Recently I was witness to a Facebook pile-on. You know what I'm talking about: somebody innocently posts a status and then others pile on with mocking and condescension. Have you ever been at the bottom of a big pile-on? I think that one or two comments may have been a little humorous, but at some point somebody has to realize that the pile on is starting to cause some pain.
The end result was that several "friends" that just thought they were being funny, found themselves "unfriended" by the person that they were mocking/teasing/making fun of/ or whatever else you want to call it. The original owner of the post (now deleted along with the comments) said they were deleting those friends that continued to bring negative things into their life.
There have definitely been times that I made changes to guard myself (and my attitude) from the negative input of certain people. When I started taking extra mid-shifts many years ago, the main reason I did it was to keep away from the office politics and labor/management stuff that goes on during the day/evening shifts. Overall, I found that I was a much happier individual when I wasn't exposed to the negativity of others.
I know that we all need a safe place to vent from time to time. I know that I can be as guilty as some about wanting to complain about circumstances or people. But don't you just find that some people are always dragging you down by their constant complaining or by always finding fault in others?
How do you guard yourself against the negative?
Sometimes you just can't avoid those people. It may be your boss or co-worker, a neighbor, a family member--maybe even a person that considers you a friend because you're always there to listen to them. The truth is--we all need that kind of friend.
And (for me) it's one thing to set aside time to meet with a friend and another thing to just be dumped on every time you encounter a person. I gladly meet with friends that say "I really need somebody to talk to." I know that we have issues that we need to be able to talk about. That's way different than just being a fault finding, bitter, unpleasant person that people tend to want to avoid.
So, back to my question:
How do you guard yourself against the negative?
I'm interested in knowing your methods. It may be of help to me or to other readers. Please be gracious and share.
John <><
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Persecuted for Jesus
My message this morning is going to be about being persecuted for Jesus--let's just face it: we aren't! This is an e-mail from a Christian brother serving in a land hostile to the followers of Jesus. It is a story of his local pastor that was taken to prison because of his belief.
Js family came over last night for dinner and were happy they were able to see their dad.
July 6th, J was taken from his home by the local authorities. Now matter how much the family tried to see him, they were not allowed to see him. In fact the government denied taking him. Finally, August 11th, his brother was allowed to see him. Today, August 18, 2011, J’s wife, daughter and youngest son were finally allowed to see him. He told them his story.
After he was taken from his town, he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and taken to the capital. For 10 days, he was constantly handcuffed, blindfolded and put in solitary confinement. During the day he was confined to a room where there were 3 air-conditioning compressor units blowing hot air on him, and was not given any water or food during the day. At night he was put in a very small jail cell, and his hands were released just long enough to eat a small piece of bread and drink 1 liter of water. At night he was not able to sleep. He stayed awake praying and singing praises. The guard would beat on the door and tell him to be quiet so he could sleep. J would reply, “This is my room, if you want to sleep don’t let me keep you from sleeping.” And he would continue singing and praying. He endured these conditions for 10 days. When he went into prison, he weighed 231 pounds (105 kilos). Now he weighs 187 pounds, (85 kilos) and his skin is like leather from the heat and dehydration.
Everyday when he was in the hot room, he prayed and sang praises to himself. On the 10th day of this torture, he thought he was going to die because he was very weak and would lose his balance and almost fall over while sitting in the chair. His body felt cold even though it was extremely hot and his clothes were soaked with sweat. Suddenly his strength returned and in a loud voice (J has a voice like a bull horn) he began to pray and sing praises loudly so that all could hear. As he was doing so, he could see below his blindfold, there were many feet in front of him. He continued for some time as they stood there, listening not making a sound. Then they took off his blindfold and took of his handcuffs and brought him a table, food and water. He gave thanks in the name of Jesus and ate his food. After he was done, he thanked the guards and they took the things away. Then one of the higher-ranking officers asked him if he was crazy raising his voice and making all that noise.
J replied, “this is my room. I am here alone. What’s the matter?”
They said, “Being in this room has made you crazier. We are sending you to the general population.”
After these 10 days he was taken and interrogated. Before they took him to the interrogation room he was blindfolded and handcuffed. They questioned him for 20 days after the 10 days of torture. During the questioning, he was not physically abused but verbally abused. The interrogations would last three to four hours or so. They would ask him questions about why he worked with Americans helping people in dangerous places. They accused him of having relations or permission from terrorists and they were allowing him to take people there and do his missionary work. (Terrorists would kill him, they would not allow him to do this. They can’t even lie good.) They accused him of being a spy for America.
They accused him of having friendships with bad people. Now many of these people are followers of Jesus and are good people. The government is accusing him of being bad just like the people he befriends. They also said they had followed him for many weeks and noticed that he only left his house if he had something to do. They asked him what he did at home all the time. He told them he prays, reads, and sings songs to God. They told him to quit that.
But in the end of the questioning, they always asked him why he became a follower of Jesus and left Islam. This is the only reason they have imprisoned him; because of his faith in Jesus.
Many people questioned him many times. Only one time has he been before a judge. The judge told J, “Last time we put you in prison for your faith, and now we have done it again. Why haven’t you returned to Islam, are you getting paid good for this?”
J replied, “I do not receive anything because I am a believer in Jesus. I am on this Way because of Jesus, and what He has done for me.”
The Judge replied, “Then go back to jail for Jesus.”
The Judge again asked him if he would leave his faith and quit spreading his religion. He said, “There are many people in your city, even Christians, who do not like what you are doing.”
J replied, “What I do, I do it for those who want me to do it, not for those who don’t want me to. I will gladly go back to jail for Jesus because I am much closer to him there. Also I am freer in jail than I am outside. I do have one request from you though,” he told the Judge.
The Judge asked him, “What is it you want.”
J said, “Everyone in the jail is Muslim and has a Koran. I would like to have my glasses and my Bible.”
The Judge told him forcefully, “Get out of here.”
This was 2 weeks ago and they have not interrogated him any more.
He is in a jail with about 50 terrorists, real terrorists. When he is among them and he talks about his religion, someone tells the guard and they put him in solitary confinement to keep him from talking about his religion.
This is a perfect example of Middle Eastern Democracy. But most importantly this is a perfect scenario of what believers endure all over the middle east and Asia. Believe it or not, governments in this part of the world are not worried about their citizens individual rights.
Thanks,
After he was taken from his town, he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and taken to the capital. For 10 days, he was constantly handcuffed, blindfolded and put in solitary confinement. During the day he was confined to a room where there were 3 air-conditioning compressor units blowing hot air on him, and was not given any water or food during the day. At night he was put in a very small jail cell, and his hands were released just long enough to eat a small piece of bread and drink 1 liter of water. At night he was not able to sleep. He stayed awake praying and singing praises. The guard would beat on the door and tell him to be quiet so he could sleep. J would reply, “This is my room, if you want to sleep don’t let me keep you from sleeping.” And he would continue singing and praying. He endured these conditions for 10 days. When he went into prison, he weighed 231 pounds (105 kilos). Now he weighs 187 pounds, (85 kilos) and his skin is like leather from the heat and dehydration.
Everyday when he was in the hot room, he prayed and sang praises to himself. On the 10th day of this torture, he thought he was going to die because he was very weak and would lose his balance and almost fall over while sitting in the chair. His body felt cold even though it was extremely hot and his clothes were soaked with sweat. Suddenly his strength returned and in a loud voice (J has a voice like a bull horn) he began to pray and sing praises loudly so that all could hear. As he was doing so, he could see below his blindfold, there were many feet in front of him. He continued for some time as they stood there, listening not making a sound. Then they took off his blindfold and took of his handcuffs and brought him a table, food and water. He gave thanks in the name of Jesus and ate his food. After he was done, he thanked the guards and they took the things away. Then one of the higher-ranking officers asked him if he was crazy raising his voice and making all that noise.
J replied, “this is my room. I am here alone. What’s the matter?”
They said, “Being in this room has made you crazier. We are sending you to the general population.”
After these 10 days he was taken and interrogated. Before they took him to the interrogation room he was blindfolded and handcuffed. They questioned him for 20 days after the 10 days of torture. During the questioning, he was not physically abused but verbally abused. The interrogations would last three to four hours or so. They would ask him questions about why he worked with Americans helping people in dangerous places. They accused him of having relations or permission from terrorists and they were allowing him to take people there and do his missionary work. (Terrorists would kill him, they would not allow him to do this. They can’t even lie good.) They accused him of being a spy for America.
They accused him of having friendships with bad people. Now many of these people are followers of Jesus and are good people. The government is accusing him of being bad just like the people he befriends. They also said they had followed him for many weeks and noticed that he only left his house if he had something to do. They asked him what he did at home all the time. He told them he prays, reads, and sings songs to God. They told him to quit that.
But in the end of the questioning, they always asked him why he became a follower of Jesus and left Islam. This is the only reason they have imprisoned him; because of his faith in Jesus.
Many people questioned him many times. Only one time has he been before a judge. The judge told J, “Last time we put you in prison for your faith, and now we have done it again. Why haven’t you returned to Islam, are you getting paid good for this?”
J replied, “I do not receive anything because I am a believer in Jesus. I am on this Way because of Jesus, and what He has done for me.”
The Judge replied, “Then go back to jail for Jesus.”
The Judge again asked him if he would leave his faith and quit spreading his religion. He said, “There are many people in your city, even Christians, who do not like what you are doing.”
J replied, “What I do, I do it for those who want me to do it, not for those who don’t want me to. I will gladly go back to jail for Jesus because I am much closer to him there. Also I am freer in jail than I am outside. I do have one request from you though,” he told the Judge.
The Judge asked him, “What is it you want.”
J said, “Everyone in the jail is Muslim and has a Koran. I would like to have my glasses and my Bible.”
The Judge told him forcefully, “Get out of here.”
This was 2 weeks ago and they have not interrogated him any more.
He is in a jail with about 50 terrorists, real terrorists. When he is among them and he talks about his religion, someone tells the guard and they put him in solitary confinement to keep him from talking about his religion.
This is a perfect example of Middle Eastern Democracy. But most importantly this is a perfect scenario of what believers endure all over the middle east and Asia. Believe it or not, governments in this part of the world are not worried about their citizens individual rights.
Please keep the family and J lifted up.
And next time you have the opportunity to share your faith and don't because you are scared, think about the freedom you have to do so.
Thanks,
Tim
Take a stand for Jesus. What's the worst that can happen?
John<><
Friday, August 19, 2011
Fair Warning
Over the past few years, I've tried to reduce the number of political rants that appear here at Out of My Hat. I find them to often be divisive and create an atmosphere that quickly becomes more about who is right and who is wrong than a place for discussion, debate and a sharing of ideas.
Unfortunately, I still share political links that I like and post opinions over on Facebook. This often generates unwanted comments. While I realize that posting such links and status updates can appear to give the impression that you are invited to disagree with me; it really doesn't. You have your page to post your opinions--use it.
To date, I've never censored comments on Facebook and have only done that once at Out of My Hat. I'm a big boy and can take it. At this point, I just want to make sure that you are able to take it as well.
My friends are a diverse group. I have some very conservative friends through church relationships and some very liberal friends through my Union relationships; family falls on both sides; classmates-- I'm unsure of. Most of those that are willing to take on the debate are very well versed in the legislative process and have their facts pretty well squared away. It has been my experience, that the left side (politically speaking) tends to be better informed of the facts than the right. There have been several national surveys that also bear this out.
I'm sharing this as a kind of public service warning. It seems that we are getting into the 2012 campaign season much earlier than usual and I have a feeling that it's going to be an ugly one. I am going to try to refrain from posting a lot of political stuff here, and perhaps reduce the links on Facebook. (Follow me on Twitter @magicianary and your comments are limited to 140 characters!)
If you choose to engage in political debate with my friends -- know your stuff. Your information, sources, facts and opinions will all be challenged. Be polite -- I won't put up with meanness. Don't get personal. Even though our elected representative are engaged in unreasonable and unproductive debate doesn't mean that we have to be. If you can't do these things or just don't want to make yourself a target, then keep your opinions and comments on your own sites.
You've been warned!
John <><
Unfortunately, I still share political links that I like and post opinions over on Facebook. This often generates unwanted comments. While I realize that posting such links and status updates can appear to give the impression that you are invited to disagree with me; it really doesn't. You have your page to post your opinions--use it.
To date, I've never censored comments on Facebook and have only done that once at Out of My Hat. I'm a big boy and can take it. At this point, I just want to make sure that you are able to take it as well.
My friends are a diverse group. I have some very conservative friends through church relationships and some very liberal friends through my Union relationships; family falls on both sides; classmates-- I'm unsure of. Most of those that are willing to take on the debate are very well versed in the legislative process and have their facts pretty well squared away. It has been my experience, that the left side (politically speaking) tends to be better informed of the facts than the right. There have been several national surveys that also bear this out.
I'm sharing this as a kind of public service warning. It seems that we are getting into the 2012 campaign season much earlier than usual and I have a feeling that it's going to be an ugly one. I am going to try to refrain from posting a lot of political stuff here, and perhaps reduce the links on Facebook. (Follow me on Twitter @magicianary and your comments are limited to 140 characters!)
If you choose to engage in political debate with my friends -- know your stuff. Your information, sources, facts and opinions will all be challenged. Be polite -- I won't put up with meanness. Don't get personal. Even though our elected representative are engaged in unreasonable and unproductive debate doesn't mean that we have to be. If you can't do these things or just don't want to make yourself a target, then keep your opinions and comments on your own sites.
You've been warned!
John <><
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Just Do It!
Monday afternoon I was building a couple of walls to cover with lattice. They extend out from the deck by a 2x12, are 8' long and make up the corner on the south and west sides of the patio. We'll plant climbing flowers from the ground and have planters on the 2x12s with vines that will hang down. Once I borrow a truck and get the lattice up, I'm sure that it will look nice.
Those of you that know me well, know that building stuff is not really my thing. As a matter of fact, this project replaces an earlier project that didn't last. As I was building it, I was thinking about when I worked at a lumber yard (many years ago). Whenever we had to build a new display or work with lumber and tools, the guys would always make fun of me. I'd respond by telling them that if they would have asked me if I could build things when they hired me, I would have told them the truth. But they only asked me if I could sell the stuff, and that's what I do! Since I led the store in sales every month, they'd leave me alone -- until the next time.
I was taking a break and thinking about putting off finishing the job when I made the decision to stop thinking about what I didn't want to do and just do what needed to be done. Sometimes, that's really what we need to do. It wasn't a matter of whether or not I liked what I was doing; it simply needed to get done. I've had other jobs like that in the past.
Working at the aluminum factory wasn't fun. It wasn't something that I liked. It was incredibly hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. The pay wasn't so hot and we worked tons of overtime. I did the job because that's what I needed to do.
I've worked in "boiler rooms" making phone calls soliciting subscriptions for the St. Louis Post Dispatch newspaper. I've been up at 2am to deliver newspapers in the downtown St. Louis area before going to work selling insurance. Again, not things that I liked but things that needed to be done to pay the bills.
It's easier to do those things without the complaining. Complaining doesn't get the work done and creates an atmosphere that is non-productive. It's a lot easier to just focus on getting the job done. I'm going to start adapting this attitude to other areas of my life...beginning with:
Exercise. Yeah, not my idea of fun. Even when I was younger and had to run for track, it wasn't fun. I was never one to 'like' running. I don't really like any particular form of exercise but would probably say that weight lifting is the thing that I have disliked the least and will probably add it into my daily routine at some point. Tuesday I started exercising by riding on our exercise bike. I had to get up early to get it done before work, but managed to put in 30 minutes. Wednesday I managed a full hour. I'm not doing it because I like it. I'm doing it because it needs to get done. I'll post my times on Facebook...just to keep myself motivated.
I'll write more as I add other areas of this "Just Do It" philosophy.
John <><
246.0
Those of you that know me well, know that building stuff is not really my thing. As a matter of fact, this project replaces an earlier project that didn't last. As I was building it, I was thinking about when I worked at a lumber yard (many years ago). Whenever we had to build a new display or work with lumber and tools, the guys would always make fun of me. I'd respond by telling them that if they would have asked me if I could build things when they hired me, I would have told them the truth. But they only asked me if I could sell the stuff, and that's what I do! Since I led the store in sales every month, they'd leave me alone -- until the next time.
I was taking a break and thinking about putting off finishing the job when I made the decision to stop thinking about what I didn't want to do and just do what needed to be done. Sometimes, that's really what we need to do. It wasn't a matter of whether or not I liked what I was doing; it simply needed to get done. I've had other jobs like that in the past.
Working at the aluminum factory wasn't fun. It wasn't something that I liked. It was incredibly hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. The pay wasn't so hot and we worked tons of overtime. I did the job because that's what I needed to do.
I've worked in "boiler rooms" making phone calls soliciting subscriptions for the St. Louis Post Dispatch newspaper. I've been up at 2am to deliver newspapers in the downtown St. Louis area before going to work selling insurance. Again, not things that I liked but things that needed to be done to pay the bills.
It's easier to do those things without the complaining. Complaining doesn't get the work done and creates an atmosphere that is non-productive. It's a lot easier to just focus on getting the job done. I'm going to start adapting this attitude to other areas of my life...beginning with:
Exercise. Yeah, not my idea of fun. Even when I was younger and had to run for track, it wasn't fun. I was never one to 'like' running. I don't really like any particular form of exercise but would probably say that weight lifting is the thing that I have disliked the least and will probably add it into my daily routine at some point. Tuesday I started exercising by riding on our exercise bike. I had to get up early to get it done before work, but managed to put in 30 minutes. Wednesday I managed a full hour. I'm not doing it because I like it. I'm doing it because it needs to get done. I'll post my times on Facebook...just to keep myself motivated.
I'll write more as I add other areas of this "Just Do It" philosophy.
John <><
246.0
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Quick Post
Just a quick post from the hotel this morning:
We spent a wonderful couple of days with Aaron and Jenny in Chicago and then took in a Cardinal baseball game in St. Louis last night. The game could have been better (meaning the Cards lost), but I enjoyed being at the park just the same.
It was Christian Familly Day at the Ballpark, so after the game we heard some great testimonies from the players about what having a personal relationship with Jesus means to them.
I'll write more about that when I'm not typing on my cell phone keyboard. This morning we're meeting friends for brunch at Bevo Mill (google that if you're not from St. Louis) before heading home.
Have a great week!
John<><
We spent a wonderful couple of days with Aaron and Jenny in Chicago and then took in a Cardinal baseball game in St. Louis last night. The game could have been better (meaning the Cards lost), but I enjoyed being at the park just the same.
It was Christian Familly Day at the Ballpark, so after the game we heard some great testimonies from the players about what having a personal relationship with Jesus means to them.
I'll write more about that when I'm not typing on my cell phone keyboard. This morning we're meeting friends for brunch at Bevo Mill (google that if you're not from St. Louis) before heading home.
Have a great week!
John<><
Friday, August 12, 2011
Bad Behavior; Bad Testimony
I saw a disturbing post from a young woman last weekend. I decided to write now (Tuesday night) while I'm thinking about it, but set it to post next Saturday when it will be more timely.
Her Facebook status made mention of how much she hated working on Sundays (she waits tables at a restaurant) because of all the mean people that come in. It seems to be very well known among waiters and waitresses that the Sunday church crowd is home to the most rude and least generous customers. She didn't come out and say that (she's way nicer than I am) but confirmed that she was referring to "them" when I mentioned it.
Really, guys? You do know that they know that you just came from church, right? They know that you are supposed to be salt and light -- well not in those terms maybe but they know that you are at least supposed to be nice. It's a pretty poor testimony when a young believer (like this woman) would rather wait on unbelievers than fellow Christians because these people that have just come from church are among the meanest, most rude and least generous customers that she waits on all week!
How about we try something different this weekend. Be nice. Be loving. Be kind. Be generous. Let them know that you are a Christian and that your purpose is to share God's love. Be gracious, like our God is. Be patient and understand that your server is dealing with a lot of not-so-nice people. Thank them for their service with a nice tip--20% or more. Don't tell me that they don't deserve it. You don't deserve the grace that our heavenly Father gives to you and yet he gives it in abundance.
Do one other thing -- share this with everybody that you go to church with. Just copy the address and e-mail it out or use the icons at the bottom to post it to your Facebook wall or tweet it to your followers. Post it to your church's Facebook wall. Let's change the stereotype of the Sunday diner. If you feel that you have to be mean and cheap when you go out, then go out at another time when only you and God know just how sad your spiritual condition is. Let's not give His people a bad name by our association.
Deal?
John <><
Her Facebook status made mention of how much she hated working on Sundays (she waits tables at a restaurant) because of all the mean people that come in. It seems to be very well known among waiters and waitresses that the Sunday church crowd is home to the most rude and least generous customers. She didn't come out and say that (she's way nicer than I am) but confirmed that she was referring to "them" when I mentioned it.
Really, guys? You do know that they know that you just came from church, right? They know that you are supposed to be salt and light -- well not in those terms maybe but they know that you are at least supposed to be nice. It's a pretty poor testimony when a young believer (like this woman) would rather wait on unbelievers than fellow Christians because these people that have just come from church are among the meanest, most rude and least generous customers that she waits on all week!
How about we try something different this weekend. Be nice. Be loving. Be kind. Be generous. Let them know that you are a Christian and that your purpose is to share God's love. Be gracious, like our God is. Be patient and understand that your server is dealing with a lot of not-so-nice people. Thank them for their service with a nice tip--20% or more. Don't tell me that they don't deserve it. You don't deserve the grace that our heavenly Father gives to you and yet he gives it in abundance.
Do one other thing -- share this with everybody that you go to church with. Just copy the address and e-mail it out or use the icons at the bottom to post it to your Facebook wall or tweet it to your followers. Post it to your church's Facebook wall. Let's change the stereotype of the Sunday diner. If you feel that you have to be mean and cheap when you go out, then go out at another time when only you and God know just how sad your spiritual condition is. Let's not give His people a bad name by our association.
Deal?
John <><
Another Beautiful Day in ... Chicago!
It looks like today will be another beautiful day!
Chris and I are enjoying a short visit with Aaron and Jenny. Today we're going to take in the Chicago Botanical Garden and then after Aaron grills some chicken cordon bleu and potato fans, we'll take a trip to IKEA. There is no IKEA where we live and Chris has to take advantage of being this close to one.
I'm enjoying the visit and the fine variety of food. Wednesday night, we had dinner at a Japanese BBQ restaurant called Gyu Kaku. Last night was a Memphis style BBQ place (I don't know the name) that was very good. Tonight, Aaron does his thing on the charcoal grill and tomorrow night will be an awesome dog at the ball park! It's pretty tough trying to keep an eye on the weight when there is so much that is so good. I may be too scared to check the scale when we get back home! (Maybe the walking will help a little bit.)
For the most part, I'm just enjoying the visit with the kids. Jenny seems to be doing great at her job with Collins Engineering. Aaron continues in school and working for a parking company (mostly when the Cubs are in town). If you're making the trip to Chicago to see the Cubs, contact me and I can hook you up with inexpensive parking a couple of blocks from Wrigley!
One other thing: my niece recently started working for a company called NOI (New Organizing Institute). The first article she wrote for their website quickly received more hits than any article previously written for them. Here is her most recent post. Give it a read and share it with your friends. I think that it's a great article and I'm just a little proud of the author. I'd love to hear that this one also generated a lot of traffic for their website!
Time to get on with the day.
John <><
Chris and I are enjoying a short visit with Aaron and Jenny. Today we're going to take in the Chicago Botanical Garden and then after Aaron grills some chicken cordon bleu and potato fans, we'll take a trip to IKEA. There is no IKEA where we live and Chris has to take advantage of being this close to one.
I'm enjoying the visit and the fine variety of food. Wednesday night, we had dinner at a Japanese BBQ restaurant called Gyu Kaku. Last night was a Memphis style BBQ place (I don't know the name) that was very good. Tonight, Aaron does his thing on the charcoal grill and tomorrow night will be an awesome dog at the ball park! It's pretty tough trying to keep an eye on the weight when there is so much that is so good. I may be too scared to check the scale when we get back home! (Maybe the walking will help a little bit.)
For the most part, I'm just enjoying the visit with the kids. Jenny seems to be doing great at her job with Collins Engineering. Aaron continues in school and working for a parking company (mostly when the Cubs are in town). If you're making the trip to Chicago to see the Cubs, contact me and I can hook you up with inexpensive parking a couple of blocks from Wrigley!
One other thing: my niece recently started working for a company called NOI (New Organizing Institute). The first article she wrote for their website quickly received more hits than any article previously written for them. Here is her most recent post. Give it a read and share it with your friends. I think that it's a great article and I'm just a little proud of the author. I'd love to hear that this one also generated a lot of traffic for their website!
Time to get on with the day.
John <><
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Politics (again)
A recent post on Facebook brought about a back and forth comment dialogue between several of my friends. Although the initial post had to do with the FAA shutdown, the comments turned towards Bush era/Clinton era politics, partisan politics, yada, yada, yada, blah, blah blah.
So I started thinking about past political climates is DC.
I became eligible to vote in 1978 and registered as a Republican. (btw, I am still registered as a Republican) I voted for Presidents Reagan, GHWBush (twice), W (only once) and Obama. I never voted for President Clinton. As a young republican, I often voted a straight ticket. I even managed to get PAC money from NATCA to support the Republican Congressman from my voting district in Iowa and heard Newt Gingrich speak at a fund-raiser! During the great economy of the Clinton Administration, I would often remind people that it is Congress (primarily the House) that drives the economy, not the President. I still believe that.
Unfortunately, party politics now dominates all political discourse. The Republican Congress lead by Gingrich and his Contract with America still worked with the Clinton Administration. Compromise still worked and negotiation were give and take. It seemed that we all wanted what was best for our economy and our country rather than what's best for the party and for re-election.
When our government went from prosperous with a budget surplus under a Republican controlled House and Senate with a Democratic Administration to out of control spending with reduced revenue under a Republican controlled Congress with a Republican in the White House, I had to re-examine the party that I had supported for a couple of decades. I took a lot of grief from a lot of people when I voted for John Kerry instead of George Bush for a second term and even more for supporting and voting for President Obama.
If I were to choose one bit of advice to give to any politician today, it would be this:
You, and people that think like you, are not smart enough to fix our problems. You need the ideas, resources and diversity that others bring to the table. Listen to them. Work with them.
I don't really associate myself with either party today. Overall, I don't think that my personal ideals have changed too much over the years. Partisan politics is much more defined today and winning for the party is more important than moving the country forward. I think that the purposeful tactic by Republicans to keep the economy repressed to get Pres. Obama out of the White House borders on treason. Pushing the raising of the debt ceiling to the deadline and losing the country's AAA credit rating has the potential of costing our country billions of dollars in higher interest for the necessary loans. Of course, since they're blaming that on the President instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, it doesn't really matter that their actions (and inaction) have cost us (the taxpayers) even more.
I try not to get too wrapped up in the whole political mess that we are buried in. I usually try to avoid the conversations that seem to have the potential to turning ugly. I made no response to the comments on Facebook and since they didn't get ugly, I let them run.
I am truly grateful that my hope; my happiness is not tied to the government of this fair (but troubled) land. My hope is in a graceful God that has redeemed my soul and saved me to bring glory to Him through the work of His son, Jesus.
John <><
249.2
So I started thinking about past political climates is DC.
I became eligible to vote in 1978 and registered as a Republican. (btw, I am still registered as a Republican) I voted for Presidents Reagan, GHWBush (twice), W (only once) and Obama. I never voted for President Clinton. As a young republican, I often voted a straight ticket. I even managed to get PAC money from NATCA to support the Republican Congressman from my voting district in Iowa and heard Newt Gingrich speak at a fund-raiser! During the great economy of the Clinton Administration, I would often remind people that it is Congress (primarily the House) that drives the economy, not the President. I still believe that.
Unfortunately, party politics now dominates all political discourse. The Republican Congress lead by Gingrich and his Contract with America still worked with the Clinton Administration. Compromise still worked and negotiation were give and take. It seemed that we all wanted what was best for our economy and our country rather than what's best for the party and for re-election.
When our government went from prosperous with a budget surplus under a Republican controlled House and Senate with a Democratic Administration to out of control spending with reduced revenue under a Republican controlled Congress with a Republican in the White House, I had to re-examine the party that I had supported for a couple of decades. I took a lot of grief from a lot of people when I voted for John Kerry instead of George Bush for a second term and even more for supporting and voting for President Obama.
If I were to choose one bit of advice to give to any politician today, it would be this:
You, and people that think like you, are not smart enough to fix our problems. You need the ideas, resources and diversity that others bring to the table. Listen to them. Work with them.
I don't really associate myself with either party today. Overall, I don't think that my personal ideals have changed too much over the years. Partisan politics is much more defined today and winning for the party is more important than moving the country forward. I think that the purposeful tactic by Republicans to keep the economy repressed to get Pres. Obama out of the White House borders on treason. Pushing the raising of the debt ceiling to the deadline and losing the country's AAA credit rating has the potential of costing our country billions of dollars in higher interest for the necessary loans. Of course, since they're blaming that on the President instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, it doesn't really matter that their actions (and inaction) have cost us (the taxpayers) even more.
I try not to get too wrapped up in the whole political mess that we are buried in. I usually try to avoid the conversations that seem to have the potential to turning ugly. I made no response to the comments on Facebook and since they didn't get ugly, I let them run.
I am truly grateful that my hope; my happiness is not tied to the government of this fair (but troubled) land. My hope is in a graceful God that has redeemed my soul and saved me to bring glory to Him through the work of His son, Jesus.
John <><
249.2
Monday, August 08, 2011
Labels
Why do we have to have so many labels? If you were to pick just one for yourself, what would it be?
Conservative? Liberal?
Republican? Democrat?
Labor? Management?
Straight? Gay?
Black? White?
Fat? Skinny?
US citizen? Immigrant? Illegal alien?
Christian? Muslim? Atheist? Indifferent?
Even within labels, there are labels.
Within Christianity there are labels (and a multitude of denominations within each of those).
You might be an Evangelical or a Reformer. You can can be conservative or progressive. You can be a main-liner or ... I don't know, somebody that's not a main-liner. You can be a Catholic and some of my Evangelical friends would say that you're not even really a Christian.
Brian McLaren has some thoughts on some of the differences here.
If I was going to pick one label that I would want for people to tag me with, I think I would want to be known as a disciple of Jesus. I don't like the labels within Christianity. And I don't want to be defined by them. While I belong to a Southern Baptist Church, I didn't grow up as a Southern Baptist and don't have the deep seated convictions and heritage that seem to be so very important to a couple of generations of Southern Baptists. To some, it seems to be equally as important to be Southern Baptist as it does to be a Christian (and I think that the same can be said for many Catholics about Catholicism). I can't honestly say that I'm an Arminian or a Calvinist because I've never really studied their theologies enough to lay claim to one or the other.
I would simply want to be known as one the studies the life and teachings of Jesus. Unfortunately, I haven't done a very good job of it and probably don't deserve such a label.
At the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gives a command to His disciples. Part of that command is "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..."
So, I'm wondering: How are we supposed to teach others to obey His commands if we don't know what He has commanded? Or more to the point: How am I supposed to teach others to obey His commands if I don't know what He has commanded?
My new project is to read through the Gospels and note all of the commands of Jesus -- in order to live them out in my life, as well as to be able to teach to others. It's more time consuming that I thought it would be and I need to find a more efficient way of noting the commands.
What's your label? How do you want to be known? And what will you have to do to be known that way?
John <><
Btw, after being stuck at -12 to 15 lbs for a week, I decided to take a week off and regroup. I've put a couple of pounds back on and will post on Tuesday morning (5 weeks from my start).
Conservative? Liberal?
Republican? Democrat?
Labor? Management?
Straight? Gay?
Black? White?
Fat? Skinny?
US citizen? Immigrant? Illegal alien?
Christian? Muslim? Atheist? Indifferent?
Even within labels, there are labels.
Within Christianity there are labels (and a multitude of denominations within each of those).
You might be an Evangelical or a Reformer. You can can be conservative or progressive. You can be a main-liner or ... I don't know, somebody that's not a main-liner. You can be a Catholic and some of my Evangelical friends would say that you're not even really a Christian.
Brian McLaren has some thoughts on some of the differences here.
If I was going to pick one label that I would want for people to tag me with, I think I would want to be known as a disciple of Jesus. I don't like the labels within Christianity. And I don't want to be defined by them. While I belong to a Southern Baptist Church, I didn't grow up as a Southern Baptist and don't have the deep seated convictions and heritage that seem to be so very important to a couple of generations of Southern Baptists. To some, it seems to be equally as important to be Southern Baptist as it does to be a Christian (and I think that the same can be said for many Catholics about Catholicism). I can't honestly say that I'm an Arminian or a Calvinist because I've never really studied their theologies enough to lay claim to one or the other.
I would simply want to be known as one the studies the life and teachings of Jesus. Unfortunately, I haven't done a very good job of it and probably don't deserve such a label.
At the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gives a command to His disciples. Part of that command is "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..."
So, I'm wondering: How are we supposed to teach others to obey His commands if we don't know what He has commanded? Or more to the point: How am I supposed to teach others to obey His commands if I don't know what He has commanded?
My new project is to read through the Gospels and note all of the commands of Jesus -- in order to live them out in my life, as well as to be able to teach to others. It's more time consuming that I thought it would be and I need to find a more efficient way of noting the commands.
What's your label? How do you want to be known? And what will you have to do to be known that way?
John <><
Btw, after being stuck at -12 to 15 lbs for a week, I decided to take a week off and regroup. I've put a couple of pounds back on and will post on Tuesday morning (5 weeks from my start).
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Hardships (or mere inconveniences?)
Today I'm really frustrated with our government. It appears that the final debt deal does raise the debt ceiling but doesn't help the one area that can do the most to help our recovery -- creating jobs. In fact many economist believe that it will slow the job market (then again, do economists ever really agree on anything?). Here's one take on it.
Then we have the House of Representatives leaving town before an extension is passed on the FAA re-authorization. The Republican led House left the Senate with a bill that the Senate has already rejected and now they can blame the Democratic led Senate for the 4000 federal workers and 70,000 contractors and construction workers that will be without work until after Labor Day and for the $1.5 billion in forfeited tax revenues associated with the FAA bill.
And even as I try to figure out what these men and women are thinking as they return to their districts (and I really can't come up with a single thing), I know that the hardships we face are nothing compared to the majority of the world.
Today it's going to get to be 105F (40.5C) in Ozark and the air conditioner picked today to go out! Even so, the blinds are drawn, the fans are on and the inside temp is a bearable 85F (29.5C). What's more, the a/c repairman will be here sometime this afternoon and we'll be able to afford to have it fixed--and even if we couldn't, we'd survive.
And we'd be far more comfortable than most of the world and much of the US.
Temperatures in one area of the Middle East reach around 120F (48C) this time of year. I mention that because I know of one man that is in prison there (their prisons aren't air conditioned like ours) simply because he believes that Jesus is his Lord and Savior and pastors a small community of believers. He's not complaining. He's taking the opportunity that God has given him to share his faith with people that he wouldn't have otherwise had the chance to talk to. Word has reached his family that he continues to share the Gospel behind prison walls.
My trials are nothing compared to his. My government is nothing like his. In every aspect of life, save one, I have it so much better; so much easier than he does. That one area that he is far ahead of me is in his spiritual life; his faith.
He is threatened with prison for sharing his faith. Does it stop him? No. He goes to prison. Does prison stop him? No. He keeps on. The last time he was imprisoned (a few years ago), they let him out because he pretty much had a 'captive' audience and the Holy Spirit worked through him to bring more Muslims to trust in Jesus. Understand that there are no trials. He is simply imprisoned until they decide to let him go. I would ask that you join with me and his family praying that God will keep him safe and return him to his home soon.
I face no threats; no consequences for sharing my faith. What's stopping me? What's stopping you?
As I think about the frustration that I have with our elected representatives right now; I wonder if Jesus isn't just as frustrated with those He's elected to do His work? Maybe He's wondering what we're thinking. Maybe He's waiting for us to do our jobs; the work that He's laid out for us.
Just thinking ...
John<><
Then we have the House of Representatives leaving town before an extension is passed on the FAA re-authorization. The Republican led House left the Senate with a bill that the Senate has already rejected and now they can blame the Democratic led Senate for the 4000 federal workers and 70,000 contractors and construction workers that will be without work until after Labor Day and for the $1.5 billion in forfeited tax revenues associated with the FAA bill.
And even as I try to figure out what these men and women are thinking as they return to their districts (and I really can't come up with a single thing), I know that the hardships we face are nothing compared to the majority of the world.
Today it's going to get to be 105F (40.5C) in Ozark and the air conditioner picked today to go out! Even so, the blinds are drawn, the fans are on and the inside temp is a bearable 85F (29.5C). What's more, the a/c repairman will be here sometime this afternoon and we'll be able to afford to have it fixed--and even if we couldn't, we'd survive.
And we'd be far more comfortable than most of the world and much of the US.
Temperatures in one area of the Middle East reach around 120F (48C) this time of year. I mention that because I know of one man that is in prison there (their prisons aren't air conditioned like ours) simply because he believes that Jesus is his Lord and Savior and pastors a small community of believers. He's not complaining. He's taking the opportunity that God has given him to share his faith with people that he wouldn't have otherwise had the chance to talk to. Word has reached his family that he continues to share the Gospel behind prison walls.
My trials are nothing compared to his. My government is nothing like his. In every aspect of life, save one, I have it so much better; so much easier than he does. That one area that he is far ahead of me is in his spiritual life; his faith.
He is threatened with prison for sharing his faith. Does it stop him? No. He goes to prison. Does prison stop him? No. He keeps on. The last time he was imprisoned (a few years ago), they let him out because he pretty much had a 'captive' audience and the Holy Spirit worked through him to bring more Muslims to trust in Jesus. Understand that there are no trials. He is simply imprisoned until they decide to let him go. I would ask that you join with me and his family praying that God will keep him safe and return him to his home soon.
I face no threats; no consequences for sharing my faith. What's stopping me? What's stopping you?
As I think about the frustration that I have with our elected representatives right now; I wonder if Jesus isn't just as frustrated with those He's elected to do His work? Maybe He's wondering what we're thinking. Maybe He's waiting for us to do our jobs; the work that He's laid out for us.
Just thinking ...
John<><
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