Matt 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Don't ever think for a minute that Jesus didn't have a glimmer of hope for plan "B". He new the excruciating pain He would suffer, and the anguish and humiliation to which He would be subjected. I'm sure there was a point He wanted to scream out "It's not my fault! They're the ones to blame!"
But He didn't. He just quietly laid down on the cross with the understanding that His sacrifice was necessary for the salvation of others.
People blame establishments for the behavior of their patrons.
Children blame their parents.
Parents blame their children.
Churches blame the world.
The world blames God.
Guess who the problem really is? Do you have a mirror?
If there was ever a time for personal responsibility, it's now. It's not the bar's fault some underage girl got drunk. It's not the cop's fault the speeder got a ticket. It's not the teacher's fault the student is failing.
It's not the government's fault that you have more than you can financially handle.
Let's stop acting like irresponsible adolescents and realize this life is a one shot deal. No one owes you anything. But you owe other's, and most especially God, a whole lot.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Stealing Christmas
For many years my friends and family have (I hope) affectionately referred to me as either "Scrooge" or "The Grinch". I only buy for my direct decendants, and then I do so frugally. My friends know that, although I may not buy them a present, I love them. They know they can call me at 3:00 in the morning and I will be on my way.
Beats dish towels, don't you think?
Christmas is, traditionally, a time for gift giving, good will toward men, and just generally doing for others less fortunate. All admirable things to be sure, but...
...there are 11 other months in the year...
Long ago, when I was a fresh-faced, 17 year old Student Council President, I heard a woman declare, "People aren't just hungry in November and December." That statement made a lasting impression on me. We, as a society, tend to rise to the occasion. We offer our hand to the poor and needy, then quickly use that same hand to pat our self on the back for our efforts. We enjoy the brief, poignant high that comes from hearing a child whisper thank you, or a single mom shed grateful tears.
But what are they eating in January and February? Who's buying the summer clothes for the children of that same single mom. Who's making sure she has enough gas to go to work?
Far be it from me to take away anyone's enjoyment of the holiday season. I adore the get togethers, the meals, the verbal sparring between siblings and cousins, and the tender, shared moments of remembrance.
But, months after the tinsel is tossed and the packages are emptied, we must remember that a child may still be hungry, a parent may still be struggling and a need may still exist.
What then?
I think I'll just pretend it's Christmas...
Beats dish towels, don't you think?
Christmas is, traditionally, a time for gift giving, good will toward men, and just generally doing for others less fortunate. All admirable things to be sure, but...
...there are 11 other months in the year...
Long ago, when I was a fresh-faced, 17 year old Student Council President, I heard a woman declare, "People aren't just hungry in November and December." That statement made a lasting impression on me. We, as a society, tend to rise to the occasion. We offer our hand to the poor and needy, then quickly use that same hand to pat our self on the back for our efforts. We enjoy the brief, poignant high that comes from hearing a child whisper thank you, or a single mom shed grateful tears.
But what are they eating in January and February? Who's buying the summer clothes for the children of that same single mom. Who's making sure she has enough gas to go to work?
Far be it from me to take away anyone's enjoyment of the holiday season. I adore the get togethers, the meals, the verbal sparring between siblings and cousins, and the tender, shared moments of remembrance.
But, months after the tinsel is tossed and the packages are emptied, we must remember that a child may still be hungry, a parent may still be struggling and a need may still exist.
What then?
I think I'll just pretend it's Christmas...
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Control Issues
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes...
If 9/11 showed us anything, it's that control is just an illusion. People in powerful positions entered their offices that fateful day, people for whom others fetched and carried, yes sir-ed and no ma'am-ed... people who felt like they were in control of their world.
Then disaster struck.
Stress comes when we lack choices. When things are happening around us that we can't control we experience a sense of anxiety and fear. We frantically, or possibly methodically, attempt to fix those things which have gone awry. Often it's a fruitless endeavor.
In reality, the only thing you can control is your own faith in God. Your body will betray you, your temper will get away from you, your children will misbehave and your subordinates will defy you. God, in His wisdom, gave us all a free will. Not even He, the maker and creator of everything, attempts to maintain total control.
When life spins in it's own direction, we have to find our center within our Comforter, the Holy Spirit. We have to turn to God and be willing to say "I can't do this on my own." We have to be willing to let go of those things which create chaos inside us, and replace it with the peace that passes all understanding. We have to let Him do His job. Otherwise, we will be so busy trying to do His job, we won't be able to do ours.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes...
If 9/11 showed us anything, it's that control is just an illusion. People in powerful positions entered their offices that fateful day, people for whom others fetched and carried, yes sir-ed and no ma'am-ed... people who felt like they were in control of their world.
Then disaster struck.
Stress comes when we lack choices. When things are happening around us that we can't control we experience a sense of anxiety and fear. We frantically, or possibly methodically, attempt to fix those things which have gone awry. Often it's a fruitless endeavor.
In reality, the only thing you can control is your own faith in God. Your body will betray you, your temper will get away from you, your children will misbehave and your subordinates will defy you. God, in His wisdom, gave us all a free will. Not even He, the maker and creator of everything, attempts to maintain total control.
When life spins in it's own direction, we have to find our center within our Comforter, the Holy Spirit. We have to turn to God and be willing to say "I can't do this on my own." We have to be willing to let go of those things which create chaos inside us, and replace it with the peace that passes all understanding. We have to let Him do His job. Otherwise, we will be so busy trying to do His job, we won't be able to do ours.
Friday, September 2, 2011
job description
In the 28 years that I have been in the workforce, I have worked as a nursing assistant, an associate in a hardware store, a cook/waitress/cashier in an auction barn kitchen, a substitute teacher and a nurse. As a nurse, my employment has been extremely varied; Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Occupational, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Education and Training. Regardless of my employment, one thing has always been consistent. I was given a job description, and expected to do the job for which I was hired. I have worked weekends and holidays, days, evenings and nights. I have spent many a Christmas and Thanksgiving with another's family instead of my own. But as Superchicken use to say "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it."
As Christians, we have a job description.
Hebrews 10:25 tells us that we really need to go to church and surround ourselves with people who are like minded and those who can encourage us.
Matthew 7:20 says that people should know us by the "fruit" we bare.
Matthew 7:12 instructs us to treat others like we would want to be treated.
Most people work diligently to impress and please their employers. When they accepted the job, they accepted all the responsibilities that went with it.
As Christians, we need to realize what our responsibility is to God. We have been commanded to seek out the lost, support the church, sacrifice our self in order to further His kingdom, and be kind to those whom others turn away. He directs us to pray for the sick, the lost, and the broken. He expects us to reach out to those who are struggling and direct them down the right path.
He requires of us self-discipline, and self examination. He wants us to plant, tend, and harvest when the time is right.
If any one of us took a position with an employer, then did not do the work the employer expected of us, we wouldn't keep the job for long. Fortunately, our heavenly Father is merciful, and we all have continued chances to make things right. Jobs come and go, employers go out of business, and work conditions change, but God...God is forever unchanging, forever faithful, and forever merciful. Shouldn't He be afforded the same consideration as an earthly boss?
And besides, who else is going to give you such a great retirement plan?!
As Christians, we have a job description.
Hebrews 10:25 tells us that we really need to go to church and surround ourselves with people who are like minded and those who can encourage us.
Matthew 7:20 says that people should know us by the "fruit" we bare.
Matthew 7:12 instructs us to treat others like we would want to be treated.
Most people work diligently to impress and please their employers. When they accepted the job, they accepted all the responsibilities that went with it.
As Christians, we need to realize what our responsibility is to God. We have been commanded to seek out the lost, support the church, sacrifice our self in order to further His kingdom, and be kind to those whom others turn away. He directs us to pray for the sick, the lost, and the broken. He expects us to reach out to those who are struggling and direct them down the right path.
He requires of us self-discipline, and self examination. He wants us to plant, tend, and harvest when the time is right.
If any one of us took a position with an employer, then did not do the work the employer expected of us, we wouldn't keep the job for long. Fortunately, our heavenly Father is merciful, and we all have continued chances to make things right. Jobs come and go, employers go out of business, and work conditions change, but God...God is forever unchanging, forever faithful, and forever merciful. Shouldn't He be afforded the same consideration as an earthly boss?
And besides, who else is going to give you such a great retirement plan?!
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