CONVERSATIONS WITH DEX

Let Religious Liberty Ring

2012-02-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

The recent decision by the Ninth Circuit was the correct decision. I was glad that Proposition 8 was overturned by the court. America is a civil law country rather than a country of theological laws and dictates. This country is governed by the Constitution which provides for the separation of Church and State. Whether one agrees or disagrees with same sex marriage is not the issue. The Constitution is in place to protect the minority group against the majority which the Ninth Circuit realizes. As a Seventh-day Adventist I understand this because I belong to a small group that benefits from the protections guaranteed under the Constitution. I want it to continue to be this way. I am disappointed when others try to impose their religious ideology and beliefs on others because they have a different point of view. This is what makes America great that people can choose their philosophy of life that works for them. I saw this clip featuring Adventist university professors and ministers discussing Proposition 8. It was very interesting.

Adventists Against Prop 8 from Adventists Against Prop 8 on Vimeo.

Hearst Castle

2012-01-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

My wife(Jose) and I on vacation at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. This was in the summer of 2011.

Summer Vacation 2011

2012-01-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of myself with my wife Jose's brother-in-law Kevin Bush in California.

A Song Sung by Pam Tillis and Kris Thomas About Elvis Presley and Martin Luther King

2012-01-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting piece of music called "Two Kings" sung by singers Pam Tillis and Kris Thomas. It is song written by Pam Tillis and Brenda O'Brien about Martin Luther King and Elvis Presley. I would have never expected such a pairing of the two in song because their lives seemed so different although both were born in the south and lived around the same time. I wonder what other people think of the pairing of the two in this song "Two Kings."

Enjoy the Moments Before Us

2012-01-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

As we enter 2012, we are 12 days into it. How is the year going thus far? What has been working so far? Do you need to make any adjustments? If so, what adjustments do you think you need to make? The biggest adjustment for me thus far is to remember to marinate each day. I don't always allow myself to marinate the day. I want to more fully live each day rather than cheat myself. I find that sometimes the days can go so quickly that awareness and the full enjoyment of the day is sometimes missing. In order to be more aware, I will spend time slowing myself down. As I type this blog, I am taking deeper breathes. I am picturing greater internal calmness. I am recognizing that life is good because I am alive. I am accepting that life is learning to live in the moment rather than always continually leaping ahead. Let all of us learn to enjoy the moments that are before us. This can bring great satisfaction to life.

Hunger in Somalia

2011-10-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

I caught this video while listening to another news story. It was a reminder for me that I can become so cocooned in my own world that I forget the magnitude of hunger and poverty that exists in other places of the world and even in my own country for my brothers and sisters who long for the basics. I see a video like this, and I ask myself these questions: "How can I help more on the war on hunger?" "What would God have me do with how he has blessed me?"
"How do we end hunger in a world where people in some parts of the world have so much and others have so little?"

Jobs Brought Computing to the Masses

2011-10-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

In August 1985 I used a computer for the first time. It was a MacIntosh made by Apple Computers that was owned by the local church that I served as an associate pastor. I had just returned from the seminary. I was preparing to give my first sermon for the La Sierra Collegiate Church community in Riverside, California. Previously, I had written my sermons using a typewriter and sometimes by handwritten format when the typewriter was not functioning or not available. However, I was now introduced to a new device called a desktop computer made by Apple - laptops weren't on the scene yet. Before Apple introduced their computer, I had not given much thought or I had no interest in touching a computer. I didn't want to be bothered with learning DOS. But Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak made it possible for people like me with absolutely no knowledge of computers to use one. I'll admit that typing now called keyboarding did help. As a matter of fact, I had never been crazy about the mouse until Apple introduced the mouse that you control by clicking on an icon that allowed you to begin to create documents such as sermons, stories, reports, books, etc. Jobs desire to make life a little easier for the every day Joe and Jane has made the world a better and richer place for people from all avenues of life. (I was amused to read that the Westboro Baptist Church was planning on picketing Steve Jobs funeral because he "gave God no glory." What was amusing about this story was they were using an iPhone to send this message. Perhaps, they should thank God that Steve Jobs was born). Although, I do not personally use an Apple Computer in my work, I know that it was the visionary and creative work of Steve Jobs that opened up the way all computers function whether it is an IBM compatible or an Apple. Those of us who use the desktop, laptop or even the smartphone owe a debt of gratitude to Steve Jobs for making what was inaccessible to the general public accessible - for that we are grateful.

Get Another View

2011-09-29T19:14:00.001-07:00

Sometimes in our lives we find ourselves seeing each other in a routine manner, and even viewing ourselves in that mode. In Carly Simon’s song “The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of” she constructs an interesting set of lyrics that grabbed my attention. The words say: “Don’t look at yourself in the same old way take another picture.” How many of us get stuck in looking at each other, and ourselves with the same old picture? Maybe it is time that we take another picture of ourselves and each other. We have every reason to do so. It is necessary for us to remember according to Psalm 139:14 that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” which I believe can be applied on so many levels. It is imperative for us to recall this Scripture on a regular basis because it means we all are more than just one dimensional beings . We are creative, dynamic, complex, thinking and varied beings that bring an organic quality that is not easily quantifiable through labels of conservative, liberal, rich, poor, educated or uneducated, religious or non-religious or Democrat, Libertarian or Republican. Thus, as we view each other let us remember that we are called to be in a process of growth which means being open and being willing to adjust our pictures of ourselves and each other in a way that values the humanness and the image of God in each of us.

A Different Kind of Thinking and Living

2011-09-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

I wonder if sometimes as people of religious or spiritual conviction it blinds us and disconnects us from the realities of life. I think that this is part of what Jesus was trying to teach the people he met along the way whether they were leaders or everyday people. For example, when Jesus disciples were hungry on the Sabbath they went through the grainfield and rubbed the kernels of grain in their hands to have food to eat. This was considered work by some of the religious intelligentsia (Luke 6:1-5). Hopefully when the disciples had this experience with Jesus, they were able to learn and recognize that spirituality and practicality come together. This was the kingdom of God that Jesus spoke about: a reality that introduces us to the God who cares and connects in a dynamic way to society to bring change and hope into the lives of human beings. This realm of the spiritual life was unfamiliar to most, but people who were introduced to it were changed for better or the worse – it depended upon how open they were to God’s idea of true spirituality (Mark 2:1-12). Jesus wanted to show that the spiritual life is attached to the everyday life. Jesus used his intellect to recognize this, and his heart to demonstrate this. In talking about a new and future world, God calls us to create that new world now rather than waiting for the sweet by and by. The Jesus of the sweet by and by is not the Jesus of the gospels. As we continue to explore what spirituality is and God’s kingdom, may we recognize that the spiritual and the temporal are wedded together at the hip and inseparable from each other.

The World is a Beautiful Place

2011-03-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

I recently took a vacation to the Dominican Republic with my wife Jose'. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people, nice people from all over the world. I ran into a woman and her boyfriend from the Netherlands. I told her that I had traveled to her country several years ago, and that her country was such a beautiful place. She said to me, "The whole world is beautiful place. I love to travel and see different places." I said, "Yes, you are so right." The whole world is a beautiful place. I think that people who love to travel and go and see various places for the most part probably believe this. It is a blessing to go different places and see the beauty of human beings, and the places that they call home, and the foods that they eat. Every time, I get the opportunity to go some place and experience a different world that people live in, I feel that I am made all the richer for it.

Jeremy Begbie Professor at Duke Divinity School Talks about John Coltrane and the Gospel

2011-02-25T07:53:00.000-08:00

A friend shared this clip about Duke Divinity Professor who will be holding a study day at Duke for musicians, clergy and anyone who cares about the intersection of music and the gospel. His clip is very interesting as he provides a broader platform when speaking about this intersecting of music,and theology - one that I have espoused. God works in ways beyond the boxes that we desire or want to contain God in. Listen as Jeremy speaks of the play of John Coltrane and what it can teach the church about spirituality - very fascinating indeed! Professor Begbie smashes a few boxes. I plan on attending this study day at Duke on March 10.

Seth Godin at TED talking about Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us

2011-02-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

I like this video clip. This is a clip of Seth Godin at TED. Yes,he does do a promo for Kindle - Amazon had to be happy. He also has his favorite people that he likes to talk about in his talk, but don't let that distract you. I believe that Godin's main point is leading is much more organic than we realize. There are many people who resonate with our ideas - they are already there. We just need to learn how to connect. It is possible through the technology that is available to begin those connections. If you listen to this clip once a month, it probably wouldn't hurt you. It would expand your thinkng. The clip would keep you focused on getting to those people waiting to hear from you (By the way, I read his book on Tribes. It is worth reading after watching the clip or before. It doesn't matter, but good stuff for those who are involved in the people business, which means it is good for most of us). The ideas that Godin continues to share through his books and speeches are invaluable.

Borders Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

2011-02-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the Borders in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on Fordham Road. I took this with my Motorola Droid for old time sakes. I spent many a dollar in this store with the 33% discount coupons I received in my email. I would get an additional 10% off with my Borders Rewards Plus - real sweet deals. Borders was a favorite spot for me. By the way, I did get a nice drink on the last day the cafe was open.

I held my breath when the Chapter 11 petition was filed by Borders, and they listed the 200 stores that were going to be closed. I was hoping the store in Chapel Hill wasn't on the list. I started looking on the internet for the petition, and quickly learned that the Borders store in Chapel Hill was on the hit list. I thought, "Aw shucks, that sucks!" To see the Chapel Hill store on the list brought such a sense of mourning (It is a quick reminder that change is a constant fact of life. It isn't always the way we want it to be, but this is a reality, even for big corporations that are hit by constant changing business models that require awareness and re-inventing the way business is done. This also applies to organizations, and to people in the 21st century). I have been to Borders twice since the Chapter 11 filing to check out the 20% sales on books. However, at this point, the percentage needs to come down some more before I purchase any books at Borders. I got better deals before the bankruptcy at 33% plus 10% as I stated earlier. I will miss Borders, but for now, there's still Barnes and Noble.

The Importance of Looking Outside

2011-02-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

It is so easy to get trapped into our own world, whatever that world may be whether it is our occupation, education, social network, family or just the plain routine of life that we often live in. It is important for us to step beyond our own world and boundaries in order for us to get different perspectives, try out new ways of doing things and to grow as persons. Some people never step beyond the world they live in because of fear - they are afraid if they look at other ideas about how to do something, it will compromise what they believe in. Other people never step beyond their own world because they believe they know it all. There is nothing more for them to learn from anybody, any book or any new experience. So, they stay in their own little world of knowledge. Other people never step beyond their own world because they are just too busy. And some people never step beyond their own world because the idea of looking at other ways of doing stuff hasn't even hit them.

It is important for us to get beyond fear when it comes to trying new things, because if we live in fear of stepping out of our own world, it becomes a way of living life in everything we do. I call this trying to live a safe life. If we live in the paradigm of we know it all, we miss a whole new world of people that could teach us new aspects about life, books that could help us think through what we believe or that could provide new ways of thinking about life, and we miss experiences that may open our lives to possibilities that we have not explored at all. If we live in our world of constant busyness, it is a clue that we need to stop every once and awhile, and get a new and different experience. If we don't realize we don't realize, it is important that we realize and try something different in your lives.

In short, it is important for us to look outside rather than staying on the inside. It seems that the more people and organizations get use to living in an inside paradigm the more difficult it is to look outside.
We miss a great deal when we don't take the time to look outside, and see what is going on outside of our world. People, companies, churches, and groups that grow do so because they learn to look outside to get new ideas and to freshen up their thinking. It is a way of destroying stale air and stale ideas. How can we begin looking outside of ourselves?

1. Make it a point to travel some where you've never been before.

2. Meet a new person that has interest totally different than yours that will stretch your thinking.

3. Attend a seminar that will give you a different perspective about your profession.

4. Read a book that is outside of your profession, but recognize that you may get new ideas about how to think anew about what you do. There may be some cross pollinization that creates a new dimension about how you do your work.

5. Go to a play, concert, musical, museum or go to a local university or college campus to hear a speaker that might challenge your thinking and help to push your refresh button.

These are just some ideas to try. You may have your own - go for them. The key thing is to go outside of your own way about doing things, and seek to
be introduced to new scenery - it will open up new possibilties in your life.

My Thoughts on the Nookcolor(TM)

2011-02-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

I grew up being a bibliophile. I love books. I love to read them. I love to collect them. I love to see them. I love to be where books are. I am energized by the presence of books - I always have been as long as I can remember. However, I have found a device that has taken my love of books to new heights. Although, I can't physically touch the paper of the book, I get jazzed thinking about having books loaded on my device for reading. This past Christmas my wife bought me a Nookcolor(TM). I love this device because I can carry so many books with me at one time. I feel like I am walking with a library on a 7" screen device (by the way, I have not been paid to write this about the Nookcolor(TM)). I enjoy this device because I can make notes as I am reading my books. I can ever share quotes with friends on Twitter or on Facebook (I haven't done this yet, but I may in the future). What I really like about the Nookcolor(TM) is that it is on a e-pub platform which means I am not limited to getting books from Barnes & Nobles. I can purchase ebooks from other sellers as well as check out ebooks from the library.

The other thing I like about the device is I can listen to music either by loading my own on the device, or I can go to Pandora radio and create my own radio stations. I find this really exciting because I can plug in my headphones to engage in my other love which is music,and get a quick pick me up to charge my brain and energize me - really cool!

The Nookcolor(TM) also has chess,crossword puzzles, and Sudoku. I hope in the future that the new OS will make the Nookcolor(TM) a little more responsive when it comes to going from one page to the next - sometimes it is a little slow. I also hope that Barnes and Nobles has a enough foresight to recognize that with just a few tweaks here and there, and some really good apps, the Nookcolor(TM) could become a serious alternative as a nice tablet for a very attractive price of $249.00. I have been reading all over the internet that some people have rooted the device, and have turned it into a tablet. I don't know what Barnes and Noble is going to do on this front in advancing the Nookcolor(TM), but I hope if they are thinking outside of the box, they will take the device beyond being simply an ereader. It could serve very well as a device that could save you from carrying your laptop because of its utilitarian use for people who want to be able to do a little more with their Nookcolor(TM)such as writing and using other computer applications. I am very happy with my Nookcolor(TM), and I am hoping that Barnes and Noble will think about the possibilities that this device may present for those who have already purchased the it or considering purchasing their product, as well as what it could possibly mean for the company's bottom line and future.

Happy For The People of Egypt

2011-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

After hearing the news on NPR that President Hosni Mubarak had stepped down, I was so doggone happy. I couldn't believe it! On Thursday, he sounded defiant, and he made the statement that he was giving over some of his powers to the VP. However he wasn't going anywhere. But when he stepped down on Friday (2/11/2011), I said to one of my friends on the West Coast, I am sure that the military must have told him that he did not have their support any longer. You've got to leave - it's only going to get worse for you, and our country. It seemed that the time had come for President Mubarak to move on. I have to admit that my eyes were moistened when I heard he had left Cairo, and the people were no longer going to have him to control their lives. I am sure it will seem like a dream to many of the people of Egypt when they wake up the next few days or maybe even weeks and he is gone. They may have to pinch themselves. One of the greatest experiences in life is freedom, and the ability to be able to make your own choices. Now, hopefully, the people of Egypt will get to experience freedom socially, politically, economically, educationally and religiously in a way they have never before. I believe that people were created for freedom, and when they are not allowed to be free we see the fruits of it as expressed by many of the young people in Egypt the past eighteen days. I say more power to the people (I deplore oppression anywhere, even in religious organizations that try to dictate how people ought to think). I applaud the Egyptian community for being able and willing to live and die for what they believe in. They told the Pharoah to leave Egypt and he left. It doesn't always work this way. The story of the Egyptian peoples' take down of their autocratic leader really challenges me to ask myself "how committed am I to the ideas that I say I espouse?" It is time to do an evaluation of how I live my own life, and what I am willing to stand up for, and speak out against. I am reminded of Bob Marley's song "Get Up, Stand Up" as I see what has transpired in Egypt. My prayers will be with the people of this great country as they move forward in this major transition to live out the ideas of freedom that inspired them to get up, stand up for their rights.

The Power of Moving The Body

2011-02-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

In my own workout I like combining aerobic and weight lifting as part of my weekly routine. On one day I will do aerobics and on another day do weight training. My aerobic exercise is usually racquetball(generally), walking, biking and sometimes jumping rope when I am unable to do the other aerobic activites. I find that aerobic exercise has a way of kicking in those wonderful endorphins that gives you such a sense of well being. I find weight training helps to burn calories, keep my body toned, and give me a sense of feeling strong. I am often surprised that more people don't do weight training, especially when I hear people say that they want to lose weight. People think if they reduce their calories that will suffice, but I believe it is important to pile on a little iron. Weight training burns some serious calories,and it keeps the muscles toned. I don't know if exercising will necessarily cause me to live longer, but I believe that it improves the quality of life. I notice after exercising my energy level goes up, my thinking is cleared, my stress is lowered, and it lifts the spirits. It brings perspective to life, and allows you to discover why exercise is so powerful. I find I am much more at peace. I realize even in writing this that exercise has a strong spiritual component to it that creates a greater awareness in general. I believe that one of the key components of spirituality is a greater awareness. Exercise can help make us aware on so many levels (calming the mind to receive insight, being in touch with how our body is responding or reacting, getting in touch with our thoughts, getting a sense of what is really going on around us, hearing God speak to us in that still small voice, etc). You can fill in your own ways that exercise helps you connect on the different levels in your own life. If I can make one new fan who decides that exercise should be a part of their life, I will be one happy person. The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 139:14 that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." We get to experience this wonder on another level when we engage in moving our body in some kind of way - find your way on a daily basis, and see what happens.

People Were Made for Expression Not Oppression

2011-01-31T20:35:00.000-08:00

With the recent events in Tunisia and Egypt it is clear that people can only take so much oppression. I believe within the breast of every human being is a desire to chose how one lives their lives. It is human to want freedom rather than having one's freedom restrained. It is hard to believe in the 21st century there are still others that feel it is their place to continue to control people rather than allow them to live as human beings with their own choices. While I realize that there is no such thing as totally unhindered unfettered absolute freedom, in order to experience optimal living people need the ability to express themselves in a society. This involves freedom. We see that this expression often comes in the form of free speech, freedom of the press, religion, non-religion, work, education, politics, travel, freedom of assembly, and other life choices (One of the early actions that the Egyptian government took was to shut down the internet - an action meant to quell the expression of the people, and the power of communication through electronic media). When these expressions are squashed, I believe that people experience a sense of death, and a certain loss of a full connection with their humanity. As I witness the expressions of the people in Tunisia, Egypt and other parts of the world who want to be free, I know that their actions are just. Freedom is a human activity and experience, and therefore the people are compelled to act. They must express themselves. They must throw off the yoke of oppression. They can no longer wait. Their time is now.

Randall Robinson Speaking at Duke University Chapel on Sunday, January 16, 2011

2011-01-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

Randall Robinson speaking at Duke University Chapel on Martin Luther King Weekend on Sunday, January 16, 2011. This is the second time that I've seen him and listened to him speak. When I was a law student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I had the opportunity to hear him speak - Randall is a serious thinker, and always insightful. He is the founder of TransAfrica, an organization that advocated more progressive U.S. policies toward African and Carribean countries. Randall Robinson also was one of the early advocates of ending apartheid in South Africa through his organization TransAfrica. Currently, he serves as a law professor at Penn State. He is also the brother of the late Max Robinson who was one of the early African-American news pioneers on a national news network.

Religious Tolerance

2011-01-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

As I see some of the intolerance that is occurring between people of various religious communities in our country, and the world, I believe it is time for each of us to think about our tolerance level or lack thereof. I implore people of religious faith in particular to take an inventory of the way we relate to others who think differently than we do. Intolerance has become associated with many people and faith communities who want to force their religious ideas upon others. We hear people talk about amending the Constitution and inserting their religious ideas as part of the Constitution. We must remember that the Constitution is a secular document, not the Bible. Some people in the faith community forget that America is a democracy, and not a theocracy. This is important to remember.

I constantly hear the refrain "America is a Christian country." What is meant by this statement? I don't think this is what Thomas Jefferson or James Madison envisioned this picture of a Christian America. People have often appealed to the Founding Fathers of the United States as their source of inspiration when it comes to making an argument that we must keep America Christian. However, when Thomas Jefferson became the President of the United States a group of Baptist from Conneticut appealed to him to have a national day of fasting because of the rancor of the recent presidential campaign. His response is very telling:

"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes to none other for his faith for his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with solemn reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church and State."

Some people in some faith communities in the United States refer to America as a country founded on Christianity, but in reading Thomas Jefferson's response to the request of the Connecticut Baptist it seems to bring into question that ideology. Jefferson reminded his requesters that the American people asked that the legislature stay away from "establishing" or "prohibiting" in matters of religion. Furthermore, many people forget that Thomas Jefferson was not a believer in Christianity in the traditional sense of the word. Jefferson rejected the idea of the divinity of Jesus, and the miracles found in the Bible. He is not good Founding Father to look towards when it comes to arguing America is a "Christian country."

I often ask people who are intent on making the church and state inseparable, "Whose faith is going to govern the United States?", "What texts should we use, the Bible or the Koran or some other sacred texts?", "What prayers should be used in school?", "Who gets to be in charge of controlling the religious direction of the each classroom, state, etc?" I believe it is difficult for some who are Christians to remain objective, and recognize that everyone is not a Christian in the same sense they are, or that everyone is not Christian. I believe people have ample opportunity to share their religious ideas with others in the marketplace of ideas that does not require them to encroach upon this valuable First Amendment right of separation of church and state. It is important that people not try to turn back the hands of time when there was prayer and Bible readings in school, and America had many serious problems that denied many of its citizens basic human and equal rights. Prayer and Bible readings alone didn't make America a better place, it just worked to make many in the Christian community ignore many of the real problems that churches could have solved. There were others in the religious community who understand that there is more to being a Christian than reading the Bible and praying - much more. So, I challenge those of religious faith and "Christian values" to go about solving the problems in America and abroad, and to quit focusing on talking about how far America has fallen, and the need to legislate a morality in America that never existed. If we do that, I believe that we will have a greater tolerance for others because we will recognize each other as brothers and sisters, rather than strangers.

Jack Lalanne: A Person of Influence in the Health and Fitness Industry

2011-01-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I read that Jack Lalanne had died at 96. He had a great influence on my own health habits, especially that as a life long exerciser. There would be times that I would think about making exercise a less important aspect of my life, and an image of Jack Lalanne would flash in my mind. Jack made exercise such a large part of his life that I thought if this guy can keep doing this day after day, month after month, and year after year, I must certainly do the same. You see, I grew up watching the Jack Lalanne Show. I enjoyed watching his program where he taught the television public to move your body to stay healthy. I am glad that I had the fortune of meeting Jack when I lived in North Hollywood, California. He came into the store to pick up some pictures at a photography studio, and I was doing the same. Bob, the photographer, was kind enough to introduce me to Jack Lalanne. In turn Jack shook my hand, and was kind enough to chat with me for a few minutes.

Since Jack's death, people are discovering the impact that he had on the health and fitness industry. He understood before many people did that by strengthening and exercising the body you improve the quality of your life. Furthermore, Jack designed some of the machines that we use in our health clubs today, such as the leg extension and cable pulley machines. He started the idea of health clubs when no real health clubs existed. As a matter of fact, when I lived in Columbia,South Carolina the first health club that I belonged to was a Jack Lalanne Health Club. Bally Fitness licensed the Jack Lalanne name on their own health clubs (Jack was branding his name before people started using this term) through an arrangement with Jack. Although he was well in his 90's, he continued his quest to promote healthful living through his juicer on the late night infomercials. I am grateful for Jack Lalanne because he certainly influenced my thinking on the importance of exercise. There are two take aways that I received from Jack Lalanne: (1)Make exercise a regular part of our lives like eating, breathing and sleeping,and (2) Continue to realize that life is about continual growing and living - it will keep you always setting goals to make life interesting as Jack did all throughout his 96 years. These are the memories that I will hold of Jack Lalanne.

Review of Sabbath by Dan B. Allender

2011-01-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

Sabbath – Dan B. Allender

I was curious as to what Dan B. Allender would write regarding the Sabbath. I’ve read a number of books on this topic, and so I wandered “what does this guy have to say?” I found his insights engaging which made reading his book a pleasure. I couldn’t put my pen down as I made copious notes in the margins of the Sabbath. His book makes a significant contribution to the discussion on the fourth commandment.

In Allender’s introduction to the book his thesis succinctly captures the focus of the book: “The Sabbath is a day when the kingdom to come has come and is celebrated now rather than anticipated tomorrow. It is fiction, a theater of divine comedy that practices eternity as a present reality rather than a future state.” According to Allender’s statement we get to participate in the heavenly experience on that day, which is why we should want to make Sabbath a part of our lives. Dan Allender explores the concept of the rest spoken of on the Sabbath as more than cessation from work – many books on Sabbath make this general statement. He points out correctly that God rested on the Sabbath after the creation. But what does that mean? Allender reminds us that the Hebrew word for rest, menuha, is better translated “as joyous repose, tranquility, or delight.” Thus, when God rested on the Sabbath, it was a joyous delight in taking in his creation. Thus, the Sabbath becomes a day that we learn to delight and have joy with God. Dan Allender encourages introducing transformative symbols and rituals into the Sabbath as a way to make the day more meaningful. For persons who want to learn about this ancient practice of the Sabbath, or for people wanting to add new dimensions to their Sabbath experience it is a book worthy of your library. Book Review by Dexter Richardson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Meaning of The Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday

2011-01-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am glad that we have a holiday to remember a great leader: a prophetic leader whom God used to give voice to the oppressed in our society. Martin Luther King was a part of great civil rights movement that helped change America in the 1950's and 1960's and continues to be felt in the 21st century. Martin Luther King grew into his role as a civil rights leader through the Montgomery bus boycott. He was asked to take on that role as the public face and voice for a people who had been made to ride in the back of the bus. The organizational power of the Montgomery bus boycott movement destroyed forever the inhuman dehumanizing act of sending African-Americans to the back of the bus. From this point on, Martin Luther King became a main stay in his very visible leadership that spoke out against injustice in this society. He understood that when you discriminate against one group of people in society (African-Americans)you make America weaker because we are all tied together. People understand this much more today than when King prophetically talked about the connection between all people. He was a man concerned not just about African-American people, but he was concerned about the poor, and he was concerned about what the evil blight of racism was doing to the soul of America. Martin Luther King also understood the evils of the Vietnam war and voiced his concern about the wrongness of the war, although it was not a popular thing to do at the time. As a result of his outspokeness, he was headed on a collision course with many of the leaders of this country. Many people in this country at that time felt it was not the place of a preacher to take on an issue this controversial, but he did. King continued his concern for the "least of these" when he went to Memphis to march on behalf of the sanitation workers, because of the deplorable conditions that they worked under. As a result, Martin Luther King lost his life by a snipers bullet while in Memphis, Tennessee. His stop in Memphis was not on his itinerary, but Martin didn't let plans get in the way of being led by the Spirit. Martin Luther King was like the Old Testament prophets, he called it as God had impressed upon his heart to call it. He also lived what he believed with the fullest integrity, even in the face of fear and death. He fervently believed that if we don't have something worth dying for, there is no real purpose in living. This is what made Martin Luther King such a great leader, he not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk. I am grateful that a national monument is being erected in honor to this great world leader so that the work he accomplished along with the other civil rights pioneers will be remembered and never forgotten. It will do us well as a country to remember our history especially our history for singling out people we treat as less than fully human. May the life and the prophetic voice of Martin Luther King continually remind us that every day that we are all God's children - there are no second class citizens in God's eyes. The degrading of human beings is a human invention that lacks God's love and compassion. Martin King truly desired to teach and live the tradition of his faith as embodied in the love and compassion ethic of Jesus. This he truly did, and this is why we remember the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Why We Need To Remember Our History

2011-01-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about how important it is for people to continually study about the history of the country they claim citizenship in. It is amazing at how little people in the United States know about the history of their own country, or perhaps choose to remain uninformed. Unfortunately, once history is older than one or two weeks we forget. I believe this is why people can make comments in the media to the American electorate that are accepted as the gospel, rather than challenged. I read the book American Future by Simon Schama and once again I was reminded that we must be aware of our past. It is by becoming aware of our past that we can have more intelligent conversations about the issues that continue to surface such as immigration. I think people would be surprised if they went back into the conversations on immigration and saw some of the same attitudes 80 or 90 years ago that were make about certain groups who are now accepted as part of our American society. I also believe if we spent more time reading and thinking about our history in this country people would spend more time working together to solve problems rather than fighting each other.

Put A Little Love in Your Heart - Al Green and Annie Lennox

2010-12-14T09:31:00.001-08:00

More Christmas Cheer from soul legends Al Green and Annie Lennox.

Heating Up to Listen to Christmas Music Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song

2010-12-14T09:20:00.000-08:00

Today, I am doing a little work around the house before going out. But, I am in the listening mood for Christmas music. It all started on December 5 when I went to Duke Chapel to listen to Handel's Messiah. I recognized how important music is especially at this time of the year when you get to hear great songs. As I walked from different stores I've heard some great music. One of my favorite singers that I've heard why walking around in the stores in Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song. I have included it in a clip for your listening enjoyment.

Last Christmas - Wham ( Is George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley)

2010-12-14T09:15:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite Wham songs - a nice Christmas ditty.

Christmas Song Clip from Elvis Presley, and Martina McBride - Blue Christmas

2010-12-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

Enjoy as you listen to this great song Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley and added in Martina McBride.

Newest Endeavor Book Reviews Through Booksneeze.com

2010-12-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

I will start posting book reviews on my blog. I hope that you will take the time to read my reviews and read the books I've reviewed. Perhaps, you will get back to me with your comments on the book.

A Changed View of God Shared By Elizabeth Edwards

2010-12-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Today many of us were saddened to hear of the death of Elizabeth Edwards. We knew it was coming very soon from all recent news reports. I watched this clip of Elizabeth Edwards on ABC news as she shared how through her terminal cancer diagnosis she realized that the God she thought she had she no longer had. She recognized no miracle for her healing would be forthcoming. Elizabeth now had a different God and this is the God that she learned to live with. I believe her view of God is very real and recognizes the realities of life. Our prayers will not always be answered in the way we want. And we will not always have the God that we want. I thought this clip was very powerful,compelling and spoke to me.

Al Green Singing His Guts Out About Holding On To See His God

2010-11-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

What powerful singing! You can feel it all through your body!

Al Green Singing Belle Rare Video Footage Of This Classic Song!

2010-11-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

This song by Al Green is about his love for a woman who is dear to him, but her love can't outweigh Al's love for God and God's love for Al. God is everything to him. Al wrote this song to express that sentiment. Here is an recording from 1978 of Al Green singing Belle at the Tokyo Musical Festival where he won for the best music performance. This is a phenomenal performance.

We Are A Composite of Others' Influences

2010-11-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

I was recently reading an article about Bob Marley's album Exodus,which is one of his greatest recorded pieces. The particular article takes apart this album by looking at the musical influences on Bob Marley. The article brings Bob down to earth. The article reminds us that no matter who we become, we are influenced by other people. Some of us know right of the top of our head who those influences have been. I know that I have been strongly influenced by people such as my mother, a theology professor, and a late friend that has passed on, but who continues to live through my own life. I want to encourage you to take the opportunity to recognize the people that have influenced you in your life. Even if you don't contact them or write them a letter, I would encourage you to name them, and at least write on a piece of paper how they have influenced you, and what that has meant in your own life.

See webpage at: http://blog.rhapsody.com/2010/11/exodus.html?ipm

A Thought To Remember It All Starts With Us

2010-11-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

"You are the salt of the earth." Jesus

"You are the light of the world." Jesus

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Ghandi

These quotes are a reminder that we have been given great power as human beings to effect change now. Let us listen to the impressions that speak to us each day in being salt, light and change in our world.

Reading Out Loud

2010-10-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Reading out loud is a lost art. You might get an opportunity if you go to a bookstore where the author of a book is reading their book to the audience. But it is rare to go any where and get the opportunity to listen to a book being read out loud. I remember when I was a grade school student it was very common for books to be read in class. As I got older, I noticed that this almost completely disappeared except for my English literature classes in high school. Outside this, it seems that it became uncool to read books audibly. However, I find that when I read a book audibly, it touches me in a way that reading silently does not. Yes, I can read my pages silently, but some how the quality doesn't feel the same. I find that by reading out loud, I can get in touch with the author. I get in touch with my inner self. I get in touch with my mind and body, and allow myself to slow down. If you haven't tried reading out loud take a book that you are currently reading and try it. From time to time, I have read to my wife and my wife has read to me. Even at thirteen years of age, my soon enjoys having a book read to him. I enjoy listening to books inside my car. It is different than reading a book silently. There is a great deal more feeling in it for me. I find my concentration actually goes up. I believe that more senses are engaged when we read out loud. It takes more energy for me, but I believe that it is worth it. If you haven't experienced listening to the verbal word, try reading out loud.

Albertina Walker Gospel Great Dies

2010-10-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Gospel great Albertina Walker died on October 8, 2010. May she rest in peace. Enjoy this video clip of her from the song "When God Dips His Love in My Heart."

Working Through Our Thoughts

2010-09-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

There are times when I need help in processing my thinking. I find that writing out my thoughts with a pen and paper has been a very effective method for me to get clear in my thinking. I know for some people talking out their thoughts with someone else helps them to process their thinking. I have found this to be effective in my own life. But what I have found to be most effective for me is to sit down some where and write out my thoughts. I have found that when I do this, it helps me to get clear on what I am thinking. I find that it lifts the internal burden of the thought(s) and places them some where else for me to look at them. I often feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders when I write my thoughts out. It has definitely helped me when I am trying to solve a problem, work through an idea or I am putting together a talk I want to give. I would encourage you during those times when you are wrestling with your thoughts to simply go to your word processor on your computer, or do the old fashioned thing and write your thoughts down using pen and paper (I still find pen and paper the best connection to get to my brain and helping me to process my thoughts. It really works well for me). It will assist you in processing what is going on upstairs in your head. Francis Bacon said it well: "reading makes a full man; conference a ready man;and writing an exact man."

Re-directing My Thinking

2010-09-10T15:54:00.001-07:00

Today was a strange day for me. I had this really strange feeling that something was going to happen and it wasn't going to be good. I very rarely ever have that kind of feeling come over me. But, I did today and I could not shake it. Later on in the day I found out what it was. At first, when I found out about it, I was not a happy camper. However, I got in my car to go pick up my son from music lessons, and while driving my car, I allowed myself to shift to a different state of mind and felt a sense of peace come over me. I decided that I was not going to let an event take me out. I was not going to allow situations control how I felt. It is easy to do, and today's event or whatever you call it almost took me there. I decided not to allow myself be controlled by circumstances and events and by taking that attitude it changed everything.

Experiencing A Change In Our Environment

2010-09-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

When we find that the boredom of life has set in, it is good to change our environment even if for just a short period. We don't have to go far. We can add green plants inside of our home to create a change in our environment. We can go outside weather permitting and enjoy nature especially when we are surrounded by the color green. When we go out into nature it can have a calming and creative effect on our brain. This experience can be accomplished in about 30 minutes of outdoor time. This is an easy way to have a change of environment, unless of course you are fortunate enough to live in a place like this already. If so, take the opportunity to explore a new place that you have never been to before. There is plenty of research that suggests that by changing up our environment from time to time can have a restorative impact.

What are you going to do to change how you are feeling right now?

Where can you walk to right now to get a change in your environment?

Spend some time this week getting outside at least two times for at least 30 minutes.

Water and Rocks: A Groovy Combination

2010-08-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

Water and rocks make a groovy combination and groovy situation. I remember the euphoria I felt when I shot this picture up in the mountains. I love the visual, and for me taking in this scene was so intense.

An Experience Called Water

2010-08-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

Nature is hard to beat. Look at the power and beauty of the water! Every time I look at this picture,it reminds me of being surrounded and enveloped by the vegetation, plants, refreshing smell of nature and tranquility. What an experience!

The Blessings and the Curses of Technology

2010-08-18T13:21:00.001-07:00

I just had a birthday August 18th. I write this with the thought that I need to learn to balance the use of technology in my life. I enjoy it very much. When I was a student in grade school and high school we had very little in the way of technology. Technolgy for us was a selectric typewriter, and a Texas Instruments business calculator. Oh, how times have changed! We now have laptop computers, cell phones that are mini computers, kindles,the internet, twitter, blogs and all other types of technology in existence. It means that I can be more efficient and get more work done. It means that life has become more portable rather than stationary. I am able to create wherever I am. It doesn't stop because I am away from my home office. It means I can travel and still be connected to friends and family. I can call from my cellphone to set up meetings when needed, or receive a call from my wife to run an errand as I ride around in my car. Technology opens up a whole new world. These are the blessings.

On the other hand, it seems that one can never have real down time unless you decide to just shut everything down. There are always things to do, because technology seems to demand this from us. Technology keeps life going 24 hours a day 7 days a week if we allow it to. You have to ask yourself: "Is this a healthy way to live?" "What is it doing to us as a society to always have a brains stimulated constantly by cellphones, the internet, twitter accounts, email, texting and on and on?" As I hit another birthday, I ask myself the questions because I sometimes wonder as I live life is technology taking over my life? "What am I failing to do because of the technology that sometimes hooks into my veins like a drug?" I am not going to give up the technology. However, I recognize that I need to balance the use of technology with time away from it. I need to continue to maintain my humanity by strengthening my social connections with people in real time, and stepping back and enjoying nature to bring healing and restoration to my mind, body and spiritual core. Technology can serve as a blessing to allow me to live a creative life in the moment and to plan in all areas of my life, while at the same time recognizing I need to allow myself time away from the over use of technology in order not to end up as just another piece of technology myself.

Interview with Christopher Hitchins Author of "God Is Not Great"

2010-08-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

How does this interview with Christopher Hitchens hit you? Do you think the arguments that he makes are strong ones? Or are they arguments that you have before?I have read his book "God Is Not Great." This by the way is a very recent interview with Christopher who has unfortunately been diagnosed with a very serious cancer.

Being Physical

2010-08-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you enough how important it is to be physical. When we are active we feel much better in general. I realize this when I play racquetball, walk, run, bike or do something physical at least three to four times a week - I can tell. My energy level is really up. This is why I try to religiously do my exercise thing. There are exceptions to the rule like if I injure myself or I am sick, but other than that I work at being active. These are some of the benefits that I have noticed:

1. Greater intellectual energy.

2. Greater physical stamina.

3. Greater peace of mind.

4. Better control of my weight.

5. More energy in general.

6. Connectedness with the spiritual.

7. A zest for life - everything is spectacular.

I would suggest bringing more physical activity into your life. It will make a difference in how you experience living at all levels. You might start with walking for 30-40 every other day. I find bike riding for 30-40 minutes a couple of times a week very beneficial. I would suggest trying racquetball at your local Y or racquetball club. The wonderful thing about racquetball is you are exercising and you don't even notice it because it is so much fun. Find something physical that you enjoy that works your body and just do it.

Anne Rice Quits Christianity

2010-07-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

When Anne Rice embraced Christianity people were excited. Now, that she jettisoned Christianity people are surprised. Anne's reason for abandoning Christianity is very good - she didn't see the love for others evident in the organized church. Anne got tired of the critical spirit - she decided that she didn't need it. I agree! It makes for heavy living and lifting. Until, followers of Jesus realize that Jesus is bigger than our pet peeves, we will continue to be unfaithful to what Jesus is about. I believe that Anne still believes in Jesus she's just had enough of the stuff that is so unlike Jesus.

Practiced Religion Based Upon Personality

2010-07-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

As I have associated with people, and as I have reflected upon myself as a practioneer of religion, and my own life experiences, it is apparent that probably most of us practice religion based upon our personality and our deepest core beliefs. What I mean by this is that our personality and deepest core beliefs determine how we will practice religion and interpret the religious texts or books that we read and use. I know this is a statement that some people will take exception to because we all like to believe that we are objective. I have said it before and I will say it again, no one is totally objective, and I include myself. I believe that if we look at how we practice our religion we will find it is driven by our deepest real core beliefs (which may or may not have nothing to do with religion) and our personality. I find that people export their personality and core beliefs over into their religious beliefs whether they are conservative, liberal or middle of the road. When we state that we are simply espousing what the text says or the sacred writings say and nothing more, we are still adding our interpretation of what we think the text means. However,when we make a statement like this, we are not acknowledging that our deepest real views and personality in general impact how we look at everything, including how we interpret events. It is my hope that where religion teaches a higher way of living that it impacts and changes the way that we live our lives. I think it is important for us to live what we believe. Yet, I recognize that sometimes this is not the case, because our core values and personality may trump the religious or spiritual idealogy that we say we espouse. This makes us human, and reminds us that we must admit that we practice our religion based upon what works for us. But it doesn't have to end there. When we can admit we fall short in following completely our religious beliefs this will assist us in becoming what we say we espouse.

What Do We Think About People Who Say One Thing And Do Another?

2010-05-18T22:36:00.001-07:00

I guess it depends what it is, but when you are producing an abstinence video, and you are involved in a relationship with your part time staffer what are people supposed to think? This is why people need to worry about themselves rather than being consumed with other people.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/18/tracy-jackson-mark-souder_n_580144.html

Escape the Props

2010-04-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Ignore Everybody: And 39 Other Keys to Creativity. One of the learnings that I pulled away from the book is the false need to hide behind pillars. I see a pillar is something we use to prop us up. MacLeod points out that really talented people tend not to hide behind pillars to prop them up. MacLeod notes people get lost behind fancy computers, and other gadgets to do their work. I watched a program the other day of a guy who created the smallest town in the United States. It so happens that he used model cars, buildings and other stuff to create a town that looked like the 1950's. It was not an actual place. He received emails from all over the world from people who thought the town was a real place. He was getting emails from professional photographers asking him what kind of expensive camera he used. He said a 6.0 megapixel camera that cost $79. He blew people away. It is learning to use our mind and our creativity rather than the pillars, crutches and props that most people seem to have fallen into.

More examples of plain doing from MacLeod's chapter 11. The more talented somebody is, the less they need the props:

-Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg address on ordinary stationary from a friend.
-Ernest Hemingway wrote the initially ideas of his books with a simple fountain pen.
-Van Gogh usually used just 6 colors on his palette.
-MacLeod write his cartoons on the back of a business card. He could do this anywhere. He did not need to walk around with large pieces of paper to get his creations done.

Lets learn that we have what we need to begin to create. What we think we need keeps us from functioning in our fullness each day. I believe in presenting who we are in our own skin, we bring more authenticity and attraction to what it is we are wanting to accomplish.

Challenge yourself to begin with what you already have rather than what you think you need. Technology is great, but don't let it trap you into what everybody else is doing.

Comparing A Computer to the Human Brain: Stopping Dead in our Tracks

2010-04-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

This video clip by Kwabena Boahen is a fascinating discussion of comparing the computer to the brain. Kwabena wants to build a computer that works like a brain. Kwabena notes that because he grew up in Africa, he did not have the same preconceptions that Americans have about the ability of computers. He came at the functionality of computers from a different paradigm (This is why it is important for us to expose ourselves to people who don't all think like us. I am a strong believer that total group think is dangerous and very limiting from any persuasion). Kwabena's concern is that the computer is limited in how it currently functions, when you look at the complexity of how the brain functions. What Kwabena helps me to realize that we use very little of our brain matter. In our society we tend to rely on technology and forget there was a whole world that existed before there was the technology that we fell in love with. His clip reminds me that we need to keep thinking. Often times we don't realize that God has given us a gift with our brain to use it. I believe that God is the Creator of life, and God has given human beings a brain to really think and find new solutions to the challenges that face us in our world. It is my hope that people who say that they believe in God will not forget that we are not to set our brains on the self, but to use them.

Why We Make Mistakes

2010-03-16T08:24:00.001-07:00

I recently finished reading the book by Joseph T. Hallinan, Why We Make Mistakes. I couldn't put the book down. The book challenges much of the conventional wisdom that we have about many things. For example, Hallinan points out that research has shown on multiple choice tests that people have been taught to go with with their first choice when they are up in the air about an answer. But, he shows that research has shown that people often get more answers right in that situation when they decide to choose another answer. In his book, he debunks the idea of multitasking being an effective way to accomplish more. As a matter of fact, Hallinan shares several experiences where major plane crashes happened because the pilot was multitasking.(A train crashed in Los Angeles that killed 25 people because the conductor was text messaging on his phone). Why We Make Mistakes notes that people see what they want to see, and read what they want to read. He illustrates this with a classical piece of music that had been reprinted in numerous editions, but none of the highly trained musicians caught the mistake, because they skimmed the music. The mistake was actually discovered by someone who was learning to play the music, who paid closer attention to the notes they were learning to play. I thought one of the most intersting observations that Hallinan makes in his book is that most people are actually overconfident. And this is why they make a lot of mistakes - with men tending to be more overconfident in their abilities and generally making more mistakes than women. He talks about how many CEOs who run large companies many times are wrong in the analysis, although they are supposed to be well versed in their field. He also thinks that it is important to perhaps be a little negative when analyzing anything, because if you are totally positive there is a tendency to not ask questions, but just accept that things will work out because one has a positive attitude.Also, Hallinan points out that Atul Gawande at surgeon at Harvard Medical School calls this "the power of negative thinking." It keeps one from making critical errors. Let me share in bulletin form some of the ideas that I've just stated:

1. Don't accept conventional wisdom in your thinking.

2. Multitasking is a big myth - as you jump back in forth to do multiple things, you lose time and effectiveness.

3. Collaboration is a good idea to assist us in seeing our blind spots.

4. Confidence is good, but overconfidence can cause us to fail to prepare and practice what we are trying to accomplish.

5. A positive attitude is important, but being negative(lets say critical) can assist in getting us to ask the right questions.

6. Use checklist to make sure that you are not missing critical steps in your endeavors. This can be part of the negative thinking process to check up on yourself.

By the way,I highly recommend this book if for no other reason to get us to think about how we think. We can apply the lessons in the book to all areas of our lives.

Simplifying Life

2010-03-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

We are surrounded by activities and stuff that beckon to take our time. The question we must ask ourselves is: "How essential are the activities and stuff that want to take our time?" "How are they advancing or hindering my life?" It is important for us to have an ongoing evaluate of how we use our lives. We may find that too many things are dissipating our efforts. We may be tired because we haven't decide what is essential in our lives. If we find that we are stuck we may be juggling too many balls in the air. Perhaps, it is time to let a few of the balls drop to the floor. Ponder the following questions as you think about how you are living your life:

1. What are the three essentials in my life?

2. What things if they disappeared today would be get me back on track and refocused?

3. What is sapping my energy? lack of exercise, messy environment, toxic relationships, etc.

4. What change can I make and practice for the next thirty days that will get me back on course? Write the change down. How does this look? What difference will it make? What benefits will I gain?

Rethinking Jesus: Has He Lost His Edge or Have We Taken His Edge Off?

2010-03-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Although almost 2,000 years have passed since Jesus was on earth, the ideas he espoused and shared are still radical. The way of Jesus calls us to a whole new way of being, thinking and living. When I read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John I am speechless. It causes me to reflect on how I live my own life. In the Gospels we read about Jesus teaching crazy stuff like “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons (and daughters) of your Father in heaven.” Even in his associations, Jesus broke all the so called rules by hanging out women, tax collectors, lepers, non-Jews and other “imperfect” folk. Jesus saw beyond exteriors, titles, education, male or female, and status. Jesus showed the importance of his ideas to rich, poor and those in between. The religious establishment of his day rejected him because he taught on the level of the heart, rather than a checklist religion. Jesus made it hard for people to pacify themselves with their accomplishments. Jesus showed that living a real life is far deeper than that. Jesus ideas collided with the religious leaders’ ideas on spirituality such as what it means to love God and human beings. Jesus brought new wineskins, while the leaders were stuck in the old wineskin way of thinking. I ask myself these questions when I reflect upon the person Jesus: “Am I stuck or living in new or old wineskins?” “Have I sanitized Jesus to make him palatable for my consumption?” “Have I turned Jesus into somebody that fits my philosophy of life?” “Has my Jesus lost his chutzpah?” These questions can make us uncomfortable, but I hope that we will ponder these questions in our desire to follow Jesus in a way that represents his spirit and makes a difference.

Less Is More Rather Than Less

2010-03-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

I am reading a book called The Power of Less by Leo Babauta. The book kicks us in the head with our more is more ideas about living and success. Leo states that less is more. Wow! Leo challenges us with the concept that by attempting smaller chunks we are much more likely to accomplish our task. For example, Leo says instead of saying, "I am going to wake up an hour earlier" say "I am going to get up fifteen minutes earlier." He says that you are much more likely to accomplish that goal, and you can work up from there. The same can apply to exercising. Instead of saying "I am going to exercise for thirty minutes" you could say "I am going to exercise for five or ten minutes." I found this helpful when studying because there would be times in my life, I just didn't want to study. But if I said I am going to study for fifteen minutes, it worked to get me going. I believe the "less is more" principle can be applied in all areas of life whether it is reading, studying, writing, building a business, spiritual disciplines or plannning the week. We think we need large chunks to make progress, yet consistency with regular small chunks has tremendous power. I am often reminded of the old saying that "Rome was not built in a day" and neither is a life. But if we work on it a little bit at a time, we will be surprised by the results, and how we begin to feel about ourselves.

We Will All Die - Make The Most of Life

2010-02-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

There is a fact of life that remains: we will all die some day, and it is closer than we think. I imagine that last sentence caught your attention. Death is a reality of life. Because I have lost a father and a brother, it is very real to me. The message is clear. We need to make the most of life while we are here. This post is a challenge for us our to grab hold of life, and make the most of it. This means that if there are things that we want to do in life that do not harm our family, friends and other people we should go for it. We can live a full life while we are here. How can you live a full life while you are?

1. Make a check list of the things that you want to do in your life.

2. Write down the impressions that have been prompting you internally to dream a bigger in life.

3. Talk with a good friend or join a group to help support you in your endeavors.

4. Find the item you want to work on, and begin doing this 15 minutes a day.

5. Read books that will encourage you in your endeavors to inspire you. Reading can be very important in your personal and professional development in life.

6. Attend seminars and workshops that can provide means of keeping you focused on what you are trying to accomplish.

Beginning is a start. It will change your life. You see yourself differently. You will grow as a person, and become more productive. So, live a full life today. See what happens.

The Power of Nature

2010-02-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

I pulled off on the side of the road because I feel I need to pause for a few minutes to take in the blue sky, the evergreens and enjoy the brightness of the sun as it exposes the beautiful colors of the landscape before me. I am grateful for God's creation that I am able to see at this very moment. I believe that being in the presence of God's creation is renewing. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." I feel that my soul has been touched by God's proclamation of himself through nature. I am compelled to give him the praise, and thanks for this moment.

Try A Little Kindness

2010-01-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

I remember years ago that Glen Campbell sang a song "Try A Little Kindness" which I believe is a good way to live our lives. I know for some, there is a little hokeyness to it, but just stop and think if all of us were willing to be more kind towards others what a difference it could make. This is just good common decency. I will admit, I am tired of people being mean to each other using politics and religion to excoriate one another. In my dealings with people, I find that most people have many challenges that they face each day whether it is issues regarding self esteem, personal relationships, work issues, or concerns about their future. Kindness could be the key to lift the burdens of life that weigh so many people down. I think we could benefit from embracing the words of Plato: "Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle?"

Expose Yourself: Don't Be Afraid

2010-01-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

When you first read a title like the above "Expose Yourself: Don't Be Afraid" you may think the guy is asking us to be an exhibitionist. However that is not where I am going. My point is simply that one of the ways of increasing understanding between other human beings is learning from other human beings who may have a different point of view about life. Rather than reacting and getting angry, it is more important I think to try an understand. It is something that is hard for most people to do. This is not easy for most of us. We want to leap fast and throw out our point of view. It takes deep pauses of mental reflection to be able to do this, and a different kind of mind set. We are creatures of habit, and nurtured in certain ways of thinking and being, and when another presents a different point of view whether "liberal", "conservative", or whatever,it rocks our world. I haven't found conservatives or liberals to be superior by any means in their attitudes when it comes to being understanding. I think we can practice learning to try and understand others by exposing ourselves to different ideas found in books, plays, magazines, and unfamiliar environments. I believe a different way of thinking will create more conversations amongst the many diverse groups that exist on our planet. The question is: "Are we ready to think about wanting to understand each other, rather than pouncing upon each other?" "Am I ready to respect you by giving you space to speak your mind?" I am convinced that those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus should lead the way in this dialogue.

Quote from C. S. Lewis on Getting Your Day Started

2010-01-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

"The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quicker life come flowing in."

I like this quote from Lewis because so often it is easy to let the tasks for the day come at us in a whirlwind before we have had a chance to set everything in its proper context. Prayer can do that, if we don't let it become another wild animal, but something that tames the wild animals that want to come rushing in on us. I believe that prayer time or conversation with God can help us get perspective and context not only as we utter our own breathings, but as we listen to the still small voice from God. We need to be ready to experience this inward journey of the soul to experience the paradigm shift that puts all the wild animals each day in their proper place.

Ways to Learn

2010-01-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

1. Listen to others without interrupting.(Barbara Walters in her book Audition writes that she had to learn to break this nasty habit).

2. Study and observe nature.

3. Read deeply and widely (Scripture, biographies,history, science,self-help, art, etc.) Don't be afraid of different ideas (I find that both conservatives and liberals tend to really be afraid or hostile to different ideas if they are different than their own).

4. Learn as much as you can about the place that you live in.

5. Travel, even if it is only 50 miles from your home.

6. Listen to speakers who have different points of view than yours, and who have ideas similar to yours. You can always learn something new.

7. Play with technology a little bit: try Facebook, twitter, computers, and smart phones.

8. Make it a point to meet new people.

9. Eat a different food you've never eaten before.

10. Listen to books while you ride around in your vehicle. It is a great way of staying up with your reading.

More Compassionate Living

2010-01-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

Luke 6:37,38: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

In the teachings of Jesus, we are reminded to be less critical of other people. It is called living compassionately. If we judge, and condemn, we then have to judge and condemn ourselves. We are no better than others. When we suspend our judging, and condemning, we will receive new measures of insight, and grace into our own lives. Jesus describes it as running over. What freedom we have when we begin to change our old way of thinking into the Jesus way of thinking!

Different Thinking Can Make A Difference

2010-01-07T17:57:00.001-08:00

This is my first post for 2010. As I think about this year, I want to encourage you to live in the present and keep moving forward in your life. I think that so often we live like a guy by the name of Terah. I know that you may not have heard about Terah, but he is the father of Abraham that we read about in the Old Testament. Abraham himself made it to the promised land in Canaan, but his father planned on getting there but he never made it. What we learn is that when Terah left Babylon, he had planned on going to Canaan, but he ended up staying in Haran, which today is modern day Turkey. It says that Terah, and the group that went with him settled in Haran (see Genesis 11:31). We often just decide to settle in our lives. There are many possible reasons that Terah may have failed to make it. We don't know why, he never made it to Canaan, but we know that often times we don't move forward because we live our lives in fear. Sue Cobb who became a U.S. Alpine ski champion in the 35 age class, and went back to law school at 38 and became an attorney says: "Moving beyond your comfort zone, that's how you accomplish things. You don't accomplish things sitting on your sofa." I want to encourage you to live beyond your comfort. Learn to live the outrageous life in 2010 that improves your life, and the lives of other people. This is how we can change the immediate world in which we live in.

A New Jesus

2009-12-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

When we talk about Jesus, what picture are we portraying of Jesus? Are we portraying the sweet by and by Jesus who is concerned only about our heavenly destination? The Bible paints a picture of a Jesus who concerned about the whole person which is includes the mental, the emotional, the physical, the psychological and the spiritual. Let us begin to tell people about this Jesus that presents a far more attractive picture of what God wants to be towards human beings.

Advice from John Wooden

2009-11-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

John Wooden life philosophy was exhibited in how he coached the UCLA Bruins. I want to share some of that philosophy through this short clip I found in the LA Times. If you could take one thing from this to make you a better husband, father, wife, mother, son, daughter or friend more power to the life you are trying to live.

Identifying with Others

2009-11-11T20:25:00.000-08:00

I believe the more that we can see ourselves in others, the more we are able to form a connection with others. We often don't connect with others, because we do not see ourselves in them. This causes separation and distinction among human beings.

I think that when we begin to see ourselves in others, we will have a different attitude towards them. They will know it. I feel that we will be less condemnatory, less judgmental and far more understanding. I believe one of the greatest challenges for us as human beings is to leave our world, and enter into the world of others. It is then that we begin to understand something about the idea of God.

Our Children - A Quote from Frederick Douglass

2009-10-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

What do you think of that statement by Frederick Douglass?

The First Amendment Video Clip by A World Church Leader

2009-10-19T05:14:00.001-07:00

This clip was shared with me by a fellow minister. It shows the world leader of the Seventh-day Adventist church Jan Paulsen sharing his thoughts on the First Amendment. I thought the video was well down, and should cause each of us to pause as we think not only of our own desire for freedom, but to consider the freedoms of others. This is often lost in conversations between people attempting to state their own points of view about God. It is important for us to remember that God gives each of us the opportunity to experience our own expression of our choices. I think this is often forgotten by well meaning people who are passionate about their religious convictions, and in turn want to foist their ideas and thinking on others. I have to admit that I was refreshed by this video, and that is why I am sharing this. It is my hope that you will find these comments by a religious leader refreshing in the wake of the many who have forgotten that forcing our belief systems on others is out of step with the character of God.

Do Events or Experiences Alter our Lives?

2009-10-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

I watched a recent video clip of Mike Tyson on the Ophrah Winfrey show. It is a different side of Mike than people are use to. It seems that the loss of his daughter Exodus may have become a life changing event in his life. I am sharing this clip for our own reflection about what kinds of experience(s) have impacted who we have become or becoming. What were your thoughts about Mike Tyson as you looked at this clip? What were your thoughts about your own life?

Mike Tyson Tells Oprah About His Daughter's Death @ Y! TV

Different Listening

2009-09-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

How many times do we have impressions or we hear our mind trying to give us guidance but we totally shut it down? We become too intellectual in our thinking, and we fail to listen to that which I believe often times understands the deeper spiritual matters of life. I believe that many spiritual teachers are able to listen beyond the intellect and allow themselves to grow and to express that learning with others. Hopefully, we will allow ourselves to be able to listen to the voice so that we may be taught, and so that we can share what we hear as well with others.

Speaking at New Life Fellowship - When God Seems Absent

2009-09-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

I was speaking over the weekend about those times when God seems absent. I said that it is sometimes important just to be still and know that God is God as the Psalmist writes in Psalm 46:10. When we see the creation in moments of stillness, it becomes clear that there is a God. This thought by itself reminds us that there is a God involved with this planet. God can become personal to us when that thought hits us in our brain. I also said that when we have those times that we feel alone, it is important to reach out and connect with other people. Often when we are going through difficult times and we wonder where God is, there is a tendency to withdraw from others. However, this is the time that we need to challenge ourselves to draw near to those people who give us energy when we are around this. We may discover God reintroducing himself to us.

The Problem with "Christian Haters"

2009-08-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

When I heard this pastor's sermon on the hate he has for the President of the United States, I thought "What am I hearing?" The religion that is espoused by some of the "Christians" in this country has nothing to do with Jesus. It is a form of religion "having a form of godliness" but is filled with hate. People like this are the ones' who destroy what Jesus came to accomplish in love. I am amazed that the people who call themselves Christians can talk about killing another human being.

IGot Carried Away Today Another Blog A Little Gospel Music with Richard Smallwood and Vision

2009-08-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite songs. It is a reminder of the goodness of God. The song is called At The Table. It's good stuff. Enjoy!

Living In The Moment

2009-08-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

I watched this video clip about octomom and her regret about saving all eight embryos. As a result of a decision she made, and some doctor somewhere, she ended up with eight children,in addition to the six children she already has. Octomom says in the video that she does not know what she was thinking. She wasn't. But I think that happens to many of us when we believe that all of life is living in the moment. This is also the result of a society that believes my choices only affect me. They don't affect others, so I will live in the moment. I think that we need to learn what it means to live in the moment, and what the consequences could be. I believe that living in the moment can be a good thing. It can bring adventure and excitement to life. I like living in the moment when it comes to trying new things, when a group of friends might say: "come over to night," "let's go to a movie" "let's go backpacking". There are many examples of living in the moment. But I believe that we also need to have a maturity when it comes to living in the moment. I will admit that some of the biggest mistakes I have made in my life have come when living in the moment. I got through them, and put them behind me, but I recognize that we need to know when to live in the moment and when to be more reflective in our decision making - and this is not to say that the two ideas are necessarily mutually exclusive. However, I believe that living in the moment can sometimes cause problems for ourselves and those connected to us. Perhaps, we do not stop to think about what the consequences of living in the moment could have on our family, friends and other important people in our lives. I think of John Edwards. I am not passing judgment on his actions, but only noticing and observing the consequences of his choices (John Edwards was a former presidential and vice-presidential candidate, and a former senator from North Carolina. He also was a very successful North Carolina personal injury attorney). His family is now reeling from his decision he made to have a girlfriend by the name of Reille Hunter, and as a result, there is an ongoing investigation which could lead to possible criminal charges against John Edwards for possibly paying her hush money fom his presidential campaign fund to keep his former mistress from pinpointing him as the father of her baby. For me, there is not an issue of whether or not there is redemption for John Edwards. I believe that life is about redemption, because as human beings we all make mistakes. I have experienced redemption in my own life. But having said that, I think we need to move in our society from an attitude of its "all about me" and what I want even if it really screws up other peoples' lives. I know to some this will sound like I am moralizing. I don't think so. But if it does, too bad! Can't anybody talk about the white elephant that is in the room, and say it's time for us as a society to see ourselves as our brother and sister's keeper? What is wrong with caring about how our decisions and actions impact others'lives. We need to move from individualistic thinking to societal thinking. If we could begin to think about how our choices impact the people that we are connected to, just maybe we would be more analytical and deliberate in our decision making. And we could avoid some of the hurt that we lay on others. Octomom's decision to have eight children can teach us a lot. Hopefully we can learn from her how important the decisions we make in life are.

Life Needs Purpose

2009-08-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

In order for us to have an enthusiasm about life, our life needs a purpose. When we have a purpose it makes life so much easier and more full. I think it is important to find that purpose whatever it is. There are no limits to the areas in our lives where we can find a niche that has meaning to us that we want to involve ourselves in and with. I believe that there is only one criteria - there is integrity attached to it. People have found purpose in teaching, coaching, serving in non-profit organizations, the arts (music, drawing, acting, etc.), helping others in a myriad of ways, medical, legal, sciences, helping children, senior citizens, working in hospice, visiting people in hospitals and resthomes - there are so many areas in life where we can find a purpose. Do not limit your possibilities. Think outside of your box. Your purpose doesn't have to be something that makes you famous, or sets the outside world on fire, but it needs to set your world on fire. I hope that you have found a purpose in your life, and that purpose fires you up. If you have not found your purpose ask your yourself the following questions:

1. What is it that excites you about life?

2. Think of an experience that you have had that made you feel alive, and you said to yourself, "I could see myself being involved in something like this."

3. How do you best express yourself, and how could that expression be used to help you find your purpose in life?

4. What kinds of social activities do you naturally gravitate towards, is there a possibility that there may be hints for you regarding your purpose for your life?

5. Who do you admire that has a passion and purpose for life, ask them how they found their passion and purpose.

I would encourage you to take out a pen and paper and begin scribbling down your thoughts. If you are not writer find a recorder to talk out your thoughts, perhaps even your cellphone.

When we find our purpose in life it allows us to find our passion for living. We will be changed. We will be different people. We will live a contagious life.

What Is Community About?

2009-08-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone is searching for community. I think of community as the gathering together of people for social purposes to create a sense of family. I believe that people want a place that creates a sense of belonging to something that brings them into contact with other people who may share similar ideas. It gives people an opportunity to form social bonds. People have found this sense of community through churches, clubs, schools, and regular social gatherings with friends. I believe that there are numerous benefits to being connected to a community of some kind. When we are in community to helps to:

-create a sense of connectedness to others.
-helps us to learn from other people.
-it gives us an opportunity to share our ideas.
-create friendships.
-gives us an opportunity to learn what commmunity is.

How has being involved with a community impacted your life?

Learning from Paul's Letter to the Corinthians

2009-07-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have been preaching from the book of 1 Corinthians. The book definitely presents ideas that run very counter to the way people think in our society. Some of the common themes that run through Paul's book are:

1. Community is as important as individuals. It may be more so. Paul reminds his readers of the letter not to be so careless with their lives because it can impact the community at large.

2. Paul reminds people not to spend so much time boasting. It impacts the way that we are able to experience God and other human beings.

3. Love should be the driving force for living our lives. We often think other things are important, but Paul reminds us that all of our learning, and accomplishments pall in comparison to love. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:4 that "love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." What a different paradigm!

4. God provides us grace, and expressed that grace through the incarnational life of Jesus.

Quotes Regarding Creativity

2009-06-30T23:23:00.000-07:00

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." Joseph Chilton Pearce

"Do not fear mistakes - there are none." Miles Davis

"Walk out like someone suddenly born into color, do it now." Rumi

Giving

2009-05-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

How could we change our communities and the world by the giving of time, money, resources, talents and ideas? I believe that giving to others is an indication that we see our communities and our world as a much bigger place than an I-centered world. We truly see the world as WE rather than just me. How can we see ourselves living a philanthropic life that becomes about giving beyond ourselves? I have included a video clip that I recently saw about Billionaires getting together in New York City to discuss how to help in these hard economic times However, we don't need to be wealthy to give only willing to think outside the box of how we can give.

What Does Great Conversation Look Like?

2009-05-19T21:19:00.001-07:00

What does a great conversation look like? It looks dialogical. (Although, I will add in meaningful relationships there may be times when one party will do most of the talking. I consider this the ebb and flow of conversation). Great conversation looks like people being heard by each other. It looks human. It looks real. It looks vulnerable. It looks very intimate. It looks to learn from each other. It has a sharing quality to it. It is open. It creates a bond between people. It is intimate. The superficial disappears. The mask is taken off. Yes, real conversation looks like people dancing together and entering each other's space.

It's Been A While

2009-05-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

The title of the post says it all. It has been a while since I have posted anything. Sometimes, it is good to take a sabbatical, even a blogging sabbatical. Since I last blogged on May 4, I have been doing a lot of reflecting. I have been asking myself, "What is really important?" There have been times when I thought that career, education, money, status were very important. I believe that family, friends, God are important as well. But, there were times in my life when I wanted things in my career, education, and finances to happen faster, and when they did not, I could feel myself becoming unhappy. I recognize that in our culture, it is always about more, but the "more" doesn't always bring satisfaction. Perhaps, the tougher times in our country may bring some of us to this reality. When, I meet people in places like St. Vincent, I get a reality check. They seem to be enjoying their lives although they don't have the trappings of what we would call "successful." Different world. As I have been blessed to experience life over the last 13 days, I am convinced more than ever that relationships, good health,a sound mind, sharing ourselves and faith, hope, and love are the guts of life. If we taste some of this stuff,we get the opportunity to know how sweet life can be, and we don't live lives like we've got something to proof.

What Would Jesus Think Of Evangelical Christianity?

2009-05-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

I was interested to read about a survey/study that said that evangelical Christians were more likely to think that torture was the right thing to do rather than those who were non-Christian. I found that interesting. I would liked to have had more information about the survey/study but I found it fascinating. It seems that some parts of Christianity have forgotten the teachings that Jesus espoused about loving our neighbor and our enemies. I often think that if Jesus were here today he would not focus on some of the evangelical community hot topics such as abortion, the desire for the death penalty, the use of politics to enforce and foist a prescribed idealogy and theology on others, capitalism that works to the detriment of humanity, and verbal inspiration. In my reading of the New Testament, the way of Jesus has a different flavor that is filled with compassion, love and concern for people in a society who are not powerful according to the world's standards. Jesus destroys status, prestige, and the ideas of oppression in all its forms. I think that evangelical Christianity must continue to re-examine and get back to the ways of Jesus, and leave the ways of the world behind. If people are to be drawn to Jesus, it seems to me that Christianity needs serious re-configuration in order that the purported message does not run counter to the spirit of Jesus. I believe that this would be Jesus' message to those who have become confused as to what he is really about.

What Have You Learned Today?

2009-04-28T21:04:00.001-07:00

Do you ever pause and think about what you have learned during the day? There have been days and times when I am aware that I have learned something new today, that may have even shifted my thinking on a topic. For example, the ongoing debate on whether every person in America should have health insurance coverage. Tonight, I learned while watching a program on PBS that the state of Massachusetts tried a program that permitted all of its' citizens to be insured. I was surprised to hear this. I was totally unaware that this was being tried any where in the United States. I also discovered through the PBS program it was difficult to implement because although the citizens could all qualify for the insurance, some could not afford to pay for the monthly costs for themselves or their families. My point is, each day, we learn new things - the usefulness of what we learn is another issue, but that is not the point of this discussion.

What have you learned that you were not aware of before? Where might you learn something new during the course of one's day? Perhaps, the following examples may trigger your own thinking, or you may come up with your own examples. Please feel free to share them.

1. It could come from a person that you talked with during the day (family member, friend, acquaintance, stranger, teacher, etc.).

2. Perhaps from something you read in a book, article or magazine.

3. Maybe, it is a television program that you've watched.

4. A lecture that provided you with a different perspective.

5. A trip or vacation that allowed you to learn something about a new place.

6. Perhaps, you learned new ideas and concepts just from getting together and having a discussion with a group of people.

7. We also learn something new through ideas that may come to us that we have never thought of before.

8. We may also learn in time spent out in nature (This is an unending source of learning).

What Conversations Do

2009-04-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I have learned over the years is when we have conversations (dialogue rather than monologue, listening and not just speaking) with others' we are enriched through a greater appreciation of people. It gives us the opportunity to hear people share ideas, experiences and to reflect in the immediate moments about the conversation that is taking place. This is a wonderful learning experience. I think about the conversations that I have had with people at the bus stop or subway, hospital, on vacation, at the dinner table, sitting in someone's home, at a library, over the phone, through the internet, and many other places too numerous to mention. I discover that human beings have similar experiences, and at the same time their experiences have distinctions and differences to them. This is profound - the sameness and yet the uniqueness. We can an opportunity to identify with each other through the similiar experiences, while at the same time we get to grow, learn and expand our minds in being exposed to experiences unlike our own.

I find that when we engage in conversations, people begin sharing their heart. People open themselves up, and allow us to see the real them. I believe this is what happens when we become genuinely interested in communicating with other people. We see this when Jesus speaks to the tax collector Zaccheus(Luke 19:1-9)(see the story about the Woman at the Well @ John 4:1-26). If you have ever experienced real conversations you know how it works, people let go of their inhibitions (I don't think this needs explaining). Conversations are just that - it just begins to happen - hiding, mask wearing, and game playing are put aside. Rather than people running away from each other, they begin to run towards each other. Wow! I don't see conversation as techniques to manipulate others', or to hear ourselves speak, or even attempts to show how much we know. Conversations are about learning to listen and understand each other, rather than hate each other, distrust each other, criticize each other, or destroy each other. Conversations are about community. Conversations are about compassion. Conversations are about openness. Conversations are about love. Conversations are about people.

Burundi: Seeing Places We Don't See

2009-04-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

On April 25, 2009 we had a guest speaker at New Life Fellowship by the name of Goretti Kurgat. Her text for the day was taken from Matthew 4:19: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." I felt that Goretti had something to share with our congregation that we are rarely exposed to - a conversation from a different world perspective. It is good to hear other voices that have different experiences than we have. These voices can open up places in our heads that need to be opened up. Goretti opened up my head as she shared about the children of Burundi who live in the capital city of Bujumbura. Goretti told us about the children through the spoken word, and video that was captured while back home in Burundi in 2008. These children roamed the streets looking for a way to survive through rummaging for food through the garbage heap, and finding small pieces of coal on the ground to sale. As I looked at the video clip, it is a constant reminder to see ourselves as world citizens rather than just United States citizens. It is a reminder that we are all brothers and sisters no matter if we are near or far. Some people wondered after listening to the talk how they could help with the situation. Goretti is still working on this piece of the equation. However, she has started the conversation. Goretti has spoken at several other churches, and even spoke to some students at Elon University. At this point, she is creating awareness about the plight of Burundian children which many of us were totally unaware. This is an education in itself. As she continues to share the story, we will be thinking about how to take her concerns about the children to the next step of getting them actual help. Right now, we don't have the answers, but if you have suggestions, please feel free to share you ideas.

Learning Comes Through Being Aware and Doing

2009-04-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

I enjoy listening to lectures and books through the internet and/or on cd. I was listening to a 2 hour lecture by Dr. Peter Senge author of the book The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. The lecture that I listened to addressed how to be more present in our lives (It is easy to tune out of life,or to be only partially engaged with life and be disconnected from our surroundings, our self, and others). He also used the term presencing. However, for Dr. Senge learning and presencing are more than an academic pursuit. He gave a number of examples of how we can experience learning and presencing through meditation, awareness of our breathing, getting in touch with our bodies and learning to be silent rather than always talking (I would add the practice of prayer is also an avenue). There is a spirituality that Dr. Senge speaks of when he talks about becoming present. In describing how to become more present he uttered a sentence that I found most fascinating and striking: "All learning is doing." This is an interesting statement since many times we focus on the cerebral, the academic, and book learning to the exclusion of the practical. Dr. Senge is speaking of learning as a hands on experience that connects with living in the here and now. It is about being fully present. I believe that if we could understand that learning is doing, it would change how we live our lives. We would engage life on a much deeper level rather than living the spectator life. We would experiment with life much more. Fearfulness would be abandoned, and there would be a more playful/intentional quality to our lives. Because we think we have to be perfect in our doing and living, often times we choose not to fully engage with life period. Therefore, we don't get the opportunity to take learning to a new level. We miss the creative aspects of life. As a matter of fact, Dr. Senge made the statement that you cannot learn without doing. If we believed this to be true, it would affect how we do family, do work, do friends, do recreation, do church, do life - it would impact everything that we do. It could bring transformation in how we view the living of each day.

How do you think your being more present would change your life?

What will you do to become more present in your life?

What are you already doing to be more present in your life?

Holocaust Rememberance Day

2009-04-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

This Monday the Holocaust was remembered around the world. The term "Holocaust" was not a new term of the 20th century, but had been around since the 18th century. However, when the term Holocaust is used today it specifically refers to what happened under Nazi Germany to Jews and others who did not fit Hitler's ideas of what it means to be human. It is important for us to remember history because if we do not, we doomed to repeat our previous mistakes. There are some who want to deny that the Holocaust ever happened, although there are still people alive who lived through that wretched experience. We have people in America who deny this disturbing historical event, as well other people outside of America who consider the event a farce. However, we must never let this history be swept under a rug. It is important to remember because oppression lessens each of us as human beings. We still live in a world where oppression and destruction of other human beings takes place under brutal regimes. It is disturbing to think that the Holocaust did not bring an end to oppressing others. This is why we must not be silent when oppression rears its ugly head, and destroys other human beings. They may not look like us or may not value the same "western ideas" we hold, but I believe that most people want to live lives where they do not live in fear, and can experience living.

How do you believe we can lessen oppression in our community or the world in which we are a part of?

What happens if we do not speak out against oppression?

How Does Jesus Change Your Life?

2009-04-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

I believe that knowing how Jesus lived his life changes how we live our lives. When Jesus was here on this earth his purpose was to glorify his Father in heaven. It was not about living solely for himself. It is my personal belief that when we understand how Jesus lived, we also want to walk in a way that glorifies God. I don't believe that it is wrong to think about one's concerns, but I believe that a lot of our lives are lived for ourselves. It is always about what can I attain? However, Jesus challenges us to think about others. The Good Samaritan is a case in point. There is also the story of the woman at the well. The life and teachings of Jesus challenge us to beyond "me" living and recognize that the brothers and sisters of this earth are our concern as well.

Think about how your life has been touched by somebody else.

How have you touched the lives of others?

Jesus Reasons For Praying

2009-04-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been reading from the book of Luke which is an account of Jesus written by Luke for his friend Theophilus (see Luke 1:3). Luke seems have put his book together through talking with servants of the word, and interviews (so much for verbal inspiration). I was struck by one of the verses that talked about Jesus going alone to pray after he had been engaged in much activity. He had healed a man with leprosy, as well as healing other people of diseases and speaking to them about spiritual matters (see Luke 5:15). After Jesus engaged in a period of activity, we discover that Jesus would then go off by himself to spend time in prayer. Note Luke 5:16: "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Jesus act of praying was a common occurrence. I believe his life of prayer served a number of purposes. I will name four.

1. It was an opportunity for him to speak with his Father in heaven, and hear the voice of God speaking to him. Activity has a way of crowding out the voice of God.

2. Prayer allowed Jesus to stay focused on his mission, rather than on his own personal wants.

3. Prayer allowed Jesus to renew and clear his mind from the crushing burdens of his work.

4. Prayer was a continual reminder to Jesus that life is multi-dimensional, and he too as a human being must live a balanced life, or he too could lose wholeness and completeness by always engaging himself with work.

I am sure that you can think of other reasons why Jesus prayed. If you have any write them down. What does it mean to you that Jesus spent time in prayer? Does this spiritual discipline have any meaning for us in the 21st century?

Judging

2009-04-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

Susan Boyle blew the world away when she appeared on the show "Got Talent". No one expected what came out of her mouth. Her appearance was not "star quality". Some people even rolled their eyes when she walked out onto the stage. The judges weren't expecting much either, but when she started singing you could see in their expressions that her talent rocked their world. There is a lesson in this. We have to be very careful in making judgments about people from the external or superficial. It really is important for us to begin to learn about people before assuming we know who they are. Susan Boyle thank you for teaching us a very valuable lesson.

How has this clip or the story about Susan Boyle's appearance on "Got Talent" changed how you will view others you meet in the future?

How will it change how you relate to people who are already in your life?

Interesting C.S. Lewis Quote About the Atonement

2009-04-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

"The central Christian belief is that Christ's death has somehow put us right with God and given us a fresh start. Theories as to how it did this are another matter. A good many different theories have been held as to how it works; what all Christians are agreed on is that it does work."

-Taken from Mere Christianity

Church in A Bar

2009-04-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

I think that this is a very interesting concept. It would be fascinating to bring the idea of church to where people are. It is certainly different than most churches are used to, but isn't this in a sense what Jesus did? He went to where the people were. Jesus did a lot of traveling to meet the needs of people, rather than waiting for people to come to him. We could go many places to share the Good News, and at the same time work at alleviating the sufferings and challenges that people face. I believe that the church is challenged to think in ways of reaching people who won't come to a church building. Is it time for us to rethink how we bring the Christian faith to others?

Openness To Life

2009-04-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

I have found that life is made more interesting when we are open to new experiences. It provides an opportunity to think about things in new ways. It has become apparent to me in exposing myself to new ideas through reading, travel, meeting people with different opinions, and going to places that I have never been to before that it broadens my outlook on life. I realize the more that I live that I live in my corner of my world, but what about all of the other corners of the world? What about all of the books of the world? What about all of the people of the world? I have thought that as we open ourselves to new experiences it gives us the opportunity to learn new ways of expressing ourselves, as well as new ways of learning how to connect with other people. It can provide understandings about life in general so that we are not so blinded by our blind spots. I am of the impression that most of us generally tend to shelter ourselves from the opportunity for varied life experiences. I am not sure if it is because we are scared? Or it is because we are so sure of ourselves that nobody or no place or experience can teach us anything? I think our fear of looking outside of our world produces ignorance, although we are often unaware of our ignorance. Very unaware.

Raul Alfonsin former President of Argentina: His View on Ideas

2009-04-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, the former president of Argentina, Raul Alfonsin died. He was considered one of the rare Argentinian presidents who was a man of true integrity. After serving as president, he was one of the only president's whose administration was not later found to be corrupt. At the time he was president, many of the citizens of Argentina did not recognize the standard he had set as the nation's leader. But upon later reflection, it was noted that many began to believe that he was the standard that all future presidents should be judged. He seemed to really be a good person who had good ideas about making society better for all of the people of Argentina. He was definitely a different type of leader. As I was reading about Raul Alfonsin, I liked a statement that he made in which he said, "Ideas go on, men don't go on." I believe that there is a lot of truth in his statement. Although, the person has died, their ideas can continue to live on through other people. I believe it is important for us to share our ideas. The ideas that we share can help to shape and change the communities in which we live. The can impact the people that we meet on a one on one basis. This is the power of an idea, and although we will pass from the scene, our ideas can continue to give birth and to grow long after we are gone.

Bust of Martin Luther King in the Capitol Building

2009-04-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

I had never been in the Capitol Building before, and I was very surprised to find this bust of Martin Luther King there. It is a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest leaders in the history of the world who spoke truth to power. His work was strongly influenced by the teachings of Jesus and Ghandi. His work along with many others that were involved in the civil rights movement helped to change America, and many places in the world including South Africa.

Rejuvenation By The Water And With Nature

2009-03-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Where do you go when you need to be renewed? For me, it has been going out into the beauty of God's creation. In the past week, I had the opportunity to go out into nature in Virginia, and I found the greening of the Virginia landscape restorative and healing. I also had an opportunity to enjoy the peacefulness of the Chesapeake Bay waters which seemed to make all of the tension that I felt within myself just melt away. I felt a peace, and oneness with God's creation that was absolutely spectacular.

What kind of feelings do you experience when you go out into nature?

The Beauty of Nature

2009-03-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

While on vacation up in Virginia near Williamsburg I caught a shot of this bird that had a fish under its talons. At one point, the bird flew through the air with the fish in its clutches.

Does Creativity Happen With More Structure?

2009-03-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

One of the most fascinating books that I have read on creativity was written by Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi called Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention. He makes the point in his book that creativity happens when we provide more structure. In other words, creativity is fostered when we make space and time to help the creative experience. When I first read the statement, it hit me in a very strange way, because I often thought of creativity as just happening. I know that there have been times when I have experienced creativity without planning it to happen, it just happened. But I also realize that when I have set time aside, creativity happened as well. I know when I have taken the time to think, reflect, and just jot down ideas in a structured way, I have experienced satisfactory results. Of course, there have been times when I experienced very little creativity. What Dr. Csikzentmihalyi does in his book is provide numerous examples of creative individuals in various disciplines who were very successful at creating because they set time aside to foster creativity.

Do you agree with this proposition that "creativity happens with more struture", or do you believe that it just happens, or is it some where in between?

What impact would planned times for creativity have on your life?

Brief Book Review of Cities of God by Rodney Stark

2009-03-17T21:02:00.001-07:00

This is a fascinating book by Rodney Stark. What Stark attempts to do is use statistical evidence to show how Christianity spread from Jerusalem out to other places. He shows that cities that were near seaports we more likely to have churches than those that did not by the year 100 CE. In addition, Stark demonstrates where Isiac temples existed, it was more likely Christian churches also existed. He points out some of the commonalities that Isaism and Christianity have regarding the virgin conception, resurrection, etc. make it more likely that the people hearing the story about Jesus who were familiar with Isiacism would be more open to Christianity (Stark notes that Isaism does not posit actual historical events as the story of Christianity does, although it helps one to recognize that virgin conception, resurrection, etc. were not unique thoughts to Christianity). Stark makes that point that people who go from one religion to another usually fall under one of two headings: (1)People who have no real prior religious beliefs at all, or (2) People whose religious ideas have much in common with the new religion that they have chosen. Rodney Stark challenges the accepted proposition that Paul's work was done mostly among Gentiles, by using statistical evidence to demonstrate that many Hellenized Jews where open to Christianity. It is a far different picture than we often come away with when we accept that few Jews became Christian, and it was all about the Gentiles for Paul. In additon, Stark looks at the Jewish population in the first four centuries of Christianity, and notes that there were a number of Jews who probably became Christian. He posits that many of these were Hellenized Jews, and thus were more open to the message about Jesus. Cities of God is a book worth reading because it offers a refreshing look at how Christianity may have spread.

What Difference Should Christians Make?

2009-03-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

What difference should Christians make in their communities? Is it enough for us to be Christians in the church, but not Christians outside of the church? Often times we come to church to receive a blessing, but is there a place for us to be a blessing? I believe that as Christians, we can become enrichers and transformers in other peoples' lives. Would it change the way that other people would view the Christian community if we cared more about helping people rather than condeming them? Would it make any difference? I believe that it would. I think many people are fed up with loud mouth Christians who believe their job is to impose their morality rather than live the teachings of Jesus Christ. This is a challenge I give myself when I think about what Jesus really wants his followers to be about. I hope that I am living my faith rather than just talking my faith.

Thoughts on the use of Time

2009-03-11T20:54:00.001-07:00

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Time is at once the most valuable and the most perishable of all our possessions. John Randolph (1773-1833)

Nothing is so dear and precious as time. Francois Rabelais (1490-1553)

Time is the measuring by the soul of its expectation, its attention and its memory. Saint Augustine (354-430)

Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend. Theophrastus (300-287 BCE)

Ordinary people think merely of spending time. Great people think of using it. Author Unknown

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important, because
I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes,
this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place something
that I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain, not loss;
good not evil; success not failure;
in order that I shall not regret
the price I paid for it.
Author Unknown

Words To Live By From Ghandi

2009-03-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

We often look at problems in our world, and we think about other people fixing them. And there are many problems that need large resources to correct them such as the current financial crisis in America and abroad, diseases such as AIDS, cancer, heart disease that kills millions of people, and concerns regarding our environment. However, having said that, I believe that each of us can contribute to improving the world in which we live in. This idea is captured in the quote from Ghandi which says: >"Be the change you wish to see in the world." This quote recognizes the power that each of us has to make a difference in the space that we live in. We can determine how to be that change. By practicing the act of doing, it becomes part of who we are. It begins the process of internal transformation. We can't let how you feel about this idea of "doing" keep us from trying the "doing". These are some ideas, but I would encourage you to think about how you can "be the change you wish to see in the world" in ways that address some of the concerns that you have.

1. Assist a single parent with their child(ren).

2. Serve as a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child.

3. Donate food.

4. Donate clothing.

5. Cook a meal for a family.

6. Set aside funds to help pay a bill for someone.

7. Touch bases with a person who recently met. Invite them to your home.

8. Provide a gift to a foster child.

9. Adopt a child.

10. Teach someone how to read.

11. Eat lunch with a senior citizen.

12. Share a book, magazine or music that means a lot to you to brings blessings to someone else.

13. Wave or smile at a person on the street, office or home.

14. Invite someone to an event you plan on attending.

15. Call, email, text message, etc. to encourage someone today.

Create your own list for touching lives in order for you to "be the change you wish to see in the world."