We've had several days of nice weather. It's that time of year! However, it is our rainy season and it is supposed to start later today and continue with a significant chance of rain for the next 2 weeks. I saw a forecast yesterday that indicated cumulative totals of almost 10 inches of rain expected here over that period. It's hard to get much done outside when the weather is like that.
Springtime is interesting in that everything kicks into "growth mode." Along with it, though, comes the desire to clean and repair and combat the crazy growth that is everywhere. We start mowing the lawn again and weeding the flower beds and then plant something else in place of the weeds.
Growing up in dry country where the only trees were those planted by people, we have really enjoyed the trees here. This time of year the trees take up a lot of moisture. The weight of all of that water is in their limbs and leaves. If there is any disease, or weakness in those limbs, they often break from the weight of all of the water in them -- especially if the wind gets up such as during a thunderstorm.
One of the things that attracted us to the house we are in was a giant willow oak tree that was in the back yard. I'm certain I have posted about it in the past. It was ancient and had a lot of weak and diseased spots throughout. This time of year was always hazardous because that tree would shed limbs. We had damage to the roof on the house and extensive damage to our garage from falling limbs. That tree is gone now. We had to have it removed.
We still have several large trees that are at risk of shedding limbs, or even of breaking. There is a large hackberry in our front yard that has a hollowed out area due to a previously removed limb that was not properly sealed. One of these days it is likely to come crashing down. I hope it doesn't fall on the house, but it could.
I know I have rambled a bit this morning. There is lots on my mind and I suppose it comes out in the way I drift around in my writing. Oh, well. It is how I sort through things and organize my thoughts. Right now I think I'll just get another cup of coffee and try to focus on a project that keeps calling from my "to do" list....
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Monday, April 29, 2019
Worth It
Sometimes I have to take the time
To sit there in the shade
And look across the landscape
That the hand of God has made.
The cares upon my mind
Just seem to fade away
And I find that I have rested
In the middle of the day.
We must have a need
That is wired into our soul
To touch His Holy Presence
As we work toward the goal
Of living out our calling
While here upon the earth.
It is only in His Hands
That we can realize our worth.
To sit there in the shade
And look across the landscape
That the hand of God has made.
The cares upon my mind
Just seem to fade away
And I find that I have rested
In the middle of the day.
We must have a need
That is wired into our soul
To touch His Holy Presence
As we work toward the goal
Of living out our calling
While here upon the earth.
It is only in His Hands
That we can realize our worth.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Texas Finest at Their Best
Yesterday morning I made the comment to my better half that I was restless -- I needed something to do today. It turned out that my need for something was fulfilled in a very different way than anticipated.
We went out yesterday morning to check cattle at our place. As we were driving around the pasture I noticed a State Trooper vehicle passing down the county road which was very unusual. We occasionally see a County Sheriff's car, but never a Texas DPS patrol vehicle. We completed our check of the cattle and then hopped into the Polaris Ranger to take a look at the hay meadow to see if it was about ready to cut. It's getting close, but the ground is much too wet to get in hay equipment.
As we came back up out of the hay meadow we could see several emergency vehicles parked just inside our gate. We drove up in the Ranger to investigate and learned that they were searching for a small plane that had crashed. The State Trooper had pulled into our place and parked before hiking across to the neighbor's where they found the plane. We ended up helping to provide a "shuttle service" in the Ranger for emergency personnel to get to and from the crash site which was a lengthy hike from where they were parked.
The pilot of the plane was uninjured and there were no other passengers. The site is isolated and he was very fortunate not to have landed in the trees. There was a small stretch of open ground in which he was able to set the plane down.
My object here isn't to write about the crash, but about the emergency response personnel. There were people from two different fire units at the site -- fortunately unneeded -- along with Sheriff's office personnel and a number of State Troopers.
We hear a lot of negative about law enforcement personnel in the media. I'm sure there are a few "bad actors" sprinkled in the many personnel who have been called into that profession, but I am here to say the ones we interacted with yesterday were extremely polite, professional, friendly and focused first on the safety and well-being of the crash victim. They were thorough while being aware of the concerns of the land owners and others affected. They all just seemed like good people trying to do the best job possible. I was especially impressed by the State Troopers and their conduct. As Texans we should be proud we have them and I would suggest taking the time to thank them occasionally for the job they do.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Food, Weather and Enlightenment
After missing a couple of days of posting it is a struggle to get back into the groove. It has been a long week packed into the last couple of days and I just didn't have the time to write. Sometimes the things we must do get in the way of the things we desire to do.
I got to see a pretty good swath of country this week. The wheat crop in Kansas looks to be off to an excellent start. I say start, probably it is past mid-point and looks to be well on its way to a good finish.
The same moisture that has been good for Kansas wheat has created problems in other ways though. There continue to be many areas that are struggling to get ground prepared and planted. There is flooding in Texas where many crops have already sprouted.
Further north into Nebraska I understand they are still struggling with the aftermath of the huge "bomb cyclone" that swept through earlier. The impact will be felt for several years.
Agriculture is dependent on the weather. For those not in the business of producing food there is little understanding of how important the weather can be for farmers and ranchers. It would probably be good for everyone if they better understood that element of food production. As populations grow throughout the world, the fine line between plenty and want will become more and more critical. A single massive weather event could trigger widespread food shortages.
I had the good fortune this week to meet some young men from the other side of this planet who are developing and managing state-of-the-art facilities for producing a wide range of food products. They are eager to learn and focused on applying the best technological advances to their art. I was very impressed.
We struggled a bit with the language, but with the aid of an interpreter were able to have meaningful conversations on many subjects. In this country we tend to think of ourselves as set apart -- as different from people in other countries. I have been fortunate to learn that is far from the truth. We need to remember that there are good and bad people everywhere and in every country. The young men I met this week are some of the good guys and they are devoted to feeding the world.
I got to see a pretty good swath of country this week. The wheat crop in Kansas looks to be off to an excellent start. I say start, probably it is past mid-point and looks to be well on its way to a good finish.
The same moisture that has been good for Kansas wheat has created problems in other ways though. There continue to be many areas that are struggling to get ground prepared and planted. There is flooding in Texas where many crops have already sprouted.
Further north into Nebraska I understand they are still struggling with the aftermath of the huge "bomb cyclone" that swept through earlier. The impact will be felt for several years.
Agriculture is dependent on the weather. For those not in the business of producing food there is little understanding of how important the weather can be for farmers and ranchers. It would probably be good for everyone if they better understood that element of food production. As populations grow throughout the world, the fine line between plenty and want will become more and more critical. A single massive weather event could trigger widespread food shortages.
I had the good fortune this week to meet some young men from the other side of this planet who are developing and managing state-of-the-art facilities for producing a wide range of food products. They are eager to learn and focused on applying the best technological advances to their art. I was very impressed.
We struggled a bit with the language, but with the aid of an interpreter were able to have meaningful conversations on many subjects. In this country we tend to think of ourselves as set apart -- as different from people in other countries. I have been fortunate to learn that is far from the truth. We need to remember that there are good and bad people everywhere and in every country. The young men I met this week are some of the good guys and they are devoted to feeding the world.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Timing
Rain.
Cattle.
Travel.
Disparate pieces of a bigger puzzle coming together in ways unforeseen.
People.
Places.
Conversations.
It's crazy how things fit together in ways we could never imagine.
Change.
Ideas.
Projects.
Meetings that come together when they seem impossible.
Life.
Faith.
Process.
Growing patience through the waiting out of God's timing.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Some Texas Springtime
Springtime in Texas,
A place of contrasts
That stretches from mountain to sea,
Brings torrential rain
Or, dust storms on the plain
And days just as pretty as could be.
Some days are hot,
Sometimes it's cold,
The bluebonnets are bluest of blue.
Hail sometimes will fall
And the snakes start to crawl;
The thunderstorms often will brew.
If you don't like the day
Just wait a few hours
'Cause it will most definitely change.
It may be too hot
Or, may be too cold
Or, could be the perfect range.
It's a beautiful time
Unless the winds blow
And you'd better hang on to your hair.
If you've never been
To the Lone Star in Spring
You'd should hurry up and get there.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
He Is Risen!
Sometimes only the old hymns will do....
Low in the grave He lay --
Jesus my Savior!
Waiting the coming day --
Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Vainly they watch His bed --
Jesus, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead --
Jesus my Lord!
(Chorus)
Death cannot keep his prey --
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away --
Jesus my Lord!
(Chorus)
"Up From the Grave He Arose" also known as "Christ Arose" -- Robert Lowry, 1874
Lowry, a Baptist preacher, also wrote "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus" and "Shall We Gather at the River." When asked about writing a hymn Lowry said, "It must be readily apprehended by the Christian consciousness, coming forth from the experience of the writer, and clothed in strong and inspiring words."
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Weeds and Empty Spaces
Have you ever noticed how weeds are a never-ending challenge? Anywhere there is an open patch of ground, they will sprout. Sometimes they sprout in places that you wouldn't even consider open, such as the crack in a sidewalk. They exploit empty or, broken places.
There's a couple of ways to look at this: 1) Nature abhors a vacuum. Weeds are the pioneers that begin the process of filling empty places. 2) The unwanted will always exploit the un-tended.
That exploitative view of weeds is what comes to mind this morning. As I think on the historic events we commemorate on this Easter weekend, it occurs to me that we must constantly cultivate our relationship with Jesus and with others in order to keep the weeds out. Weeds are the sin in our life that come into the empty places. The best way to prevent their growth is to fill those spaces with the good which is Jesus.
Filling those spaces requires continuous attention -- not just once a year on Easter. Feed the good; pluck the evil out by the roots.
The first way to look at weeds also applies; if we equate weeds to evil, it is easy to see that it quickly exploits empty spaces and expands to fill them until it crowds out whatever good may have been planted. Evil will fill the emptiness that was designed by God for His presence. Fill the empty places with Jesus.
There's a couple of ways to look at this: 1) Nature abhors a vacuum. Weeds are the pioneers that begin the process of filling empty places. 2) The unwanted will always exploit the un-tended.
That exploitative view of weeds is what comes to mind this morning. As I think on the historic events we commemorate on this Easter weekend, it occurs to me that we must constantly cultivate our relationship with Jesus and with others in order to keep the weeds out. Weeds are the sin in our life that come into the empty places. The best way to prevent their growth is to fill those spaces with the good which is Jesus.
Filling those spaces requires continuous attention -- not just once a year on Easter. Feed the good; pluck the evil out by the roots.
The first way to look at weeds also applies; if we equate weeds to evil, it is easy to see that it quickly exploits empty spaces and expands to fill them until it crowds out whatever good may have been planted. Evil will fill the emptiness that was designed by God for His presence. Fill the empty places with Jesus.
Friday, April 19, 2019
What is Good About This Friday?
Why is today called Good Friday? Last night as I lay in bed this thought came into my mind. After all, this was the day on which we commemorate the crucifixtion of Jesus. Why would we in the western church call it good?
The history has been tainted by the passage of time as to why we call it good. I won't go into any detail here because there have been many, many things written and recorded that theorize the reasons. The one that seems most logical to me is that it is a corruption of "God Friday." This seems to fit typical English corruption of various phrases which were once common that referred to the Deity such as "goodbye" or, "goodness."
In many traditions throughout the world it is known as Holy Friday. I personally think it would be a better way to refer to this day which is not one of celebration, but one of contemplation and prayer focused on the supreme sacrifice God made on our behalf. In that sense -- the focus on God -- it is "God Friday."
I would encourage you to read through the gospel accounts of Jesus' last days on this day of commemoration. For reference, the readings practiced by the Byzantine Christians in what they refer to as the "Matins of the Twelve Passion Gospels" is a good place to start. They are listed below:
The history has been tainted by the passage of time as to why we call it good. I won't go into any detail here because there have been many, many things written and recorded that theorize the reasons. The one that seems most logical to me is that it is a corruption of "God Friday." This seems to fit typical English corruption of various phrases which were once common that referred to the Deity such as "goodbye" or, "goodness."
In many traditions throughout the world it is known as Holy Friday. I personally think it would be a better way to refer to this day which is not one of celebration, but one of contemplation and prayer focused on the supreme sacrifice God made on our behalf. In that sense -- the focus on God -- it is "God Friday."
I would encourage you to read through the gospel accounts of Jesus' last days on this day of commemoration. For reference, the readings practiced by the Byzantine Christians in what they refer to as the "Matins of the Twelve Passion Gospels" is a good place to start. They are listed below:
- John 13:31 - 18:1
- John 18:1 - 18:28
- Matthew 26:57-26:75
- John 18:28 - 19:16
- Matthew 27:3 - 27:32
- Mark 15:16 - 15:32
- Matthew 27:33 - 27:54
- Luke 23:32 - 23:49
- John 19:25 - 19:37
- Mark 15:43 - 15:47
- John 19:38 - 19:42
- Matthew 27:62 - 27:66
May your contemplation be filled with the presence of God.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Political Venting
Some thoughts on the mess in Washington:
- All laws should apply equally to every citizen -- no matter economic status, or whether or not they hold political office. This includes insurance, retirement, etc. ALL laws.
- If members of the Senate and House want to see the President's tax returns, they should first publish their own. Perhaps it should be required that all elected officials at the national level be required to publish their returns, including all sources of income, for the duration of their time in office.
- Compensation for office holders should be Indexed similar to what is done with Social Security.
- A 2/3 majority vote should be required for any bill to pass. This would mean very few laws are ever passed.
- No lawmaker may serve more than 25 years in elected office -- all offices combined. Term limits is a tricky area because we need experienced lawmakers, yet we need to limit the accretion of power over time.
- Some type of limitation on lobbying must be instituted. This is another tricky area because lobbying serves the purpose of educating lawmakers, however, it must be restricted in such a way as to prevent the undue influence of the tremendous amount of money that is poured into lobbying efforts.
- No elected official can become a lobbyist after leaving office. Ever. Period.
- No elected official can join the Board of Directors of any firm for a minimum of 5 years after leaving office.
- No elected official can be paid a salary which exceeds that which they made in office for a minimum of 5 years after leaving office.
- Assets of anyone elected to the Senate, House, Presidency, or who serves in a Cabinet level position must be placed in Trust and managed independently, similar to what is required of the President. There are too many officeholders who accumulate extraordinary wealth while holding office. This could be done similar to a Mutual Fund for elected officials. Such a fund should also be available for the general public to invest in so they receive exactly the same opportunity to benefit as do those elected officials.
- Except in times of war or national emergency, the federal budget cannot increase by an amount greater than the average inflation rate of the preceding year adjusted for growth in revenue due to economic growth of the country.
- Leadership of the House and Senate must rotate every 2 years with no individual serving more than 2 terms in the leadership role over the course of their 25 years (maximum) in office. There must be a minimum of 2 years between terms. This includes Speaker, President Pro Tem, committee chairmen and the majority and minority leaders of political parties.
- Except in the case of national security issues, any reports (such as the Mueller Report), or other information available to elected officials, must be made available to any citizen. Note: Officeholders are elected representatives, not our leaders. How can they represent us if we are not able to be informed at the same level as them? We cannot provide them appropriate input for them to represent us if we do not have access to the same information. We, as taxpayers, pay for it all. What we pay for is ours.
- Details of any litigation against any elected official must be disclosed to the public. Any and all arrest records, traffic fines, parking tickets....anything...must be disclosed to the public if such occurred while campaigning for, or holding office.
I'm sure someone could poke holes in a number of the points above, but they at least point to areas where improvement needs to occur. There also are many more items that could be added. I'm just venting some of my frustration this morning.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Sufficient
"My grace is sufficient."
That's all the words needed to describe what our relationship to God should be -- one of dependence and submission. His grace is all we need. Everything else is meaningless. Everything else is superfluous.
When your mind is filled with questions
And you don't know where to turn
Focus on the Father
For it is there that you will learn
His grace is all you need
To get you through the day
Because He sent His only Son
To show us all the way
Into His presence.
This morning as I sat and thought of all the things going on in the world and the things people are going through, these words came to my mind. The troubles of this life will be gone in the blink of an eye and our place in the "bigger picture" will be made known. It is all temporary, so we should focus on the things that are important -- the eternal things -- and put all the rest in God's hands, for He is sufficient.
2 Cor. 12:9 "But he said to me, 'Mygrace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
That's all the words needed to describe what our relationship to God should be -- one of dependence and submission. His grace is all we need. Everything else is meaningless. Everything else is superfluous.
When your mind is filled with questions
And you don't know where to turn
Focus on the Father
For it is there that you will learn
His grace is all you need
To get you through the day
Because He sent His only Son
To show us all the way
Into His presence.
This morning as I sat and thought of all the things going on in the world and the things people are going through, these words came to my mind. The troubles of this life will be gone in the blink of an eye and our place in the "bigger picture" will be made known. It is all temporary, so we should focus on the things that are important -- the eternal things -- and put all the rest in God's hands, for He is sufficient.
2 Cor. 12:9 "But he said to me, 'Mygrace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Insomnia
Sometimes random thoughts
Flit right through my head.
Often when it happens
I'm lying there in bed
Trying to get to sleep.
It's very frustrating
When my mind is racing so
With all the crazy things
It doesn't matter if I know
That certainly aren't deep.
If I was contemplating
Something that was needing thought
It wouldn't bother me as much
If understanding was what I sought.
Instead it's just random stuff.
These things that keep me wide awake
Instead of getting sleep
Just aren't that important
That 'til morning they should keep
And I want to yell, "ENOUGH!"
Flit right through my head.
Often when it happens
I'm lying there in bed
Trying to get to sleep.
It's very frustrating
When my mind is racing so
With all the crazy things
It doesn't matter if I know
That certainly aren't deep.
If I was contemplating
Something that was needing thought
It wouldn't bother me as much
If understanding was what I sought.
Instead it's just random stuff.
These things that keep me wide awake
Instead of getting sleep
Just aren't that important
That 'til morning they should keep
And I want to yell, "ENOUGH!"
Monday, April 15, 2019
Sanctuary for Refugees
The massive influx of illegal immigrants on our southern border has created a crisis of conscience in our country that is not couched in such terms, but is one nonetheless. Normally, when such massive numbers of people leave their country to migrate elsewhere it is due to an easily recognizable event such as war. The people are often sheltered in refugee camps in neighboring countries until they can be re-settled elsewhere, or until the event is over and they return to their homes. The current migration north from central American countries is the result of economic events that threaten the security of individuals -- primarily due to poor governance. It includes overwhelming gang and drug violence in many of the countries that is similar in impact to war, but it is also due to corruption in the governing bodies that control those countries.
The moral dilemma is in this country. How do we deal with the humanitarian aspects of the crisis while protecting the integrity of our border and our country -- especially from the violence of drug and human traffickers who exploit the surging numbers of migrants?
In the current media-hyped environment of the President's suggestion that the illegal immigrants be sent to "sanctuary cities," a clear point is being missed, calls by individuals within those cities to accept illegal immigrants into our country are based in the concept that they will be placed elsewhere and that others will have to deal with the impact they will have on local infrastructure and taxes. It is a typical liberal response of mandating the government deal with an issue rather than taking personal responsibility.
A complicating factor is that the liberal call is for government largess (funded by all of us law-abiding taxpayers) to provide the humanitarian relief placing the burden on ALL rather than on those who would choose such a response. Big government and "federal" responsibility is a mantra of those on the left. By planting those dependent immigrants in Republican strongholds, the impact is to dilute the voting strength of those of opposing mindset with the influx of new, government-dependent voters. What were once strong Republican voting districts become Democrat strongholds in a short period of time -- witness the rise of the new and highly visible Representatives such as Omar.
Placing illegal immigrants in those areas declaring "sanctuary" status makes sense. Let those who want to allow them unfettered access to our country carry the burden. It also concentrates their voting power into areas where it will make no difference.
What should the Christian response be to these immigrants? That is a difficult question to answer in some ways and yet our responsibility is clear -- provide humanitarian relief. It should be done with wisdom.
How should the government deal with them? Their status as illegal immigrants should be maintained and they should be provided housing similar to refugee camps. Their transition into society should follow legal channels that require meeting citizenship standards established by law. Criminal elements found within them should be prosecuted for their crimes -- not sent home merely to return again. Access across our borders should be controlled -- that requires limiting access to a few points which can be done effectively only with a wall. Efforts to stabilize the countries of origin of the immigrants should be initiated, including assistance to eliminate the criminal elements -- including those within governments -- that are fueling the crisis. Closing our borders is not the answer. Doing so merely adds to the resentment of our economic success and increases global instability which does no one any good.
If our country is so attractive to others, we should export those things which make it that way. Make it so people desire to remain in their own country rather than to leave. Export our form of governance (at least the basic philosophy) and export our economic model (again, at least the best parts of it). We have allowed our own country to drift toward a model that threatens to implode, but we still have something that is extremely desirable as evidenced by those risking everything to get here.
The moral dilemma is in this country. How do we deal with the humanitarian aspects of the crisis while protecting the integrity of our border and our country -- especially from the violence of drug and human traffickers who exploit the surging numbers of migrants?
In the current media-hyped environment of the President's suggestion that the illegal immigrants be sent to "sanctuary cities," a clear point is being missed, calls by individuals within those cities to accept illegal immigrants into our country are based in the concept that they will be placed elsewhere and that others will have to deal with the impact they will have on local infrastructure and taxes. It is a typical liberal response of mandating the government deal with an issue rather than taking personal responsibility.
A complicating factor is that the liberal call is for government largess (funded by all of us law-abiding taxpayers) to provide the humanitarian relief placing the burden on ALL rather than on those who would choose such a response. Big government and "federal" responsibility is a mantra of those on the left. By planting those dependent immigrants in Republican strongholds, the impact is to dilute the voting strength of those of opposing mindset with the influx of new, government-dependent voters. What were once strong Republican voting districts become Democrat strongholds in a short period of time -- witness the rise of the new and highly visible Representatives such as Omar.
Placing illegal immigrants in those areas declaring "sanctuary" status makes sense. Let those who want to allow them unfettered access to our country carry the burden. It also concentrates their voting power into areas where it will make no difference.
What should the Christian response be to these immigrants? That is a difficult question to answer in some ways and yet our responsibility is clear -- provide humanitarian relief. It should be done with wisdom.
How should the government deal with them? Their status as illegal immigrants should be maintained and they should be provided housing similar to refugee camps. Their transition into society should follow legal channels that require meeting citizenship standards established by law. Criminal elements found within them should be prosecuted for their crimes -- not sent home merely to return again. Access across our borders should be controlled -- that requires limiting access to a few points which can be done effectively only with a wall. Efforts to stabilize the countries of origin of the immigrants should be initiated, including assistance to eliminate the criminal elements -- including those within governments -- that are fueling the crisis. Closing our borders is not the answer. Doing so merely adds to the resentment of our economic success and increases global instability which does no one any good.
If our country is so attractive to others, we should export those things which make it that way. Make it so people desire to remain in their own country rather than to leave. Export our form of governance (at least the basic philosophy) and export our economic model (again, at least the best parts of it). We have allowed our own country to drift toward a model that threatens to implode, but we still have something that is extremely desirable as evidenced by those risking everything to get here.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
A Light by Which to See
Some mornings as I sit and wonder what to write
I let my mind begin to drift.
Words begin to flow upon the page in front of me
And I hope that they will uplift
The spirits of those who might stumble across them
Someday when they're in need.
We search blindly for the answers to struggles that may come
Never knowing where the search might lead
But, when the answers aren't forthcoming,
Never there before our sight,
There is one place we can always turn and see;
The Word of God says Jesus is the light.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son
That we might live with Him eternally
If only we acknowledge He is Lord of all in life
And came to earth to save you and me.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." -- John 3:16
I let my mind begin to drift.
Words begin to flow upon the page in front of me
And I hope that they will uplift
The spirits of those who might stumble across them
Someday when they're in need.
We search blindly for the answers to struggles that may come
Never knowing where the search might lead
But, when the answers aren't forthcoming,
Never there before our sight,
There is one place we can always turn and see;
The Word of God says Jesus is the light.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son
That we might live with Him eternally
If only we acknowledge He is Lord of all in life
And came to earth to save you and me.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." -- John 3:16
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Sleeping to the Rain
Lying in my bed I hear
The sounds of gentle rain
Falling
Falling
I drift into light sleep
To the steady, rhythmic
Falling
Falling
Drops upon the roof
And my mind drifts
Falling
Falling
Into the swirling pool
Of thoughts that lead me
Falling
Falling
Deeper to the edge
Where sleep beckons
Falling
Falling
Crack!
Boom!
Jolt!
Awake!
Lying in my bed I hear
The sounds of gentle rain
Falling
Falling....
The sounds of gentle rain
Falling
Falling
I drift into light sleep
To the steady, rhythmic
Falling
Falling
Drops upon the roof
And my mind drifts
Falling
Falling
Into the swirling pool
Of thoughts that lead me
Falling
Falling
Deeper to the edge
Where sleep beckons
Falling
Falling
Crack!
Boom!
Jolt!
Awake!
Lying in my bed I hear
The sounds of gentle rain
Falling
Falling....
Friday, April 12, 2019
Tunnel Vision
It is easy to get tunnel vision about things. We become focused on one thing, or we condition ourselves to look at things in a specific way and we miss important things that occur. We simply fail to see them because our mind gets in a "rut" to some extent.
The best way to avoid tunnel vision is to constantly challenge our mind with things that are "outside" our normal way of thinking. We must constantly exercise our mind, just as we do our body. Practicing critical thinking skills on a daily basis is necessary to maintain the ability to think through problems and to see relevant information that is not directly "in the path" that we are used to traveling.
The thing that triggered my thoughts on this today is the controversial comment by AOC regarding Rep. Dan Crenshaw's need to "do something about it" as an accusation that he was unwilling to support a bill related to victims of the 9-11 attack. Her focus seemed to be on providing money to those affected -- many of whom live in her district. His opposition, to her at least, indicated he was unwilling to fight for those affected. There are many things about this that are ironic: First, she was partially lashing out in defense of her friend and fellow Democratic freshman Omar who is Muslim, just as the perpetrators of the 9-11 attack were Muslim. Crenshaw had previously called Omar out for saying, "some people did some things." It appeared Omar was minimizing the event as "no big deal." Second, Crenshaw is a veteran of Iran and Afghanistan and lost an eye in service to his country -- specifically, against anti-American elements in the area of the world from which the perpetrators came.
My comments aren't "in defense" of AOC, but this example points out how one can develop a closed view based on their focus and completely miss the reality around them. This is part of what is widening the divide between those of a "liberal" persuasion and those who are more "conservative" in their views. We each become totally convinced that we are "right" and those in opposition are "wrong" when the reality is likely somewhere in between -- if there is a clear right or, wrong at all. Often, it is more one of viewing a problem that is commonly recognized and seeing totally different approaches to a solution -- but not always.
I wish it was that simple -- just a matter of two different approaches to solving a commonly recognized problem. It seems that isn't the case in most instances. It is probably more about power than anything. Problems are approached as opportunities to gather power, not as something needing to be solved -- at least by our lawmakers.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am sick of it. Once upon a time I thought a career in politics was something I wanted to pursue; I'm happy that my career took other directions. It seems that today, the political landscape is about as corrupt as it has ever been in history. Sadly, it will never get better until God says, "I am making everything new." (Revelation 21:5)
The best way to avoid tunnel vision is to constantly challenge our mind with things that are "outside" our normal way of thinking. We must constantly exercise our mind, just as we do our body. Practicing critical thinking skills on a daily basis is necessary to maintain the ability to think through problems and to see relevant information that is not directly "in the path" that we are used to traveling.
The thing that triggered my thoughts on this today is the controversial comment by AOC regarding Rep. Dan Crenshaw's need to "do something about it" as an accusation that he was unwilling to support a bill related to victims of the 9-11 attack. Her focus seemed to be on providing money to those affected -- many of whom live in her district. His opposition, to her at least, indicated he was unwilling to fight for those affected. There are many things about this that are ironic: First, she was partially lashing out in defense of her friend and fellow Democratic freshman Omar who is Muslim, just as the perpetrators of the 9-11 attack were Muslim. Crenshaw had previously called Omar out for saying, "some people did some things." It appeared Omar was minimizing the event as "no big deal." Second, Crenshaw is a veteran of Iran and Afghanistan and lost an eye in service to his country -- specifically, against anti-American elements in the area of the world from which the perpetrators came.
My comments aren't "in defense" of AOC, but this example points out how one can develop a closed view based on their focus and completely miss the reality around them. This is part of what is widening the divide between those of a "liberal" persuasion and those who are more "conservative" in their views. We each become totally convinced that we are "right" and those in opposition are "wrong" when the reality is likely somewhere in between -- if there is a clear right or, wrong at all. Often, it is more one of viewing a problem that is commonly recognized and seeing totally different approaches to a solution -- but not always.
I wish it was that simple -- just a matter of two different approaches to solving a commonly recognized problem. It seems that isn't the case in most instances. It is probably more about power than anything. Problems are approached as opportunities to gather power, not as something needing to be solved -- at least by our lawmakers.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am sick of it. Once upon a time I thought a career in politics was something I wanted to pursue; I'm happy that my career took other directions. It seems that today, the political landscape is about as corrupt as it has ever been in history. Sadly, it will never get better until God says, "I am making everything new." (Revelation 21:5)
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Political Motivations
The harassment of the President by the opposition party continues with calls for release of his tax returns. I really don't think it is anyone's business -- especially not the business of those elected representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate. If they believe transparency in his financial dealings is important, perhaps they should begin by releasing their own tax returns -- every year since they have been elected to their current office.
There are certainly a lot of them who have become wealthy since being elected to office. They seem to become overnight financial geniuses while complaining about their salaries which are far above what the average citizen earns. I'm sure some of it is shrewd investment advice related to legislative actions taken while they are in office. I suspect some of it is "favored" insider deals that allow them to leverage small investments into exceptionally large returns -- perhaps in exchange for votes on related legislation. There may perhaps be some of it that is downright dishonest dealings under the table that never see the light of day.
One of the things that really bothers me is resistance to border protections -- including a wall. Without controlled borders we really aren't a sovereign country anymore. The greatest beneficiaries of open borders are illicit businesses such as drug and human trafficking. Controlled borders has nothing to do with immigration, as some would claim. It is about national sovereignty. If you lock the doors of your home when you are away, or at night, you practice controlling your own personal borders. If you have a fence around your yard you practice controlling your border. It only makes sense that a nation control who enters the country.
It isn't about race either. It is about making sure criminal elements are kept out to the extent possible. So, why is it in the best interest of our country to have open borders? It isn't! I suspect it is about that last way legislators get wealthy that I mentioned above.
Open borders, just like lowering the voting age to 16, is also about votes. The opposition party is desperate to find ways to gain power through the voting booth and they believe it will be at the hand of illegal immigrants who are granted the right to vote and at the hand of young voters who have limited knowledge of the system because of an education that has failed to teach solid economic and political theory, but has instead taught that socialism is good and that there is no such thing as right and wrong -- merely personal beliefs.
I wish I knew how to fix what is wrong with our country. We are so far down the road of a fatal internal failure that I don't know if recovery is possible. I hope so.
The first step is to get rid of the current crop of elected representatives and replace them with new ones who have their constituents best interest in mind rather than simply the grasping of power and money. Calls for the President's tax returns is a sleight-of-hand move that attempts to misdirect the public eye in the same manner the Mueller probe did -- pointing at the President as being culpable of the very things they themselves are guilty of doing.
Sometimes I just have to vent....
There are certainly a lot of them who have become wealthy since being elected to office. They seem to become overnight financial geniuses while complaining about their salaries which are far above what the average citizen earns. I'm sure some of it is shrewd investment advice related to legislative actions taken while they are in office. I suspect some of it is "favored" insider deals that allow them to leverage small investments into exceptionally large returns -- perhaps in exchange for votes on related legislation. There may perhaps be some of it that is downright dishonest dealings under the table that never see the light of day.
One of the things that really bothers me is resistance to border protections -- including a wall. Without controlled borders we really aren't a sovereign country anymore. The greatest beneficiaries of open borders are illicit businesses such as drug and human trafficking. Controlled borders has nothing to do with immigration, as some would claim. It is about national sovereignty. If you lock the doors of your home when you are away, or at night, you practice controlling your own personal borders. If you have a fence around your yard you practice controlling your border. It only makes sense that a nation control who enters the country.
It isn't about race either. It is about making sure criminal elements are kept out to the extent possible. So, why is it in the best interest of our country to have open borders? It isn't! I suspect it is about that last way legislators get wealthy that I mentioned above.
Open borders, just like lowering the voting age to 16, is also about votes. The opposition party is desperate to find ways to gain power through the voting booth and they believe it will be at the hand of illegal immigrants who are granted the right to vote and at the hand of young voters who have limited knowledge of the system because of an education that has failed to teach solid economic and political theory, but has instead taught that socialism is good and that there is no such thing as right and wrong -- merely personal beliefs.
I wish I knew how to fix what is wrong with our country. We are so far down the road of a fatal internal failure that I don't know if recovery is possible. I hope so.
The first step is to get rid of the current crop of elected representatives and replace them with new ones who have their constituents best interest in mind rather than simply the grasping of power and money. Calls for the President's tax returns is a sleight-of-hand move that attempts to misdirect the public eye in the same manner the Mueller probe did -- pointing at the President as being culpable of the very things they themselves are guilty of doing.
Sometimes I just have to vent....
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Battling Bulls and Tempers
Sometimes our best-laid plans
Seem to fall apart
When something doesn't go the way it should
Like when the bulls get out
'Cause they're fighting through the fence
Then chase the neighbor's cows into the wood.
I had no intention of spending half the morn
Trying to chase them down and get them in
But, that is just what happened and it frustrated me
Like it would most anyone of mortal men.
So, like I've done before
I went to chase them down
After patching up the hole there in the fence.
My spouse was there to help
Which might not be such a good thing
Since she saw me lose my temper and get tense.
Fortunately our neighbor took pity on us there
And helped us get the bulls into a pen.
Then it was a matter of just going for the trailer
And taking them right back home again.
[This brief poem actually condenses the events of a couple of days this week -- yes, it's only Wednesday. The bulls got out twice -- once on Sunday and again yesterday -- fighting through the fence with the neighbor's bull. Yesterday's chase was only about 1/4 as bad as the one on Sunday. We moved the bulls and will be doing some fencing. Sigh. I'm thinking hamburger might be a solution, but dang, it would be mighty expensive hamburger.]
Seem to fall apart
When something doesn't go the way it should
Like when the bulls get out
'Cause they're fighting through the fence
Then chase the neighbor's cows into the wood.
I had no intention of spending half the morn
Trying to chase them down and get them in
But, that is just what happened and it frustrated me
Like it would most anyone of mortal men.
So, like I've done before
I went to chase them down
After patching up the hole there in the fence.
My spouse was there to help
Which might not be such a good thing
Since she saw me lose my temper and get tense.
Fortunately our neighbor took pity on us there
And helped us get the bulls into a pen.
Then it was a matter of just going for the trailer
And taking them right back home again.
[This brief poem actually condenses the events of a couple of days this week -- yes, it's only Wednesday. The bulls got out twice -- once on Sunday and again yesterday -- fighting through the fence with the neighbor's bull. Yesterday's chase was only about 1/4 as bad as the one on Sunday. We moved the bulls and will be doing some fencing. Sigh. I'm thinking hamburger might be a solution, but dang, it would be mighty expensive hamburger.]
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Winners and Crowds
Both Baylor and Texas Tech have reason to be proud of their basketball programs this week. Baylor women won the National Championship and the Red Raider men lost in overtime in a hard-fought battle for the National Championship. Congratulations to both teams on their achievement.
The success of both of these programs will help the schools continue to recruit exceptional athletes. Success tends to build upon success. People are drawn to winners -- whether it be a sports program or, a company.
It was disappointing that the success at Tech was marred by rioting after their win on Saturday. There are almost always unruly elements in a crowd of people and it is well known that crowd behavior can cause even those who are normally self-controlled and law-abiding to join into the unacceptable actions instigated by a few.
Why is there such a tendency to follow a crowd? Is it the desire to fit in? Is it a deeper instinct wired into our genetics that causes us to lose our individual thought and be drawn along?
I suspect that deep within all of us is an unruly, violent animal that is held in check only by the control we have been taught by our parents and society. In any instance when the barriers are broken and such behavior can be exercised in an environment where it seems acceptable, the beast within shows its true colors -- the animal nature takes control.
From that perspective, it probably is a hard-wired genetic code. It is part of the survival instincts which drive the soldier to kill, the parent to defend and the cornered to lash out. It is a necessary characteristic of survival. That doesn't make it acceptable in a celebratory setting.
Throughout history there have been those who have utilized this tendency to mob violence to incite crowds into actions which the individuals involved would not normally contemplate otherwise. Rock-throwing, window breaking, destructive crowds erupt with little instigation. They are weaponized by a handful who incite them through words and actions that break through the thin barriers of restraint that allow us to live in close proximity.
My thoughts have drifted this morning. What I really want to say is, congratulations to the Baylor women's and Texas Tech men's basketball programs. You made us all proud.
The success of both of these programs will help the schools continue to recruit exceptional athletes. Success tends to build upon success. People are drawn to winners -- whether it be a sports program or, a company.
It was disappointing that the success at Tech was marred by rioting after their win on Saturday. There are almost always unruly elements in a crowd of people and it is well known that crowd behavior can cause even those who are normally self-controlled and law-abiding to join into the unacceptable actions instigated by a few.
Why is there such a tendency to follow a crowd? Is it the desire to fit in? Is it a deeper instinct wired into our genetics that causes us to lose our individual thought and be drawn along?
I suspect that deep within all of us is an unruly, violent animal that is held in check only by the control we have been taught by our parents and society. In any instance when the barriers are broken and such behavior can be exercised in an environment where it seems acceptable, the beast within shows its true colors -- the animal nature takes control.
From that perspective, it probably is a hard-wired genetic code. It is part of the survival instincts which drive the soldier to kill, the parent to defend and the cornered to lash out. It is a necessary characteristic of survival. That doesn't make it acceptable in a celebratory setting.
Throughout history there have been those who have utilized this tendency to mob violence to incite crowds into actions which the individuals involved would not normally contemplate otherwise. Rock-throwing, window breaking, destructive crowds erupt with little instigation. They are weaponized by a handful who incite them through words and actions that break through the thin barriers of restraint that allow us to live in close proximity.
My thoughts have drifted this morning. What I really want to say is, congratulations to the Baylor women's and Texas Tech men's basketball programs. You made us all proud.
Monday, April 8, 2019
Country Music Awards
I watched the Academy of Country Music Awards last night. For some reason my expectations for the show were fairly high -- perhaps it was because I knew they were giving George Strait a role. It has been awhile since he has been on there. Reba continues to be a mainstay, though. Maybe she's better at the political landscape in Nashville these days than most of the older artists.
I was again disappointed. There were some bright spots with a couple of acoustic performances -- the best of those was Chris Stapleton with him and his wife singing, him playing guitar, there was an upright bass and very light drum accompaniment. I had a hard time hearing and understanding some of the words -- it was almost as if he was mumbling -- it makes me wonder if the alcohol and drug culture of by-gone days has made its return. What I liked about his performance was the simplicity of it. It was about the music, not the glitz and glamour, or the razzle-dazzle of performances such as that by Carrie Underwood and her pool party entrance to a not-country song.
It seems to me that music awards should be about the music. I'm not too sure that's the case any more. It seems it's more about the performance. If that is how it is, maybe they should be receiving Academy Awards for their ability to act rather than music awards for their ability to play and sing music.
Although it was good to see him on the show, I must admit I was even a bit disappointed with "King George." It was as though his song choices were designed to draw the greatest contrast possible between his style of music and that of the current mainstream country performers. I have to say that I prefer his earlier work over that which I heard last night. The instrumentation was as expected, but the delivery just seemed a bit flat. Maybe it's just that he is aging.
There seems to be a clash of cultures going on in the country music world. There are many performers charging ahead with the new "pop" style that still receives the country label while there seems to be some pushback among a handful of musicians that recognizes there are a large number of listeners who want something closer to an older era of country music.
The fractures within the industry have happened before. The Outlaw movement of Waylon and a few others was an example. I think Blake Shelton may be one of the few who is recognizing the desire of fans for more country and less pop in the music of the industry. Maybe his work on The Voice is helping him to see beyond the tunnel that has focused the Nashville crowd into heading down the road they are on. If so, good for him.
Sigh. I guess I'll stick with the older stuff for the most part.
I was again disappointed. There were some bright spots with a couple of acoustic performances -- the best of those was Chris Stapleton with him and his wife singing, him playing guitar, there was an upright bass and very light drum accompaniment. I had a hard time hearing and understanding some of the words -- it was almost as if he was mumbling -- it makes me wonder if the alcohol and drug culture of by-gone days has made its return. What I liked about his performance was the simplicity of it. It was about the music, not the glitz and glamour, or the razzle-dazzle of performances such as that by Carrie Underwood and her pool party entrance to a not-country song.
It seems to me that music awards should be about the music. I'm not too sure that's the case any more. It seems it's more about the performance. If that is how it is, maybe they should be receiving Academy Awards for their ability to act rather than music awards for their ability to play and sing music.
Although it was good to see him on the show, I must admit I was even a bit disappointed with "King George." It was as though his song choices were designed to draw the greatest contrast possible between his style of music and that of the current mainstream country performers. I have to say that I prefer his earlier work over that which I heard last night. The instrumentation was as expected, but the delivery just seemed a bit flat. Maybe it's just that he is aging.
There seems to be a clash of cultures going on in the country music world. There are many performers charging ahead with the new "pop" style that still receives the country label while there seems to be some pushback among a handful of musicians that recognizes there are a large number of listeners who want something closer to an older era of country music.
The fractures within the industry have happened before. The Outlaw movement of Waylon and a few others was an example. I think Blake Shelton may be one of the few who is recognizing the desire of fans for more country and less pop in the music of the industry. Maybe his work on The Voice is helping him to see beyond the tunnel that has focused the Nashville crowd into heading down the road they are on. If so, good for him.
Sigh. I guess I'll stick with the older stuff for the most part.
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Admiring Humility
In this "selfie" look-at-me world it is more and more difficult to find people who are humble. The interesting thing is that many of the most humble people I have met are also among the most successful. They either were born with the character traits of humility, or more often, made a conscious decision at some point to choose to be humble.
A humble person doesn't point at himself saying, "look at me, look what I have done," they instead point to others and acknowledge their contributions while downplaying their own. They realize their own success is a product of the input and influence of others as well as their own efforts. They seek to lift everyone around them in their rise.
Most of our political representatives exhibit the opposite of humility. They are the epitome of the narcissistic culture of today. Professional athletes, actors and other well-known individuals typically are the same. It is the culture of self-aggrandizement that permeates virtually all messages that bombard our children and youth, exhibiting narcissism as normal, or as the primary characteristic of success. We rarely see the humble who walk among them because they aren't constantly seeking the spotlight, they are instead going about their life making significant contributions to the betterment of all.
Humility is rare. It should be admired and sought by all.
One of these days we will each be held accountable for how we lived. I'd rather stand before God in humility than with the "look at me, look what I've done" attitude of so many. After all, no matter our accomplishments on earth, they pale in comparison to the Creator.
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." -- Micah 6:8
A humble person doesn't point at himself saying, "look at me, look what I have done," they instead point to others and acknowledge their contributions while downplaying their own. They realize their own success is a product of the input and influence of others as well as their own efforts. They seek to lift everyone around them in their rise.
Most of our political representatives exhibit the opposite of humility. They are the epitome of the narcissistic culture of today. Professional athletes, actors and other well-known individuals typically are the same. It is the culture of self-aggrandizement that permeates virtually all messages that bombard our children and youth, exhibiting narcissism as normal, or as the primary characteristic of success. We rarely see the humble who walk among them because they aren't constantly seeking the spotlight, they are instead going about their life making significant contributions to the betterment of all.
Humility is rare. It should be admired and sought by all.
One of these days we will each be held accountable for how we lived. I'd rather stand before God in humility than with the "look at me, look what I've done" attitude of so many. After all, no matter our accomplishments on earth, they pale in comparison to the Creator.
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." -- Micah 6:8
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Off the Highway
In the land of open skies
The distance attracts my eyes
To things far away
That draw me,
Beckon to me,
Lead my mind to drift into
A reverie of times gone by
And places known.
The slight, dry smell
Of dust that rises to my nostrils
From the buffalo grass
That lightly crunches
Under foot
Brings thoughts
Of childhood wanderings
Across the pasture,
Around the yucca
And the cholla
And prickly pear
That could pierce the soles
Of your boots if you
Inadvertently stepped
In the wrong place.
Their shade also
A place to avoid for what might
Be quietly waiting there
To strike the unwary
Passerby who failed to see
The coiled serpent
With diamond head
And buzzing tail
Best ignored,
Left to thin the numbers
Of field mice
And pack rats
Whose tiny tracks made open
Lanes through the carpet
Covering the soil
In patches,
Great ovals,
That left spaces for
Assorted plants to exploit.
Jackrabbits, the long-eared
Hare of the plains,
Raising antennas to the sounds
Of rustling movement,
Detecting threat,
Then flattening them
In statue-like stillness
Before springing to lope
Across the prairie,
Darting,
Dodging,
Disrupting the Western Meadowlark
From his perch
On the dried stem which bore
Last year's seeds of the yucca,
Warning with his
Twee-tweee of the interloper
Into the domain
Of flitting sparrows,
Grasshoppers,
Dung beetles
And King birds which
Skewer them on the barbs
For later consumption.
Horny Toads
Skittering between snacks
Of red ants
Which left their trails
Radiating from the barren mound
Stripped of seeds
And vegetation,
Covered with tiny rocks
Excavated from deep
Within the soil
While the hawk,
Soaring on rising currents,
Looks from on high,
Vigilant for
Movement which might
Indicate a meal.
Life teems
Unseen from the highway.
The distance attracts my eyes
To things far away
That draw me,
Beckon to me,
Lead my mind to drift into
A reverie of times gone by
And places known.
The slight, dry smell
Of dust that rises to my nostrils
From the buffalo grass
That lightly crunches
Under foot
Brings thoughts
Of childhood wanderings
Across the pasture,
Around the yucca
And the cholla
And prickly pear
That could pierce the soles
Of your boots if you
Inadvertently stepped
In the wrong place.
Their shade also
A place to avoid for what might
Be quietly waiting there
To strike the unwary
Passerby who failed to see
The coiled serpent
With diamond head
And buzzing tail
Best ignored,
Left to thin the numbers
Of field mice
And pack rats
Whose tiny tracks made open
Lanes through the carpet
Covering the soil
In patches,
Great ovals,
That left spaces for
Assorted plants to exploit.
Jackrabbits, the long-eared
Hare of the plains,
Raising antennas to the sounds
Of rustling movement,
Detecting threat,
Then flattening them
In statue-like stillness
Before springing to lope
Across the prairie,
Darting,
Dodging,
Disrupting the Western Meadowlark
From his perch
On the dried stem which bore
Last year's seeds of the yucca,
Warning with his
Twee-tweee of the interloper
Into the domain
Of flitting sparrows,
Grasshoppers,
Dung beetles
And King birds which
Skewer them on the barbs
For later consumption.
Horny Toads
Skittering between snacks
Of red ants
Which left their trails
Radiating from the barren mound
Stripped of seeds
And vegetation,
Covered with tiny rocks
Excavated from deep
Within the soil
While the hawk,
Soaring on rising currents,
Looks from on high,
Vigilant for
Movement which might
Indicate a meal.
Life teems
Unseen from the highway.
Friday, April 5, 2019
Generations of Attitudes
It is interesting to me to look at generational differences in attitudes about various things. Views change over time and I am intrigued with the "why" of the changes.
Sometimes it is difficult to draw a line and define where one generation ends and the next begins. We tend to arbitrarily make such definitions based on a particular year. I don't think it is that simple. There is obviously overlap.
My grandparents generation was one that experienced great difficulties such as the Great Depression and World War II. They were born toward the end of, or shortly after World War I. They struggled through hard times yet lived to see men walk on the moon and become increasingly reliant on computers. They were "savers" and they were humble. They knew that status was fragile and could be swept away overnight.
My parents generation was one born into a country going to war. They also knew difficulty, but they were born into an a country that was overcoming the evils of Hitler and fascism but, they also were raising children in a world of danger in what was called the Cold War. Nuclear weapons were new and there was the threat of total annihilation hanging constantly. Prosperity was returning, the economy was shifting dramatically and the industries that rose out of WWII were changing the entire world. They were raising their children during the space race and the sky was no longer the limit.
My generation watched, as children, man walking on the moon. We saw turmoil in the streets in the riots of the 60's. We saw the Vietnam War on television and were troubled by the conflicting emotions and thoughts of it being an "unjust" war. We witnessed Hippies and the rise of an open drug culture. Increasing affluence came with opportunity and success was measured by dollars earned and hours worked and the drive to succeed permeated a large portion of the young college graduates of which there were more than ever in history.
My children face even different attitudes from their peers. In some ways they were born into separate generations that have different values, yet there are similarities. Affluence has become expected, although some see it as something to achieve and others as a given. Technology in the the form of pervasive computers interconnected to each other and to their users is accepted as part of life and necessary. That electronic interconnectedness is rejected on some level by some, but accepted unquestioned by others. They are either raising, or possibly will raise children in a world that values status measured in things and experiences that say look at me, look what I did as evidenced by the "selfie" culture of social media.
There are other "generations" that fall in between those I have outlined. My orientation is based on my own perspective. An example is the "Hippie" generation of the early 60's. Simply because of when I was born, it was after that of my parents yet at a time that blossomed before I was old enough to be a part. I observed, but did not participate.
The thing that intrigues me is in evaluating attitudes toward what is important. Occasionally you see a "pushback" from individuals in each generation. They feel they missed something and so reach back to an earlier time and seem to adapt those values rather than those of their peers. My question is, are we advancing or, are we regressing as a society? I suspect the latter in many ways. I think that as we advance technologically, as we advance in overcoming disease and the problems of feeding the masses, as we advance to handle the crowding and the migration into more and more concentrated population centers, we regress in our ability to establish meaningful relationships with others. The "selfie" generation is, to me, the primary example. It is all about me. Look at me. Look at what I have. Look at what I did. Look at me.
Is it a symptom of a deeper systemic issue? In my opinion the answer is an unequivocal, yes. It is a symptom of too many and too much. We each crave security and recognition. In a world approaching 7.7 Billion people, it becomes harder and harder to stand out from the crowd. In a way that is a good thing because there are predators among us who see those who stand out as a target. In a way it is bad because we each crave the "adoration of others" to fulfill the need for validation -- that we matter -- that we have value.
We need to recognize that our value comes not from the crowd, it comes from within. We are each made in the image of God and each given a special purpose and role to live. We must learn to recognize our reason for existence comes from something much higher than the crowd around us.
Sometimes it is difficult to draw a line and define where one generation ends and the next begins. We tend to arbitrarily make such definitions based on a particular year. I don't think it is that simple. There is obviously overlap.
My grandparents generation was one that experienced great difficulties such as the Great Depression and World War II. They were born toward the end of, or shortly after World War I. They struggled through hard times yet lived to see men walk on the moon and become increasingly reliant on computers. They were "savers" and they were humble. They knew that status was fragile and could be swept away overnight.
My parents generation was one born into a country going to war. They also knew difficulty, but they were born into an a country that was overcoming the evils of Hitler and fascism but, they also were raising children in a world of danger in what was called the Cold War. Nuclear weapons were new and there was the threat of total annihilation hanging constantly. Prosperity was returning, the economy was shifting dramatically and the industries that rose out of WWII were changing the entire world. They were raising their children during the space race and the sky was no longer the limit.
My generation watched, as children, man walking on the moon. We saw turmoil in the streets in the riots of the 60's. We saw the Vietnam War on television and were troubled by the conflicting emotions and thoughts of it being an "unjust" war. We witnessed Hippies and the rise of an open drug culture. Increasing affluence came with opportunity and success was measured by dollars earned and hours worked and the drive to succeed permeated a large portion of the young college graduates of which there were more than ever in history.
My children face even different attitudes from their peers. In some ways they were born into separate generations that have different values, yet there are similarities. Affluence has become expected, although some see it as something to achieve and others as a given. Technology in the the form of pervasive computers interconnected to each other and to their users is accepted as part of life and necessary. That electronic interconnectedness is rejected on some level by some, but accepted unquestioned by others. They are either raising, or possibly will raise children in a world that values status measured in things and experiences that say look at me, look what I did as evidenced by the "selfie" culture of social media.
There are other "generations" that fall in between those I have outlined. My orientation is based on my own perspective. An example is the "Hippie" generation of the early 60's. Simply because of when I was born, it was after that of my parents yet at a time that blossomed before I was old enough to be a part. I observed, but did not participate.
The thing that intrigues me is in evaluating attitudes toward what is important. Occasionally you see a "pushback" from individuals in each generation. They feel they missed something and so reach back to an earlier time and seem to adapt those values rather than those of their peers. My question is, are we advancing or, are we regressing as a society? I suspect the latter in many ways. I think that as we advance technologically, as we advance in overcoming disease and the problems of feeding the masses, as we advance to handle the crowding and the migration into more and more concentrated population centers, we regress in our ability to establish meaningful relationships with others. The "selfie" generation is, to me, the primary example. It is all about me. Look at me. Look at what I have. Look at what I did. Look at me.
Is it a symptom of a deeper systemic issue? In my opinion the answer is an unequivocal, yes. It is a symptom of too many and too much. We each crave security and recognition. In a world approaching 7.7 Billion people, it becomes harder and harder to stand out from the crowd. In a way that is a good thing because there are predators among us who see those who stand out as a target. In a way it is bad because we each crave the "adoration of others" to fulfill the need for validation -- that we matter -- that we have value.
We need to recognize that our value comes not from the crowd, it comes from within. We are each made in the image of God and each given a special purpose and role to live. We must learn to recognize our reason for existence comes from something much higher than the crowd around us.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Living Life
How do you meet expectations
Others set for you?
Have you thought about how you live your life
The way others expect you to?
We worry about what someone sees
So, are we really true?
Or, just defined by what is said
By those who might see what we do?
Life is short and then it’s done
And the sun goes round and round
While we spend our time trying to prove who we are
Before we end up in the ground.
Perhaps we should focus on bigger things
Than what someone else might think
And live our life for a higher goal
Because it will be gone in a blink.
Others set for you?
Have you thought about how you live your life
The way others expect you to?
We worry about what someone sees
So, are we really true?
Or, just defined by what is said
By those who might see what we do?
Life is short and then it’s done
And the sun goes round and round
While we spend our time trying to prove who we are
Before we end up in the ground.
Perhaps we should focus on bigger things
Than what someone else might think
And live our life for a higher goal
Because it will be gone in a blink.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
A World of Adventure
Each morning as I sit down to write, in my thoughts I ask the question, “What should I write about today?” This morning, the thought that immediately popped into my head was, “living conditions in Ethiopia.”
I don’t know anything about living conditions in Ethiopia. That in itself is an indictment. As a Christian, I should. More importantly, I should care.
People in this country know very little about the world beyond our borders. That is sad, especially when people in other countries either hate us for what we have or, are willing to risk everything to get here. We need to be exporting the good that is America, not just taking what we need from the rest of the world and wishing them well. I fear our grandchildren will pay a great price for our insular smugness.
Yesterday I spoke of adventure. Maybe it was a prelude to this post. Maybe it’s time to go learn about the rest of the world.
I don’t know anything about living conditions in Ethiopia. That in itself is an indictment. As a Christian, I should. More importantly, I should care.
People in this country know very little about the world beyond our borders. That is sad, especially when people in other countries either hate us for what we have or, are willing to risk everything to get here. We need to be exporting the good that is America, not just taking what we need from the rest of the world and wishing them well. I fear our grandchildren will pay a great price for our insular smugness.
Yesterday I spoke of adventure. Maybe it was a prelude to this post. Maybe it’s time to go learn about the rest of the world.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Needing Adventure
I think all of us long for adventure and yet we struggle to let go of the security of the known. We dream of faraway places and interesting encounters and yet we daily go about the routine sameness of our lives. Part of that is a financial issue, or is it? Making it a financial issue says we are comfortable we can support ourselves and family within a familiar framework but, are unsure of doing so outside that known situation.
Adventure doesn't have to be a "vacation" to somewhere, it can be a life, or career, that takes us to those interesting places and situations as part of our vocational calling. Think of Marco Polo. He was a Trader and Merchant. Think of Billy Graham who travelled the world following his calling.
Why do I think we all long for adventure? We are enthralled by television shows, movies and books that depict the adventurous life of others. I've always been a big James Bond fan -- "Bond, James Bond." I think a lot of others must be too or there wouldn't have been so many movies about him made through the years. I also enjoy Indiana Jones and Star Wars and the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings movies. Those movies all are wildly popular and appeal to people across many walks of life. They are adventures which essentially pit good against evil.
When I was a kid it was Westerns. I've mentioned before that Roy Rogers was my hero. I also enjoy John Wayne movies -- especially the Westerns and the War movies. They were hero movies. They were adventures. They certainly weren't the angst ridden introspective monstrosities depicting some perceived social injustice that seem to get the awards these days. Why do people watch those things? Are we so guilt-ridden in our affluence that we seek to purge the devils within by sympathizing with causes depicting abnormality as normal?
I try to make a little adventure happen upon occasion. I guess that's why I still do what might be considered stupid things -- like crossing the creek in the Polaris in the mud and several inches of water at a higher speed than necessary. I'm old enough I should be acting staid and stolid (you might want to look it up -- it means calm and dependable) instead of like a 29 year old who is still trying to figure out which way is up.
Most folks delay the "adventures" until after they have established their "security" which equates to financial security. The problem is, many never reach a level of financial security which allows for the world travel and adventures to occur and they are too old when they do to step very far outside their comfort zone when it happens.
Have I taken my own advice through the years? Probably not, but I have read a lot of books that take me there vicariously....oh, well.
Adventure doesn't have to be a "vacation" to somewhere, it can be a life, or career, that takes us to those interesting places and situations as part of our vocational calling. Think of Marco Polo. He was a Trader and Merchant. Think of Billy Graham who travelled the world following his calling.
Why do I think we all long for adventure? We are enthralled by television shows, movies and books that depict the adventurous life of others. I've always been a big James Bond fan -- "Bond, James Bond." I think a lot of others must be too or there wouldn't have been so many movies about him made through the years. I also enjoy Indiana Jones and Star Wars and the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings movies. Those movies all are wildly popular and appeal to people across many walks of life. They are adventures which essentially pit good against evil.
When I was a kid it was Westerns. I've mentioned before that Roy Rogers was my hero. I also enjoy John Wayne movies -- especially the Westerns and the War movies. They were hero movies. They were adventures. They certainly weren't the angst ridden introspective monstrosities depicting some perceived social injustice that seem to get the awards these days. Why do people watch those things? Are we so guilt-ridden in our affluence that we seek to purge the devils within by sympathizing with causes depicting abnormality as normal?
I try to make a little adventure happen upon occasion. I guess that's why I still do what might be considered stupid things -- like crossing the creek in the Polaris in the mud and several inches of water at a higher speed than necessary. I'm old enough I should be acting staid and stolid (you might want to look it up -- it means calm and dependable) instead of like a 29 year old who is still trying to figure out which way is up.
Most folks delay the "adventures" until after they have established their "security" which equates to financial security. The problem is, many never reach a level of financial security which allows for the world travel and adventures to occur and they are too old when they do to step very far outside their comfort zone when it happens.
Have I taken my own advice through the years? Probably not, but I have read a lot of books that take me there vicariously....oh, well.
Monday, April 1, 2019
Life Finds a Way
Life finds a way.
It is persistent.
It overcomes adversity.
We cover the ground with concrete and before you know it, there are plants growing in the cracks, or seams, where only a tiny amount of soil is available to provide the nutrients for survival. The plant sends a minuscule root down through the crack into the soil below and then, as the plant begins to grow, expands, pushing constantly against the man made rock until it chips and fragments as small as a grain of sand add to the available soil that sustains it. In time the cracks grow and the concrete is destroyed.
In the aftermath of a fire the ground is covered with ash and the charred remains of what once stood. Only a brief time later it is covered by weeds and other growth that utilize those ashes as food for growth. Not only are plants taking root, so are bacteria and fungi filling the void. Animals of all kinds quickly move into the new territory until there is a complete ecosystem within the space.
People do the same thing. When the North American continent was first occupied by nomadic tribes who crossed the Siberian peninsula into what is now Alaska and worked their way south, they first settled the most hospitable lands, but eventually spread to inhabit marginal areas. The same occurred again as Europeans discovered the land and spread from the east coast to the west, first establishing settlements in the most fertile areas but quickly filling even the deserts.
What is the common thread which links all life forms that seems to drive life to multiply and overcome adversity in order to establish its presence universally?
Even in the deepest ocean depths, in areas around volcanic vents that release chemicals that are toxic to most lifeforms, life thrives. Life adapts to conditions and exploits the opportunities presented, even when they are difficult to see.
Is there a common strand embedded deep within the DNA of all living things which provides the key to this persistence? What drives life to spread and fill the earth? Is it only the earth? If not already there in some form, is life meant to spread throughout the universe? Could man's desire for space travel be simply the impetus for life of many forms to spread from this planet throughout the galaxy and beyond?
Perhaps it is "the force" described in Star Wars....
I don't have the answers this morning, just speculating on life.
It is persistent.
It overcomes adversity.
We cover the ground with concrete and before you know it, there are plants growing in the cracks, or seams, where only a tiny amount of soil is available to provide the nutrients for survival. The plant sends a minuscule root down through the crack into the soil below and then, as the plant begins to grow, expands, pushing constantly against the man made rock until it chips and fragments as small as a grain of sand add to the available soil that sustains it. In time the cracks grow and the concrete is destroyed.
In the aftermath of a fire the ground is covered with ash and the charred remains of what once stood. Only a brief time later it is covered by weeds and other growth that utilize those ashes as food for growth. Not only are plants taking root, so are bacteria and fungi filling the void. Animals of all kinds quickly move into the new territory until there is a complete ecosystem within the space.
People do the same thing. When the North American continent was first occupied by nomadic tribes who crossed the Siberian peninsula into what is now Alaska and worked their way south, they first settled the most hospitable lands, but eventually spread to inhabit marginal areas. The same occurred again as Europeans discovered the land and spread from the east coast to the west, first establishing settlements in the most fertile areas but quickly filling even the deserts.
What is the common thread which links all life forms that seems to drive life to multiply and overcome adversity in order to establish its presence universally?
Even in the deepest ocean depths, in areas around volcanic vents that release chemicals that are toxic to most lifeforms, life thrives. Life adapts to conditions and exploits the opportunities presented, even when they are difficult to see.
Is there a common strand embedded deep within the DNA of all living things which provides the key to this persistence? What drives life to spread and fill the earth? Is it only the earth? If not already there in some form, is life meant to spread throughout the universe? Could man's desire for space travel be simply the impetus for life of many forms to spread from this planet throughout the galaxy and beyond?
Perhaps it is "the force" described in Star Wars....
I don't have the answers this morning, just speculating on life.
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