tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16600904131379608482024-03-19T05:40:37.837-04:00mybabyr0cEncouragementUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-28957814104486429772014-08-16T08:45:00.002-04:002014-08-16T08:46:51.939-04:00Moving Forward<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Evolving:</span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">come</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">forth</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">gradually</span> <span class="oneClick-link">into</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">being;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">develop;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">undergo evolution</span>:</span><span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>The</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">whole</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">idea</span> <span class="oneClick-link">evolved</span> <span class="oneClick-link">from</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">casual</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">remark.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://shawnbbailey.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dbox-example"><i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">www.shawnbbailey.com </span></i></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="dbox-example"><i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">sbb . 16.8.14</span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dbox-example"><i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> 18 </span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dbox-example"><i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> Moving Forward . Israel Hougton</span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM8eVnrf8OQ"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dbox-example"><i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">youtube </span></i></span></span></span></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dbox-example"><i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> </span></i></span></span></span></span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-18007198738236405172014-02-11T10:13:00.003-05:002014-02-13T10:05:43.892-05:00Here Comes The Son<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Hope</i></span>: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxgjCEaocmntuG5jJXxtRAZQamsqFBRRj3O1e_5DiVdQRC0Elmree2Gu_Xwt1lAncNKZkvr7lEKLn7KV6HTJhej_ULWXesw0FiAjkeiuhf6vL4_0VgmKeOq6nCT1B1dW1gUioSWyE1Imi/s1600/beatle+salute+blogmedia-M_GrammyBeatlesLogo_010613-630x349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxgjCEaocmntuG5jJXxtRAZQamsqFBRRj3O1e_5DiVdQRC0Elmree2Gu_Xwt1lAncNKZkvr7lEKLn7KV6HTJhej_ULWXesw0FiAjkeiuhf6vL4_0VgmKeOq6nCT1B1dW1gUioSWyE1Imi/s1600/beatle+salute+blogmedia-M_GrammyBeatlesLogo_010613-630x349.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/the-night-that-changed-america/">The Beatles: The Night That Changed America</a></span></div>
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This past Sunday I had the great pleasure to view "The Beatles Salute" on CBS.<br />
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It was nice to just simply listen to music. There were no over the top
performances that were more about the artist than the actual music, no
half dressed women or obscene gestures, just great music that has proven
to be timeless. I'm not a prude, but I do appreciate a show centered
around music the entire family can come together and watch. <br />
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<b>The same can not be said about the Grammys. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0qoLugEujE7rXAmMcplA6usHU_7N41l1EGYiDnJui9fHXeWFfZfRIstkh6b91M7PkScCbWLTsAsPcbpr4rItLFgpQyr2wzKBay-VsOVOJdWxwx76xVbHQzAfkd52C052BkXag5QxWRQX/s1600/john-mayer-and-keith-urban.jpg%3Fw=620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0qoLugEujE7rXAmMcplA6usHU_7N41l1EGYiDnJui9fHXeWFfZfRIstkh6b91M7PkScCbWLTsAsPcbpr4rItLFgpQyr2wzKBay-VsOVOJdWxwx76xVbHQzAfkd52C052BkXag5QxWRQX/s1600/john-mayer-and-keith-urban.jpg%3Fw=620.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">John Mayer & Keith Urban </span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></div>
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It was <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7vaOKMd-K0">amazing to watch</a></b> truly talented artists pay homage to great
music. All of the artists showed why they're stars in their own right. <br />
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Even Kati Perry was good, and she looked amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB5OmtX0PUkk-aLTxahkpTNV2d9KxgkTKVr0KtKKvjcNoY7BZh1XgyMX5XvrhDnAc7mCVan62_pBdimean-GQ0rcR_FYzJGX3-pUm9AKUze3wxot-KlSUKWYOBxeK46WvEYRd3JW0k8h4/s1600/Katy+Perry+Performs+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB5OmtX0PUkk-aLTxahkpTNV2d9KxgkTKVr0KtKKvjcNoY7BZh1XgyMX5XvrhDnAc7mCVan62_pBdimean-GQ0rcR_FYzJGX3-pUm9AKUze3wxot-KlSUKWYOBxeK46WvEYRd3JW0k8h4/s1600/Katy+Perry+Performs+.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Katy Perry </span></div>
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In the end, a whole new generation was introduced to something that was
special and culturally relevant 50 years ago. It was a culture movement
that will never be repeated or successfully imitated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHHRQjo155rip1KYWS9qnWQ6FRXjiIpA2v9CCA_Vr65jwpQ08ozXBMZzjXyIvphsxyZ65_yYusMkDTvP10miQ8md-HBqbYf7u3mtEtCfAPJmXkxo5B4NzcKFdnuJzBxCmUkAD7fpu5m1s/s1600/beatles-ed-sullivan-cbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHHRQjo155rip1KYWS9qnWQ6FRXjiIpA2v9CCA_Vr65jwpQ08ozXBMZzjXyIvphsxyZ65_yYusMkDTvP10miQ8md-HBqbYf7u3mtEtCfAPJmXkxo5B4NzcKFdnuJzBxCmUkAD7fpu5m1s/s1600/beatles-ed-sullivan-cbs.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Ed Sullivan Show: Feb. 9, 1964 </span></div>
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The show was so good not even Yoko Ono could ruin it, though she unconsciously tried. <br />
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One of the most significant highlights for me personally was when Pharrell and Brad Paisley began to sing "Here Comes The Sun".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzOCqqQUf83hnm4WMBB-Q6gIHYh4NPpJzG7tMLuibuN1RVDxeRtRTUjMKFk4es3OX3hZx1DVC1rXIvxjsjSMaUubH59o2UOR6UfAwhbcj05pb9YhLaZCNewCMNloz6-yps7tvNaw74EHm/s1600/Night+Changed+America+GRAMMY+Salute+Beatles+KhNqHatjYpWl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzOCqqQUf83hnm4WMBB-Q6gIHYh4NPpJzG7tMLuibuN1RVDxeRtRTUjMKFk4es3OX3hZx1DVC1rXIvxjsjSMaUubH59o2UOR6UfAwhbcj05pb9YhLaZCNewCMNloz6-yps7tvNaw74EHm/s1600/Night+Changed+America+GRAMMY+Salute+Beatles+KhNqHatjYpWl.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pharrell Williams & Brad Paisley </span></div>
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<b>The song was featured on the "Abby Road" album In 1969.</b><br />
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George Harrison wrote the song, which would later be considered one his
best contributions to the Beatles, in the spring of 1969 while enduring
a personal and professional crisis. <br />
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It was during this time
Harrison was arrested for marijuana possession, his tonsils were
removed, and he had quit the band temporarily. I think its safe to say
things weren’t going great for Ole George, but in the midst of the storm
Harrison produced something wonderful and lasting. <br />
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The
message here is that in the midst of tremendous peril we all have the
ability to create something worthy of applause, something great.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLZZQRHs0eDX5L7VIp7n4V7dLZDdLidtcUCzzvj6q4UK552aIX3pCOAIO4cu1UZ95rGSzkem1iXMbkcZv-ijNbOqoEy6xwpQN96S_JCt94GqHunLZKC2dG87yj3YIsRVWsIIRrBkEWtng/s1600/02BEATLES5-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLZZQRHs0eDX5L7VIp7n4V7dLZDdLidtcUCzzvj6q4UK552aIX3pCOAIO4cu1UZ95rGSzkem1iXMbkcZv-ijNbOqoEy6xwpQN96S_JCt94GqHunLZKC2dG87yj3YIsRVWsIIRrBkEWtng/s1600/02BEATLES5-articleLarge.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> They Did.... </span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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The good news is that God has been doing the same for countless souls over the past 2000 years. <br />
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The Beatles song, a personal favorite of mine and among many Beatles
fans across the globe, is a reminder to me that the “Son” will always
appear in the midst of a storm and create something wonderful. Webster
defines storm as a disturbance of the normal condition of the
atmosphere, manifesting itself by winds of unusual force or direction,
often accompanied by rain, snow, hail, thunder, and lightning, or flying
sand or dust.<br />
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As we've seen this winter storms can be brutal and long lasting.<br />
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The truth of the matter is that all of us will experience storms during
our lifetime. That is a fact. Everyone is either in a storm, just got
out of one, or one is on the horizon. The good news is we all have the
opportunity and ability to produce something beautiful in the midst of
our personal storm, crisis.<br />
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As a believer, I acknowledge that
for "the" beauty to be fully realized one must put their trust and faith
in God and let him navigate the stormy waters, guiding us to a land
that will produce spiritual growth and increased faith.<br />
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<b>The challenge is to trust him; not ourselves. </b><br />
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When dealing with the storms of life one must understand that we cannot
control the length or the severity of the storm, nor can we control the
time or rational behind it. Psalm 55:22 whispers these words of wisdom; “Give your burdens to
the Lord and He will take care of you." Psalm 62:8 shares these words
with the reader: “O my people; trust in Him at all times. Pour out your
heart to Him. For God is our refuge.” Those are great words of
reassurance and promise that reminds us that we don’t have to go it
alone in our time of need.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Paul & Ringo </span></div>
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In closing, “Here Comes the Sun” ends with these words:<br />
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Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting<br />
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear<br />
Here comes the sun<br />
Here comes the sun, and I say<br />
It’s all right<br />
<br />
Here comes the sun<br />
Here comes the sun, and I say<br />
It’s all right<br />
It’s all right<br />
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As a believer don’t forget, the “Son” will always come. In our time of
need Jesus Christ will shine brightly for all of us who choose to see
his blinding power manifested in our trial; our storm. <br />
<b><br /> Remember, everything will be alright. Everything will “always” be alright. </b><br />
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God has a plan for us that includes dark clouds and storms, but it also includes blue skies and the sun. That is a truth that will shine brightly today, tomorrow, and forever.<br />
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Can you see him? Here He comes.<br />
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Here comes the Son.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">sbb 11.2.14</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">817</span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/abbey-road/id401186200"><span style="color: #274e13;">Here Comes The Sun . The Beatles</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGKPHFrHVVY"><span style="color: #274e13;">youtube</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oMIMWaRnpyPmO-TNtOQUFi_Wd9DUjNrobS1t7MWNQAxV0Jvb1qxotoqQBRpCboDNUlvQlgsG7Y2o7LdbrK_4w38asOBcY7r43M6gEe3iUGL4s8NwuCGJMH63si7M5ajwOs0WnPLS86-8/s1600/Abbey-Road-Album-Cover-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oMIMWaRnpyPmO-TNtOQUFi_Wd9DUjNrobS1t7MWNQAxV0Jvb1qxotoqQBRpCboDNUlvQlgsG7Y2o7LdbrK_4w38asOBcY7r43M6gEe3iUGL4s8NwuCGJMH63si7M5ajwOs0WnPLS86-8/s1600/Abbey-Road-Album-Cover-.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-63544522898443367162014-02-05T10:44:00.001-05:002014-02-05T10:46:53.237-05:00The Gift: Revisiting Christmas<span style="color: #38761d;">Perspective</span>: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>The Gift </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(written on 11.1.13)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </i></div>
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<b>James 4:3 </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Read the Chapter)</span></div>
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"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Central Thought:</b></div>
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The source of all good things is God. {And}, in knowing this fact we come to realize that God loves us too much to give us everything.<br />
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Christmas is approaching. Quickly. In 55 days families from all around the world will be huddled around their Christmas tree quietly wondering and not so secretly hoping that they will be receiving the "perfect gift." Most of those who will be waiting for that perfect gift will be children. The other part of the equation will be those "not so little ones" who are hoping that they're giving that "perfect" gift. The holidays can create high levels of anxiety. They can cause consternation and high levels of stress for many people because they fight unrealistic expectations and limited funds, like people who fight crowds on "Black Friday." It can often be a season of torture for many. <br />
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<b>So what constitutes a good gift? </b> <br />
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Before we can answer that question I think it's important to understand its true definition. Webster defines the word "gift" in these terms: "Something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present." <br />
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When it comes down to it a gift is a sign of favor. {And} who doesn't like favor? <br />
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Unfortunately many people often open the sad gift of disappointment every day because their wants exceed reality and they hold within them improper motives. My mother's words from my childhood days still ring profoundly in my head; "You don't get everything you want." <br />
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<b>That is a true statement for good reason. </b> <br />
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In the end, any good parent realizes that it's not a good thing to give their child everything they want. We know this because our heavenly father operates in the same manner with his earthly children. James 4:3 shares with the reader that "when you ask, you don't receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." God does this to protect us from ourselves and our evil nature.<br />
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<b>Left to many of our own vices and desires we often fail to display virtuous living that is pleasing to God. </b><br />
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As Christmas approaches be mindful of the perfect gift that God gives to each and everyone of us if we are willing to accept it - the gift of eternal life through salvation. Take notice of God's perfect gift which is threefold. Direction. Correction. Protection.<br />
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God blesses all those who are willing to follow Him with proper direction that He has gifted us through His Word and the Holy Spirit. He provides correction like any good parent would do to teach us and to train us up in the way we should go.<br />
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<b>Lastly, his correction is about protection. </b><br />
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God protects us from ourselves and the devil's schemes that are intended solely to devastate and destroy our lives. His protection is wrapped up in His mercy, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. <br />
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This holiday season as we are shopping for that perfect gift for our loved ones remember that the best gift we can give is one of appropriate and wise direction, fair and reasonable correction shared in love, and behaviors that protect the innocence and fragility of the many vital relationships we are involved in. Remembering all the while that the only source for which all is good is God, and the most precious and perfect gift that has been offered to all of us is His son, Jesus Christ.<br />
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sbb 1.11.13</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
657 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/surrender/id358241275">This Is Love . Jonathan Butler</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6_pZuU6fcg">youtube</a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-43662056186189090482014-01-11T16:09:00.003-05:002014-01-11T16:10:47.447-05:00Advantage disadvantage <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Faith</span></i>: </span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">confidence</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">trust</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">thing:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">faith</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">another's</span> </i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;"><i>ability</i>.</span></span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">belief</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">not</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">based</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">on</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">proof:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">He</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">had</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">faith</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">hypothesis</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">would</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">substantiated</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">fact.</span> </span></span> <span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"></span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">belief</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">God</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">doctrines</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">teachings</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of religion</span></span><span id="hotword">:<i> </i></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">firm</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">faith</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> </i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;"><i>Pilgrims</i>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;"> </span> </span></span> <span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeGTqg5AgaCKslxypKYf2GjSnZB5yzWctcWBBO_DFOO53kegCHE063e1Dvpa3TVLaARfA5RCMtJ6dwYRoTNql6pymq4_EWX7RstD8nG4WqCImHtYMoPqOFjywH8W-2BWsae6S8YM-R4NB/s1600/faith_blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeGTqg5AgaCKslxypKYf2GjSnZB5yzWctcWBBO_DFOO53kegCHE063e1Dvpa3TVLaARfA5RCMtJ6dwYRoTNql6pymq4_EWX7RstD8nG4WqCImHtYMoPqOFjywH8W-2BWsae6S8YM-R4NB/s1600/faith_blocks.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1</i></span></span></span> </span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">There
are numerous threads of commonality that weave themselves throughout
our life. We all have dreams and aspirations, flaws and shortcomings.
Some are more noticeable than others. But the threads that so tightly
knit us together as one fabric are the ones stitched around pain and
crisis. <span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <br /> It's an undeniable
fact that every individual on earth falls into one of three categories:
currently in a crisis, just got out of a crisis, or a crisis is on the
horizon. <br /> <br /> The trauma can be in form of a health, family or
professional emergency. Disaster and dilemma can also be
success-related. Difficulties in life are universal and inevitable. To
live with constant anxiety and stress while enduring these "storms of
life" can be one of the most harmful and destructive choices we can
decide upon. <br /> <br /> Dr. Hans Selye defines stress as "the rate of wear and tear within the body." <br /> <br />
Our body's initial reaction and response to stress is to create an
alarm reaction. One of the most powerful and empowering books I've read
concerning stress was, “In the Realm of the Hungry Ghost”, by Dr. Gabor
Mate. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_tfU3AFdn0EWqZxPpQoM-z58l2oW2bYGB5jZOC6bXAtUW1Ysx82_mcZtBjCde8Izp8IDZiy-Yyfo432J34nOOv3LrKn4xwlc0nHm96RXbOCc35jvKhBkHHo4qOPXCpiO6Hw0RKKO1T4y/s1600/gabormate6696314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_tfU3AFdn0EWqZxPpQoM-z58l2oW2bYGB5jZOC6bXAtUW1Ysx82_mcZtBjCde8Izp8IDZiy-Yyfo432J34nOOv3LrKn4xwlc0nHm96RXbOCc35jvKhBkHHo4qOPXCpiO6Hw0RKKO1T4y/s1600/gabormate6696314.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://drgabormate.com/"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>Gabor Mate</i></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Dr. Mate’s book on addiction, and it’s devastating
consequences, pointed out three universal truths and reasons for stress
in our lives: uncertainty, lack of information, and a loss of control.
To deal appropriately with the troubles of life there needs to be an
understanding of these three truths, and a developed skill set
representing logical and reasonable behavior and thinking that will
thwart the devastating ramification of stress in our lives. <br /> <br /> Knowledge is the knowing, but wisdom is the doing.<br /> <br />
It takes more than just dealing with and acknowledging stress, there
has to be a deeper understanding of why the stress is present in the
first place, and what we can do to eliminate it’s destructive force.<br /> <br />
Last night I finished Malcolm Gladwell's book entitled: "David and
Goliath - underdogs, misfits, and the art of battling giants", and what I
learned is in numerous instances, where a severe predicament is present
in our life, we often feel more like how David was perceived, with the
results we experience being on the level of Goliath.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT4RofmRYcBmRWjeQF0KhRXcXkfBXVWjr6HEXX3eEcZwRMQ7LQRYoLS4ioLjD_hobM7bGFpbI7j5smqa_4-setCkW0nRaHFXUCDmI3IDhQLfCD3ZHCJ47F1ycTIQGE_xuLKlkQd8BIAlp/s1600/Gladwell+davidgoliath600_296668052.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT4RofmRYcBmRWjeQF0KhRXcXkfBXVWjr6HEXX3eEcZwRMQ7LQRYoLS4ioLjD_hobM7bGFpbI7j5smqa_4-setCkW0nRaHFXUCDmI3IDhQLfCD3ZHCJ47F1ycTIQGE_xuLKlkQd8BIAlp/s1600/Gladwell+davidgoliath600_296668052.jpeg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://gladwell.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">Malcolm Gladwell </span></i></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> We think
of our self as the "disadvantaged David", being chased down by the
overwhelming giant, Goliath, forgetting that David was the actual
winner, not loser.<br /> <br /> I also was learned how little I knew about that epic battle which took place over some 3000 years ago.<br /> <br /> What we think of as an advantage many times is not one, and the disadvantages we entertain can often be an advantage. <br /> <br />
Twelve presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe,
Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Grover
Cleveland, Herbert Hoover, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama —
lost their fathers while they were young. Major disadvantage. Marvin
Eisenstadt, a psychologist, researched a number of major encyclopedias,
looking for people whose biographies "merited more than one column" —
and of 573 people, Gladwell reports, "a quarter had lost at least one
parent before the age of 10. By age 15, 34.5 percent had had at least
one parent die, and by the age of 20, 45 percent. Even for the years
before the 20th century, when life expectancy due to illness and
accidents and warfare was much lower than it is today, those are
astonishing numbers."<br /> <br /> Losing your father at a young age is a
major disadvantage… right? Losing any parent at a young age is a
tremendous blow, but it doesn't have to be a handicap for the rest of
your life. <br /> <br /> We all have the potential to triumph over any and every dilemma, or tragic event that may occur in our life. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99wtKq8oRENfVzrJPJhr-cex9Y_w_UIvkA5FVYsj32oHY-MixQodpNgy_4AMtkQyjt0QORCswrrmpeY_Ak4ABmuN6aa7XGzSH4CmHTrQlt-Dhpb8YhjOL9wbhyDX3rOhVxTeYXvDR30kP/s1600/David-Vs-Goliath.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99wtKq8oRENfVzrJPJhr-cex9Y_w_UIvkA5FVYsj32oHY-MixQodpNgy_4AMtkQyjt0QORCswrrmpeY_Ak4ABmuN6aa7XGzSH4CmHTrQlt-Dhpb8YhjOL9wbhyDX3rOhVxTeYXvDR30kP/s1600/David-Vs-Goliath.jpeg" height="358" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 Samuel 17 </i></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
On the flip side we can look at first generation mega wealthy families
and their perceived advantage, and see all the problems the parents
encounter raising their children. The intention of a first generation
wealthy parent to give their children everything and expose them to
every positive opportunity is a good and noble thing… right? Who doesn't
want to give their child everything? So again I ask you, "That is a
good thing right?" The overwhelming response would be, "no."
Unfortunately, most of the time it is a prescription for failure. <br /> <br /> If we were playing tennis it would be "Advantage - disadvantage."<br /> <br />
What we think as an advantage is not necessarily so, and what we
perceive as a disadvantage can often be the advantage we need in order
to thrive.<br /> <br /> In crisis there is tremendous difficulty, but there
are times the difficulty can be desirable leading to a positive outcome.
In the "Theory of Desirable Difficulty” Gladwell tells the story of
David Boies, who credits his dyslexia for forcing him to compensate by
developing skills of observation and memory. <br /> <br /> David Boies is an
American lawyer and chairman of the law firm Boies, Schiller &
Flexner. He has been involved in various high-profile cases in the
United States. <br /> <br /> Gladwell asks, “You wouldn’t wish dyslexia on your child. Or would you?”<br /> <br />
No one wants their child diagnosed with a learning disability, but the
truth of the matter is many CEO's were diagnosed with dyslexia at a
young age. Many, if not all, credit their success to the simple fact
that their handicap aided them in handling failure at a very young age,
and they credited their dyslexia with cultivating an environment which
aided them into becoming great at something. <br /> <br /> That "something"
often is the precipitous factor that propels a person to great heights
in their career, and life, all the while reminding us that it rains a
lot during a storm, but the sun will/can eventually come out, shinning
its rays upon the face of a once tormented soul.<br /> <br /> There were
other topics Gladwell covered such as the "limits of power" and the
"principle of legitimacy" when it comes to authority that were
illuminating and interesting. <br /> <br /> Before I dare say anymore, I will let you read the book. <br /> <br /> It's worthy of your time.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHInCey4EFPc8eayzXgOD-j9CN2yt3Q7ql5jJe8th_ac9ZZKgYvLtFoHEkeV_gPKYSvK7UAcZVUIOw6ymmI2gCquJtju1YBbLhkYEDoHNuHD_-mGANn8xo1qOdDwpeE4llWDqciEKHtmfb/s1600/Tanzio_da_Varallo_Davide_e_Golia_ca._1625_Museo_civico_Varallo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHInCey4EFPc8eayzXgOD-j9CN2yt3Q7ql5jJe8th_ac9ZZKgYvLtFoHEkeV_gPKYSvK7UAcZVUIOw6ymmI2gCquJtju1YBbLhkYEDoHNuHD_-mGANn8xo1qOdDwpeE4llWDqciEKHtmfb/s1600/Tanzio_da_Varallo_Davide_e_Golia_ca._1625_Museo_civico_Varallo.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>Tanzio da Varallo, <a href="http://www.lastwordonnothing.com/2011/05/05/the-slings-of-outrageous-fortune/">David and Goliath</a>, c. 1625</i></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
In the end, everything starts with the mind, a thought. Proverbs 23:7
states; "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." We are what we think,
what we do. James Allen wrote in “As a Man Thinketh” that “action is
the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits; thus do we
garner in the sweet and bitter harvest of our own plantings. We are
what we think we are. If our mind has evil thoughts, we will suffer
pain; if our thoughts are pure, joy will follow.” <br /> <br /> Ultimately,
what we say yes or no to will find its genesis in our mind, with our
thinking and ruminations. What we decide is worthy of stress and anxiety
will deliver just that, anxiety and stress. <br /> <br /> God's word is
replete with passages that admonish us to "cast our burdens" upon Him,
and "to pray about everything, and worry about nothing." But countless
tales will tell us what we think of our crisis is what that crisis will
become.<br /> <br /> A catastrophe doesn't have to be fatal or final.<br /> <br />
Even in the crisis that is called death we can still reach tremendous
heights. Just ask our twelve Presidents that lost a father at a young
age. <br /> <br /> The storms of life are difficult terrain to navigate, but
in more instances than we could ever imagine we can be the David,
perceived disadvantage and all.<br /> <br /> Sometimes a "sling shot" of a
chance is all we need, especially when the sling shot is God, and the
ammunition is a little pebble of faith. </span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">sbb 11.1.14</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1334 </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/early-years-1955-1958/id562768245"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someone To Watch Over Me . Donald Byrd</span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oZG7F4D5-M">youtube </a></span></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-49588630437274382022014-01-04T11:38:00.001-05:002014-01-05T16:13:24.773-05:00Seeing the Stars<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Hope</span></i>: </span></span><span class="ssens"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">to cherish a desire with anticipation: </span><span class="vi"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>hope</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">s for a promotion</span>.</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nobJ7NUf9WDpUX9M5IEUPHs1bRfzF8XpfoQuHQVqyuT3zZ-8WAvLaJwYKHgqH8MopEnugnKjeEnQ0G3vTysfMC8UWd0uHNTtfLXFqUzmW-CaNg64HZaVNZ7U7Yu8dHUCdztcxkbx7NVn/s1600/hopeKEY_by_octavenicolas-d34lnki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nobJ7NUf9WDpUX9M5IEUPHs1bRfzF8XpfoQuHQVqyuT3zZ-8WAvLaJwYKHgqH8MopEnugnKjeEnQ0G3vTysfMC8UWd0uHNTtfLXFqUzmW-CaNg64HZaVNZ7U7Yu8dHUCdztcxkbx7NVn/s400/hopeKEY_by_octavenicolas-d34lnki.jpg" width="400" /><i></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us. ...Hope sweetens the memory of experiences well loved. It tempers our troubles to our growth and our strength. It befriends us in the dark hours, excites us in bright ones. It lends promise to the future and purpose to the past. It turns discouragement to determination. <b>-Samuel Smiles</b></span></i></span> </span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent">My initial thought was to share with everyone my "new" relationship. <br />
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I've been thinking about this new love for some time, knowing <span class="text_exposed_show">this was the perfect time to pursue where my heart has been leading me for years. <br />
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These were the words I posted on Facebook about my new love:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"I love my new favorite football team, Chicago Bears. I'm so glad I broke up with the Browns years ago. The courting process was flattering, even romantic at times. The Harbaugh brothers were impressive and thoughtful, Miami was beautiful, New England was very smart, and Seattle was exciting, but the city of Chicago was too much. The uniforms, the stadium, the history, and the fans won me over. Even with a loss to the great Green Bay Packers today it still wasn't as bad as watching the worthless Browns. I even ask Direct-TV to block all Browns games from being televised in our home. Serious. The Browns organization is embarrassing. I love the Bears. Congrats GB... You guys -Green Bay- have a lot of class. 1st class organization."</i></span><br />
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I could go deeper into how my heart is a flutter with my new fall/winter partner, but decorum and discretion are in order. Giddy 48 year old men gushing about how hot their "new" girlfriend is on Facebook can be as embarrassing as your kids cursing in front of a pastor - in your presence -, or an adult farting during church service prayer. <br />
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Trust me, it's not pretty.</b><br />
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"Older" dating couples wearing matching sweaters or coats is a bit disconcerting too.<br />
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I'm not speaking from experience mind you. I've just seen -heard- all three occur and like I said, it wasn't pretty.<br />
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Anyway, I digress.<br />
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What I really want to share is the Facebook post that caught my eye while I was on my iPhone the day after Christmas. The post was from Jeremy Gilchrist. <br />
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<b>It was as honest as it was touching.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHtEoyupU9ksW1R4Umd7ft4_ndxTbn4THdumTZhgciyW3JdR2qzzdGFvw5bNl0VL0ogaAToTy9uLjmgDF4fxUFY6MrtMPUJRDq-XVoJIRhgclKzJwE300qUZeC5FWI5D5k5kT5MDl0KDA/s1600/Assistants_and_George_Frederic_Watts_-_Hope_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHtEoyupU9ksW1R4Umd7ft4_ndxTbn4THdumTZhgciyW3JdR2qzzdGFvw5bNl0VL0ogaAToTy9uLjmgDF4fxUFY6MrtMPUJRDq-XVoJIRhgclKzJwE300qUZeC5FWI5D5k5kT5MDl0KDA/s400/Assistants_and_George_Frederic_Watts_-_Hope_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Frederic_Watts"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Hope</b>: painted by George Frederic Watts (1886)</i></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>"Sleeping on a floor when the sheriff came to evict me, was probably the saddest day of my life. <br />
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It was 3 days before Christmas in 08. <br />
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The weeks following that day were "survival mode" at its finest. I had to constantly remind myself about the tough times growing up, when we had nothing and still made it through life. I would visualize Christmas mornings growing up when my mother would play holiday songs and make the best of the day, even when we had just one gift each under the tree. I would remember my father taking pictures and my mom singing to the songs, that was enough for us. <br />
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Fast forward to Christmas day 2013.<br />
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I awoke today and immediately went to the iPod and started playing Christmas songs, waiting patiently for my girls to wake up. Iwalani, my 19 week daughter woke first. I let her mother sleep in. I took Iwalani to the living room and we danced together to the beat of the Christmas songs. We laughed, we smiled and we had our moment. After 10 minutes of doing this I began to break down, sobbing like a little boy. Tears streamed down my face, for I realized that I was repeating the yearly habit that my parents instilled in me some 28 years ago. <br />
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I share this with you all for it was the grandest Christmas moment I've ever had, in my entire life. <br />
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Christmas and any other day you choose, is not about money. Whether it be 1984 when I was 5 years old, 2008 when I was forced to the street or today when financially I am OK, I realized it was all about love. The power of love is something miraculous, when you choose to allow it to perform its magic. To the wealthy, frustrated, poor or lost, stay close to those who you share true love with. Do not wait for Christmas to shift your heart, do this on a daily basis. <br />
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Make it a goal daily to stay true to who you are and what you stand for. <br />
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I wish everyone reading this the best end to a year that you have ever had. I pray that you take the time to plan your 2014 and set some goals, so that come day one, you are ready to take on the world. You are ready to let your love shine, your actions speak for you and the results keep you motivated.<br />
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I want to personally thank everyone in my life that has been a part of shaping me into who I am today. The people who supported me, loved me and never gave up on me. To my family, closest friends, Sarah Humphreys and Iwalani, I love you all so so much. With love, <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=522190157&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/jeremyfgilchrist">Jeremy Gilchrist</a>."</i></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRkoEZdOdw9qR9x9Y14NCC8m9cz0uX2dIBJie7Yl7bAJJnkq7aKSpk0ZQpjtyvjagAkjDM-9UnSOB_xgLI5C05F4G2ZZRLeph2XuKO_z7BjvIvGQ40w5FIoAVC4zJcPS9l9_QNoGE0_Kp/s1600/hope1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRkoEZdOdw9qR9x9Y14NCC8m9cz0uX2dIBJie7Yl7bAJJnkq7aKSpk0ZQpjtyvjagAkjDM-9UnSOB_xgLI5C05F4G2ZZRLeph2XuKO_z7BjvIvGQ40w5FIoAVC4zJcPS9l9_QNoGE0_Kp/s400/hope1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
After I read the post, I contacted Jeremy to seek his permission to use his words in my TBTT piece. He said; "of course you can use my story. Plz tag me in it!"<br />
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<b>Jeremy's words were powerful, causing me to reflect upon my past.They made me realize the best time to see the stars is when it's completely black. </b><br />
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Not so long ago I was preparing to be the father to two young boys, born eight months apart, with two different mothers. I was living in Christopher Wren apartments in Gahanna getting eviction notices on a monthly basis.<br />
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When my older kids came to see me it took all of my strength to just hold it together. Most nights I quietly cried until I fell asleep. "How did I get here?" was the silent question that swam around in my mind. <br />
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<b>"How did I get here?" </b><br />
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A short time before moving to Gahanna I lived on West Case Rd in a condo. The condo wasn't much to look at from the outside, and even less to look at from the inside. It was home, but I often ask myself, "How did I get here?"<br />
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What I would later learn is the penalties of your choices as a man are costly. <br />
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Each year I go to Florida to visit my best friend Joe Ceravolo (<a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1107090159&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/alec.ceravolo">Alec Ceravolo</a> <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1169126237&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/matt.ceravolo">Matt Ceravolo</a>). During those tough times in the past Joe would tell me to get down to South Florida to play some golf, have dinner(s), and to relax.<br />
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"Don't worry about anything, just get down here", he would say. There were times he even bought my airplane ticket to ensure my arrival to sunny South Florida. Joe was/is a true friend. <br />
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But it was one time coming back from Florida that I remember like none other. As I walked up to my condo I noticed how terrible the grounds looked. The landscaping in Florida was/is well manicured, and to see reality set in so quickly upon arriving back home was a little more then I could bare.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMJzyX6Pq2olWi1D3o3LOETSXgeB6SRVTxs0mrWjuDvk1VW90nULWhF1pTrXtYi70hIhkQgpcT1BFRia9xhFhIUwv62J88mfcx9RouyX8OvxPFDDTc3v4IQrNb2rwTWKw5UIpPN6AlCjF/s1600/hope-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMJzyX6Pq2olWi1D3o3LOETSXgeB6SRVTxs0mrWjuDvk1VW90nULWhF1pTrXtYi70hIhkQgpcT1BFRia9xhFhIUwv62J88mfcx9RouyX8OvxPFDDTc3v4IQrNb2rwTWKw5UIpPN6AlCjF/s400/hope-2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>Hope can come in many different shapes and sizes, you just have to be open to looking for it.</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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To this day I'm beyond driven when it comes to our landscaping because of that very moment when I told myself if things ever changed in my life and the responsibility of lawn-care and landscaping were left up to me I would always take care of my yard. Flowers in the yard and on the porch, boxwoods, perfect edging, and a fresh cut lawn at least twice a week. <br />
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Now you know why I spend so much time in my yard. It's more than a yard to me, it's hope realized. <br />
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But, it was this one time when my mom shared with me her feeling so poorly over the mismanagement of the property from a visual stand point, feelings she would later share with my Dad, that stuck with me. My Dad only said these words in response to my mother's sad sentiments; "Shawn is where he is because he put himself there. When Shawn wants more then he will have more." <br />
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Again, the penalties of your choices as a man are costly. <br />
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<b>True words spoken, tougher words to hear, especially from your father.</b><br />
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I'm not big on motivation because motivation is so short lived. A coach can give a rousing speech in the locker room before a contest only for the words of sincerity and intensity to be forgotten by the players 5 minutes into the game. <br />
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What I "do" take notice of is inspiration. <br />
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Inspiration needs hope and gives hope. Hope might not be a plan, but it has merit. Hope is indispensable, paramount. Hope is fearless and sustaining. <br />
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Jeremy's words reminded me why hope is so important, so powerful, inspiring. His reflections reminded me we all have a story, but not everyone invites hope in to be a part of that story.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7g_m_hiQrrcTmoAbATCYT96leDGxz3OR2ikp7rlJRf3dmS8aBFEMvjDxMFgNpjmzaKErC2WSg7wk4RtsdY9Q5WRZjuW7D18a0-Hp5WMWqvhCWWTO-5rpy4gJ2rasFk0-8FLCMBRngBh_/s1600/hopefloat94b5f817b1cbf70a22d908f6e60abbcd-d52ozk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7g_m_hiQrrcTmoAbATCYT96leDGxz3OR2ikp7rlJRf3dmS8aBFEMvjDxMFgNpjmzaKErC2WSg7wk4RtsdY9Q5WRZjuW7D18a0-Hp5WMWqvhCWWTO-5rpy4gJ2rasFk0-8FLCMBRngBh_/s400/hopefloat94b5f817b1cbf70a22d908f6e60abbcd-d52ozk3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Hope is the key. </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Emily Dickinson puts it this way in her short poem; "Hope is the Thing with feathers":<br />
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"Hope is the thing with feathers<br />
That perches in the soul,<br />
And sings the tune without the words,<br />
And never stops at all,<br />
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And sweetest in the gale is heard;<br />
And sore must be the storm<br />
That could abash the little bird<br />
That kept so many warm.<br />
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I've heard it in the chillest land<br />
And on the strangest sea;<br />
Yet, never, in extremity,<br />
It asked a crumb of me."<br />
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<b>Hope might not be a plan, but it has merit.</b><br />
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Jeremiah 29: 11-14 says these words: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." <br />
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Hope is indispensable, paramount. Hope is fearless and sustaining. <br />
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Thanks Jeremy for inspiring me with your story. Thank you for having the personal courage to share your heart, and thank you for reminding me nothing is as vital as never losing hope. <br />
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I hope everyone has a great 2014, remembering the importance of never giving up, never surrendering hope.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">sbb 4.1.14</span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">1727</span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stars-deluxe-edition/id294350016"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Stars . Simply Red</span></i></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izOdvBmTDh0"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">youtube</span></i></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-68469774741866731182013-12-23T09:04:00.002-05:002013-12-23T09:13:46.876-05:00This Christmas... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Blessed:</i></span> <span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"></span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">blissfully</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">happy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">contented.</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">...around 2:30pm</span></i> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-78421167152972820752013-12-19T11:27:00.005-05:002013-12-20T07:58:34.422-05:00Should I Stay or Should I Go?<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Choice:</span></i> </span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">right,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">power,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">opportunity</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">to</span> </span>choose<span id="hotword">; <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">option:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">The</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">child</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">had</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">no</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">choice</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">about</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">going</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">school.</span> </span></span> <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is </span></i></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">unhappy in its own way.” </span></i></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina</span></span></i><br /> <i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Last
week I posted the question that was shared with me from a good friend.
She happened to be single lady who wondered aloud why so many couples
seem to choose their children as a priority over their marriage? She
also ask the question; “should couples stay married for the sake of the
kids o<span class="text_exposed_show">r divorce and try to find happiness?" <br /> <br /> The question was posed with no personal advice needed, just the desire to share a reflection and observation. <br /> <br />
When she ask me to comment on the sensitive topic with my Truth Be Told
Tuesday forum I was flattered and honored, but I was also concerned if I
were the right person to post my opinions on Facebook. I recognized my
multiple marriages and even more children might make me some kind of
authority on the topic, but I can assure you it does not. In the end, my
main goal, as always, is to instigate conversation not a religious like
conversion to my beliefs and opinions. I don’t have all the answers,
and I’m quite sure I don’t know all the correct questions to ask either.<br /> <br /> <b>It's about conversation, not conversion.</b><br /> <br />
After I requested the aid of the readers in sharing their thoughts,
opinions and comments poured in, running the gamut of motherly advice to
contemplating the economics of such a decision. <br /> <br /> My favorite,
if not one of the best responses, borrowed from the airline industry,
are the words stewardess share countless times a day with their
passengers: “If you are traveling with small children, or are seated
next to someone who needs assistance, place the mask on yourself first,
then offer assistance...."<br /> <br /> <b>Brilliant.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLJKKcZFSwLTj6tsxlGBlUuY2CC9Kl_w_CypD5XhJtxB0qpxcnjJYINW7VVYlcnPRqzbWDYscvDJAj0O-5_S7jApForDadYGXi2fpLcd7t3banpLneyPL-hIhqgEOCq0Bxf4pMcn_g5b5/s1600/royalty-free-family-clipart-illustration-1106476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLJKKcZFSwLTj6tsxlGBlUuY2CC9Kl_w_CypD5XhJtxB0qpxcnjJYINW7VVYlcnPRqzbWDYscvDJAj0O-5_S7jApForDadYGXi2fpLcd7t3banpLneyPL-hIhqgEOCq0Bxf4pMcn_g5b5/s400/royalty-free-family-clipart-illustration-1106476.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><b>“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” </b></span></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-George Burns </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> It goes without
saying our beliefs on any topic are shaped by how we were raised, our
vast amount of past experiences, and by our philosophical and/or
religious beliefs. In the end, much could be written in relation to this
subject, but brevity is rewarded in forums such as this.<br /> <br /> In
response to this personal request I believe simply sharing a few Bible
verses to support my belief and shouting, “ God, Wife, and Children” to
be an unattractive approach in speaking to this dilemma. The Bible
carries tremendous weight with me and many other Christians, but not
everyone subscribes to the belief that God’s word is a referendum on how
one should live his or her life. <br /> <br /> <b>I respect that.</b><br /> <br />
What I would like to do is provide one example, share from personal
experience, and pass on one piece of scripture from the Bible that
provides more than a glimpse into how relationships are to be lived out
here on earth, whether married or not. <br /> <br /> <b>Allow me to share.</b><br /> <br />
Last Thursday, while I was riding my driveway of snow, I began to
listen to a Ravi Zachariah podcast entitled The Christian Privilege. As
it were, on this evening, when the sky was a canvas painted black, with
only little white dots representing the stars and moon, I listened to
the podcast for the hundredth time. <br /> <br /> It was a message that
detailed the horrific account of a family torn apart by the decision of a
husband/father who decided to abandon his family to be with another
women. This decision was done only after he did the unthinkable to his
wife. <br /> <br /> <b>It was on this night that the powerful message spoke to me in away it never had before. </b><br /> <br />
The story finds it starting point with Ravi being in Auckland, New
Zealand, and after finishing his talk a young woman, with eyes full of
tears, approached him and shared her haunting account with him. She was
an Indian girl that was in her twenties. She told Dr. Zachariah that
it’s often too difficult to share her story because of becoming overcome
with emotion, finding it almost impossible to talk. But this day would
be the day she would give a detailed history of her horrific experience
because she was seeking help, and believed Dr. Zachariah to be the one
who would fully understand her pain and dilemma.<br /> <br /> The young girl
went on to unravel the story that centered upon her mother’s almost
heaven like beauty and her father’s inflamed jealousy that left him
almost paralyzed, and rendered him helpless more times than not. She
went on to explain that her mother had married a man that was extremely
jealous of her and couldn’t accept the fact that other men to great
notice of her mother’s beauty. He was crazy with paranoid thoughts,
continually accusing her of countless acts of unfaithfulness and
cheating. <br /> <br /> And though her mother would often say, ‘I love you
and I’m married to you,’ it was never enough to ease the demons that
resided within her father.<br /> <br /> So as awful fate would have it, her
father came home from work one day with his briefcase in hand, and he
asked his wife to come in the bedroom to talk with him in private.
Unbeknownst to her mother, her father opened his briefcase and removed a
bottle full of acid and threw it on her face. She screamed and screamed
as she endured the pain of her skin peeling off her face like rubber on
a tire when it skids on the hot summer pavement. <br /> <b><br /> Her face was completely burned and would be horribly scared for life. </b><br /> <br />
This once beautiful face, one that was looked at with awe and praise,
is now looked at with faces that cringe and eyes that squint. The young
lady went on to say that after the horrid incident her father took off
and left her mother with the momentous task of raising seven children
alone. <br /> <br /> She didn’t talk or see her father for years, but one
day her mother received a phone call, it was her dad. Her father
explained to her mother where he was now living, and that he was dying
of cancer. He told her he had no one in his life to care for him, and
ask if she would take him back? <br /> <br /> <b>She said yes. </b></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIKBiaPCzx3F37y6Lc30fUQxr8393Orm7_9KSFVpzslqfxSBXrwXVMGRkWkJGcTdNgoEEBW663huKnGx3YYQ_8mhEvxoQ3t3sHE_CPV9LTcGAYm2loWlwgpOKdHs3KqavZ5wox1rtNdD8/s1600/family-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIKBiaPCzx3F37y6Lc30fUQxr8393Orm7_9KSFVpzslqfxSBXrwXVMGRkWkJGcTdNgoEEBW663huKnGx3YYQ_8mhEvxoQ3t3sHE_CPV9LTcGAYm2loWlwgpOKdHs3KqavZ5wox1rtNdD8/s400/family-cartoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">Families can recover and make it. It takes work, but it can be done.</span></i></span></span> </b></span></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And
as the young girl cried uncontrollably, she told Ravi that she was angry
with her mother and couldn’t seem to relinquish the grip of anger that
she so desperately wanted to hold on to. She held on to Ravi like the
father she never had, one she desperately always wanted, and simply
asked him to pray for her. And as Ravi held her like a young child in
his arms, as she heaved and struggled to gain any composure, he said
these wonderfully wise words to her:<br /> <br /> “Salmbia, let your mother
do what God is telling her to do. It may be a love that the world will
never understand, but it is a love that would normally supernaturally
engendered, if that mother of yours is as Godly as you says she is let
her be the Godly women that God wants her to be. Don’t stand in her
way.” <br /> <br /> To have the type of response the young girl‘s mother
displayed takes a standard of belief that is greater than any parental
upbringing or guidance. It would take more than believing in the words
of a Greek poet or Roman philosopher. No quote, earthly friendship or
government law could galvanize one into making such a selfless decision.
That brave choice is made only when one has a standard that is all
knowing, powerfully perfect, and has the ability to transform the mind,
heart and soul. <br /> <br /> <b>That standard is Jesus Christ. Abiding by this
type of standard can only be accomplished by the “renewing in the
spirit of the mind.” – (Eph. 4:23).</b> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EkdX-aHtP88WVww8-Ci2sv4FiC5lVFZMqYPQd0tH9EzCvNTvS-r_DWLxunC_KJyzRMFC7wDHLyPXHKP2khVvizS-vBj5x3ieArkoRgq-hpaxG9ui1iWYkMdmkVdYs-PBpFyHUZVbMFsg/s1600/family_together.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EkdX-aHtP88WVww8-Ci2sv4FiC5lVFZMqYPQd0tH9EzCvNTvS-r_DWLxunC_KJyzRMFC7wDHLyPXHKP2khVvizS-vBj5x3ieArkoRgq-hpaxG9ui1iWYkMdmkVdYs-PBpFyHUZVbMFsg/s400/family_together.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life! </span></span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">~Albert Einstein</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On that cold night, where
the awesome beauty of nature provided a type of peace and serenity that
is only reserved for those who are open to receiving it, I realized the
power of transformation. No different than the majesty that is
recognizable when the summer turns to fall, or when winter becomes
spring, I intimately acknowledged “spiritual metamorphosis” to be an
extraordinary thing to observe. <br /> <br /> Whether the revolutionary
renewal of the heart takes place within us or the reconstruction of the
spirit takes shape in another person’s life, transformation, true
transformation, is a beautiful thing to observe and experience. <br /> <br />
When a women that has her face burned by acid is willing to lend a
helping hand to the culprit of her pain speaks volumes of a heart that
has been transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. Her behavior/decision
is not a natural one, but a supernatural one that can only be gained by
accepting the power of God’s love in your life, and even then a decision
like hers is no guarantee. <br /> <br /> Rev. Billy Graham's daughter, Ruth Graham, has been divorced twice. Like I said, there are no guarantees. <br /> <br />
To achieve a life that merits masterpiece status one has to have a
standard that is higher than a desire, want, or motivation. Time after
time those short-lived inclinations and motivations are destined to
become no more than ashes from the burning fire of realism, temptation,
and the uncomfortable heat of hate, revenge and bitterness. The
transformation that God provides has the ability to change unforgiveness
to forgiveness, hatred to love. <br /> <br /> <b>It’s unexplainable, but it is true. It’s real. </b><br /> <br /> Should we stay or should we go? <br /> <br />
I can’t tell an individual what or not what to do when it comes to
their marriage, but what I do know is that “leaving” is often not the
problem, but merely the consequence for giving up long before. What I do
know from personal experience is that the grass always looks greener on
the other side of the fence, but the fact still remains you have to cut
it. The fact that the divorce rate for remarried people with children
is over 70% supports the “grass isn’t always greener” theory. <br /> <br /> Without children the divorce rate is over 60%.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE7o9kA2SJ-hr6cKaETzIFzAb0UILSKoc92YgyMp1qhb0MOj4Wzat4Qwpne_vKLKcB089IP0Cp4MJeOeLYBpY0N7PbbsDV5FiBY9SZPd83vRbtCxQxik5ZH26DY-68ixSyhG3dPyfB1BN/s1600/o-BROKEN-FAMILY-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE7o9kA2SJ-hr6cKaETzIFzAb0UILSKoc92YgyMp1qhb0MOj4Wzat4Qwpne_vKLKcB089IP0Cp4MJeOeLYBpY0N7PbbsDV5FiBY9SZPd83vRbtCxQxik5ZH26DY-68ixSyhG3dPyfB1BN/s400/o-BROKEN-FAMILY-facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">“In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds </span></span></span></span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">for divorce.
The trick </span></span></span></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">is to find and continue to find grounds for marriage.”
</span></i></b><br /> ―
<i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/105971.Robert_Anderson">Robert Anderson</a></i></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Christian and non-Christian alike suffer the same fate of divorce when
they consciously begin to distance themselves emotionally, spiritually
and physically from their spouse. Do you want to limit the potential of
ending a marriage? If the answer is yes, then take every precaution when
you first notice the other person is letting go of you, or vise verse,
by prioritizing other things over you. <br /> <br /> <b>That includes children. </b><br /> <br />
No one should stay married for the sake of the kids, no more than you
should love your spouse because it would please your in-laws. When a
parent seemingly chooses to be more involved in his or her child’s life
than their spouse’s life is not because the love is greater for the
child. Many times it has more to do with one, or both spouses, avoiding the
hard work and heavy lifting that is involved in loving another person
deeply when one is hurting and they're participants in an unfulfilled
relationship. <br /> <b><br /> It has more to with avoidance than it does with priority. </b><br /> <br />
Putting our kids first will at times let the parent off the hook
emotionally because of the positive emotions we’re awarded with for our
good intentions. No one can fault anyone for loving this or her child
right?</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Remember, Our children only get one childhood. Only one. </span></span></i></span></span></span></b></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /> In the end, staying for the kids or leaving and breaking
up the family are poorly limited options. It doesn't have to read like a
scoreboard with only a home and visiting team. The option of seeking
help and counsel that could aid in saving a marriage must be an option –
obviously there are massive limitations in the success of a marriage if
one partner chooses to leave. <br /> <br /> Personally, I failed at
creating more options that could’ve saved my first marriage, setting me
up for nothing short of failure in my second marriage, a marriage that
was created 6 months after my 1st divorce. That marriage was doomed
before it even got off the ground. Many times leaving one relationship
in search of another often entails carry with us unresolved issues like
carry-on luggage on airplane. I was the passenger that was trying to
shove everything in the overhead compartment of life, trying desperately
to close the door with no success. I was exhausted,
emotionally/financially broken, and spiritually lost. All I did was take
those issues from one airport gate to another when I left my first wife
and married my second.<br /> <br /> Finally, God’s word in Luke tells us to
love our enemy. Sadly, there are times that our spouse can become the
enemy. It also tells us to refrain from judging. Unfortunately, many
times judging a spouse occurs more often than loving a spouse.<br /> <br /> <b>Luke 6:27-42 says these things.</b></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Love for Enemies...</span></span></i></b></span><br /> <br />
<span style="color: #660000;">27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to
those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who
mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the
other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from
them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs
to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others, as you would have them
do to you.<br /> 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that
to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to
those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do
that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what
credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be
repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to
them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be
great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to
the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is
merciful.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>Judging Others...</i></span></span></b></span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #660000;">37 “Do not judge, and you
will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be
poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured
to you.” 39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the
blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above
the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their
teacher.<br /> 41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your
brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How
can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your
eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You
hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see
clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”</span><br /> <br /> I don’t
have all the answers when it comes to marriage but I do believe we can
find guidance in those scriptures when it comes to our relationships and
marriages. <br /> <br /> <b>I really should read that piece of scripture every day.</b></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-NIV-23910"><span class="woj">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’</span></span><span class="text Matt-22-38" id="en-NIV-23911"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>This is the first and greatest commandment.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-NIV-23912"><span class="woj">And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’</span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-NIV-23912"><span class="woj">-Matthew 22:37-39 </span></span></i></span></span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b> </b></span></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It goes without saying, my opinion finds it source and inspiration in
the gospel, but in no way is my opinion the gospel. My belief is fueled
by reflection, an introspective perspective, and personal experiences
that have a firm foundation built upon the concrete slabs of failure,
not the limestone of success. <br /> <br /> With that, I believe the airline
industry gets it right. We need to help ourselves before we can help
someone else. That includes our family. <br /> <br /> We have to love our
self with a healthy dose of humility and courage- seeing our self as God
see’s us- and begin to put the oxygen mask that is God’s love and
salvation over our nose and mouth, and take all of His glory in. It is
when we begin to inhale God’s spirit we are able to give more freely,
forgive more often, and love more openly. <br /> <br /> And aren’t those the qualities that every marriage - and family - needs to survive? </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">sbb 19.12.13</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">2619</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/combat-rock/id685585931"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Should I Stay or Should I Go . The Clash</span></i></span></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMaE6toi4mk"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">youtube</span></i></span></span></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-23011129780699639982013-12-15T09:04:00.001-05:002014-01-03T19:39:45.140-05:00You're Not Alone (HEAL - Pt. 2)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">I wrote this piece on December 22, 2012 - sbb</span> </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Healthy</i></span>: <span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">possessing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">enjoying</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">good</span> </span>health<span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> </span>sound<span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">vigorous</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">mentality:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">healthy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">body;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">healthy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">mind. </span></i></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Pertaining</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">characteristic</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">good</span> </span>health<span id="hotword">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sound</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">vigorous</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">mind:</span> </span><i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">healthy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">appearance;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">healthy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">attitudes.</span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #660000;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span class="text 1Pet-5-7" id="en-NIV-30473">Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.</span> -<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>1 Peter 5:7 </b></span></span></span> </span></span> </i></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">As a country, and a <i>world</i> for that matter, we've become all too familiar with tragedy, trial and tribulation </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">over the past year. Whether it's Benghazi, Hurricane Sandy, or Sandy Hook many people are hurting and are in need of help; healing. And
as we find our self smack dab in the middle of another Holiday Season
many of us are reminded of the unwanted pain we carry around with us.
The pain might be center around unresolved family issues, financial
pressure, or lost friendships. Others find themselves in the midst of a
divorce, the first Christmas since the death of a loved one, and for
some, dealing with a strong sense that their dreams are quickly slipping
away as evidence of another year coming to an end without little change
from past history seems to be a bit overwhelming.<b> </b></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>"I thought I would be somewhere else in life instead of here.", </i> many say.</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Holidays,
especially Christmas, can be a traumatic event for many; with the main
goal surviving them instead of thriving within them. Many souls are
lost, spirits crushed and hearts completely broken.</span></span></span><br />
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</b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><b><i>I know... Merry Christmas to you too. </i> </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">I
think it's safe to say I could continue with example after example of
how people find themselves in complete despair this time of year but I
think my point has been sufficiently made; people are in pain, and are
in desperate need of healing.</span></span></span><br />
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><b>Heal your life</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.janerobinette.com/jane-art/heal.php">art by Jane Robinette</a></span><b> </b></i></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> </div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Most
people are good at identifying their hurts, acknowledging their pain,
and even better at blaming someone or something for their inability to
be happy and experience pure joy. As we grow older we soon realize that
happiness, and sadness, is often determined by circumstance, and that
joy is rooted in <i>deep rooted </i>contentment. Happiness speaks
to what I have; joy speaks to who I am. In the end, both are
attainable, both are choices and both are unachievable if hurt lives
deep within us with no intention on a part of getting rid of it, getting
better; healing.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">It's
said that when a person opens their heart they begin to get better.
Opening one's heart will immediately introduces them to vulnerability,
honesty and more pain, but if we are to begin the process of healing we
have to begin the process being vulnerable, being honest and open to
reliving the pain that is associated with that which ails us.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>Allow me to share. </i></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">"</span></i></span><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Isaiah 40:8</span></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span></span></div>
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">When
a person is to begin the process of healing they're never able to do it
alone. For those that have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
know that in times of despair and devastation; in the season of hurt and
harm we can go to Him, the One that sits upon the throne and ask Him to
hold us in His wonderful embrace. What a beautiful thought. </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>Psalm 61:1-4</i></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> states this:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text Ps-61-1">"Hear my cry, O God;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-61-1">listen to my prayer.</span></span> </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text Ps-61-2" id="en-NIV-14822">From the ends of the earth I call to you,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-61-2">I call as my heart grows faint;</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-61-2">lead me to the rock that is higher than I. </span></span><span class="text Ps-61-3" id="en-NIV-14823">For you have been my refuge,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-61-3">a strong tower against the foe.</span></span><span class="text Ps-61-4" id="en-NIV-14824"><sup> </sup>I long to dwell in your tent forever</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="indent-1"><i><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span></i><span class="text Ps-61-4"><i>and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.</i>"</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><span style="color: black;"><i>and Psalm 62: 5-7 shares these marvelous words with the reader: </i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><i><span class="text Ps-62-5" id="en-NIV-14833">"Yes, my soul, find rest in God;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-5">my hope comes from him.</span></span><span class="text Ps-62-6" id="en-NIV-14834"> </span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><i><span class="text Ps-62-6" id="en-NIV-14834">Truly he is my rock and my salvation;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-6">he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.</span></span><span class="text Ps-62-7" id="en-NIV-14835"><sup class="versenum"> </sup> </span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><span style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text Ps-62-7" id="en-NIV-14835">My salvation and my honor depend on God;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-7">he is my mighty rock, my refuge."</span></span></span></span> </i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4">We
soon realize that the believer will always find their healing through
the power and love; grace and mercy, of God. But if we are at all to be
honest with ourselves we also realize that God use's people here on
earth to be part and parcel of the healing process for those who are
hurting. Recognition is the key word for both the hurting and the
helper; those that are full of pain can't heal alone, and they must
recognize that truth. Those on the sideline of another person's pain
can't decide watch and wave either. They too must recognize that another
is in need of help; their help. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><i>Often
times when we see someone waving to us from the shore that is their
life they aren't saying hi, their actually drowning, and their trying to
get our attention; they need our help.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><i>Who is waving or drowning in your life? </i></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><b>Paul Young, the author of The Shack, puts it this way: </b></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><i>“I suppose that since most of our hurts come through relationships so
will our healing, and I know that grace rarely makes sense for those
looking in from the outside.” </i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-61-4"><b>It is through our relationships we are healed. Our relationship with others; our relationship with God. </b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">H</span></b> </i></span>stands for <i><span style="color: #660000;">Hope</span></i>; stands for <i><span style="color: #660000;">Help</span></i></span><br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> </div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">The key when you're hurting is not to lose </span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>hope</i></span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">, and the key for those close to the situation, and who have been invited into another person's pain, is to<i> </i></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>help</i></span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i> </i></span>them
never to lose hope. Remember, not everyone that is waving to you is
saying hi, some are drowning and desperately need your help. Having hope
is important; it's vital to the healing process. One of the ways I
remind myself of past hope being rewarded, prayers being answered, and
healing from a painful situation is to use my Bible like a journal. In
the margins of my Bible in chapters 61 & 62 in Psalms are a list of
very specific prayers for change, and for God's favor and healing in
different areas of my life. I have a date next to the request
representing when I wrote it down and began to pray concerning the
certain circumstance(s). Some of the entries have a second date, that
date represents when my prayer was answered, but in all actuality that
date represents far more than an answered prayer, it is a forever
reminder to me that God is faithful, that He didn't abandon me in my
time of need, and that He will show Himself again when hurt and healing
are needed. My hope is increased when I see two dates next to an entry.
It gives me faith and hope for another day. In the end, some entries
have two dates; some have one, but both entries were entered with the
faith and hope that God see's my need; that He sees my specific
circumstance and He will answer my plea in a way that best fits into His
will for my life. God always and only wants to offer His best to us, no
matter how much we've screwed up or how much we've contributed to our
circumstance and pain, no matter how bleak the our reality might be, God
wants to give us His best. Jeremiah 29:11-14 supports that truth.
Finally, I've come to the realization that it is as important to pray
for God to reveal the lesson to me that he wants me to learn in a
certain circumstance as it is to pray for a change in that circumstance.
We must never forget; God has a plan for our pain. All we have to do is
allow Him to share it with us. Don't lose hope. God sees where you need
to heal and He will help you... all you need to is ask Him for help.
Remember, </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">you're not alone in your need to heal, and your not alone when you travel through the valley that is the healing process. Don't </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">lose hope, help is on the scene; everything is going to be alright.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">E </span></span></i></b><i><span style="color: #660000;"></span></i>stands for <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Engage</i></span>; stands for <i><span style="color: #660000;">Encourage</span></i> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> </span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">For real healing to begin, and for it to take on deep roots, one must first become<span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>engaged</i></span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">in
the healing process. You have to decide you want to heal from what ever
ails you. Pain, like disappointment, in this life is inevitable, but
much like discouragement, healing is a choice. You have to decide you
want to heal. In the book of Samuel the reader is introduced to David,
the greatest king Israel has ever seen. In the 30th chapter of 1 Samuel
David was exhausted and defeated by battle. His troops blamed him for
their misfortune and wanted to stone him to death, but scripture
recorded David's behavior for our benefit in verse 6: </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;">"David
was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about
losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him.
But David found strength in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> his God." <b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-1 Samuel 30:6</span></b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Different translations of that verse state that David <i>"strengthened"</i> himself. The Hebrew word for strengthen is <span style="color: #660000;"><i>encourage</i></span>. We soon realize that David had options at his disposal on how he could handle his misfortune; his pain. David chose to encourage himself and in the process became healed by looking to God as his strength. He knew that God was bigger than his circumstance. David displayed unyielding faith and courage. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Before we can become encouraged we have to be engaged, and we can't be healed unless we're
encouraged. Often we must have the courage to encourage ourselves, and
to encourage others. Again, for those who have been invited into anothers pain via a phone call, note or text we have to be willing to become engaged in the healing process. Patting someone in need on the shoulder and saying <i>"I will pray for you"</i> isn't nearly enough. Prayer is important, but we must be engaged at a higher level. Let me state in advance, engaged doesn't mean having all the answers or standing in judgement of the person in need either. What engaged really means is practicing the lost of art of listening, praying for God's direction for the one that is battered and for you as you aid in healing process, and to be unwavering in our attempt to encourage the person that is in need of healing. Be that person that can be depended upon to be engaged in their pain and to be of encouragement to them during their time of discouragement.
You can't be their for everyone, but I do believe you will know deep
within you when you are to be there for that certain someone. I really do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span></span> </div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> <br />
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A</span></span> stands for <span style="color: #660000;">Act</span>; stands for <span style="color: #660000;">Attitude</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></i></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">If you sincerely want to heal you have to<span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>act</i></span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="color: #660000;"> </span>now. And the first action that needs to take place is the changing of our<span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">attitude</span> </i></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">towards
what is causing our suffering and pain. If someone needs to be
forgiven, forgive them today. If you need to go to someone and ask
forgiveness don't delay, go to them today. Like David, anyone that has
healed from a particular circumstance has at some point decided that
they wanted to be healed and thus changed their attitude concerning the
situation. They wanted better. Our attitude will always determine our
outcome; our altitude. You will only travel as high as your attitude
will allow you. Attitude is everything. Many good people choose to
wallow in their pain, unwilling to relinquish poor attitudes and
senselessly choose to suffer for entirely too long. And when you choose
to senselessly suffer everyone you come in contact suffers a little too.
Most, if not always, when I write about attitude and the importance of
it I write very little. At the end of the day, attitude is always a
choice. It's your choice. It's my choice. People will always choose
their attitude and there is very little I can say, or do, to change that
reality. I will just end with this, choosing a good attitude is always
better than choosing a poor one. It's good for your healing, good for
you, and good for everyone you come across.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword" style="font-size: small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>L </b><span style="color: black;">stands for<span style="color: #660000;"> Life</span>; stand for <span style="color: #660000;">Love</span></span></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>Love</i></span> your<span style="color: #660000;"> </span><span style="color: #660000;"><i>life</i></span><span style="color: #660000;"> </span>enough
that you want to heal. The best you; your best life, involves a high
level of healing. I know there are circumstances that physical pain
can't be extinguished. You might have terminal cancer, were badly
injured in a car accident, or your body is being ravaged by deadly
disease, in those cases pain is part and parcel of your sad ordeal. But
what I'm talking about is the pain we carry around inside of us because
we refuse to choose a better outcome. We can choose a better outcome. We
really can. Sometimes we have to forgo our right to be right. We have
to at times swallow our pride for the greater good. Sometimes we have to
simply just move on. I agree that some pain is worse than others, and
are very difficult to get over, but at some point we have to choose to
live our best life; to be all we can be. Both of those realities takes
action on our part, and both are apart of living our best life. Love
your life enough to forgive, to seek professionally counseling if
needed, and love your life enough to want to heal from what is causing
you pain. You can do this. You really can<b>.</b></span></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Your healing is in God's hand; in your hands.</i></span></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"> </span></span> <br />
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span> </span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><b>Yesterday, early in the morning, I received these words from a friend on Facebook:</b> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> </span></span>Hi Shawn, it has been a while since I've looked at your blog, but felt
led to read it today. I was blessed and touched by what I read. I have
not been in the best of spirits due to my recent condition and just
felt like throwing in the towel.</i></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">When I read words like that I'm reminded of why I do what I do.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i> Mybabyroc</i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">
was started with the simple goal in mind to encourage others. Notes
like the one above tell me that the site is going down the right path;
right direction. In reading those words I'm also reminded that many
people are hurting and are just trying to get through another day. The
reasons why people are hurting can be insignificant and irrelevant at
times. The names can be familiar or with little social recognition or
significance. The people can be wealthy beyond comprehension or living
in poverty. No matter the race, religion or gender, no matter if the
person is young or old, living with failing health or is as healthy as a
horse, the fact still remains that many people are hurting. And it's
during this time of year the pain seems to be more intensified. Pain can
make us feel like were drowning. It can suffocate us. At times the pain
can be incomprehensible leaving us without any hope or notion that
anything will get better anytime soon. Pain during the holidays can be
cruel and debilitating leaving us empty of any hope; any joy, just an
acknowledgement that we are beyond running on fumes; we're empty on the
inside.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>But wait...</i></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">God
sees you and He wants to help. He sees how empty you are on the inside
and sees where you are right now. He wants to help you. All you have to
do is ask.</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">God is faithful to those who have accepted Him into their heart as their personal savior.</span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> God has your best interest in mind and it's deeply entrenched in His heart.</span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">
All of your pain has a purpose. Simply ask God to reveal it to you. He
also desires you to fully heal from whatever is killing you on the
inside. That is part and parcel of living the best life that he has
planned for you.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><b>Healing is part of His perfect plan for you; for me.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Don't give much attention to yesterday, and worry less about tomorrow, and let today be the day you begin to heal.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i>Decide today you want to heal. </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i>Hopefully, you won't be alone in that decision.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">sbb 22.12.12</span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">2711</span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/g.-love-and-special-sauce/id158469825"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">This Ain't Living . G. Love & Special Sauce</span></span></i></span></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6CKkd-RLXw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">youtube </span></span></i></span></span></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-23806693267463128212013-12-12T08:27:00.002-05:002013-12-12T08:27:40.492-05:00Merry Christmas Grievers (HEAL - pt. 1) <div style="color: #660000; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #660000;">This piece was originally posted on 12.18.12 - sbb</span></span> </span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Pain: </span></span></i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">physical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">suffering</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">distress,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">due</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">injury,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">illness,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">etc.</span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">distressing</span> </span>sensation<span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">particular</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">part</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">body:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">back</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">pain.</span></i></span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">mental</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">emotional</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">suffering</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">torment:</span> </span></span><i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: black;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">I</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">am</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sorry</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">my</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">news</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">causes</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">you</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">such</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">pain.</span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: black;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span style="color: black;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you
rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is
easy, and My load is light."</i></span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>-Matthew 11:28-30 </i></b></span> </span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: black;">Below
is a letter that I received last year that was enlightening and admirable;
heartfelt and appreciated. It inspired me to write a piece last year entitled; "<span style="color: #660000;">What Are You Doing New Years Eve."</span> I will re-post that piece on December 30th of this year. These same words, and an update sent a year later f<span style="font-size: small;">ro</span>m
the same person, has motivated me to put pen to pad and share my
thoughts on healing. After Hurricane Sandy & the Sandy Hook
Elementary tragedy I think it is safe to say we all need to heal f<span style="font-size: small;">ro</span>m something. The holidays often invite over some uncomfortable house guests. Bitterness, <span style="font-size: small;">loneliness</span> and grief are the <span style="font-size: small;">names of just a few. </span>Over the next few days I want to <span style="font-size: small;">discuss</span> healing and what healing looks like. I hope you join me in the discussion and look inwardly and <span style="font-size: small;">evaluate</span>
where healing needs to take place in your life. Remember, you can't
change, fix or heal what you don't acknowledge. But first lets revisit
the painful words of a hurting soul I <span style="font-size: small;">received</span> one year ago this month. Letters like th<span style="font-size: small;">is</span> are the very reason I write.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Merry Christmas Grievers</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I'm seriously putting
myself out there for this note, being the "Debbie Downer" for the
"Happ, Happiest Season of All", but I'd like to put a shout out for
all of those who are struggling, wanting to close their eyes and run from all
of this candy coated happiness. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I'm not turning
atheist or anything; I don't use the word "X-mas". </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I know this
is the time of year that we, as born again believers in Jesus Christ, celebrate
the season of our Savior's birth. He has come to set the captives free,
the light of the world that once lived (and still some do) in darkness will see
the glorious light of our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of
Peace. (Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 42:7) That alone is great cause for
rejoicing. When I think of God sending his son to die for what I've done so
that I could live forever in glorious celebration of the creator, I want to do
more than a happy dance.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">However, (this is the
downer part) in my realm of living, people seem to hide the feelings of
depression when it comes to the holidays. They are forced to put on their
happy faces and pretend that everything is okay with their world. The
people around them don't want to mention the pain to spoil the season.</span></i></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Isaiah 7:14</span></span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooler temperatures,
shorter days, leaves are falling. Halloween comes and goes, then the
Christmas decorations come out. Before you know it, Thanksgiving.
Blink and the Christmas season is here. The season brings on a wave of
memories. I have personally seen a Hallmark, Lifetime Christmas.
I've heard people talk about the memories and traditions their family
experience. Old time ornaments from years gone by are hung on the
tree. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That's such a wonderful blessing to have as a reality.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But (insert the
Christmas carol screech to a halt), this isn't reality for a lot of people.
Christmas brings on hurt, loss, and painful memories. The holidays
trigger them multiplied. I know, I'm one of them. Struggling
through the holidays every year for a very long time, I go on a search for what
I can find of Christmas that will balance out the riot going on in my
head. The loss of dreams, hopes, desires, what you thought would
transpire in this season isn't exactly what you dreamed of for you. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How
do you get through the season?</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me inform you at
this point, I am not a scrooge. </span></span></i></div>
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<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Acts 5:31</b> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I like Christmas carols, I rejoice at
hearing of how families spend the holidays and put up the lights
together. Just this year, as part of my "make a new memory"
campaign, my daughter who was once totally estranged from me, came over and
helped me wrap presents and ate Thanksgiving dinner at my house. Don't
take for granted the things that happen in your life every day. Some have
no family at all. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How would you get through the season with no family at
all? (Insert prayer)</span></span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For me, this is how
I'm trying to change my attitude. First, it is what it is. I've got
family who love me the way they know how. I love those around me the way
I know how. I'm not experiencing my totally longed for dreams-yet.
But I'm making new ones. Putting the past behind me, most of it in boxes
so I can pull it out as a testimony of what the Lord has brought me
through. </span></span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm putting up new memories starting this year. </span></span></i></div>
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<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Matthew 1:21 </b> </span></span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking
for things in my world to fill the void, the loneliness that comes with
grieving. Like the time I experienced peace on earth goodwill to men at
the Goodwill store when an Iraqi and an Iranian met
and smiled. New memories, being intentional on finding them and not
letting the past ruin yet another year. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Learn from me, if you spend time
looking behind you, you will totally miss what's right in front of your nose. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look in the present and forgive the past. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heal your lost memories, make
new ones. Grieve, heal, gain strength from God our Father and trust He
will give you new memories. I know it's easier said than done because I'm
going through it myself.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What I'm asking is
this: Think of the ones who are grieving in any area of their lives during this
holiday season. Not everyone has the perfect holiday. I have spoken
to people who are not having a good time right now and I feel so sorry for
them. They're trapped in their emotions for fear of wrecking the spirit
of the season. </span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK62reAORcZ16T2lwmFUH2GzCOtqijA0MkKuwyWy6ME75qgWfpJArR8yjyeDWEBs-w5b_D0gd2rdZg14VXc0MavF4NKtGPDPHRluZbowRwpiWMSuE1-vwsn2LyF7a8q9esmyxad3Og3Lt/s1600/christmas4-time-3d-screensaver-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK62reAORcZ16T2lwmFUH2GzCOtqijA0MkKuwyWy6ME75qgWfpJArR8yjyeDWEBs-w5b_D0gd2rdZg14VXc0MavF4NKtGPDPHRluZbowRwpiWMSuE1-vwsn2LyF7a8q9esmyxad3Og3Lt/s400/christmas4-time-3d-screensaver-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>John 3:16 </b></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please pray for them,
that the things that cause them pain be replaced with love. That healing
comes and they can experience peace and strength. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For those who grieve
from a death this year, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm so sorry for the
pain you must be experiencing. For those who grieve a loss of memories
and dreams of what you thought your life was going to be, I'm so sorry.
It may be a long road, but healing is there for you through Christ. He
makes all things new, heals painful scars of hurt, rebuilds new dreams, and if
it is His will restores old ones. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Try to look for
things God puts in your life today, He wants you to smile. </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He wants you
to have a hope and a future, not a longing for something that's in the past you
can't redo. That's what I'm trying to do, find healing. And I will
find it. My prayer is that other grievers find it too. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Merry Christmas
grievers, you're not alone. (12.1<span style="font-size: small;">5.11)</span></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">sbb 1<span style="font-size: small;">8.12.12</span></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">12<span style="font-size: small;">4<span style="font-size: small;">5</span></span> </span></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG_FG9A8K2Q"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">youtube</span></span></span></span></i></a></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #660000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/impressions/id515988872"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">You're Not Alone . Chris Botti</span></span></span></span></i></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFvRoFtfd4THablKfWKm61BT_dXQ-X4inWclCGxkYydVigyxO3bRG1A0UiA6ubEDaYiFCkeNG6E_UWxrOjauj8SAnjXg6grCXDqTcQQqT6wb2kceNbYP5dR9uxlnE4ymygf648K0UQlj2/s1600/bottiNOTALONE6a00d8341d465453ef0168eb42ec53970c-320wi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFvRoFtfd4THablKfWKm61BT_dXQ-X4inWclCGxkYydVigyxO3bRG1A0UiA6ubEDaYiFCkeNG6E_UWxrOjauj8SAnjXg6grCXDqTcQQqT6wb2kceNbYP5dR9uxlnE4ymygf648K0UQlj2/s1600/bottiNOTALONE6a00d8341d465453ef0168eb42ec53970c-320wi.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-33211044633809004492013-11-28T10:40:00.001-05:002013-11-28T11:38:18.164-05:00Giving Thanks...<i><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Appreciation</span>:</span></span></i><b><i><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></i></b><i><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">gratitude;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">thankful</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">recognition.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIasC5HCMy6OqTecmzJiDU-EKy_zkOeaaAGKO-kLewuKhCsEX6Hole-AltI-uYPUoKWdkN_LGFL_sU_Kj2Ax-HTESZYDNX6J-IZkbXHg3C_GGmDSNKCu-_B1eyXhBmfxtEjCY4ncXsOln/s1600/GivingThanks-floral.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIasC5HCMy6OqTecmzJiDU-EKy_zkOeaaAGKO-kLewuKhCsEX6Hole-AltI-uYPUoKWdkN_LGFL_sU_Kj2Ax-HTESZYDNX6J-IZkbXHg3C_GGmDSNKCu-_B1eyXhBmfxtEjCY4ncXsOln/s400/GivingThanks-floral.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<i>"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-1 Thessalonians 5:18 </b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I was running this morning, pondering another Th</span></span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">anksgiving
Day, I wondered what it was like during the first Thanksgiving
celebration. I wondered when first the "<i>Turkey Day" </i>took place and how
different it was from how we celebrate Thanksgiving today. Obviously
there are major differences between the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and
the one we will experience today. I'm sure in the beginning there were
no discussions concerning <i>"Black Friday" </i>shopping plans, little to no
interest in the latest apps and no football or Macy's parade on the
television. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">It's safe to say that times were different and with all of
the points that could be made concerning the many differences, it was the 102
pilgrims that displayed tremendous resolve, strength and character in
the midst of the most trying of times that gives me reason to pause. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheARoNVh8_JciuedCStvrJlYoCzbelvLWOT16IlSwQOTr7sLPHx4lbpL2YsCvcoWtnJK5Z8NukBJcdo_O6HBbcgpLZaba5fQtYHdOWyhEDC3zYuhu9JzbmVCHoJUlo0wjhLMjEhalrrVQ/s1600/imagespilgrims.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheARoNVh8_JciuedCStvrJlYoCzbelvLWOT16IlSwQOTr7sLPHx4lbpL2YsCvcoWtnJK5Z8NukBJcdo_O6HBbcgpLZaba5fQtYHdOWyhEDC3zYuhu9JzbmVCHoJUlo0wjhLMjEhalrrVQ/s1600/imagespilgrims.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Depiction of the 1st Pilgrims.</i></b></span></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">The first Thanksgiving was a celebration of survival during a time of terrible hardship.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Many
times we as Americans tend to romanticize the pilgrim, we think of
them as well dressed men, women and children with buckled shoes and
frock coats. Those visions couldn't be farther from the truth. In the
winter of 1620 a group of 102 pilgrim pioneers had began an adventure
that had no turning back.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jeancraigheadgeorge.com/">Jean Craighead George</a> in her book </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>"The First Thanksgiving"</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
shared with her reader that by the following spring many pilgrims
didn't survive the winter, being reduced by illness and hardship to 56.
Surrounded by the land's native people, whose intent they could not
know, they buried their dead by night so the tribes wouldn't realize how
quickly their numbers were dwindling and prayed by day that they would
live to see another.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXP_CgpxErInDYAlJEFeIsuA2_7qlOLn3t8ZeVcX6nFjbSf_dRM1vtirOS_ypK4vWElqcR5dG1mygvwCbHokBYq-z4kjWBApIb73JAkRXqgbI_UI4hveCkcu0j54FpyWw7Z5s0DuXjGSk/s1600/first+thanksgiving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXP_CgpxErInDYAlJEFeIsuA2_7qlOLn3t8ZeVcX6nFjbSf_dRM1vtirOS_ypK4vWElqcR5dG1mygvwCbHokBYq-z4kjWBApIb73JAkRXqgbI_UI4hveCkcu0j54FpyWw7Z5s0DuXjGSk/s320/first+thanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Portrait of the 1st Thanksgiving.</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
So
when the fruitful harvest and late fall arrived in 1621, it was natural
that the weary
settlers and their native benefactors should gather in a great feast of
lobster and goose, turkey and venison, duck and pumpkin,
fruit and corn. These Pilgrims, sorely tested, gave thanks for a
hard-won survival and the help of friends. I truly believe that it would
be impossible for all involved not to count their blessings without
thinking of the trials just endured, the terrors of their strange new
land, and the loss of their dearest comrades. The original 102 pilgrims,
lived and died, bravely in the
face of danger and most likely prayed daily for strength and safety.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b>And with all of this they found reason to be grateful producing their greatest legacy; a legacy of gratitude and</b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"> appreciation</span></i><b>. </b><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsws97Qj3Uuqk9joT_sKQaHQxyN2-T9ZsyqVfmha0PBAPZnoVqWvp9h22BpZ1eCTERxV_fCxqt6b0rOLEBlb7IxE3Fhj6t201NRiu9Z1DAEMN2fPFgacsIvoiLssi50eIgsgMBM44XfA/s1600/6a00e5537b38b68833012875d4db8c970c-320pi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsws97Qj3Uuqk9joT_sKQaHQxyN2-T9ZsyqVfmha0PBAPZnoVqWvp9h22BpZ1eCTERxV_fCxqt6b0rOLEBlb7IxE3Fhj6t201NRiu9Z1DAEMN2fPFgacsIvoiLssi50eIgsgMBM44XfA/s1600/6a00e5537b38b68833012875d4db8c970c-320pi.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Enjoying the harvest...</b><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b> </b></span></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">So
that's where I find myself this morning, feeling tremendous gratitude
for my faith, family and friends. Many things come and go but these
three things have been with me for a lifetime.</span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><i>My </i><i>faith</i>
has been the biggest blessing to me over the course of my life. I'm
very thankful that my mother, the spiritual patriarch of our family,
took my sister and me to church every Sunday morning, and Sunday and
Wednesday night, without fail. I'm grateful that she instilled in me the
importance of consistently attending church, and more importantly, that
our faith in Jesus Christ is the most important quality we can develop
while on earth. It is true what is said in Proverbs 22:6;<i> </i><i>"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it."</i><i> </i>In
the end, my parents "God" could no longer be mine. I had to decide to
find Jesus for myself and invite Him in my life so He could become real
to me.</span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b> </b></span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b>I'm
grateful that my relationship with God has become more personal over
the past five years, very personal. It has made all the difference for
me and my family.</b></span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">When speaking of <i>my family
</i> I feel very blessed and thankful for the "little" things. I'm thankful
that we all made it home safely every night over the past year and were
able to share the day's events with each other around the dinner table.
I'm thankful and appreciative that so many people have made it possible
for my oldest two boys to be currently attending college, and that Bryce received to full scholarship to play football at Miami, in Oxford, Ohio.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> I'm full of
appreciation and gratitude that my mother and father-in-law
acknowledged, accepted, and without judgment, invited a man that had
been divorced twice and had multiple children by multiple women <i>(5
children by 4 women to be exact... one child with their daughter at the
time...now two)</i> into their home and in doing so making that man, me, a
part of their family. I'm thankful for the fact that my parents pretty much provided
Christmas for all of my children over the past 16 years and especially
thankful that my wife has accepted her role as wife, mother, stepmother,
daughter-in-law and sister-in-law with such grace and class. </span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">She is wonderful.</span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b>I'm also very thankful that my three oldest boys have accepted Jesus Christ into their lives.</b></span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Finally, I'm thankful for<i> my friends
</i> that I have had for the better part of my life.<b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Craig Birkhead, Joe
Ceravolo, Todd Onusic, Mike Elfers, Steve Iannarino, Mark Eissy and Jeff Wright</span> </i><b>all
</b>have been close friends for over 25 years. Craig has been a best friend
for over 33 years. In each case they have given me their money, their
time and their ear. They have blessed me with their constructive
criticism and unforgettable understanding.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugW_jMk4-SStu-SKQypaVzaDXJGr9DZHcszgKtmXy4s5m7J5y5wn_HXfIaKGhwly8pCc5w6iIuxQDoqpLAej_Q8hojYgMYWuWW_Yg3JXjSTEoXNkTVzq26wFueWwdDq3i390E_N_CSbk/s1600/charlie-brown-thanksgiving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugW_jMk4-SStu-SKQypaVzaDXJGr9DZHcszgKtmXy4s5m7J5y5wn_HXfIaKGhwly8pCc5w6iIuxQDoqpLAej_Q8hojYgMYWuWW_Yg3JXjSTEoXNkTVzq26wFueWwdDq3i390E_N_CSbk/s320/charlie-brown-thanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b> Charlie & his friends.</b><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b> </b></span></span></i></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">They have often shared with me what I needed to hear and not what I wanted to hear. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">They have been a truthful and true friend to me and for that I'm very grateful.</span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">In
the end, I'm thankful for the 46 pilgrims that set out on a difficult
journey that died along the way and for the 56 pilgrims, on that same
journey, that were able to find something inside of themselves that
enabled them to survive the journey.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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In both cases many sacrifices were made. I believe greatness comes in
many forms but it has been my observation that sacrifice is often the
loneliest form of greatness.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBCp_Z1xkxSG7VFhn-poHnuk0U32nHw55KsyPArcrgGpN43jIUTAuf9GcUrA__viwN1YBqPOUG92fOKhFvqioe-5ytuOlHd1nRpphpx90Ugoa8IyzjdXDNqoyzlx3ebW7omaMSScKcKk/s1600/first-thanksgiving-pilgrims-indians.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBCp_Z1xkxSG7VFhn-poHnuk0U32nHw55KsyPArcrgGpN43jIUTAuf9GcUrA__viwN1YBqPOUG92fOKhFvqioe-5ytuOlHd1nRpphpx90Ugoa8IyzjdXDNqoyzlx3ebW7omaMSScKcKk/s1600/first-thanksgiving-pilgrims-indians.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b> </b></span></span><b>Giving thanks & sharing...</b></i></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Today I recognize and honor their many sacrifices and their true greatness. </span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">With that being said, let all of us take pleasure in the simplest and most meaningful of things during our holiday celebration. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today let's remember that, as the Roman philosopher Seneca once wrote,<i> "Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart." </i>And with that let's remember</span><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> and reflect upon the things that are in our life that we are grateful for and give thanks for them.</span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">It
has and always will be about grace, the grace that has been bestowed
upon us and the grace we have the opportunity to share with others every
day. I wish I could say it better but <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Waldo_Emerson">Ralph Waldo Emerson</a> put it best when he said:</span></span><i> </i><br />
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<b><i>Thanksgiving</i></b><i> </i></div>
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<i>For each new morning with its light,</i></div>
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<i>For rest and shelter of the night,</i></div>
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<i>For health and food, For love and friends,</i></div>
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<i>For everything Thy goodness sends.</i></div>
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<i>Amen.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhRnSIQq3iiSRDuYjmarOFSO7Yj4xjO9aG34Q-oVYb2Yws8EFtHvXj85w_V97U1kmTBNM33v3jFIkZPaTBQZjZsUXU3oLk5kf3EpiaFuA87BiBVAFiivpFMAGIHxMLHmWsUi4oK8O9X8/s1600/0808-0711-0515-0229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhRnSIQq3iiSRDuYjmarOFSO7Yj4xjO9aG34Q-oVYb2Yws8EFtHvXj85w_V97U1kmTBNM33v3jFIkZPaTBQZjZsUXU3oLk5kf3EpiaFuA87BiBVAFiivpFMAGIHxMLHmWsUi4oK8O9X8/s1600/0808-0711-0515-0229.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">sbb</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">1167</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/still/id329529651">Grace . The Winans</a> </span></span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoY4WB0-Z5U&feature=related">youtube</a> </span></span></span></i></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-79554996607690738152013-11-13T11:08:00.001-05:002013-11-16T10:39:26.645-05:00Grow Up, Stand Up: Incognito & Martin<div class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Insecurity: </span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">lack</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">confidence</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">assurance;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">self-doubt:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">He</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">plagued</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">insecurity.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysg2UQwJYPwpplZqcW3XCeKnEIbTp_bfd8pySbe7Pq9Vc7c4mX5SNlyrIAkKQoOe9XIR209PJ_YV4LsgpnHq-ajjrO2djj3NLlnNtC3xsDW3IC5cQnEq_HYkeuDzxqqBsJuAYosLcpWk2/s1600/few_good_men_ver1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysg2UQwJYPwpplZqcW3XCeKnEIbTp_bfd8pySbe7Pq9Vc7c4mX5SNlyrIAkKQoOe9XIR209PJ_YV4LsgpnHq-ajjrO2djj3NLlnNtC3xsDW3IC5cQnEq_HYkeuDzxqqBsJuAYosLcpWk2/s400/few_good_men_ver1.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></span></i></span> </div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">"Son,
we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded
by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinburg? I have a
greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for
Santiago, and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the
luxury of not knowing what I know. That Santiago's death, while tragic,
probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and
incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because
deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that
wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty.
We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something.
You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the
inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the
blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the
manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you,
and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and
stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are
entitled to."</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo2MieL4jgRNxQdcAh72W3cXUSs5ZyNUEz50wi8hU08hv81vhuWlwS1jaIu_y3VK-2GOfBo7UKcEZLm6jFUjGHzYlDltcHlPruISGUHnUkfXFNmdkmySVMeMA8QbBW4A3gRWqvn7XTeVO/s1600/col-nathan-r-jessup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo2MieL4jgRNxQdcAh72W3cXUSs5ZyNUEz50wi8hU08hv81vhuWlwS1jaIu_y3VK-2GOfBo7UKcEZLm6jFUjGHzYlDltcHlPruISGUHnUkfXFNmdkmySVMeMA8QbBW4A3gRWqvn7XTeVO/s400/col-nathan-r-jessup.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Col. Nathan Jessup</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></i></span><br /> If those words are eerily familiar to you its
because they are. That powerful statement was taken from the 1992 movie
"A Few Good Men", starring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and, the one and
only, Jack Nicholson. That infamous rant was the doing of Col Jessup
(Nicholson) during his courtroom standoff with Lt. Daniel Kaffee, played
by Tom Cruise.<br /> <br /> I began this piece with that quote because I
believe there to be identifiable correlations between the movie 'A Few
Good Men' and the Richie Incognito/Jonathan Martin issue that has
unraveled down in South Florida; one that has shed a disconcerting light
upon the NFL culture in general. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIzXPYppg6NwJqAwfs8q1Rml4jl6Z7JE9wt5qVF5Ivw7AEJOwamAD_t8lNBQ-vIyBKX3mkUSTO4yntjErTaKxl1EyLMZ5jq5VPJi9THboI44PH26AA9g7DWpIp6ymcI7OV6xMR6YYghRn/s1600/ap_Richie_Incognito_Jonathan_Martin_ll_131105_16x9_992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIzXPYppg6NwJqAwfs8q1Rml4jl6Z7JE9wt5qVF5Ivw7AEJOwamAD_t8lNBQ-vIyBKX3mkUSTO4yntjErTaKxl1EyLMZ5jq5VPJi9THboI44PH26AA9g7DWpIp6ymcI7OV6xMR6YYghRn/s400/ap_Richie_Incognito_Jonathan_Martin_ll_131105_16x9_992.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Happy Days</b>: <i>Richie incognito & Jonathan Martin</i></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent">I've never played one down
in the NFL, nor have I stepped foot in one NFL locker room, so to act
like I know the intimate inner workings of this sacred place would be
disingenuous on my part. What I can speak to is the fact that I have
been in many locker rooms during my lifetime while playing high school
and college basketball. <br /> <br /> All I can say is a lot of what
happens in a locker room, and the many conversations that are had in
this private, and sacred, setting are not meant for public consumption. <br /> <br />
The locker room can be complicated, and a breeding ground for immature
behavior. It's not my intention to make excuses for the poor behavior in
a locker room, but I do think it's unfair to judge all NFL locker rooms
by its cases of abuse. At the end of the day, the fan base that is the
NFL, and football in general, doesn't really "want the truth" about
what is discussed, or the actions that are committed, behind closed
doors. <br /> <b><br /> Alpha males can be, well, alpha males.</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTbjHsr_5DySTdeWGpBRpk9rxauDPsaL1E1jUpj1z-Jux1Tll-Fivlbnsrw7vLX1AZC2jblp14F2gZwz3Pagk1O22rCmgXGSB1btCdrVfay9mKb_uH4cqS895MOqHKH71vvHW6RZoNtZG/s1600/richie-incognito1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTbjHsr_5DySTdeWGpBRpk9rxauDPsaL1E1jUpj1z-Jux1Tll-Fivlbnsrw7vLX1AZC2jblp14F2gZwz3Pagk1O22rCmgXGSB1btCdrVfay9mKb_uH4cqS895MOqHKH71vvHW6RZoNtZG/s400/richie-incognito1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Getting older & growing up are two different things.</i></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><br /> <br /> All
that is really desired by the organization, and the fan alike, is a
tough, animal like, man that will aid his team in winning. Teams
ultimately need men like Incognito on that line every Sunday pushing
"their" team to victory whether they publicly admit it or not, because
the more "they" win the more money there is to be earned.<br /> <br /> We
don't want to know, and we ultimately don't care how they behave because
that isn't how organizations are defined in public, nor do they define
themselves in this manner behind closed doors. The media might project
that agenda, but all an organization wants is wins and increased
revenues.<br /> <br /> <b>Don't believe me?</b> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent">Two simple "collegiate" examples:
no one cared about Maurice Clarett or his behavior until he could no
longer aid Ohio State in winning games. When this became apparent he was
readily dismissed and marginalized as a thug. The same is true with
Terrell Pryor. I believe both of these instances to be another sad commentary on how athletes are readily dismissed once they can't help their team. Yes, both kids made mistakes, but neither should've been thrown to the curb. In the end, "Fans", and society at large, have short term memories,
and have no problem living in denial when it benefits their agenda.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI8zW5jyuPuly55qgakoBYvlavQ_0SWRMZdfjrBWq6AHhYZsy-v1EKzjl-xY2qN9JHotB5bT7rnC7u3PB6yg_TLGDFiSckWinCP8uUSnnyNavWL2W5cmTyhE_qJlU96af3-VzSEL1cUFB/s1600/jim-tressell-and-terrelle-pryor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI8zW5jyuPuly55qgakoBYvlavQ_0SWRMZdfjrBWq6AHhYZsy-v1EKzjl-xY2qN9JHotB5bT7rnC7u3PB6yg_TLGDFiSckWinCP8uUSnnyNavWL2W5cmTyhE_qJlU96af3-VzSEL1cUFB/s400/jim-tressell-and-terrelle-pryor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>I need you and you needed me: </b>Terrell Pryor & Jim Tressel</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(During his 3 years at OSU, Pryor complied a 31-4 record with 2 BCS bowl victories. </span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He was the 2011 Sugar Bowl MVP, threw for 6,177
yards, 57 TD’s, 26 picks, completed 60.7% of his attempts in three years
as a starter. He never lost to Michigan. </span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As of today, he is no more welcomed, nor allowed, on the OSU campus.)</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent">This phenomena is
repeated every year, in some NFL city or college town, across America. Our behavior as a
society supports the fact that we don't care. <br /> <br /> Look at these
stats: though the NFL crime rate has decreased by 40% since 2006, the
year Roger Goodell coincidentally became NFL commissioner, violent
crimes still represent 30% of all crimes in the league. And though the
arrest rate is about one fourth, 2.9%, that of all males 22-34, we still
see a major difference in the punishment that is handed out. "In a 1997
study, Northeastern University’s Jeffrey Benedict and Alan Klein found
that the athletes in their sample who were charged with sexual assault
were only convicted 31 percent of the time, compared with a 54 percent
conviction rate for the general population. In 1995, Maryann Hudson at
the Los Angeles Times found that athletes charged with domestic violence
were only convicted 36 percent of the time, compared with a 77 percent
general conviction rate. In a 2010 Harvard Law Review article, Bethany
Withers wrote that 'conviction rates for athletes are astonishingly low
compared to the arrest statistics. Though there is evidence that the
responsiveness of police and prosecution to sexual assault complaints
involving athletes is favorable, there is an off-setting pro-athlete
bias on the part of juries'."<br /> <br /> In reality we think we want the truth, but we really can't handle the truth.<br /> <b><br /> So where does this leave us?</b><br /> <br />
The commentary surrounding the events within the Dolphins locker room
and the team at large has taken many different directions. Some of the
commentary has been effectively stated and well written; some not. <br /> <br />
Discussions and opinions have traveled from the interesting to the
sublime, from issues of bullying to a hostile work environment; hazing
to racism. Many times a situation like the Incognito and Martin case
become an easily accessible target for a larger agenda. This situation
is no different. Whether you agree or not with the behavior Incognito
employed there is no denying the fact that he has become the poster
child for bullying. Jonathan Martin, on the other hand, has become the
poster child for being "soft", and being a "victim." I have no idea if
Martin is soft or not, but my initial feeling is how can a 2nd round
draft pick, that is one of only 64 starting tackles in the NFL, be soft?
If he is so soft how soft must his backup be? Is his backup receiving
the same treatment?</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijztb3ofzNAxzFP5Lv9CCCQYBz1Mf5p3gOJllYSb0TKlUpfUdj1hSfCO4Wl4BsoB9Gu3F8PsEDXbgk5PYLRfbgOk03jHOa5CV-gnL6l3_-xmuhlJt8suxozBVvXR_67rBscGkRUDCT2lAz/s1600/jMartin+aguars-dolphins-football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijztb3ofzNAxzFP5Lv9CCCQYBz1Mf5p3gOJllYSb0TKlUpfUdj1hSfCO4Wl4BsoB9Gu3F8PsEDXbgk5PYLRfbgOk03jHOa5CV-gnL6l3_-xmuhlJt8suxozBVvXR_67rBscGkRUDCT2lAz/s400/jMartin+aguars-dolphins-football.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Jonathan Martin</b></span> </span></span></span></i></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[16h06].[1][3][1]{comment10202343301254306_6553037}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[16h06].[1][3][1]{comment10202343301254306_6553037}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[16h06].[1][3][1]{comment10202343301254306_6553037}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">@GeorgeRaveling: A fundamental responsibility bestowed </span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[16h06].[1][3][1]{comment10202343301254306_6553037}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[16h06].[1][3][1]{comment10202343301254306_6553037}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[16h06].[1][3][1]{comment10202343301254306_6553037}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">on each of us, is to defend who we are as individuals.</span></span></span></span></i></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"> <br /> In America today, one of the worse things
you can be is a bully. {And}, rightfully so. In the NFL the worst thing
you can be is soft. <br /> <b><br /> There isn't even a close second. </b><br /> <br />
NFL locker rooms will turn a blind eye to abusive behavior, drug use,
the physical assault of a woman and even racism, but what that
environment will not tolerate is one of their comrades being weak. It
goes against their code. Right, wrong or indifferent, that is the
undeniable truth. In pro football there is a "greater responsibility"
than making their fan base feel comfortable with their behavior. The
mantra is "just win baby." Just win and everything else will go by the
wayside. The popularity of the league, the advertisement dollars that
are generated and TV ratings support this fact.<br /> <br /> <b>So where do we go from here?</b><br /> <br />
I think there are many issues that could be discussed but I don't think
they should be centered around bullying, poor work environment, or
racism. I believe those issues to be easy targets and ones that enable
lazy thinking. <br /> <br /> The NFL is nothing short of a hostile work
environment and encourages the activity of bullying. It's not your
normal work environment. It's about survival of the fittest, and though
Incognito's behavior, "while grotesque and incomprehensible" to many,
has been going on for decades in the NFL. Some would say not to this
degree, but if a "60 Minutes" type of expose were initiated, looking
over the past 25 years in the NFL, you can rest assured that there are
many more incidents of poor and dangerous behavior surrounding the
treatment of a teammate by another teammate. In some way the importance
of being tough and standing up for yourself is paramount for the entire
team's safety and the success of the league, especially when it comes
to the offensive line. If one lineman is soft it threatens the entire
operation and the safety of their most valuable possession, the
quarterback. The QB is not only each individual team's most important
commodity, it's also the NFL's most prized possession. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent">There is no other professional athlete that garners more attention, on and off the field, than does the NFL quarterback. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent">{And}, a team can't win
without a really good QB either, and the NFL knows that. The league has
drastically limited the amount of contact a QB can endure to such a
degree that the product resembles less and less like football.<br /> <br /> <b>All of this is done to protect the golden goose.</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDnLAKLr99gMmOrGrwQPxpLfCsuh3ITeSqYgSuiJWJ1Aki9XlGGhk_f3dAs0xjZ-cj8Yg2WBYwlOLjO090hJOhKthsi9RAmq3HD8TjXb_IY1Fv4ZnYa-qkMLwf9koG7vJ_SHcGhj1X272/s1600/TomBrady-GiseleBundchen101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDnLAKLr99gMmOrGrwQPxpLfCsuh3ITeSqYgSuiJWJ1Aki9XlGGhk_f3dAs0xjZ-cj8Yg2WBYwlOLjO090hJOhKthsi9RAmq3HD8TjXb_IY1Fv4ZnYa-qkMLwf9koG7vJ_SHcGhj1X272/s400/TomBrady-GiseleBundchen101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Gisele Bundchen & Tom Brady</b>: Everyone has their eye on the QB.</span></span></i> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><br /> <br />
There is a reason why a large majority of endorsement dollars are
garnered by the quarterback. Companies, and society at large, can
identify with a quarterback, not an angry offensive or defensive
lineman. <br /> <br /> There is a large amount of TMI that comes with offensive lineman and defensive players.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTwKsO115l6v6cRoDTgG-CUiunH90wphpoyPZwP8CRG2-s5T5pYgM432J3T307iK0xG44Rluc2aTLlnOJgYDLxIqExyp1apLdDfhAj489TVdAjOuyca7WjAA4zgaIue1rNjTTqiecNK85/s1600/Ugg-Tom_BradyAscot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTwKsO115l6v6cRoDTgG-CUiunH90wphpoyPZwP8CRG2-s5T5pYgM432J3T307iK0xG44Rluc2aTLlnOJgYDLxIqExyp1apLdDfhAj489TVdAjOuyca7WjAA4zgaIue1rNjTTqiecNK85/s400/Ugg-Tom_BradyAscot.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> NFL quarterbacks are more than athletes, their celebrities & icons.</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><br /> <br />
I believe the real issue that needs to be discussed is why someone
would behave in such a negative and destructive manner? {And}, why
someone would tolerate being treated in such a negative and destructive
manner?<br /> <br /> Time doesn't permit doing a comprehensive mental and
psychological examination on the two parties, but I think it's safe to
say the glaring problem is centered around the insecurity of both men.
If someone feels the need to treat someone to such a degree that it
tears their prey mentally and emotionally apart, all the while providing
some sort of ego power trip and praise within their peer group, then
what you're dealing with is a very insecure and immature individual.
Bully? No. Racist? No. Insecure and immature? Most definitely. The
verbal weaponry that was aimed at Martin gives everyone a glimpse into
who Incognito could very well be. <br /> <br /> Often the words we use give
life to our destiny and have the ability to define who we are. The
words we use has the tremendous ability to set into motion how we think
and how we behave. People say don't listen to the words because "actions
speak louder than words." I say watch and listen to both. <br /> <br /> Proverbs says many things about the words we choose; these are four of my favorites:<br /> <br /> "Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose." - Proverbs 18:21<br /> <br /> "The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him." - Proverbs 18:6<br /> <br /> "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Proverbs 16:24<br /> <br /> "Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit." - Proverbs 15:4</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fB8-6zlttmbu2jUj26am3UnclqUPWB550OlSRamipvf020Ih84N_c4PNNyk4ieDP0Gg_3jcuGQUtz-XN2_B2SHGspNqKuz0Isfi0rT9jrWWK1URt6FlfwvNB_5xJA23uuzs3eMHD8e-O/s1600/Dolphins+Incognito_Hugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fB8-6zlttmbu2jUj26am3UnclqUPWB550OlSRamipvf020Ih84N_c4PNNyk4ieDP0Gg_3jcuGQUtz-XN2_B2SHGspNqKuz0Isfi0rT9jrWWK1URt6FlfwvNB_5xJA23uuzs3eMHD8e-O/s400/Dolphins+Incognito_Hugh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The words we use matter. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A36-37&version=NIV"><span style="color: #660000;">Matthew 12:36-37</span></a></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><br /> <br />
Our words matter, no matter who we are and what environment we live or
work in. Our words have the power to build up or destroy another; to
build up or destroy our self. <br /> <br /> In the case of Jonathan Martin,
the verdict remains the same. One of the best quotes I've ever heard
came from Dr. Phil; "you teach people how to treat you." Whether Martin
is 6'5" or 5'5", and weighs 150 lbs with a rock in his hand, or his
actual weight of 306 lbs, you don't allow someone to talk to you in that
manner.<br /> <br /> While I'll readily admit Incognito's behavior went
well beyond good natured hazing, what was needed was a private talk
between the two parties, initiated by Martin, stating his
dissatisfaction with the current status quo. Holding the meeting in
private would eliminate the other partying trying to save face amongst
his peers. If a private conversation doesn't work, then metaphorically
speaking, guard the walls of self respect, and do it with the "guns" of
resolve and dogged determination. In the end, if you don't stand up for
yourself no one else will.<br /> <br /> <b>That's just life.</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVOVRoJPwXy9qbpyZkeiRFAx4e_tVZPIFI267Zi5Th-tiZD6-kAObNDSE0-HSvw3DzJ2MJGIq9aqf4t1udgKd6K5qGcbLo66c6DhiPn7rQLlTUlq342Jkka8-_S5XLNTy2cB1aCYgSP1_/s1600/sfl-miami-dolphins-jonathan-martin-20120828-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVOVRoJPwXy9qbpyZkeiRFAx4e_tVZPIFI267Zi5Th-tiZD6-kAObNDSE0-HSvw3DzJ2MJGIq9aqf4t1udgKd6K5qGcbLo66c6DhiPn7rQLlTUlq342Jkka8-_S5XLNTy2cB1aCYgSP1_/s400/sfl-miami-dolphins-jonathan-martin-20120828-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up. Don't give up the fight." </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- Bob Marley </i></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><br /> <br /> I've only
shared this story once in my life outside of my parents, and I did so
with a close college teammate this past week. When I was a freshman in
high school I was on our freshman basketball team. I was good player,
and I was the only black player on the team. I was actually one of about
eight or nine black kids in the entire school, and with seemingly each
passing day I was called a nigger with out fail. Any time there was an
argument on the basketball court, football field or lunch room the first
word that came out of the opposing parties month was nigger. I don't
say that with malice or for shock value. I say it to be factual and to
state the truth. I still remember a disgruntled parent calling my dad
after his son was cut from a traveling team my dad was coaching - <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>one I did not play on</i></span> -, and calling my father a
nigger on the phone for doing so. <br /> <br /> There were times I wondered why we even stayed in the community. <br /> <br />
I also still remember the fear I had my entire sophomore year in high
school every morning as I walked to my first class; shop class. It was
during class time the radio would be on and someone would inevitably
want to turn the station to listen to QFM 96 <i>(classic rock)</i> only to pass an all black
music radio channel in doing so. You can only imagine the cat calls and
the racially insensitive comments that were made. I always remember
being so embarrassed and shameful for not standing up against that type
of ignorance. <br /> <br /> <b>{But}, one day I did, and I did so in the most unlikely situation, with the most unlikely person. </b><br /> <br />
It was during my freshman year of basketball that my coach repeatedly
called me "Brownie." It occurred on a daily basis. Seeing the red faces
of my teammates, and the hearing the muffled giggles were almost too
much for me to bare. I shared the situation with my parents, and as you
could imagine, they were understandably concerned and angry. {But}, with
all their dismay and disapproval concerning the situation my Dad told
me that I had a decision to make: "either live with it or change it, but
don't complain about it." Well, I wasn't going to live with it. {And},
though I was only 15, and scared to death, I approached my coach before
practice and told him that I needed to talk to him in private after
practice. He agreed. Once practice was over I can still remember
standing in the old Hilliard Middle School gymnasium/auditorium and
telling my coach that I didn't like when he called me "Brownie." His
irritated reply, and lousy excuse, was that he coached a player many
years before that had the last name of Brown, and that I reminded him of
that player. I told him I didn't care who I reminded him of, and that
my parents named me Shawn Bailey, not Brownie. As the coach walked away
he half apologized and said it won't happen again.<br /> <br /> [And}, you know what? It didn't. <br /> <br />
It was my David and Goliath moment; one that still shapes who I am
today. I don't know if I could do what my Father did with one of my
sons, but I do so appreciate him providing me with a life lesson that
will never be forgotten. It was a difficult time for me because I too often found myself ostracized by the black kids for being too white, and by the white kids for being black. {But}, with all that, it was in that Seminole moment, when I stood up for myself and I realized that I had a voice, that I learned "you" ultimately
teach people how to treat you. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><b>The message was loud and clear: stand up for yourself, because no one
else will. </b><br /> <br /> What really needs to take place in the
Incognito/Martin fiasco is both men coming to grips with their insecurities, and in the case of Incognito, "growing up" is the key, and for Martin it's "standing
up" for himself, because if you don't "grow up and stand up" life can be very tough. Tough for both of
them, and for everyone involved.<br /> <b><br /> Life is just cruel that way.</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F69PBQ4ZyNw"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Get Up Stand Up . Bob Marley</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-77088027365691493062013-10-31T07:42:00.002-04:002013-11-12T12:26:22.130-05:00The Perfect Gift<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Gift:</i></span> <span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">something</span> </span>given<span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">voluntarily</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">without</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">payment</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">return,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">show</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">favor</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">toward</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">someone,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">honor</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">occasion,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">make</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">gesture</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">assistance;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">present.</span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">The</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">of</span> </span>giving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span id="hotword">"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask
with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." -
James 4:3</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Christmas is approaching. Quickly. In 55 days families from all around the world will be huddled around their Christmas tree quietly wondering and not so secretly hoping that they will be receiving the "perfect <span style="color: #38761d;"><i>gift.</i></span>" Most of those that will be waiting for that perfect gift will be children. The other part of the equation will be those "not so little ones" that are hoping that they're giving that "perfect" gift. The holidays can create high levels of anxiety. They can cause consternation and increased amounts of stress for many people because they fight unrealistic expectations and limited funds like people who fight crowds on "Black Friday." It can often be a season of torture for many. <br /><br /><b>So what constitutes a good gift?</b><br /><br />Before we can answer that question I think it's important to understand it's true definition. Webster defines the word gift in these terms:<i> "something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present."</i><br /><br />When it comes down to it a gift is a sign of favor. {And} who doesn't like favor?<br /><br />Unfortunately many people often open the sad gift of disappointment every day because their wants exceed reality and they hold within them improper motives. My mothers words from my childhood days still ring profoundly in my head; "You don't get everything you want." <br /><br /><b>That is a true statement for good reason.</b><br /><br />In the end, any good parent realizes that it's not a good thing to give their child everything they want. We know this because our heavenly father operates in the same manner with his earthly children. James 4:3 shares with the reader that <i>"when you ask, you don't receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." </i>God does this to protect us from ourselves and our evil nature. Left to many of our own vices and desires we often fail to display virtuous living that is pleasing to God. <br /><br />As Christmas approaches be mindful of the perfect gift that God gives to each and everyone of us if were willing to accept it; the gift of eternal life through salvation. Take notice of God's perfect gift which is threefold. Direction. Correction. Protection. God blesses all those that are willing to follow Him with proper direction that He has gifted us through His word and the Holy Spirit. He provides correction like any good parent would do to teach us and to train us up in the way we should go. Lastly, his correction is about protection. God protects us from ourselves and the devil's schemes that are intended solely to devastate and destroy our lives. His protection is wrapped up in His mercy, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love.<br /><br />This holiday season as we are shopping for that perfect gift for our loved ones remember that the best gift we can give is one of appropriate and wise direction, fair and reasonable correction shared in love, and behaviors that protect the innocence and fragility of the many vital relationships we're involved in. Remembering all the while that the only source for which all is good is God, and the most precious and perfect gift that has been offered to all of us is His son, Jesus Christ.</span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">sbb 31.10.13</span></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/songs-in-the-key-of-life/id549888946"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Knocks Me Off My Feet . Stevie Wonder </span></i></span></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-68828527467698259942013-08-24T12:56:00.002-04:002013-10-31T14:38:33.921-04:00A Gentleman's Pace: 10,000 Steps & Ekklesia<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Tempo:</i></span> </span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">characteristic</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">rate,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">rhythm,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">pattern</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">work</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">activity:</span> </span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">tempo</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">city</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">life.</span></span></i> </span></span> <br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96YAlwo98sBYruBPH__mvZE5zYzcRJnoFL4EhDtC0QBl4IduPGQADQCX8F-gwm8w9yXYSNG8rs98zgl2ccGVUKOx6aV1LJTueh4UwiUDfydUS-fGKfMn01_G0Ym8UV8icy3Ny6MLurYRm/s1600/18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96YAlwo98sBYruBPH__mvZE5zYzcRJnoFL4EhDtC0QBl4IduPGQADQCX8F-gwm8w9yXYSNG8rs98zgl2ccGVUKOx6aV1LJTueh4UwiUDfydUS-fGKfMn01_G0Ym8UV8icy3Ny6MLurYRm/s400/18.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> <a href="http://www.nicklaus.com/design/muirfieldvillage/">Muirfield Village</a>: Hole 12</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With
each new day, week and/or month comes more than a few topics one could
write about. As I review a weeks worth of events my thoughts race with
the
limitless directions I could venture. There was/is the pride and joy of a father
for his son accepting a scholarship (full ride) to play Division 1
football. There was<span class="text_exposed_show"> the conversation with
good friends that took place this past weekend or the weekly "Family
Movie Nite" that takes place every Sunday in our home. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b>This week's movie
was "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1564349/">Dolphin Tale</a>." </b><br /> <br /> On a more sobering note, I could share my
thoughts concerning the fatal car accident of a Dublin teenager that
just graduated from High School or discuss the poor conversation
surrounding the topic of "race" that is currently being sadly peddled
in our country. All of these items have the ability to produce
encouragement and to create deep thought; that includes the movie
"Dolphin Tale" and the topic of race, but what I want to talk about
today is "10,000 steps" and the Greek term "Ekklesia."<br /> <br /> <i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>First, 10,000 steps.</b></span></i><br /> <br />
This past Friday I had the distinct honor and the tremendous pleasure
to play golf at the <a href="http://www.mvgc.org/">Muirfield Village Golf Club</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>(44 / 51 - 95) </b></i></span>with one of my closets
friends, his brother and a member of the club that I went to college
with. To say the experience was memorable and unbelievable is an
understatement. From the moment I drove onto the grounds I knew I was
somewhere very special. Within the sport of golf I was on hallowed
ground. I used a locker in the locker room that has seen the likes of
Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. I hit balls on the golf
range with the caddy behind me taking wonderful care of each one of my
clubs and going to great lengths to make me feel no different than Fred
Couples, Ernie Els, and Rory McIlroy when my game would deserve
otherwise. And then there was the practice putting on the practice
greens where Davis Love III, Bubba Watson, and Phil Mickelson have
perfected their work with the flat stick many times before going to the
first tee at The Memorial. <br /> <b><br /> I could go on forever but I think you get the point.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Me, Matt, Steve & Dan</span></i> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
It was a special time for me and the best golf experience I've ever
had. And though all was great this past Friday what will be most
memorable to me was the walking of the course with a caddy. As we walked
off the first tee at a easy pace I soon realized this would be a round
like no other. It is widely accepted, and has been studied, that a
golfer walks, on average, 10,000 steps per round of golf. It's actually
11,984 steps (+\- 1,781) but that's close enough, plus who's counting.
The beauty of that 10,000 steps wasn't the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Walk-Spoiled-Days-Nights/dp/B00008RWAO"><i>good walk spoiled </i></a>theory,
but rather the ability to relax your mind and enjoy the company of
others while playing the game of golf, a gentleman's game, all the while
moving at a gentleman's pace, in an environment that wouldn't accept
anything less than being a gentleman or gentle-lady.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Ekklesia.</i></b></span><br /> <br />
Ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah) is the Greek term that is most identified
with the institution or word "church." It's specific translation means
"called out ones; called together for specific purpose or assembly. The
first time the word church is used in the Bible is Matthew 16: 18 when
Peter makes his declaration about Jesus, and in turn Jesus states that
He will build His church "upon this rock."<br /> <b><br /> But what exactly is the "church?"</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica">St. Peters Basilica</a> and Square in the Vatican City</i></span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>.</i></span> </b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">
See, the church is referred in a Biblical text as Ekklesia because
their are no walls, ceilings or doors involved. The church isn't a
building, it's the body of Christ, and we as believers are the body (1
Corinthians 12:12-31). So in the end, the "church" can take place
anywhere because it isn't limited by a physical address but it involves a
movement of the spirit within a group of people called together for a
specific purpose. <br /> <br /> The purpose for all believers is to acknowledge God in everything and share the "good news"; share the gospel with all. <br /> <br />
The church has always been about the movement of people who have been
impacted by the grace of Jesus in such a way that it compels them to
live Christ centered lives; so others may be touched by Christ as well.
Our legacy will always be centered around this question: "did I make a
difference in my life and the lives of others?" To truly make a
difference you must involve yourself in something bigger than yourself.
Something eternal. Ekklesia.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYIeDRPbTmnyI5FPgYLUvprTUsN2WXX80J0yaZYdkj847Wv_-tJAcL1a4JjiYb137XFHyWsA_1l4-PJAoyR5Jm_TzpnEYpiTqIL6n7ChJ9wbi-45NY8LHzw2fMO82UqI1HIorWacOCNHu/s1600/Interior_of_St._Peter's_Rome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYIeDRPbTmnyI5FPgYLUvprTUsN2WXX80J0yaZYdkj847Wv_-tJAcL1a4JjiYb137XFHyWsA_1l4-PJAoyR5Jm_TzpnEYpiTqIL6n7ChJ9wbi-45NY8LHzw2fMO82UqI1HIorWacOCNHu/s400/Interior_of_St._Peter's_Rome.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>St. Peter's Basilica</i></span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> So what does 10,000 steps and Ekklesia have to do with each other? <br /> <br /> <b>Absolutely nothing and absolutely everything.</b><br /> <br />
The obvious differences is one has to do with religion and the other is
spiritual. I will let you decide which one is which. One takes place in
heaven, the other in a cathedral. Again, I will let you decide which
one applies to which one. Another difference is that one entertains the
playing of music while the other puts a high price tag on silence. <br /> <br /> {But}, it's the similarities between the two that are meaningful and deep. <br /> <br />
Both involve a book of instructions; the Bible if you will. In one
instance the yardage book is the bible, in the other it is God's word.
They both involve a journey; one is more than 10,000 steps, the other is
a lifetime of walking with God. Lastly, both the game of golf and in
the Christian life have a caddy that is involved.<br /> <br /> In the game
of golf the caddy carries your golf bag and instructs the golfer on the
best way to be successful, in the game of life God carries "you" and
gives instruction how to live your best life. <br /> <br /> <b>The life He intended for you. </b><br /> <br />
And in both the game of golf and in the pursuit of being the church a
gentleman's pace is needed, along with an unwavering tempo and temperament . There is no reason to run and get ahead of
yourself or to drag your feet on the course or in life. What is needed
is a spirit of gratitude and acknowledgment of the wondrous beauty
around you and a desire to be the "church" with everyone you come in
contact with. Finally, I don't always see the simple beauty of things; I don't see God's wondrous hand in everything. <br /> <br /> <b>That is a shame. </b><br /> <br />
{And}, I certainly don't always display myself in the manner that is
represented in being the church. This too is a shame. With each day I
would like to change both of those truths. <br /> <br /> {But}, what I did
see last Friday was God's intervening hand in the beauty of His land and
in the fellowship with others. I was also reminder that my Christian
walk is just that, a walk, with my caddy, Jesus Christ, caring me with
each step and instructing me with the best advice to be successful. All I
had to do, and what will always be required of me to do, is just listen
and walk with Him at a "Gentleman's Pace." In the end, God is more than
my caddy, He is my Savior and He is my Savior for 10,000 steps; for a
lifetime. All He wants of me is to be the "church"; Ekklesia. <br /> <br /> That is how I can make a difference in my life and in another. <br /> <b><br /> An eternal difference.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>sbb 24.8.13</i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>1299</i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stronger-than-pride/id353650678"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Paradise . Sade</i></span></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0BLKudnyNo"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>youtube</i></span></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJTLyiOYagtNqgLonJ8NimqWXnfv6LQneQMATfPzlpS0VLZdNDy72-oaiqzWkdmy6JT1SX_DOFtnS_6IjhyrNaT8XZiddacKzud0g6s_cZuw5HrynFDXwOEugFRH0fBUzottHJWUnf-C5/s1600/sade(nigeria)-stronger-than-pride.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJTLyiOYagtNqgLonJ8NimqWXnfv6LQneQMATfPzlpS0VLZdNDy72-oaiqzWkdmy6JT1SX_DOFtnS_6IjhyrNaT8XZiddacKzud0g6s_cZuw5HrynFDXwOEugFRH0fBUzottHJWUnf-C5/s1600/sade(nigeria)-stronger-than-pride.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-30018969249312467642013-08-03T14:06:00.001-04:002013-08-03T14:06:23.364-04:00Happy?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Decision:</span></i> </span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">need</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">making</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">up</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">one's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">mind:</span> </span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">This</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">difficult</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">decision.</span></span></i> </span></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqpLVnr8beOw90omEpIPzE-zg8AeE11ThIz-A7X3qsy9scQOmqraEYJ8D9s1MBqjQUonekgpPx5sZ0R2OvzyzDaHe8ocLlxBBW4F_udPZKfMMTUi2EZoh68ExgiP0GU5KUnPfZRjI4YfW/s1600/are-you-happy_50290b3f1c94f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqpLVnr8beOw90omEpIPzE-zg8AeE11ThIz-A7X3qsy9scQOmqraEYJ8D9s1MBqjQUonekgpPx5sZ0R2OvzyzDaHe8ocLlxBBW4F_udPZKfMMTUi2EZoh68ExgiP0GU5KUnPfZRjI4YfW/s400/are-you-happy_50290b3f1c94f.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></span>“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-John 14:1 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Are you happy?<br /> <br />
There are times I drive in some of my favorite neighborhoods and admire
homes that I dream about living in some day. Many of them might have
been a reality if it wasn't for multiple divorces and steep child
support responsibilities over the past twenty years. {But} as I imagine
myself living in a certain home in a desirable zip code I often ask
myself: would I be happy? <br /> <br /> There are<span class="text_exposed_show">
other times I see certain cars and SUV's that grab my attention and I
think to myself; "that would be sweet to own that car." {Or} maybe it's a
watch I notice in an ad or another man's wrist that would be wonderful
to have as a part of my watch collection… vintage watches are my
absolute favorite. {But}, again, would I be any happier if those
possessions were mine? <br /> <br /> What if it was something less material
like taking a family vacation every year to where the sand is soft and
the sun is hot? Rent a house, cook meals together, and enjoy family time
together as we build a lifetime of memories. I really do believe that
would be wonderful, and that is truly a goal for my wife and I to
accomplish, but again I must ask myself; "would I be happy?" <br /> <br />
The reason I'm asking this question is because last week I was reminded
of a question Addison ask me about four years ago when he was three
years old.<br /> <br /> As we were driving down a street in our neighborhood
I noticed acquaintance standing in her driveway, with her Steelers
sweatshirt on no less. Upon recognizing her I slammed on the brakes, put
the car in reverse, and yelled out the window: "Steelers going to have
any players NOT in jail next year?" See, the Steelers were having a lot
of off the field issues at that time and to say I despise the Pittsburgh
Steelers is a drastic understatement. <br /> <br /> There is no more obnoxious fan on this earth than a Steeler fan. (Sidenote: I love their coach Mike Tomlin) <br /> <br />
Anyway, her reply was straight Hannibal Lecter. No emotion, no
expression, just a steely glare and these four words: "we will be
fine." <br /> <br /> <b>Seriously, I was waiting for her to call me "Clarice". </b><br /> <br />
"We" she says. The last time I checked there weren't any 5'4" blonds on
the team rooster. The only thing that drives me more insane than a fan
using the term "we" is the 40 year old "guy" that wears his favorite
teams jersey with some players name on the back. <br /> <br /> <b>Grow up. <br /> </b><br />
Wow, yesterday I offended soccer nation by telling Ryan if he continues
to cry while we were playing basketball that he should just go play
"soccer", and today it's Steeler fan and 40 year old jersey wearing guy.
<br /> <br /> Where was I, oh yea, as I drove off "pretty happy" for just
interacting with a Steeler fan (Steeler fan usually puts me in a bad
mood) Addison ask me; "Daddy, why are you so happy"? I thought for a
moment and replied; "It's more fun to be happy." <br /> <b><br /> Not very profound, but very much the truth.</b><br /> <br />
Abraham Lincoln once stated; "most people are about as happy as they
make up there minds to be". I agree. Every day the choice is ours. We
always don't get to choose our circumstances, but our attitude is 100%
our choice. Again, not very profound, but very much the truth. <br /> <br />
No matter where I live, what car I drive or what watch I wear my
happiness still depends on me and my perspective. A little heads up:
none of those things I mentioned can ever make you truly happy. They can
bring some happiness, but not the kind of happiness that resides deep
in your soul and is sustaining. Only a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ can provide that kind of happiness; that kind of joy. <br /> <br />
Anyway, It's my choice to be happy. Thanks Addison for reminding me that
the choice to be happy is mine and that people really do pay attention
to our attitude...especially little people. <br /> <b><br /> What choice are you going to make?</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">sbb 3.8.13</span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">727 </span></span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/simple-pleasures/id32298146"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Don't Worry Be Happy . Bobby McFerrin </span></span></i></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>youtube</i></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i></span></span><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-80330536104331821442013-07-24T14:23:00.000-04:002013-07-24T14:25:41.742-04:00Brothers<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Friend</i></span>:</span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">attached</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">another</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">feelings</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">affection</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">personal</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">regard.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">who</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">gives</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">assistance;</span> </span>patron<span id="hotword">; <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">supporter:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword">friends</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Boston</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Symphony.</span></i> </span></span> <span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"></span></span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">who</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">on</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">good</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">terms</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">another;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">who</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">not</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">hostile:</span> </span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Who</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">goes</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">there?</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Friend</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">foe?</span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">"The Boys in a Pasture" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(1874)</span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">-Homer Winslow </span></i></span></span></b> </span></span> <span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> "</span><span class="text Prov-18-24" id="en-NIV-16926">One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-18-24">but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-18-24">-Proverbs 18:24 </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">B</span></i></span>elow is an email I received from a good friend. We are part of a small Bible study group, a band of brothers, that meets each Wednesday morning at 7am at the Joseph building downtown. Over the past 4 months we have seen professional promotions within the group, new marriages and spouses interested in knowing more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We've also seen a newborn child pass away within hours of the child's birth, and most recently, one of our "brothers" has seen his new son come into the world with his wife being diagnosed with a brain tumor three weeks after the birth. She is currently on chemotherapy after what we hope was a successful surgery. My mom says that God reminds us in His word that it rains on the "just and unjust." Whether it rains or shines we will move forward serving our Lord and Savior, and growing in our walk with God. Thanks Ben for the great email and reminding me that he who has friends must first show himself friendly. I love you Brother.... <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>sbb</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Brothers, <br /><br />It is such a blessing to have you here with me. I appreciated the out pouring of support this morning. I am further convicted of my need for this prayer - the prayer for humility. I share it with you as promised. <br /><br />I have added another person to the group email - Greg Bixler. He is a husband, father and faithful brother. He is also the founder and President of Design Outreach and may join us next week. <br /><br />I pray for each of you fervently, more fervently than ever. <br /><br />Ben </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Deliver & Desire</b></span></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br />That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. <br />That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. <br />That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. <br />That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </i></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">sbb 24.7.13</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">619</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/return/id298113570"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A Friend . The Winans</span></span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc3NHFsm880">youtube</a></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-20955150140390409492013-07-14T07:45:00.002-04:002014-08-16T08:54:29.813-04:00Losing the RACE: My Trayvon Martin Take (3.28.12)<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #660000;">I wrote this piece on March 28, 2012. After last night's verdict my opinion hasn't changed concerning the case and the issue of race. The only thing that I would add is that the "special" prosecution should be embarrassed and held accountable for falling prey to a politically motivated agenda that was centered around race baiting and racial fears, and not the facts. The facts supported manslaughter not 2nd degree murder. They, the special prosecution, should've known better and if they didn't know better they were over their collective heads in the positions they held. Nobody won yesterday. I would also like to say for our President, a man I deeply admire and respect, to comment about that case at the time he did showed a high level of irresponsibility on his part. His words indirectly and directly raised the level of concern in the case and aided the prosecution in becoming dizzy and drunk with the visions of a politically favorable and unrealistic verdict without the evidence to support such an outcome. Sad day in America for everyone involved. </span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Senseless:</span></i><span id="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i style="color: #38761d;"> </i>destitute</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">deprived</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span>sensation<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">; </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">unconscious.</span><span class="dnindex" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> </span></span></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lacking</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">mental</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">perception,</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">appreciation,</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">or</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> comprehension. Stupid or foolish, as a persons or actions.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-RKAu3azvtdtRNMae8dEBABkEywYLrnXuBmDfTHxXIQgM-b1rVdaemShFI1fHzrt4mItwVQxyGLHG4CF9AueKk6IN6y6t8xvvwlXd6oTqQH_obFximbAVOGdlPcyB-p9-GIQNCe3BFeU/s1600/trayvon-martin-shooting-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-RKAu3azvtdtRNMae8dEBABkEywYLrnXuBmDfTHxXIQgM-b1rVdaemShFI1fHzrt4mItwVQxyGLHG4CF9AueKk6IN6y6t8xvvwlXd6oTqQH_obFximbAVOGdlPcyB-p9-GIQNCe3BFeU/s400/trayvon-martin-shooting-6.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Trayvon Martin</i></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">2.5.95 - 2.26.12</i></div>
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">Track is a beautiful sport. </span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">Many
times as I watch my son run track I'm amazed at the graceful athletic
ability, mental toughness and unbelievable physical stamina one must
have to compete in this sport at a high level. The true essence of the
sport is embodied in the fact that countless hours are spent in training
only to have fractions of a second separate first from last; winning
versus losing. </span></span><br />
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<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">I
believe the same to be true when analyzing the differences we have with
our fellow man concerning most of the issues that hold our country
hostage, depriving maximum growth; individually and collectively. </span></span><br />
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<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">We often have more in common than we care to realize or objectively recognize.</span></span></b><br />
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<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">The tragic death of Trayvon Martin is no different.</span></span><br />
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<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">Many
of the people reading this right now are parents of a young boy, have a
teenage brother or were a young teenager at one time. Some reading
these words are grandparents to a high school aged boy, are the neighbor
of a young boy or have had young teenage boys in their house.</span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">In every instance <b>- </b><i>or at least it would be my hope </i><b>- </b>the
goal is not to harm, but to love those children. Every parent is
different, but we are all the same when it comes to our children; we
want to insure their safety, provide them with the best opportunities to
succeed and we never want to see them harmed or hurt.</span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">I believe those qualities to be universal when it comes to being a parent.</span></span><br />
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<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">We all want the best for our child. </span></span></b><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;"><i> </i><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">So
as I reflect upon the tragedy that took place on February 26th of this
year I'm saddened, perplexed and disappointed with the aftermath and the
fallout from this <i style="color: #38761d;">senseless </i>calamity.</span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;">In
the end, I believe that there is very little that separates us as
Americans concerning this issue no matter the reporting by the media
stating otherwise or the agenda that is not so indirectly, or sublimely,
peddled by those who would much rather divide us than unite us. </span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span id="hotword" name="hotword">I will say it again, "We have more in common than we realize"</span></b></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Many, if not all of us, hold onto the same beliefs and entertain the same desires. </i></span></span></span></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>The only difference is how we go about achieving them.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Much like the piece I wrote on</span> <a href="http://mybabyr0c.blogspot.com/2011/08/freedom-caylee-vs-casey.html">Caylee and Casey Anthony</a> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">last
August my purpose and desire is not to spend time on the guilt or
innocence of the gunman, the culpability of said gunman or victim, nor
is it my intent to state my opinion as fact or as the final say, or
provide a self-righteous judgment</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> in the matter. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;">I don't have all the answers and I'm pretty sure I don't have all the questions either.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i style="color: black;"> </i> </span></div>
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My
main goal is to share my perspective in a reasonable and rational
manner, eliminating emotion as the only mental and logical faculty that I
chose to entertain. In the end, if it's at all possible, I want to look
at this horrible circumstance in a much larger context, not demeaning
or brushing aside the death of the young boy, but gaining a greater
understanding by evaluating if we really do have more in common when it
comes to this tragic happening and in the larger subject matter; the
issue of race in America.</span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">When I look at the fallout from the Trayvon Martin death a few things come immediately to mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;">Allow me to share.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Senseless</span></span></i></span><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> </span> </span></i></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The
first thing that came to my mind when the story was first reported was
the first thing that often comes to my mind when someone arrives at
his/her final resting place and destination via avoidable violence;</span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><i><span style="color: black;">SENSELESS.</span></i></span></div>
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<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;">Whether
it be Caylee Anthony, the 17 Afghans that were helplessly slaughtered
by Robert Bales or Trayvon Martin, in each instance the violence was
unwarranted and senseless; void of reason or any logic. </span></span>Jeremiah 17:9 states; <i>"<span style="color: #660000;">The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"</span> </i>Matthew 15:19 goes on to say; <span style="color: #660000;"><i>"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." </i></span>Both
of these pieces of scripture give me a tremendous amount of perspective
and considerable pause during times of seemingly senseless violence.<i> </i>The
human heart is evil. Does this mean we all will go out kill someone
tonight? Absolutely not. But what I believe is important to note is that
the human heart has the ability to commit heinous acts, and cause great
pain and distress for its fellowman.<i> </i><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The incident concerning Trayvon Martin is a sad example of this fact.</b></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Exploitation</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In
many instances in America when an unfortunate circumstance falls upon
an individual or a community of people there is often a passionate voice
that will be heard above the roar and disappointment. Often a figure
will appear that stands upon the foundation that is called courage and
emerges as a strong personality that will lead with vigilance and focus.
The unfortunate thing is that in the area of race relations, and issues
concerning race, the exploitation, and political agenda, is as
important, if not more, than the troubling issue or circumstance at
hand. Too many times an unfortunate situation that occurs with racial
overtones will often become the new rhetorical staring point to refine
and define speaking points that promote an agenda of division and create
an opportunity for a specific segment of society to embrace the
victimhood rhetoric over a potential victorious outcome.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <i>"Misery Merchants"</i><b>,</b> as <a href="http://tammybruce.com/">Tammy Bruce</a> refers to them in her book;<b> </b><i>"The New Thought Police"</i><b>, </b>are
people like Jesse Jackson, Julian Bond, Al Sharpton, Louis Farrakhan
and Congresswomen Maxine Waters who's constant message and theme is
based upon<b> </b><i>"perpetual victimhood, the myth of rampant racism,
the myth of hate crimes and the myth of a conspiracy among whites to
keep blacks down."</i></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I agree. </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do I believe all of <i>the</i>
accomplishments of the people I mentioned above have been self serving,
void of any merit, and without any good and positive transformation?<i> Absolutely not</i>.
Jessie Jackson, Julian Bond and Al Sharpton have been part of many
positive movements that our country has benefited from. So with that
being said, it is not my desire or intent to slander their character. At
the end of the day, I don't know them personally and to cast stones of
hatred and venom would be irresponsible, counter-productive and clumsy.
Again, with that being said, I have also seen them operate in situations
like Trayvon Martin before and I'm more than disturbed and disappointed
by their actions, behavior and rhetoric once again.</span></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Disappointed and disturbed, but not shocked. </span></span></b><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> </i><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Do
I believe there are people that have an agenda that is fueled by racism
and have a desire to thwart the progress and success for people of
color and for all minorities? </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>Yes</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">. Do I believe that there are hate crimes committed against minorities and people that are gay? </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>Yes</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">.
The only difference is that I believe the people that think that way
are a small portion of our society and represent what is wrong with
America, and are in no way reflective of the majority of Americans
today. The race demagogues of the 21st century would have you believe
otherwise. Their agenda is based on a narrative that was produced during
the 40's and 50's and the civil rights movements of the 60's. A
narrative that was in pursuit of equal rights and a more color-blind
society; a pursuit that was pure, noble and one that was greatly needed.
The Civil Rights movement was I believe the greatest movement in our
country's history, second only to the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolution"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>American Revolution</i></span></a><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">. Both were movements; both were revolutions.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">The problem today with the Misery Merchant version of a once noble narrative is that it is out dated.</span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">There are no Jim Crow Laws, segregated bathrooms or schools. There are no wholesale </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>"back of the bus"</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">
scenarios or illegal statutes concerning interracial dating or
marriage. Are there still places in America that are unsafe for black
person to go? </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>You bet.</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> Are there places that blacks are not wanted? </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>Yes</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">.
But one must remember there are also places that are unsafe for whites
to go and there are places other minority groups aren't welcome either.</span><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Often we have more in common than we want to admit or recognize. </span></b><br />
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Today
the rhythmic and rhyme laden divisive rhetoric that trumpets
victimization is a dangerous model that is built upon division,
hopelessness and helplessness; paranoia, and peddled by the</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i> Misery Merchants</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> with the single goal being to hold onto the money, power and prestige that comes along with leading the </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>supposedly downtrodden. </i>Today's narrative doesn't work without a victim, sadly a black victim. </span><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Victimization has become an industry unto itself in Black America. </span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">I've always wondered where Reverend Jackson, Mr. Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan are</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">
when the little Casey Anthony's of the world and other white children
of the country are senselessly murdered. You never see them taking up
their cause? Why was it when the Duke Lacrosse team was unjustly and
wrongly accused by a black female for rape the</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i> Misery Merchants </i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">didn't take up the young white male's cause when everyone found out the </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>alleged</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">
victim was lying? In the end, not only did Reverend Jackson and his
cohorts not speak out against the injustice, Jackson, to my knowledge,
didn't offer a public apology for the tragic character assassination the
young men at Duke endured in the media that was, part and parcel, of
his doing. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Chris
Rock explained the reason we don't have a cure for the common cold is
because there is no money in the cure. Our country spends $4.2 billion
annually on over-the-counter products and that is 4.2 billion reasons
why we don't have a cure for this annoying little health distraction. We
can send an email to Australia in 5 seconds, but we can't figure out
how to eliminate the common cold? The reason we don't have a cure is
because it doesn't aid the pharmaceutical companies to create a cure; it
harms them financially. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Again, there is no money in the cure. </span></b><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">The same can be said about the </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>"Misery Merchants"</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">. They only come out when the </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>(race)</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">
cards are stacked in their favor. They will always need a victim to
create more victims and to divide everyone involved. When a white child
dies senselessly the Misery Merchants don't see a victim they can use
politically. Do I believe they are saddened by such a tragedy?</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i> Yes I do</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">.
Can taking a stand and a lead in the march against such atrocity(s)
benefit Jackson and his partners? The answer is no. The reason being is
because it has no ability to further their divisive agenda. This is also
why little is done, very few opportunities are created for a photo-op
and little grandstanding takes place when a black young male kills
another black male<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></b></span><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; font-size: x-small;">(which occurs at the rate of 91% of the time in the African American community. I think it's important to note that white on white homicidal crime occurs 89%. The point being that people who live in close proximity to one another have a higher potential to act violently towards one another than people not living in the same neighborhoods. Violent crimes shows us how, still today, America is segregated when it comes to where black and white Americans chose to live. For the most part they live separately. Also,</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; font-size: x-small;"> FBI numbers show that of ‘single offender victimization
figures’ from the FBI for 2007 finds blacks committed 433,934 crimes
against whites, eight times the 55,685 whites committed against blacks. </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; font-size: x-small;">By those 2007 numbers, a black male was 40 times as likely to assault a white person as the reverse.)</span></i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>
</i></span> because there is no money, power or political brokering that can be
obtained, and because the agenda that is based upon racial victimization
is canceled because the race card can't be dealt.</span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">I will finish my beliefs of exploitation with this.</span></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">In
order for the victimization agenda to be perpetuated there must be a
victim and there must be a myth that is believed to be a reality. Case
in point. Any media outlet that has a purely liberal agenda, and the </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>Misery Merchants</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">, will have you believe that most black people are poor, uneducated and in fear of racism. George Will, in his article</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i> "The Ultimate Emancipation"</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">,
shared with the reader that only one in four black families is poor,
and only one in five black people live in an inner city. It has also
been reported in the past that there is an epidemic concerning the
racist arson against black churches. The truth is there were seven times
as many white churches burned as there were black churches burned
during the time period of 1990 through 1997, the height of church
burning in the last twenty years. Both instances are awful and
unthinkable, but the only churches we heard about were the ones that
ex-NFL great, Reggie White, </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>rightfully</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> spoke about.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Unfortunately,
when we don't understand a situation or issue, and there is no search
for the truth based on fact with the elimination of emotion, we often
turn to our assumptions and ill-conceived perceptions when forming an
opinion. And when we do that our opinion will ultimately lack
credibility and validity right from the beginning.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">In the end, it is a very dangerous platform to stand upon.</span></b><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">One
last thing, in a 2000 National Opinion Poll, black American's, when
polled about the issues that concern them the most, overwhelmingly
stated that they were most concerned over poor schools, unaffordable
housing and health care, crime, gun control and the economy. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Racism came in at number 11 out 12 issues</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Racism
is an important issue to tackle, but in no way should it define who we
are as race or define every agenda we decide to pursue as a people<i>.</i> </span></b><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Agendas
that are centered around the family breakdown in the African American
community and a narrative that speaks adequately to the disturbing, and
alarming, rate of black on black crime would be good areas to begin
with. In order for this to take place accountability must be the clarion
call of the day and it seems like no one, along with the Misery
Merchants, wants to take a long hard look at some very troubling facts.</span><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Accountability
must be the first line of defense against continual failure in certain
segments of the black community and it must be the new mode of thinking
in order for healing to take place in many disenfranchised areas across
this country. </span><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i> </i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">In my opinion, another point that should be made, and vigorously reviewed, </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">is
the one that recognizes and acknowledges the issue of socioeconomic
factors and the role they play. I like to refer to it as the </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>"big green elephant that is in the corner of the room."</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"> It is my belief that if Treyvon was the son of Congressman <a href="http://west.house.gov/">Allen West</a>, Dwayne Wade or Will Smith there would've been, rightly or wrongly, an arrest made in the case. As Bill O'Reilly would say: </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>"that is complete conjecture, not fact"</i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">, and with that statement I would agree, but the fact still remains the same; that is what I believe.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Most of the time the handling of these senseless and painful situations are more about money than they are about race.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Unfortunate, but I believe true.</span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">In the end, I believe the death of Trayvon Martin to be saddening and sickening. I also believe it to be just as </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">saddening and </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">sickening to watch the </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><i>Misery Merchants </i></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">rushing to the scene to divide and capitalize on this tragic moment. </span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Accountability</span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">I
mentioned accountability earlier. The one thing that seems to be
missing every time answers are needed and justice administered is
accountability. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mahatma Gandhi once said;</span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one's acts.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> In the end, none of us can claim to know exactly what happened</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> that fateful day. What we do know is that choices and decisions were made and consequences followed.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b>Consequences that will last for a lifetime. </b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
What
we do know is a man followed another person without cause or reason. We
know that the police were called and neighborhood watchdog was told not
to follow or pursue the other person any longer. Police reports show
that he<i> allegedly </i>took heed and listened, and retreated to his
vehicle. We also know that the victim had a choice to carry on, move
forward and avoid any contact or confrontation with the person he
correctly believe was following him. He <i>allegedly</i> decided not to
do that and the ensuing incident created the ultimate, and unfortunate,
consequence that lead to his untimely death. I know this isn't a popular
stance or opinion, but both made choices that were incorrect and
detrimental. And both will live with those decisions, and their
consequences, for the rest of their lives.<br />
<br />
Their loved ones will live with the consequences for a lifetime too. </div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is very sad and awful.</span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO9VPGmy2CJ0jrEhbC6tzHBQHaw3Ujr6j0MT5St6Ig76-WU0dmvkozbAxM0qJqHiS3C8FGU3Ao2pAdWCqffsbgnY9iEixE-6iUeSBz6j5gIlOwIgw9VTDcWDVaxZFds7MrtFaUxuNTHwu/s1600/bryce+2011+ftball+305896_291509340863128_100000121926864_1394841_1349920404_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO9VPGmy2CJ0jrEhbC6tzHBQHaw3Ujr6j0MT5St6Ig76-WU0dmvkozbAxM0qJqHiS3C8FGU3Ao2pAdWCqffsbgnY9iEixE-6iUeSBz6j5gIlOwIgw9VTDcWDVaxZFds7MrtFaUxuNTHwu/s400/bryce+2011+ftball+305896_291509340863128_100000121926864_1394841_1349920404_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bryce & Laura </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(2011)</span></i><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yesterday I wrote these words on Facebook concerning the above picture:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="hasCaption">This is my 16 year old son… I wouldn't know
what to do if he wasn't here living his life and sharing his love with
me. He is special, he is important and I love him with my entire heart! I
love you Bryce. -Dad</span></i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The reason I posted those words was as I began to write this piece I couldn't fathom not having Bryce,</span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> or any of my 5 other children</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, here sharing their life with me. I can't even begin to understand what Trayvon's parents must be going through right now. </span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My father has always said that no one should have to bury their own.</span></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I agree.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When
any of us lose a young child senselessly we all lose something. We lose
a little bit of hope, a little bit of innocence and our faith in
mankind is chipped away at. And in the same way the fractions of a
second can separate runners in a race we soon realize even smaller
fractions separate us as humans.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We
all have the same desires for our children; we all want to experience
life with health, strong finances and good friendships. We all enter
this earth the same way and we all will leave this earth some day.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you sit and reflect you realize we have much more in common than you might have thought otherwise. </span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And it's because of this commonality I hope we learn as a society, and a country, that everything doesn't have to do with race.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<b><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When everything is viewed through the lens of race we soon find out that race is one</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> "race" </i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">we can't win.</span></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's not even close.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And it never will be.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">sbb 28.3.12</span></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>3047</i></span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/whats-going-on-remastered/id3251350"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What's Going On . Marvin Gaye </span></i></span></span></a></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KC7uhMY9s">youtube </a></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/whats-going-on-remastered/id3251350">Save the Children . Marvin Gaye </a></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1tN0ZKnRgs"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">youtube </span></i></span></span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzTvySnomHHoqfSBEbLkHgm5ZcHdnAycR6tUdh9H3z37XJhNgHvNGw8mCQfO_lZHC5WWwmOkA6RrKd3ntavGqU7fYZy6A1Wj0lVsT5cF8H9RqMzGsBbgyZVnmPjU7SN5wbS0RpSeJfAVN/s1600/marvin_gate_whatsgoingon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzTvySnomHHoqfSBEbLkHgm5ZcHdnAycR6tUdh9H3z37XJhNgHvNGw8mCQfO_lZHC5WWwmOkA6RrKd3ntavGqU7fYZy6A1Wj0lVsT5cF8H9RqMzGsBbgyZVnmPjU7SN5wbS0RpSeJfAVN/s1600/marvin_gate_whatsgoingon.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-83768184130500081062013-07-05T08:00:00.002-04:002013-07-05T08:05:41.072-04:00Independence Day (re-post 7.4.2011)<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i style="color: #38761d;"> <span style="color: #660000;">I wrote this piece on the 4th of July, 2011.</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #38761d;">Dependent:</i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">relying</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">on</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">needing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">someone</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">something</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">aid,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">support,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> </span>the<span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">like.</span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Reliance;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">confidence;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">trust.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtqo9IedYZoY-Yx001ifUPfdVB0g0IOMrS_uGvCIlps8M5c3hRGzl703jsb0cqZXmeeKYDepG4ORrJzgOZFGyVbGwKO7VUPztEBEXNvQJktqkSrxKrFOjSe7Ame5pLdoPCZCWFuU9fupN/s792/Old-American-Flag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtqo9IedYZoY-Yx001ifUPfdVB0g0IOMrS_uGvCIlps8M5c3hRGzl703jsb0cqZXmeeKYDepG4ORrJzgOZFGyVbGwKO7VUPztEBEXNvQJktqkSrxKrFOjSe7Ame5pLdoPCZCWFuU9fupN/s400/Old-American-Flag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Let freedom ring!</i></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">When I was a teenager one of my strongest desires, if not <i>the </i>strongest,
was to be free of my parents and be independent. I loved my parents
very much growing up, but I longed to be out of the "house" and doing my
own thing. And as I watch my oldest boys grow into men I see the same
want in their eyes and hear the same desire in their voices. I tell them
that being free is great, but that it comes with a price.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Freedom is never free.</span></span></i></b><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">With freedom comes responsibility.</span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Responsibilities
like taxes, utilities, mortgage or rent, car payments and school loans.
Most of these requirements for independence take place before the
biggest responsibilities arrive:<i> </i></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><i>marriage and children.</i></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">And
like many young adults today who want independence from their parents,
men and women some 230 years ago wanted also to be free. Americans in
the 18th century wanted to free from the British Empire and it's
tyranny, religious mandates and taxation without representation.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">As history </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolution"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><i>(see the American Revolution)</i></span></span></a><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> would have it the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Colonies">thirteen colonies</a>
in North America that sought after freedom came to understand that
freedom wasn't free, and that it came with a tremendous amount of
responsibility. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">With freedom comes sacrifice.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Many
American families today realize this truth. As our country has been at
war in the Middle East for ten plus years we have seen sons and
daughters lose their mothers and fathers, and mothers and fathers lose
their sons and daughters. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYtplJS8Ko_9vJ-_HM7t5xf7HncnNizxC35L-JvcG9ryAm27lhEKWZv3vrKhBHkE8PJxTqHvJniyTEQkpNA3uqPX6UJ_e_GzippHfdyyaXHZSSWo2AyOKdMijzu6wocMRiRQbEjnE2Ko/s1600/funeral1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYtplJS8Ko_9vJ-_HM7t5xf7HncnNizxC35L-JvcG9ryAm27lhEKWZv3vrKhBHkE8PJxTqHvJniyTEQkpNA3uqPX6UJ_e_GzippHfdyyaXHZSSWo2AyOKdMijzu6wocMRiRQbEjnE2Ko/s400/funeral1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Freedom always involves sacrifice. </span></i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">They were all lost in the name of freedom.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> They were all examples of the ultimate sacrifice. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Some might have the view that our soldiers lost their lives in vain and the fight that they were (are) engaged in was,</span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">
or is, immoral and while more than a few people entertain these views
it cannot be denied that these brave men and women were courageous and
had our countries best interest in mind while serving our country.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">They were fighting to protect our national interests and to protect our countries freedom.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">As I write these words I'm reminded of this past Sunday and how I moved closer to realizing that there was <i>one </i>that
came before me that fought the good fight and died on the cross to
provide me with a future and a hope and to protect my freedom.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><i>His name is Jesus Christ. </i></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">See,
while I was sitting in church yesterday a man came up to me while the
service was coming to an end. And while our choir was singing and people
were coming forward to accept God into their lives as their personal
savior a man named "Turtle" tapped me on the solider and said; <i>"I
want to give you this, I don't know what is going on in your life but I
felt compelled to speak with you and let you know God is bigger than all
of it... just lay it at the foot of the cross, all the power you need
is at the cross." </i>As tears were running down my face I just hugged
him and held on to him like a young boy who clings to his father when he
is crying uncontrollably. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">When
I let go of Turtle he revealed to me what he had given me. He gave me a
small cross made out of nails that he and his comrades wear with pride.
See Turtle was part of <a href="http://www.bfcohio.org/links.htm">"Bikers for Christ" </a>and they wear these 'cross' pins on their leather coats and vest when they ride. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">"Keep this" he said, "and remember the cross is all you need."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">In the cross there is power.</span></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">God knew what I needed to hear</span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Over
the last month I have been struggling with different areas of my life. I
feel as if there are times of complete stagnation in my personal and
spiritual life. Often times I become discouraged and feel completely
defeated by my behavior and thoughts. Many times these behaviors and
thoughts do not add up to a man that profess to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">As
our time together ended three wonderful men, Bikers for Christ members,
surrounded me and knelt with me as we prayed. They prayed over me
asking God to direct me to the center of His will for my life. And as
tears ran down my face I could hear the words Pastor Tim, Turtle's
friend in Biker's for Christ, said to me; "You're playing God, you're <i>not </i>acting
like God, but you're 'playing' God by acting one way with your
Christian friends and another way with your non-Christian friends." He
went onto say; "You need to stop and start sharing the gospel with them,
that is your responsibility... you need to start sharing today."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">There it was: freedom.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">The answer I was searching for, the freedom I was longing for God revealed to me through a group of bikers.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Malcolm X once said; </span></span><i>"</i><i>You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I
had no peace this last month and because of that very fact I wasn't
free. I was in bondage while I continually wrestled with my past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I had no peace; I had no freedom. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I
was struggling with attitudes, behaviors and thoughts that I thought I
had moved on from. I realized that I was serving Christ 23/6 not 24/7.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was wrong. I was "playing" God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Was I committed Christian? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Yes.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Was I committed on every front; totally selling out no matter who I was with or where I was?<i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>No. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I was "playing" God. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In
the end, Turtle left me with two verses that came to him as he was
speaking to me. The first piece of scripture was Psalm 51:10; <i>"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The other was Jeremiah 29:13; <i>If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The power of the cross is revealed in God's word.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The cross is about new beginnings and a renewed spirit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The cross is about Love, mercy and grace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The cross is about sacrifice and forgiveness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The cross is about peace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The cross is about <i>DEPENDENCE</i> on Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>The cross is about Freedom. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you Pastor Tim, Roy and Turtle for loving me enough to share with me the truth and displaying God's power in your lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And thank you God for dying on the cross for me and providing me with true freedom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the end, I realized that Jesus Christ sacrificed everything so I, so you, could be free. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQk_Njku9YTeQ8lXFB8TD9wtPfiNCCkoBIE5XvMV_mCDu6oY4Macic4JDO9BdWqNBO6I5FcoiPYxdBNdFSCo6UDiBcDxXqzo1RJg1u7LOzT6lZc-RxFOfYZqKOkWKmmiZxBaXALn14fo/s1600/indexthe+cross.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQk_Njku9YTeQ8lXFB8TD9wtPfiNCCkoBIE5XvMV_mCDu6oY4Macic4JDO9BdWqNBO6I5FcoiPYxdBNdFSCo6UDiBcDxXqzo1RJg1u7LOzT6lZc-RxFOfYZqKOkWKmmiZxBaXALn14fo/s400/indexthe+cross.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lay everything at the foot of the cross.</i></b></div>
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<b> </b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">sbb 4.7.11</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;">1147</span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-way-that-i-am/id299607859"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Independence Day . Martina McBride</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VPpAZ9_qAw"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>youtube</i></span><b style="color: #0b5394;"> </b></a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-22538277052665470542013-07-03T13:58:00.000-04:002013-07-03T14:30:44.329-04:00The Mindless Menace of Violence (8.16.11)<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i style="color: #38761d;">Senseless:</i></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><i style="color: #38761d;"> </i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">destitute</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">deprived</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sensation;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">unconscious. (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.)</span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> lacking</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">mental</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">perception,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">appreciation,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">comprehension. (</span></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.)</span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> stupid</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">foolish,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">persons</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">actions.</span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> (4.</span>) </span></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">nonsensical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">meaningless.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> </span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9AP15zM4Hmu1RYuWWihW51yefWmOKS8aAEg32woTGWYdk0Vmoy4zp8f_fd7BroLOKDIp3fZqGBrDNZTqBvRVPfnUOU6Hah_5A8ZOH_Jlh1qaAe-fB1_9VLfo5hq32zUnOiUJDUocfhs/s1600/A-History-of-Violence-film-picture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9AP15zM4Hmu1RYuWWihW51yefWmOKS8aAEg32woTGWYdk0Vmoy4zp8f_fd7BroLOKDIp3fZqGBrDNZTqBvRVPfnUOU6Hah_5A8ZOH_Jlh1qaAe-fB1_9VLfo5hq32zUnOiUJDUocfhs/s400/A-History-of-Violence-film-picture.jpg" width="270" /></a> </div>
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<b> Tom Stall:</b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> In this family, we do not solve problems by hitting people!
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<b>Jack Stall:</b> <i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">No, in this family, we shoot them! </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">- </span></i><b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399146"><i>A History of Violence </i></a></b>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,
and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his
heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." - Luke 6:45</span></span></i></div>
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<b>O</b>ne of my favorite speakers, and people, is Robert F. Kennedy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy9S6E0Ys1HFfR9iz647cLLv6_Wk4gFRjqlYVmFJLQ2751qLGhI1-zSrcC8PtaGq3PWdwbLtZjbJNUddzEbCPPkcmPGsFejnpqyApMY8PEXKiIPCwz5PBFIFo8iRxaR_Dj-ISKIGzoT8/s1600/20080606_rfk0_25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy9S6E0Ys1HFfR9iz647cLLv6_Wk4gFRjqlYVmFJLQ2751qLGhI1-zSrcC8PtaGq3PWdwbLtZjbJNUddzEbCPPkcmPGsFejnpqyApMY8PEXKiIPCwz5PBFIFo8iRxaR_Dj-ISKIGzoT8/s400/20080606_rfk0_25.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_F._Kennedy"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Robert F. Kennedy </i></a></b></div>
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<b>
</b>Though I identify with a more conservative approach to politics and
government I have always admired RFK. He is my favorite Kennedy and one
of my most admired orators. There are few men that I have spent time
with or watched from afar that I admire more than Robert Kennedy. Just a
side note, I have always thought that if Bobby Kennedy were a famous
musician he would be Sting. Both men expressed, and exposed to those
around them who were willing to listen, a brand of compassion, wit and
intelligence that isn't often seen by people that have such a powerful
platform and visible stage.<b> </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ak_j2eT0BTX-ihMT1H0Z8WCm2N6iYVGiYOj7MXs6omY0BlPudBj9jFOW6b5sFuw-uFbqT2AQ_uyVWejIC7hyRqJkwqisWAVhkeU4OIQvAiPrZNnuMG5dQ8akcFiQwS1LnIf4G2ta63E/s1600/sting2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ak_j2eT0BTX-ihMT1H0Z8WCm2N6iYVGiYOj7MXs6omY0BlPudBj9jFOW6b5sFuw-uFbqT2AQ_uyVWejIC7hyRqJkwqisWAVhkeU4OIQvAiPrZNnuMG5dQ8akcFiQwS1LnIf4G2ta63E/s400/sting2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sting.com/"><b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sting</i></b></a></div>
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The reason for me sharing these thoughts with you is because of a story I watched this evening that was reported on NBC's <i>Nightly News with Brian Williams</i>.<br />
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The story was sad and disturbing.</div>
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A
former Marine, who just returned from Afghanistan and served two tours
in Iraq, turned San Diego Police officer was gunned down while sitting
in his patrol car on Saturday. Minutes before he was killed,
Officer Jeremy Henwood bought cookies for a 13-year-old he’d never met
before... <i>and</i> <i>his "last" random act of kindness was all caught on tape at a local McDonald's in San Diego.</i><b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/nightly_news/#44167629">Video: Slain officer's last act of kindness.</a><br />
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After
seeing the segment I couldn't help but think of the words I listened to
last night. The words were from the April 5, 1968 speech given by RFK
in Cleveland, Ohio at the City Club entitled <i>"The Mindless Menace of Violence"</i>. </div>
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The speech was given the day after the assassination of <i>Martin Luther King</i>. </div>
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And though the speech was given some forty years ago the message still resonates today with power, truth and relevancy. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Below is RFK's speech in its entirety.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_0sWpEy1BbBqKRA2hf3rgFt4HXYDKwHjZOFmxpV0316m_yP3T8RDyUfpffF-PpKo0vmap6i4eAiffxk7-XPNQwgjJ7QO-DvnGah56MdxroYYSTMIbwETkIyTyw_BeDBH39Lc192nsiM/s1600/393px-Robert_Kennedy_CORE_rally_speech2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_0sWpEy1BbBqKRA2hf3rgFt4HXYDKwHjZOFmxpV0316m_yP3T8RDyUfpffF-PpKo0vmap6i4eAiffxk7-XPNQwgjJ7QO-DvnGah56MdxroYYSTMIbwETkIyTyw_BeDBH39Lc192nsiM/s640/393px-Robert_Kennedy_CORE_rally_speech2.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>
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<b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kennedy speaking to a Civil Rights crowd in front of the Justice Department </span></i></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">building on June 14, 1963.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Mindless Menace of Violence</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.vsotd.com/Article.php?art_num=4651&goback=.gmp_2183910.gde_2183910_member_39945995"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(audio)</i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">This is a time of shame and sorrow. It is not a day for politics. I
have saved this one opportunity, my only event of today, to speak
briefly to you about the mindless menace of violence in America which
again stains our land and every one of our lives.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">It is not the concern of any one race. The victims of the violence
are black and white, rich and poor, young and old, famous and unknown.
They are, most important of all, human beings whom other human beings
loved and needed. No one - no matter where he lives or what he does -
can be certain who will suffer from some senseless act of bloodshed. And
yet it goes on and on and on in this country of ours.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Why? What has violence ever accomplished? What has it ever created?
No martyr's cause has ever been stilled by an assassin's bullet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">No wrongs have ever been righted by riots and civil disorders. A
sniper is only a coward, not a hero; and an uncontrolled, uncontrollable
mob is only the voice of madness, not the voice of reason.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Whenever any American's life is taken by another American
unnecessarily - whether it is done in the name of the law or in the
defiance of the law, by one man or a gang, in cold blood or in passion,
in an attack of violence or in response to violence - whenever we tear
at the fabric of the life which another man has painfully and clumsily
woven for himself and his children, the whole nation is degraded.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">"Among free men," said Abraham Lincoln, "there can be no successful
appeal from the ballot to the bullet; and those who take such appeal are
sure to lose their cause and pay the costs."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yet we seemingly tolerate a rising level of violence that ignores our
common humanity and our claims to civilization alike. We calmly accept
newspaper reports of civilian slaughter in far-off lands. We glorify
killing on movie and television screens and call it entertainment. We
make it easy for men of all shades of sanity to acquire whatever weapons
and ammunition they desire.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Too often we honor swagger and bluster and wielders of force; too
often we excuse those who are willing to build their own lives on the
shattered dreams of others. Some Americans who preach non-violence
abroad fail to practice it here at home. Some who accuse others of
inciting riots have by their own conduct invited them.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Some look for scapegoats, others look for conspiracies, but this much
is clear: violence breeds violence, repression brings retaliation, and
only a cleansing of our whole society can remove this sickness from our
soul.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">For there is another kind of violence, slower but just as deadly
destructive as the shot or the bomb in the night. This is the violence
of institutions; indifference and inaction and slow decay. This is the
violence that afflicts the poor, that poisons relations between men
because their skin has different colors. This is the slow destruction of
a child by hunger, and schools without books and homes without heat in
the winter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">This is the breaking of a man's spirit by denying him the chance to
stand as a father and as a man among other men. And this too afflicts us
all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have not come here to propose a set of specific remedies nor is
there a single set. For a broad and adequate outline we know what must
be done. When you teach a man to hate and fear his brother, when you
teach that he is a lesser man because of his color or his beliefs or the
policies he pursues, when you teach that those who differ from you
threaten your freedom or your job or your family, then you also learn to
confront others not as fellow citizens but as enemies, to be met not
with cooperation but with conquest; to be subjugated and mastered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">We learn, at the last, to look at our brothers as aliens, men with
whom we share a city, but not a community; men bound to us in common
dwelling, but not in common effort. We learn to share only a common
fear, only a common desire to retreat from each other, only a common
impulse to meet disagreement with force. For all this, there are no
final answers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Yet we know what we must do. It is to achieve true justice among our
fellow citizens. The question is not what programs we should seek to
enact. The question is whether we can find in our own midst and in our
own hearts that leadership of humane purpose that will recognize the
terrible truths of our existence.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">We must admit the vanity of our false distinctions among men and
learn to find our own advancement in the search for the advancement of
others. We must admit in ourselves that our own children's future cannot
be built on the misfortunes of others. We must recognize that this
short life can neither be ennobled or enriched by hatred or revenge.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Our lives on this planet are too short and the work to be done too
great to let this spirit flourish any longer in our land. Of course we
cannot vanquish it with a program, nor with a resolution.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">But we can perhaps remember, if only for a time, that those who live
with us are our brothers, that they share with us the same short moment
of life; that they seek, as do we, nothing but the chance to live out
their lives in purpose and in happiness, winning what satisfaction and
fulfillment they can.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Surely, this bond of common faith, this bond of common goal, can
begin to teach us something. Surely, we can learn, at least, to look at
those around us as fellow men, and surely we can begin to work a little
harder to bind up the wounds among us and to become in our own hearts
brothers and countrymen once again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">-RFK </span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZrw0j-kWd0ZMU4Nbp-bGujqm0uejYmSzwVhrwjJHyaJG61eYQ0bJua87cJZQdbvTQJqv3TtnszPo1pbDzgpWwZfgHC2pbXBIYoE0c3BylbA8y4gmr3tMkvMXoHFjOnxzTXxgTR_jdxk/s1600/RFK.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZrw0j-kWd0ZMU4Nbp-bGujqm0uejYmSzwVhrwjJHyaJG61eYQ0bJua87cJZQdbvTQJqv3TtnszPo1pbDzgpWwZfgHC2pbXBIYoE0c3BylbA8y4gmr3tMkvMXoHFjOnxzTXxgTR_jdxk/s400/RFK.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Ambassador Hotel - June 5, 1968</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>sbb 16.8.11</i></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">1615</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ten-summoners-tales/id388151"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Shape of my Heart . Sting</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1xjq-QUOiM&feature=watch_response"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>youtube</i></span></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-8868852380165844732013-06-14T07:33:00.004-04:002013-06-15T08:00:32.805-04:00Be Encouraged!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Strengthen</span></i>: to make stronger; give strength to. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Be Encouraged"</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.terigalleries.com/hemmerling.shtml"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span class="style8">William Hemmerling</span></b></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">www.hemmerlingart.com</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My favorite piece of scripture is 1 Samuel 30:6; </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD." </span></span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The word "strengthen" in Hebrew means to "encourage". </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">David and his men had just been sent home to Ziklag by the Philistines, who were preparing for battle, only to find that the Amalekites had taken their women and children. With his disappointment came harsh criticism and displeasure from his people, leaving them to contemplate stoning David. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">David was in great need of some encouragement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How many times have all of us felt threatened by life, dismayed with our job to the point of depression or been unfairly treated when in our mind we had the best of intentions to do the right thing? Have you ever believed yourself to be in front of a firing squad? If you're in a leadership position you know exactly what I'm talking about. Have there been times you felt like you were going to be stoned by friend or foe? In each of those circumstances, and many others, we find our self in need of hope and direction; and like David we are in need of encouragement. Often we choose a mate, a friend, or a parent to share with them our misery. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3RqcOAisPzFfqwxrENJuMT-wjUAEhdWZ3tmNM-qaknbvQAAL4ENoomIw3Tcgp5zqkKDveLA-00oyKfTxjcTQNP_CbN0qGZLcRpi74jChSHqRJeYs1tL-JNxrSpIeVAMhAztgFzKu7pmr/s1600/courage_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3RqcOAisPzFfqwxrENJuMT-wjUAEhdWZ3tmNM-qaknbvQAAL4ENoomIw3Tcgp5zqkKDveLA-00oyKfTxjcTQNP_CbN0qGZLcRpi74jChSHqRJeYs1tL-JNxrSpIeVAMhAztgFzKu7pmr/s640/courage_lg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It takes <span style="color: #660000;">courage </span>to encourage others, and to encourage ourselves. </span></span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Art by William Hemmerling </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We communicate our ills with the hope in mind that others will magically take away our pain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other times the choice is worse when trying to alleviate our pain. Plenty of us have seen first hand the use of drugs, alcohol or sex to mitigate the suffering and misery one is experiencing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In every situation, no matter the choice you make while in despair, the reasoning behind the decision is based upon our desire to escape the affliction we're suffering. What we're really in need of is strength and encouragement. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE4CAk_yLZA95xzSC656zq9LOUpMxxgi069EqdvoFxZIVfJk6lYnxa2fACXVX5Eyy7ZJiDabrCoyj9mAY4M4rRNwxQwohXZTttNWOIQUm1Whs9b9ihM4b1mttauOa8yd_9-vBzrNBZnfI/s1600/wroughtbyprayer_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE4CAk_yLZA95xzSC656zq9LOUpMxxgi069EqdvoFxZIVfJk6lYnxa2fACXVX5Eyy7ZJiDabrCoyj9mAY4M4rRNwxQwohXZTttNWOIQUm1Whs9b9ihM4b1mttauOa8yd_9-vBzrNBZnfI/s400/wroughtbyprayer_lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>"Wrought by Prayer" </b></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Art by William Hemmerling </span></span></i></span><b><br /></b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the end, there is nothing that can give us more hope; greater strength in our time of need, than God's providential hand and sovereign authority. Nothing can strengthen our resolve and encourage our heart more than God, and God alone. The next time you need to be strengthened seek God through His word and prayer, and become encouraged by God's faithfulness to those who put their trust in Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Strengthen yourself in the Lord. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Be Encouraged!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">sbb 14.6.13</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"> 431</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chris-botti-in-boston/id308867137"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Hallelujah . Chris Botti</span></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr4oTbCcu_I">youtube </a></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIF4_Sm-rgQ"> Jeff Buckley . Hallelujah</a></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ-mqJcyGOwT7qnGrBYlTuqcYrvZxA8pyXAdR-mJ9-Ms2cJ9aoGQYNj2UKFoRDO7zk-bVKeggWg4SQS-XzKVQm6OSBuYlISV-SC5mM27tb1Q2ODJJRKjhOYyqoioeszDgdK__pamRF5gA/s1600/Chris+Botti+in+Boston+Folder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ-mqJcyGOwT7qnGrBYlTuqcYrvZxA8pyXAdR-mJ9-Ms2cJ9aoGQYNj2UKFoRDO7zk-bVKeggWg4SQS-XzKVQm6OSBuYlISV-SC5mM27tb1Q2ODJJRKjhOYyqoioeszDgdK__pamRF5gA/s320/Chris+Botti+in+Boston+Folder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-52720988270889318182013-06-03T08:09:00.002-04:002013-06-05T08:36:31.428-04:00Mission Accomplished: Memorial Day 2013<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Remember: </span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">recall</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">mind</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">effort</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">memory;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">think</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">again:</span><i> </i></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I'll</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">try</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">remember</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">exact</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">date.</span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEnxykZG_qpN63qesh8eZiPZkqFi2ot-d1NBX9UTczgwJm11Z5ZTLeD8EzXj2Af1d-sexCTH143ZvSyxuJukJwq4p0c4SdvhK-IiZyQRZ-M2RE5jNCfgvNDhh2iu2I1y3Zss5i4syBFCk/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEnxykZG_qpN63qesh8eZiPZkqFi2ot-d1NBX9UTczgwJm11Z5ZTLeD8EzXj2Af1d-sexCTH143ZvSyxuJukJwq4p0c4SdvhK-IiZyQRZ-M2RE5jNCfgvNDhh2iu2I1y3Zss5i4syBFCk/s400/IMG_0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> </span></i> </span></span></b></span><span style="color: #333333;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Amelia</span> Island, Florida</b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many
of you reading this might have seen the beautiful pictures from my wife
and I's vacation this past week. We went to Amelia Island to celebrate
her birthday and stayed with some wonderful friends. We had the pleasure
to walk the charming streets of Fernandina Beach one night, watch a
mino</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">r league baseball game from the
second row, play golf at the Country Club of Amelia Island, and stroll
the beaches behind the Ritz Carlton. We had Starbucks every morning
(Green Zen tea is a must), I ran the beach or swam laps in the pool
every morning, and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at David's with Carol
and Jeff, as they celebrated their 17 wedding anniversary and we
celebrated Ronnie's 40th birthday. As the commercial goes; Two drinks at
the Ritz Carlton - <i>$33.30</i>, Dinner for two at David's - <i>$175</i>, Relaxing
on the beach - <i>priceless</i>. It was wonderful. My wife shared with me that
it was her best birthday and vacation ever.<br /> <br /> <b>Mission accomplished. </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I Love U! Happy B-Day...</i></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br /> </span></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But it was on my last morning running the beach I realized how
different my life is now compared to 8 years ago (for the better), and
the fact that many people are suffering beyond belief around this world
(and in the United States)<br /> <br /> The thought of suffering wouldn't leave me alone: my past sufferings and the sufferings of others.<br /> <br />
Jersey Shore, Sandy Hook and Oklahoma. Syria, Iraq & Afghanistan
and the Boston Marathon. I almost felt guilty that my life seems to be
going so well while people in Moore, Oklahoma are trying to piece back
together their lives as they deal with death and destruction. The bible
in the 3rd chapter of Genesis (Gen. 3:16-19) tells us that our lives
will be filled with pain and suffering. As a believer I understand that
and I also find it understandable when I'm to blame for my misery and
misfortune. Personally, I've attributed to roughly 90-95% of the pain
and destruction in my life. Their is no one to blame or point the finger
at other than me. I can live with that. I've often thought, pleaded and
prayed that God would deliver me from myself and at times my
destructive behavior and patterns. I decided years ago I didn't want to
be the problem anymore. I would rather be diagnosed with cancer or have
my life ended in a tragic accident than cause another person pain again.
I never want to hurt another person again. So as I ran the beaches of
Amelia Island I felt relieved that I was making good decisions and that
my life was heading in the direction I'd always hoped it would. <br /> <br /> <b>I have enthusiasm for today, appreciation for yesterday, and hope for tomorrow.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Jacksonville Suns vs Birmingham Barons</i></span></b> </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> But what about those that had nothing to do with the pain and misery
they are currently enduring? What about the thousands of suffering souls
in Boston, Sandy Hook, and Oklahoma? What about the family and loved
ones of the 2783 that lost their lives on 9/11? What about the families
of the 6200+ American soldiers that have given their lives in Iraq and
Afghanistan over the past 10 years? I can't even begin to understand
their pain and the hurt they're experiencing right now. But why did these
awful things happen? </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> I can only say: "I don't know."</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Lee Strobel, when sharing his 5 points of life concerning suffering, shares these words: </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Point 1</b>: God is not the creator of evil and suffering.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Point 2</b>: Though suffering isn’t good, God can use it to accomplish good.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Point 3</b>: The day is coming when suffering will cease and God will judge evil.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Point 4</b>: Our suffering will pale in comparison to what God has in store for his followers.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Point 5</b>: We decide whether to turn bitter or turn to God for peace and courage.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>this never gets old... </i></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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As I reflect upon those thoughts and words of wisdom it gives me pause,
peace and purpose when thinking about suffering. Some people will
choose to believe those words and others will find them somewhat wishful
thinking. I respect the opinion of both camps, but the one thing I know
to be true is that we will all experience suffering, whether it is
because of our own doing or by the doing of something or someone else.
And when that suffering rears it's ugly head who do we go to for
answers, direction and guidance? Where do we go for peace?<br /> <br /> I
hope we all take a moment sometime today to reflect upon the suffering
we've caused and have endured… and make peace with them both. I also
hope that we all remain mindful of the many people hurting because of no fault of their own. Mothers losing sons in war. Fathers losing
daughters to mindless violence. Children losing parents due to Mother
Nature's destructive force. Lets quietly pray for their peace and humbly
thank God for the many blessings that are too numerous to count that He
has blessed us with.<br /> <br /> Let's remember what is truly important,
and remember that God is present in "all" suffering. </span></span></span><br />
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<b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He never sleeps; He
never forgets about us.</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">sbb 3.6.13</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">883</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nothing-like-the-sun/id355033"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">The Lazarus Heart . Sting </span></i></span></span></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc_jkW3Wo4w"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">youtube</span></span></span></i></span></span></span></a><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></i> </span></span></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br /> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-5631466961176006362013-05-16T07:59:00.002-04:002013-05-18T06:59:54.950-04:00Tim Tackett (October 27, 1963 - May 16, 2011)<div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: #38761d;">Brief</i>:<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> lasting</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">taking</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">short</span> </span>time<span id="hotword">; <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">short</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">duration:</span><i> </i></span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">brief</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">walk;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">brief</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">stay</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">in</span> </span>the</i></span><span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">country.</span></i></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Two years ago today many of us lost a great man and a dear friend. Today I would like to take this time to once again remember how truly wonderful Tim Tackett was as son, husband, and father. He was tremendous and he is sorely missed. - Shawn <b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(5.16.13)</i></span></b></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">"I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."</span></i></div>
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<b><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">-</span></i></b><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">2</span></i><b><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> Timothy </span></i></b><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">4:7</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Tim, Cam & Kym</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1963 started like most years; with hope and promise. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Martin Luther King delivered his <i>"I Have a Dream" </i>speech, the Beatles released their first big hit single in the US entitled <i>"Please Please Me"</i>, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">our nation was experiencing <i>Camelot </i>while John Fitzgerald Kennedy was our country's 35th President of the United States</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> and the postage stamp was a mere 5 cents</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.
It was also a time of great tragedy as our country mourned the
assassination of JFK and we watched as a nation as our military delved
deeper into the Vietnam War.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other highlights of 1963 was the Supreme Court decision in the case of <i>Gideon vs. Wainwright</i> that ordered state courts, under the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution,</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> to provide counsel in criminal cases for defendants who were unable to afford their own attorneys</span>.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> American households had the TV turned to <i>Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom</i>
with Marlin Perkins on NBC, the Dick Van Dyke Show was on CBS and
housewives all around the country were glued to their black &
white TV sets watching the soap opera series debut of <i>General Hospital </i>on
ABC. In 1963 major league baseball voted to expand the strike zone,
Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle both signed contracts worth a $100,000
each (a record at the time), one Michael Jeffery Jordon was born and Loyola beat Cincinnati 60-58 in OT to win the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship. The Academy Awards choose <i>Lawrence of Arabia</i> best picture and Gregory Peck best actor for his portrayal of Atticus Finch in the movie <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But
it was on October 27, 1963 the best role was played by Roy and Gladys
Tackett as they became the proud parents of Richard Timothy Tackett.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>3rd row from the top and 5 over from the left...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tim completed the Tackett family as he became the fifth child and the little brother to Rod, Cheryl, Teresa and Roger</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Jerry "Tiger " Rice & Timmy </i></b><i>(1979)</i></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of five children and the recipient of
loving parents, Tim learned at a very young age the importance of a
family, the value of great parents and the value of being a great spouse and
parent. In the book <i>"Anna Karenina"</i> Leo Tolstoy wrote that <i>"all happy
families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way"</i>. Tim and his siblings experienced the joy of a happy family.</span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="ital-inline">
</span></i><span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Their
parents provided safety, comfort, and happiness that is readily
recognized by all and is evident by the way Tim shared those qualities
with his wife and son.</span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>A Family: Mom, son & Dad </i></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As
I write this piece I find it hard to speak in terms of death concerning
Tim. Tim was my back-court teammate on our high school basketball team,
he was a fellow employee at the Hilliard Pool when we were teenagers
and he was a good friend. </span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A very good friend.</span></b></div>
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<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Life and death has proven over time to be great educators and this extremely sad situation is no different. </span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Death has a way of making all of us, if just for a moment, come to grips with our own mortality. My mother often says that <i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"life is precious, life is tender, life is fragile and tomorrow is never promised." </i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I
couldn't agree more. Life is fragile and tomorrow is never promised; in
a word life is short. As sobering as these words are, James 4:14 shares
with us that we as humans are no more than</span></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>"a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes".</i></span><span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i> </i></span>Psalms 39:4-5 states:</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Lord, remind me how <span style="color: #38761d;">brief</span>
my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that
my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my
hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but
a breath."</i></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We would all do well to be mindful of those words. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Life is fragile; life is short and tomorrow is never promised.</b> </i></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha5CovhhMahG4AqNFjbi09bg5hUMfcOntH37vSQZ4g3p20ZknYVWsIEiwMpxf0owudm0Hk1aEzddL6FWwNCTOy6-vceBAgdXrEZPOcH80AFG9-1vhS2aAP0MYRJq3RM5911MvzfQ4swE/s1600/66664_1452569120128_1410276172_31002050_5703291_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha5CovhhMahG4AqNFjbi09bg5hUMfcOntH37vSQZ4g3p20ZknYVWsIEiwMpxf0owudm0Hk1aEzddL6FWwNCTOy6-vceBAgdXrEZPOcH80AFG9-1vhS2aAP0MYRJq3RM5911MvzfQ4swE/s400/66664_1452569120128_1410276172_31002050_5703291_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tim, Jeff Fugitt & Tony Moore</span> </i></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sadly
enough it is through Tim's death I'm reminded of the extraordinary man
he was. It would be easy to pour over the many athletic accolades that
Tim earned while growing up. He was an outstanding baseball player that
earned team MVP, 1st team All-State recognition and a scholarship to
attend Ohio State University to play baseball. I believe Tim to be one
of the top three baseball players Hilliard has ever seen. Tim was also a
celebrated basketball player while at Hilliard where he was awarded
all-conf<b>e</b>rence and all-districts honors, as well as, team MVP selected
by his teammates and coaching staff. But with all of that it was Tim the
man that was tremendous. </span></span><span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tim was silent, but strong, firm yet fair, and most of all he was kind without being weak.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeg2MtgbX0mkPvdImLMzlQbDiLX3fDlesT0R_6aIJHJVvIa6y48pLP5Zn_cGMJu8nAvAGi3940i-1UUZp3ZmWbnrxsovNC7_KRp_VGzRDDA-e0LKQvOVq5ALggv10mnFRHFfM6kA023c/s1600/75609_1503133341598_1332159126_31314056_2358389_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeg2MtgbX0mkPvdImLMzlQbDiLX3fDlesT0R_6aIJHJVvIa6y48pLP5Zn_cGMJu8nAvAGi3940i-1UUZp3ZmWbnrxsovNC7_KRp_VGzRDDA-e0LKQvOVq5ALggv10mnFRHFfM6kA023c/s400/75609_1503133341598_1332159126_31314056_2358389_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tim Tackett: All State baseball player.</span> </i></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tim was a special person and in my heart he still is.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And in my heart he always will be special.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many
times in death people are propelled to a stratosphere they didn't
entertain while living. Unfortunately, but with good intention, people
often falsely opine about the greatness of an individual when they were
alive. Often times a blind eye is turned to negative or less than
flattering behavior committed during a person's life. This is not the
case with Tim. I can honestly say that I never heard one comment about
Tim that was harmful, hurtful or one that questioned his character. The
only negative comment I remember being uttered about Tim was that he was
too</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> "unselfish"</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> as a basketball player and that he should have shot the ball more than he did, but that was Tim.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tim was unselfish to the core.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSC3454v6rRt995YmAjgWDu91l68_ANMEy9pVpMJOxHjd9RU17mSKvRvooMzYpzzmz3w9HW8Nzb3ZrmyOB_OXeIqq2MctZafmvkdL1N1f1GX-CuZXyL9M6KhQ7fG4yxyUA58t-Mo_818/s1600/206435_1009226156831_1410276172_30012354_2692_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSC3454v6rRt995YmAjgWDu91l68_ANMEy9pVpMJOxHjd9RU17mSKvRvooMzYpzzmz3w9HW8Nzb3ZrmyOB_OXeIqq2MctZafmvkdL1N1f1GX-CuZXyL9M6KhQ7fG4yxyUA58t-Mo_818/s400/206435_1009226156831_1410276172_30012354_2692_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cameron & Tim</span></i></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In closing, as I reflect upon the loss of Tim my thoughts are focused upon three people: Tim's mother, Cameron & Kym.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Gladys</span></span></span></span></i></span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Words
cannot explain the deep sadness I feel for you and your family. The man
you raised in Tim touched many lives. My life was one of them. Tim was a
tremendous husband, father and friend. He treated people the way they
should be treated. Tim always treated me, my sister and my parents with
respect and honor. I especially appreciated the way he continued to
treat my parents throughout his entire life. My parents were big fans of
Tim growing up; they thought the world of him. There are few people
that I have met like Tim and I feel that I won't be meeting others like
him in the near future. Psalm 34:17 says<i> "The Lord hears his
people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their
troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who
are crushed in spirit." </i>May God be with you. May He sooth your pain and bless you with the peace that passes all understanding<i>.</i></span></span></sup></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Cameron</i></span></span></sup></b><br />
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Your father was a good man. I will say it again; <i>your father was a good man</i>.
I think it is important to point out Cameron that we live in a society
that many times applaud the ordinary and forgets about what is truly
extraordinary. Your dad spent every day striving to make you and your
mother's life better... someday it will be your turn to do the same for
your family. Your dad worked every day to provide for his family and he
did it without hesitation or without complaining. That is what a real
man does. Your father was a real man. The only thing I would ask you to
do is get out a dictionary and look up the word <i>extraordinary.</i> Once you find the definition write it down on a piece of paper using your best handwriting.
Once you have written it down find your favorite picture of your dad
and tape both, the definition of extraordinary and the picture of your
dad, to the back of your bedroom door. This way each day when you wake
and when you go to bed you will be reminded what extraordinary looks
like. Your dad was one extraordinary man.</span></span></sup><br />
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kym</i></span></span></sup></b><br />
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You
are one of my favorite people. The time we spent together last year at
Cameron's baseball game left me admiring what you and Tim had built.
Both of you cultivated an environment where love could grow and fostered
an atmosphere of kindness and humility. Someday your future
daughter-in-law will thank you for providing such a wonderful home for
Cam to grow up in and setting an example of how good family life can
truly be. I often told Tim that he </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>"out kicked his coverage"</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> when he got you to say</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> I do</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.
You are a special person and Cameron is fortunate to have you as his
mother. The only scripture I want to leave you with is from the book of
Psalms. Life has served you with a horrible blow, but there is </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>One</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> who understands your pain. Put your trust in Him. Psalm 62:5-7 states:</span></span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I
wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and
my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and
my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can
reach me." </span></i></span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8fhy4bd3MU4SPVa60mlJCWsx5plsbLDk-u6rMbdxImFdzPG08g9RJZMIiBJVRCEFijnUY6VsYTgHnLqhkT_wPCSrjAsr0M_kAaK6c2cVEEp1XAKQQeOHhNzAmhLOoxhdV9QdDaNmdxY/s1600/74347_1503130061516_1332159126_31314050_3155878_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8fhy4bd3MU4SPVa60mlJCWsx5plsbLDk-u6rMbdxImFdzPG08g9RJZMIiBJVRCEFijnUY6VsYTgHnLqhkT_wPCSrjAsr0M_kAaK6c2cVEEp1XAKQQeOHhNzAmhLOoxhdV9QdDaNmdxY/s400/74347_1503130061516_1332159126_31314050_3155878_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Kym, Tim & Missy...</i></b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kym,
many people love you and want to support you anyway they can, but our
love and support can never match the protective, supportive and loving
hand of God. Your life will never be the same but that doesn't mean that
it will automatically be worse... just different. God has a specific
plan for you and your life... </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">"They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope".</span> </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></i><b><br /></b></span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZBLbYtmSh0mISZ1ARMsKQs3Gn658cl3TTizqMSAkaoQRv3gtFfpJX4ZcuFsu5mxoKTijbEK3Cfnyty2SGQAvacBPsEAiN8fbGLH0xgC_b15b7q637dDvw_ZxPkFK6uTlEPz6BWgT7h4/s1600/15703_1282914398866_1410276172_30629648_2901903_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZBLbYtmSh0mISZ1ARMsKQs3Gn658cl3TTizqMSAkaoQRv3gtFfpJX4ZcuFsu5mxoKTijbEK3Cfnyty2SGQAvacBPsEAiN8fbGLH0xgC_b15b7q637dDvw_ZxPkFK6uTlEPz6BWgT7h4/s400/15703_1282914398866_1410276172_30629648_2901903_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b><i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">Father & Son</span> </sup></i></b></span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></b></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><br /></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, the love and admiration I have for <i>Tac</i>
cannot adequately be explained or described at this moment. No words
make sense to me nor am I able to truly communicate my feelings for Tim.
As I sit here with tears streaming down my face I can only say <i>thank you</i>.</span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tim, I could never thank you enough for being such a good person and at the same time being such a good friend.</span></span></sup><br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I enjoyed the time we spent together and I thank you for the many memories you left me with.</span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your dear friend, </span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: left;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shawn</span></span></sup></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALojc9P301w5bp3AFKGy-cWaHbSiGcT1HBzdQPCRtZzjPawcdkxx9ld8zMnxfXkKyiTKJI2CdtVJV3g0KrUMWTkKEKfBf7hH5g81IB8NHczGcfRoZviobRaTtyakdQH4rTXF8uRFz6D4/s1600/n642247245_1488196_8266.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALojc9P301w5bp3AFKGy-cWaHbSiGcT1HBzdQPCRtZzjPawcdkxx9ld8zMnxfXkKyiTKJI2CdtVJV3g0KrUMWTkKEKfBf7hH5g81IB8NHczGcfRoZviobRaTtyakdQH4rTXF8uRFz6D4/s400/n642247245_1488196_8266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Rita, Eddie Welch & Tac</i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">"There are 'friends' who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother"</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Proverbs 18:24</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>sbb 17.5.11</i></span></span></span></span></sup></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>1799 </i></span></span></span></sup></div>
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<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yesterday-today-tomorrow-the/id168386049"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Celebrate Me Home . Kenny Loggins </i></span></a><b> </b></span></span></sup></div>
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<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15565"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRu-eAdZ050&feature=related" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><i>youtube</i></span></a></sup><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-8080510447173170272013-05-12T07:25:00.002-04:002013-05-14T07:46:38.268-04:00The Difference<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Praise: </span></span></span></i></span></span><span id="hotword" style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">expressing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">approval</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">admiration;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">commendation;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">laudation.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></i></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text 2Chr-1-9" id="en-GNT-10646"><sup class="versenum"> "</sup></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text 2Chr-1-9" id="en-GNT-10646"><span class="text Prov-31-30" id="en-NIV-17315">Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-30">but a woman who fears the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is to be praised.</span></span><span class="text Prov-31-31" id="en-NIV-17316" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;">Honor her for all that her hands have done,</span><span class="indent-1" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-31">and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.</span></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: 12px;">-<span style="font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 30:30-31</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">As we celebrate Mother's Day today I'm reminded once more how fortunate I truly am. Few people on this earth has had as many positive experiences surrounding mothers and motherhood than I. I've had the distinct pleasure to have "three" mother-in-laws </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>(not at the same time mind you. I did enjoy <span style="color: #660000;">"Big Love" </span>on HBO for a hot second but I'm not a practicing Mormon)</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, besides no one can really say they have lived unless they've had three mother-in-laws in their lifetime. It's been great! (a smiley face with all teeth). Then there are the two ex-wives, ex-girlfriend, and my wife of 6 1/2 years that are the {mothers} to my "six" children, and lastly, there is my wonderful mother. You would think I would just stop here. But let's not... I'm having so much fun!</span></div>
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Mothers are special.</div>
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I think we would all agree with that statement. Many of us understand just how great and important our mothers are every day, not just on Mother's Day. Many a mother's greatness is evident to all daily. I think it's also important to recognize that mothers and grandmothers lost their lives in the past years and because of that this weekend can be a very difficult time for a lot of people. There are also children out there that didn't have a good relationship with their mother or don't know who their mother is. That is equally painful. </div>
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Days of recognition, such as Mother's Day, can be special, but they also can be a reminder of deep pain. </div>
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So with that, I wanted to honor the "mothers" in my life. To my 1st mother-in-law, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Karen</i></span>, thank you for being so good to Logan & Austin all these years, they're special men partly because of you, and thank you for treating me like a son the past 27 years. I always didn't deserve your love, and prayers, but you gave them to me anyway. Thank you. To my first wife, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Tracy</i></span>, thank you for raising our children to have a faith in God when I was incapable of doing so myself because My needs trumped everyone else's needs. I believed in God, but I didn't live a life that represented God's transformative power, thank you for showing the way daily to our children. I also want to thank you for always putting them first and never speaking poorly to them concerning me. I can never repay you for those two acts you've spent a lifetime displaying.</div>
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To my second mother-in-law,<span style="color: #660000;"><i> BT</i></span>, though you are no longer with us, thank you for making your life about your children, their spouses, and your grandchildren. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself or behaved in a way that wouldn't merit confidence from anyone. To my second wife, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Debi</i></span>, thank you for making Bryce's future a priority "today". I could never have afforded to send our son to Columbus Academy for the past 12 years, but because of your sacrifice our son has a significant chance to experience some truly wonderful things in the future. Bryce is exceptional. Thank you for sacrificing your present for his future. </div>
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To<span style="color: #660000;"><i> Kelly</i></span>, the mother of my precious Addison, thank you for always protecting and championing the relationship between me and our son. I appreciate it more than you know. I also want to thank you for giving him such great athletic genes. I know, I know I'm shocked too that I just said that. It was extremely difficult for me to type those words. A special thanks should be given to your Dad for Addison's athletic ability too, and to your mother for always giving me the benefit of the doubt. :) </div>
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Next, to my current mother-in-law, <i><span style="color: #660000;">Terry</span></i>, and the one I will be spending the rest of my life being her forever indebted son-in-law. I can't thank you enough for all the sacrifice and countless acts of kindness and love you have showered upon my family. Thank you of not holding my past against me. I realize that I'm not a mother-in-laws dream based on my track record. I could go on forever about all that you have done for us, for me, but it is the daughter you raised that I'm most thankful for. You raised a wonderful daughter that has made all the difference in my life. Thank you. </div>
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And then there was two. </div>
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First, my wife, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Ronnie</i></span>. Thank you for allowing God to use you in saving my life. From the the first time we met you showed concern for me. I still remember the first words you ever said to me; "you look so sad." To this day I still don't know whats more amazing, the fact that you were correct in your observation or that you cared enough to share with me your concern. Either way, I will never forget that moment. Thank you for loving our wonderful children, Ryan & Reese, and my children, with the same passion and compassion; care and consistency. You will never know how many times I lay my head on my pillow at night with tears in my eyes, and peace in my heart, because of who you are. Thank you for everything. I have no desire to live life without you… ever. </div>
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And then there is my <span style="color: #660000;"><i>mother</i></span>, the spiritual patriarch of our family. Because of you there will be generation(s) of believers in God that will have the last name Bailey. Thank you for living out your faith in deed more than in word. Proverbs 31: 30 states; "...a women who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." Thank you Mom for always putting our family second only to your devotion and faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you, thank you very much. I love you and I praise you.<br />
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Truth be told every encounter with each of these women has {not} been great. I'm sure your not just now figuring that out. I've hurt each one of these women more than {they} deserve and I have been forgiven more than {I} deserve. For that I'm grateful and humbled. It is difficult for me to forgive myself for my many examples of poor behavior.</div>
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Finally, God said that it was not good for man to be alone. God understood man's need, and because of this He made a companion that would "help" him. And though Eve was to be Adam's companion in a husband/wife relationship, I believe that Eve represents the true character of every women. A {nature} that, when accepted and expressed correctly, thinks of others before it thinks of it self. It is the women's God-given nature that is the one quality that separates women from everything and everyone on this earth. At the end of the day, {Women} have the ability to do more than make a difference. </div>
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They are the difference.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">sbb 12.5.13</i><br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album//id18063534"><i style="font-weight: normal;">Thinking of You . Lenny Kravitz</i></a><br />
<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC5HxzQ-tI4">youtube </a></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLz2MKdFZuzoiashucZE9EVIDaYKLMM08wyzjXcWUmf83VGoppOD-aL9WhFRHOSKjkDMYqqtxVdKPj9WLO0fYIx2NKMWzbIY0eDRiTcHcTeGPNQzHPAE1244e8dO_NR8UGQRE4P7XwZfA/s1600/l5kravitz34144231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLz2MKdFZuzoiashucZE9EVIDaYKLMM08wyzjXcWUmf83VGoppOD-aL9WhFRHOSKjkDMYqqtxVdKPj9WLO0fYIx2NKMWzbIY0eDRiTcHcTeGPNQzHPAE1244e8dO_NR8UGQRE4P7XwZfA/s320/l5kravitz34144231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-72237645215427787152013-05-03T13:35:00.002-04:002013-05-06T09:38:20.768-04:00Culture War: Tebow & Collins<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Celebrate</i></span>: <span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">praise</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">widely</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">present</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">widespread</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">favorable</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">public</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">notice,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">through</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">newspapers</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">novels:</span> </span><i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">novel</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">celebrating</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">joys</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> </span>marriage<span id="hotword">; <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">countryside</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">celebrated</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">novels</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Hardy.</span> </span></span> </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqvAFxdN2gY6LlAjnfwNJ1m2lul9MV-7fXuFv5YuX4pzNvQuFB3z68DPHwrsYUT6R0_nV6OKLgmKS4V5Et-DsOM2PLfuJu1TnL3PAW_8qEfPQ4pUSqL6cOnmg3tA0lW9t0k_AoalcgD3s/s1600/EC_130501_stantis620x413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqvAFxdN2gY6LlAjnfwNJ1m2lul9MV-7fXuFv5YuX4pzNvQuFB3z68DPHwrsYUT6R0_nV6OKLgmKS4V5Et-DsOM2PLfuJu1TnL3PAW_8qEfPQ4pUSqL6cOnmg3tA0lW9t0k_AoalcgD3s/s400/EC_130501_stantis620x413.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>"Culture War"</b></div>
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<span class="userContent" style="font-size: small;">Yesterday I posted a comment on Facebook that generated meaningful dialogue and contrasting point of views. My post shared a picture and posed this question?:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="userContent">"I wonder why {he} is not celebrated for his courage? Not trying to be smart or cute. Just a thought..."</span></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Tim Tebow was released from the New York Jets today. </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Here is Tim's response:</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"> <span class="userContent"><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Proverbs 3:5-6 states: <i>"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own
understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which
path to take."</i></span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span></i></b></span></span> </span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: small;">Now</span> before I go any further this piece is going to be somewhat brief and will be void of any attempt to make a case for or against homosexuality <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(</i></span></span></span><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="userContent">if you care to read my views on that topic please read my piece entitled: "<a href="http://mybabyr0c.blogspot.com/2013/04/choice-right-power-or-opportunity-to.html">I'm Gay</a>")</span></i></span></span>. I'm also not here to marginalize Jason Collins or champion Tim Tebow. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">What I want to discuss is why there is such a different standard on how our media chooses to cover different topics and personalities within our culture? Why are some people marginalized because of what they believe and others are viewed as heroes, and are celebrated? This piece is less about sexual preference or christian belief, and more about what our culture, and media, choose to encourage and applaud.</span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="userContent">With that being said, I realize that both of those topics have everything to do with how stories are reported and why certain agendas are supported within our society, and our country's media, while others are not.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5sdM0Sq-NhELxOe8iOYTX_DtVyhrcomF1fGWkqQcJ9C_uJ3-yQxy4nbRT_OgLkZPZhcdQ9ysP9OC6Te_Yv3pN5EVq21c3xx1vb8dJdDGbSQxIhEw3mP0j6aCE91Fy2k7b8p05LWrTmsd/s1600/collins940951_10151372005946006_1594453286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5sdM0Sq-NhELxOe8iOYTX_DtVyhrcomF1fGWkqQcJ9C_uJ3-yQxy4nbRT_OgLkZPZhcdQ9ysP9OC6Te_Yv3pN5EVq21c3xx1vb8dJdDGbSQxIhEw3mP0j6aCE91Fy2k7b8p05LWrTmsd/s400/collins940951_10151372005946006_1594453286_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jason Collins</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Let's
face it, if it was only about sports {football & basketball} you would never here their names. Since leaving Florida<a href="http://www.nfl.com/player/timtebow/497135/careerstats"> Tebow </a>has been a "BELOW ADEQUATE" NFL QB, that has been highlighted, and ridiculed, more for his christian beliefs than his play, which for the most part has been poor. <a href="http://www.nba.us/playerfile/jason_collins/career_stats.html">Jason Collins,</a> on the other hand, has been a journeymen for 12 years in the NBA that has been foul prone and limited offensively during his career. He averaged 3.6 ppg <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>{2,596 points} </i></span>and 2.8 fouls <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>{2,026 fouls}</i></span> per game over his career. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="playerStatTable careerAvg"></table>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">At the end of
the day, everyone who is remotely familiar with me knows how much I respect, appreciate, and admire Tim Tebow. On the flip side I have along admired Collins, and his twin brother, Jarron, for being standout student(s) that have excelled in the classroom at<a href="http://www.hw.com/"> Harvard-Westlake School</a> and<a href="http://www.stanford.edu/"> Stanford</a>, as well as, on the hardwood. It has been a dream of mine for many years now to have a child go to an Ivy League institution, a military academy and Notre Dame or Stanford. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I have a lot of kids so I'm able to have this dream. Read the "<a href="http://mybabyr0c.blogspot.com/2011/03/black-brady-bunch.html">The Black Brady Bunch</a>" and you will see what I'm talking about.</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I apologize for getting off point and becoming distracted. With as many kids that I have it can become extremely difficult to remain focused in even the smallest of things. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU_ItqGd4iybb2-PZf5u8JW1YxV388B53cllnq-lUCbnAmrwKwg0mQLxl9adzLsfqvsjEfUx1N9Y8iDNLdDHHCSFSGQ6R8XzgroII2hO9lG8AUMTm2Y42HqqjcRdrCH9hrc_rRJa_zxkc/s1600/media4557812025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU_ItqGd4iybb2-PZf5u8JW1YxV388B53cllnq-lUCbnAmrwKwg0mQLxl9adzLsfqvsjEfUx1N9Y8iDNLdDHHCSFSGQ6R8XzgroII2hO9lG8AUMTm2Y42HqqjcRdrCH9hrc_rRJa_zxkc/s400/media4557812025.jpg" width="400" /></a><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">When reviewing the mainstream media's coverage of Tebow and Collins it's a tale of two different stories with the same agenda. The reporting on both athletes is less about sport and more about the dismissal of christian belief and the support of homosexuality. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Should we be surprised?</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I would reply, no. We are just following the path of a secular society.</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I think most Americans would agree that as we've become more "progressive" as a nation, and in doing so we've become a more secularized society. A secular society as <a href="http://www.osguinness.com/">Os Guinness </a>defines is a society where religious ideas, institutions and interpretations lose their social significance. In another words, if you {have} to claim to be a religious person with </span></span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">strong religious beliefs and values, you are to do so </span></span></span></span></span></span>within a secular society quietly, and to keep those beliefs out any discussions surrounding our social institutions, and public policy and debate.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">To be a christian today in our society we are directly and indirectly, openly and subliminally ask to keep our beliefs to ourselves. We are ask to be humans with a chest but no heart; a people with a brain, but no thought or opinion.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><b>When Tebow shares his faith people are annoyed. When Collins shares with us his sexual preference he is lionized and celebrated. </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I find it interesting that as a society, framed by a majority of media outlets across this country, no other group is ask to keep their beliefs and opinions to themselves like the christian believers are.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljLXmrbxWp-e5EnrI8Xarz7VTdldDpYrcnRV2BOtTLLJboxbwj4rDlzydACIHLnJ5HWlnKhDvpSGy1tlTovVgBTQNsCDPiYkgItATzmNsNPS_tVsrNY1rZOvi5bmPIvS2FeyD6YtqGNN/s1600/tebow-16_9_r722_c720x405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljLXmrbxWp-e5EnrI8Xarz7VTdldDpYrcnRV2BOtTLLJboxbwj4rDlzydACIHLnJ5HWlnKhDvpSGy1tlTovVgBTQNsCDPiYkgItATzmNsNPS_tVsrNY1rZOvi5bmPIvS2FeyD6YtqGNN/s400/tebow-16_9_r722_c720x405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>USA Today: 5.2.13 (pg 9.) (Toon Talk) </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> How many "negative" characterizations or depictions of Jason Collins, or any gay person </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span style="font-size: x-small;">for that matter, have you seen in mainstream media?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">What if the media, and Hollywood, treated the "Gay Community" in the same manner as the christian community is treated. Below are the words of Peter Roff for US News & World Report:</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">It's a study in contrasts. The fellow who represents what everyone
seems to think is the cultural orthodoxy – Tebow – is practically
chased off the field in a flurry of social media cat calls while
Collins, who represents the outcasts and the unacceptable, gets the
call from the president.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"> Considering all that, it seems there's a little bit of cultural
dishonesty being perpetrated on the American public by the New
York-to-Washington mediaplex and the folks out in Hollywood. To hear
them tell it, the country still perceives open homosexuals in the ways
it did before Stonewall while Christians carry the day as they did in
the days of Cotton Mather. And that's just not the case. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Look at the programs on broadcast television and basic cable, as my
friend Janine Turner – formerly of "Friday Night Lights" and "Northern
Exposure" and who now hosts a daily radio program on KPRC 950AM out
of Houston if you use iHeartRadio – has suggested on more than one
occasion. There are more homosexual characters appearing regularly on
television right now than those who hold openly conservative or
Christian political views. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">More often than not, those who are the
conservatives or the Christians – if they appear at all – are the butt
of the joke in the comedy, the killer in the cop show, or the
malefactors of environmental evil in the crusading lawyer dramas. This
is not to suggest that there ought to be quotas or anything of the
sort; it's just evidence that gays increasingly get cultural acceptance
while conservatives and Christians are treated like invaders from
another planet.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I also like this tweet f<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ro</span>m </span>@sportsfanatic62 <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">that appeared in the USA Today yesterday:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">"brave and courageous, the bible says his choice is sinful, but it says same about divorce. Lets not be hypocrite."</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Well said.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I think it is important to note that I don't think being a martyr for the christian faith is the way to go. Our world has enough martyrs. Being a martyr is something I'm not interested in.</span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"> </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Again, my point is very simple: Tebow, or anyone for that
matter, should not be celebrated for sharing their views on who they
believe they are in Christ. Their personal relationship with Jesus
Christ need not be trumpeted throughout the media, but why is it so easy
for so many to look at him with a negative eye because of it?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmHIMCCkzOdB6lnEtCE-kn8u_TOm9W86MuYz0YfBNy1lB4jkRZKsXXeParK11d3bZ0sdc5pbJBlbz51ciuBrfMG8wJl3D4GTPWFtX8TUc-NSjhMC_dXueF05v7RZVyAtbSUktv_SaOiLS/s1600/Original-AS-Model.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmHIMCCkzOdB6lnEtCE-kn8u_TOm9W86MuYz0YfBNy1lB4jkRZKsXXeParK11d3bZ0sdc5pbJBlbz51ciuBrfMG8wJl3D4GTPWFtX8TUc-NSjhMC_dXueF05v7RZVyAtbSUktv_SaOiLS/s320/Original-AS-Model.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Reality vs Agenda </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Tebow is a very poor NFL
QB, that is without question, but so was Troy Smith, who also won a Heisman in college like Tebow. You here very little about Troy Smith... even in Columbus, Oh. Then there is JaMarcus Russell,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"> the first overall pick of the Oakland Raiders in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NFL_Draft" title="2007 NFL Draft">2007 NFL Draft</a>. The Raiders signed Russell to a contract worth $61 million with $32 million guaranteed. Russell played three seasons with the Raiders, compiling 7–18 record as a starter. Due to his inconsistent play the Raiders released him on May 6, 2010. Russell was later arrested on drug charges. How much has the mainstream media covered Russell with an irritating glance? Do you here about him? No you do not. The reason you don't is because both athletes are not out spoken Christians that pray on the sideline. But Jason Collins shares with
the public his sexual preference that fits the agenda of the media, which he is free to choose and do so, and he is
celebrated.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Ask yourself; how would Tim Tebow be viewed by the media if
he was pro-choice and he happened to be gay? The narrative surrounding
that young man from a media standpoint would be completely different. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636813}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636898}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">He
would be a cultural hero then.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">In closing,</span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"> when I posted my remarks on Facebook I
was implying that Tebow is often looked at and reported by the media with a {rolling} eye for
being a upfront and vocal Christian. He believes what he believes, but
when others take a stand for what they believe they are a cultural hero
that are to be celebrated. As I mentioned before, I have nothing against Jason Collins, and I'm more than convinced that he wouldn't care if I did. I will say again; I like
and admire him very much.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">But why the difference in the "reported" appeal and the support of a belief? </span></span></span></b><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">At the end of the day, I think it's important to encourage honesty,
truth and courage, but I think it is equally important to be careful
what we celebrate as a society. What we have chosen to do as a society is to celebrate the one and only {god} we care about: our-self. We have relegated unto our self the authority to redefine marriage and to decide if another human being should live or die. Our beliefs have become centered around what is truth to the individual. We are playing {god}.</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">God didn't intend it to be this way. </span></span></span></b><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">We have went to great lengths as a society to desacralize the sacred. Marriage, sex and human life were created by God for good, not for selfish pursuit and vulgarity. God's plan was to celebrate the sacredness of those institutions within the framework of his commandments that we're placed there to protect us, not to harm us. But what we as a society have chosen to do is to do what we think is best, all the while, doing so with the agenda of putting to death accountability and eliminating any absolute truths. The only absolute truth that stands today is that there are {no} absolute truths at all. </span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">When a secular society begins to eliminate the truths of God, and begins to become gods unto themselves the end result is a country that places it's foundation on the elimination of accountability, shame and guilt. Just observe how teens and adults alike share very private information and images online without concern or shame. Scary. To many it is not.</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">God placed those legitimate qualities of shame, guilt and accountability within us to protect us from ourselves. I believe He knew what He was doing in doing so. </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Think for a minute if we chose to drive our cars in the same fashion society has decided to redefine truth, and that truth is only what is truth to the individual. Imagine drivers deciding to no longer abide by the traffic lights, traffic signs, and painted lines on the road. Picture in your mind cars going where they want to go without the framework of laws and absolute truths preventing them from going where they want to go with little, or no regard, for the consequences of their actions?</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">The picture I have in my mind is chaos. And that is exactly what we have in our country today; chaos</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">There is a reason we don't allow drivers to drink and drive. It's because drunk drivers are impaired drivers that are of danger to everyone they might come in contact with. As a country we're driving drunk, and the drink of choice is a combination self importance, selfish desire, and Godless thinking.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">And what we have created and developed is a very unsafe environment for everyone involved to live, an enviroment that is littered with media supported cultural wars, the eradication of accountability, shame and guilt, and an eye pointed towards a Godless country.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">What we truly have is chaos. Do yourself a favor and tighten up on your world history, and see what comes after chaos?</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Let me help you little bit; it's not pretty.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">sbb 3.5.13</span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2090 </span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/thats-the-way-of-the-world/id523525284"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That's The Way of the World . Earth, Wind & Fire</span></span></i></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R2RsP43rmg">youtube</a> </span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxklLiNCNdk">youtube bonus clip... wow </a></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5636679}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImQOIjr_LcMylskkmCAjz2cNDfFuVJV-R1FGXIISxAucEeLGNdhXOeliViQX6UY7IAIDwsf5uRglO7vaGIJeQOeIdenS8Z2RXykLhw_77UGZOa-dGkfISpIW0Y__uuclxASHMuNV_1lgR/s1600/Earth,+Wind+&+Fire+-+That%27s+The+Way+Of+The+World+-+1975+-+Cover+Front+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImQOIjr_LcMylskkmCAjz2cNDfFuVJV-R1FGXIISxAucEeLGNdhXOeliViQX6UY7IAIDwsf5uRglO7vaGIJeQOeIdenS8Z2RXykLhw_77UGZOa-dGkfISpIW0Y__uuclxASHMuNV_1lgR/s320/Earth,+Wind+&+Fire+-+That%27s+The+Way+Of+The+World+-+1975+-+Cover+Front+II.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5638305}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5638305}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5638305}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"></span></span></span><br />
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<span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5637088}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[1].[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5637088}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[1].[0].[0][0]"></span><a class="uiLinkSubtle" data-ft="{"tn":"N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.bailey.121/posts/10200997790817386?comment_id=5637088&offset=0&total_comments=14" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5637088}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[1].[0].[0][1]"><abbr class="livetimestamp" data-utime="1367507121" id=".reactRoot[7].[1][4][1]{comment10200997790817386_5637088}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[1].[0].[0][1].0" title="Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 11:05am"><br /></abbr></a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-18896182815207192582013-04-29T10:16:00.001-04:002013-05-01T22:58:11.318-04:00The Hurt and the Healer<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Collide:</span></i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">strike</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">one</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">another</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">one</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">against</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">other</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">forceful</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">impact;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">come</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">into</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">violent</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">contact;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">crash:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword">The</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">two</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">cars</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">collided</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">ear-splitting</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">crash.</span></i> </span></span> <br />
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<span id="hotword"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Below is a letter I received from a High School classmate almost 30 years after we graduated. The letter is true. The letter is sincere and heartfelt. The letter is difficult to read and it is encouraging. Letters like this is why I write. I truly have to give all of the acknowledgment and praise to God. Friend, and you know who you are, thank you for sharing. I'm a better person for knowing you. Shawn </span></i></span></span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6URZJg7Dq0mZ4QF2jtmVcf4l2S2ulfCiXMmVKC1bkB0E7Ocijayz11voBsL1NzYm7Oq5UgvPe-WmFFBxJktp6tIvXzmGnevywqtL1QGxW1YgMl12NBXR9T9wYKHp57xGAWW8_p8cT_UsC/s1600/Serendipity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6URZJg7Dq0mZ4QF2jtmVcf4l2S2ulfCiXMmVKC1bkB0E7Ocijayz11voBsL1NzYm7Oq5UgvPe-WmFFBxJktp6tIvXzmGnevywqtL1QGxW1YgMl12NBXR9T9wYKHp57xGAWW8_p8cT_UsC/s400/Serendipity.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Sometimes it is very difficult to see the incredible beauty while enduring crippling pain.</span></i></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who would know my first thoughts of attending church would originate from a 5 year old little boy; “Mommy, why don’t we go to church”?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />With a few conversations with him on this matter I set out to find a “church". I myself knew nothing of church, religion, God, Christianity and WOW all the choices---- <i>Lutheran, Catholic, Pentecostal, Methodist, Denominational, Non Denominational</i> . I wanted to go to “Church”. Why so many choices ? What if I make the wrong choice ? So this started my search…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I eventually moved to Groveport, Oh, worked at a market, and met many awesome people along the way. One day I was invited to church….. Madison Christian! Years went by, I attended regularly and grew to love, and find understanding in something I had never known before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Faith, Prayers, Worship. WOW! I grew to want to know more. I was growing, learning loving GOD!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />All the while living and raising kids, working … life was chaotic but I had a faith and God was good. I could conquer anything or so I thought. My children attended church with me. Some days were easy, some weren’t, but that’s life. I had a newly founded love like never before and I was so eager to learn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I had the music playing, the books, a Bible, the bumper sticker…</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I had that feeling of “Protection” an umbrella of God over my family and of everything in this world I could give my children “faith”, Prayer, Hope, a relationship with God! Although it wasn’t easy, I was happy; content. I felt as long as my family was growing toward God what more could a woman ask for?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />Then one day my protection did a major flip flop on me.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>Now there are many sessions of life, good and bad, that I am leaving out, but that 5 year old little boy at 16 decided to take his life. My world stopped I became numb, people talked … I couldn’t hear. I just wanted to wake up from the misery of a bad dream that was about to define my whole existence.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well long story short. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That bad dream has since taken 12 years of “me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />No one saw inside of me because eventually I could fake everything. Smile, Happy, Bubbly, full of life, but inside I was distraught, disappointed; I failed. I failed at religion and raising my children.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>God? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why would God cause me such pain, why was he punishing me? I had so many emotional hang ups to distant me from God. I didn’t want to believe in God! This wonderful comfort that I found I thought I was giving something so special to my family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>Life for me, the plan, the future, it was done.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />God, through the years would reach out and say; “ I am here, let me comfort you, let me ease your pain." I refused. I knew too well that comfort also brought a great deal of pain and I didn’t want more pain. I don’t know why things happen, there’s still so many unanswered questions, but I learned during those 12 years without Gods comfort, my doing it alone … Pushing God away. I didn’t want to accept that “My God” would do this to me and if I accept this then I can’t hate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I will have to let go and I didn’t want to let go. I wanted to hold on. I wanted to hold on to my anger. My anger was my therapy; my strength.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Then one day out of nowhere a person casually asked me; “Why do you fake your happiness ?” “Why are you so angry with God”? My answer: I am not angry at God. I don’t even know if I believe in God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />That person challenged me: the words he said to me, and what I heard, were not the same. But that day my <i>son died</i>, on the way to him I felt Gods presence saying; "It’s okay I am with you!” I remember that moment. God reaching to comfort me, through the years I read it wrong. For me that reaching out to hold me meant another tragedy was about to take place and honestly his comfort scared me. I felt him when my son enlisted in the Marines and went to Afghanistan, and I remember thinking if I accept this I will lose another child. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>So I pushed him away again.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />So the moment this new person challenged me I heard God again. He screamed so loud at me. He said: Haven’t you punished yourself long enough Why won’t you accept my love? Why don’t you come home? Where you belong. I yelled back, I cried, begged for understanding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />All I know is for 12 years I denied God. I didn’t want to love him. I couldn’t forgive and I couldn’t admit that I felt this way because deep down I knew it was wrong. I just didn’t know how to accept it all. So I denied, I hid behind my walls and kept it for me only.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>Sometimes things happen.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bad things, horrible things. God promises to be there with us along the way. He can’t promise we won’t struggle or lose people along our journey of life. But he does promise to be there for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If we choose to allow him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />For whatever reason–--- <i>the day I finally prayed and cried and begged God to forgive me for pushing him away</i>---- It was like a boulder had been lifted from my shoulders. I am not faking my smile anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I went through my sons belongings 12 years later and threw them away. I have allowed God back into my life. I hear him saying; “I am so glad you are here.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I would rather have one day with God then 12 years without him.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />It’s ironic to think that the one reason I found a relationship with God was the same reason I denied it and suffered; putting my healing on halt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>God knew I would need him.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If I wouldn’t have had those years of hope, then the years of denying I wouldn’t have anything to compare it to when I heard God again. I remembered the feeling of his love and I remembered the feelings when I denied him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />So the question now that has been presented to me is: "Do I believe?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I more than believe. I know! I feel, I see, I hear. I listen! I have allowed myself to heal though Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>I am ready to live, learn and love again.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />He can move mountains. All I can think of for me is the song by MercyMe. This is MY story of when “<i>The Hurt and the Healer</i>" meet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>It is truly awesome when they</b> <span style="color: #274e13;"><i>collide.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/07/why-does-god-allow-tragedy-and-suffering/">Why Does God Allow Tragedy & Suffering? -Lee Strobel</a></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>"a letter" </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>1224</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>February 2, 2013</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-hurt-the-healer/id527205212"> The Hurt and The healer . MercyMe</a></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xzaivDbu9c">youtube </a></i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxQAMIGeCymvI9GPVhvoAn8zRUIkdTllEHGAdclD_paiQ11kj_PDZIKlvgtaOVUyiUDdMxAhBDXc9zAo9264RT0_IghVoKDczysBUlbHuE9Xt7orOGuwgqfOa4xbjfYRQkuajHSENH26Y/s1600/mercytumblr_m9oyfwV8mV1qbbzuqo1_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxQAMIGeCymvI9GPVhvoAn8zRUIkdTllEHGAdclD_paiQ11kj_PDZIKlvgtaOVUyiUDdMxAhBDXc9zAo9264RT0_IghVoKDczysBUlbHuE9Xt7orOGuwgqfOa4xbjfYRQkuajHSENH26Y/s320/mercytumblr_m9oyfwV8mV1qbbzuqo1_cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i> </i></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660090413137960848.post-78370992426026001012013-04-25T07:49:00.000-04:002013-05-05T08:29:49.684-04:00"I Mart"<div class="dndata">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Wisdom: </span>the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">quality</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">being</span> </span>wise<span id="hotword">; <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">knowledge</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">what</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">true</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">right</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">coupled</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">just</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">judgment</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">action;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">sagacity,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">discernment,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> </span>insight<span id="hotword">. </span></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnphVcTdkGx7q-qrEAdNqipI8fwvGaSj-iPPFBeDxIb8Rp9hm6jCXxPYJmpOq-ODCgIkIOk3gwfKoOdjpTqGqNglkfMZONhM5Z-f5zSB8dmL5NNFhRfm_5cmuTTQJlbH8HMMIpeAFVghnz/s1600/SMARTspfe_1950-51_grades_1-2_classroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnphVcTdkGx7q-qrEAdNqipI8fwvGaSj-iPPFBeDxIb8Rp9hm6jCXxPYJmpOq-ODCgIkIOk3gwfKoOdjpTqGqNglkfMZONhM5Z-f5zSB8dmL5NNFhRfm_5cmuTTQJlbH8HMMIpeAFVghnz/s400/SMARTspfe_1950-51_grades_1-2_classroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>St. Paul - First English Lutheran School</b><br />
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New Orleans, Louisiana (1950)</b></span> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword">..............................</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text 2Chr-1-9" id="en-GNT-10646"><sup class="versenum"> "</sup>O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God, fulfill the promise you made to my father. You have made me king
over a people who are so many that they cannot be counted, </span> <span class="text 2Chr-1-10" id="en-GNT-10647"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>so
give me the wisdom and knowledge I need to rule over them. Otherwise,
how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?”</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text 2Chr-1-10" id="en-GNT-10647">-2 Chronicles 1:9-10</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword"><span class="text 2Chr-1-10" id="en-GNT-10647"> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span class="text 2Chr-1-10" id="en-GNT-10647">............................... </span> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="hotword"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Truth
be told I'm not that smart.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I know, I know… shocker! I realize that
it's boring to state the obvious, but I had to
divulge this truth and put to sleep the long running "rumor" surrounding
my intelligence . Let me share three examples how fragile and flimsy my
intellect can be. <br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #660000;"><i>Example number one:</i></span> </b>when I was on my first honeymoon, yes I said first, you haven't lived u<span class="text_exposed_show">ntil
you've experienced more than one. Trust me on all of this. Anyway, it
was during my first honeymoon in 1986 when I was listening to a news
account of Imelda Marcos and her failure to obtain a visa. I suspect you
know where I'm going with this. I remember saying to my wife: why can't
Marcos get a visa? We have one and we don't even have any money; she's rich!
" My wife said; "she is trying to get in the country not buy a new
wardrobe." Oh, but they get better! <br /> <span style="color: #660000;"><i><br /> <b>Example number two: </b></i></span>While I
was a
pharmaceutical rep in Jupiter, Fla. in the late 80's there was one
doctor's office that really didn't care for me. I know, again, shocker.
Anyway, this one cardiology office in Jupiter, where one of the nurses, a
nurse that wasn't pleasant and really didn't care for sales reps, made
me her number one target. I tried as much as I could to pour on the
charm believing that I would soon win her over. Well, that didn't
happen.
Actually, the complete opposite happened. One morning when I stopped by
their office, to a completely packed waiting room I might add, I tried
to make small talk. I would like to take this moment and encourage as
many people as I can not to try to make conversation unless you're very
talented at doing so. Making small talk is an art, not a science. With
that being said, as I began to open my mouth after noticing the
unpleasant nurse putting away files something told me to just shut-up. I
heard this tiny voice before, and I heard it more than a few times in
the span of 15 seconds of standing there. As fate would have it, I
didn't heed the protective advice of my internal nudging and I
proceeded to ask the nurse when she was due? Oh yea, you see the picture
I'm painting. Like I said; small talk is an art, not a science. As I'm
sure you've surmised by now she wasn't pregnant. She wasn't even over
weight. It was just the way she was standing. As I looked at her from a
side view, with her nursing scrubs on, her top was billowing out like
she was
trying to hide a small balloon. The ensuing look that was directed my
way still resides deep within my memory bank to this day. She growled
her response at me like serial killer: "I'm not pregnant," she said. As I
tried to explain my self it only got worse. At this point I was
sweating like a prostitute in church. As I turned away from the glare of
the office staff I noticed the completely full waiting room looking at
me like I was trying to peddle pro-Nazi material in Israel. Needless to
say, it wasn't pretty. I never went back to the office again. <br /> <br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>Example number three:</b></i></span> Upon graduation from Wittenberg, "Magna Cum
LUCKY" as my Mom likes to say, I decided that I wanted to read many of
the classics that I was "supposed" to read while in college as an
English major. The first book I began with was "Crime and Punishment" by
Fyodor Dostoevsky. And it was while I was reading this book in bed one
night that I realized three sentences into the book that I was
completely over my head. The sentence reads like this; "His garret was
under the roof of a high, five-storied house and was more like a
cupboard than a room." As I read that sentence I ask my wife; what is a
"cup" - "board?" Yes, you read it right. I said the word cup, as in a
"cup" of coffee, and the word board, as in "backboard." My wife looked
at me with astonishment and said; "it is cupboard you moron, there are a
bunch of them out in the kitchen." At that point I didn't know what was
more embarrassing: the fact that I could be a 22 yrs old college
graduate (English major mind you) and not know how to pronounce cupboard
or the fact I spent a lifetime opening and closing them in my parents
kitchen and I didn't know how to spell cupboard. Even today, anytime I
see that word in print I immediately go back to that fateful night in
West Palm Beach in 1988 when I had to ask what a "cup-board" was. I've
yet to attempt reading "Crime & Punishment" since. <br /> <br /> I could
go on and share more, like the time in my junior year at Wittenberg I
took my "cliff notes" pamphlet for Don Quixote to class and sat in the
front row for a literature lecture on said book. I can still see the
disbelief on my professor's face. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">It was classic. </span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">The truth of the
matter now is that I read everything from the Wall St Journal to the
"classics"; "1776" to Malcolm Gladwell's book; "Outliers", and though my
knowledge and intellect can be invaluably increased by engaging in this
practice, and passion, it can never make me wise. Only God can provide
me with wisdom. Only He can provide the type of wisdom that can sustain you in
the "joys" and the "pains" of life. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">I've often said; "knowledge is
knowing the right thing, but wisdom is doing the right thing." </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">It's one thing to be "mart", but it's an entirely different thing to be wise. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">sbb 25.4.13</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">1065</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/its-better-to-travel/id344300"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Twilight World . Swing Out Sister</span></span></span></i></a></div>
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