Think About It

          The other night Jeane   and I watch a movie that had great potential.   The costuming was wonderful and the story was intriguing ... and then something happened – it just stopped!   After about an hour and a half of a pretty decent movie the characters (and the plot) just seemed to die.   The final scenes left us hanging – how did it end, how was it supposed to end?   The shame is that when I think of this movie (even if I could recall its name) I will always judge it based on how it finished.           One of the most important qualities of a top level athletic team is their ability to finish strong.   Games are won in the last quarter (or eighth inning) and championships are seized in the playoffs.   Yes, great teams have the consistency to put them in position to be successful, but it is the ability to make that final drive that cements them in hi...

A couple of things have happened to me over the last few days that have reminded me how disconnected I am.   First, Jason Adlean was named the Artist of the Decade by the Academy Of Country Music.   When I think about him, I recall an upstart singer who had a few minor hits ... wow, I am out of it.   The other was making reference to George Michael’s hit, (You Gotta Have) “Faith” only see the glazed over look in the eyes of people who have children of their own.   I have never really considered myself a trendsetter, but I didn’t realize how much of an old-fogy I have become! One of the challenges I face is trying to stay somewhat contemporary and relevant while not losing the foundation that keeps me grounded in the faith.   I want to be able to relate to modern society without becoming tainted by thoughts and philosophies that just aren’t correct.   As I got to pondering this dilemma I recalled about a reminder issued by a New Testament writer, “ Rememb...

What are we doing with the abilities we have been given?  Now, before we can have this discussion we need to set a few ground rules.  The first one is to accept that each one of us has been given a talent or an ability.  (The truth is that most of us have been richly blessed with multiple talents, but for the sake of argument, let’s just go with the simple statement that we are talented.)  The second rule is that excuses don’t count!  If we think long enough we can all come up with a rationale for why we aren’t doing what we are capable of doing, but let’s call it what it is really is – an excuse.  Third, we can’t take a pass in the present for a promise in the future.  Many of us are familiar with the cartoon character J. Wellington Wimpy who promised “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.”.  The truth is that few ever get around to paying postponed promises.  So, now, what are we doing with the abilities we have been given...

          There is a lot of discussion in today’s world about making good investments.  While some of the talk has to do with financial investments, most of it refers to other things such as infrastructure, safety and security and education.  Yet, there is one place where this is often overlooked – in raising our children.  Yes, we do a good job of protecting our children from harm, but do we do as a good a job in raising our children to be strong, productive members of society?  As parents, we can be ferocious when it comes to defending and advocating for our children, but at what cost?  Protecting our children should not include hiding them from accountability, rather by building a foundation on responsibility, values and development we genuinely invest in their future as productive adults.           Frederick Douglass is quoted as saying, “It is easier to build strong children than to re...

Well, Spring has finally sprung.  As I drive around town I see the incredible deep colors of the tulip magnolia trees, the freshness of the dogwoods and the brightness of the daffodils.  Yet, one of the most impressive sights this year are the cherry trees.  Washington D. C. may get the fame and the tourists, but our trees are busting with color!  As I thought about the warmer weather and bright colors I got to thinking about how great it would be to be able to enjoy this year round ... then reality set in.  First of all, my allergies would keep me on constant medication, but more simply, without the effect of the other seasons on the plants we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the Spring blossom. Wouldn’t it be great if our lives could be joyful and carefree all the time?  Just think about how much better life would be without stress and hardships.  On a surface level this might be a pleasant thought, but even if we could live on Easy Street would we enjoy...

          Are we serious about our spiritual walk?   It is easy to claim to be spiritually-minded people and it is even cool to promote ourselves as a nation of God-fearers, but are we committed to this being more than propaganda?   Are we willing to hold ourselves personally accountable to God and are we willing to demand that our leaders follow sound principles?   It is nice to play the part of God’s people, but are we ready to make it the core of our lives?           The great biblical poet, David, challenged the people of his day, “ Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth.   Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling.   Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish  in  the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled.   How blessed are all who take ref...

One of my biggest dilemmas is when someone who claims to be a positive spiritual example gets caught by the media doing something wrong.   On one hand, it is easy to blame the media for targeting those who advocate morality, but is it really the story-tellers who are the bad guys?   When someone who advocates spirituality gets caught in an error should we really get mad at the press for calling it to people’s attention or should we be disappointed in the one who committed the act?   Most of us hate to see someone on our “side” being criticized for doing something wrong – but, is it really the fault of the ones telling the story or the one living the life?   Sure, it might make our lives easier if the trespass went unreported, but when it does get reported we need to make sure that we correctly assess responsibility. Whenever we make the claim of being a spiritual person, we automatically come under scrutiny – and we should.   If we are going to call upon othe...