Saturday, November 01, 2003

GOOD NIGHT

Just got back from attending my first Spurs game of the season. I was able to take a new friend who's going through a tough time. Amy graciously watched his three kids. The Spurs looked a little ragged. My conversations with my new friend were also a bit forced at times. His divorce papers come in Monday. New job. New apartment. Many new adjustments.
I have faith in the Spurs.
I have faith in God and that He will use me to help this new friend.
The Spurs won, without my help.
But tonight I hope Amy and I helped the team that needed us most.

Friday, October 31, 2003

THE TREAT

Amy and I are preparing to head out for the night. She's packing up her food supply, and doctoring it in advance, so that we can avoid the crush of trick or treaters. I have mixed feelings about Halloween. I went door to door as a kid and never thought anything evil of it. Our kids dressed up for Halloween. My aversion to it now has less to do with my religious beliefs, as it does to the commercialization associated with it, and in all honesty the annoyance of having the doorbell ring every few minutes. We have three dogs...leave them outside on Halloween and they bark their heads off. Bring them inside with the doorbell ringing every few minutes, they bark their heads off.
Therefore we will turn off the lights, and head out the door. We will seek sanctuary.

Starbucks here we come.

BE NOT AFRAID

I was driving along yesterday when I saw angels.



There's an Air Show at an air force base down the road this weekend and the Blue Angels were apparently doing a test run. It was an awesome and unexpected sight.

I guess all angels are...

Thursday, October 30, 2003

YOU SLAUGHTER ME

If you search the Bible for the word "laugh", you won't find a lot that's funny. Depending on the search system you use, you'll probably hit on the word "slaughter" more often than laugh or laughter.
At first blush, there are very few instances in the Bible it seems where laughter is met with approval. Abraham and Sarah had some explaining to do when they laughed at God. Ecclesiastes talks about laughter being foolish but there is the more oft quoted there is a time to laugh passage.

There are plenty of instances in the Bible where laughter is referred to as something the person laughing will eventually regret.

I know some Christians who read the Bible that way. They are dour. Laughter is frowned upon.

I don't laugh at God, but I laugh a lot.

I think God laughs at us...often. Can you really blame Him?

I laugh at things other people don't see the humor in.
I laugh at times when it's probably not appropriate.
I laugh at the world on a regular basis.
I see humor in almost everything, and as long as it's not hurtful to someone else, I can find no reason not to laugh.

I won't laugh at you if you are convinced the world is a place of no humor. In fact I will be sad for you.

Don't get me wrong.

I pray a lot.
I pray for things that I believe go unnoticed by others.
I pray in places I suppose many folks would consider inappropriate. I've prayed while sitting on the john.
I read my Bible there too..quite often.
I pray for the world a lot.

I see God everywhere and I don't have a problem talking to God no matter where I am.

Call me warped if you want. I'm sure if I allowed some head examiner to crawl around my mind he would determine I use humor as a defense mechanism. Is that a bad thing?

Are we supposed to be defenseless?

What mechanism would you choose?

Considering the unkind ways I'm often tempted to defend myself, laughing certainly seems among the least egregious.

Now, if your laughter goes on the offensive that's a different story.

But it's a funny story.

SACRIFICES

I'm not a hunter, but I found this funny.

Wednesday, October 29, 2003


(UNDATED) - Highly respected researchers in South Florida have come to the startling conclusion that recent emissions from the Sun are only going to get worse. In fact, they're predicting waves of radiation may pummel the Earth with such force that life on most of the planet could cease to exist. The scientists, whose claims are being rapidly scrutinized by governments world wide, say the electro magnetic pulses have already destroyed large asteroids within view of Earth. If their research proves true, the first deaths will likely occur within the next two days. "I believe all of mankind will be eliminated from the Earth by this Friday", said Dr. Herman Eisenforth, a noted astronomer and Nobel Laureate. "I'm devoting all my remaining time to my family, there is no sense doing any additional research."
Government officials in Washington are cautioning Americans not to panic and say a statement from President Bush will be forthcoming.



The above story is a complete fabrication.

I was just wondering what you would do if it were true?

GIFTS

I've been thinking about gifts today. It started with my winning a paper shredder at the company picnic. I went by the palatial corporate offices today to pick up my prize only to discover that somehow the folks in charge of the drawing had confused a paper shredder with a ten piece silver plated photo frame set with the photos included. I was a little befuddled, and so were the corporate folks. No one could explain it. It wasn't something I wanted to waste any time on, so I simply took what was offered. I have as much use for a paper shredder as I do for an ugly set of pictures.

I wasn't appreciative, and I am a little saddened by my reaction. Yes, this tacky frame set will end up in a garage sale or at Goodwill, but still it was given to me freely. It got me thinking how often I am presented with gifts which I overlook or choose to ignore simply because they were not what I expected or wanted.

It's often only in retrospect that I realize their true value.

God, help me see the blessings and gifts before me. Help me appreciate all that I have, for I have an abundance.

ITSY BITSY BLOGGING

Overslept this afternoon...and that's always a good thing. However I have no time to write. Maybe I'll knock out some inspirational thoughts after church tonight.

Okay, that's unlikely.

A Wednesday without my wisdom is like....gee, it's like every other day I suppose.

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

BLOG A DUB DUB

Blogging on the road again. I'm helping Amy with some clients this afternoon. One client has moved his law offices into an old house. It's still being renovated. I'm using my PDA and keyboard to dash out a few words. There aren't any chairs in here, but I've found something to sit on.



Considering the number of people who feel like they're getting soaked as well as those who kind of feel a little dirty after dealing with lawyers, perhaps every law office should have a bathtub.

SHRED ALERT!

I'm a winner!
Amy and I attended my company's corporate picnic over the weekend. The weather was horrible. A gusty north wind, rain. Last year the weather was much the same, and turn out was low. The company gives away prizes at this event and last year there were dozens of really cool gifts...cruises, concert tickets, weekend vacation packages.

We didn't stick around for the drawing this year, but I received email this afternoon that my name was chosen for a prize.

Imagine my excitement when I learned what it was...a paper shredder.

The company that pays me in part to write has rewarded me with a paper shredder.

Life is so fun.

Monday, October 27, 2003

WRESTLING TIGER WOODS

I am wrestling Tiger Woods.

I got an Xbox last year. Didn't pay for it. Some game company wanted me to do reviews on Xbox stuff, and when I mentioned that I didn't have an Xbox, suddenly one appeared. Radio has its perks.

I like computer games, but don't play many. Amy and I use the Xbox primarily as a DVD player in the bedroom. I still do game reviews on occasion. I will probably produce 20 to 30 game reviews this year. I produce close to 300 computer related radio features a year. If I did them all on games, I'd have lots of games on my shelves, but no food in my pantry.

The games I do write about are usually good games Why waste radio time talking about something that stinks? Most often I play the game a few times, look over the materials, maybe do an interview with a game developer and then write my piece. After that the game sits around to be played every so often or never again. In past years Amy has persuaded me to give many of the games away to charity groups or kids in church so we can clear space.

The newest game I've been playing is Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004. I received it on Thursday and it quickly has consumed me life. I have never played real golf. I don't own any golf clothing (although I nearly had some yellow pants that would have looked swell on the course). I don't really even know the golf lingo.

Now, I'm a pro. I know when to use a wood. I know how to boost the power of my driver. I have played John Daly and won. I have scored a hole in one on a professional course in Hawaii. I have a double eagle to my credit and have won 150 thousand dollars on two professional tour stops.

I accomplished all those things without getting out of bed. Oh yeah, and I did a radio piece about it.

Admittedly, as I'm yellng, "FORE!" Amy can occasionally be heard mumbling stuff about organizing a Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 intervention, but so far I think my new hobby is going great.

It's not like I'm addicted. I haven't played at all today. Okay, maybe that's because my thumb is too bruised from playing all weekend, but I have it under control...really. Take the word of an old Duffer won't ya?

Watch out Tiger. I'm gunning for you. As soon as my thumb heels.

EIGHT WORDS

I only remember hearing eight words in church yesterday. Sure, I listened to the sermon. I even taught a Sunday school class. I shook hands with a bunch of people, and talked with lots of folks, but when I came home I could only think of those eight words.

They were spoken by one of our teenage members during the prayer request time. Many people may not even have heard them. Lots of folks were speaking up. They asked for healing and health, help with jobs, traveling mercies, and strength. The words I heard weren't spoken loudly. They were uttered with a quiet sadness amid that sea of hope.

And they commanded attention.

"Pray for my friend Katy, who cuts herself."

Those eight words stung my heart. I don't know Katy, but I know the torment of youth. I know all too well the unseasoned thoughts that rush through young minds and how they are too often followed by reckless actions.

I know those eight words are ringing with me today.

And I know I will continue to pray...for my friend Katy, who cuts herself.

VOTE EARLY AND VOTE OFTEN


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holy_fire@jesusanswers.com


There's a lesson in humility here...you just have to look deep to find it.