It's not like I have a shortage of thoughts. Anyone who knows me would probably say I have too many thoughts....The cool thing is that God has timing for everything. Today, I finished the last 1/3 of a post I started April 26, 2010....that was nearly a year ago. Check it out at: http://crambleson.blogspot.com/2010/04/beast-behind-beauty.html.
And at the end...report back to yourself: which cartoon are you? And which do you truly want to be?
Ciao for Niao...Now.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
If there was a carpool to Heaven, I hope we'd have ourselves a convoy
It is always fascinating to me to drive past a bus stop. The people are always facing toward the direction the bus will be coming from, even if it is not scheduled to arrive for another 20 minutes. There looking onward changes nothing about the pace or speed of the bus--whether they watch for the bus or not, the bus will arrive at the same time. They are looking on; they are expecting.
Today I went to the gas station while fresh on everyones minds was the 20 cent spike in gas prices. The clerk at my friendly local gas station mentioned to me that this is just a taste of the increase in prices....her comment was not to my surprise. What was to my surprise was her response when I reflected on the fact that gas responses seemed a response to the multiple riots in the Middle East. The clerk then carried the conversation to the end of time and the prophecies that involve the Middle East. She said the end is coming and we better protect Israel, but this world is so messed up that it will be a good thing when it ends. Now, I'm not here to preach the whole 2012 thing or to tell you that the end is here. I couldn't tell you one way or the other. The Bible tells us that no man knows the day nor the hour. My point, instead, is to awaken your attention to the possibility.
Just as people waiting at the bus stop watch readily for the bus whether it is coming in 2 seconds or 20 minutes, so also we should be watching for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is coming. It will be sooner tomorrow than it was today. Please don't let Him find you unprepared or without the covering of His blood. You and your soul mean too much to me and to so many others for you to miss the opportunity of a home in Heaven with Him. When you think you can't, you can...and for joy at His return, you must. Accept His salvation, His call, and watch with joy for that arrival.
2 Peter 3
1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,
2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation."
5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Today I went to the gas station while fresh on everyones minds was the 20 cent spike in gas prices. The clerk at my friendly local gas station mentioned to me that this is just a taste of the increase in prices....her comment was not to my surprise. What was to my surprise was her response when I reflected on the fact that gas responses seemed a response to the multiple riots in the Middle East. The clerk then carried the conversation to the end of time and the prophecies that involve the Middle East. She said the end is coming and we better protect Israel, but this world is so messed up that it will be a good thing when it ends. Now, I'm not here to preach the whole 2012 thing or to tell you that the end is here. I couldn't tell you one way or the other. The Bible tells us that no man knows the day nor the hour. My point, instead, is to awaken your attention to the possibility.
Just as people waiting at the bus stop watch readily for the bus whether it is coming in 2 seconds or 20 minutes, so also we should be watching for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is coming. It will be sooner tomorrow than it was today. Please don't let Him find you unprepared or without the covering of His blood. You and your soul mean too much to me and to so many others for you to miss the opportunity of a home in Heaven with Him. When you think you can't, you can...and for joy at His return, you must. Accept His salvation, His call, and watch with joy for that arrival.
2 Peter 3
1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,
2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation."
5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Monday, February 21, 2011
hot [cross] buns
be the yeast. rise.
2 Peter 1:3-11, "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Sunday, February 20, 2011
snip out of it
Have you ever been at the 'why God' stage in your life? That is, you've faced some sort of challenge or something bad happened to a good person you knew and your only response was, "why, God?" ...
Working with preschoolers has taught me a lot of lessons. Most of these lessons have to do with imagination and not putting limits on things, and most of the lessons I've learned have not been ones I've expected. Last September I learned a lesson from a pair of scissors. Even though I didn't blog about it, the thought reappeared again today...so here goes.
So now that we've got the 'Why, God' and preschoolers with scissors context, I need you to picture a pair of scissors. The ones you just pictured in your head were probably the typical sharp point, metal blade, cut-to-the-chase, no dilly-dallying set of scissors. Good. That means you've grown up and are using the most appropriate and productive scissors for your age group. But preschoolers can't use those same scissors. It seems pretty basic to us that preschoolers can't use 'big people' sharp scissors because they are prone to cutting themselves...they are unpracticed. This common sense with scissors can be applied to the 'why, God' moments of our lives.
Just as preschoolers have to work their way up with scissors, so also do we have to progress in all sorts of situations in our lives: relationships, work situations, etc. etc. Even health issues have been shown many times to help people develop into more appreciative people. While I don't pretend to understand or know the reason why you face the current situation you are in, there's certainly something to be said about God maturing us. He will hand you life situations to get you to the next step, just like a preschooler moves from plastic scissors with a plastic blade to plastic scissors with a metal blade....metal scissors with a metal blade, and finally scissors with a pointed end. It's a progression.
What's more interesting to think about is the fact that as a preschooler moves through the phases of scissors, they are never proficient enough when leaving a lower level of scissors to use the next level 100% safely. For example, if a little boy is great with plastic scissors, you might hand him a pair with a metal blade thinking he could probably handle it. But because the previous pair he'd used functioned a little differently and required less precaution, the little boy still has the risk of hurting himself. That's where God comes in the picture. You see, we are like little preschoolers, and God is trying to help us move up in our relationship with Him, in our jobs, as a person, etc., and so He brings us to trials where we could potentially do some real damage to ourselves. We humans tend to be a little careless and are unsure when we face 'why, God' situations. Just as a preschool teacher watches over the students to make sure they don't cut themselves and tries to show them and help them to use the scissors safely and effectively, God is right there with us to guide us through the 'why, God' situations. And often, hindsight is 20/20. So next time you face a 'why, God' moment or situation, try to look for the growth possibilities in it, and don't be afraid to ask the Teacher how to 'work your scisssors.' Talk it up with God, He's here to help.
Hebrews 13:5-8: "5Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In the inconsistency of life and the 'Why, God' moments, cling to His consistency, love, and wisdom.
Working with preschoolers has taught me a lot of lessons. Most of these lessons have to do with imagination and not putting limits on things, and most of the lessons I've learned have not been ones I've expected. Last September I learned a lesson from a pair of scissors. Even though I didn't blog about it, the thought reappeared again today...so here goes.
So now that we've got the 'Why, God' and preschoolers with scissors context, I need you to picture a pair of scissors. The ones you just pictured in your head were probably the typical sharp point, metal blade, cut-to-the-chase, no dilly-dallying set of scissors. Good. That means you've grown up and are using the most appropriate and productive scissors for your age group. But preschoolers can't use those same scissors. It seems pretty basic to us that preschoolers can't use 'big people' sharp scissors because they are prone to cutting themselves...they are unpracticed. This common sense with scissors can be applied to the 'why, God' moments of our lives.
Just as preschoolers have to work their way up with scissors, so also do we have to progress in all sorts of situations in our lives: relationships, work situations, etc. etc. Even health issues have been shown many times to help people develop into more appreciative people. While I don't pretend to understand or know the reason why you face the current situation you are in, there's certainly something to be said about God maturing us. He will hand you life situations to get you to the next step, just like a preschooler moves from plastic scissors with a plastic blade to plastic scissors with a metal blade....metal scissors with a metal blade, and finally scissors with a pointed end. It's a progression.
What's more interesting to think about is the fact that as a preschooler moves through the phases of scissors, they are never proficient enough when leaving a lower level of scissors to use the next level 100% safely. For example, if a little boy is great with plastic scissors, you might hand him a pair with a metal blade thinking he could probably handle it. But because the previous pair he'd used functioned a little differently and required less precaution, the little boy still has the risk of hurting himself. That's where God comes in the picture. You see, we are like little preschoolers, and God is trying to help us move up in our relationship with Him, in our jobs, as a person, etc., and so He brings us to trials where we could potentially do some real damage to ourselves. We humans tend to be a little careless and are unsure when we face 'why, God' situations. Just as a preschool teacher watches over the students to make sure they don't cut themselves and tries to show them and help them to use the scissors safely and effectively, God is right there with us to guide us through the 'why, God' situations. And often, hindsight is 20/20. So next time you face a 'why, God' moment or situation, try to look for the growth possibilities in it, and don't be afraid to ask the Teacher how to 'work your scisssors.' Talk it up with God, He's here to help.
Hebrews 13:5-8: "5Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In the inconsistency of life and the 'Why, God' moments, cling to His consistency, love, and wisdom.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
pineapples do not grow on pine trees
People are like pineapples.
Not what you expected to be compared to? Tonight, my grandfather handed me a fresh pineapple he bought for us at the grocery. As I held it, I began thinking about the outer layer of a pineapple. It's hard and protective, but not something that can't be cut open with the right device. And once you get to the insides, you get to the more useful part--some of which are incredibly bitter, and some that are a sweet surprise.
People also tend to have a hard and protective outer shell. There is something about human nature, perhaps our vulnerability, pride, and fear, that causes us to try to keep ourselves from the harm that could ensue from being completely open. If a person knows your thoughts, your dreams, your questions, the things you don't understand, your secret flaws and weaknesses, etc., they have some degree of power over you...or so we believe. But what we also fail to acknowledge is the good that can come from being to some degree transparent and letting people get to truly know us.
Sure, people remember that (those) thing(s) you did in high school or college that you regret and which some person knows about. And some people will use your past and your flaws as blackmail to keep you from ratting them out...and the circle continues. But perhaps we look at people mostly wrong.
Stereotypes are natural. Unfortunately most stereotypes end in negative results of categorizing and not truly getting to know people, but they can also be used to protect, etc...or at least we tell ourselves. Stereotyping is actually a natural function of the human brain to make shortcuts. That is correct, you have lazy brain syndrome. But just like anything else our brain processes, it tries to find patterns and shortcuts to be able to process more information at a more rapid pace. Not too shabby. But the downside is that when one person, perhaps even one group of people, has hurt us, we stereotype that all (or least most humans) must be out to get us.
Yes, I will agree that human nature tends to be extremely selfish and that we all hurt each other (whether intentionally or not), but some of us build up our wall of protection so high that we become bitter, cynical, and we prevent others from knowing our greatest attributes. So there's got to be a balance.
Take a second to think of something about yourself most others do not know about. Maybe it's a talent, skill, hobby, weakness, etc. Could others benefit from knowing about this? Sometimes things are of greater value if they are kept private, and I'm not arguing that you should tell everyone everything in your life. So is not the case. The point I'm trying to get across (and maybe not as effectively as I wish) is that fear can startle growth in relationships, friendships, and in yourself.
Perhaps by losing the pride and opening up about what scares you, someone will relate to a situation or thought you have experienced and have wounds healed as a result. Who knows what the situation could be...maybe you've been raped and you'll tell someone who's kept the same secret all this time. Maybe your parents never held you enough as a child. Maybe you fell in love and were deceived...and the list goes on. I completely believe that we all face challenges for a reason (and often multiple reasons). For one, we can be encouraged that James 1:2-3 tells us that the trials of our faith works patience (in other words, we become more complete people from what we face). And secondly, like I said--our struggles help us to help others.
So how do we get to the point where we can open up? In all honesty, most of us may not understand why we are so reserved or even that we are. When we don't ponder our motives, subconscious or not, we may overlook both our strengths and weaknesses. So try to figure out who or what incident has maybe made you more closed off, distrusting, etc. to people (strangers, family, and friends alike). Then consider this: 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." So if we are commanded to love one another as ourselves, then should that not be a love without fear?
Perfect love casts out fear. Wow. Isn't that the type of love we're striving for? After all, we are commanded to be like Christ, and He had perfect love.
So, are you a pineapple? Do you have a hard core that needs cracking into? Is what's on your inside sweet or bitter? What can you do to become a better you?
Each small step is progress. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. A tunnel begins one shovel at a time, but a new path is opened with much perseverance.
Persevere and reap the vast rewards of determination.
Not what you expected to be compared to? Tonight, my grandfather handed me a fresh pineapple he bought for us at the grocery. As I held it, I began thinking about the outer layer of a pineapple. It's hard and protective, but not something that can't be cut open with the right device. And once you get to the insides, you get to the more useful part--some of which are incredibly bitter, and some that are a sweet surprise.
People also tend to have a hard and protective outer shell. There is something about human nature, perhaps our vulnerability, pride, and fear, that causes us to try to keep ourselves from the harm that could ensue from being completely open. If a person knows your thoughts, your dreams, your questions, the things you don't understand, your secret flaws and weaknesses, etc., they have some degree of power over you...or so we believe. But what we also fail to acknowledge is the good that can come from being to some degree transparent and letting people get to truly know us.
Sure, people remember that (those) thing(s) you did in high school or college that you regret and which some person knows about. And some people will use your past and your flaws as blackmail to keep you from ratting them out...and the circle continues. But perhaps we look at people mostly wrong.
Stereotypes are natural. Unfortunately most stereotypes end in negative results of categorizing and not truly getting to know people, but they can also be used to protect, etc...or at least we tell ourselves. Stereotyping is actually a natural function of the human brain to make shortcuts. That is correct, you have lazy brain syndrome. But just like anything else our brain processes, it tries to find patterns and shortcuts to be able to process more information at a more rapid pace. Not too shabby. But the downside is that when one person, perhaps even one group of people, has hurt us, we stereotype that all (or least most humans) must be out to get us.
Yes, I will agree that human nature tends to be extremely selfish and that we all hurt each other (whether intentionally or not), but some of us build up our wall of protection so high that we become bitter, cynical, and we prevent others from knowing our greatest attributes. So there's got to be a balance.
Take a second to think of something about yourself most others do not know about. Maybe it's a talent, skill, hobby, weakness, etc. Could others benefit from knowing about this? Sometimes things are of greater value if they are kept private, and I'm not arguing that you should tell everyone everything in your life. So is not the case. The point I'm trying to get across (and maybe not as effectively as I wish) is that fear can startle growth in relationships, friendships, and in yourself.
Perhaps by losing the pride and opening up about what scares you, someone will relate to a situation or thought you have experienced and have wounds healed as a result. Who knows what the situation could be...maybe you've been raped and you'll tell someone who's kept the same secret all this time. Maybe your parents never held you enough as a child. Maybe you fell in love and were deceived...and the list goes on. I completely believe that we all face challenges for a reason (and often multiple reasons). For one, we can be encouraged that James 1:2-3 tells us that the trials of our faith works patience (in other words, we become more complete people from what we face). And secondly, like I said--our struggles help us to help others.
So how do we get to the point where we can open up? In all honesty, most of us may not understand why we are so reserved or even that we are. When we don't ponder our motives, subconscious or not, we may overlook both our strengths and weaknesses. So try to figure out who or what incident has maybe made you more closed off, distrusting, etc. to people (strangers, family, and friends alike). Then consider this: 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." So if we are commanded to love one another as ourselves, then should that not be a love without fear?
Perfect love casts out fear. Wow. Isn't that the type of love we're striving for? After all, we are commanded to be like Christ, and He had perfect love.
So, are you a pineapple? Do you have a hard core that needs cracking into? Is what's on your inside sweet or bitter? What can you do to become a better you?
Each small step is progress. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. A tunnel begins one shovel at a time, but a new path is opened with much perseverance.
Persevere and reap the vast rewards of determination.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
sweet memories
I don't understand.
I don't know all the answers.
I face challenges and my mind has questions.
...but I know the One who understands
I know the One with all the answers
The very same one who helps me through challenges and provides peace to my questioning.
That One is God through Jesus Christ.
My grandfather passed away this week. For about 9 years, he battled with Alzheimer's to the point he was verbally unresponsive, and finally until his body shut down. Intense stuff. As a child of about 13, watching the goofy smiling man who used to give me the giggles forget my name and act differently was puzzling. Still to this day, I do not know the answers. I don't know why he was trapped inside that body as his memory slowly went downhill. I'm not sure why my grandmother had to watch the man she fell in love with disappear from the body that held her, comforted her, and protected her through years of raising children and other trials. I. don't. know.
But this isn't the first mystery I've struggled with. I don't understand fully how any person could be so selfish to cause the death of another person. Cruel. But I did. I'm not sure whether you've realized it or not, but you have too. All sinners have...since humans are born into a world of sin, all humans have. That person whose death we collectively caused was Christ. The most innocent, perfect, giving, and selfless person to ever live on this earth...He died. It's my fault. If my sins alone had been added up, I would need the blood to have them forgiven. He died on my behalf...how selfless He was. The great news is that He died for all sinners to be forgiven and have the promise of eternal life in Heaven with Him...so that goes for your sins too. (John 3:16- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.")
This changes my perspective. I didn't LOSE my grandfather, I gained an opportunity. I started out my life at negative--deserving nothing. I was born with Hell as my destiny--what can I say, I'm human and I was bound for sin... I deserve nothing. NOTHING. But because of Christ's great love and sacrifice nearly 2000 years ago, I can have the hope of eternal life. He's given me something, and that something is great.
So I look at it like this: anything I have above and beyond my birth date and end date is a blessing, far beyond what I deserve. So I thank God for the 22 years of my life that I had with my grandfather. I thank God that Pappaw was a great role model that worked until his the skin on his hands were calloused, but not so much to callous his heart. Pappaw provided and he loved. I thank the God of the Heavens for a family that loves so much that we're going to go strong through this--we're going to cry together, laugh together, and remember together in honor of the great man that was my grandfather. I thank God for the work ethic that has been instilled in me as a result of the great leadership of this family...one could say it was the actions of my grandfather that caused reactions in my parents that caused the lessons that have led to me having all the sweet results of my labor in life. I thank God for the 13 or so years of my life that I got to spend with my Pappaw at his very best, and what he continued to teach me down the road to the days where the twinkle of his eye was his only response. God, I thank you for Pappaw and all he meant to me and my family. I thank you, Pappaw, for all you were, and I hope to see you again in Heaven some day. My heart will continue to be warmed by sweet memories of your smile, your humor, your strength.
To close out, I don't always understand. But I don't have to. Two things that I must understand in this life are the salvation of Christ I can accept (Romans 10:9) and the promise of sweet Heaven that is to come. And in honor of my Pappaw, a few of my favorite smile-making quotes,
"Eight Skate and Donate"
"Six tall seven foot sycamore saplings, opossum up a stump. He's been stealing, all my chickens, now I'm gunna kick his rump."
I love you Pappaw. I praise God that you finally are out of your bodily prison and resting in peace.
Please pray for my family during this time.
I don't know all the answers.
I face challenges and my mind has questions.
...but I know the One who understands
I know the One with all the answers
The very same one who helps me through challenges and provides peace to my questioning.
That One is God through Jesus Christ.
My grandfather passed away this week. For about 9 years, he battled with Alzheimer's to the point he was verbally unresponsive, and finally until his body shut down. Intense stuff. As a child of about 13, watching the goofy smiling man who used to give me the giggles forget my name and act differently was puzzling. Still to this day, I do not know the answers. I don't know why he was trapped inside that body as his memory slowly went downhill. I'm not sure why my grandmother had to watch the man she fell in love with disappear from the body that held her, comforted her, and protected her through years of raising children and other trials. I. don't. know.
But this isn't the first mystery I've struggled with. I don't understand fully how any person could be so selfish to cause the death of another person. Cruel. But I did. I'm not sure whether you've realized it or not, but you have too. All sinners have...since humans are born into a world of sin, all humans have. That person whose death we collectively caused was Christ. The most innocent, perfect, giving, and selfless person to ever live on this earth...He died. It's my fault. If my sins alone had been added up, I would need the blood to have them forgiven. He died on my behalf...how selfless He was. The great news is that He died for all sinners to be forgiven and have the promise of eternal life in Heaven with Him...so that goes for your sins too. (John 3:16- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.")
This changes my perspective. I didn't LOSE my grandfather, I gained an opportunity. I started out my life at negative--deserving nothing. I was born with Hell as my destiny--what can I say, I'm human and I was bound for sin... I deserve nothing. NOTHING. But because of Christ's great love and sacrifice nearly 2000 years ago, I can have the hope of eternal life. He's given me something, and that something is great.
So I look at it like this: anything I have above and beyond my birth date and end date is a blessing, far beyond what I deserve. So I thank God for the 22 years of my life that I had with my grandfather. I thank God that Pappaw was a great role model that worked until his the skin on his hands were calloused, but not so much to callous his heart. Pappaw provided and he loved. I thank the God of the Heavens for a family that loves so much that we're going to go strong through this--we're going to cry together, laugh together, and remember together in honor of the great man that was my grandfather. I thank God for the work ethic that has been instilled in me as a result of the great leadership of this family...one could say it was the actions of my grandfather that caused reactions in my parents that caused the lessons that have led to me having all the sweet results of my labor in life. I thank God for the 13 or so years of my life that I got to spend with my Pappaw at his very best, and what he continued to teach me down the road to the days where the twinkle of his eye was his only response. God, I thank you for Pappaw and all he meant to me and my family. I thank you, Pappaw, for all you were, and I hope to see you again in Heaven some day. My heart will continue to be warmed by sweet memories of your smile, your humor, your strength.
To close out, I don't always understand. But I don't have to. Two things that I must understand in this life are the salvation of Christ I can accept (Romans 10:9) and the promise of sweet Heaven that is to come. And in honor of my Pappaw, a few of my favorite smile-making quotes,
"Eight Skate and Donate"
"Six tall seven foot sycamore saplings, opossum up a stump. He's been stealing, all my chickens, now I'm gunna kick his rump."
I love you Pappaw. I praise God that you finally are out of your bodily prison and resting in peace.
Please pray for my family during this time.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
T. Mert, on the ball
Thank you, Thomas Merton, for doing the talking today. Something few have heard, but that all should reflect upon.
"This discovery of Christ is never genuine if it is nothing but a flight from ourselves. On the contrary, it cannot be an escape. It must be a fulfillment. I cannot discover God in myself and myself in Him unless I have the courage to face myself exactly as I am, with all my limitations, and to accept others as they are with all their limitations. The religious answer is not religious if it is not fully real. Evasion is the answer of superstition." --Thomas Merton, No Man is an Island
"This discovery of Christ is never genuine if it is nothing but a flight from ourselves. On the contrary, it cannot be an escape. It must be a fulfillment. I cannot discover God in myself and myself in Him unless I have the courage to face myself exactly as I am, with all my limitations, and to accept others as they are with all their limitations. The religious answer is not religious if it is not fully real. Evasion is the answer of superstition." --Thomas Merton, No Man is an Island
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
out of the park and into your cerebrum
We've got to come together. Bottom of the 9th, 2 strikes, batter up...what's your move?
Quit swinging at your own team. Take the energy you have for revenge, rage, and selfishness and turn it into productivity.
Ecclesiastes 4
"1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind."
...it does not matter how wise you think you are. If you are not willing to work together, to collaborate, or to take advice, you are not wise at all and you will reap the results of such actions. So once again...what does team mean to you, and who are you playing for?
Quit swinging at your own team. Take the energy you have for revenge, rage, and selfishness and turn it into productivity.
Ecclesiastes 4
"1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind."
...it does not matter how wise you think you are. If you are not willing to work together, to collaborate, or to take advice, you are not wise at all and you will reap the results of such actions. So once again...what does team mean to you, and who are you playing for?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)