Friend of mine shared this with me

My dog: the paradox - The Oatmeal

Its funny because its true.

Madame Blueberry

That's what we call her, and she's home.

It's too bad car insurance doesn't work like health insurance. We're about $1,600 in to it, half of which we have to come up with in a month. That should prove interesting.

Not to mention that after four years of sitting in the driveway, the tires are dry rotted as well, and she can sound like an old sailing vessel. I suppose that's to be expected.

Based on a promise of a loan, we had her towed to the mechanic, only to find at the end of it it all, oops, that money no longer exists.

We had the brother of a good friend of ours working on it, and he cut us some really good deals. I can't imagine how much it would have been otherwise.

No one particular thing was wrong but a myriad of little things.

We took her home last Thursday, with the instruction that we'd need to drive her for a week so the computer could cycle through all its tests. So far we're good as no check engine light had come on yet.

Now we just need to figure it how we're going to pay for emissions and tags as well.

For now though, I haven't driven the 64' Ford in the last week which has really cut back on gas costs.

It'll be nice to be able to return the Ford that or friend Don and his wife, as they've been so generous to let us borrow for quite a long time now, since I totaled the Honda in a wreck last year.

Not only has it cost them quite a bit, since they've also been picking up the insurance, but its been a stress to drive someone else's car, all the while waiting for some big problem to occur and really screw me.

The Ford's been a champ though, and it's been the impetus to meet quite a few people I wouldn't have otherwise had occasion to talk to. The down side it's that misty of those people think I should know all about trucks. I get it, but I don't know squat.

Thanks Don and Debbie.
You're truly faithful servants.
You've been a blessing more than you can imagine.

Hope to have truck back to you soon.

d(-_-)b

WWJD?

About Right Wing Watch | Right Wing Watch

Not this....

Wanes Word

What are the moral and spiritual issues in the 2012 election? - Wayne Grudem - Wayne Grudem

Wow, that's all I can say here. I can't tell if I'm severely unenlightened or just evil....either way I'm in dumb struck with disbelief.

Sincerely I thought Mr. Grudem was above and beyond rubbish like this.

The implication here is that Democrats are evil, and Republicans are good which is then supported with untrue statements about what either believes.

That it's ok to vote for a candidate you don't believe in because you're really voting for the party anyway.

That freedom of religion does not include freedom from religion...

Wanes Word?
                   ...be excrement to each other.

Tell me, am I wrong?

Increasing the Volume 1106

WARNING: For those who are offended by inappropriate language, no worries here. However there are a lot A LOT of swear words you might not like, I just don't think that they're inappropriate.

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kshqj1rIyEo&sns=em

From Wikipedia:
"America Kicks A**" is a song by avant-garde band King Missile. It was the only single from the band's 2004 album Royal Lunch.

In "America Kicks A**," frontman John S. Hall, backed by an ominous string section and sporadic bursts of white noise, assumes the persona of an enraged American aggressively in favor of American jingoism and militarism.

Hall screams the lyrics, including such sentiments as:

“ America totally kicks a**.
Strongest nation on Earth.
Nobody can kick our a**
And we're not really criminals,
because there's no international law.
No international law,
because there's no international courts. And there are no international courts because we refuse to recognize any court that might ever try to stop us from doing whatever the **** we want....
We don't have to justify ourselves.
We don't have to tell the rest of the world s***.
We do whatever the **** we want for one reason, and one reason only:
because we can.

The lyrics satirize this jingoistic mindset.

Here are the complete lyrics, although you have to hear the sing to get the real intonation and sentiment.

(spoken)
America totally kicks a**.
Strongest nation on Earth.
Nobody can kick our a**.
Nobody can intimidate us, because we don't give a f***.

We are motherf***ing hard like a gangsta with a nine by our side.
Except there's no five-O gonna roll up and beat our a** down.
And we're not really criminals, because there's no international law.
No international law, because there's no international courts.
And there are no international courts because we refuse to recognize any court that might ever try to stop us from doing whatever the f*** we want.
No trials, no courts, no laws for America. So we can do whatever the f*** we want. And we're not even criminals.
Doesn't that f***ing kick a**?
What an excellent country!
And we've gotten rid of the hypocrisy too. We used to make bulls*** excuses for whatever it is we wanted to do.
We would tell the world it was 'cause of human rights, or because the country was a dictatorship, or attacked first – we don't do that anymore.
We don't make bulls*** excuses, because we understand now.
We don't have to justify ourselves.
We don't have to tell the rest of the world shit.
We do whatever the f*** we want for one reason, and one reason only: because we can.
And all those other countries, they can suck our d***.
They can bend over and take it up the a**, because the rest of the world is America's b****.
Half the world works for pennies a day to make us fat and rich.
The deal is, maybe they get to eat, and we get cheap clothes, cheap oil, whatever we want, and if they don't like it they can suck on it, because the rest of the world is America's b****.
Because we are the lone superpower.
And all the other little countries and continents are mere mortals at best.
They are like the homeless: we just step over them on the way to steppin' on somebody else.
They aren't worth the time it takes to piss in their mouth.
We don't care.
We're America.
We kick a**!
What are they gonna do?
Arrest us?
Ostracize us?
Gang up on us?
Let them f***in' try; we are America and we will f*** them up!
If they ever f*** with us, we will just shake it off and use it as an excuse to f*** them up some more.
And the more they try to hurt us, the more medieval on their a**es we will get.
Because we can.
Because America is all-powerful.
America kicks a**.
And America doesn't have to answer to anybody.
Unless, and until, God or the space aliens come to kick our a**.

Well Crap

It's True

The Narrow Gate

It seems to me that for even the most well intentioned people, sometimes, somewhere along the way we can get lost.

It's easy to do because as with most sins it occur over time rather than immediately, and it's full effects aren't realized until well after we're deep in them. So too our focus and passion can slowly and easily shift.

If we are honest with ourselves however, I think we would all have to admit, at times, it becomes easy to confuse the righteousness that comes from the effort of being on God's side with the self righteousness that comes with believing that God is on ours.

We become very certain, and self assured in our views that our direction then becomes turned 180 degrees as we become preoccupied from making sure  that we're actually right to making sure that others know that we're are irrefutably right.

That's when things get really ugly, as our true selves, as we are apart from the grace of God is revealed. Usually to others first and then to us.

We must, when confronted with these things, either repent and apologize, or continue moving ever further away from God in our certain stances.

At that point we create God in our image, rather we who are created in his.

Twilight Honesty

I was just thinking about how nice it was when the Twilight movies were popular that none of the fans pretended to be elitist by saying things like,"Oh, the books are so much better." and things like that.

Burning Desire

So, nothing set in stone, but I was thinking about having a small fire tonight.

Might start a little late, and it's usually an open invite.

Let me know if you're interested 

There are a few rules though....

1) Mostly guys come to these, rarely women, and more rarely kids. I'm not sure why but allow me to say this...

Foremost, my wife and kids are allergic to smoke, so me even having these fires is a little rude. Now that you know I'm rude it gets worse...This was never intended to be an event that forced my wife to do housework in order to entertain guests. That said, don't anticipate that you'll be visiting anything except the exterior of my house. I know what you're thinking, and we have an alley if needed.

2) These fires are spontaneous. There's no planning involved and so there's no commitment involved either. Not on my end, and not on yours. If it happens it happens no pressure since that's contrary to the whole point of the fire.

I do them in front (instead of in back) of my house as it was my hope that it be conducive to the feeling of an open invite. In other words, it's not a private party.

3) I have a very intelligent and diverse group of friends and there's large potential for offense but no one's going be "that guy" right? Be cool.

4) I don't have much money, and besides that it promotes a more communal feeling to have the following rule: If you want to drink it, eat it smoke it, bring it, and bring enough to share.

5) You can bring wood if you want, but I usually foot the bill for that. I figure I'm burning stuff whether or not anyone shows up, so that's entirely my obligation.

 

Investing the Volume 1103

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFz8EYLH2Ts&sns=em

Lyrics:
Narrator: "Larry will be performing the traditional Argentinian ballad,

'The Dance of the Cucumber,' in it's original Spanish. Bob the Tomato

will translate."

Larry: "Miren al pepino"

Bob: "Watch the cucumber"

Larry: "miren como se mueve"

Bob: "see how he moves"

Larry: "como un leon"

Bob: "like a lion"

Larry: "tras un raton."

Bob: "chasing a mouse."

Larry: "Miren al pepino"

Bob: "Watch the cucumber"

Larry: "sus suaves movimientos"

Bob: "Oh, how smooth his motion"

Larry: "tal como mantequilla"

Bob: "like butter"

Larry: "en un chango pelon."

Bob: "on a ... bald monkey."

Larry: "Miren al pepino"

Bob: "Look at the cucumber"

Larry: "los vegetales"

Bob: "all the vegetables"

Larry: "envidian a su amigo"

Bob: "envy their friend"

Larry: "como el quieren bialar"

Bob: "wishing to dance as he"

Larry: "Pepino bailarin, pepino bailarin, pepino bailarin"

Bob: "Dancing cucumber, dancing cucumber, dancing cucumber"

Larry: "Baila, baila, ya!"

Bob: "Dance, dance, yeah!"

Larry: "Miren al tomate"

Bob: "Look at the tomato"

Larry: "no es triste?"

Bob: "Isn't it sad?"

Larry: "El no puede bailar."

Bob: "He can't dance."

Larry: "!Pobre tomate!"

Bob: "Poor tomato!"

Larry: "El deberia poder bailar"

Bob: "He wishes he could dance"

Larry: "Como el pepino"

Bob: "like the cucumber"

Larry: "libre y suavemente."

Bob: "free and smooth."

Larry: "Pero el no puede danzar."

Bob: "But he can't ... Okay! Stop the music! What do ya mean I can't

dance? I can dance! What about Uncle Louie's polka party? Didn't you see

me dancing at Uncle Louie's polka party?"

Larry: "No comprendo."

Bob: "No comprendo? I'll show you 'No comprendo'!"

Jr.: "Mom! Dad! Look over here! Get a picture of me next to the cucumber

in authentic Argentinian garb!"

Dad: "Okay, Junior. But we'd better hurry--I think the dwarves have your

mother confused with someone else! Say 'Peas!'"

All: "Peas!"

Larry: "Escuchen el pepino"

Bob: "Listen to the cucumber"

Larry: "oigan su voz fuerte"

Bob: "hear his strong voice"

Larry: "como un leon"

Bob: "like a lion"

Larry: "listo a devorar."

Bob: "about to eat."

Larry: "Escuchen al pepino"

Bob: "Listen to the cucubmer"

Larry: "que dulce as su canto"

Bob: "oh how sweet his voice"

Larry: "la voz de su garganta perece un triar."

Bob: "the breath from his throat is like a chorus of little birdies."

Larry: "Escuchen al pepino"

Bob: "Listen to the cucumber"

Larry: "los vegetales"

Bob: "all the vegetables"

Larry: "envidian a su amigo"

Bob: "envy their friend"

Larry: "como el quieren cantar."

Bob: "wishing to sing as he."

Larry: "Pepino cantador, pepino cantador, pepino cantador"

Bob: "Singing cucumber, singing cucumber, singing cucumber"

Larry: "canta, canta, ya!"

Bob: "sing, sing, yeah!"

Larry: "Escuchen al tomate"

Bob: "Listen to the tomato"

Larry: "?No es triste?"

Bob: "Isn't it sad?"

Larry: "El no puede cantar."

Bob: "He can't sing."

Larry: "Pobre tomate."

Bob: "Poor tomato."

Larry: "El deberia poder cantar"

Bob: "He wishes he could sing"

Larry: "fuerte y ducle como el pepino"

Bob: "strong and sweet like the cucumber"

Larry: "Pero no puede ..."

Bob: "But he can't ..."

Larry: "!Ni siquiera da un silbido!"

Bob: "Can't even ... whistle! All right! That's it Senor! Come over here and let me sing YOU a song!"

Larry: "Adios, amigos!"

Narrator: "This has been Silly Songs With Larry. Tune in next time to

hear Larry sing ..."

Larry: "Bob is really angry! I hope he doesn't catch me! It's so hard to

run with this sombrero on my head

Legally Wrong

Being legal doesn't make it ethical
That it is not wrong doesn't make it right

Being Born

...it's like receiving a death sentence.

Increasing the Volume 1102

Kodo Drummers of Japan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOUi5fDm0KE&sns=em



Yoshida Brothers


Yoshida Brothers: Storm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7FPL3J0-ng&sns=em

Yoshida Brothers: Inside the Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=G8t0KTOeMPw&sns=em

Who doesn't really?

I read to be right

I write to be read

I love to be loved

Myth of a Christian Nation Intro

This could be a copyright issue, but I just wanted to give you some insight as to what it is i am reading, and why you should read it as well.

HOW THIS BOOK CAME TO BE AND WHY IT MAY IRRITATE SOME READERS

Like many evangelical pastors in the months before the 2004 election, I felt pressure from a number of right-wing political and religious sources, as well as from some people in my own congregation, to "shepherd my flock" into voting for "the right candidate" and "the right position." Among other things, I was asked to hand out leaflets, to draw attention to various political events, and to have our church members sign petitions, make pledges, and so on. Increasingly, some in our church grew irate because of my refusal (supported by the church board) to have the church participate in these activities.

In April of 2004, as the religious buzz was escalating, I felt it necessary to preach a series of sermons that would provide a biblical explanation for why our church should not join the rising chorus of right-wing political activity. I also decided this would be a good opportunity to expose the danger of associating the Christian faith too closely with any political point of view, whether conservative or liberal. I had touched on this topic several times in the past but never as deeply, clearly, and persistently. The series was entitled "The Cross and the Sword," and it forms the foundation for this book.

The response surprised me. For one thing, I had never received so much positive feedback. Some people literally wept with gratitude, saying that they had always felt like outsiders in the evangelical community for not "toeing the conservative party line." Others reported that their eyes had been opened to how they had unwittingly allowed political and national agendas to cloud their vision of the uniquely beautiful kingdom of God. But neither had I ever received so much intensely negative feedback.

I felt as though I'd stuck a stick in a hornet's nest! About 20 percent of my congregation (roughly a thousand people) left the church. Many who left sincerely believe there is little ambiguity in how true Christian faith translates into politics. Since God is against abortion, Christians should vote for the pro-life candidate, they believe—and the preacher should say so. Since God is against homosexuality, Christians should vote for the candidate who supports the marriage amendment act—and a Bible-believing pastor should proclaim this. Since God is for personal freedom, Christians should vote for the candidate who will fulfill "America's mission" to bring freedom to the world—and any American pastor, like myself, should use his "God-given authority and responsibility" to make this known. "It's that simple," I was told. To insist that it's not, some suggested, is to be (as I was variously described) a liberal, a compromiser, wishy-washy, unpatriotic, afraid to take a stand, or simply on the side of Satan.

Some readers undoubtedly share these convictions and may already be responding negatively to this book. Like many American evangelicals, you may assume that espousing a certain political position is simply part of what it means to be Christian. It may be difficult for you to fathom how an evangelical pastor could, for theological reasons, refuse to use the pulpit to support a pro-life, pro-family, pro-Christian values, pro-American political platform. Aren't we supposed to be trying to take America back for God?

Consequently, you too may be tempted to write me off as liberal, a compromiser, wishy-washy, unpatriotic, afraid to take a stand, or on the side of Satan. If so, let me assure you that, for all my shortcomings,

I don't believe any of those labels accurately describes me.

And I'd ask you to hear me out.

At the outset, I want you to know I appreciate and respect your convictions. I understand the consternation you may feel, but at the same time, I challenge you to keep an open mind and to consider this book's arguments. I know how difficult it is to take a book seriously when it confronts one's most cherished beliefs. I also know that few things in life are as intellectually and spiritually beneficial as forcing ourselves to consider ideas different from our own—even ideas that may irritate and offend.

This book may well irritate and offend you at times. You may never agree with me. But I believe that wrestling with these issues will benefit you nonetheless. I only ask that you hear me out.

THE CENTRAL THESIS OF THIS BOOK

My thesis, which caused such an uproar, is this: I believe a significant segment of American evangelicalism is guilty of nationalistic and political idolatry. To a frightful degree, I think, evangelicals fuse the kingdom of God with a preferred version of the kingdom of the world (whether it's our national interests, a particular form of government, a particular political program, or so on). Rather than focusing our understanding of God's kingdom on the person of Jesus—who, incidentally, never allowed himself to get pulled into the political disputes of his day—I believe many of us American evangelicals have allowed our understanding of the kingdom of God to be polluted with political ideals, agendas, and issues.

For some evangelicals, the kingdom of God is largely about, if not centered on, "taking America back for God," voting for the Christian candidate, outlawing abortion, outlawing gay marriage, winning the culture war, defending political freedom at home and abroad, keeping the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, fighting for prayer in the public schools and at public events, and fighting to display the Ten Commandments in government buildings.

I will argue that this perspective is misguided, that fusing together the kingdom of God with this or any other version of the kingdom of the world is idolatrous and that this fusion is having serious negative consequences for Christ's church and for the advancement of God's kingdom.

I do not argue that those political positions are either wrong or right. Nor do I argue that Christians shouldn't be involved in politics. While people whose faith has been politicized may well interpret me along such lines, I assure you that this is not what I'm saying. The issue is far more fundamental than how we should vote or participate in government. Rather, I hope to challenge the assumption that finding the right political path has anything to do with advancing the kingdom of God.

THE FOUNDATIONAL MYTH

What gives the connection between Christianity and politics such strong emotional force in the U.S.? I believe it is the longstanding myth that America is a Christian nation.

From the start, we have tended to believe that God's will was manifested in the conquest and founding of our country—and that it is still manifested in our actions around the globe. Throughout our history, most Americans have assumed our nation's causes and wars were righteous and just, and that "God is on our side." In our

minds—as so often in our sanctuaries—the cross and the American flag stand side by side. Our allegiance to God tends to go hand in hand with our allegiance to country. Consequently, many Christians

who take their faith seriously see themselves as the religious guardians of a Christian homeland. America, they believe, is a holy city "set on a hill," and the church's job is to keep it shining.

The negative reaction to my sermons made it clear that this foundational myth is alive and well in the evangelical community—and not just in its fundamentalist fringes. That reaction leads me to suspect that this myth is being embraced more intensely and widely now than in the past precisely because evangelicals sense that it is being threatened.

The truth is that the concept of America as a Christian nation, with all that accompanies that myth, is actually losing its grip on the collective national psyche, and as America

becomes increasingly pluralistic and secularized, the civil religion of Christianity is losing its force. Understandably, this produces consternation among those who identify themselves as the nation's religious guardians.

So, when the shepherd of a flock of these religious guardians stands up—in the pulpit no less—and suggests that this foundational American myth is, in fact, untrue, that America is not now and never was a Christian nation, that God is not necessarily on America's side, and that the kingdom of God we are called to advance

is not about "taking America back for God"—well, for some, that's tantamount to going AWOL. I respect the sincerity of that conviction, but for me, it simply confirms how badly the church needs to hear the message of this book.

The myth of America as a Christian nation, with the church as its guardian, has been, and continues to be, damaging both to the church and to the advancement of God's kingdom. Among other things, this nationalistic myth blinds us to the way in which our most basic and most cherished cultural assumptions are diametrically opposed to the kingdom way of life taught by Jesus and his disciples.Instead of living out the radically counter-cultural mandate of the kingdom of God, this myth has inclined us to Christianize many pagan aspects of our culture. Instead of providing the culture with a radically alternative way of life, we largely present it with a religious version of what it already is. The myth clouds our vision of God's distinctly beautiful kingdom and thereby undermines our motivation to live as set-apart [holy] disciples of this kingdom. Even more fundamentally, because this myth links the kingdom of God with certain political stances within American politics, it has greatly compromised the holy beauty of the kingdom of God to non-Christians. This myth harms the church's primary mission. For many in America and around the world, the American flag has smothered the glory of the cross, and the ugliness of our American version of Caesar has squelched the radiant love of Christ. Because the myth that America is a Christian nation has led many to associate America with Christ, many now hear the good news of Jesus only as American news, capitalistic news, imperialistic news,exploitive news, antigay news, or Republican news. And whether justified or not, many people want nothing to do with any of it.

TWO CONTRASTING KINGDOMS

In the pages that follow, I'll suggest that the kingdom Jesus came to establish is "not from this world" (John 18:36), for it operates differently than the governments of the world do. While all the versions of the kingdom of the world acquire and exercise power over others, the kingdom of God, incarnated and modeled in the person

of Jesus Christ, advances only by exercising power under others.

It expands by manifesting the power of self-sacrificial, Calvary-like love. To put it differently, the governments of the world seek to establish, protect, and advance their ideals and agendas. It's in the fallen

nature of all those governments to want to "win." By contrast, the kingdom Jesus established and modeled with his life, death, and resurrection doesn't seek to "win" by any criteria the world would use. Rather, it seeks to be faithful. It demonstrates the reign of God by manifesting the sacrificial character of God, and in the process, it reveals the most beautiful, dynamic, and transformative power in the universe. It testifies that this power alone—the power to transform people from the inside out by coming under them—holds the hope of the world. Everything the church is about, I argue, hangs on preserving the radical uniqueness of this kingdom in contrast to the kingdom of the world.

THREE PRELIMINARY WORDS

But three preliminary words need to be said. First, my thesis applies as much to Christians on the political left as on the political right.6 While I'm concerned about the fusion of the two kingdoms from both sides, the focus of this book is more on the political right, since that political orientation is far and away the dominant one among evangelicals at this point in history. The political right currently has far more religious and political clout—and has captured far more of the media spotlight. For that reason, it warrants more attention. Second, to insist that we keep the kingdom of God radically distinct from all versions of the kingdom of the world does not mean that our faith and moral convictions shouldn't inform our participation in the political process. Of course they should—but that is true of all citizens in a free country. Whether we're aware of it or not, all of us, whether religious or not, vote our faith and values.

What the distinction between the two kingdoms does imply, however, is that citizens of the kingdom of God need to take care to distinguish between their core faith and values on the one hand and the particular way they politically express their faith and values on the other. While the way of the kingdom of God is always simple,

Straight forward, and uncompromising, the way of the kingdom of the world is always complex, ambiguous, and inevitably full of compromises. Hence, kingdom people who share the same core faith and values can and often do disagree about how their faith and values should inform their involvement in the kingdom of the world. (' Finally, this book is written to help us get a clear vision of the unique kingdom of God as revealed in the life of Jesus, to see how its Calvary-like way of bringing about change in people's lives and

in society is completely different from the world's, and to see the great harm that results when Jesus' disciples fail to preserve the uniqueness of that way. This book does not attempt to resolve all ambiguities between these two kingdoms The purpose of this book, rather, is to cast a broad vision of the kingdom of God and show its stark contrast to the kingdom of the world. If it helps some readers see how wonderfully different God's kingdom is from the world; if it helps some place more trust in God's unique "power under" mode of operation; and if it motivates some to become more committed to living out the radically alternative, countercultural life of this kingdom—it will have served its purpose.

Misfortune 500

I was thinking they ought to have misfortune cookies...

and then I found this.

They do!

DNR Democrats N Republicans

Who else but a politician could feel like it's OK to send me email after email, telling me how much they want me to choose them, 

that they care about and understand me, 

that they will listen to me and represent my best interests, 

and then close email after email with the words,

" Do Not Reply".

Doesn't that tell us what we should already know about the system?

Dumb as a post

Yet another thing that face book has overwhelmingly succeeded in redefining.

The Real Me

I could only be disappointed that anyone would want be more like me when my daily struggle is simply to be less like me.

d(-_-)b

In God's Name

In God's Name (Yep, me working out more stuff)

In the name of God we...line our pockets, push our agendas, and move our merchandise, we shame and deceive, imply false obligations, create false expectations, exploit fears and crush spirits.

Everyday, I see these things and far worse being intentionally done by people who use carelessly use the name of the God I serve, to justify them.

I would be a liar, if I said I was not guilty of all of them, on some level. Although not always consciously, the facts are the facts. The difference is, I seek to change, and I can not partake in any religion or institution that condones or justifies any of these things, or contradicts in common practice the principals that they profess.

So, while I may call myself Christian, I must remember that the world calls them Christian as well. And while I see myself as separate, the world sees us as the same.

This is my daily struggle as a follower of the Way, to bare witness to what I know to be true, to show the grace, forgiveness, generosity and love of Christ for those whom I am inclined to do far less. I must always remember that He has done far more for me than I can possibly comprehend. For although we are called the same name by the world, I must strive daily to ensure that we are not at all the same.

I am weak, I know. I will, and have, on many occasions failed, but there can be glory to God in that as well.

The reliance to do these things by my own strength, has always failed me, and when I might appear to have succeeded for a short time, I grew proud and failed once more. So, I must remain humble, knowing that His strength alone is sufficient to sustain me, and it always has.

d(-_-)b

Originally published by Roberto Esponja on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 1:27am ·

This American Life

I just woke up, and there's no violence outside my home.
I turned on a light without thinking for a moment that its not coming on was even an option.

It took a second, but I got out of my nice warm bed and walked about 5 feet to the bathroom. I used it and then flushed without a concern in the world about the water it used, or the plumbing. 

I turned on some water and then I just let the water that wasn't at the desired temperature run down the drain until it became hot water to wash my hands, with a great smelling soap and then dried my face on a towel that smelled like dryer sheets.

Afterward I walked to the kitchen and opened my refrigerator which was running not to my surprise at all. I got a clean glass, used my ice maker, and turned around to get some water. Water that could have been clean enough to drink as it was from the tap, but I have chosen to filter it even more.

It's really quite amazing.

And when I think, "I can't find anything to eat."
I remember the days when I knew what it truely meant to find NOTHING to eat.
That now it is only those things that don't appeal to me at the moment, but it is not NOTHING to eat.

When I am hot I remember what a swamp cooler (when it worked) felt like.
And what driving without air condition felt like.

When I am cold, I recall the days of no heat at all.

When there's not enough seat belts for everyone, I recall riding in the back of a pick up truck because their weren't enough seats. I remember having no car at all for most of my growing up years.

I am standing outside my house, posting on the internet right now, and thinking back to when I would go have to go to the neighbor's house just to borrow their phone.

And now, when I feel like my finances are box around my torso, that seems to shrink everytime I exhale, or sigh from relief, I think to myself, " Well, at least I have a check or two coming. It's not much perhaps but it's something.".

Then, I can breathe just a little bit easier...for a little while at least.

Sometimes I forget, I have it good, certainly much better than I used to.
That it's all good, it's just more difficult at certain times than others, I just need to press on and trust.

peace,
d(-_-)b

Between the heart and the Head

In this world, you're going to be offended, and you're going to offend. There's no dancing around that one, it's just what happens when you have someone who both thinks and feels, and we have a whole world of those.

     Remove feeling from thinking, and you remove the heart.
     Remove thinking from feeling, and you lose the head.
     The body requires both to live.
    
As I have stated in the past, to truly Love requires everything of us regardless of how we feel. Love is often a conscious choice when it comes to our words and actions.

    A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. (Prov. 19:11)

If our motive is based simply in our own self preservation and to remain intact, we generally only notice that we have been offended. We respond defensively, often times aggressively, kind of like a cornered animal. It's not really an attack, as much as a fear response. However, as a result we skip the real issue entirely.

If, however,  our motive lies in fostering the growth of our relationships, we will overlook being offended, and start to consider more the nature of the offense, and what the actual issue being presented is.  Having been patient, we are then more able to respond in love, with grace.

The former achieves relational dissolution, and the latter resolution.

    Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)

So, when you offend, ask how.
But when you are offended, ask why.

d(-_-)b

Brennan Manning Books

Brennan Manning Books I would recommend to you:

1. Abba's Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging

2. Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin's Path to God

3. The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus

4. The Wisdom of Tenderness: What Happens When God's Fierce Mercy Transforms Our Lives

No I didn't forget about The Raggamuffin Gospel, I just didn't really care for it.

I am not yet complete

This means everything you wish it didn't, and more....

I am not yet complete

I am a caterpillar, a very hungry caterpillar.

In this cocoon for a time,

I must learn which leaves are good for sustenance

And which will slowly kill me.

One glorious day I will be released

To be the butterfly I was created to be

But that day is not this one.



I am a fish, caught by the fisher of men

I have been released

Not into a bowl, to live a life of comfort and confinement

But into the ocean, to live freely

Swimming among the sharks, who would love to devour me.



I have been slow to learn of the cruel fishermen

That would leave me to drown in their nets,

That would feast on my carcass, and throw away my remains.

I am not the prize catch,

And after providing for them what they need,

They will, and do, move on to their next.

...I understand this now.



I am dust, and will be blown away with the wind.

When the life breathed into me, is taken from me,

and returned to its giver,

I will return to the earth from which I came.

I am only one part, not unlike the millions of others

I am barely a even a factor in the whole equation



I am almost nothing, and yet I exist

My thoughts and words mean little, to most

But they are all I have in defining who I am



And if, in the quest to understand the great I Am,

If I can not be honest,

Well then...

I can not truly BE anything.



d(-_-)b

Originally posted on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 9:39pm ·