it's not dark yet, but it's getting there.
bob dylan said that. kind of a cryptic message. haunting, actually. but it always gets dark. everyday. but the light eventually pierces the blackness.
and a new day dawns.
i started blogging just over 9 years ago. my first post was the track listing to the new U2 record. Bono called it "their most personal record."
753 blog posts later, here we are. a history. a diary. of free-expression. of hope. of creativity. of art. my art. in words and pictures.
it's obvious to the few who may have frequented my blog that i have largely neglected it for some time. not a post since May. yeah, i have been blogging about discipleship over here and have some random music posts over here, and tweets here. but fantastic distraction hasn't been such a distraction it once was. to me or perhaps to you.
i have no regrets. this is my life for 9 years, on digital paper. i look back in kindness from time to time. fond memories. forgotten diatribes, expressionsand random musings.
it's not dark yet, but it's getting there. i know. prevalent neglect.
but the words remain. they'll always remain... so long as there's electricity. and energy. and google.
and for that i am thankful.
and when the darkness comes and goes, a new day will dawn. and perhaps more words will return. i don't know - but the archive is here. for me. for you. use it as you please. or neglect it too. it's o.k. sometimes it wasn't about getting others to read the words i wrote - as if i was that important... it was about the expression of self.
i've just found new ways to express thy self. so have many of you.
until the new day, good evening.
Showing posts with label Random Musing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random Musing. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
next steps
as part of my new role as director of discipleship at wadsworth united methodist church i've create a discipleship blog, titled NEXT STEPS. it is my goal to share short, simple inspiring and empowering words, videos, images and quotes to help disciples of Christ navigate their faith journey throughout the week. check it out: http://disciplesteps.tumblr.com
i hope to keep blogging here at fantastic distraction - it's something i've been doing for 8 years now. i took a bit of a hiatus this past summer - but i'll hopeful and confident i will get back at it.
i have to be honest, i'm still striving to find my rhythm here in the midst of new surroundings. it's taken perhaps longer than expected. i've not blogged as much, read as much, ran as much... but it's been busy (not that that is anything to brag about.) so i aim to establish new rhythms here in the near future. God is revealing things to me and my family, this i know... but in the midst of all things new, i'm slowing navigating my own new journey of faith, and slowly discovering new forms of expression.
a challenge, no doubt, but a welcomed one at that. God has given us all purpose and vision. i know a destination is in front of me - at this point, the journey is the destination.
next steps. one foot in front of the other...
i hope to keep blogging here at fantastic distraction - it's something i've been doing for 8 years now. i took a bit of a hiatus this past summer - but i'll hopeful and confident i will get back at it.
i have to be honest, i'm still striving to find my rhythm here in the midst of new surroundings. it's taken perhaps longer than expected. i've not blogged as much, read as much, ran as much... but it's been busy (not that that is anything to brag about.) so i aim to establish new rhythms here in the near future. God is revealing things to me and my family, this i know... but in the midst of all things new, i'm slowing navigating my own new journey of faith, and slowly discovering new forms of expression.
a challenge, no doubt, but a welcomed one at that. God has given us all purpose and vision. i know a destination is in front of me - at this point, the journey is the destination.
next steps. one foot in front of the other...
Friday, November 18, 2011
listening to (the history of...)
since may 25th, 2005, 56,725 songs have been counted as 'listened to' by Last FM, a scrobbling app that tracks songs played on iTunes and now Spotify. the number of songs listened to is assuredly much higher than 56 thousand - not every song has been tracked (such as some plays on iPod's or iPhones or if the app is turned off, etc.) regardless, my Last FM page (if nothing else) shows a fair representation of what i listen to.
i've been a music fan since childhood, where i can remember 'borrowing' my sisters 45's and cassettes. i think my first cassette was either The Police - Synchronicity or Michael Jackson - Thriller. i bought my first 45 at age 11, in 1985. it was 'Til Tuesday's one hit wonder Voices Carry. after collecting a handful of cassettes and 45's i progressed on to the 'cassingle' mostly consisting of late 80's/early 90's hip hop (Biz Markie, Young MC, Public Enemy, Digital Underground, etc.) i can remember hoping in my friends vintage hatchback after school and driving to the music store. on a weekly basis we'd spend a buck and pick up the latest hits.
after that, the compact disc invaded my soul and i was never the same. first CD purchases included George Michael - Listen Without Prejudice vol. 1, Bell Biv Devoe - Poison & U2 - Rattle and Hum. over the next decade plus I accumulated well over 500 discs... with many bought, traded or sold... some of which I wish I had kept. over time i very well may have had many many more - but I lost count and once the CD burner was invented, my CD numbers sky rocketed.
A few years back I all but gave up on the compact disc and mostly purchase music digitally or now (with Spotify) listen to it streamed on the internet.
many music forms have come and gone. some have returned (i have a nice collection of vinyl records that I play once in a while - thanks to scouring garage sales and second hand shops - my most treasured being The Beatles - Rubber Soul).
Through these many musical transitions, my ears have been exposed to a plethora of genres and styles and my horizons have been expanded.
here is a list of my 15 most listened to artists as logged by Last FM - over the past 6 and a 1/2 years:
I've always loved U2 - going back to the mid 80's when i found a U2 sticker as a prize in the bottom of a cereal box. (i kid you not, that's how i first heard of them - perhaps around 1984 or 85) From there I was exposed to The Joshua Tree (thanks to my sister who saw them in concert on that tour). But my love for them took off when the Rattle and Hum movie came out... i still own that on VHS - although I think I wore it out.
i think i first found out about The Appleseed Cast around 2001 or 2002 via message boards over at Relevant.com. I sent away for Low Level Owl vol. 1 & 2 from Deep Elm and fell in love. Many listens ever since!
I think it was my friend Steviac who introduced me to Explosions in the Sky. They may now be my most favorite band. Seeing them live was monumental - a greatest hit moment in my life. I have yet to grow weary of any one of their songs... instrumental, progressive rock from Austin, Texas.
What's not to love about Radiohead? I never got much into Pablo Honey other than watching Creep on MTV a thousand times... but The Bends changed things... and then OK Computer really changed things. I bought that album after seeing the video for Paranoid Android and my life changed after hearing that in its entirety. simply brilliant.
What's not to love about Coldplay? A Rush of Blood to the Head is one of the best albums of all time.
I first saw David Crowder*Band at the National Youth Workers Convention in 2002. They had so much fun playing and worshiping - they were great performers. I was hooked. It's sad to know that they are nearing the end of their run.
I discovered Decoder Ring via eMusic. I signed up for one of their free promotional campaigns and downloaded a bunch of rare stuff. This Australian band is very unique... it was the soundtrack to the movie Somersault that hooked me. Every one of their albums is unique and I always seem to stumble on new things from them as their new stuff slowly migrates to America. They've had instrumental albums, ones with vocals, electronic albums and soundtrack-esque one's, too.
Muse. first listened to them because i was told they sounded like Radiohead. although their are similarities, Muse is more epic... another of my many favorite bands from across the Atlantic.
South was an English band that piqued my interest via Q Magazine ( a British music mag) as far back as 2001 or 02. I remember hearing them/seeing them on MTV2 also. i had to search high and low to get my hands on their album and it did not disappoint. Paint the Silence was the song that got me interested. I am most proud of 'discovering' this band. They had a string of really great albums before disbanding a few years ago.
I honestly don't recall where I found out about The Innocence Mission... perhaps it was my wife who has always had a knack for finding really good singer/songwriter and independent musicians. The simplicity and childlike nature of their music is lovely... a beautiful expression of the love of God.
The Beatles are rock and roll. The Beatles are pop music. What artist hasn't been influenced by them? the medley at the end of Abbey Road is nothing short of genius. i dare you to listen to tracks 9-17 and not be moved.
i started getting in to Bob Dylan a few years back when, with birthday money I deemed it my civic responsibility to collect and own some of the classic albums of all time. Along with Sgt. Peppers, Pet Sounds, Dark Side of the Moon, etc. I picked up The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. From there i picked up Another Side, Bob Dylan, Blonde on Blonde, Blood on the Tracks, Saved, Slow Train Coming, Bringing it all Back Home, Highway 61, The Times They are a Changing and and a series of bootlegs. a brilliant collection, i'd say.
Underworld was the featured artist in the movie Trainspotting. My late 90's electronica phase piqued with Second Toughest in the Infants and the song Pearl's Girl. but their music never went out of style, as far as i'm concerned. 2010's Barking was one of my favs from last year.
Johnny Cash is a legend. your collection isn't complete without Live at Folsom Prison or Live at San Quentin.
Electronic low-fi maestros Boards of Canada provide soothing electo beats simplified to sooth the soul. i can't remember how i became a fan - i just know that i am. the video for their song Dayvan Cowboy is magnificent and moving. BoC is the perfect instrumental electronic band, perfect for the background of life's simpler events.
These are my 15 most listened to artists. there are more that don't make the top 15 that have captivated my heart and soul, too - but these artists are special to me.
music is life. what is it about a song that it can become so powerful? music has power like nothing else... it's an art form like no other... and now you know a little more about the music that means the most to me.
time to put on the headphones...
i've been a music fan since childhood, where i can remember 'borrowing' my sisters 45's and cassettes. i think my first cassette was either The Police - Synchronicity or Michael Jackson - Thriller. i bought my first 45 at age 11, in 1985. it was 'Til Tuesday's one hit wonder Voices Carry. after collecting a handful of cassettes and 45's i progressed on to the 'cassingle' mostly consisting of late 80's/early 90's hip hop (Biz Markie, Young MC, Public Enemy, Digital Underground, etc.) i can remember hoping in my friends vintage hatchback after school and driving to the music store. on a weekly basis we'd spend a buck and pick up the latest hits.
after that, the compact disc invaded my soul and i was never the same. first CD purchases included George Michael - Listen Without Prejudice vol. 1, Bell Biv Devoe - Poison & U2 - Rattle and Hum. over the next decade plus I accumulated well over 500 discs... with many bought, traded or sold... some of which I wish I had kept. over time i very well may have had many many more - but I lost count and once the CD burner was invented, my CD numbers sky rocketed.
A few years back I all but gave up on the compact disc and mostly purchase music digitally or now (with Spotify) listen to it streamed on the internet.
many music forms have come and gone. some have returned (i have a nice collection of vinyl records that I play once in a while - thanks to scouring garage sales and second hand shops - my most treasured being The Beatles - Rubber Soul).
Through these many musical transitions, my ears have been exposed to a plethora of genres and styles and my horizons have been expanded.
here is a list of my 15 most listened to artists as logged by Last FM - over the past 6 and a 1/2 years:
I've always loved U2 - going back to the mid 80's when i found a U2 sticker as a prize in the bottom of a cereal box. (i kid you not, that's how i first heard of them - perhaps around 1984 or 85) From there I was exposed to The Joshua Tree (thanks to my sister who saw them in concert on that tour). But my love for them took off when the Rattle and Hum movie came out... i still own that on VHS - although I think I wore it out.
i think i first found out about The Appleseed Cast around 2001 or 2002 via message boards over at Relevant.com. I sent away for Low Level Owl vol. 1 & 2 from Deep Elm and fell in love. Many listens ever since!
I think it was my friend Steviac who introduced me to Explosions in the Sky. They may now be my most favorite band. Seeing them live was monumental - a greatest hit moment in my life. I have yet to grow weary of any one of their songs... instrumental, progressive rock from Austin, Texas.
What's not to love about Radiohead? I never got much into Pablo Honey other than watching Creep on MTV a thousand times... but The Bends changed things... and then OK Computer really changed things. I bought that album after seeing the video for Paranoid Android and my life changed after hearing that in its entirety. simply brilliant.
What's not to love about Coldplay? A Rush of Blood to the Head is one of the best albums of all time.
I first saw David Crowder*Band at the National Youth Workers Convention in 2002. They had so much fun playing and worshiping - they were great performers. I was hooked. It's sad to know that they are nearing the end of their run.
I discovered Decoder Ring via eMusic. I signed up for one of their free promotional campaigns and downloaded a bunch of rare stuff. This Australian band is very unique... it was the soundtrack to the movie Somersault that hooked me. Every one of their albums is unique and I always seem to stumble on new things from them as their new stuff slowly migrates to America. They've had instrumental albums, ones with vocals, electronic albums and soundtrack-esque one's, too.
Muse. first listened to them because i was told they sounded like Radiohead. although their are similarities, Muse is more epic... another of my many favorite bands from across the Atlantic.
South was an English band that piqued my interest via Q Magazine ( a British music mag) as far back as 2001 or 02. I remember hearing them/seeing them on MTV2 also. i had to search high and low to get my hands on their album and it did not disappoint. Paint the Silence was the song that got me interested. I am most proud of 'discovering' this band. They had a string of really great albums before disbanding a few years ago.
I honestly don't recall where I found out about The Innocence Mission... perhaps it was my wife who has always had a knack for finding really good singer/songwriter and independent musicians. The simplicity and childlike nature of their music is lovely... a beautiful expression of the love of God.
The Beatles are rock and roll. The Beatles are pop music. What artist hasn't been influenced by them? the medley at the end of Abbey Road is nothing short of genius. i dare you to listen to tracks 9-17 and not be moved.
i started getting in to Bob Dylan a few years back when, with birthday money I deemed it my civic responsibility to collect and own some of the classic albums of all time. Along with Sgt. Peppers, Pet Sounds, Dark Side of the Moon, etc. I picked up The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. From there i picked up Another Side, Bob Dylan, Blonde on Blonde, Blood on the Tracks, Saved, Slow Train Coming, Bringing it all Back Home, Highway 61, The Times They are a Changing and and a series of bootlegs. a brilliant collection, i'd say.
Underworld was the featured artist in the movie Trainspotting. My late 90's electronica phase piqued with Second Toughest in the Infants and the song Pearl's Girl. but their music never went out of style, as far as i'm concerned. 2010's Barking was one of my favs from last year.
Johnny Cash is a legend. your collection isn't complete without Live at Folsom Prison or Live at San Quentin.
Electronic low-fi maestros Boards of Canada provide soothing electo beats simplified to sooth the soul. i can't remember how i became a fan - i just know that i am. the video for their song Dayvan Cowboy is magnificent and moving. BoC is the perfect instrumental electronic band, perfect for the background of life's simpler events.
These are my 15 most listened to artists. there are more that don't make the top 15 that have captivated my heart and soul, too - but these artists are special to me.
music is life. what is it about a song that it can become so powerful? music has power like nothing else... it's an art form like no other... and now you know a little more about the music that means the most to me.
time to put on the headphones...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Monday, August 08, 2011
happenings
do you speak Christian? [read] in case you didn't know - we've created our own lingo. has the church ever thought how others perceive it's made up words, lingo and false sense of wittiness? [ahem... cheesy church signs anyone?]
how should the church be anyway? i think this video sums it up [this is discipleship]
p.s. are you reading the Bible literally? perhaps you shouldn't? [read]
on other fronts:
i am eager to see this documentary movie [the interrupters]. can it change an inner city culture of violence?
sadly London is burning as riots continue for the third straight day. [pictures] i feel for the sane citizens of that city. author, visionary, teacher and poet, kester brewin, a London native vented when he wrote this poem [warning - harsh language - but you can understand his p.o.v.]
this new way of utilzing the creativity of modern photography is rather stunning. [cinemagraphs] [etc.] [etc.] [etc.]
how else will new art change our ideas, ideals & ideologies?
make art. now that's a concept i can get behind.
now move along.
Monday, July 04, 2011
the quiet of a july morning
i went out for a morning run today... perhaps it might be better described as a morning jog. although my running has not been as consistent this spring and early summer i still aim for it to be a major source of exercise for me.
but the beautiful thing about this morning's run was not the run itself... it was not the fact that it was a holiday or that in it was my day off...
the beauty was found in the silence.
there was little traffic. and few sounds to be heard... and it was beautiful.
i took it all in.
the sounds of the birds in the trees, singing their morning songs of joy.
an older woman in her housecoat, watering her flowers.
the click-clop-clip of my running shoes hitting the pavement in stride.
the silent sound of the breeze blowing the trees, leaves and wind chimes.
a hedge trimmer and lawn mower in the distance.
a passing car. a barking dog.
a child on a tricycle in his driveway.
the simple sounds of a quiet july morning.
and i took it all in... and it was beautiful.
i wish to crave this more than running.
but the beautiful thing about this morning's run was not the run itself... it was not the fact that it was a holiday or that in it was my day off...
the beauty was found in the silence.
there was little traffic. and few sounds to be heard... and it was beautiful.
i took it all in.
the sounds of the birds in the trees, singing their morning songs of joy.
an older woman in her housecoat, watering her flowers.
the click-clop-clip of my running shoes hitting the pavement in stride.
the silent sound of the breeze blowing the trees, leaves and wind chimes.
a hedge trimmer and lawn mower in the distance.
a passing car. a barking dog.
a child on a tricycle in his driveway.
the simple sounds of a quiet july morning.
and i took it all in... and it was beautiful.
i wish to crave this more than running.
Friday, June 17, 2011
make stuff
time to turn inspiration into action!
make something.
create.
seek newness + freshness.
go.
be.
do.
innovate.
associate.
invigorate.
communicate.
celebrate.
investigate.
demonstrate.
eliminate.
accommodate.
anticipate.
i'm desperate for change. i only wish it were in our DNA.
and so we must fight to bring about change.
we must strive to bring about greatness.
success or failure, no matter what the outcome.
how much more time do we have?
make something.
create.
seek newness + freshness.
go.
be.
do.
innovate.
associate.
invigorate.
communicate.
celebrate.
investigate.
demonstrate.
eliminate.
accommodate.
anticipate.
i'm desperate for change. i only wish it were in our DNA.
and so we must fight to bring about change.
we must strive to bring about greatness.
success or failure, no matter what the outcome.
how much more time do we have?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
find your voice.
[with respect + thanks to troy @defy the gray for inspiring this post]
what do i believe about myself? about you? about the world? about what you + i may be capable of doing... i don't think about that enough.
am i waiting for someone else to believe it first?
i don't believe that message enough. i don't live it enough. i don't proclaim it enough.
i have many dreams and sometimes my many dreams collide and intersect and knot together into one giant ball... and i get frustrated and i sulk and i remain silent.
perhaps what i am missing is that all of my many dreams are connected and intertwined and knotted for a reason because my many individual dreams are actually part of one giant dream... one giant plan that has been laid out before me. but my eyes are closed and i don't see that.
am i waiting for validation?
and these dreams of mine, my many dreams, tend to silence me in the sense that they don't go public. they remain within my soul or at least within my home (where my wife gets to put up with my repetitive bantering about this dream or that).
but maybe all i'm missing is a megaphone and some courage.
am i waiting for permission?
who said anything about a fight? but apparently things don't just happen, dreams don't happen, don't come true, can't be lived out... without... a... fight.
but why would i want to go and do a thing like that? why would i want to fight?
maybe because i'm 37 years old and i'm most fearful that my time to do something meaningful and productive and beyond what i am now capable of doing may be fading.
i don't want to have lived my life and have thought - how many years did i waste doing this or doing that, attending this or attending that, unfulfilled, not near the point of my full potential.
what am i waiting for?
can i muster enough courage to make some noise? have i found my voice? have i discovered how my intersected dreams can work together, united as one? i don't believe i have. but i think i am inspired to put more time, more energy into figuring that out.
because i think i know deep down that God has something on the horizon for me that just... might... blow... me... away. i think that about you, too.
find your voice. grab a megaphone. you can be in my dream if i can be in yours.
make a noise by katie herzig.
[lyrics] [song] [youtube]
what do i believe about myself? about you? about the world? about what you + i may be capable of doing... i don't think about that enough.
am i waiting for someone else to believe it first?
Believe, that you can change the world
Your dreams, have been living in a code of silence
So let them out
Find your voice, find your voice
Make a noise
i don't believe that message enough. i don't live it enough. i don't proclaim it enough.
i have many dreams and sometimes my many dreams collide and intersect and knot together into one giant ball... and i get frustrated and i sulk and i remain silent.
perhaps what i am missing is that all of my many dreams are connected and intertwined and knotted for a reason because my many individual dreams are actually part of one giant dream... one giant plan that has been laid out before me. but my eyes are closed and i don't see that.
am i waiting for validation?
You try, to find the words you want to say
You might, be looking much too far away
To recognize, we’re all disguised
Find your voice, find your voice
Make a noise
and these dreams of mine, my many dreams, tend to silence me in the sense that they don't go public. they remain within my soul or at least within my home (where my wife gets to put up with my repetitive bantering about this dream or that).
but maybe all i'm missing is a megaphone and some courage.
am i waiting for permission?
You can’t have the peace you’re looking for without a fight
who said anything about a fight? but apparently things don't just happen, dreams don't happen, don't come true, can't be lived out... without... a... fight.
but why would i want to go and do a thing like that? why would i want to fight?
maybe because i'm 37 years old and i'm most fearful that my time to do something meaningful and productive and beyond what i am now capable of doing may be fading.
i don't want to have lived my life and have thought - how many years did i waste doing this or doing that, attending this or attending that, unfulfilled, not near the point of my full potential.
what am i waiting for?
Find your voice, find your voice
Make a noise
can i muster enough courage to make some noise? have i found my voice? have i discovered how my intersected dreams can work together, united as one? i don't believe i have. but i think i am inspired to put more time, more energy into figuring that out.
because i think i know deep down that God has something on the horizon for me that just... might... blow... me... away. i think that about you, too.
find your voice. grab a megaphone. you can be in my dream if i can be in yours.
make a noise by katie herzig.
[lyrics] [song] [youtube]
Monday, May 02, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
February Flood
the week prior brought two winter snow storms. with 8+ inches on the ground, the rising temperatures Sunday night saw most of the snow melt away.
then a torrential downpour and thunderstorm brought 2 inches of rain per hour.
louisville, ohio was subsequently flooded on many sides.
©2011 tim beck
Monday, February 07, 2011
what if there were no sports?
[thoughts after watching my team, the Pittsburgh Steelers lose Super Bowl XLV last nite]
it's not to say that watching and/or rooting for one's favorite competitive sports team isn't stressful. it is, or it can be. but not stressful in the same way that sticking to a budget is stressful or driving on icy roads is stressful.
but competitive sports - at any level - certainly will bring pressure beyond measure to one's life - and i'm only speaking from a spectators perspective.
but if i were to think about how much time i've spent watching and rooting for my favorite teams - it would no doubt boggle my mind. much of that time was spent enjoying the sport and enjoying the moment. but when it all comes to the end - something else generally rears it's ugly head: a hard truth that competitive sport will inevitably bring... disappointment.
the biggest challenge to Joe Spectator is that no matter what, only one team wins. which means almost everyone, at some point, will be let down.
let down.
there are 32 teams in NFL. only one wins the Super Bowl. that leaves 31 teams and fans disappointed. some are so used to the disappointment that they wallow in it (hello, Cleveland Browns fans?)
there are 119 Division 1 collegiate football programs. only one wins the national championship. that leaves the majority of the people disappointed. more so because some might argue there is no equality when it comes to getting to the national title game, let alone winning it.
Baseball has 30 professional teams - but at least disappointed fans can revel in rooting against the Yankees. so we've got that going for us. which is nice.
oh the dismay of sports. it happens on every level. ever been to a soccer game for 7 and 8 year olds? listen to the parents on the sidelines and you'd think it was the World Cup (minus the Vuvuzelas).
why do we do this to ourselves? we are crazy for sports... it rules us. it kills us. sometimes almost literally. i remember 5 years ago when the Steelers made an improbable run to the Super Bowl. During the divisional playoff game against Indianapolis, with the Steelers up by 3 points, Jerome Bettis attempted to run in for a game-clinching touchdown (that would put Pittsburgh up by 10 points) when the ball was knocked away and fumbled. the Colts picked it up and nearly ran it 99 yards the other way for what would have been their game winning score. When the fumble occurred, some guy in Pittsburgh, watching on his bar stool at his favorite watering hole, fell to the floor and nearly died of a heart attack.
Sports kills us. heck, even the first marathon runner died after completing his task.
and although most people don't literally die after seeing their team lose - it does seem to take a little piece of our soul away. no matter what, the losers experience... loss. so in that way, it is kind of like a death to a part of our self.
but then the cycle begins a new. we wake up and we wake up and after a few days or even weeks of 'mourning' we sports fans rise up - ready to embrace the next challenge or the next season of competitive recreation. as the old adage goes: "there's always next year!"
and then next year comes... and disappointment comes... and we are let down all over again.
but at the heart of every sports fan is something special. something no one can take away... HOPE. hope for the future. hope for our team.
and as long as there's hope, there's a chance.
"so you're telling me there's a chance..... YEAH!"
and that is what makes sports beautiful. and that is what makes us keep watching and rooting. because you never know when your team might just make it and win it all. or maybe it's self-deprecating and we really just love the pain.
i don't know. ask me in a few days or weeks. by then i'll be thinking about next year.
it's not to say that watching and/or rooting for one's favorite competitive sports team isn't stressful. it is, or it can be. but not stressful in the same way that sticking to a budget is stressful or driving on icy roads is stressful.
but competitive sports - at any level - certainly will bring pressure beyond measure to one's life - and i'm only speaking from a spectators perspective.
but if i were to think about how much time i've spent watching and rooting for my favorite teams - it would no doubt boggle my mind. much of that time was spent enjoying the sport and enjoying the moment. but when it all comes to the end - something else generally rears it's ugly head: a hard truth that competitive sport will inevitably bring... disappointment.
the biggest challenge to Joe Spectator is that no matter what, only one team wins. which means almost everyone, at some point, will be let down.
let down.
there are 32 teams in NFL. only one wins the Super Bowl. that leaves 31 teams and fans disappointed. some are so used to the disappointment that they wallow in it (hello, Cleveland Browns fans?)
there are 119 Division 1 collegiate football programs. only one wins the national championship. that leaves the majority of the people disappointed. more so because some might argue there is no equality when it comes to getting to the national title game, let alone winning it.
Baseball has 30 professional teams - but at least disappointed fans can revel in rooting against the Yankees. so we've got that going for us. which is nice.
oh the dismay of sports. it happens on every level. ever been to a soccer game for 7 and 8 year olds? listen to the parents on the sidelines and you'd think it was the World Cup (minus the Vuvuzelas).
why do we do this to ourselves? we are crazy for sports... it rules us. it kills us. sometimes almost literally. i remember 5 years ago when the Steelers made an improbable run to the Super Bowl. During the divisional playoff game against Indianapolis, with the Steelers up by 3 points, Jerome Bettis attempted to run in for a game-clinching touchdown (that would put Pittsburgh up by 10 points) when the ball was knocked away and fumbled. the Colts picked it up and nearly ran it 99 yards the other way for what would have been their game winning score. When the fumble occurred, some guy in Pittsburgh, watching on his bar stool at his favorite watering hole, fell to the floor and nearly died of a heart attack.
Sports kills us. heck, even the first marathon runner died after completing his task.
and although most people don't literally die after seeing their team lose - it does seem to take a little piece of our soul away. no matter what, the losers experience... loss. so in that way, it is kind of like a death to a part of our self.
but then the cycle begins a new. we wake up and we wake up and after a few days or even weeks of 'mourning' we sports fans rise up - ready to embrace the next challenge or the next season of competitive recreation. as the old adage goes: "there's always next year!"
and then next year comes... and disappointment comes... and we are let down all over again.
but at the heart of every sports fan is something special. something no one can take away... HOPE. hope for the future. hope for our team.
and as long as there's hope, there's a chance.
"so you're telling me there's a chance..... YEAH!"
and that is what makes sports beautiful. and that is what makes us keep watching and rooting. because you never know when your team might just make it and win it all. or maybe it's self-deprecating and we really just love the pain.
i don't know. ask me in a few days or weeks. by then i'll be thinking about next year.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
found.
finding stuff. the more random the better.
i have a simple collection of found stuff in my office - most are mementos from days gone by; trips to here or there. some of the found things i know where found - but i know not from which they were. i simply can't remember.
a glass 946 mL milk bottle from the Caldwell organic Dairy farm (found in a soup kitchen in Portland, Maine)
a key to a lock to a door from who knows where. found in cushion of a recliner.
a green softball jersey with the number 34 and the name 'ED' on the back. found by one of my former students - given to me. now hanging on my wall.
i can't remember where i found this stick, but it's been on my desk for years. i think it has some sentimental value. i don't remember, though.
the EXIT sign was found in an old downtown church in Lexington, KY. we were doing 'demo' work - so that the basement could be remodeled into a kitchen and cafeteria to feed the homeless.
the tire tread is from the bus tire that blew just outside of Columbus on one trip south. it took hours on that Sunday afternoon to get the bent frame off and repaired.
there we sat... outside the repair shop... killing time... wasting time... frozen in time...
the Kodachrome slide was a special find - in the attic of an abandoned boarding school that at one time housed mentally ill teenagers. it's a picture of a dairy cow. i will never forget the haunting things written on that attic wall.
the randomness of found things is what makes finding them so interesting.
the more random, the better.
there are websites devoted to the like: Found Magazine is one of them.
old picture of someone's Sunday Best
letters written to mom from summer camp.
one piece leisure suits from the 70's (known to drive the ladies wild, so says the advert)
etc.
finding stuff.
because everything's got a story.
just like in the movie Amelie, when she finds an old tin box filled with a little child's trinkets and toys. she goes out of her way - many years later - to track down that child, now a grown man - so that she can give it back to him.
finding things. pure joy. because the memories associated with the finding are simply priceless.
what have you found lately?
i have a simple collection of found stuff in my office - most are mementos from days gone by; trips to here or there. some of the found things i know where found - but i know not from which they were. i simply can't remember.
a glass 946 mL milk bottle from the Caldwell organic Dairy farm (found in a soup kitchen in Portland, Maine)
a key to a lock to a door from who knows where. found in cushion of a recliner.
a green softball jersey with the number 34 and the name 'ED' on the back. found by one of my former students - given to me. now hanging on my wall.
i can't remember where i found this stick, but it's been on my desk for years. i think it has some sentimental value. i don't remember, though.the EXIT sign was found in an old downtown church in Lexington, KY. we were doing 'demo' work - so that the basement could be remodeled into a kitchen and cafeteria to feed the homeless.
the tire tread is from the bus tire that blew just outside of Columbus on one trip south. it took hours on that Sunday afternoon to get the bent frame off and repaired.there we sat... outside the repair shop... killing time... wasting time... frozen in time...
the Kodachrome slide was a special find - in the attic of an abandoned boarding school that at one time housed mentally ill teenagers. it's a picture of a dairy cow. i will never forget the haunting things written on that attic wall.
the randomness of found things is what makes finding them so interesting.
the more random, the better.
there are websites devoted to the like: Found Magazine is one of them.
old picture of someone's Sunday Best
letters written to mom from summer camp.
one piece leisure suits from the 70's (known to drive the ladies wild, so says the advert)
etc.
finding stuff.
because everything's got a story.
just like in the movie Amelie, when she finds an old tin box filled with a little child's trinkets and toys. she goes out of her way - many years later - to track down that child, now a grown man - so that she can give it back to him.
finding things. pure joy. because the memories associated with the finding are simply priceless.
what have you found lately?
Monday, January 17, 2011
This is America? (Sarah Palin, Battle Hymns and Guns Ablazin)
America is addicted to guns. the more powerful, the better. the larger the magazine the better. the more automatic, the better.
how anyone can logically justify a need of any sort of assault weapon is beyond me. i don't think it can be done. what is even more amazing is that some Republicans have stated they wish more people would carry concealed weapons so as to somehow step in and 'take out' a lunatic killer.
what do they want? the old west back? it's a fantasy - that, perhaps, some civilian will step in and kill a killer... heaven forbid one to suggest that more terror would come if more people carried guns.
our country's infatuation with guns is astounding. just because the 2nd Amendment gives us the right - doesn't make it right (or even a necessity).
what's even more astounding is that some politicians (mainly on the right) have neglected to take responsibility and/or apologize for their past 'gun-related rhetoric.' apologizing for poor choice of words does not mean you are responsible for what took place in Arizona - but it would show the country that you are capable of acknowledging a misstep. what a lesson that would be to the children and youth of our country.
And now for something completely different:
Lord help us all...
(you've got to love the open Bible just below the pulpit... who should Christians worship? political leaders first - God, second... apparently?)
one last thought: today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. a day in which i hope we have all been reminded of the unifying power of non-violence and peace. peace brings unity - not force.
it is also a day to remember where our great country once was. it wasn't that long ago when segregation and (of all things) unity was considered to be communist. remember?
i pray for peace. i pray for unity. i pray for action - without rhetoric... without hate speech. if we really want the country to come together it's going to take a revolution - but not a revolution in which some 'take back America' or 'Reload', 'not with ballets, with bullets.' it will be a revolution of love.
love is what we need. both sides. love. but that might mean thinking before speaking... that will be the biggest challenge in today's 24/7 news world.
just my 2 cents.
how anyone can logically justify a need of any sort of assault weapon is beyond me. i don't think it can be done. what is even more amazing is that some Republicans have stated they wish more people would carry concealed weapons so as to somehow step in and 'take out' a lunatic killer.
what do they want? the old west back? it's a fantasy - that, perhaps, some civilian will step in and kill a killer... heaven forbid one to suggest that more terror would come if more people carried guns.
our country's infatuation with guns is astounding. just because the 2nd Amendment gives us the right - doesn't make it right (or even a necessity).
what's even more astounding is that some politicians (mainly on the right) have neglected to take responsibility and/or apologize for their past 'gun-related rhetoric.' apologizing for poor choice of words does not mean you are responsible for what took place in Arizona - but it would show the country that you are capable of acknowledging a misstep. what a lesson that would be to the children and youth of our country.
And now for something completely different:
Lord help us all...
(you've got to love the open Bible just below the pulpit... who should Christians worship? political leaders first - God, second... apparently?)
one last thought: today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. a day in which i hope we have all been reminded of the unifying power of non-violence and peace. peace brings unity - not force.
it is also a day to remember where our great country once was. it wasn't that long ago when segregation and (of all things) unity was considered to be communist. remember?
i pray for peace. i pray for unity. i pray for action - without rhetoric... without hate speech. if we really want the country to come together it's going to take a revolution - but not a revolution in which some 'take back America' or 'Reload', 'not with ballets, with bullets.' it will be a revolution of love.
love is what we need. both sides. love. but that might mean thinking before speaking... that will be the biggest challenge in today's 24/7 news world.
just my 2 cents.
Monday, September 13, 2010
sound off: on burning books and spewing hate.
(a little late to the party, i know.)
there's been much talk these days about Mosque building and Koran burning. and even though most Christians stand against such a silly thing like burning someone else's holy book - i've heard my fair share of jokes about it, too.
so now it's time for me to sound off. to let my opinions be known.
to start, burning the Koran is not only un-American but unchristian.
1. it's un American because burning books is un American. yeah, people have a right to do it - but having that right doesn't make it right. we learned that lesson in Footloose when the, ultra-right, overbearing Rev. Moore condemned his flock for burning books outside of the town library. o.k. it's unamerican for more reasons than that. but, we don't need censorship or destruction. we need restoration. burning books goes against the liberties this nation was founded upon.
2. (and this is the crux of my post) it's unchristian because Jesus said 'Love God. Love people.' (Matthew 22:37-39).
because Jesus said 'Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you.' (Matthew 5:44).
Shaming another individual or followers of other faiths - ridiculing them - desecrating something someone else deems sacred (whether we agree or not) goes against the way of Jesus.
when Paul preached in Athens (Acts 17) he was standing on what many Greeks would have considered 'holy ground' or sacred space. Did he insult them? Desecrate their idols? Burn their sacred scrolls or holy materials? In the midst of idol worship that 'greatly disturbed' him - how did Paul respond?
in kind. he responded in kind.
Paul answered their questions. He piqued their curiosity. He used something common to them (an altar to an UNKNOWN GOD) to show them The God they had not known (but had known them)!
and... they... listened.
He showed them that despite of their misguided idol worship 'God is not very far' from them. (Acts 17:27)
He then preached Christ - with love and respect.
When dealing with followers of different faiths - no matter how radical - are we/Christians loving? are we/Christians respectful? or are we shaming or degrading?
Jesus said "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
i want to be a disciple. i thought that was what Christ asked of all who choose to follow Him. Christians, perhaps, need to stop picking and choosing teachings and commandments to follow, while ignoring the 'greatest' of commandments*. Love aught to have no condition. i don't see how you can have it any other way if you are a true follower of the Way.
just my 2 cents.
there's been much talk these days about Mosque building and Koran burning. and even though most Christians stand against such a silly thing like burning someone else's holy book - i've heard my fair share of jokes about it, too.
so now it's time for me to sound off. to let my opinions be known.
to start, burning the Koran is not only un-American but unchristian.
1. it's un American because burning books is un American. yeah, people have a right to do it - but having that right doesn't make it right. we learned that lesson in Footloose when the, ultra-right, overbearing Rev. Moore condemned his flock for burning books outside of the town library. o.k. it's unamerican for more reasons than that. but, we don't need censorship or destruction. we need restoration. burning books goes against the liberties this nation was founded upon.
2. (and this is the crux of my post) it's unchristian because Jesus said 'Love God. Love people.' (Matthew 22:37-39).
because Jesus said 'Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you.' (Matthew 5:44).
Shaming another individual or followers of other faiths - ridiculing them - desecrating something someone else deems sacred (whether we agree or not) goes against the way of Jesus.
when Paul preached in Athens (Acts 17) he was standing on what many Greeks would have considered 'holy ground' or sacred space. Did he insult them? Desecrate their idols? Burn their sacred scrolls or holy materials? In the midst of idol worship that 'greatly disturbed' him - how did Paul respond?
in kind. he responded in kind.
Paul answered their questions. He piqued their curiosity. He used something common to them (an altar to an UNKNOWN GOD) to show them The God they had not known (but had known them)!
and... they... listened.
He showed them that despite of their misguided idol worship 'God is not very far' from them. (Acts 17:27)
He then preached Christ - with love and respect.
When dealing with followers of different faiths - no matter how radical - are we/Christians loving? are we/Christians respectful? or are we shaming or degrading?
Jesus said "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
i want to be a disciple. i thought that was what Christ asked of all who choose to follow Him. Christians, perhaps, need to stop picking and choosing teachings and commandments to follow, while ignoring the 'greatest' of commandments*. Love aught to have no condition. i don't see how you can have it any other way if you are a true follower of the Way.
just my 2 cents.
Monday, August 30, 2010
sing to me a melody: of ticking clocks and ocean spray...
[just some thoughts after spending a week sitting on the shoreline of the Atlantic. written about a month ago]
[p.s. i'm certainly no poet... this was just free expression]
the waves come and go. come and go.
with the consistency of a clock ticking.
only the tides precede countable time…
the ticking of clocks.
the passing of second hands and the like.
seashells roll. broken and chiseled and colorful.
what stories do they tell?
where have they been? how were they broken?
finding the needle in the haystack - that select one…
that is the game for the searcher.
the rain drops fall down - but when in the water - you don't feel them.
it's as if the ocean spray is cooling your head.
with consistency and trajectory.
whipping winds appear fierce but are gentle at heart.
something beautiful is on the horizon.
at dusk - just before giving up on the day
it appeared. bright and shining.
casting silhouettes and shadows
the western sunset; broken through
what was grey now full of life.
a long walk along the incoming waters.
warm to the feet. pleasantly mild.
footprints along the shore line.
every seven seconds, it covers the sand like a blanket.
growing bigger. pushing forward.
every moment is new. fresh to the senses.
an ocean morning, noon and night.
it comes and goes, comes and goes
and if you're not careful, you'll miss its point.
soak it up. soak it in. you'll regret it later when it's gone.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
the violent soul vs. ______________
violence. it's prevalent. it's inconsistent. it's intertwined in to the very core of our culture.
what causes this violence? from where does it fester? what are we to do? can we escape?
when we retreat and reflect - what violence, do we observe, is within us? where does it come from? what is the root?
do you ever find yourself easily angered? no apparent reason as to why?
is it possible that more time spent in self reflection could actually become a form of release of the violence that is within us? could it be that rest and reflection is a key to a part of our life that is locked up? could it be that freedom of self could be a freedom from self? a freedom from the all hate, violence, anger, frustration and pain?
man needs quiet. needs rest. how would life be different for one and all across this globe if we were still? stillness brings contentment. if we were/are content - would we harbor anger? be violent? allow hate to over come?
*from Brewin's book Other.
what causes this violence? from where does it fester? what are we to do? can we escape?
Before we protest about the terrible violence we see in our cities and across the world, we must withdraw to some third place, away... and reflect on the violence within each of us and the violence inherent in the systems we inhabit.self reflection. to become conscious of our 'selves.' to better understand who we are. to become more responsible.*
~Kester Brewin (quoting Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek)
when we retreat and reflect - what violence, do we observe, is within us? where does it come from? what is the root?
do you ever find yourself easily angered? no apparent reason as to why?
is it possible that more time spent in self reflection could actually become a form of release of the violence that is within us? could it be that rest and reflection is a key to a part of our life that is locked up? could it be that freedom of self could be a freedom from self? a freedom from the all hate, violence, anger, frustration and pain?
man needs quiet. needs rest. how would life be different for one and all across this globe if we were still? stillness brings contentment. if we were/are content - would we harbor anger? be violent? allow hate to over come?
*from Brewin's book Other.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Natural Selection: Why the Church Must Adapt or Die
Of people born from 1981 on, some 26 percent claim no religious affiliation. Among people born between 1965 and 1980, the percentage of non-believers is a lower 20 percent. Heading farther back, those born from 1946 to 1964 are only 13-percent non-religious.i've heard a lot of chatter lately about going back. "i want my America back!" frankly, most go beyond chatter - yelling might be a better word. in the world of American Christiandom, the conversation often steers towards the proverbial 'we need to go back to America's roots as a Christian nation.' i think those who say that might very well have good intentions. after all, the past always seems better as time goes by, does it not? nostalgia has a funny way of almost distorting the actuality of past events.
A doubling, that is, between the boomers and the most recent generation. As you know, doubling is a geometric function. If the number of non-believers doubles again in 50 years, then by around 2050, the United States will be a majority non-religious country. Clearly, if Christianity seeks to not only stay relevant but viable, it must adapt. The proof is in the numbers; Christianity is suffering. ~Alex Wilhelm (from his article Why Christianity Must Adapt... or Perish)
don't get me wrong, i have some fond memories of the past. and there are times that i'd go back to being 12 years old in a heartbeat. as Richard Dreyfuss most eloquently put it (a la Stephen King) in the movie Stand By Me "I never had friends later on in life like I did when I was 12. God, does anyone?"
be that as it may - going back doesn't always mean things would be better than they are right now... or in the future.
from a political stand point - what exactly do 'we' want to go back to? war? slavery? no civil rights? oppression of woman? with all the good that came about when our sweet nation began governing - there were certainly a number of flaws.
we've made progress over the years. we'd all agree with that. so why go back? why not go forward?
i often here this same argument in the church. if you took a magnifying glass and looked at the way many churches function, you see many institutions stuck in the past. recreating what has already been done is not progress. there is nothing progressive about it. but progressiveness and post-modernism are scary things for the church these days.
and so the argument goes like this: "why can't we go back to our roots of our nation, with Christianity at the center?" in a perfect world - we'd be a nation of people seeking after the heart of God - not after our own selfish wants and desires. in a perfect world, we'd care about other people and other nations as we do ourselves, too. but we live not in that world.
should or could that be a goal for the 21st century church? yes. absolutely. but that will never happen by wishing and hoping to 'go back.' save your breath. save your energy. 'going back' will not bring non-religious, non-Christ like or nominal Christians either back to church or closer to God.
going forward will. like the statistic says above: less and less people in America are claiming any religious affiliation at all. Natural selection is in full effect: we must adapt or die. it's survival of the fittest and the church is that sloth lounging on the couch in front of the television.
so what are the steps deemed necessary to bring about adaptation?
(my humble opine follows)
1. The church and/or Christians must stop their obsession with proving how wrong everyone is and how right 'we' are. frankly, we've got Plank Eye Syndrome. We concern ourselves so much with the sins and imperfections of others that we neglect to see the sins of our own. (Jesus talked about that in Matthew chapter 7 verses 3 through 5) Following Jesus is not about being right - it's about obeying. it's about loving. it's about empathizing and caring... with no conditions.
2. Strive to become 'quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19) We like to talk a lot. but how well do we listen? Are we listening to the heartache and cries of our communities? Are we seeing their true needs? or are we telling them what we think they need? telling a man he 'needs Jesus' doesn't put food on his table. am i suggesting we squelch our desires to share the gosepel? not at all. i am suggesting though, before we speak it - we live it. We show Jesus to the world through our acts of compassion and love. Actions do speak louder than words.
3. Realize that church does not exclusively exist for 'us' - but for those not part of the Christ-centered community. we do things we like and expect others to just show up. 50 years ago - the fact that churches had doors and a steeple and a bell that rang on Sunday mornings compelled people to come. Many churches still hold to that same expectation. Understand this: in the 21st century people will not walk through the church doors simply because the church doors are open at 9am every Sunday morning. I believe the church doors should be open... but perhaps they should be open so that we would 'go out' rather than wait or expect others to 'come in.'
4. Learn to deal with conflict differently. i recently read about how metaphors rule our lives. i've never thought about that before - but when it comes to conflict or disagreement - we often think of it as a battle or a war. "Argument is War" When disagrement comes or when arguments arise - our passion gets the blood boiling. We aim to 'defeat' our opponent. we want to destroy their message. We aim to 'defend' our point of view. We want to 'WIN!' But what if our arguments and disagrements were not viewed as war - but as a dance.
Robert Schnase, a Methodist bishop so eloguently wrote about this in his book The Balancing Act (with inspiration from Metaphors We Live By.) In a dance - both performers play essential and important roles - but one is not out to 'take down' the other. IF our disagrements within the church and with the world were not combative - but more like a graceful dance, think of how more productive we might be or could be?
Both dance parties compel the others movement - "pushing each other along - closer to the truth. We might 'focus on where we need to go and whether we are farther along than the last time we talked. Rather than winning or losing we might say things like 'He really pushed you forward with that idea. er suggestion took us a step higher. We made real progress. I feel like we're getting closer and closer.'"
When conflict and disagreement comes - if we expect a war, then a war we will get. If we expect a dance, something more graceful might arise. Which one is a more Christ-like approach?
5. Act like disciples. Dallas Willard, author, pastor and theologian said this: “Generally, what I find is that the ordinary people who come to church are basically running their lives on their own, utilizing ‘the arm of the flesh’—their natural abilities—to negotiate their way. They believe there is a God and they need to check in with him. But they don’t have any sense that he is an active agent in their lives. As a result, they don’t become disciples of Jesus.”*
One's faith is meant to be active - not passive. the church needs disciples who are disciplined and dedicated to Jesus first.
lastly,
6. Separate Politics from Church. yeah - i have high expectations if i think this will ever happen - but it doesn't mean it couldn't. imagine. imagine if Christians in America made their decisions based on Christ Jesus first, political party of choice second. Imagine. Imagine what the world would look like if we truly lived the Greatest commandment: Love God. Love People. (Matthew 22:37-40). Jesus said EVERYTHING hangs on these two commands!
Jesus is not a politician. And he need not be a second fiddle to any candidate, movement or call for political action.
this list could go on. and frankly - i could be wrong. but this is what i am thinking... right now.
i love the church and am hopeful that it might become viable and authentic and humble and loving - beyond what we may ever comprehend. but we need to adapt... or we will die. the church will die. yeah, there will probably still be churches on every corner - but will they be alive? full of life? full of love? full of Jesus' active messages of truth? a building does not a church make. loving, intentional, selfless disciples do.
just my 2 cents. for what it's worth.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
ramblings of randomness 2: electric boogaloo
a follow up to my random post from the other day.
so i was reading in Leviticus this morning. what a way to start the day! and i stumbled upon this verse:
i find this verse very interesting in light of the new law in Arizona to rid its self of illegal immigrants. Arizona Senate Bill 1070 states that any Hispanic can be stopped and detained unless they carry the proper paperwork proving their citizenship. So this is what we've come to. I dare say that Arizona is out of control. Jon Stewart referred to them as "the meth lab of democracy."
This new bill is the toughest of its kind.
So in light of all of this - and putting politics aside: what should the Christian, no,Christ-like or Godly response be?
--
actually, speaking of politics, I wonder how Christians might act, think, behave or believe different if we looked to the example of Christ first rather than our political party of choice.
what if we made great effort to 'love' first? how would our country and our world be different?
we would probably care for others more. there would be no debate on health care. we would find a way to get sick people well. there would be no poverty. we would find a way to get people fed and clothed and housed. we would probably care for the earth more. if nothing else, we would take care of it. we'd recycle, etc. wanting to take care of the earth doesn't make one an environmentalist (in the radical sense, anyway). it makes one human. was not Adam instructed to take care of the land? [Genesis 3] We'd listen more. there would be less arguing and bickering. public servants called to public service would follow the needs of the public first not greedy temptations.
some of our current systems may be flawed - but would they be if we acted Christ-like first? think of how productive we could be?
--
if you do a Google image search in order to find pictures of 'Jesus' this image of Jesus holding a rifle will no doubt show up. really? a rifle? people have a keen knack of distorting scripture to say what they want it to say.
So what did Jesus mean when he said "blessed are the peace makers"; "love your neighbor as your self", "love your enemies"; "pray for those who persecute you"; "turn the other cheek"; "give to those in need", etc.
I don't remember him saying "Annie get your gun!"
yeah, i know, the 2nd Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms. fine. but don't insert Jesus into your own desires. Bear your arms if you like. i pray you never have to use it. Life would be different if this guy hadn't been packing heat.
so i was reading in Leviticus this morning. what a way to start the day! and i stumbled upon this verse:
33-34 "When a foreigner lives with you in your land, don't take advantage of him. Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own. Remember that you were once foreigners in Egypt. I am God, your God.and in case you find the Message translation to be too much of a paraphrase...
~ Leviticus 19:33-34 (the Message)
34 The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
~ Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV)
i find this verse very interesting in light of the new law in Arizona to rid its self of illegal immigrants. Arizona Senate Bill 1070 states that any Hispanic can be stopped and detained unless they carry the proper paperwork proving their citizenship. So this is what we've come to. I dare say that Arizona is out of control. Jon Stewart referred to them as "the meth lab of democracy."
This new bill is the toughest of its kind.
So in light of all of this - and putting politics aside: what should the Christian, no,Christ-like or Godly response be?
--
actually, speaking of politics, I wonder how Christians might act, think, behave or believe different if we looked to the example of Christ first rather than our political party of choice.
what if we made great effort to 'love' first? how would our country and our world be different?
we would probably care for others more. there would be no debate on health care. we would find a way to get sick people well. there would be no poverty. we would find a way to get people fed and clothed and housed. we would probably care for the earth more. if nothing else, we would take care of it. we'd recycle, etc. wanting to take care of the earth doesn't make one an environmentalist (in the radical sense, anyway). it makes one human. was not Adam instructed to take care of the land? [Genesis 3] We'd listen more. there would be less arguing and bickering. public servants called to public service would follow the needs of the public first not greedy temptations.
some of our current systems may be flawed - but would they be if we acted Christ-like first? think of how productive we could be?
--
if you do a Google image search in order to find pictures of 'Jesus' this image of Jesus holding a rifle will no doubt show up. really? a rifle? people have a keen knack of distorting scripture to say what they want it to say.
So what did Jesus mean when he said "blessed are the peace makers"; "love your neighbor as your self", "love your enemies"; "pray for those who persecute you"; "turn the other cheek"; "give to those in need", etc.
I don't remember him saying "Annie get your gun!"
yeah, i know, the 2nd Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms. fine. but don't insert Jesus into your own desires. Bear your arms if you like. i pray you never have to use it. Life would be different if this guy hadn't been packing heat.
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