Be it political, or spiritual - we've moved away from the epicenter of trueness.
The essence of what is true: what makes a Democrat true, what makes a Republican true or more importantly: what makes a Christian true.
We have drawn the lines by taking the banner of 'judge' or the 'right opinion' and judge one-another instead of living it. The same can be said of Christians judging the church who have mistakingly gave themselves permission to judge the church on the case of spirituality because 'it's old', 'not effective', 'wrong', or 'not culturally relevant'. Any person cannot allow themselves to think they are in the right because someone is in the wrong.
A church may have deviated from true worship by sticking to tradition (hymns), but the Christian outside with a sincere intention of seeking true worship does not mean they have found the correct way. What makes if more grevious is if the Christian does not undertake what they see - making themselves a hypocrite.
What is missing from the trueness of some churches, and some seekers of true religion is we have failed to seek Christ. To seek God and his Life and power. When one steps back from picture of contemporary Christianity we must move away from being satisfied with merely quoting verse, church attendance, and giving the appearance of godliness.
We must surrender all. We must give up what we hold that bars us away from His life and power. When we are really living the life that God intends - we are not in control. We are not source of inspiration, we are merely humble vessels carrying his body of life in our hearts. We allow him to live through us. We yield to his promptings, we find our hearts beating as one with his. We throw off the mask of 'righteousness' and live a life of faith. We are His.
Oct 5, 2008
Sep 28, 2008
Shaky Times
Money.
Greed.
Alot of people by now are worried, and even in some cases - freaking out.
Will the United States face a meltdown financially on an epic scale?
I don't know, but I was reminded this Sunday from a wise pastor: in times of turmoil God's church prays.
This crisis reminds us of what true security is in: God. Certainly not money, Washington or political clout. The United States got into this mess because of greed. This trait of Americans wanting more, and hording created an environment where both lenders and borrowers secured mortgages well beyond the earning power of borrowers. It was a bet on the real estate market to yield dividends beyond our 'wildest dreams'. Many who have hedged their bets are paying bitterly now.
We need to pray for our political leaders. We need to pray for wisdom, and we need to pray for a spirit of peace during these times. When peace reigns the good news of love, hope and faith goes forth. This country is being an opportunity to turn back to God and cry, "We realize that fortune, materialism and 'stuff' is NOT the answer."
Greed.
Alot of people by now are worried, and even in some cases - freaking out.
Will the United States face a meltdown financially on an epic scale?
I don't know, but I was reminded this Sunday from a wise pastor: in times of turmoil God's church prays.
This crisis reminds us of what true security is in: God. Certainly not money, Washington or political clout. The United States got into this mess because of greed. This trait of Americans wanting more, and hording created an environment where both lenders and borrowers secured mortgages well beyond the earning power of borrowers. It was a bet on the real estate market to yield dividends beyond our 'wildest dreams'. Many who have hedged their bets are paying bitterly now.
We need to pray for our political leaders. We need to pray for wisdom, and we need to pray for a spirit of peace during these times. When peace reigns the good news of love, hope and faith goes forth. This country is being an opportunity to turn back to God and cry, "We realize that fortune, materialism and 'stuff' is NOT the answer."
Sep 15, 2008
Been awhile
Michele and I were talking and I had a thought:
If you're young and you demonstrate a rebellious loud attitude- you're labeled "cool".
If you're old and you do the same thing you're "bitter".
How about that?
If you're young and you demonstrate a rebellious loud attitude- you're labeled "cool".
If you're old and you do the same thing you're "bitter".
How about that?
Aug 12, 2008
Inspired again!
Well, since this blog was intended to be read by our family and friends I thought it would be good to declare: Gordon is once again inspired.
If I could pass on advice to my kids about work - it would be this: do what you love and be good at it. Work is good when there is purpose. Don't work merely for money alone. Money isn't the most important thing in the world. You'll be spending close to 8 hrs a day of your life for about 50+ years; so one should work at something with passion.
I'm working on some renderings...and it's been a blast!
Jul 29, 2008
Long time, no post
Well, it's been awhile.
No writing. I guess you could say my previous job really drained it out of me.
It was becoming very difficult to write and having the well of the soul be filled up.
One immediate thing comes to mind: kids. I am waiting to be a daddy. To be a daddy to my daughter, or son. Raise them, love them, and by God's mercy teach them well.
We're waiting for you kids.
**
On another note: attended a Steven Curtis Chapman concert. Came away awestruck by the testimony of SCC's life. He lost his daughter to a crazy accident two months ago. Apparently one of his sons accidentally ran Maria over. The family is really leaning on God and more aware of what's important and what's not. Eternity is all that matters in this moment of life.
SCC talked alot about the grief, the questions at the concert. My wife and I could not help but get a bit teary-eyed about the whole story. Maria was only five years old when she went to be with Jesus. She was a precocious, spunky girl who was adopted from China and watching her video on YOUTUBE it really gave you a glimpse as to what a delight this little girl was to everyone.
No writing. I guess you could say my previous job really drained it out of me.
It was becoming very difficult to write and having the well of the soul be filled up.
One immediate thing comes to mind: kids. I am waiting to be a daddy. To be a daddy to my daughter, or son. Raise them, love them, and by God's mercy teach them well.
We're waiting for you kids.
**
On another note: attended a Steven Curtis Chapman concert. Came away awestruck by the testimony of SCC's life. He lost his daughter to a crazy accident two months ago. Apparently one of his sons accidentally ran Maria over. The family is really leaning on God and more aware of what's important and what's not. Eternity is all that matters in this moment of life.
SCC talked alot about the grief, the questions at the concert. My wife and I could not help but get a bit teary-eyed about the whole story. Maria was only five years old when she went to be with Jesus. She was a precocious, spunky girl who was adopted from China and watching her video on YOUTUBE it really gave you a glimpse as to what a delight this little girl was to everyone.
Jun 7, 2008
Life Outreach
The planning of family is coming. We've been waiting and waiting, and we're going to a baby is in the future.
I'm both excited and scared. You hope you can be the best father to a child...and hope you cut mustard.
Michele and I've been involved in this outreach for children for awhile.
See this video and you'll know why. I cannot help but cry at this video...it gets me everytime.
I'm both excited and scared. You hope you can be the best father to a child...and hope you cut mustard.
Michele and I've been involved in this outreach for children for awhile.
See this video and you'll know why. I cannot help but cry at this video...it gets me everytime.
May 11, 2008
Life isn't about the number of breaths...
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08125/878966-85.stm
Freedom's John Challis gets a hug from Beaver's Al Torrence after a game April 24.
The 18-year-old kid dying of cancer gets his wish, a chance to swing a bat maybe one last time in a real baseball game.
He hasn't played in a few years, but he's called on to pinch-hit. His eyes light up at the first pitch and he puts all of his 5-foot-5, 93-pound frame into one mighty swing, making contact and sending a line drive into right field for a single -- if he can reach first base. The cancer he's been battling for almost two years has spread to his pelvis, making running nearly impossible.
The kid worries about falling as he hustles down the first-base line. When he gets to the base, he lets out with a yell. "I did it! I did it!"
Safe at first with a hit and an RBI, the kid is hugged by a crying first-base coach. The opposing pitcher takes off his glove, starts applauding and his teammates follow suit. The kid's teammates run onto the field to celebrate.
It sounds like the climax to a heart-tugger movie. But there was no producer or film crew at the game between Freedom and Aliquippa high schools two weeks ago. The scene was as real as the tumors in John Challis' liver and lungs.
John is a kid with cancer, a senior at Freedom in Beaver County who was told a few weeks ago by doctors that cancer was winning and it was close to the end. The disease that started in his liver was now taking over his lungs.
"They said it could be only two months," he said, fighting back tears.
He paused before his seemingly never-ending optimism came through again.
"I told my mom I still think I can get two more years."
But his story isn't about dying. It's about inspiring.
His story, words, actions, beliefs and courage have become known around Freedom and surrounding areas in Beaver County, bringing people together from other communities and other schools.
Three weeks ago, Freedom baseball coach Steve Wetzel organized "Walk For A Champion" on Freedom High's school grounds. The purpose of the walk-a-thon was to raise money for one of John's wishes -- a last vacation with his mom, dad and 14-year-old sister, Alexis.
More than 500 people took part, including baseball teams from eight Beaver County high schools and members of Center High School's football team. John also used to play football at Freedom.
Mr. Wetzel, who calls the teen his hero, hoped to raise $6,000. That total was easily surpassed "and people are still calling with donations," he said.
The family has booked a cruise for June.
The Challis effect
A Beaver County church had planned a fundraiser, but John and his family asked the church instead to conduct the event and give the money to a fifth-grade boy in Beaver County who has a brain tumor.
"His family can use it more than we can," John said. "That's just common sense. Someone does something good for you, then you help someone else."
Actions and statements like those are what has inspired so many others. All of Aliquippa's baseball players wear John's jersey number "11" on their hats. At the walk-a-thon, Aliquippa star athlete Jonathan Baldwin, a Pitt football recruit, presented him with a ball signed by Pitt players.
After the walk, John addressed the crowd.
"He spoke from his heart," Mr. Wetzel, the coach, said. "He said, 'I've got two options. I know I'm going to die, so I can either sit at home and feel sorry, or I could spread my message to everybody to live life to the fullest and help those in need.' After hearing that, I don't know if there were many people not crying."
Last Thursday, Beaver pitcher Manny Cutlip tossed a three-hitter against Freedom as John watched in street clothes. After the game, every Beaver player came up to him and shook his hand. Some hugged him and some said they were praying for him. Manny Cutlip asked Mr. Wetzel if he could go to lunch some time with John. It happened the next day.
"I don't know what to say. I just wanted to get to know him better and see if I could learn anything from him to help me in my life," said the young pitcher, an imposing 6-foot-3, 225-pound standout athlete who will play football at IUP.
At lunch, he gave John a new football with a handwritten personal message on it. Part of the message read, "You have touched my heart and I will always look up to you as my role model."
Talk to John and you'll laugh at his sense of humor when he says things such as, "You can't let girls know that you know how to text message because they won't leave you alone."
But listen to his mature views on life and his philosophies ... and you might cry.
"I used to be afraid, but I'm not afraid of dying now, if that's what you want to know," he said. "Because life ain't about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths."
Figuring it out
It's been almost two years since John found out about his cancer. He knows the date like a birthday. June 23, 2006.
He discovered only recently that doctors didn't expect him to last through that first summer. "To me, that's already an accomplishment," he said.
In the first few months after the cancer discovery, John's father, Scott, would get up in the middle of the night, peek into his son's bedroom and see him wide awake, staring at the ceiling.
"He would just be thinking," the elder Challis said. "He's always been one who had to try and find an answer for everything. He wants to figure things out."
Through his own thoughts and through his deep Catholic beliefs, John believes he has "figured it out." He answers questions with maturity, courage and dignity, traits that have become his trademarks.
John requested that his mother, Regina, not be interviewed for this story because it will be too hard for her. He talks to his father about what to do after he dies.
"I sit up with him at night until 1 or 2 in the morning," Scott Challis said. "He'll tell me, 'Dad, when I'm gone, you have to do this or that. You have to watch your weight.' He's worried about my weight. He tells me I have to take care of mom.
"When the doctors told him a few weeks ago about how the cancer was winning, he had a lot of questions about what it was going to be like and about being comfortable. Later on, he broke down with me and you know what he did? He apologized. He was upset because he felt like he was letting everyone down who had been praying for him."
Scott Challis has found talking about his son makes the situation easier to deal with. But many people like to talk about John. Shawn Lehocky is a senior and one of Freedom's top athletes. For every football and baseball game, he wears a red wrist band with John's No. 11 on it.
"It seems like everyone in this community knows who he is now and he really has brought so many people together," Shawn said. "He's always on my mind. To see him and what he's going through, I don't know if I could act like that. He said some pretty strong words at that walk-a-thon that you don't hear 17- or 18-year-olds say every day."
John fought back tears a few times during last week's interview.
"Sometimes I cry, but people cry for all different kinds of reasons," he said. "Sometimes I just want to know why, but I think I figured that out. God wanted me to get sick because he knew I was strong enough to handle it. I'm spreading His word and my message. By doing that, I'm doing what God put me here to do.
"It took me about a half year to figure all that out. Now, when I'm able to truly believe it, it makes it easier on me. And when you know other people support what you're thinking, it makes it easier."
When asked where he gained his wisdom, he answered, "Through cancer."
"They say it takes a special person to realize this kind of stuff," he said. "I don't know if I'm special, but it wasn't hard for me. It's just my mind-set. A situation is what you make of it. Not what it makes of you."
He regularly wears his Freedom baseball hat. Under the bill of the cap is his name, plus this line: "COURAGE + BELIEVE = LIFE."
"I guess I can see why people see me as an inspiration," he said. "But why do people think it's so hard to see things the way I do? All I'm doing is making the best of a situation."
John then raises his voice.
"Why can't people just see the best in things? It gets you so much further in life. It's always negative this and negative that. That's all you see and hear."
John tries to keep complaining to a minimum, but he acknowledges his moments of crying.
"If I'm mad at anything in this, it's that I'm not going to be able to have a son, I'm not going to be able to get married and have my own house," he said, fighting back tears again. "Those are the things I'm mad about. But not dying."
The role of sports
John loves sports. He is an avid hunter -- "got three buck and two doe in the last year," he said.
He played baseball through Pony League and always loved football, despite his small stature. As a sophomore, he started on Freedom's junior varsity team as a slotback and cornerback.
"I was 108 pounds. I had to be the smallest player in the WPIAL," he said with a laugh.
The cancer forced him to stop playing football as a junior.
"But I will never forget," his father said, "when he first got sick he told me, 'Dad, I have to dress for a football game one more time.' "
He got his wish in the final game of his senior season, against Hickory. Coaches let him kick off once. He was supposed to kick and immediately run off the field to avoid danger. Instead, he stayed on the field and got a little excited when the kick returner started heading his way before being tackled.
Later in the game, the coaches put him in for two plays at receiver. Mr. Wetzel and others who saw the game proudly tell how, on one play, John tried to block a defender, fell down, but got up and pushed another defender.
Mr. Wetzel said seeing John play in that last football game, doesn't compare to seeing his hit against Aliquippa in that April 14 baseball game. John vividly remembers the details leading up to the hit. When he walked into the batter's box, he saw Aliquippa's catcher wearing a protective mask with the initials "J.C." and the number "11."
"I just looked at him and said, 'Nice mask.' "
He then noticed an Aliquippa coach saying something to the pitcher.
"I'm thinking, 'If they're going to walk me or throw easy to me, I don't want it handed to me,' " he said. "But sure enough, he threw me a fastball. That's what made it so good. ... There were only about 20 people there watching, but everyone was cheering."
Mr. Wetzel said: "We made it to the state [PIAA] playoffs two years ago and I thought that was the best feeling. I got to play in WPIAL championships at Blackhawk as a player. But that day, that hit, that moment ... That was the best feeling I've ever had in sports."
Six days later, Freedom played a game at PNC Park. John attended the game, but had an IV line in his arm for a treatment he was getting. He took out the IV line and asked Mr. Wetzel if he could pinch-hit again.
"Unbelievable. He told me the doctor said he could take it out for up to seven hours," Mr. Wetzel said. "He told me he just wanted to be a normal kid one more time."
So Mr. Wetzel let him pinch-hit. This time he struck out.
They have a unique coach-player relationship. Mr. Wetzel invited John to be part of the team a year ago and John calls the coach one of his best friends. They talk every day, at least on a cell phone, and go to lunch together once a week.
"The kid has changed my life," Mr. Wetzel said. "I cry for him just about every day. I'm 32 and I'm getting married in September. You know what he told me the other day? He told me to save him a seat in the front row of the church, because even if he's not there, he'll be there in spirit.
"He just keeps doing things and saying things that are just unbelievable. I know our team will never forget this season because of Johnny."
The two want to start a foundation in John's name for young cancer patients.
"Even if [the foundation] is something that can help only one kid or one family, to see people in a different way like I have, it will be worth it," John said. "Maybe it will help younger people who haven't gotten to see the finer things in life that I got to see."
John plans to attend Freedom's prom May 9 and plans to graduate in June. As John ended this interview, he said he wondered how his story will come out in the newspaper.
"When you write this, don't overthink things," he said. "I've learned that. There are a lot of unanswered questions in this world and the reason they're unanswered is because if you think about them too much, you're always going to come up with different answers. So don't confuse yourself and think about this too much."
Freedom's John Challis gets a hug from Beaver's Al Torrence after a game April 24.
The 18-year-old kid dying of cancer gets his wish, a chance to swing a bat maybe one last time in a real baseball game.
He hasn't played in a few years, but he's called on to pinch-hit. His eyes light up at the first pitch and he puts all of his 5-foot-5, 93-pound frame into one mighty swing, making contact and sending a line drive into right field for a single -- if he can reach first base. The cancer he's been battling for almost two years has spread to his pelvis, making running nearly impossible.
The kid worries about falling as he hustles down the first-base line. When he gets to the base, he lets out with a yell. "I did it! I did it!"
Safe at first with a hit and an RBI, the kid is hugged by a crying first-base coach. The opposing pitcher takes off his glove, starts applauding and his teammates follow suit. The kid's teammates run onto the field to celebrate.
It sounds like the climax to a heart-tugger movie. But there was no producer or film crew at the game between Freedom and Aliquippa high schools two weeks ago. The scene was as real as the tumors in John Challis' liver and lungs.
John is a kid with cancer, a senior at Freedom in Beaver County who was told a few weeks ago by doctors that cancer was winning and it was close to the end. The disease that started in his liver was now taking over his lungs.
"They said it could be only two months," he said, fighting back tears.
He paused before his seemingly never-ending optimism came through again.
"I told my mom I still think I can get two more years."
But his story isn't about dying. It's about inspiring.
His story, words, actions, beliefs and courage have become known around Freedom and surrounding areas in Beaver County, bringing people together from other communities and other schools.
Three weeks ago, Freedom baseball coach Steve Wetzel organized "Walk For A Champion" on Freedom High's school grounds. The purpose of the walk-a-thon was to raise money for one of John's wishes -- a last vacation with his mom, dad and 14-year-old sister, Alexis.
More than 500 people took part, including baseball teams from eight Beaver County high schools and members of Center High School's football team. John also used to play football at Freedom.
Mr. Wetzel, who calls the teen his hero, hoped to raise $6,000. That total was easily surpassed "and people are still calling with donations," he said.
The family has booked a cruise for June.
The Challis effect
A Beaver County church had planned a fundraiser, but John and his family asked the church instead to conduct the event and give the money to a fifth-grade boy in Beaver County who has a brain tumor.
"His family can use it more than we can," John said. "That's just common sense. Someone does something good for you, then you help someone else."
Actions and statements like those are what has inspired so many others. All of Aliquippa's baseball players wear John's jersey number "11" on their hats. At the walk-a-thon, Aliquippa star athlete Jonathan Baldwin, a Pitt football recruit, presented him with a ball signed by Pitt players.
After the walk, John addressed the crowd.
"He spoke from his heart," Mr. Wetzel, the coach, said. "He said, 'I've got two options. I know I'm going to die, so I can either sit at home and feel sorry, or I could spread my message to everybody to live life to the fullest and help those in need.' After hearing that, I don't know if there were many people not crying."
Last Thursday, Beaver pitcher Manny Cutlip tossed a three-hitter against Freedom as John watched in street clothes. After the game, every Beaver player came up to him and shook his hand. Some hugged him and some said they were praying for him. Manny Cutlip asked Mr. Wetzel if he could go to lunch some time with John. It happened the next day.
"I don't know what to say. I just wanted to get to know him better and see if I could learn anything from him to help me in my life," said the young pitcher, an imposing 6-foot-3, 225-pound standout athlete who will play football at IUP.
At lunch, he gave John a new football with a handwritten personal message on it. Part of the message read, "You have touched my heart and I will always look up to you as my role model."
Talk to John and you'll laugh at his sense of humor when he says things such as, "You can't let girls know that you know how to text message because they won't leave you alone."
But listen to his mature views on life and his philosophies ... and you might cry.
"I used to be afraid, but I'm not afraid of dying now, if that's what you want to know," he said. "Because life ain't about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths."
Figuring it out
It's been almost two years since John found out about his cancer. He knows the date like a birthday. June 23, 2006.
He discovered only recently that doctors didn't expect him to last through that first summer. "To me, that's already an accomplishment," he said.
In the first few months after the cancer discovery, John's father, Scott, would get up in the middle of the night, peek into his son's bedroom and see him wide awake, staring at the ceiling.
"He would just be thinking," the elder Challis said. "He's always been one who had to try and find an answer for everything. He wants to figure things out."
Through his own thoughts and through his deep Catholic beliefs, John believes he has "figured it out." He answers questions with maturity, courage and dignity, traits that have become his trademarks.
John requested that his mother, Regina, not be interviewed for this story because it will be too hard for her. He talks to his father about what to do after he dies.
"I sit up with him at night until 1 or 2 in the morning," Scott Challis said. "He'll tell me, 'Dad, when I'm gone, you have to do this or that. You have to watch your weight.' He's worried about my weight. He tells me I have to take care of mom.
"When the doctors told him a few weeks ago about how the cancer was winning, he had a lot of questions about what it was going to be like and about being comfortable. Later on, he broke down with me and you know what he did? He apologized. He was upset because he felt like he was letting everyone down who had been praying for him."
Scott Challis has found talking about his son makes the situation easier to deal with. But many people like to talk about John. Shawn Lehocky is a senior and one of Freedom's top athletes. For every football and baseball game, he wears a red wrist band with John's No. 11 on it.
"It seems like everyone in this community knows who he is now and he really has brought so many people together," Shawn said. "He's always on my mind. To see him and what he's going through, I don't know if I could act like that. He said some pretty strong words at that walk-a-thon that you don't hear 17- or 18-year-olds say every day."
John fought back tears a few times during last week's interview.
"Sometimes I cry, but people cry for all different kinds of reasons," he said. "Sometimes I just want to know why, but I think I figured that out. God wanted me to get sick because he knew I was strong enough to handle it. I'm spreading His word and my message. By doing that, I'm doing what God put me here to do.
"It took me about a half year to figure all that out. Now, when I'm able to truly believe it, it makes it easier on me. And when you know other people support what you're thinking, it makes it easier."
When asked where he gained his wisdom, he answered, "Through cancer."
"They say it takes a special person to realize this kind of stuff," he said. "I don't know if I'm special, but it wasn't hard for me. It's just my mind-set. A situation is what you make of it. Not what it makes of you."
He regularly wears his Freedom baseball hat. Under the bill of the cap is his name, plus this line: "COURAGE + BELIEVE = LIFE."
"I guess I can see why people see me as an inspiration," he said. "But why do people think it's so hard to see things the way I do? All I'm doing is making the best of a situation."
John then raises his voice.
"Why can't people just see the best in things? It gets you so much further in life. It's always negative this and negative that. That's all you see and hear."
John tries to keep complaining to a minimum, but he acknowledges his moments of crying.
"If I'm mad at anything in this, it's that I'm not going to be able to have a son, I'm not going to be able to get married and have my own house," he said, fighting back tears again. "Those are the things I'm mad about. But not dying."
The role of sports
John loves sports. He is an avid hunter -- "got three buck and two doe in the last year," he said.
He played baseball through Pony League and always loved football, despite his small stature. As a sophomore, he started on Freedom's junior varsity team as a slotback and cornerback.
"I was 108 pounds. I had to be the smallest player in the WPIAL," he said with a laugh.
The cancer forced him to stop playing football as a junior.
"But I will never forget," his father said, "when he first got sick he told me, 'Dad, I have to dress for a football game one more time.' "
He got his wish in the final game of his senior season, against Hickory. Coaches let him kick off once. He was supposed to kick and immediately run off the field to avoid danger. Instead, he stayed on the field and got a little excited when the kick returner started heading his way before being tackled.
Later in the game, the coaches put him in for two plays at receiver. Mr. Wetzel and others who saw the game proudly tell how, on one play, John tried to block a defender, fell down, but got up and pushed another defender.
Mr. Wetzel said seeing John play in that last football game, doesn't compare to seeing his hit against Aliquippa in that April 14 baseball game. John vividly remembers the details leading up to the hit. When he walked into the batter's box, he saw Aliquippa's catcher wearing a protective mask with the initials "J.C." and the number "11."
"I just looked at him and said, 'Nice mask.' "
He then noticed an Aliquippa coach saying something to the pitcher.
"I'm thinking, 'If they're going to walk me or throw easy to me, I don't want it handed to me,' " he said. "But sure enough, he threw me a fastball. That's what made it so good. ... There were only about 20 people there watching, but everyone was cheering."
Mr. Wetzel said: "We made it to the state [PIAA] playoffs two years ago and I thought that was the best feeling. I got to play in WPIAL championships at Blackhawk as a player. But that day, that hit, that moment ... That was the best feeling I've ever had in sports."
Six days later, Freedom played a game at PNC Park. John attended the game, but had an IV line in his arm for a treatment he was getting. He took out the IV line and asked Mr. Wetzel if he could pinch-hit again.
"Unbelievable. He told me the doctor said he could take it out for up to seven hours," Mr. Wetzel said. "He told me he just wanted to be a normal kid one more time."
So Mr. Wetzel let him pinch-hit. This time he struck out.
They have a unique coach-player relationship. Mr. Wetzel invited John to be part of the team a year ago and John calls the coach one of his best friends. They talk every day, at least on a cell phone, and go to lunch together once a week.
"The kid has changed my life," Mr. Wetzel said. "I cry for him just about every day. I'm 32 and I'm getting married in September. You know what he told me the other day? He told me to save him a seat in the front row of the church, because even if he's not there, he'll be there in spirit.
"He just keeps doing things and saying things that are just unbelievable. I know our team will never forget this season because of Johnny."
The two want to start a foundation in John's name for young cancer patients.
"Even if [the foundation] is something that can help only one kid or one family, to see people in a different way like I have, it will be worth it," John said. "Maybe it will help younger people who haven't gotten to see the finer things in life that I got to see."
John plans to attend Freedom's prom May 9 and plans to graduate in June. As John ended this interview, he said he wondered how his story will come out in the newspaper.
"When you write this, don't overthink things," he said. "I've learned that. There are a lot of unanswered questions in this world and the reason they're unanswered is because if you think about them too much, you're always going to come up with different answers. So don't confuse yourself and think about this too much."
May 7, 2008
Hope gives strength for 27 years...
60 minutes profiled a segment about the possibility of 200 cases being wrongly prosecuted. The bottom line? Men were thrown into jail without evidence by an overzealous, unethical Texas prosecutor.
One of those men wrongfully imprisoned was James Woodward, who lost 27 years of his life for a crime he did not commit. Mr. Woodward's parole opportunity was deny over dozen times. All those years of serving in prison for a crime he did not commit?
Hope.
Excerpt:
"You had hope?" Pelley asks.
"That’s all a man has," Woodard says. "I had hope for parole. I think I came up about 12 times."
Hope.
Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of all Hope...". In this life, you must have hope. When the days are so dark, you have to believe something will break forth for freedom, for life or for a break.
Amazing - in a real prison and the prison of a lie - Woodward could claim to one thing: Hope. That was the thing that kept him going: the truth of his innocence.
For Mr. Woodward, he was eventually set free.
We look at the world, and we think of money, power, or the vanity of this world, but you ask the deep, deep questions of life and you find everyone needs hope.
The African American teenager, hoping to break out of poverty and the gang-life to raise a family.
The American soldier who hopes to be reunited with his family.
The little girl who hopes this Christmas, a puppy will come.
The cancer fighter hoping for a new organ transplant.
The single mom hoping for a future for herself and her child.
The unemployed father hoping for that job offer.
That prisoner hoping to taste freedom once again.
We all need hope, it keeps us going. Take away home, you take away the very spirit of humanity.
One of those men wrongfully imprisoned was James Woodward, who lost 27 years of his life for a crime he did not commit. Mr. Woodward's parole opportunity was deny over dozen times. All those years of serving in prison for a crime he did not commit?
Hope.
Excerpt:
"You had hope?" Pelley asks.
"That’s all a man has," Woodard says. "I had hope for parole. I think I came up about 12 times."
Hope.
Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of all Hope...". In this life, you must have hope. When the days are so dark, you have to believe something will break forth for freedom, for life or for a break.
Amazing - in a real prison and the prison of a lie - Woodward could claim to one thing: Hope. That was the thing that kept him going: the truth of his innocence.
For Mr. Woodward, he was eventually set free.
We look at the world, and we think of money, power, or the vanity of this world, but you ask the deep, deep questions of life and you find everyone needs hope.
The African American teenager, hoping to break out of poverty and the gang-life to raise a family.
The American soldier who hopes to be reunited with his family.
The little girl who hopes this Christmas, a puppy will come.
The cancer fighter hoping for a new organ transplant.
The single mom hoping for a future for herself and her child.
The unemployed father hoping for that job offer.
That prisoner hoping to taste freedom once again.
We all need hope, it keeps us going. Take away home, you take away the very spirit of humanity.
Apr 28, 2008
Back to real life
I'm reading, and writing.
No 'rithmetic for me though. My wife handles that - balancing the checks and such.
It was a quiet Monday - no tv, no technology - just reading, writing and reflection. It was sweet for the soul. To break away from 'noise'.
I see a battle with the busyness of life and schedules: it takes away some humanity in each one of us. Moments where we need to pause, reflect, repent or make a decision or commitment are stolen. For my wife and I - I told her we need to get back to the simple life.
Where we don't lose touch with our humanity. Where we can listen to the still voice of God and stop to love and support people around us. Where we reflect to the brevity of life and why it is precious.
It was a good evening freed from distraction and my heart soared this evening.
No 'rithmetic for me though. My wife handles that - balancing the checks and such.
It was a quiet Monday - no tv, no technology - just reading, writing and reflection. It was sweet for the soul. To break away from 'noise'.
I see a battle with the busyness of life and schedules: it takes away some humanity in each one of us. Moments where we need to pause, reflect, repent or make a decision or commitment are stolen. For my wife and I - I told her we need to get back to the simple life.
Where we don't lose touch with our humanity. Where we can listen to the still voice of God and stop to love and support people around us. Where we reflect to the brevity of life and why it is precious.
It was a good evening freed from distraction and my heart soared this evening.
Apr 8, 2008
Yosemite and budget
Michele and I are budget manias.
Everyone might think we spent a bundle on the Yosemite trip but hardly.We deal here and there and managed to secure a very good vacation budget. We bought most of our food and stuck them into a cooler instead of eating out.
We're very smart with our money and Michele is on top of our budget. A dollar off and she will know about it.
We use a 3% credit card, and save money with an conservative interest producing account. In turn that increases our purchasing power by 8% every year.
People don't think about finances in that manner, but the little here and there makes a difference. Michele and I don't even have cable and guess what? We don't even miss it.
Yep, we can tell our kids the small stuff about finances will help them in the long run. Listen to mom kids...
Everyone might think we spent a bundle on the Yosemite trip but hardly.We deal here and there and managed to secure a very good vacation budget. We bought most of our food and stuck them into a cooler instead of eating out.
We're very smart with our money and Michele is on top of our budget. A dollar off and she will know about it.
We use a 3% credit card, and save money with an conservative interest producing account. In turn that increases our purchasing power by 8% every year.
People don't think about finances in that manner, but the little here and there makes a difference. Michele and I don't even have cable and guess what? We don't even miss it.
Yep, we can tell our kids the small stuff about finances will help them in the long run. Listen to mom kids...
Apr 6, 2008
Yosmite 2008
We just got back.
Tired but refreshed. Michele had one of the greatest times of her life. She loved being in the mountains and hiking.
We will return one day...but in the meanwhile enjoy the photos at
http://homepage.mac.com/blacktrainstudio/Yosemite/
Tired but refreshed. Michele had one of the greatest times of her life. She loved being in the mountains and hiking.
We will return one day...but in the meanwhile enjoy the photos at
http://homepage.mac.com/blacktrainstudio/Yosemite/
Mar 28, 2008
My sister Doris
http://www.news10.net/news/education/teacher/video-player/teacher-of-the-month.aspx
I must say: I am proud of my sister.
She loves what she is doing and is making a difference and making a case for teacher of the year.
Way to go sis! Very proud and love ya.
Gordon
Mar 27, 2008
STARING AT THE FACE OF EVIL
WARNING: THE CONTENT IS GRAPHIC IN NATURE REGARDING GENOCIDE
God forgive me for being a fat American.
So rich and having very little of what it means to be in 'travail'. Complaining about the speed of my internet and the traffic.
That's what I thought when I heard a very difficult news report on 60 minutes about the rape of women in the middle of genocide in the Congo. More than 5 million have been killed...but worse is the method of war that is ravaging the Congo. Rape is being used among the troops to such unspeakable evil and extent that no girl, or woman is immune.
It is pure evil. And the world turns while 45,000 die per month.
The goal is pure evil to destroy the woman's soul, the husband's courage is decimated when he's is helpless, and an entire village is shamed and battered to no end with the forced imagery of watching village women getting raped multiple times.
When I heard this I was crying for Congo, the people and the women.
It was depressing to such a degree I've not felt and can only describe it as evil and darkness. What a lost world without God.
I forced myself to listen to the whole news segment. This is the world we live in.
It's also a need to pray for God's intercession and the healing of this land.
We must not turn our comfort zone back to soft and pampered America, but we must stare at evil and let that resonate in our hearts to what we are called to do. Being comfortable isn't what I feel we are called to - we are called to action and make a difference in this world.
In the end, the women who were victims sing of heaven, where they will find healing. Anderson Cooper said it best, "In the Congo, there isn't any healing, or hope."
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edward Burke
Mar 25, 2008
OOOH boy
We're flying on SouthWest, and it might be our last time we fly SouthWest or AMerican West.
My favorite pastor - Mark Driscoll - calls it smelling like a 'Honey Hut at the county fair'.
Michele is going to love it: 3 hrs on a flying toilet.
We saved money, and that's the only consolation, and the other one is that the FAA recently slapped a multi-million dollar fine on SouthWest for not fixing their planes on schedule. In other words, they skipped out on maintenance. Niiice.
So a few weeks ago, SouthWest grounded 41 planes. Hopefully, one of those planes won't be ours.
Michele and I've been praying for a good trip, and it's apparent it's a good thing.
My favorite pastor - Mark Driscoll - calls it smelling like a 'Honey Hut at the county fair'.
Michele is going to love it: 3 hrs on a flying toilet.
We saved money, and that's the only consolation, and the other one is that the FAA recently slapped a multi-million dollar fine on SouthWest for not fixing their planes on schedule. In other words, they skipped out on maintenance. Niiice.
So a few weeks ago, SouthWest grounded 41 planes. Hopefully, one of those planes won't be ours.
Michele and I've been praying for a good trip, and it's apparent it's a good thing.
Mar 24, 2008
Strengthening your marriage
This really got me thinking - heard it on a radio program.
We really should put our vows up on the wall to remind us of that solemn, and profound event that binds a man and woman in holy matrimony.
"Leaving all others and loving one another through sickness and health until death separates."
One marriage counselor said he believes marriages struggle because we forget our vows, in front of God, to our spouse. Unfortunately, people make that vow in the height of emotions and forget the the price you must pay to keep those vows. Even when you 'feel' like your marriage might be struggling one day, you must remember to love your spouse. When your spouse pulls the barf bag and didn't shower yet, you must still love them.
Michele and I talked about watching our wedding video once a year to rekindle, and remember our vows.
***
Our anniversary date is coming up, so to make up for it, we cracked ourselves up watching CMT's REDNECK WEDDINGS. It was hilarious. We had fun watching it - people are peculiar, but it does show you at times true love. This one cowboy living in California (as crass and crazy as you can get - dug his wife's present from the dumpster, picked up a keg of beer from the local corner market) revealed an intelligent poet in him. He surprised his wife with a card before the wedding.
Reading the card made her cried.
It was actually a poignant moment and I couldn't deny despite the entertainment value - he did love her.
We really should put our vows up on the wall to remind us of that solemn, and profound event that binds a man and woman in holy matrimony.
"Leaving all others and loving one another through sickness and health until death separates."
One marriage counselor said he believes marriages struggle because we forget our vows, in front of God, to our spouse. Unfortunately, people make that vow in the height of emotions and forget the the price you must pay to keep those vows. Even when you 'feel' like your marriage might be struggling one day, you must remember to love your spouse. When your spouse pulls the barf bag and didn't shower yet, you must still love them.
Michele and I talked about watching our wedding video once a year to rekindle, and remember our vows.
***
Our anniversary date is coming up, so to make up for it, we cracked ourselves up watching CMT's REDNECK WEDDINGS. It was hilarious. We had fun watching it - people are peculiar, but it does show you at times true love. This one cowboy living in California (as crass and crazy as you can get - dug his wife's present from the dumpster, picked up a keg of beer from the local corner market) revealed an intelligent poet in him. He surprised his wife with a card before the wedding.
Reading the card made her cried.
It was actually a poignant moment and I couldn't deny despite the entertainment value - he did love her.
Great times
Easter.
We were granted the pleasure of my in-laws vicar for the annual Easter dinner.
An Ethiopian named Ebasa and his wife Hana. There were a pleasure to be with.
We had your typical Easter early dinner with Michele's family - and it was a delight. A few facts of observation.
a) Told Ebasa with the manner my mother in law cooks, he'll be a FAT Ethiopian.
b) Ebasa is a very sincere, and passionate man about his faith, and is open to breaking down barriers
c) Ebasa and Hana gives a interesting view of a Christian with African heritage at the plight of the problems in the inner city - it's the same for everyone - strong family, education and a centrality of moral values where daily life evolves around it
d) My mother in law cooks way too much
Ebasa and I had a great conversation about the challenges facing the church today. The church where he is helping out - honestly is dying out. We both don't agree making "mega-churches" is the way to go. Unfortunately, alot of churches grow because of discontent from other Christian churches. What I appreciated about Ebasa is that he's forward thinking - he tests the current establishment of thinking and see if it works. He sees the world and considers how he can apply new principles.
Hana is a very sweet woman. I liked her immediately and she's a great wife to Ebasa; it was a hoot watching them talk of how Ebasa WILL NOT get out of changing the diapers when they have kids.
All in all, a great Easter of meeting new people, and enjoying their company.
We were granted the pleasure of my in-laws vicar for the annual Easter dinner.
An Ethiopian named Ebasa and his wife Hana. There were a pleasure to be with.
We had your typical Easter early dinner with Michele's family - and it was a delight. A few facts of observation.
a) Told Ebasa with the manner my mother in law cooks, he'll be a FAT Ethiopian.
b) Ebasa is a very sincere, and passionate man about his faith, and is open to breaking down barriers
c) Ebasa and Hana gives a interesting view of a Christian with African heritage at the plight of the problems in the inner city - it's the same for everyone - strong family, education and a centrality of moral values where daily life evolves around it
d) My mother in law cooks way too much
Ebasa and I had a great conversation about the challenges facing the church today. The church where he is helping out - honestly is dying out. We both don't agree making "mega-churches" is the way to go. Unfortunately, alot of churches grow because of discontent from other Christian churches. What I appreciated about Ebasa is that he's forward thinking - he tests the current establishment of thinking and see if it works. He sees the world and considers how he can apply new principles.
Hana is a very sweet woman. I liked her immediately and she's a great wife to Ebasa; it was a hoot watching them talk of how Ebasa WILL NOT get out of changing the diapers when they have kids.
All in all, a great Easter of meeting new people, and enjoying their company.
Maybe that's why I am happy
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,340869,00.html
God blessed me with a beautiful woman.
God blessed me with a beautiful woman.
Mar 11, 2008
A new one
Been awhile since posting.
Lots on my mind...came across this video, reminds me to get focused.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KlKhw_o6kzE
Lots on my mind...came across this video, reminds me to get focused.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KlKhw_o6kzE
Feb 24, 2008
How you look at it...
"I should never have had an abortion," Emma Beck wrote in a note she left. "I see now I would have been a good mum."
The note written after a British mother hung herself after having an abortion of her twins.
**
Two women suicide bombers who have killed nearly 80 people in Baghdad were Down's Syndrome victims exploited by al Qaida.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=paBomb_Fri_1650_Baghdad_market_bombsUD2&show_article=1
**
Alot of people call it a 'matter of perspective'. Al Quida is not that bad, and it's 'over there'. When Al Quida uses two women with Down's Syndrome, it's NOT SUICIDE, it's murder of not 80, but 82 people. Yet, you have some people accuse our president for 'War Crimes'. The USA is fighting Al Quida - admittingly the US is not always right in all areas of geo-political views and perspectives, but I think calling Al Quida evil is pretty black and white. They are evil doing what they do. You don't see the US military sending Down's Syndrome women into battle to blow themselves up.
People debate about whether a fetus is life, or not, but if many criminal cases slaps two murder charges if a mother who is pregnant is murdered, but millions of abortions are performed. It's sad that many pro-choice organizations do not tackle the history of 'pro-choice' history OR the ramifications of a woman's psychology after abortion.
Abortion's historical roots was eugenics - a philosophy stemming all the way back to Hitler's idea of eliminating disabled children, and the elderly. EARLY American eugenics were abortion clinics set up in MINORITY areas where racism believed 'certain races' needed population control through 'sterilization' and 'abortion clinics'.
Wantedness and Social Justice, by Wanda Franz, Ph.D., in her paper discuss how politics have greyed moral clearity when asurvey for the years 1994 and 1995 found in the July/August 1996 issue of the journal Family Planning Perspectives reveals a heavy racial and ethnic bias. Political figures in both Democratic and Republican declared their 'Pro-Life' stance until the votes are found plenty with "Pro-Choice"One famous African-American Democrat cried against 'racial genocide' regarding the high number of abortion among African Americans, but went 'pro-choice' as soon as he found the the votes were more there.
To me, it's hard to have moral clearity without God and the bible. The opinions of God doesn't change EVER. He doesn't go for votes, or popularity. He is Holy and His Word is a guiding principle in my life when politics are in an uproar and everyone thinks they are right. I know my lack of moral courage when I am before my God. I have nothing, but spending time with God I do know this: what's his opinion and that's the only one that matters.
The note written after a British mother hung herself after having an abortion of her twins.
**
Two women suicide bombers who have killed nearly 80 people in Baghdad were Down's Syndrome victims exploited by al Qaida.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=paBomb_Fri_1650_Baghdad_market_bombsUD2&show_article=1
**
Alot of people call it a 'matter of perspective'. Al Quida is not that bad, and it's 'over there'. When Al Quida uses two women with Down's Syndrome, it's NOT SUICIDE, it's murder of not 80, but 82 people. Yet, you have some people accuse our president for 'War Crimes'. The USA is fighting Al Quida - admittingly the US is not always right in all areas of geo-political views and perspectives, but I think calling Al Quida evil is pretty black and white. They are evil doing what they do. You don't see the US military sending Down's Syndrome women into battle to blow themselves up.
People debate about whether a fetus is life, or not, but if many criminal cases slaps two murder charges if a mother who is pregnant is murdered, but millions of abortions are performed. It's sad that many pro-choice organizations do not tackle the history of 'pro-choice' history OR the ramifications of a woman's psychology after abortion.
Abortion's historical roots was eugenics - a philosophy stemming all the way back to Hitler's idea of eliminating disabled children, and the elderly. EARLY American eugenics were abortion clinics set up in MINORITY areas where racism believed 'certain races' needed population control through 'sterilization' and 'abortion clinics'.
Wantedness and Social Justice, by Wanda Franz, Ph.D., in her paper discuss how politics have greyed moral clearity when asurvey for the years 1994 and 1995 found in the July/August 1996 issue of the journal Family Planning Perspectives reveals a heavy racial and ethnic bias. Political figures in both Democratic and Republican declared their 'Pro-Life' stance until the votes are found plenty with "Pro-Choice"One famous African-American Democrat cried against 'racial genocide' regarding the high number of abortion among African Americans, but went 'pro-choice' as soon as he found the the votes were more there.
To me, it's hard to have moral clearity without God and the bible. The opinions of God doesn't change EVER. He doesn't go for votes, or popularity. He is Holy and His Word is a guiding principle in my life when politics are in an uproar and everyone thinks they are right. I know my lack of moral courage when I am before my God. I have nothing, but spending time with God I do know this: what's his opinion and that's the only one that matters.
Feb 21, 2008
LIving your faith
You can say what you believe all you want, but if you don't live it, others don't see it, or experience it - you really don't believe it. As a Christian most people don't realize, I think the worse people in the world are 'Christians' - people who hide behind a doctrine judging people with fire and brimstone and left not a finger.
We are to make a difference in this world before all people and bless them.
This email isn't about me, it's about God living in me and doing his good pleasure. I never take credit when it's God going the goodwork - I know who I am. I am certainly not as good as people think I am.
I am thankful for God using me to just 'enhance' someone's life in whatever capacity God sees fit.
SEE EMAIL BELOW:
"Gordon,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It has brought tears to my eyes. And as you know, I am more emotional now than ever!
I wanted to say to you, that you have been so supportive and understanding. I appreciate you always checking up on me and asking if I am ok or need anything. You are going be very helpful and supportive when you and wife are so blessed to be welcoming a child in this world. I wish you nothing but the best and look forward to giving you the support in return some day.
We must keep in touch while I am on maternity leave. I will do my best!
Carrie"
We are to make a difference in this world before all people and bless them.
This email isn't about me, it's about God living in me and doing his good pleasure. I never take credit when it's God going the goodwork - I know who I am. I am certainly not as good as people think I am.
I am thankful for God using me to just 'enhance' someone's life in whatever capacity God sees fit.
SEE EMAIL BELOW:
"Gordon,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It has brought tears to my eyes. And as you know, I am more emotional now than ever!
I wanted to say to you, that you have been so supportive and understanding. I appreciate you always checking up on me and asking if I am ok or need anything. You are going be very helpful and supportive when you and wife are so blessed to be welcoming a child in this world. I wish you nothing but the best and look forward to giving you the support in return some day.
We must keep in touch while I am on maternity leave. I will do my best!
Carrie"
Feb 18, 2008
Pain Threshold......
Ok, I got a cracked tooth, or an exposed root in one of my molars and it hurts like a bat to the kneecap.
Yesterday some cold air enveloped the tooth and I literally just dropped to my knees as a white flash of bolt ran up to my brain.
Intense. My wife almost freaked out seeing my like that.
Of all the pains I felt in the world, an almost severed big toe, a broken nose, four torn ACL ligaments in the knee, a crunch on the crotch...this is by far the most intense and most facinating.
It's amazing to me, and I never would have guessed it - the tooth has some of the most painful nerve triggers ever. I realize that today when I inadvervently put a piece of hot chicken onto the tooth eating soup. It hit me immediately and for the next three seconds I had to wince, and force myself to not black-out at my desk. The pain was so concentrated I had to look back with some morbid facination.
God put alot of sensors in that small enamel cavity.
I never realized pain on this level could be that intense. Many people have said an exposed tooth root is the worse, and I have a fairly high threshold of pain, but this one is the first that makes me wanna blackout when the root is exposed to extreme cold or heat.
I came across this tidbit from a dental board:
"Fractures, punctures, abrasions, and cuts.. all childs play compared to a bad tooth ache. Oddly my ear hurts worse than the tooth thats causing the pain. But folks, im here to tell you: there is worse pain out there. When i was 16 i had a severe burn to 1/3 of my back, and that actually trumped this tooth ache i have now.
Pain scale (1-100):
small metal fragments puncturing skin and lodging deep within-1
skinned knee- 5
cuts- 2
broken toe- 4
back totally screwed throwing a couch across the room-65
severe tooth ache with pain across jaw and into neck- 75
severe burn- 100"
Yeh, hell would certainly be a place that is more painful that an exposed tooth root. I'll take the toothpain for now God...but help me find a dentist quick!! I need a root canal soon!!
Yesterday some cold air enveloped the tooth and I literally just dropped to my knees as a white flash of bolt ran up to my brain.
Intense. My wife almost freaked out seeing my like that.
Of all the pains I felt in the world, an almost severed big toe, a broken nose, four torn ACL ligaments in the knee, a crunch on the crotch...this is by far the most intense and most facinating.
It's amazing to me, and I never would have guessed it - the tooth has some of the most painful nerve triggers ever. I realize that today when I inadvervently put a piece of hot chicken onto the tooth eating soup. It hit me immediately and for the next three seconds I had to wince, and force myself to not black-out at my desk. The pain was so concentrated I had to look back with some morbid facination.
God put alot of sensors in that small enamel cavity.
I never realized pain on this level could be that intense. Many people have said an exposed tooth root is the worse, and I have a fairly high threshold of pain, but this one is the first that makes me wanna blackout when the root is exposed to extreme cold or heat.
I came across this tidbit from a dental board:
"Fractures, punctures, abrasions, and cuts.. all childs play compared to a bad tooth ache. Oddly my ear hurts worse than the tooth thats causing the pain. But folks, im here to tell you: there is worse pain out there. When i was 16 i had a severe burn to 1/3 of my back, and that actually trumped this tooth ache i have now.
Pain scale (1-100):
small metal fragments puncturing skin and lodging deep within-1
skinned knee- 5
cuts- 2
broken toe- 4
back totally screwed throwing a couch across the room-65
severe tooth ache with pain across jaw and into neck- 75
severe burn- 100"
Yeh, hell would certainly be a place that is more painful that an exposed tooth root. I'll take the toothpain for now God...but help me find a dentist quick!! I need a root canal soon!!
Feb 11, 2008
Political Banter
Ah, political banter.
We love it. Rupublicans. Democrats. Independents.
Each thinking they are more cognizant than the other.
It's different with sports....there are opinions about the HERE AND NOW and it's all in good fun. Politics are different animal - it's more important but I've concluded I can move out of it's way in this regard: my opinion doesn't matter and everyone else's must be taken with a grain of salt.
In fact, regarding political views a proper perspective is this: any opinion, any endorsement by another person of political clout or organization doesn't matter as much as we like to believe.
What matters is history and what we learn from it.
History is the ultimate judge.
Does your endorsement or opinion of a political candidate really matter when history tells you were WRONG? All of Bill Clinton's endorsements and support prior to his presidential terms have history saying, "You were wrong about the man. He was a president given to his passions without an respect for the office."
During the pre-cursor to the American revolutionary war America was debating whether the phrase, "All men are created equal" applied to the slaves. Some founding fathers found it hypocrisy to not address the slavery issue. There were opinions on both sides, but history tells us who was wrong by the scars of racism in the annals of American history.
George Bush Jr. being criticized for the invasion of Iraq has no merit until the dust clears. Already signs of maybe the dummy knew what he was doing is showing: Al Queda's ranks in Iraq has reached a 'critical loss' (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3346386.ece) {Past critics of the war said we initially invaded for oil. I don't know about you, but my gas prices are high, so I think history says those critics from five years ago ARE wrong.}
England in the 1930s were lauding England's PM Chamberlain proclamation that he secured peace with a German fellow named Hitle. In his time, Chamberlain was celebrated as a peace-maker, and an astounding man of diplomatic manuevers. History said he wimped out and England will never forgive him for giving away the kitchen sink and England's very survival. It's the same when anti-war critics were buzzing about saying Hitler wasn't as 'bad as thought'. History says otherwise.
Vietnam was wrong history tells us and a crazy Republican screwed up royally. America found herself bogged down and the Soviets didn't listen to history and they found the same mudhole with the Afghans.
I hope history is kind to America.
I've learned I've been wrong on my political views at one point or another. it won't be my last, but history has the last word.
We love it. Rupublicans. Democrats. Independents.
Each thinking they are more cognizant than the other.
It's different with sports....there are opinions about the HERE AND NOW and it's all in good fun. Politics are different animal - it's more important but I've concluded I can move out of it's way in this regard: my opinion doesn't matter and everyone else's must be taken with a grain of salt.
In fact, regarding political views a proper perspective is this: any opinion, any endorsement by another person of political clout or organization doesn't matter as much as we like to believe.
What matters is history and what we learn from it.
History is the ultimate judge.
Does your endorsement or opinion of a political candidate really matter when history tells you were WRONG? All of Bill Clinton's endorsements and support prior to his presidential terms have history saying, "You were wrong about the man. He was a president given to his passions without an respect for the office."
During the pre-cursor to the American revolutionary war America was debating whether the phrase, "All men are created equal" applied to the slaves. Some founding fathers found it hypocrisy to not address the slavery issue. There were opinions on both sides, but history tells us who was wrong by the scars of racism in the annals of American history.
George Bush Jr. being criticized for the invasion of Iraq has no merit until the dust clears. Already signs of maybe the dummy knew what he was doing is showing: Al Queda's ranks in Iraq has reached a 'critical loss' (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3346386.ece) {Past critics of the war said we initially invaded for oil. I don't know about you, but my gas prices are high, so I think history says those critics from five years ago ARE wrong.}
England in the 1930s were lauding England's PM Chamberlain proclamation that he secured peace with a German fellow named Hitle. In his time, Chamberlain was celebrated as a peace-maker, and an astounding man of diplomatic manuevers. History said he wimped out and England will never forgive him for giving away the kitchen sink and England's very survival. It's the same when anti-war critics were buzzing about saying Hitler wasn't as 'bad as thought'. History says otherwise.
Vietnam was wrong history tells us and a crazy Republican screwed up royally. America found herself bogged down and the Soviets didn't listen to history and they found the same mudhole with the Afghans.
I hope history is kind to America.
I've learned I've been wrong on my political views at one point or another. it won't be my last, but history has the last word.
Feb 4, 2008
Dangerous Weekend?
It probably would scare the dickens out of most people.
Climbing into a van, and the person who is driving has limited motor coordination, and sits with their neck bent almost at 90 degree angle.
But before sitting in the driver's seat Bill would get of out of his motorized wheelchair and pull himself into the seat. You feel a cry to help him as you watch his body bend like a contortionist, but you remind yourself that he's done this for years by himself.
Bill, has cerebral-palsy and has very limited motor skills, but he graduated from Illinois State with a degree in psychology. He now lives alone, is very capable and determine to make it in this world.
Michele met him in college, and they became friends and she would go visit him in later years. They stayed in contact with Michele driving out to see him, go see a movie and eat and talk about college and life. To this day my wife still does it and we did it together this weekend.
I'm very proud of her. She is not a respecter of person. The bible says we are to love all people and regardless of their background. I didn't help Bill when he moved from the wheelchair to the van.
I didn't pity him, I respected him greatly.
My second time around Bill I found him inspiring. At dinner, it took him seven times to use his fork to lift a piece of ravioli to his mouth. He struggled, angled his hand awkward to do a thing I do daily without a regard for.
Then, I realize what a person my wife is. She doesn't spend time with the popular, the powerful, but the very ordinary ones living in society's edge.
Jesus was like that too.
Climbing into a van, and the person who is driving has limited motor coordination, and sits with their neck bent almost at 90 degree angle.
But before sitting in the driver's seat Bill would get of out of his motorized wheelchair and pull himself into the seat. You feel a cry to help him as you watch his body bend like a contortionist, but you remind yourself that he's done this for years by himself.
Bill, has cerebral-palsy and has very limited motor skills, but he graduated from Illinois State with a degree in psychology. He now lives alone, is very capable and determine to make it in this world.
Michele met him in college, and they became friends and she would go visit him in later years. They stayed in contact with Michele driving out to see him, go see a movie and eat and talk about college and life. To this day my wife still does it and we did it together this weekend.
I'm very proud of her. She is not a respecter of person. The bible says we are to love all people and regardless of their background. I didn't help Bill when he moved from the wheelchair to the van.
I didn't pity him, I respected him greatly.
My second time around Bill I found him inspiring. At dinner, it took him seven times to use his fork to lift a piece of ravioli to his mouth. He struggled, angled his hand awkward to do a thing I do daily without a regard for.
Then, I realize what a person my wife is. She doesn't spend time with the popular, the powerful, but the very ordinary ones living in society's edge.
Jesus was like that too.
Jan 30, 2008
To my Michele
IT'S NOT EASY...AND I KNOW WHY
To my Michele,
I know recently it's hasn't been easy and I know why...
It's hasn't been easy with the kids with their special needs, but I see it because your heart is so big for those kids. You want to see some hope, some quality of life for them, and that's why I love you: you care.
It's hasn't been easy being patient with the teacher, but I see it because you care enough that the kids getting the best possible education. You haven't lost your focus either because you see clearly when you smile a kid is in good hands (Annie's mom) and that's why I love you: things matter.
It hasn't been easy dealing with the kids either, but I see it because you have the strength, patience and compassion to work in a job where most people would shut these kids away; and that's why I love you: you show Jesus to me - where others would close their eyes, ears and heart to these kids you reach out to them.
It hasn't been easy juggling a busy schedule, but I see your commitment to me, and your role as a wife, and that's why I love you because you are dedicated.
It hasn't been easy doing all those things: cleaning, cooking, preparing lunches and that's why I love you because you work so hard.
Life hasn't been easy, but you choose to do the difficult things, and that's why I love you...you are noble in heart and don't take the easy way out. You endure with diginity and nobility and that's why I love you my royal princess.
But when life seem to be one wave after another of things NOT-SO-EASY, there are easy to things that DO come in life.
That Easy Thing is this: I can easily say, "I love you, and am so, so proud of you."
To my Michele,
I know recently it's hasn't been easy and I know why...
It's hasn't been easy with the kids with their special needs, but I see it because your heart is so big for those kids. You want to see some hope, some quality of life for them, and that's why I love you: you care.
It's hasn't been easy being patient with the teacher, but I see it because you care enough that the kids getting the best possible education. You haven't lost your focus either because you see clearly when you smile a kid is in good hands (Annie's mom) and that's why I love you: things matter.
It hasn't been easy dealing with the kids either, but I see it because you have the strength, patience and compassion to work in a job where most people would shut these kids away; and that's why I love you: you show Jesus to me - where others would close their eyes, ears and heart to these kids you reach out to them.
It hasn't been easy juggling a busy schedule, but I see your commitment to me, and your role as a wife, and that's why I love you because you are dedicated.
It hasn't been easy doing all those things: cleaning, cooking, preparing lunches and that's why I love you because you work so hard.
Life hasn't been easy, but you choose to do the difficult things, and that's why I love you...you are noble in heart and don't take the easy way out. You endure with diginity and nobility and that's why I love you my royal princess.
But when life seem to be one wave after another of things NOT-SO-EASY, there are easy to things that DO come in life.
That Easy Thing is this: I can easily say, "I love you, and am so, so proud of you."
Miracles!
I have to say: you cannot understand the power of prayer. You just sit back shrug, and give the thanks to God.
Two major miracles.
My sister is one. After serious head trauma, we were not looking at a good prognosis - my sister was encountering a future of blackouts, and possible serious brain damage. Many people have been praying for my sister and she was encountering surgery in the future. Without going into the details it's one of those situations where you hope for the best, but there's a certain trepidation.
THEN GOD TURNS THE TABLE: She visits the neuro-surgeon and director a one of the top ten neuroscience hospitals in the entire country and the summary is: Go home, in a year your symptoms will be ok. You shouldn't ever have to see my face again. I've seen cases like this on a daily basis and you're A-OK. No surgery by the way!
Two. A friend loses his job after a few weeks of being married and then in the middle of the recession after much prayer and encouragement - THEN GOD TURNS THE TABLE AGAIN: He gets a job in the middle of a recession!
God has truly been good. I cannot tell you the peace, and glory to know God is in control. I also know there's certain prayers that never gets answered - and its usually because we ask admist- with selfish tendencies. I know I've been guilty of that, but today I give the credit, thanks to a Living God.
Two major miracles.
My sister is one. After serious head trauma, we were not looking at a good prognosis - my sister was encountering a future of blackouts, and possible serious brain damage. Many people have been praying for my sister and she was encountering surgery in the future. Without going into the details it's one of those situations where you hope for the best, but there's a certain trepidation.
THEN GOD TURNS THE TABLE: She visits the neuro-surgeon and director a one of the top ten neuroscience hospitals in the entire country and the summary is: Go home, in a year your symptoms will be ok. You shouldn't ever have to see my face again. I've seen cases like this on a daily basis and you're A-OK. No surgery by the way!
Two. A friend loses his job after a few weeks of being married and then in the middle of the recession after much prayer and encouragement - THEN GOD TURNS THE TABLE AGAIN: He gets a job in the middle of a recession!
God has truly been good. I cannot tell you the peace, and glory to know God is in control. I also know there's certain prayers that never gets answered - and its usually because we ask admist- with selfish tendencies. I know I've been guilty of that, but today I give the credit, thanks to a Living God.
Jan 28, 2008
Free Will Awe and Wonder
Free Will Awe and Wonder
I was looking at Michele this weekend and it occured to me: the gift of free will - choosing to bind yourself to someone.
Then it got me thinking - when we fail to see the GIFT of FREE WILL - we lose the humility and awe of it. What I mean is that the greatest experience a person can experience is another's will and desire to say, "I choose you."
It's a humbling consideration. Michele's choice out of all the men in the world to pledge her life to - she selected me. That's a humbling thought. I'm NOT the godliest, brightest, richest, or best-looking man out of a billion men out there. Love is NOT an entitlement.
BUT we do think love is an ENTITLEMENT, something we are owed. That's why we can complain about our spouses, or moan about their shortcomings because we lost sight of FREE WILL. We whine, complain because we now think we are ENTITLED to something. The mere endurance of our spouse with our weaknesses, our offenses alone should shake us back to a sense of humility: they love me out of FREE WILL.
We quickly forget about God in this manner too.
We will question and challenge God about alot of things - (Why is their suffering? Why does injustice happen children? Why do good people die? to which alot of these questions we don't have an answer for) but a greater question that we should consider is: Why does God love us?
God has a choice too - a free will.
Does he have to put up with the heartache, angst and short-comings we are to him? People automatically think God OWES them something. We are a whole earth of self-centered, self-loving lemmings thinking we are so loveable like puppies at pet fair. God MUST pick us and love us because we have so many good qualities! Oh what a childish consideration!!!
Did forget we've created a world where there is suffering, heartaches and misery around us? We offend so easily!
God should find very little to enjoy in our company - we are not his equal and never can be. We don't have sovereign right to say HE OWES us love, as we are to say in courtship with our spouses: you OWE ME your love.
Love is something most people think God owes us. When things don't go right, we blame God, we doubt Him, we accuse Him and we dare question Him. God is a superior being to us and we non-chalantly question him like a bickering spouse.
We can WIN the love our spouses, but there is nothing in us to 'win' God's love. God was the one who had to make the first step to WIN our love. It's like the hymn writer said, "We love him, because he first loved us."
God has a rightful choice to extinguish our existence by holding his breath from us. He could have started history from scratch, and pull the 'Mulligan of Eternity" and just settled contently in fellowship within the trinity.
When you deeply consider God's FREE WILL to save us, love us and endure with us.... that is the question that should deeply prick humanity: why God does love us?
I'm amazed at the commitment of my wife's choice to be with me and it humbles me. It forces me to appreciate what she gave up to be with me. To that end, I have to say: I should be amazed at God, my God and superior being beyond the understanding of my mind, would pay attention to me and intervene to be a part of my life.
Yes, we should lay aside the 'lofty questions' of life in theology and our own personal considerations and wonder more at the question of: "How could God love me?". I know who I am: nothing, but God made me something.
I was looking at Michele this weekend and it occured to me: the gift of free will - choosing to bind yourself to someone.
Then it got me thinking - when we fail to see the GIFT of FREE WILL - we lose the humility and awe of it. What I mean is that the greatest experience a person can experience is another's will and desire to say, "I choose you."
It's a humbling consideration. Michele's choice out of all the men in the world to pledge her life to - she selected me. That's a humbling thought. I'm NOT the godliest, brightest, richest, or best-looking man out of a billion men out there. Love is NOT an entitlement.
BUT we do think love is an ENTITLEMENT, something we are owed. That's why we can complain about our spouses, or moan about their shortcomings because we lost sight of FREE WILL. We whine, complain because we now think we are ENTITLED to something. The mere endurance of our spouse with our weaknesses, our offenses alone should shake us back to a sense of humility: they love me out of FREE WILL.
We quickly forget about God in this manner too.
We will question and challenge God about alot of things - (Why is their suffering? Why does injustice happen children? Why do good people die? to which alot of these questions we don't have an answer for) but a greater question that we should consider is: Why does God love us?
God has a choice too - a free will.
Does he have to put up with the heartache, angst and short-comings we are to him? People automatically think God OWES them something. We are a whole earth of self-centered, self-loving lemmings thinking we are so loveable like puppies at pet fair. God MUST pick us and love us because we have so many good qualities! Oh what a childish consideration!!!
Did forget we've created a world where there is suffering, heartaches and misery around us? We offend so easily!
God should find very little to enjoy in our company - we are not his equal and never can be. We don't have sovereign right to say HE OWES us love, as we are to say in courtship with our spouses: you OWE ME your love.
Love is something most people think God owes us. When things don't go right, we blame God, we doubt Him, we accuse Him and we dare question Him. God is a superior being to us and we non-chalantly question him like a bickering spouse.
We can WIN the love our spouses, but there is nothing in us to 'win' God's love. God was the one who had to make the first step to WIN our love. It's like the hymn writer said, "We love him, because he first loved us."
God has a rightful choice to extinguish our existence by holding his breath from us. He could have started history from scratch, and pull the 'Mulligan of Eternity" and just settled contently in fellowship within the trinity.
When you deeply consider God's FREE WILL to save us, love us and endure with us.... that is the question that should deeply prick humanity: why God does love us?
I'm amazed at the commitment of my wife's choice to be with me and it humbles me. It forces me to appreciate what she gave up to be with me. To that end, I have to say: I should be amazed at God, my God and superior being beyond the understanding of my mind, would pay attention to me and intervene to be a part of my life.
Yes, we should lay aside the 'lofty questions' of life in theology and our own personal considerations and wonder more at the question of: "How could God love me?". I know who I am: nothing, but God made me something.
Jan 16, 2008
Zakiya
Ah, you might hear that name.
Zakiya.
Don't forget it.
She's one of my friends, and she's doing something we might be too afraid: pursuing her dreams.
Very proud of you kiddo. Do well.
Zakiya.
Don't forget it.
She's one of my friends, and she's doing something we might be too afraid: pursuing her dreams.
Very proud of you kiddo. Do well.
Jan 6, 2008
2007 What Michele and I crave, rave
As the year ends, Michele and I can't help but share some of the favorite things of 2007 that we've encountered.
We urge you to check out our vices, raves and craves.
NAPERVILLE LIBRARY - Been over a decade since I visited a libary, and now both Michele and I are hooked! We don't pay for cable so we check out FREE DVDs - History Channel to National Geographic channel. We've learned more not watching sugar TV. My morning commute ended up being a throughly enjoyable experience with FREE audiobooks on CD. A library - cheap, educational and it's like being a kid again!
MARK DRISCOLL - Pastor at Mars Hill Church. Favorite preacher, he's funny, culturally relevant and such a blessing in light of our faith. Michele half-kidded we should move to Seattle to help out the church. Yup, he's that used by God in our lives.
BEN AND JERRY'S YOGURT - Our sin, weakness, craving. Ben and Jerry's yogurt - Half baked and chocolate brownie. Must have it in the summer - every week. We don't share either...get your flippin' own!
EBAY - we sold items that we didn't need, found great prices on gifts for family, friends and ourselves. It's addicting to win a bid, but we save oodles of cash finding products up to 80% off. Yeh, your gift from us might be from there, but you DO FEEL GOOD we save money don't ya?
ING - We save money, and stretch our money and investments with Ing. Great customer service, secure website and financial transaction and how could you not love companies named after a fruit?
APPLE Macbook - Ok you Mac-haters, we don't care. We love it, it runs both XP and OSX and is cute, compact, fast and best of all - it works!!! Neener, neener. My wife is a Machead!
Whole FOODS - Must have daily life shopping! Michele and my favorite place to shop. The best food store in the U.S. bar none. High quality food on a scale and selection you only dreamt about. The ready to buy food bar is yummy, but pricey. We won't be in any city WITHOUT it.
ELILIE KRIEGER - One of our favorite FOOD NETWORK shows, Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger. She whips up healthy recipes and has a very pleasant personality.
We urge you to check out our vices, raves and craves.
NAPERVILLE LIBRARY - Been over a decade since I visited a libary, and now both Michele and I are hooked! We don't pay for cable so we check out FREE DVDs - History Channel to National Geographic channel. We've learned more not watching sugar TV. My morning commute ended up being a throughly enjoyable experience with FREE audiobooks on CD. A library - cheap, educational and it's like being a kid again!
MARK DRISCOLL - Pastor at Mars Hill Church. Favorite preacher, he's funny, culturally relevant and such a blessing in light of our faith. Michele half-kidded we should move to Seattle to help out the church. Yup, he's that used by God in our lives.
BEN AND JERRY'S YOGURT - Our sin, weakness, craving. Ben and Jerry's yogurt - Half baked and chocolate brownie. Must have it in the summer - every week. We don't share either...get your flippin' own!
EBAY - we sold items that we didn't need, found great prices on gifts for family, friends and ourselves. It's addicting to win a bid, but we save oodles of cash finding products up to 80% off. Yeh, your gift from us might be from there, but you DO FEEL GOOD we save money don't ya?
ING - We save money, and stretch our money and investments with Ing. Great customer service, secure website and financial transaction and how could you not love companies named after a fruit?
APPLE Macbook - Ok you Mac-haters, we don't care. We love it, it runs both XP and OSX and is cute, compact, fast and best of all - it works!!! Neener, neener. My wife is a Machead!
Whole FOODS - Must have daily life shopping! Michele and my favorite place to shop. The best food store in the U.S. bar none. High quality food on a scale and selection you only dreamt about. The ready to buy food bar is yummy, but pricey. We won't be in any city WITHOUT it.
ELILIE KRIEGER - One of our favorite FOOD NETWORK shows, Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger. She whips up healthy recipes and has a very pleasant personality.
'Britnalized' Across America - Pop culture
It's sad really.
It really is, Britney Spears lost custody of her two children, and was last seen with hordes of cameras following her on a stretcher.
She carried out on a stretcher because her attorney said, "...exhaustion", though some speculate alcohol or drug abuse.
I sighed, and shook my head sadly reading the article on my laptop.
It's another example of what I would say a person being "Britnalized" and what I mean that is being beat down by the trappings of wealth, fame and power.
A slippery slope that lures the unexpecting soul that these are the greatest things you can possess, but the costs are high. Take for example, any former female movie star out of the spotlight and older - now are suddenly splashed across supermarket tabloids showing the girth of their waistlines expanding and mocking that beauty has REALLY LEFT them.
You were once beautiful, but now the novelty of you grows old- the world will "Britnalize" you.
As a woman, you can't even grow old, or even enjoy food without having your mug splashed and being ridiculed and too many young people are chasing such values and patterning themselves after unrealistic manufactured pop icons, culture and values. It's a short life and you will be spit out when you are no longer media's darling. Think about it, these are people too, but for reasons of jealousy of their wealth the tabloids won't even let them grown old! People don't have bodies forever like they are teenagers. It's almost like there's a rule: you had your day in the sun, now we get ours by ripping you.
The book of Proverbs for me rings more strongly than ever. Wisdom does stand in the streets and cries that she offers abundant, joyful and fulfilling life to all who will listen. And woe, sorrow and despair to those who ignore her pleas.
What could be more despairing to a celebrity who has fame, fortune and power and yet feels the empty hollow void of the lack of 'something'. Tom Brady, 3-time Superbowl champion, "...there's gotta to be more than this. This can't be it. I wish someone would tell me."
Britney Spears, once worshipped by fans, now finds herself mocked, berated and the object of tabloid cruelty. She thought being married might filled the void, having kids might fill it, partying it up might fill it, but in the end you can't help but pray and pity her.
She's been "Britnalized'.
The world can be cruel, the devil truly does desire to destroy and Wisdom warns us to avoid this path. You will get moments of pleasure, but the fulfillment is as fleeting as a nice filet minion. You tasted it, but then it's gone. It's almost mocking really.
Your soul starves for more and you go on a search to find it, and realize the world doesn't love you for WHO YOU are, but what you are manufactured to be: a simple fantasy.
When that fantasy is over, you'll be spit out, ridiculed and you'll find soul damage that no amount of money, power, fame can heal.
There's a few celebrities that managed to avoid these trappings: Julia Roberts come to mind. When she was pregnant she loved it. She was out of shape, feeling bad, but she love her kids. Her love for her children took immediate priority over her career. She saw herself for what she really is, a woman with two kids WHO happens to be an actress. I give her alot of chops to balance that and she'll go down with the greats like a Betty Davis, and Audrey Hepburn.
One wishes to write a letter to Britney Spears to encourage her, and say set aside your career, your money, your fame - retreat and be a REAL person with me. Let me see your faults, you hurts, your worries and let me tell you someone does care about you for who you are...no matter what you done, whatever spot you have and realize they love you. God does that everyday and I hope for mercy that Britney and others like her stops and listens to the whisper of Heaven.
I can't but think about my future daughter.
She'll be loved because she's God's child and mine. A clever birth announcement announced a baby girl with, "Our daughter doesn't have a job, doesn't wear a bra, cries all the time, eats too much and must always enter the room as the center of attention, but we love her dearly."
Yes, we do love people simply for who they are. So does God.
It really is, Britney Spears lost custody of her two children, and was last seen with hordes of cameras following her on a stretcher.
She carried out on a stretcher because her attorney said, "...exhaustion", though some speculate alcohol or drug abuse.
I sighed, and shook my head sadly reading the article on my laptop.
It's another example of what I would say a person being "Britnalized" and what I mean that is being beat down by the trappings of wealth, fame and power.
A slippery slope that lures the unexpecting soul that these are the greatest things you can possess, but the costs are high. Take for example, any former female movie star out of the spotlight and older - now are suddenly splashed across supermarket tabloids showing the girth of their waistlines expanding and mocking that beauty has REALLY LEFT them.
You were once beautiful, but now the novelty of you grows old- the world will "Britnalize" you.
As a woman, you can't even grow old, or even enjoy food without having your mug splashed and being ridiculed and too many young people are chasing such values and patterning themselves after unrealistic manufactured pop icons, culture and values. It's a short life and you will be spit out when you are no longer media's darling. Think about it, these are people too, but for reasons of jealousy of their wealth the tabloids won't even let them grown old! People don't have bodies forever like they are teenagers. It's almost like there's a rule: you had your day in the sun, now we get ours by ripping you.
The book of Proverbs for me rings more strongly than ever. Wisdom does stand in the streets and cries that she offers abundant, joyful and fulfilling life to all who will listen. And woe, sorrow and despair to those who ignore her pleas.
What could be more despairing to a celebrity who has fame, fortune and power and yet feels the empty hollow void of the lack of 'something'. Tom Brady, 3-time Superbowl champion, "...there's gotta to be more than this. This can't be it. I wish someone would tell me."
Britney Spears, once worshipped by fans, now finds herself mocked, berated and the object of tabloid cruelty. She thought being married might filled the void, having kids might fill it, partying it up might fill it, but in the end you can't help but pray and pity her.
She's been "Britnalized'.
The world can be cruel, the devil truly does desire to destroy and Wisdom warns us to avoid this path. You will get moments of pleasure, but the fulfillment is as fleeting as a nice filet minion. You tasted it, but then it's gone. It's almost mocking really.
Your soul starves for more and you go on a search to find it, and realize the world doesn't love you for WHO YOU are, but what you are manufactured to be: a simple fantasy.
When that fantasy is over, you'll be spit out, ridiculed and you'll find soul damage that no amount of money, power, fame can heal.
There's a few celebrities that managed to avoid these trappings: Julia Roberts come to mind. When she was pregnant she loved it. She was out of shape, feeling bad, but she love her kids. Her love for her children took immediate priority over her career. She saw herself for what she really is, a woman with two kids WHO happens to be an actress. I give her alot of chops to balance that and she'll go down with the greats like a Betty Davis, and Audrey Hepburn.
One wishes to write a letter to Britney Spears to encourage her, and say set aside your career, your money, your fame - retreat and be a REAL person with me. Let me see your faults, you hurts, your worries and let me tell you someone does care about you for who you are...no matter what you done, whatever spot you have and realize they love you. God does that everyday and I hope for mercy that Britney and others like her stops and listens to the whisper of Heaven.
I can't but think about my future daughter.
She'll be loved because she's God's child and mine. A clever birth announcement announced a baby girl with, "Our daughter doesn't have a job, doesn't wear a bra, cries all the time, eats too much and must always enter the room as the center of attention, but we love her dearly."
Yes, we do love people simply for who they are. So does God.
Jan 5, 2008
A reflection dedicated to my wife
I've read stories that I thought were only meant to be read in the libraries.
Stories I thought only existed in the imagination of writers of tales and story books.
Stories that begin with, "A long time ago..." of some beautiful girl who comes to some fortunate boy's life. Chapter after chapter I would read, but it wasn't for me.
Page after page, paragraph after paragraph they were stories that come true for others, but never me.
Until that day...my story came came true.
...that story, of THAT one, of a boy who sees HER, and he's walking on clouds.
...that one a boy meets and he becomes a knight fighting again.
...that one a boy meets and he's wanting to be a hero again.
...that one a boys meets and he finds strength to swim the ocean.
...that one a boy meets and he finds himself a man with her.
I thought they were stories until I met you my Michele.
One chapter was seeing your smile that cause me to read me about Life,
Another chapter seeing your heart, and feeling your touch...
And that chapter of seeing you walk to me, as my bride.
It was a the most beautiful chapter I've read.
Now, the story, the words doesn't end there,
I see the penmanship of the Master writing a new story every day,
The days you wait and greet me to the days you pray for me,
Or the days where you lay sleeping soundly and I gaze in wonder ...
that angels do fall from heaven to be with mortals.
My chapter begins with you, and I write this book of Life of ours with you and God.
Words we write together in our book will be of faith, love, truth, devotion and strength.
Endearingly, lovingly yours,
Gordon
Stories I thought only existed in the imagination of writers of tales and story books.
Stories that begin with, "A long time ago..." of some beautiful girl who comes to some fortunate boy's life. Chapter after chapter I would read, but it wasn't for me.
Page after page, paragraph after paragraph they were stories that come true for others, but never me.
Until that day...my story came came true.
...that story, of THAT one, of a boy who sees HER, and he's walking on clouds.
...that one a boy meets and he becomes a knight fighting again.
...that one a boy meets and he's wanting to be a hero again.
...that one a boys meets and he finds strength to swim the ocean.
...that one a boy meets and he finds himself a man with her.
I thought they were stories until I met you my Michele.
One chapter was seeing your smile that cause me to read me about Life,
Another chapter seeing your heart, and feeling your touch...
And that chapter of seeing you walk to me, as my bride.
It was a the most beautiful chapter I've read.
Now, the story, the words doesn't end there,
I see the penmanship of the Master writing a new story every day,
The days you wait and greet me to the days you pray for me,
Or the days where you lay sleeping soundly and I gaze in wonder ...
that angels do fall from heaven to be with mortals.
My chapter begins with you, and I write this book of Life of ours with you and God.
Words we write together in our book will be of faith, love, truth, devotion and strength.
Endearingly, lovingly yours,
Gordon
For my future daughter
***
New Year's Day
Can a couple be more dull? Michele and I ate coconut macaroons and watched "Pregnancy for Dummies".
But I suppose it's better than being drunk and plastered on a blog site on the internet right?
There is alot of apprehension of pregnancy and the potential hurdles that might come our way, but the joy of being a father, and someone to watch over something precious of yours is simply indescribable.
A child is a miracle and gift from God indeed.
While I can - before the realities of no sleep, diaper changes, food worries, money worries - I decided to dedicate this song to my future daughter. You are already beautiful in my eyes, and I've already dedicated you to the God. May you richly find that life has much to offer, that God is gracious and merciful to all who come on Him.
You are our precious.
New Year's Day
Can a couple be more dull? Michele and I ate coconut macaroons and watched "Pregnancy for Dummies".
But I suppose it's better than being drunk and plastered on a blog site on the internet right?
There is alot of apprehension of pregnancy and the potential hurdles that might come our way, but the joy of being a father, and someone to watch over something precious of yours is simply indescribable.
A child is a miracle and gift from God indeed.
While I can - before the realities of no sleep, diaper changes, food worries, money worries - I decided to dedicate this song to my future daughter. You are already beautiful in my eyes, and I've already dedicated you to the God. May you richly find that life has much to offer, that God is gracious and merciful to all who come on Him.
You are our precious.
2007 Christmas
Thought I throw in some pics of this past Christmas.
When i get a chance, I'll have to edit our videos.