on his shoulder.
This world is a hectic place. Our lives are busy. Our days are full. Most of us move about in a rush from one item to the next on our never-ending “to do” lists – never noticing the hurting people around us. You can spend your whole life doing the important, necessary, legal, moral and right things that make up our daily chores, but still miss out on our biggest opportunities to impact the lives around us.
You and I are not very likely to be called upon to literally save the world. But probably every week of our lives we have the opportunity to spend a few minutes making someone else’s life better with a card, a kind word, a phone call, a visit. It doesn’t take much time or even any money.
It does require an ability to focus on things outside of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
I confess that this is a problem for me. At this point in my life I just want to come home from a long day at work, eat dinner and vegetate. I often end up doing household chores and just preparing for the next day. Sometimes I have work for DCM to do.
Recently, I had a friend in the hospital. I wasn’t able to visit her before I took off on a trip for work. When I got back, I came down with the flu. I still have not been to see her. I do call, but it isn’t the same for my friend. She feels the need to see me.
My life is busy. I am doing meaningful things – earning a living, working at DCM, trying to keep myself healthy with exercise a few days a week, trying to build my marriage. I find that there are people who are important to me who are getting left out of the equation. Yet, if you asked me I’d say relationships are very important to me, but, big sigh, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Truth is, I need to focus on each thing before me, and not lose focus on what I say is most important. So, I guess this blog is for me. But I hope it touches you too. There are enough hours in the day – not to meet everyone’s needs, but to meet a few, even in the busiest day. I’m going
to try. You should too.
Love, Nancy
And, if possible, I collapse further when all the military, NASA technicians, politicians and scientists embrace, slap each other on the back, whoop and holler with glee. But I am not watching them. I am watching Liv Tyler, separated from the group and looking down at the revelry, detached from it all. You can read it on her face, “yes, the world is saved, but I have just lost my father.”
Finally, Billy Bob Thorton’s character looks up and understands what she is going through. He goes to Liv and holds her while she cries on his shoulder.
This world is a hectic place. Our lives are busy. Our days are full. Most of us move about in a rush from one item to the next on our never-ending “to do” lists – never noticing the hurting people around us. You can spend your whole life doing the important, necessary, legal, moral and right things that make up our daily chores, but still miss out on our biggest opportunities to impact the lives around us.
You and I are not very likely to be called upon to literally save the world. But probably every week of our lives we have the opportunity to spend a few minutes making someone else’s life better with a card, a kind word, a phone call, a visit. It doesn’t take much time or even any money.
It does require an ability to focus on things outside of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
I confess that this is a problem for me. At this point in my life I just want to come home from a long day at work, eat dinner and vegetate. I often end up doing household chores and just preparing for the next day. Sometimes I have work for DCM to do.
Recently, I had a friend in the hospital. I wasn’t able to visit her before I took off on a trip for work. When I got back, I came down with the flu. I still have not been to see her. I do call, but it isn’t the same for my friend. She feels the need to see me.
My life is busy. I am doing meaningful things – earning a living, working at DCM, trying to keep myself healthy with exercise a few days a week, trying to build my marriage. I find that there are people who are important to me who are getting left out of the equation. Yet, if you asked me I’d say relationships are very important to me, but, big sigh, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Truth is, I need to focus on each thing before me, and not lose focus on what I say is most important. So, I guess this blog is for me. But I hope it touches you too. There are enough hours in the day – not to meet everyone’s needs, but to meet a few, even in the busiest day. I’m going
to try. You should too.
Love, Nancy
Saturday, November 8, 2008
HAVING THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE
I remember once being so sick with a sinus infection that it was all I could do to get my older kids off to school before I’d collapse on the bed again, with the TV on to entertain the youngest child, trying to gather my strength to make lunch in a couple of hours. It didn’t last long, but for a time I knew that I could only do the very most basic, necessary things. I literally had no energy to spare for anything but caring for my children’s most basic needs.
It is strange how a near-death experience, a devastating illness, the death of a loved one, a job loss or a natural disaster will change your focus, at least for a time. Suddenly, you pare your life down to what is most important. More often than not, you slow down either to enjoy the remaining moments or because the illness or injury requires that you do.
What things in life bring you the most joy? What things give you the most satisfaction? When asked these questions, people routinely list the simple things in life – those that don’t really cost anything – like walks in the woods, hearing their children laugh, eating with friends and even enjoying the company of a beloved pet.
Why do we humans need some external force to propel us to what should be the core focuses of our lives any way? One reason could be that we have come to consider being busy as a badge of honor. We are a busy people here in the USA.
But could it also be that we have forgotten what David said in Psalm 39:4-5 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand…” (New Living Translation)
The truth is, we are all dying – even if you have just received a clean bill of health from your doctor. If it were not for the plan of God and the sacrifice of Christ, that would be the end of it. We can be thankful there is more after this life has ended.
We should also be thankful for the time we have in this life – here on earth, as human beings. This life isn’t just to be endured through gritted teeth. There is a lot of joy to be gained, if we use our time wisely, knowing that in this life, time is finite resource.
Life isn’t always good. Bad things happen. But we don’t have to be diagnosed with cancer in order to focus on the most important things in life.
Why not reconcile with a long, lost friend now and enjoy some quality time? Why not invest more time playing with your kids, use some time to really talk your mate, spend time gazing at the stars and contemplating the universe now? If these things are the kinds of activities to which we assign the highest value (and they are), if they are the things that bring us the greatest sense of satisfaction (they are), if they are the things we would do if we had six months to live (that is what we say), why aren’t we doing them now?
Why wait for some external force to realign your priorities? We have “all the time in the world.” It just isn’t enough time that we can waste it on things that don’t matter. Your days are numbered and, most likely, you don’t know when your number of days will be up. So, spend the time of your life wisely.
Love, Nancy
It is strange how a near-death experience, a devastating illness, the death of a loved one, a job loss or a natural disaster will change your focus, at least for a time. Suddenly, you pare your life down to what is most important. More often than not, you slow down either to enjoy the remaining moments or because the illness or injury requires that you do.
What things in life bring you the most joy? What things give you the most satisfaction? When asked these questions, people routinely list the simple things in life – those that don’t really cost anything – like walks in the woods, hearing their children laugh, eating with friends and even enjoying the company of a beloved pet.
Why do we humans need some external force to propel us to what should be the core focuses of our lives any way? One reason could be that we have come to consider being busy as a badge of honor. We are a busy people here in the USA.
But could it also be that we have forgotten what David said in Psalm 39:4-5 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand…” (New Living Translation)
The truth is, we are all dying – even if you have just received a clean bill of health from your doctor. If it were not for the plan of God and the sacrifice of Christ, that would be the end of it. We can be thankful there is more after this life has ended.
We should also be thankful for the time we have in this life – here on earth, as human beings. This life isn’t just to be endured through gritted teeth. There is a lot of joy to be gained, if we use our time wisely, knowing that in this life, time is finite resource.
Life isn’t always good. Bad things happen. But we don’t have to be diagnosed with cancer in order to focus on the most important things in life.
Why not reconcile with a long, lost friend now and enjoy some quality time? Why not invest more time playing with your kids, use some time to really talk your mate, spend time gazing at the stars and contemplating the universe now? If these things are the kinds of activities to which we assign the highest value (and they are), if they are the things that bring us the greatest sense of satisfaction (they are), if they are the things we would do if we had six months to live (that is what we say), why aren’t we doing them now?
Why wait for some external force to realign your priorities? We have “all the time in the world.” It just isn’t enough time that we can waste it on things that don’t matter. Your days are numbered and, most likely, you don’t know when your number of days will be up. So, spend the time of your life wisely.
Love, Nancy
Saturday, October 11, 2008
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TRAUMATIZED ELEPHANT?
“What do you do with a traumatized elephant?” seems like the start of a joke, but an August 15 article in the Dallas Morning News (written by James C. McKinley, Jr.) brought up that exact question. The debate was over whether to send Jenny (a 32-year-old African elephant) to a 300 acre drive-through park in Mexico or a 2,700 acre sanctuary in Tennessee.
Jenny had been orphaned, “stolen” from Africa, sent to the circus in the USA and beaten by her trainer. The experience left her with mental problems which resulted in self-mutilation and depression. For the past 22 years, Jenny has been given humane and loving care by the Dallas Zoo.
The debate was about whether she should live out her “last years” in seclusion, considering what human beings have put her through. Elephants have about the same average life-span as human beings (70-80 years). Jenny may have many years left to live with her emotional scars.
If you’ve ever watched the Dog Whisperer, you know that traumatized dogs can be rehabilitated. If we can go by the movie The Horse Whisperer it seems that the same goes for traumatized horses. So, I wonder why, after 22 years of tender loving care, Jenny still has her emotional scars. Perhaps this gives credence to the old saying “an elephant never forgets.”
It is not my intent to review your responsibility to go to an injured brother to ask for forgiveness. Nor do I intend to cover the need to forgive others.
What I want to say is, after the forgiveness occurs, after the war is over, after amends have been made, there is still the trauma and emotional scars in need of healing. You and God have to deal with those.
The book of Jonah deals with this subject. Jonah had some hurt feelings and reason to be a bit depressed about the forgiveness of Ninevah, knowing, as he did, that they would ultimately oppress his people. God dealt with Jonah privately, teaching him a lesson through the miracle of the gourd about compassion.
Jonah had to be willing to learn, be willing to let go, and be open to God’s teaching. Otherwise, the hurt and trauma he felt could have haunted him for the rest of his life.
People do mean, ugly things, sometimes deliberately. When they repent, when reconciliation and forgiveness occurs, sometimes there is still healing to be done that only God can do. I encourage you to seek His healing for all your emotional needs. Don’t carry them around for the rest of your life and let them influence your behavior. You are the one that is hurt by that, more than any other.
God is the Human Whisperer. Only He can rehabilitate traumatized humans. And He will if you seek His healing.
With love,
Nancy
Jenny had been orphaned, “stolen” from Africa, sent to the circus in the USA and beaten by her trainer. The experience left her with mental problems which resulted in self-mutilation and depression. For the past 22 years, Jenny has been given humane and loving care by the Dallas Zoo.
The debate was about whether she should live out her “last years” in seclusion, considering what human beings have put her through. Elephants have about the same average life-span as human beings (70-80 years). Jenny may have many years left to live with her emotional scars.
If you’ve ever watched the Dog Whisperer, you know that traumatized dogs can be rehabilitated. If we can go by the movie The Horse Whisperer it seems that the same goes for traumatized horses. So, I wonder why, after 22 years of tender loving care, Jenny still has her emotional scars. Perhaps this gives credence to the old saying “an elephant never forgets.”
It is not my intent to review your responsibility to go to an injured brother to ask for forgiveness. Nor do I intend to cover the need to forgive others.
What I want to say is, after the forgiveness occurs, after the war is over, after amends have been made, there is still the trauma and emotional scars in need of healing. You and God have to deal with those.
The book of Jonah deals with this subject. Jonah had some hurt feelings and reason to be a bit depressed about the forgiveness of Ninevah, knowing, as he did, that they would ultimately oppress his people. God dealt with Jonah privately, teaching him a lesson through the miracle of the gourd about compassion.
Jonah had to be willing to learn, be willing to let go, and be open to God’s teaching. Otherwise, the hurt and trauma he felt could have haunted him for the rest of his life.
People do mean, ugly things, sometimes deliberately. When they repent, when reconciliation and forgiveness occurs, sometimes there is still healing to be done that only God can do. I encourage you to seek His healing for all your emotional needs. Don’t carry them around for the rest of your life and let them influence your behavior. You are the one that is hurt by that, more than any other.
God is the Human Whisperer. Only He can rehabilitate traumatized humans. And He will if you seek His healing.
With love,
Nancy
Saturday, October 4, 2008
THE RIGHT TO DIE, FOR ONLY $5.00
This blog is not what you think. It isn’t about actually dying. What sparked the idea was a recent article I read about a tradition at a particular Buddhist temple in Thailand that allows visitors the opportunity to lie in a coffin for a couple of minutes while monks chant a funeral dirge. When the visitors climb out, they believe they have been cleansed of their pasts.
Those who spend the 180 baht to go through the ritual (about $5 US) believe the bad karma has been sucked from their lives. Many of the followers use the term “reborn” to describe how they feel. As Spock would say, “Fascinating.” I don’t think I could do it – lie in an actual coffin – not even for a few minutes – not even with a 11 other visitors doing it at the same time.
I understand the desire to remove the bad feelings (not to mention potential repercussions) created by our past actions, but spiritual rebirth has already occurred for you if you are a believer who has been baptized – and it didn’t cost YOU a thing. It certainly cost Jesus plenty. Once you’ve done it, you don’t need to go through it again, unlike the temple visitors who go through the service multiple times.
Colossians 2:12 says that we are “buried with Him (Jesus) at baptism.” Continuing in verses 13-14 we find – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”
We were already dead because of sin, became buried at baptism and then resurrected to a new life. Of course, our new life looks a lot like the old one when we first come up out of that watery grave. But it isn’t the same. We have a new life and we have the opportunity and the responsibility to walk in “newness of life.”
Upon receipt of the Holy Spirit, we also have the will and the means to live a new life – our past sins no longer held against us. And it cost you nothing – God’s free gift to you.
Jesus gave His life so that we can have a new life in Him. With all past sins and the penalty of death wiped away a baptism, with the Holy Spirit to guide, with Jesus as our example and our advocate with the Father, the life ahead will be different from the one behind.
The past cannot hold onto us. It is gone. Sure, sometimes a penalty for our past sins will continue with us – like the fact that, even though God forgave King David of his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, He still allowed their first son to die.
But as far as God is concerned, the sin is gone and so is the death penalty your sin has earned for you. Now eternity within God’s Kingdom is our future. Hallelujah! If that isn’t reason to feel fresh, new and unburdened, I don’t know what is.
Whenever we are tainted by a sin from baptism forward, we can repent, pray for forgiveness and immediately have that sin forgiven and removed from us. No coffin required. You are free to spend your $5 on a Latte at Starbucks or, better yet, use it to reach others who don’t know this good news.
With love,
Nancy
Those who spend the 180 baht to go through the ritual (about $5 US) believe the bad karma has been sucked from their lives. Many of the followers use the term “reborn” to describe how they feel. As Spock would say, “Fascinating.” I don’t think I could do it – lie in an actual coffin – not even for a few minutes – not even with a 11 other visitors doing it at the same time.
I understand the desire to remove the bad feelings (not to mention potential repercussions) created by our past actions, but spiritual rebirth has already occurred for you if you are a believer who has been baptized – and it didn’t cost YOU a thing. It certainly cost Jesus plenty. Once you’ve done it, you don’t need to go through it again, unlike the temple visitors who go through the service multiple times.
Colossians 2:12 says that we are “buried with Him (Jesus) at baptism.” Continuing in verses 13-14 we find – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”
We were already dead because of sin, became buried at baptism and then resurrected to a new life. Of course, our new life looks a lot like the old one when we first come up out of that watery grave. But it isn’t the same. We have a new life and we have the opportunity and the responsibility to walk in “newness of life.”
Upon receipt of the Holy Spirit, we also have the will and the means to live a new life – our past sins no longer held against us. And it cost you nothing – God’s free gift to you.
Jesus gave His life so that we can have a new life in Him. With all past sins and the penalty of death wiped away a baptism, with the Holy Spirit to guide, with Jesus as our example and our advocate with the Father, the life ahead will be different from the one behind.
The past cannot hold onto us. It is gone. Sure, sometimes a penalty for our past sins will continue with us – like the fact that, even though God forgave King David of his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, He still allowed their first son to die.
But as far as God is concerned, the sin is gone and so is the death penalty your sin has earned for you. Now eternity within God’s Kingdom is our future. Hallelujah! If that isn’t reason to feel fresh, new and unburdened, I don’t know what is.
Whenever we are tainted by a sin from baptism forward, we can repent, pray for forgiveness and immediately have that sin forgiven and removed from us. No coffin required. You are free to spend your $5 on a Latte at Starbucks or, better yet, use it to reach others who don’t know this good news.
With love,
Nancy
Saturday, September 27, 2008
I NEED A HERO
In the midst of the banking crisis, on the eve of a bailout to the tune of $700 billion dollars … $700,000 BILLION, with housing prices plummeting, crushing fuel prices, and with the sound of my 401K screaming “I’m melting, melting, melting…” I watched the first presidential debate. No disrespect to these two men vying for the right to take on this mess, but I don’t feel it is possible to for either one of them to save this country from the greed and corruption that got us where we are today. Makes me wonder if a sane person would be running for office right now. But someone has to be willing to try.
I have Christian friends who intend to vote for Obama and those who intend to vote for McCain and some who do not intend to vote at all. They all seem to have very well thought out reasons for the stances they have taken.
All I can tell you is that we – the USA as well as the rest of the world – we all need a hero – a real hero, like Superman. Someone unstoppable. Someone incorruptible. Someone with the power to change human behavior by changing the human heart.
We need Jesus. There is no other solution. I pray God will speed the day of His return to take over this mess and make sense of a world gone crazy.
You can vote for whomever you want or you can abstain, that is your right as an American citizen. But real, true change will not occur until Jesus returns. So, what is a Christian to do? Pray. Praying isn’t a “do nothing” position. It is, in fact, the best thing we can do. Praying for national leaders is addressed in I Timothy 2:2, where Paul encourages us to “pray for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace…”
Pray for Jesus to return and in the meantime, pray for our leaders, no matter who they are. God ultimately places them in office any way (see Romans 13:1-4). They need YOUR help. It is right and proper to pray for whoever becomes president of this country. I urge you to spend significant time each week, before and after the election, praying for the leaders of this nation and the world and praying for the coming of the one, true hero who will ultimately save us from them all: Jesus.
God speed that day. I need a hero. Don’t we all?
With love, Nancy
I have Christian friends who intend to vote for Obama and those who intend to vote for McCain and some who do not intend to vote at all. They all seem to have very well thought out reasons for the stances they have taken.
All I can tell you is that we – the USA as well as the rest of the world – we all need a hero – a real hero, like Superman. Someone unstoppable. Someone incorruptible. Someone with the power to change human behavior by changing the human heart.
We need Jesus. There is no other solution. I pray God will speed the day of His return to take over this mess and make sense of a world gone crazy.
You can vote for whomever you want or you can abstain, that is your right as an American citizen. But real, true change will not occur until Jesus returns. So, what is a Christian to do? Pray. Praying isn’t a “do nothing” position. It is, in fact, the best thing we can do. Praying for national leaders is addressed in I Timothy 2:2, where Paul encourages us to “pray for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace…”
Pray for Jesus to return and in the meantime, pray for our leaders, no matter who they are. God ultimately places them in office any way (see Romans 13:1-4). They need YOUR help. It is right and proper to pray for whoever becomes president of this country. I urge you to spend significant time each week, before and after the election, praying for the leaders of this nation and the world and praying for the coming of the one, true hero who will ultimately save us from them all: Jesus.
God speed that day. I need a hero. Don’t we all?
With love, Nancy
Saturday, September 13, 2008
MORE THAN THE "BIG BANG" FOR YOUR BUCK
Sandwiched between articles on the political fray of the coming elections in the US, hurricane Ike and remembrances of 9/11/01, I found the extremely significant story of physicists trying to recreate the “god particle” – that initial particle that defined the start of life, from non-life. The physicists are trying essentially to recreate the so called Big Bang and the beginning of evolution.
I have one question for them. If you succeed in recreating the start of life, what are you going to do with it? I’m not talking about the obvious answer of using it to “prove” the theory of evolution. I’m asking, now that you have become a creator, what will you do with your creation?
After all, mankind has a history of creating things for one purpose and ultimately using it for another (and often more destructive) purpose entirely.
I am not an evolutionist. I am a creationist and very thankful to be a part of the creation of caring and thoughtful Creator God who planned every aspect of this life and the next prior to beginning the project. God knew what He intended to do with each part of His creation before He brought life to any of it. He did not make anything without a reason for its existence.
God also knew exactly what it would take to make that plan work and He has been working that plan ever since. I don’t know God’s schedule. I am not privy to exactly where we are on His timeline. But I can be confident that His timing will be followed, because He has always been a faithful Creator – always stuck to His own master plan.
What is that plan? “To bring many sons to glory.” (See Hebrews 2:10) God created us to be His sons, forever in His family as Spirit beings. His plan is drawn out for us in the Bible and those of us who keep the Holy Festivals outlined by God (Passover, Days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day) are privileged to act out that plan in these annual observances.
I won’t go into the details of the plan of God here or the Holy Days and their meanings here. We have all sorts of booklets on the Dynamic Christian Ministries Web page that will explain them and answer any questions you might have about them or God’s plan and purpose for mankind.
However, while physicists work hard to reproduce the “god particle” that they hope to use to prove the evolutionist theory of creation without a creator, I will be observing the fall Holy Days, which actually give to all of us details of God’s plan and our purpose in that plan.
Eternal life in the family of God is way more exciting than life beginning with a sudden, scientific event. For me, it represents way more bang for my buck than anything man could envision for the new life these physicists hope to create.
With love,
Nancy
I have one question for them. If you succeed in recreating the start of life, what are you going to do with it? I’m not talking about the obvious answer of using it to “prove” the theory of evolution. I’m asking, now that you have become a creator, what will you do with your creation?
After all, mankind has a history of creating things for one purpose and ultimately using it for another (and often more destructive) purpose entirely.
I am not an evolutionist. I am a creationist and very thankful to be a part of the creation of caring and thoughtful Creator God who planned every aspect of this life and the next prior to beginning the project. God knew what He intended to do with each part of His creation before He brought life to any of it. He did not make anything without a reason for its existence.
God also knew exactly what it would take to make that plan work and He has been working that plan ever since. I don’t know God’s schedule. I am not privy to exactly where we are on His timeline. But I can be confident that His timing will be followed, because He has always been a faithful Creator – always stuck to His own master plan.
What is that plan? “To bring many sons to glory.” (See Hebrews 2:10) God created us to be His sons, forever in His family as Spirit beings. His plan is drawn out for us in the Bible and those of us who keep the Holy Festivals outlined by God (Passover, Days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day) are privileged to act out that plan in these annual observances.
I won’t go into the details of the plan of God here or the Holy Days and their meanings here. We have all sorts of booklets on the Dynamic Christian Ministries Web page that will explain them and answer any questions you might have about them or God’s plan and purpose for mankind.
However, while physicists work hard to reproduce the “god particle” that they hope to use to prove the evolutionist theory of creation without a creator, I will be observing the fall Holy Days, which actually give to all of us details of God’s plan and our purpose in that plan.
Eternal life in the family of God is way more exciting than life beginning with a sudden, scientific event. For me, it represents way more bang for my buck than anything man could envision for the new life these physicists hope to create.
With love,
Nancy
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Smoke and Mirrors
It has gotten to the point that might cause us to wonder if anyone, anywhere can be trusted to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about anything. Are we a world where “smoke and mirrors” are perceived as being necessary to success?
Forget athletes and their steroid scandals. Forget politicians, whom we have come to expect to lie, misdirect and hedge. Forget accused criminals who might lie to get out of trouble. In the same way that you might find fashionistas saying “grey is the new black,” I wonder if it has come to the point where the reality is that “perception is the new truth.” In other words, what we want the world to believe about us is as good as the truth.
In an August 11 article in Information Week, Thomas Claburn reported that China provided an altered video of the fireworks at the Olympic opening ceremony. Apparently, event organizers feared they would not be able to capture the pyrotechnics live on camera. In an August 12 Associated Press article, Cara Anna reported that a member of China’s Politburo asked for a last minute change to the Olympic opening ceremony that resulted in a “cute” girl lip-synching the “Ode to the Motherland” because the actual 7-year-old girl who sang it had crooked teeth.
Call me crazy, but I think China’s national reputation could have handled the “ill effects” of less-than-stellar footage of fireworks and a 7-year-old singer with crooked teeth. Considering their horrible record on human rights, China might actually have come out looking more genuine and less plastic if they had allowed these minor imperfections.
China may be an easy target to call out on this issue, but don’t think they are unique to the human race. I believe that each of us has to fight the tendency to white-wash our lives. After all, it isn’t easy to admit our flaws. But when we fail to be as open to criticism as we are to praise, we do two negative things.
First, we inhibit our own ability to change. I don’t like criticism any more than the next person; but you and I have to be open to seeing our flaws if we want to change. We have to be open to having our flaws pointed out by God’s word in our personal Bible study, from the pulpit, and one-on-one by friends and foes alike. It may be tough to swallow; but, if you are wrong you are wrong, even if the person pointing it out to you is doing it from a wrong motive. We have to be willing to accept accurate criticism, even if it comes out of the mouth of a proverbial donkey. We have to be willing to look at the validity of the criticism itself, regardless of the source.
Second, we inhibit our ability to help others see their own faults and make changes. When we go to others with faults and problems (even those that are not sins), we should be going out of love and genuine concern. We don’t want to be seen as the donkey used by God to call out another’s mistakes. However, if you cannot take criticism brought to you, others might have trouble accepting even the gentlest guidance from you.
The final step, after accepting your faults, is occasionally that we have to admit them publically. Occasionally, we will have to openly say, “I messed up here. I was wrong and here is what I’m going to do about it.”
To be sure, we do not need all our sins and faults made public. I’m not advising we air dirty laundry as standard operating procedure. I am suggesting that there will be times these things need to be acknowledged and dealt with in a public forum. I am suggesting that being human, making mistakes and sinning is as natural to human beings as breathing. I’m saying that your good reputation can withstand the accurate criticism of others. I’m suggesting that your reputation can actually be improved by being willing to admit your mistakes and flaws. And I’m advising that the place to start is by being able to accept criticism and learn from it no matter what the source.
For Christians, reality is the only truth. We Christians don’t need smoke and mirrors to clean up our lives for the sake of standing in the community or ego or reputation. We need to be genuine – crooked teeth and all. For Christians, it is the only way to live.
With love,
Nancy
Forget athletes and their steroid scandals. Forget politicians, whom we have come to expect to lie, misdirect and hedge. Forget accused criminals who might lie to get out of trouble. In the same way that you might find fashionistas saying “grey is the new black,” I wonder if it has come to the point where the reality is that “perception is the new truth.” In other words, what we want the world to believe about us is as good as the truth.
In an August 11 article in Information Week, Thomas Claburn reported that China provided an altered video of the fireworks at the Olympic opening ceremony. Apparently, event organizers feared they would not be able to capture the pyrotechnics live on camera. In an August 12 Associated Press article, Cara Anna reported that a member of China’s Politburo asked for a last minute change to the Olympic opening ceremony that resulted in a “cute” girl lip-synching the “Ode to the Motherland” because the actual 7-year-old girl who sang it had crooked teeth.
Call me crazy, but I think China’s national reputation could have handled the “ill effects” of less-than-stellar footage of fireworks and a 7-year-old singer with crooked teeth. Considering their horrible record on human rights, China might actually have come out looking more genuine and less plastic if they had allowed these minor imperfections.
China may be an easy target to call out on this issue, but don’t think they are unique to the human race. I believe that each of us has to fight the tendency to white-wash our lives. After all, it isn’t easy to admit our flaws. But when we fail to be as open to criticism as we are to praise, we do two negative things.
First, we inhibit our own ability to change. I don’t like criticism any more than the next person; but you and I have to be open to seeing our flaws if we want to change. We have to be open to having our flaws pointed out by God’s word in our personal Bible study, from the pulpit, and one-on-one by friends and foes alike. It may be tough to swallow; but, if you are wrong you are wrong, even if the person pointing it out to you is doing it from a wrong motive. We have to be willing to accept accurate criticism, even if it comes out of the mouth of a proverbial donkey. We have to be willing to look at the validity of the criticism itself, regardless of the source.
Second, we inhibit our ability to help others see their own faults and make changes. When we go to others with faults and problems (even those that are not sins), we should be going out of love and genuine concern. We don’t want to be seen as the donkey used by God to call out another’s mistakes. However, if you cannot take criticism brought to you, others might have trouble accepting even the gentlest guidance from you.
The final step, after accepting your faults, is occasionally that we have to admit them publically. Occasionally, we will have to openly say, “I messed up here. I was wrong and here is what I’m going to do about it.”
To be sure, we do not need all our sins and faults made public. I’m not advising we air dirty laundry as standard operating procedure. I am suggesting that there will be times these things need to be acknowledged and dealt with in a public forum. I am suggesting that being human, making mistakes and sinning is as natural to human beings as breathing. I’m saying that your good reputation can withstand the accurate criticism of others. I’m suggesting that your reputation can actually be improved by being willing to admit your mistakes and flaws. And I’m advising that the place to start is by being able to accept criticism and learn from it no matter what the source.
For Christians, reality is the only truth. We Christians don’t need smoke and mirrors to clean up our lives for the sake of standing in the community or ego or reputation. We need to be genuine – crooked teeth and all. For Christians, it is the only way to live.
With love,
Nancy
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Next Great Leader of the Free World
What a great summer it has been! First, the Olympics, next the Democratic National Convention, shortly the Republican Convention. Although political conventions and sports events don’t seem to have a lot in common, perhaps because of them occurring back-to-back, or maybe because of the venue of the Olympics being in China, I found a common thread that you might not typically consider – false promises.
The Chinese government, not known for its honesty and fair treatment of the average citizen, out did itself in the Olympics. In a future blog I will use more of that detail, but today I want to highlight one particular incident.
The August 21 issue of the New York Times ran an article titled “Too Old and Frail to Re-educate? Not in China” about two seventy-year-old women sentenced to “re-education through labor” for applying to hold a legal protest in a government-designated area. Note: their crime was for APPLYING for government approval to protest. They did not protest. The Chinese government told its citizens that they could protest during the Olympics, but only in a particular area and only after written approval from the government. Then they arrested two feeble old women for applying for approval to protest.
I wish I could say that a government that does just the opposite of what it promises was a unique thing. I wish I could say, “Well, you’d never find this type of ‘bait and switch’ tactic in the USA.” While it is true that American’s have an unparalleled right and ability to protest when, where and how we want, the connection here is that even the US government cannot be trusted to always keep its word or honor its promises either.
Who can you believe? Who can you trust as a leader?
As I watched the Democratic Convention and listened to the speeches, I was very much impressed. The words and delivery showed that among the group were some great orators. The crowd was rallied, encouraged, uplifted, stirred to action, etc. I was impressed with their words. I’m looking forward to more great speeches and inspiring words from the Republicans.
With the nomination of a black man as Democratic presidential candidate and the nomination of a woman as the Republican vice presidential candidate, it is going to be an exciting election process if nothing else. Should be good, clean fun to watch; but I don’t intend to get suckered in by what they actually say.
I’m not judging the intent of the candidates or the politicians that support them. I’m certainly not judging the intent of the delegates. I’m just saying, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” There is only one leader who can be trusted to do 100% of what He says He will do. There is only one leader who CAN follow through with all intents and promises, and that leader is God.
Jesus Christ, when He walked on this earth in human flesh, was the only human being whose words and actions always perfectly aligned. More importantly, He is the only one who will ever bring about the kind of world-changing government, the world-wide peace, the universal prosperity and the return to a Garden-of-Eden environment that He promised. It is in Jesus Christ and God the Father that we must put our trust. It is in them that we can put our faith. They are the leaders to believe and follow.
A new world order. Real change. Peace. Freedom. Prosperity. None of these things will be achieved, no matter what government leaders and leader-wanna-be’s promise, until Jesus Christ returns to the earth and establishes God-rule, God’s government and Himself as King of kings and Lord of Lords. There is no debating that!
Thankfully, we have the Fall Holy Day season right around the corner – with the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day – to remind us that the only true government “for the people” will not be a government “by the people” but will be the government of God established on this earth. God speed that day!
With love,
Nancy
The Chinese government, not known for its honesty and fair treatment of the average citizen, out did itself in the Olympics. In a future blog I will use more of that detail, but today I want to highlight one particular incident.
The August 21 issue of the New York Times ran an article titled “Too Old and Frail to Re-educate? Not in China” about two seventy-year-old women sentenced to “re-education through labor” for applying to hold a legal protest in a government-designated area. Note: their crime was for APPLYING for government approval to protest. They did not protest. The Chinese government told its citizens that they could protest during the Olympics, but only in a particular area and only after written approval from the government. Then they arrested two feeble old women for applying for approval to protest.
I wish I could say that a government that does just the opposite of what it promises was a unique thing. I wish I could say, “Well, you’d never find this type of ‘bait and switch’ tactic in the USA.” While it is true that American’s have an unparalleled right and ability to protest when, where and how we want, the connection here is that even the US government cannot be trusted to always keep its word or honor its promises either.
Who can you believe? Who can you trust as a leader?
As I watched the Democratic Convention and listened to the speeches, I was very much impressed. The words and delivery showed that among the group were some great orators. The crowd was rallied, encouraged, uplifted, stirred to action, etc. I was impressed with their words. I’m looking forward to more great speeches and inspiring words from the Republicans.
With the nomination of a black man as Democratic presidential candidate and the nomination of a woman as the Republican vice presidential candidate, it is going to be an exciting election process if nothing else. Should be good, clean fun to watch; but I don’t intend to get suckered in by what they actually say.
I’m not judging the intent of the candidates or the politicians that support them. I’m certainly not judging the intent of the delegates. I’m just saying, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” There is only one leader who can be trusted to do 100% of what He says He will do. There is only one leader who CAN follow through with all intents and promises, and that leader is God.
Jesus Christ, when He walked on this earth in human flesh, was the only human being whose words and actions always perfectly aligned. More importantly, He is the only one who will ever bring about the kind of world-changing government, the world-wide peace, the universal prosperity and the return to a Garden-of-Eden environment that He promised. It is in Jesus Christ and God the Father that we must put our trust. It is in them that we can put our faith. They are the leaders to believe and follow.
A new world order. Real change. Peace. Freedom. Prosperity. None of these things will be achieved, no matter what government leaders and leader-wanna-be’s promise, until Jesus Christ returns to the earth and establishes God-rule, God’s government and Himself as King of kings and Lord of Lords. There is no debating that!
Thankfully, we have the Fall Holy Day season right around the corner – with the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day – to remind us that the only true government “for the people” will not be a government “by the people” but will be the government of God established on this earth. God speed that day!
With love,
Nancy
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Leading from the Shield
I caught a small part of a History Channel program on Vikings the other day. What I heard, however, really made me start thinking.
One fierce Viking leader, called Ivar, had the nickname “Boneless.” No one was sure why, but they know that Ivar was unable to walk and had to be carried everywhere on a shield. Whether this was a disease or injury, it impresses me that Ivar continued to be a man that could rally troops and lead battles from this position and with this disability.
If I picture well-decorated generals in history – whatever the country – and the image is always of a man standing straight and tall, marching or riding into battle, wielding a spear, gun or sword – not of a man being carried into battle.
Obviously, something in the character of Ivar drew others to follow his leadership.
It goes without saying that we should all follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and both the teachings and example of Jesus. But what about the people who come into your life and influence you? Do you look to the rich, the good-looking, the powerful, the successful or the famous in this world to find your guidance and examples in decisions for your life?
When Israel sought a king and God offered them Saul, it seemed like a good thing. Saul looked the part – head and shoulders above the rest of the men of the country. Originally, Saul had the right heart, but he lost that along the way. All his kingly stature could not make up for his poor character.
When God choose David even his own father could not believe the boy would be considered for the next king of Israel. God explained that HE looks upon the heart – not the outward appearance.
Since we don’t have that luxury – of truly knowing another person’s heart the way God does – all we can do is judge by whether or not their actions follow God’s word.
Follow those who have proven themselves by weathering storms and trials in life without losing their character or convictions. Follow those who, when they do make mistakes, have the strength to admit they are wrong, the courage to seek to correct that wrong and conviction to strive to change.
Sometimes these people are easy to find, they live under public scrutiny because they are in a visible leadership role. Other times, you will have to seek them out and get to know the ones that quietly live their convictions and maybe feel too insignificant to lead from the front of the line.
These are the ones who are leading from a shield – maybe too feeble, or too poor, or too humble to promote their own lives. You will have to go to them – seeking out the quiet widow who served as the support for a more gregarious or honored, but now-dead mate. Maybe it is an old man in a wheel chair, who served before you were ever converted, but now is too weak to even lead songs or give a closing prayer.
These leaders are still worthy of following and maybe more worthy that the obvious leaders. What they have to offer in the history of their battles can’t be found anywhere else except in the sharing of their scars – their triumphs and their tragedies and the lessons gleaned in each.
Maybe you are at that point in your own life. You have a lot to share, but no one to carry you into battle. Please reach out to those of us who need you. We need you to help us in our current roles, and we will need to follow your examples when we too can only lead from the shield.
Those who lead from the shield still have the heart for battle. They still have the wisdom to lead the fight, even if they have to be carried into battle.
With love,
Nancy
One fierce Viking leader, called Ivar, had the nickname “Boneless.” No one was sure why, but they know that Ivar was unable to walk and had to be carried everywhere on a shield. Whether this was a disease or injury, it impresses me that Ivar continued to be a man that could rally troops and lead battles from this position and with this disability.
If I picture well-decorated generals in history – whatever the country – and the image is always of a man standing straight and tall, marching or riding into battle, wielding a spear, gun or sword – not of a man being carried into battle.
Obviously, something in the character of Ivar drew others to follow his leadership.
It goes without saying that we should all follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and both the teachings and example of Jesus. But what about the people who come into your life and influence you? Do you look to the rich, the good-looking, the powerful, the successful or the famous in this world to find your guidance and examples in decisions for your life?
When Israel sought a king and God offered them Saul, it seemed like a good thing. Saul looked the part – head and shoulders above the rest of the men of the country. Originally, Saul had the right heart, but he lost that along the way. All his kingly stature could not make up for his poor character.
When God choose David even his own father could not believe the boy would be considered for the next king of Israel. God explained that HE looks upon the heart – not the outward appearance.
Since we don’t have that luxury – of truly knowing another person’s heart the way God does – all we can do is judge by whether or not their actions follow God’s word.
Follow those who have proven themselves by weathering storms and trials in life without losing their character or convictions. Follow those who, when they do make mistakes, have the strength to admit they are wrong, the courage to seek to correct that wrong and conviction to strive to change.
Sometimes these people are easy to find, they live under public scrutiny because they are in a visible leadership role. Other times, you will have to seek them out and get to know the ones that quietly live their convictions and maybe feel too insignificant to lead from the front of the line.
These are the ones who are leading from a shield – maybe too feeble, or too poor, or too humble to promote their own lives. You will have to go to them – seeking out the quiet widow who served as the support for a more gregarious or honored, but now-dead mate. Maybe it is an old man in a wheel chair, who served before you were ever converted, but now is too weak to even lead songs or give a closing prayer.
These leaders are still worthy of following and maybe more worthy that the obvious leaders. What they have to offer in the history of their battles can’t be found anywhere else except in the sharing of their scars – their triumphs and their tragedies and the lessons gleaned in each.
Maybe you are at that point in your own life. You have a lot to share, but no one to carry you into battle. Please reach out to those of us who need you. We need you to help us in our current roles, and we will need to follow your examples when we too can only lead from the shield.
Those who lead from the shield still have the heart for battle. They still have the wisdom to lead the fight, even if they have to be carried into battle.
With love,
Nancy
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Olympic Dreams and Annoying Realities
The world is all about the Olympics right now. And why not? Thousands of athletes from the world over have worked and sacrificed for years just for the chance to compete. For those who make it, it must be surreal just to be there. For those who win a medal…. I doubt I could imagine, let along express, how it must feel.
Competing among your peers , doing your personal best, pushing yourself, setting and achieving goals, using discipline and sacrifice to reach your dreams – this is commendable behavior.
While the USA cheers the American swimmer Michael Phelps, who (as of August 13) has already achieved five gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, I am fascinated by Eric Shanteau who put his life on the line by postponing cancer surgery in order to have the chance to compete. He made the cut to be on the US team. He did not succeed in the pre-trials in Beijing. No chance for a medal. He will go home now to receive his treatment.
It makes me wonder: is he happy with his decision now? He may be just fine after a successful surgery or he may find that he made the wrong choice. Either way the cancer goes, would he have been vindicated in making that decision if he had won a gold medal?
What drives a person to risk his life for a dream?
Each Olympian may have a different motivation. They each have unique skill sets and practice schedules. They will certainly have different results from their Olympic competitions. But they will have in common the fact that each and every one made it to the Olympics where, in one way or another, they had the opportunity to be among, to compete along side, those who are arguably the best in the world, and maybe, if luck and effort align, to achieve the designation as the best in the world.
Whatever these men and women achieve this year, except for a select few like Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz before him, the annoying reality is that all too soon the glory of this competition and set of achievements will be forgotten or replaced by other news of the day.
For those who follow Jesus, we have a better crown awaiting us – an eternal crown that will not be erased or forgotten when the next Olympics competition comes around, nor even in tens of thousands of years.
I saw an awesome synchronized diving competition where the Chinese team won gold. I have no idea who those girls were – don’t know their names, can’t remember their faces or their scores. Perhaps they will remain famous in their home towns for years to come, but ultimately that will fade too.
For those of us who follow Jesus, we do well to remember his admonition to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven where months don’t eat it, rust doesn’t ruin it and it can never be stolen by a thief or even the next deserving athlete.
Unlike Shanteau, we will never risk more than we can get in return. Jesus laid everything on the line for us. He expects the same from us, but no more than that. Our investment in Christian living will never fail to result in the ultimate crown of righteousness – eternal life in God’s Kingdom. Our reward is sure and it will never tarnish or be forgotten or be replaced by the next contender. There is room for EVERYONE on the gold medal stand in the Christian race and Jesus will welcome us ALL to the ultimate winner’s circle.
With love,
Nancy
Competing among your peers , doing your personal best, pushing yourself, setting and achieving goals, using discipline and sacrifice to reach your dreams – this is commendable behavior.
While the USA cheers the American swimmer Michael Phelps, who (as of August 13) has already achieved five gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, I am fascinated by Eric Shanteau who put his life on the line by postponing cancer surgery in order to have the chance to compete. He made the cut to be on the US team. He did not succeed in the pre-trials in Beijing. No chance for a medal. He will go home now to receive his treatment.
It makes me wonder: is he happy with his decision now? He may be just fine after a successful surgery or he may find that he made the wrong choice. Either way the cancer goes, would he have been vindicated in making that decision if he had won a gold medal?
What drives a person to risk his life for a dream?
Each Olympian may have a different motivation. They each have unique skill sets and practice schedules. They will certainly have different results from their Olympic competitions. But they will have in common the fact that each and every one made it to the Olympics where, in one way or another, they had the opportunity to be among, to compete along side, those who are arguably the best in the world, and maybe, if luck and effort align, to achieve the designation as the best in the world.
Whatever these men and women achieve this year, except for a select few like Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz before him, the annoying reality is that all too soon the glory of this competition and set of achievements will be forgotten or replaced by other news of the day.
For those who follow Jesus, we have a better crown awaiting us – an eternal crown that will not be erased or forgotten when the next Olympics competition comes around, nor even in tens of thousands of years.
I saw an awesome synchronized diving competition where the Chinese team won gold. I have no idea who those girls were – don’t know their names, can’t remember their faces or their scores. Perhaps they will remain famous in their home towns for years to come, but ultimately that will fade too.
For those of us who follow Jesus, we do well to remember his admonition to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven where months don’t eat it, rust doesn’t ruin it and it can never be stolen by a thief or even the next deserving athlete.
Unlike Shanteau, we will never risk more than we can get in return. Jesus laid everything on the line for us. He expects the same from us, but no more than that. Our investment in Christian living will never fail to result in the ultimate crown of righteousness – eternal life in God’s Kingdom. Our reward is sure and it will never tarnish or be forgotten or be replaced by the next contender. There is room for EVERYONE on the gold medal stand in the Christian race and Jesus will welcome us ALL to the ultimate winner’s circle.
With love,
Nancy
Saturday, August 9, 2008
MAKING SILK PURSES OUT OF SOW’S EARS – PART 2
The thing about making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear is that the two have absolutely nothing in common with each other. The reason for the saying being popular among my grandmother’s generation must have been that it so adequately expresses the fact that it cannot be done. At least, it cannot be done by mere mortals.
In the business section of the August 2 Dallas Morning News, there was an article about the changes made to the McDonald’s European division restaurants. In addition to sleek, new decor, the European group features menus that are varied by region, including some regional favorites along with the standard burger and fries. The menu for French McDonald’s restaurants includes wine (McMerot maybe?) and the tables include iPod stations. In Britain you can order porridge at breakfast instead of an egg McMuffin. In Italy, there is pasta on the menu – although surely they don’t say “do you want fries with that pasta?”
While these innovations have the European division seeing huge McProfits, does this really represent change? Yes and no. McDonalds is still, at its heart, a burger place – although, arguably, a more hip and healthier burger place. But no American could walk into a McDonald’s in France and fail to notice that it is significantly different than what you experience in Dallas, Texas.
As Christians, we have to change. Left alone, we are able to make changes. But no matter what each of us alone is able to accomplish, it is not within our power to become silk purses. God, and God alone, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, can do that.
Make no mistake about it, that is exactly what He does – He takes flesh and bone, mortal beings, and makes us into eternal, spirit beings. At creation, He took mud and made it flesh. At a wedding, Jesus turned water into wine. God is not bound by the laws of physics that He created. He is not constrained to working in the physical realm. God CAN make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
While we are in the flesh, there will always remain in us a portion of what we are at the core: sinners. But, sinners who are in the process of change. Linked to God by the Holy Spirit, we are able to make real, lasting changes even now. We are able to build right character by choosing right behavior. That is what we are to do each and every day of our Christian walk. Those around us should notice the change.
Alcoholic’s Anonymous teaches it’s members to always consider themselves to be alcoholics – recovering alcoholics. We are all recovering sinners throughout the course of our mortal lives.
Then, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the return of Jesus, we will be completely changed –TRANFORMED – from what we are now, to something that is entirely different. We will become what we have been destined to become from creation: eternal, spiritual beings in the image of our Father. Right now, the changes we make can seem small. Right now, the work to make those changes can seem huge. A single, desired change can be a life-long struggle. But each change builds upon the other and works together in us to become part of the final and complete transformation.
God makes silk purses out of sow’s ears – only He can.
With love, Nancy
In the business section of the August 2 Dallas Morning News, there was an article about the changes made to the McDonald’s European division restaurants. In addition to sleek, new decor, the European group features menus that are varied by region, including some regional favorites along with the standard burger and fries. The menu for French McDonald’s restaurants includes wine (McMerot maybe?) and the tables include iPod stations. In Britain you can order porridge at breakfast instead of an egg McMuffin. In Italy, there is pasta on the menu – although surely they don’t say “do you want fries with that pasta?”
While these innovations have the European division seeing huge McProfits, does this really represent change? Yes and no. McDonalds is still, at its heart, a burger place – although, arguably, a more hip and healthier burger place. But no American could walk into a McDonald’s in France and fail to notice that it is significantly different than what you experience in Dallas, Texas.
As Christians, we have to change. Left alone, we are able to make changes. But no matter what each of us alone is able to accomplish, it is not within our power to become silk purses. God, and God alone, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, can do that.
Make no mistake about it, that is exactly what He does – He takes flesh and bone, mortal beings, and makes us into eternal, spirit beings. At creation, He took mud and made it flesh. At a wedding, Jesus turned water into wine. God is not bound by the laws of physics that He created. He is not constrained to working in the physical realm. God CAN make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
While we are in the flesh, there will always remain in us a portion of what we are at the core: sinners. But, sinners who are in the process of change. Linked to God by the Holy Spirit, we are able to make real, lasting changes even now. We are able to build right character by choosing right behavior. That is what we are to do each and every day of our Christian walk. Those around us should notice the change.
Alcoholic’s Anonymous teaches it’s members to always consider themselves to be alcoholics – recovering alcoholics. We are all recovering sinners throughout the course of our mortal lives.
Then, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the return of Jesus, we will be completely changed –TRANFORMED – from what we are now, to something that is entirely different. We will become what we have been destined to become from creation: eternal, spiritual beings in the image of our Father. Right now, the changes we make can seem small. Right now, the work to make those changes can seem huge. A single, desired change can be a life-long struggle. But each change builds upon the other and works together in us to become part of the final and complete transformation.
God makes silk purses out of sow’s ears – only He can.
With love, Nancy
Friday, August 1, 2008
MAKING SILK PURSES OUT OF SOW’S EARS, Part One
Dr. Phil is famous for saying “the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior.” Unfortunately, it is very sadly often true. But CAN people change? DO people ever change? If so, what motivates the change?
The number one rule of dealing with your fellow man or womankind and the first point I have to make today is that you cannot change someone else. No matter how hard you try. Plead, console, cajole, beg, manipulate, withhold love, give unconditional love – none of it will change another person.
And, yes, if it sounds like I have tried, I confess that I have tried. I don’t mind saying that I failed. But I learned from it. It bears repeating: you cannot change another person. Didn’t work for me. Won’t work for you either. You can only change yourself and even that isn’t easy.
Paul had a life-changing event – a literal “come to Jesus” moment when he was struck down and blinded by God on the road to Damascus. Paul saw his need to change during his time of being blind. He could have chosen to ignore God once he got his sight back – could have gone back to killing Christian. The early New Testament church was blessed that he didn’t.
Saul got uppity when he became King of Israel. He changed for the worse and Old Testament Israel shared the penalty.
We’ve all seen TV shows where the protagonist has some life-changing epiphany – gives up smoking overnight, stops drinking, stops cheating, quits gambling, turns from drugs, walks away from prostitution, leaves a gang, etc. Sometimes it because of a single, external event (death of a loved one or their own brush with death for example); sometimes because they hit bottom and just can’t stand to continue living that life.
The thing about meaningful, lasting change is that while the commitment to change may come upon you suddenly, the process is rarely what you can fit into a 60-minute TV program.
Ultimately, the whole world will change at Jesus’ return – people and animals too. Those humans who refuse to change will at least be brought to their knees before the Lord. For us today, we don’t have to let it come to that. God is willing to work with us now and His changes can be gentle, consistent alterations if we have willing hearts.
Mary Kay Ash used to say “you will only change when the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change.” Changing is tough. Sometimes in life staying the same is tougher. When that is true, you will change. I believe it is a survival instinct built into our nature. Or you can wait for God to strike you blind along the way to where you think you are going.
I encourage you to choose to ask God to help you change. In the long run, the pain of change is more than overcome by the joy of remaining in Him for all eternity.
More about the transition from sow’s ear to silk purse in my next blog… For now: love to all!
Nancy
The number one rule of dealing with your fellow man or womankind and the first point I have to make today is that you cannot change someone else. No matter how hard you try. Plead, console, cajole, beg, manipulate, withhold love, give unconditional love – none of it will change another person.
And, yes, if it sounds like I have tried, I confess that I have tried. I don’t mind saying that I failed. But I learned from it. It bears repeating: you cannot change another person. Didn’t work for me. Won’t work for you either. You can only change yourself and even that isn’t easy.
Paul had a life-changing event – a literal “come to Jesus” moment when he was struck down and blinded by God on the road to Damascus. Paul saw his need to change during his time of being blind. He could have chosen to ignore God once he got his sight back – could have gone back to killing Christian. The early New Testament church was blessed that he didn’t.
Saul got uppity when he became King of Israel. He changed for the worse and Old Testament Israel shared the penalty.
We’ve all seen TV shows where the protagonist has some life-changing epiphany – gives up smoking overnight, stops drinking, stops cheating, quits gambling, turns from drugs, walks away from prostitution, leaves a gang, etc. Sometimes it because of a single, external event (death of a loved one or their own brush with death for example); sometimes because they hit bottom and just can’t stand to continue living that life.
The thing about meaningful, lasting change is that while the commitment to change may come upon you suddenly, the process is rarely what you can fit into a 60-minute TV program.
Ultimately, the whole world will change at Jesus’ return – people and animals too. Those humans who refuse to change will at least be brought to their knees before the Lord. For us today, we don’t have to let it come to that. God is willing to work with us now and His changes can be gentle, consistent alterations if we have willing hearts.
Mary Kay Ash used to say “you will only change when the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change.” Changing is tough. Sometimes in life staying the same is tougher. When that is true, you will change. I believe it is a survival instinct built into our nature. Or you can wait for God to strike you blind along the way to where you think you are going.
I encourage you to choose to ask God to help you change. In the long run, the pain of change is more than overcome by the joy of remaining in Him for all eternity.
More about the transition from sow’s ear to silk purse in my next blog… For now: love to all!
Nancy
Sunday, July 27, 2008
NO FAILURE TO THRIVE
They call it “failure to thrive” when I young baby dies for lack of attention and no other noticeable reason. This is not about abuse or neglecting the child in a physical way. This is about a phenomenon that occurs when a baby does not get enough human touch. It would seem that God intended for human life to be interconnected from the very beginning – first with our parents and family.
The need for connection with other Christians is no less important to our ability to thrive spiritually. Women might have a leg up on this over men – not that we need it more, but that we recognize it more easily. I believe this is because women also recognize the need for each other on a human level as well.
There is an e-mail that has been going around – it has been forwarded to me maybe a dozen times – that is in the format of advice to a new wife from her mother. That advice goes along the lines of not neglecting her connections to other women – girlfriends – even though ones husband and children may take top priority.
Women need each other for interaction (yes, just to talk), emotional support, encouragement, advice and often physical support. Fortunately for us, we recognize it.
In his book titled “Blind Spots,” Bill McCartney, creator of Promise Keepers, says that for real connection among Christians we need to move from simply acquaintance to real, spiritual intimacy in order for any lasting change to occur.
Reading about this reminded me that the women’s conference I just attended in Birmingham, Alabama, was a great witness of true, spiritual intimacy within a group of women gathered from various church congregations and fellowships. The messages were great. The meals were fabulous. We had great fellowship and interactive time. However, none of those things requires deep, spiritual connectivity, although they help to foster an atmosphere where it can occur.
What does require deep spiritual connectivity, and what I witnessed over and over again, is the ability to bare your soul – your intimate fears, hopes, dreams, etc. – and ask for prayer. More than once, I saw a small group in quite discussion that then bowed their heads for prayer over whatever they were discussing. It takes trust to bare your soul. It takes love and concern to take the needs of others together to God in prayer.
Coupled together, that boils down spiritual intimacy. Where that exists, there can be no failure to thrive as a son of God, no matter what the world or Satan or our fellow man throw at us emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually.
Women just seem to be more open to the vulnerability required to move into spiritual intimacy with our sisters in Christ. I am thankful for the examples I saw at the conference and for my own spiritual sisters who support me at home. I hope each of you have found spiritual intimacy with a group of Christian sisters. Surround yourself with these and you can’t help but thrive.
With Love,
Nancy
The need for connection with other Christians is no less important to our ability to thrive spiritually. Women might have a leg up on this over men – not that we need it more, but that we recognize it more easily. I believe this is because women also recognize the need for each other on a human level as well.
There is an e-mail that has been going around – it has been forwarded to me maybe a dozen times – that is in the format of advice to a new wife from her mother. That advice goes along the lines of not neglecting her connections to other women – girlfriends – even though ones husband and children may take top priority.
Women need each other for interaction (yes, just to talk), emotional support, encouragement, advice and often physical support. Fortunately for us, we recognize it.
In his book titled “Blind Spots,” Bill McCartney, creator of Promise Keepers, says that for real connection among Christians we need to move from simply acquaintance to real, spiritual intimacy in order for any lasting change to occur.
Reading about this reminded me that the women’s conference I just attended in Birmingham, Alabama, was a great witness of true, spiritual intimacy within a group of women gathered from various church congregations and fellowships. The messages were great. The meals were fabulous. We had great fellowship and interactive time. However, none of those things requires deep, spiritual connectivity, although they help to foster an atmosphere where it can occur.
What does require deep spiritual connectivity, and what I witnessed over and over again, is the ability to bare your soul – your intimate fears, hopes, dreams, etc. – and ask for prayer. More than once, I saw a small group in quite discussion that then bowed their heads for prayer over whatever they were discussing. It takes trust to bare your soul. It takes love and concern to take the needs of others together to God in prayer.
Coupled together, that boils down spiritual intimacy. Where that exists, there can be no failure to thrive as a son of God, no matter what the world or Satan or our fellow man throw at us emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually.
Women just seem to be more open to the vulnerability required to move into spiritual intimacy with our sisters in Christ. I am thankful for the examples I saw at the conference and for my own spiritual sisters who support me at home. I hope each of you have found spiritual intimacy with a group of Christian sisters. Surround yourself with these and you can’t help but thrive.
With Love,
Nancy
Friday, July 18, 2008
WELCOME TO THE 20TH CENTURY, NANCY!
Children love to see images of themselves and they love to see their names in print. They are fascinated with this concrete proof of their existence. It is a simple form of validation.
Well, some of us don’t out-grow that. I know I haven’t. I’m as excited as can be to have my own dedicated segment of the DCM Web site and to come into the 20th Century with my own blog! Yes, I know we are in the 21st Century and I will get there eventually – maybe a MySpace account or a posting on YouTube or Flicker.
With so much opportunity to reach out and touch strangers, you know what brings me the most child-like enjoyment? Interacting with real people, in real places, where I can see real smiles and get real hugs. Creating a fake (avatar) persona in Second Life holds no allure for me. There is enough I’ve yet to do in first life – or real life – or whatever the opposite of Second Life would be called.
So, I’m very happy to be writing my first blog, from my car – don’t worry, I’m not driving – on my way to Fultondale, Alabama to speak at the women’s conference there. The conference is sponsored by United Christian Ministries (www.4ucm.org), The Sabbatarian Church of God, and Our Only Hope Web Ministry in July each year. This is my second year at the conference. This group is so friendly and welcoming that they all became my instant best girlfriends last year and I am thrilled to be getting together with them again. In many cases, this is my once-a-year opportunity to see these wonderful ladies and hug their necks. We can stay connected in cyberspace, but, for me, it just isn’t the same. In person, we will laugh, cry, pray, eat, laugh some more, share stories and chocolate, laugh some more and eat again. Nothing going on in cyberspace could be as much fun.
I’ll be giving a message there that I have titled “It Ain’t Heavy, It’s Important OR The Weightier Matters of the Law.” It will be videotaped and posted onto my section of the DCM Web site within a week or so. In this way, I get to connect in person with my girlfriends AND I get to have my name, my face and my voice posted in cyberspace for all the world to see. It is my prayer the message will not just be my own, but will be inspired by God.
So, I get the best of both worlds – I get in-person, human interaction and my name in print in cyberspace. The 21st Century is so much fun!
With Love,
Nancy
Well, some of us don’t out-grow that. I know I haven’t. I’m as excited as can be to have my own dedicated segment of the DCM Web site and to come into the 20th Century with my own blog! Yes, I know we are in the 21st Century and I will get there eventually – maybe a MySpace account or a posting on YouTube or Flicker.
With so much opportunity to reach out and touch strangers, you know what brings me the most child-like enjoyment? Interacting with real people, in real places, where I can see real smiles and get real hugs. Creating a fake (avatar) persona in Second Life holds no allure for me. There is enough I’ve yet to do in first life – or real life – or whatever the opposite of Second Life would be called.
So, I’m very happy to be writing my first blog, from my car – don’t worry, I’m not driving – on my way to Fultondale, Alabama to speak at the women’s conference there. The conference is sponsored by United Christian Ministries (www.4ucm.org), The Sabbatarian Church of God, and Our Only Hope Web Ministry in July each year. This is my second year at the conference. This group is so friendly and welcoming that they all became my instant best girlfriends last year and I am thrilled to be getting together with them again. In many cases, this is my once-a-year opportunity to see these wonderful ladies and hug their necks. We can stay connected in cyberspace, but, for me, it just isn’t the same. In person, we will laugh, cry, pray, eat, laugh some more, share stories and chocolate, laugh some more and eat again. Nothing going on in cyberspace could be as much fun.
I’ll be giving a message there that I have titled “It Ain’t Heavy, It’s Important OR The Weightier Matters of the Law.” It will be videotaped and posted onto my section of the DCM Web site within a week or so. In this way, I get to connect in person with my girlfriends AND I get to have my name, my face and my voice posted in cyberspace for all the world to see. It is my prayer the message will not just be my own, but will be inspired by God.
So, I get the best of both worlds – I get in-person, human interaction and my name in print in cyberspace. The 21st Century is so much fun!
With Love,
Nancy
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