Oh by the way...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Interracial President
President-elect Barack Hussein Obama Soetoro is described as the first African American to occupy the presidency but he should be correctly called the first interracial president or the first mulatto president to put it another way. But to call him African American would be like calling Lenny Kravitz a Russian/Jewish/Bahamian American. Think about that for a little while...
Oh by the way...
Oh by the way...
Texas Beer Joint Sues Church
In Mt. Vernon, Texas, Drummond's Bar began construction on expansion of their building to increase their business. In response, the local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from expanding with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up until the week before the grand reopening when lightning struck the bar and burned it to the ground.
After the the lightning strike the church folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about "the power of prayer," until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church "was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means." In its reply to the court, the church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise.
The judge read through the plaintiff's complaint and the defendant's reply and at the opening hearing he commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but it appears from the paperwork that we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that now does not."
After the the lightning strike the church folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about "the power of prayer," until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church "was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means." In its reply to the court, the church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise.
The judge read through the plaintiff's complaint and the defendant's reply and at the opening hearing he commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but it appears from the paperwork that we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that now does not."
Infinite God
"An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others."
-- A.W. Tozer
-- A.W. Tozer
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Philosophy of Education
Every homeschooling family needs to write out why they are doing what they are doing. This advice was given to us by experienced homeschooler's who know that not every day will be perfect and it is therefore necessary to have a philosophy of education to steady our resolve and not send them to the meat grinder that is the public school system. As such, here is the philosophy we created and hangs in our house. I hope you're blessed and that it inspires you as well.
THORELL FAMILY PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
OUR GOALS IN RAISING OUR CHILDREN
We love our children and want to teach them to love the Lord with all their heart, soul and might. We want to give them an education that honors God, is academically first-rate, and prepares them for future service in His kingdom here on earth. We believe that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of God is understanding (Proverbs 9:10), therefore, children should be raised under the authority and mentorship of parents who both have fear and knowledge of the Lord and thus are wise (Proverbs 13:20).
WHAT EDUCATION MEANS TO US?
Education is a tool, either for God or for the Devil. The word education comes from a Latin word that means “to bring up, rear, train;” and the dictionary’s definition is “to train or develop the knowledge, skill, mind or character.” Education is our responsibility, not the government’s, and involves much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. It includes the developing of character and convictions, whether good or bad, and training either in obedience or in rebellion.
OUR THOUGHTS ON HOME EDUCATION
Our home is God’s primary place for the education of our children. It is here that we have almost unlimited control over their environment. We believe that a Christian Home coupled with a Christian Church and Christian School is essential for developing a child’s mind that is Christ Centered. We realize the awesome responsibility God has placed upon us as parents and there are times when we look at the task that lies before us and feel inadequate. However, we also realize that with the God-given mandate to educate our children, He has not left us to fend for ourselves; the Holy Spirit will empower and guide us every step of the way. As parents, we “can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth” us. (Philippians 4:13)
WHY ARE WE DOING HOME EDUCATION?
Children are a gift from the Lord and He commands us to raise them in the knowledge of Him. (Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 22:6) The family is an institution ordained by God, headed by the father and sustained and nurtured by the mother as the primary teachers of their children. Over the years, Christians have delegated the raising of their children to the government with terrible consequences. It is a proven fact that children will take into their adult lives what they learned in their childhood. God expects us to be involved in making decisions for our children. Since learning is a natural part of being a child, God commands us to use this instinct to teach them His ways and precepts. It is our responsibility to see to it that our children are not taught falsehood or perverted teachings.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH PUBLIC EDUCATION?
We have found there are several dangers of attending a government run school. First, it is apparent that academics have been compromised because the teachers and books are unsound. Secondly, the public schools are deficient in providing a lasting Godly spiritual emphasis. Thirdly, even the best of schools have an ungodly environment where our value system is being undermined. The greatest danger of the public school system is itself, and although the intentions may be honorable, God never intended for a humanistic system to educate our children.
The Bible says we are not to be unequally yoked to unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Wouldn’t it therefore be wrong to allow the public school system to educate our children when it rejects the truths of the Bible, negatively affects their spiritual welfare and destroys their faith in God? What good can come from a public school system that embraces humanistic and secular ideas? What should we expect from unsaved teachers who are totally indoctrinated in these values? How will they love and embrace our objectives?
We want to establish a love of learning in our children irregardless of the subject matter. We know that nothing can take the place of careful, diligent teaching and that training will be impossible if a child doesn’t understand what is expected of them. We want out children to know that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10)
We realize that what we study has a great bearing on what we think and what our minds are filled with forms the frame of reference we use throughout our lives. As a result, education is not simply made Christian by beginning with prayer or by adding a course in Scripture; if the course content or teaching method is humanistic, Christian supplements will do little to change the direction. We need to press in to Jesus since He is the Creator, the sustainer of life and author of all that humans have discovered.
EDUCATION WITH A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
How can we teach truth to our children if it is not in our hearts first? (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) God wants us to use every opportunity throughout the day to teach them His Word. In doing so, our children will gain respect for the Scriptures. As they grow older and are established in the truth of the Bible, they will know what God’s will is for them. This is something that will follow them for the rest of their lives.
Christian education means that Christ is central to education. Consequently, our educational theory, methods, and practice must be built upon Christ as their cornerstone. But how can we know Christ apart from His Word? It is in the Bible that God has revealed Himself and His saving purpose in Christ. Because there is only one God and one Christ, there is only one truth. This truth is the focal point of Christian education. While the Bible is not used as the textbook in every subject, it is the foundational handbook for every course and the standard for teaching. We want our children to be educated in History; Culture, Art, and Technology; Language and Literature; Economics; Mathematics; Geography; Science; Government; Society; Health and Physical Education. All of this will be taught with a Biblical worldview. (Psalm 111:10)
The study of the Scriptures is foundational to the Christian curriculum. Our children need to be mastered by the Word of God before they can properly evaluate the writings of men. If we leave the Bible out of education, what do we have left but an ungodly education? (Psalm 1:1) If our children’s minds are filled with the Bible in all their studies, it will be much easier for them to meditate in the Law of the Lord day and night than if their minds are filled with other things. (Verse 2) Some might think that if children only meditate in the Law of the Lord, they won’t be very strong when they face false doctrine, evolution, and so forth. On the contrary, God’s Word will bring strength and stability and whatever they do will prosper. (Verse 3) We are looking for our children to be born again and prosper spiritually; anything less is failure. The Bible is the living Word of God. It becomes meaningful when it is read more and more. The Lord says “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” so the only way we can know the His thoughts is through the Word of God. (Isaiah 55:6-11)
If we separate the Bible from the rest of our education, we can’t know the mind and will of God. Textbook writers can’t help but inject their opinion into their books. So if they reject what God says, their opinion can’t be trusted. As parents, we can’t afford anything that takes away from teaching our children the eternal truths of God’s Word. An education that is devoid of God cannot help but establish an evil mind because it comes from the natural man.
People think that a sheltered child will be at a loss later on in life when they face the world. We value our children and have a vision for them; as a result, we want to protect their minds and guard their souls from the influences that will endanger them. Why should we expose them to the harmful influences of the public school system, on the radio and television, in books and magazines, in evil associates in the neighborhood or in the family relationships? Our duty is to prepare them to meet such associations when it becomes necessary. Until that time comes, we will shelter and protect them and prepare them to meet future storms and evil influences of life on their own, with wisdom to trust the Lord and to look to Him for direction and protection, even as we do now.
THE END RESULT
We believe that education is not just the training of the mind, but also of the heart, an ongoing process throughout life. All the years spent learning will equip our children to fulfill a specific role ordained by God. In the end, we as parents will reap what we sow.
THORELL FAMILY PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
OUR GOALS IN RAISING OUR CHILDREN
We love our children and want to teach them to love the Lord with all their heart, soul and might. We want to give them an education that honors God, is academically first-rate, and prepares them for future service in His kingdom here on earth. We believe that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of God is understanding (Proverbs 9:10), therefore, children should be raised under the authority and mentorship of parents who both have fear and knowledge of the Lord and thus are wise (Proverbs 13:20).
WHAT EDUCATION MEANS TO US?
Education is a tool, either for God or for the Devil. The word education comes from a Latin word that means “to bring up, rear, train;” and the dictionary’s definition is “to train or develop the knowledge, skill, mind or character.” Education is our responsibility, not the government’s, and involves much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. It includes the developing of character and convictions, whether good or bad, and training either in obedience or in rebellion.
OUR THOUGHTS ON HOME EDUCATION
Our home is God’s primary place for the education of our children. It is here that we have almost unlimited control over their environment. We believe that a Christian Home coupled with a Christian Church and Christian School is essential for developing a child’s mind that is Christ Centered. We realize the awesome responsibility God has placed upon us as parents and there are times when we look at the task that lies before us and feel inadequate. However, we also realize that with the God-given mandate to educate our children, He has not left us to fend for ourselves; the Holy Spirit will empower and guide us every step of the way. As parents, we “can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth” us. (Philippians 4:13)
WHY ARE WE DOING HOME EDUCATION?
Children are a gift from the Lord and He commands us to raise them in the knowledge of Him. (Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 22:6) The family is an institution ordained by God, headed by the father and sustained and nurtured by the mother as the primary teachers of their children. Over the years, Christians have delegated the raising of their children to the government with terrible consequences. It is a proven fact that children will take into their adult lives what they learned in their childhood. God expects us to be involved in making decisions for our children. Since learning is a natural part of being a child, God commands us to use this instinct to teach them His ways and precepts. It is our responsibility to see to it that our children are not taught falsehood or perverted teachings.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)God has given us the moral responsibility of bringing up our children in a controlled environment.
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)Righteousness is the end result of teaching and obeying the Word of God. (Deuteronomy 6:18-25) This is the reason ungodly people are opposed to having the Bible as the core of curriculum. We want the education of our children to give glory and honor to the Lord because we’ll have to answer to Him one day for what we taught or failed to teach our children, including the influences we permitted to touch them.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH PUBLIC EDUCATION?
We have found there are several dangers of attending a government run school. First, it is apparent that academics have been compromised because the teachers and books are unsound. Secondly, the public schools are deficient in providing a lasting Godly spiritual emphasis. Thirdly, even the best of schools have an ungodly environment where our value system is being undermined. The greatest danger of the public school system is itself, and although the intentions may be honorable, God never intended for a humanistic system to educate our children.
The Bible says we are not to be unequally yoked to unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Wouldn’t it therefore be wrong to allow the public school system to educate our children when it rejects the truths of the Bible, negatively affects their spiritual welfare and destroys their faith in God? What good can come from a public school system that embraces humanistic and secular ideas? What should we expect from unsaved teachers who are totally indoctrinated in these values? How will they love and embrace our objectives?
"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:5)Evolution, sex education and homosexuality are being mandated with no respect to the wishes and authority of the parents. We don’t want unsaved and immoral individuals teaching these subjects to our impressionable children. Furthermore, they want to be accepted by their peers, and in a public school setting, this will also cause them to be tempted to conform to sinful influences in the form of language, clothing and playground conduct, etc.
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)Since the Bible taken out of the public school system, profane and vain babblings have taken over with an increase of ungodliness.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:15-16)True education ends when the Bible is taken out of it because there is a limit to the knowledge men can gain when they depart from the Word of God.
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth… But they shall proceed no further." (2 Timothy 3:7, 9a)The only true source of wisdom and knowledge is Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:3) The other source for guidance is the world, but if the public school system has rejected the Bible as the very foundation for education, what do they have left to teach?
"The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?" (Jeremiah 8:9)OUR EDUCATIONAL GOALS
We want to establish a love of learning in our children irregardless of the subject matter. We know that nothing can take the place of careful, diligent teaching and that training will be impossible if a child doesn’t understand what is expected of them. We want out children to know that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10)
We realize that what we study has a great bearing on what we think and what our minds are filled with forms the frame of reference we use throughout our lives. As a result, education is not simply made Christian by beginning with prayer or by adding a course in Scripture; if the course content or teaching method is humanistic, Christian supplements will do little to change the direction. We need to press in to Jesus since He is the Creator, the sustainer of life and author of all that humans have discovered.
EDUCATION WITH A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
How can we teach truth to our children if it is not in our hearts first? (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) God wants us to use every opportunity throughout the day to teach them His Word. In doing so, our children will gain respect for the Scriptures. As they grow older and are established in the truth of the Bible, they will know what God’s will is for them. This is something that will follow them for the rest of their lives.
Christian education means that Christ is central to education. Consequently, our educational theory, methods, and practice must be built upon Christ as their cornerstone. But how can we know Christ apart from His Word? It is in the Bible that God has revealed Himself and His saving purpose in Christ. Because there is only one God and one Christ, there is only one truth. This truth is the focal point of Christian education. While the Bible is not used as the textbook in every subject, it is the foundational handbook for every course and the standard for teaching. We want our children to be educated in History; Culture, Art, and Technology; Language and Literature; Economics; Mathematics; Geography; Science; Government; Society; Health and Physical Education. All of this will be taught with a Biblical worldview. (Psalm 111:10)
The study of the Scriptures is foundational to the Christian curriculum. Our children need to be mastered by the Word of God before they can properly evaluate the writings of men. If we leave the Bible out of education, what do we have left but an ungodly education? (Psalm 1:1) If our children’s minds are filled with the Bible in all their studies, it will be much easier for them to meditate in the Law of the Lord day and night than if their minds are filled with other things. (Verse 2) Some might think that if children only meditate in the Law of the Lord, they won’t be very strong when they face false doctrine, evolution, and so forth. On the contrary, God’s Word will bring strength and stability and whatever they do will prosper. (Verse 3) We are looking for our children to be born again and prosper spiritually; anything less is failure. The Bible is the living Word of God. It becomes meaningful when it is read more and more. The Lord says “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” so the only way we can know the His thoughts is through the Word of God. (Isaiah 55:6-11)
If we separate the Bible from the rest of our education, we can’t know the mind and will of God. Textbook writers can’t help but inject their opinion into their books. So if they reject what God says, their opinion can’t be trusted. As parents, we can’t afford anything that takes away from teaching our children the eternal truths of God’s Word. An education that is devoid of God cannot help but establish an evil mind because it comes from the natural man.
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:12-14)THE NEED TO SHELTER OUR CHILDREN
People think that a sheltered child will be at a loss later on in life when they face the world. We value our children and have a vision for them; as a result, we want to protect their minds and guard their souls from the influences that will endanger them. Why should we expose them to the harmful influences of the public school system, on the radio and television, in books and magazines, in evil associates in the neighborhood or in the family relationships? Our duty is to prepare them to meet such associations when it becomes necessary. Until that time comes, we will shelter and protect them and prepare them to meet future storms and evil influences of life on their own, with wisdom to trust the Lord and to look to Him for direction and protection, even as we do now.
THE END RESULT
We believe that education is not just the training of the mind, but also of the heart, an ongoing process throughout life. All the years spent learning will equip our children to fulfill a specific role ordained by God. In the end, we as parents will reap what we sow.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:7-9)May we never forget that prayer and a complete dependence upon God must under gird everything; for truly “except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” (Psalm 127:1a)
Education: Christian vs. Humanistic
I was raised by Christian parents but educated primarily in the public school system with two years in private schools. Shortly after becoming a parent, I began to plan ahead for their education and realized the only viable option was to fulfill the calling God has placed on every Christian parent. My wife and I are now homeschooling our children because we don't want to abandon them to a humanistic system that hates and rejects God. The following two videos show how government run schools have failed, no matter how much money is pumped into them, and why Christian parents shouldn't throw their precious children to the wolves.
Colin Gunn and his family travel in a big yellow school bus across America shooting a new documentary film that explores the origins of the American education system, the effects of public schools on the Christian family, and the turning of the hearts of parents to their children through home education.
Exodus Mandate calls upon all Christians to remove children from government schools.
Colin Gunn and his family travel in a big yellow school bus across America shooting a new documentary film that explores the origins of the American education system, the effects of public schools on the Christian family, and the turning of the hearts of parents to their children through home education.
Exodus Mandate calls upon all Christians to remove children from government schools.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
California vs. Arizona
The Governor of California is jogging with his dog along a nature trail. A coyote jumps out, bites the Governor and attacks his dog.
The Governor of Arizona is jogging with her dog along a nature trail. A Coyote jumps out and attacks her dog.
- The Governor starts to intervene, but reflects upon the movie "Bambi" and then realizes he should stop; ...the coyote is only doing what is natural.
- He calls animal control. Animal Control captures coyote and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases and $500 for relocating it.
- He calls a veterinarian. The vet collects the dead dog and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases.
- The Governor goes to hospital and spends $3,500 getting checked for diseases from the coyote and on getting his bite wound bandaged.
- The running trail gets shut down for 6 months while Fish & Game conducts $100,000 survey to make sure the area is free of dangerous animals.
- The Governor spends $50,000 in state funds implementing a "coyote awareness" program for residents of the area.
- The State Legislature spends $2 million to study how to better treat rabies and how to permanently eradicate the disease throughout the world.
- The Governor's security agent is fired for not stopping the attack somehow and for letting the Governor attempt to intervene.
- Additional cost to State of California : $75,000 to hire and train a new security agent with additional special training re: the nature of coyotes.
- PETA protests the coyote's relocation and files suit against the State.
The Governor of Arizona is jogging with her dog along a nature trail. A Coyote jumps out and attacks her dog.
- The Governor shoots the coyote with her State-issued pistol and keeps jogging. The Governor has spent $0.50 on a .45 ACP hollow point cartridge.
- The buzzards eat the dead coyote.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Yes Mr. Resident
Here is a portion of an article from ABC news:
Fired Up Obama Pushes $50 Billion Infrastructure Plan to Create JobsI wish there were some politicians with spine but they are all jellyfish, flopping all over the place, going the way of their financial backers. Here is how this piece of the story should read:
In unveiling his latest economic proposal, which could face opposition in Congress, Obama also took a preemptive swipe at Republicans, whom he said have become the party of "No, we can't." "When it comes to just about everything we've done to strengthen the middle class to rebuild our economy, almost every Republican in Congress says 'no.' Even on things we usually agree on, they say 'no,'" he said. "If I say the sky is blue, they say 'no.' If I said fish live in the sea, they'd say 'no.'"
In unveiling his latest economic proposal, which could face opposition in Congress, Obama also took a preemptive swipe at Republicans, whom he said have become the party of "No, we can't." "When it comes to just about everything we've done to strengthen the middle class to rebuild our economy, almost every Republican in Congress says 'no.' Even on things we usually agree on, they say 'no,'" he said. "If I say the sky is blue, they say 'no, please show us your birth certificate.' If I said fish live in the sea, they'd say 'no, please show us your birth certificate.'"But we don't have any civil servants representing the people, just lapdogs serving their respective masters.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
The Power of Action
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes.
We hung all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you're gonna really build serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during High school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses and become quite popular. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach... but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes.
We hung all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you're gonna really build serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during High school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses and become quite popular. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach... but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Age & Treachery
A young lawyer and a senior citizen are sitting next to each other on a long flight. The lawyer is thinking that seniors are so dumb that he could get one over on them easy. So he asks if the senior would like to play a fun game. The senior is tired and just wants to take a nap, politely declines and tries to catch a few winks. The lawyer persists saying that the game is a lot of fun. "I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me only $5. Then you ask me one, and if I don't know the answer, I will pay you $500, he says."
This catches the senior's attention and he agrees to play the game in order to keep the lawyer quiet.
The lawyer asks the first question. "What's the distance from the Earth to the Moon?"
The senior doesn't say a word, but reaches into his pocket, pulls out a five-dollar bill, and hands it to the lawyer. Now it's the senior's turn and he asks the lawyer, "What goes up a hill with three legs, and comes down with four?"
The lawyer uses his laptop and searches all references he could find on the Net. He sends e-mails to all the smart friends he knows; all to no avail. After an hour of searching, he finally gives up. He wakes the senior and hands him $500. The senior pockets the $500 and goes right back to sleep. The lawyer is going nuts not knowing the answer. He wakes the senior up and asks, "Well, so what goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?"
The senior reaches into his pocket, hands the lawyer $5, and goes back to sleep.
Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
This catches the senior's attention and he agrees to play the game in order to keep the lawyer quiet.
The lawyer asks the first question. "What's the distance from the Earth to the Moon?"
The senior doesn't say a word, but reaches into his pocket, pulls out a five-dollar bill, and hands it to the lawyer. Now it's the senior's turn and he asks the lawyer, "What goes up a hill with three legs, and comes down with four?"
The lawyer uses his laptop and searches all references he could find on the Net. He sends e-mails to all the smart friends he knows; all to no avail. After an hour of searching, he finally gives up. He wakes the senior and hands him $500. The senior pockets the $500 and goes right back to sleep. The lawyer is going nuts not knowing the answer. He wakes the senior up and asks, "Well, so what goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?"
The senior reaches into his pocket, hands the lawyer $5, and goes back to sleep.
Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Isn't it strange
Things can look different when viewed from another perspective!
Isn’t it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?
Isn’t it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you’re at church, and so short when you’re watching a good movie?
Isn’t it strange that you can’t find a word to say when you’re praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?
Isn’t it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel?
Isn’t it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games, but they always choose to sit at the last row in church?
Isn’t it strange how we need to know about an event for church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can easily adjust for other events at the last minute?
Isn’t it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others, but how easy it is to learn and repeat gossip?
Isn’t it strange how we believe what magazines and newspapers say, but we question the words in the Bible?
Isn’t it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven, but they aren't interested in God?
Isn’t it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?
Isn’t it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you’re at church, and so short when you’re watching a good movie?
Isn’t it strange that you can’t find a word to say when you’re praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?
Isn’t it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel?
Isn’t it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games, but they always choose to sit at the last row in church?
Isn’t it strange how we need to know about an event for church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can easily adjust for other events at the last minute?
Isn’t it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others, but how easy it is to learn and repeat gossip?
Isn’t it strange how we believe what magazines and newspapers say, but we question the words in the Bible?
Isn’t it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven, but they aren't interested in God?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A Realtor's Life
This actual correspondence between an FHA loan department worker and a client's lawyer. The lawyer's attitude brings a smile to the realtors who struggle with the stonewalling by various loan lenders.
A New Orleans lawyer sought a FHA loan for a client. He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove satisfactory title to a parcel of property being offered as collateral. The title to the property dated back to 1803, which took the lawyer three months to track down. After sending the information to FHA, he received the following reply:
A New Orleans lawyer sought a FHA loan for a client. He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove satisfactory title to a parcel of property being offered as collateral. The title to the property dated back to 1803, which took the lawyer three months to track down. After sending the information to FHA, he received the following reply:
“Upon review of your letter adjoining your client’s loan application, we note that the request is supported by an Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in which you have prepared and presented the application, we must point out that you have only cleared title to the proposed collateral property back to 1803. Before final approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the title back to its origin.”Annoyed, the lawyer responded as follows:
“Your letter regarding the title has been received. I note that you wish to have title extended further than the 194 years covered by the present application. I was unaware that any educated person in this country, particularly those working in the property area, would not know that Louisiana was purchased by the U.S. from France in 1803, the year of origin identified in our application. For the edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the land prior to U.S. ownership was obtained from France, which had acquired it by right of conquest from Spain. The land came into possession of Spain by right of discovery made in the year 1492 by a sea captain named Christopher Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a new route to India by the then reigning monarch, Isabella. The good Queen, being a pious woman and careful about titles, (almost as much as the FHA) took the precaution of securing the blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to fund Columbus’ expedition. Now the Pope, as I’m sure you know is the emissary of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God it is commonly accepted, created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to presume that He also made that part of the world called Louisiana. He, therefore, would be the owner of origin. I hope you find HIS original claim to be satisfactory. Now, may we have our loan?”They got it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)