The Little Pebble

While driving, there are a lot of signs that point towards dangerous situations. These warnings allow us to make changes to our course before we arrive at the problem spot. Some signs tell us construction work is approaching. Others may reveal road conditions or even that the lane is about to end. Warnings may also include flashing lights or barricades.

Regardless of how prominent they are, some people ignore these warnings. People do not always slow down for construction which besides their safety affects the safety of the workers.  People have hit large construction trucks or fallen in holes because they went around barricades. Many of us have seen footage of police officers getting crushed while on the side of the road even though the bright lights were flashing.

The first question many people ask when seeing these events is, “Did you not see the warnings?” The real problem is that most of them just ignore them. They did not want to change directions or take another route.

These seem like they should be easy enough to avoid as long as we see them coming in advance, but what about the little pebble in the road? There are no warnings about those. How many windshields were cracked because you did not see that small rock flying in your direction? Windshields are not cheap. Think of what you could have done with the money replacing all the cracked windshields cost you over the years.

Too bad no signs are saying, “A pebble will be thrown from the car in front of you if you remain in the left lane.” Unfortunately, most people would probably still stay in the left lane.  

While we cannot avoid all of the flying debris that can cause damage, we can do a few things to prepare for the possible outcome. Do not drive behind dump trucks. Leave a big enough space between our car and the vehicle in front of us. These do not guarantee that pebbles won’t be a problem, but they can minimize the danger. Not being in a position to be hit is the key to not being struck.

This principle applies outside of driving, too. We can see the big warning signs tell us of approaching danger. If the fire alarm sounds, we should be wise enough to leave the building and call for help. It is the small things that pop up suddenly that cause us unexpected problems. Someone may say something, and we hold a grudge as a result. This kind of situation may not be financially troubling, but it can damage a friendship.    

We can have unforeseen small issues arise that cost us money. The battery on your car may die. That needs replacing. The problem is you do not have the money to replace it. Sometimes the lack of money is because we do not make enough, but many times it is because we do not live within our means.

We cannot prevent the little pebbles in life (E.g., what others say or dead batteries), but we can prepare for them. We can live by the fruit of the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Living like this prepares you to overcome an offense that shows up. It is not always easy to live this way, but it will make you a stronger person. We can also learn to be good stewards of budgeting or saving for unexpected financial problems.

These are just two examples, but we should prepare because the unexpected always seems to occur. 

Earth Day and Family

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans demonstrated in streets, parks, and auditoriums all across the country. The demonstrators were concerned about toxins in the air and water.  No legal or regulatory mechanisms were in place to protect our environment. Supporters of this effort came from almost every walk of life. The result of that first Earth Day was the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

I was only three and a half years old, so I do not remember any of this. Nor was I ever really concerned about the environment. Of course, I would prefer clean air and water, but that was a concern for others.

Nearly 48 years later, I find myself caring a lot more. I am not an extremist about it, but I do what I can including recycling. It is not a political issue for me. I merely want to leave this world in better shape than I found it.

Let us go back a few thousand years. (Depending on your theology, it may be a few million years, but that is another topic of discussion.) The original Earth Day was a week-long demonstration of God’s power. It is when he created the Earth. In Genesis 1, it says the earth was formless and void.  God decided to do something about it. In six days, he shaped it into what he wanted, and then he rested.

Seven times in the chapter, God looked at what he made and saw that “it was good.” He also placed man in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it.”  From the beginning, we were supposed to take care of what God made. From that point until 1970, we fell short of keeping this planet in the shape God created it. People have made progress, but the responsibility that God gave us is ongoing.

I, personally, cannot create a world. I am no god, apparently. However, with the help of God and my wife, I have been able to create a family. Each step of the way, I looked at it and thought it was good.

That does not mean I have not made mistakes because I have made plenty. I can only work and care for it to help it stay right. That is my responsibility.

Too many people look at the families they created and see no good in them. Some tell their children regularly that they are bad. Some say to their children they will probably end up in jail or dead. Negative thoughts and words are not the way we are to care for our children. We need to nurture them and raise them into people with hope and a future.

We become more like our parents as we get older than we would like to admit. Your children will grow to be more like you. Raise them up to be positive. See the good that is in them. Mold them into happy, respectful, and productive individuals.

They are the world that you created. Work it, care for it, nurture it, and watch it grow into something good.

Hurting People Hurt People

Maybe I am alone in this, but I doubt it. If I have a bad day or even if I am just tired, I tend to snap at others that do not deserve it. Unfortunately, my wife has dealt with this far too many times. I do not want to act this way. It is something on which I have to improve.

No, nothing happened recently that is making me write this blog. No, I do not need to apologize for any recent event. Although, if I do and do not realize it, please forgive me.

When I first got married, I had a very short temper.  Small things would set me off. I would not get violent or hurt anyone physically. I did not insult anyone or call them names. I simply yelled. My outburst would be loud. Once I yelled, in my mind, it was over. I could scream one minute, and suddenly it was over, at least in my mind. I do not like things to drag out over time.

I hope that I have improved throughout my marriage. I hope that in my outbursts, no one was harmed emotionally or mentally. However, I am sure feelings were hurt if nothing else.

I am one to apologize reasonably quickly. I tend to think and overthink about how I should have responded. Yet, when something happens, and my mood is not so cheery, I can respond in the same way again. Why do I react in ways that I would rather not? I wish I knew.

We should leave all of our problems behind us when we are with others. Do not take them out on others. It is not their fault we had a bad day. Many times, our responses to others are based on what others have done to us or what we have done to ourselves. We may have been emotionally injured, but the healing does not come from hurting others.

We are not much different than an injured cat. That cute little fur ball may be the sweetest thing. It may love to play. It may entertain you.  It may even let you pet it on a good day. Yet, when a cat is injured, it can become aggressive. It may bite or scratch the ones that love it and take care of it. The problem with this response is the ones who can help mend it are hindered from helping at all.

In I Chronicles 19:1-5, King David’s men were humiliated at the hands of King Hanun because he thought they were spies seeking to overthrow the country. David recognized the hurt these men were facing and had them stay in Jericho until their shame had settled.

I wondered why he did not have them just go home to those who loved them. I think part of this was because they may respond to those out of their emotional injuries. An incorrect response after being injured could result in a loved one being hurt. This time away would give them time to reflect on why they were treated as they were. It would give them time to forgive the one who hurt them.

Hurting people can quickly and without purpose injure others. What can we do? When we are injured, take a timeout. Think about what happened and the reason behind it. Make sure to take the time required to heal. Forgive the one who hurt you and move on. Treat everyone around you with love and respect. 

A Sudden Change for Easter

Easter is an annual Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus our Lord. Christianity would be useless without the death, and resurrection of the Son of God. Somewhere along the line a bunny and Easter egg hunts became part of the tradition of celebrating this special day. I do not pretend to understand how, why, or when these traditions began. 

Here in south Louisiana, many families and friends join together for an Easter tradition that for the most part is specific to this region. This tradition would be the crawfish boil.

My wife has desired boiling crawfish for quite some time. Not just for Easter but at any time during the crawfish season. I have never taken the time to learn how to do this correctly, nor did I have the necessary equipment. Being born and still living here, the items and skills are easily acquired.

I have always chosen to buy crawfish already boiled and ready to eat. This year was no exception. For Easter Sunday, you must order your boiled crawfish in advance because businesses sell out of them so quickly. This year I waited too long and found it hard to find a place that was not already completely booked. Luckily, I found a place and was able to order 30 pounds of boiled crawfish. At least, that is what I thought I ordered.

After church, I went to pick them up, and they brought out my order. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until I arrived at home.

Before I go on, let me inform you that I am not the most perceptive person on the face of the planet. If I am thinking about something, like enjoying a relaxing day with friends, the chance of me noticing even the most obvious things is slim.

Now back to the story. When I arrived at my home and went to unload our Easter lunch, I noticed the crawfish were still alive. Wait. What? That's right. I guess there were some communication issues with what I thought I ordered.

With a couple of friends coming over in about an hour, our Easter plans were dying a quick death. Neither my wife nor I were shocked at our new situation. Crazy things always happen to us. Life is an adventure. However, we are not the type of people to give up.

My wife and I had about five minutes to come up with a plan. We jumped in the car heading to the store as she googled recipes and times required to do the boil correctly.

After trips to two or three stores, we bought what we needed and returned home. We also asked one of our friends to bring us some fast food to satisfy our hunger until we could complete the boil and begin eating.

After spending much more money than planned, the crawfish boil went off without any more issues. Our Easter Sunday ended up being a great day. The fact that we now own the necessary equipment opens up opportunities for more boils in the future, just like my wife wanted anyway.

Life does not always go according to our plans. Things pop up suddenly and can turn things upside down. Many people decide to quit. They would prefer to do nothing than to change directions. Life is full of opportunities to adjust. When things get crazy, do not stop. Overcome.

The Apostle wrote to the Romans about all the trials he and his friends faced, but that in those things, they were "more than conquerors through him (Jesus) who loved us." Knowing that we serve the same God as Paul if he can overcome facing death regularly, we can overcome the daily issues that need adjustments.

Be an overcomer. 

The Octopus

I was watching television the other day when someone mentioned the octopus. I never really thought about these creatures, so I did a little research. I found the octopus to be very interesting.

I learned that octopuses have venom. Most do not have enough to harm a human, but a bite from a small blue-ringed octopus can paralyze a human adult in minutes.

The octopus having venom reminds me of humans. For the most part, we do not bite, but then suddenly what comes out of our mouths can sting another person. While we prefer everyone speak kind and encouraging words, we know that we can do as much harm with our tongues as we can help with it. Let us watch what comes out of our mouths more closely to avoid hurting others.

The octopus also is a master of camouflage. It can change the entire color of its body as quick as three-tenths of a second. The difference between the octopus and others that use some masking feature is it does not just change to blend with its surrounding environment. It often mimics specific things underwater objects, like plants or rocks.

We can learn from this, as well. People want to fit in with the people around them. They dress like them, act like them, and often begin to think like them. We should quit trying to be something that looks like everyone else and mimic something different. I do not mean to be something you are not, but imitate what you can be, the best form of you. We all have areas in which we can improve. Now would be an excellent time to practice a better version of ourselves.

They are highly intelligent. A marine biologist videoed an octopus collecting coconut shells and building itself a home. Smithsonian.com reports, “However, the big-brained cephalopod can navigate through mazes, solve problems and remember solutions, and take things apart for fun–they even have distinct personalities.” The octopus has nine brains. One in the head and one in each arm. (No, they are not tentacles. Squids have tentacles. Octopuses have arms. Arms have suckers along most of their length, as opposed to tentacles, which only have them near their ends.) The octopus may see food, want it, and tell its arm what it wants, but the limb has a full understanding on its own of how to accomplish it.  Each brain thinks for itself while still working together to get things done.

I wish humans would do this. People tell others what to think, and many people just go along with it because it is much easier to let others think for us. We need to start thinking for ourselves, but also working with each other to make things happen for the greater good.

Another fascinating thing is they will lose and abandon an injured arm. Octopuses regenerate their lost limbs with no loss of function. Also, after hooking its arms to a predator, the octopus leaves the attached arm and wiggles as it escapes.

We need to let go of the things in our lives that hold us back and seek to destroy us. Hurts, offense, some people, fear, and grief can hinder our potential. There is a saying, “If you`re riding a horse and it dies, get off.”  Those things that are holding you back will not get you anywhere. Let them go, and you will be much further next year, than you are right now. 

Forged in Fire

My father-in-law recently introduced me to a show on the History Channel called Forged in Fire. This program puts four bladesmiths in competition against each other to create knives and historical weapons. Part of the process of making these items is to stick the metal in the fire. The fire heats the metal making it easier to shape it. When they believe the blade is how they want it, the bladesmiths quench it in oil or water to harden it. If things do not go right in the quenching process, the blade can crack.  

I, by no means, am an expert weapon maker, nor do I desire to be near anything as hot as a forge. All I know about the process is what I have seen on the show.

The fire fascinates me, though. The temperature of a coal fire in a forge can be around 3500 degrees Fahrenheit. I thought summers in the South were hot, but this is way too much heat for me. I would rather sip lemonade in the shade or preferably in an air-conditioned room.

People use the term fire to symbolize passion. Not everyone has the same things about which they are passionate. Not everyone has the same amount of passion. Passion helps shape how you behave. Passion dictates your direction. Passion decides how much time you devote to certain things.

Many people start new jobs with passion. They are filled with excitement about the new opportunity. They are passionate about doing a good job. They may be passionate about advancement possibilities.  They may take work home. They may study certain subjects to make them more knowledgeable about their work. They may arrive early at work and then leave late. Truly passionate workers are dedicated.

Problems can occur. Some people are backstabbers, trying to hold you back so they can move up the ranks. Some people are lazy and hinder your success because they are responsible for something you need. Things that you try are not successful every time. Sometimes, you rarely see the progress you are seeking. 

These types of things can cause discouragement. Discouragement can hinder your progress. Discouragement can steal your passion. Discouragement can take you from extraordinary to ordinary. Discouragement is like taking the steel knife you are making and quenching it in water. It hardens your heart, but it also makes it easier to crack. 

There are other passions than work. Some are passionate about their hobbies. Some are passionate about their politics. Some are passionate about God.

Let us look at that last one. Many people are searching for some meaning in life. When they find a relationship (not a religion) with God, it brings passion into their lives. They devote themselves to studying His word, sharing their faith, and helping other people. These people are “on fire.”

Over the years, I have seen many people let the fire fizzle. They become judgmental. They get stuck in a routine. They get discouraged for various reasons. They just seem to burn out. I remember one woman who told me after I first became a Christian about 35 years ago that the fire I had would soon burn out. I guess encouraging people was not her gift.

However, we decide for ourselves when the fire burns out. If you are using fire to keep warm and it begins to go out, you do not just sit there hoping the fire comes back. You fan the flames and add wood to the fire. The same thing is true for the passion we have within us. We have to fan the flames. 2 Timothy 1 tells us to stir up the gift that is in us. We must do that. No one else will stir us up. We must guard our hearts against things that steal our passion. We must encourage ourselves to press forward. We must continue doing the things we know are good. Do not let the fire go out.

The Laundry Issue

I washed a load of clothes a few weeks ago. Doing the laundry is not new to me, but my wife normally handles the laundry duties. I see now that she is much better at it than I am.

I sorted the clothes, put them in the washing machine, added detergent and fabric softener, and turned on the washer. This is not a hard process and things went according to plan. At least I thought they did. 

I put on a pair of jeans after they came out of the dryer and went to work. It was on the way to work that I realized something was wrong. The problem was not that my jeans smelled like lavender. The problem was that it had an overwhelming lavender scent. Do not get me wrong.  Lavender has a lovely smell. However, too much lavender is not so lovely when you smell it all day long.

The problem was not the fabric softener. It did what it was supposed to do. The problem was that I used too much. I have this issue; when I see a line that says max, I fill things up to that line. I do not go above it, but I will go to the maximum line.

For the most part, fabric softener is a good thing, but it can ruin your day when too much is applied.

The same thing goes for the things we use daily.

Social media, for example, is normally a good thing. It helps connect us with family and friends. It can entertain us by seeing the posts of others. There are memes, jokes, and funny stories that have happened to those we know. I have met new friends on social media that I would love to meet in person someday.

Social media is also a place where we can do some networking. I know of one such place that helped someone find a job.

Social media can also ruin your day. People do not always use these things correctly. Some use it to gain their fifteen minutes of fame. Others mimic ridiculous acts often causing injury or death. Others use social media to force their agenda on you. I do not mind a civilized and logical debate; however, shoving your opinion down my throat will never get me to change my opinion. I even hate seeing the opinions to which I agree being shoved down the throats of others. Tell me once or twice and I get your point. Tell me 700 times, and I will quit listening. I prefer to see things that make my day happier and not divisive.

Like fabric softener, too much of anything can cause things to stink. Some people prefer to stink. Some people enjoy throwing their pearls to pigs. However, pigs do not wear pearls. There are many good in this life on which to focus. Do not choose to think only on the negative, divisive issues that we face. Some issues need to be addressed, but they are not the only thing happening.

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Those seem like better things on which to focus our attention. Take a second to do a smell test. Do the things you post come across as sweet and lovely or do they come across as foul? Try to make someone’s day rather than trying to ruin it.  

STUCK IN THE MUD

Driving a car is a simple task as long as you continue to drive in familiar terrain. When the situation changes, the task becomes much more difficult. We have all had cars stuck in the mud or have seen someone in that predicament.

Experienced drivers know that to move a vehicle you press the accelerator pedal. While in ideal conditions this will make the car go forward, in the mud it becomes more challenging. I have witnessed countless amounts of people hit the accelerator with the same pressure or more while trying to get out of the mud. All this does is spin the tire and dig the car further down into the mud.

Many people's lives are just like a car that is stuck in the mud. The traditions, the lifestyle, and the routine seemed to lead to a happy life. Then one day, they wake up and realize they have been stuck in a rut. The things that kept things going forward for them were just holding them back. The more they try to free themselves by doing the same things, the more trapped they become.

It is time to break free.

When we disagree with people, we do not seek to understand. We seek to be right and to win an argument. When something bad happens, we choose to let our religious or political views become center stage. We begin to pass blame to people, even if they had nothing to do with the situation just because it may seem to strengthen our old arguments. We even use “facts” that are inaccurate because they looked good in a meme.

Freedom does not come from arguing. It does not come from doing the same things we have always done. It comes from stepping back and seeing what truly sets us free. Gaining a true understanding of the situation is a must.

Many people do not even read the scriptures. They rely on someone else to tell them what it says. Many times, the person they rely on may have misquoted it, misinterpreted it, or taken it out of context. None of that will set you free. We need to read the Bible for ourselves and meditate on what it says. Truly begin to understand what it says. Understand how to apply it to your life.

When you know the truth, it will set you free. Jesus did not come to judge you or hold you back. He came to save you because what we were doing was holding us back.

Hate, judgment, and the desire to be right keep us spinning our wheels in the mud and will never set us free. However, Jesus came to demonstrate sacrificial and selfless love. This type of love brings freedom. It is a love that does not have limitations. It is a love that welcomes those with whom you may even disagree.

When we begin to live our lives with the type of love that Jesus has for us, then we shall begin to experience the freedom that he wants us to have. No more spinning your wheels in life. Move on from that place, and move in love.

THAT IS NOT WHAT I SAID

I do not know the reason. My wife believes my hearing is going bad. I believe she did not tell me what she wanted to tell me. She is so used to talking to the dog, I think she may tell him and think she told me. She may have told my son and thought she had told me, too. It cannot possibly be my fault. I may be getting a little older, but I am certain that I pay as much attention to what she says as when we were dating.

Whatever the reason is, I am currently hearing my wife tell me that she already told me something. If I heard what she said and repeated it back to her, she would tell me, “That is not what I said.”

I know we are not the only people where miscommunication is a daily part of life. People are always misunderstanding what others say or just not paying attention at all. The biggest problem does not even appear to be a lack of listening as much as it is hearing what you want to hear.

It is like your wife saying, “We need dinner, go to the store and buy some chicken.” Some people will hear that we need food tonight and bring ice cream home without the chicken. (Yes, I have witnessed an example of this.)

This week a politician gave a speech expressing her opinion. The speech was over eight hours long. Some heard this and thought this person must have been doing a great thing. I, on the other hand, heard that someone wasted eight hours of his or her life that no one listening will ever get back.

When I worked in retail and arrived at work, my bosses would tell me that a certain section may need a little extra help by saying, “There’s an opportunity.” All I heard was that customers had destroyed my area.

The interpretation changes the outlook.

The same thing goes with the Bible. We hear what we want to hear. People say the truth will set you free, but they leave out the part of knowing the truth. Truth cannot set you free unless you know what that truth is. Some people hear this and then begin to search for the truth. They forget to read the context of the verse that says if you hold onto the teaching of Jesus, you will know the truth.

Some people also hear that money is evil. However, the Bible does not say that. It says the love of money is the root of all evil. That is a completely different thought. It would not make sense for God to make certain people rich, like Isaac in Genesis 26:13, if money were evil.

These are just two instances but trust me when I say there are many more.

We need to put aside what we want to hear and begin to listen to what people say. Every argument has two sides, but there is only one version of the story that is correct. This is because we choose to filter out what we do not want to hear.  

Become a listener. Hear what people say, and they will not tell you, “That is not what I said.” 

SIR, PLEASE, STEP BEHIND THE LINE

I love the carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras. I enjoy seeing the float designs. I love watching the excitement on parade-goers' faces. The marching bands can liven up a crowd while staying in step and sometimes dancing while performing their much-rehearsed songs.

The way I approach parades has changed as the years have passed. As a child, I would try to catch everything to bring home. Now, in my fifties, I bring a chair to sit and watch. I occasionally stand to catch whatever the revelers on the floats are throwing, but now I give them to any child around. The children love to get these. You can see the excitement on their faces when they receive these beads are trinkets. Seeing their excitement brings a smile to my face.

A few years ago, I went to a carnival parade with some friends. We were standing along the parade route watching as a marching band was approaching. Marching bands have chaperones to ensure the band has enough space on the street, so no one gets hurt.

I was standing behind the white line next to the curb as the chaperone approached. She informed me I had to get behind the white line. As I looked down, my feet were already behind the line.  I said, “I am already behind the line.’” She then informed me my belly was not.  

 My friends thought this was hilarious and still teased me about this. I laughed, as well. It takes much more than that to embarrass me.

The problem was right there in front of me. I did not notice it because I was not paying attention to all of the details. I watched to ensure my feet were behind the line but failed to see that I still crossed the line with my fat belly. How often do we cross lines which we are not even aware we have crossed?

Several years ago, I was unaware of a line I crossed because of a term I used. I thought it was the proper term but was told it was offensive. Now, I am not politically correct but do not want to offend anyone. As Christians, we are called to love not to offend. I no longer use the term except in the proper context.

Sometimes we focus on what we are doing but forget the people around us. Those people matter. How you respond to people matters. Sometimes we do not recognize when we cross lines in our relationships. I ask adults to wait until I finish with the child when they interrupt. I also ask children to wait if they interrupt when I am speaking with an adult. We must treat all people with love and respect.

In business, lines can sometimes get crossed. We focus on the one area of business for which we are responsible but disregard how it affects other departments. It is not intentional, most of the time. We need to make an effort to keep the big picture in mind.   

Traffic can result in people crossing lines. They seem to become other people. An example is a sweet church lady giving the finger to the person who cuts her off. She crosses a line to become something because of an emotional situation.

We need to focus on the big picture. We must know our role in it. We must not think everything revolves around us.  There are many lines in this world. We, ourselves, may sometimes be “out of the box” in the eyes of others, but we must never cross the line.

Snow Day

I wonder if people in the North are laughing at those of us in the South. I know many in the South are laughing at ourselves today.

Today, we have encountered another snow day. The fact that we have had “another” in the past two months is news enough. It rarely snows here. I think this is the fourth snow we have had in about ten years.

Now, this is not blizzard-type snow, mind you. Last month, my house received about an inch and a half of snow. I doubt today’s snowfall can be measured.  I woke up and saw a few small thin patches of snow on the ground and the rooftops were white.

These “wintery conditions” resulted in schools and businesses to close. My company sent alerts to employees that only personnel necessary to restore power should come to work.  

Meanwhile, there are probably people up north who are shoveling feet of snow out of their driveways so they can get to work. I have seen posts on social media about how those in the south are more scared of snow than they are of hurricanes. That might be true.

There is a simple reason for everything shutting down in 20-degree weather with a hint of snow. We are not prepared to handle these conditions.  Some homes up north do not have heaters in their homes. They are not prepared for the heat that we get down here. Similarly, we do not have snow tires, chains, or the knowledge of how to drive when there is ice. Some may even question our ability to drive in normal weather conditions. Our cities do not own snowplows. We do not have the equipment to salt the roads. Driving in these conditions would cause accidents.

Now do not get me wrong; we love the snow. We just never see it. In fact, in three days the temperature will be back in the 60’s.  

In life, unexpected things can happen. Even enjoyable things can change our life’s direction. Suddenly you discover you are pregnant or received a promotion. These things can suddenly change your whole life. We may have been excited about the change, but not prepared for it.

There are also horrible things like disease or the loss of someone you love that can change everything. You do not want these to happen, but occasionally they do.

Whatever life brings you, do not freak out. If it is time to mourn, then mourn. If it is a time to celebrate then celebrate. We cannot possibly be ready for everything that occurs financially, physically, or mentally. However, we need to prepare to be ready to go through the unexpected.

We need to know where our strength comes from to endure whatever happens. Do not let it break your resolve. Do not let it stop you from being you. Learn to adapt to the new situation.

I am a Christian, and the joy of the Lord is my strength. That joy allows me to continue even when things go haywire.

A king had three men thrown into a fiery furnace for their execution, but they knew their strength came from God. They trusted God, and God gave them strength and deliverance. In Daniel 3:26 it says, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire.”

Just as God helped them through their change of situation, He will help you out of yours. Will you trust him?

When Being Nice Is Ignorant

Yesterday, I played a word game when a question and the answer struck me as odd. I researched the word’s etymology to verify what I read and was intrigued to find the answer was correct. This was not because I did not believe the game’s researchers but because I would never have thought this word had any connection with its origin. 

The word is nice. It seems to be a simple enough word. It is used to describe a lot of things. By definition, it means pleasant, agreeable, and satisfactory. It is a word that everyone seems to use. However, the word nice comes from the Latin word, nescius meaning "ignorant, unaware," literally "not-knowing.

I thought about this quite a bit. How does not knowing translate into nice? I was unable to find how the word has changed over the years. However, I would like to share what I think is a possibility.

Today, people use the term ignorant incorrectly. Some think the terms ignorant and unintelligent are the same thing. This is not correct. We are all ignorant in certain areas, but we are certainly not all unintelligent.

I believe that the connection between being ignorant and being nice is a willingness. Many things separate us from others. We must choose to forget who we are or who the other people are.

We must willingly put ourselves on the same playing field as those around us. Willingly forget class, ethnicity, background, and anything else that may hinder you from being nice. Those things exist, but when communicating with others, willingly put those things aside. They truly mean nothing anyway.

Jesus willingly laid down what others saw as a higher place to talk to those who were “beneath” him. He talked to the Samaritan woman, something the Jews would never do, first because she was a Samaritan and second because she was a woman. He allowed the children to come to him, despite the thoughts of others that children should be seen and not heard. He spoke to the lepers who were societal outcasts.

Today, we hear of celebrities becoming rude because someone does not know who he or she is. It does not matter who you are. It is more important to treat others as if they are more important than you are.

Let us strive to be nice. Willingly become ignorant of the things that separate us from those around us. Strive for humility. Strive to love.   Regardless of how diverse we may be, we are all part of humankind.

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.

2018 > 2017?

Overall, 2017 was a good year for me. I bought a new car, accepted a better position at my job, was able to stop working two jobs, and my second grandbaby was born.  I listed these items in chronological order, not in order of importance. 

Not everything about 2017 was great. Some loved ones left this world. Friends found out they were losing their jobs. People continue to let their political agendas affect their outlook on life and some friendships. 

We always seem to welcome a new year with a sense of hope. This year will be better than the last. Inevitably, I hear more people at the end of the year claim they cannot wait for this year to be over. 

Do people go through an entire year without any good happening to them? Are we so anxious as to grow old? I prefer to look at the good I have experienced and await even better things happening this year.

I, like most, look forward to the new year with hope. 

I recall growing up with certain New Year’s traditions. People would come over to watch college football all day long. We would eat corn beef, cabbage, and black-eyed peas. Black eye peas were to bring you luck. Cabbage would make you richer. I hate those two foods and still do. Fortunately, my wife does not like them either and we do not continue those traditions in my home. 

I am not sure how black-eye peas bring luck. I do not care. I believe that we make our luck. We think, prepare, work, and adjust to certain circumstances. These things bring “good luck.” Cabbage never made me rich growing up. It just gave me gas. I have become rich without eating cabbage. No, my bank accounts are screaming that they are too full. However, I am rich with great family and friends. I am rich with a spectacular wife. (I married up.) I am rich with the ability to enjoy life. I am rich in experience.  Money does not make one rich. Your perception of life does. 

I also quit making New Year’s resolutions decades ago. People resolve to eat healthier, get more sleep, and exercise more. What usually happens is we lose the same 40 pounds we lose every year only to gain it back before the end of the year. However, I give props to those who make resolutions and keep them going to improve their lives. 

Maybe we should start new resolutions such as trying to understand other viewpoints, not getting mad when people disagree with us, and looking for solutions to problems rather than sulking over them.

I do not know if 2018 will be greater than 2017, but I hope it is for everyone. If you are a person who reviews the past, I hope you see the good that happened.

When December 25TH Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas

I do not know when it happened. Maybe it was a gradual change. Today is December 25^th, but it sure does not seem like Christmas. It seems like very few days with this particular date feel like Christmas anymore.  

I am certain my work schedule over the last few years has something to do with it. I have worked on either Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or a day close enough that would hinder the family from getting together. I am not complaining about my job or jobs the last few years. I am thankful to have them. I just cannot wait until next year when I should have an opportunity to spend the day with at least part of my family. 

We have already exchanged gifts. Some were given in November, and some were given out last night. With the way things felt this season, wrapping the gifts was not even important. Some were even given to the recipient right out of the box in which they were delivered.

It is not that we did not try to get in the spirit of Christmas. We decorated the inside of the house leaving the outside undone this year. Some Christmas shows were watched, though mostly alone. We went to see a pathetic light display that screamed, “Why did I waste my gas to come to see this.” Of course, we also drank eggnog on several occasions. 

There will be no Christmas meal at my house this year. At least it will not include turkey, cranberry sauce, or any other traditional course. We will not be together to enjoy a meal. I did not see one candy cane at my house unless someone brought them, and I did not see them. 

I have heard it said many times that Christmas is about family. Well, then today, December 25, does not seem to be Christmas. However, we did celebrate Christmas with part of the family in November and with some others a couple of nights ago. I love spending time with my family. 

Tradition says Christmas is to be celebrated on December 25^th. That does not always work for me. Christmas is a time of giving. It is a time to be with family. It is a time to celebrate the birth of my Savior. These things should not only be done on December 25^th. They should continue throughout the year. 

There are many opportunities to give. Some gifts can be wrapped and given for no reason other than “because.” Other gifts cannot be wrapped. They may be an ear to hear, a shoulder to cry on, or even just a visit.

We do not need holidays, weddings, or funerals to be with family. We should try to get together just because we love each other. Play a game of horseshoes, take a ride to the beach, or get together for dinner or a cup of coffee. We do not need excuses to be a family.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus should be a regular event. We do not even know the exact day that he was born. We can celebrate life with Him all year long. He came to connect us to the Father. We are in the family of God. Spend time with him. Be in his presence.  

December 25^th does not feel like Christmas today, but every day can be Christmas Day.

Page-Turner, It Is Not

First, there will be no Star Wars: The Last Jedi spoilers in this post. 

Yesterday, I had the privilege of spending time at the movies with my wife. As we watched the newest sequel, a short dialogue piqued my interest. There was a discussion about the sacred Jedi texts. The scene revealed that Luke never really read them, though they were readily available to him. Someone tells Luke that the texts are not exactly page-turners.

This reminds me of many things. I remember sitting through many safety meetings at work. They can be duller than watching grass grow. However, if someone pays attention to the instruction and puts it into practice, they can save themselves from pain or even death. 

Some teachers and professors may have the same effect as taking ZZZQuil. They will put you to sleep faster than any sleep aid on the market. They may have great material to teach, but the excitement level leaves you wondering if the subject is even relevant. We often wish to learn on the job, but gaining understanding before a task arises gives us a better chance at success. 

Even when you think of the Bible, there are some exciting parts. Many seem to have their favorite parts and read them repeatedly. I love to read Genesis, Joshua, and Judges. The narratives tell a story that reveals Godly truths. Others prefer reading Psalms or Proverbs, while others prefer the Gospels or the Prophets. I have yet to hear anyone say he or she enjoyed reading all of the genealogies. To be honest, I think reading the books of Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy is sleep-worthy material.

That does not mean that there is nothing of value in there. Every part of the scriptures has a purpose. Some parts seem to interest us more than others. We tend to focus on what brings us enjoyment rather than what needs to be learned. This leaves us unbalanced or with just a part of the truth.

Some people read the entire Bible in a year. It is their goal. While that is quite an accomplishment, I hope they got more out of it than just finishing it. If I finished it in just a year, I would not have time to meditate on it.  I hope they learned something and put it into practice.

Some people never read the Bible but try to quote it to prove their position. This is mostly done out of context causing their whole argument to be invalid. When you only see one portion of the Bible and not how it relates to the whole, you miss truths. It is then easy to twist its true meaning. That is dangerous.

I am grateful that we have access to the Bible. We can read it when we want. The choice is up to us. I suggest we read the whole thing. If you struggle with “the boring parts” read part of that and finish with something that excites you. Try to learn from everything that is in there. Many of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day were reprimanded due to their lack of knowledge of the scriptures. I wonder if that is because they only read their favorite parts, or did they just not seek to truly understand what they read?

Reading the Bible is important. Learning from it and living it is more important. 

 

Where Can You Go For Help?

I think about some of the problems we face. I am not speaking about irritations like not having a 4G signal, running out of hot water, or waiting in long lines to get a cup of coffee.  We have real problems. 

At some point in our lives, we all face discouragement. Things do not always go according to plan. Setbacks happen everywhere you turn. You cannot find the right job. The right person for you to be in a relationship with seems to be hiding. Maybe you watch the news or an election and lose all hope for the future of humankind.

Fear is another big issue. Sure, there are many irrational fears such as the fear of heights, spiders, or birds. (That last one in mine.) However, there are some real fears. The fear of pain, being lonely, and losing your job is terrifying for some people. 

Lack of opportunity seems to be a big problem. Some people do not have the necessary skills to find a job that will allow them to be self-sufficient. Education costs have skyrocketed making it difficult to make yourself more attractive to good-paying jobs.

Healthcare is a tremendous issue. There are so many health issues. If you are sick, there may not be a cure. If there is a cure, the high cost of prescriptions and insurance make it nearly impossible for some to afford it.   

Safety is another big problem. People worry about personal safety with murder rates, robberies, and rapes being reported by the news every night. We want to be able to go outside without putting ourselves in harm’s way. We want our children and grandchildren to have a safe place to play. 

So where do we turn for help? Psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors can be helpful. However, many of them disagree with each other’s solutions. They may help give you a way to voice your problems. However, can they replace your despair with joy? 

Some government agencies or banks can help finance your education, but the rules change so often it is almost impossible to keep up. If you do get the education, to whom do you turn for a job? Agencies help occasionally, but by the time you finish your degree technology has replaced those jobs to some extent. 

Doctors and hospitals can help with many medical issues, but there are too many diseases with no known cure. 

We should ask God for a miracle, but God does not believe in miracles. I know that sounds unbelievable, but it is the truth. People would argue that God healed the sick, raised the dead, and even parted the Red Sea so he must believe in miracles. However, he does not believe in them. He simply performs them. 

A miracle is defined as a wonder, a marvel, and a mystery. The problems we face require a miracle for us, but for God healing someone with cancer is as simple as us tying our shoes. We face impossible situations all the time. With people, these things are impossible, but with God, all things are possible. God does not provide for our needs and wonder how he did it. He is not amazed at his accomplishments. He simply does them because, as our Father, he loves us. He responds to our faith when we ask. Our problem may be a lack of faith. If so, ask him to help you believe. He will help you with that, as well.

To whom do I turn for help when God does not believe in miracles? I go to God because he performs them anyway.