Last week the Pastor and adminstrative board of the church I am a member of were discussing the idea of putting up a new website. One member of the board took on the assignment to look into it. He came up with a precious idea, at least, that's how I interpreted it.
Well, it seems that what I thought was the 'new' website design was actually an idea for the Pastor's Sunday sermon entitled, "It's a Wonderful Life". The Pastor had watched the Jimmy Stewart classic and was quite inspired to preach his Sunday morning message from it. Albeit, the Pastor brought into his sermon Job, King David, Solomon, and all of us sitting in the congregation... go figure, it was a brilliant message, a classic in itself.
Just as in the movie, he charged us to think on how things would possibly be had each of us never been born. He challenged the entire congregation to consider that our individual lives have impacted the lives of those around us. Needless to say, it was quite thought provoking. It makes one wonder what type of impact one might be having.
Wouldn't it be something if God gave us a glimpse into our "what if's"? The Pastor provoked us to think further in asking us this question, "What if Christ had never been born?"
While sitting there it occurred to me that the Apostle Paul in answering a similar query put it something like this, We above all men (mankind), would be most miserable. I Cor.15:12-19
This holiday season, remember, that Jesus is, always has been, and always will be the reason for the season.
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and have a "Wonderful Life".
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Cold Rush
It's the 3rd of December and there is no snow covering the ground. While that may not be a suprise to some folks, where I come from the cold season is like taking Forrest Gump at face value... "cuz, you never know what you're gonna get". Well, let me put it another way, one of our weathermen goes by the infamous name of "Blizzard Bill".
Looking out of the window of my workplace, the sky is gray and overcast because beyond those clouds, winter's first snowfall is waiting. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't like seeing the pristine scenery of virgin snow everywhere. I think I'd rather just see it from somewhere around the equator.
I lived in London for a few years and liked it a lot. Rarely did it ever snow and there were only a couple of days during winter when there was a bit of ice on the sidewalks. Somewhere there was always green grass to be found and flowers without fragrance adorning an English garden or balcony. Heck, there were even green pastures with fat woolly sheep loitering around during the winter months and you could walk across the pastures through the gates of wooden fences designed so as to allow one to walk throughout the countryside without the feel of trespassing on private properties.
It was different and nice, but, nearly always, always damp and chilly with hovering gray skies. In fact, it was like this most of the year, cold, wet, fog-smoggy, and lots of rain laced with seasonal blustery winds. You kind of get used to it.
But, coming back to the States, I found that winter months in the northwest Ohio valley can be particularly harsh, if you're not a winter person. Across that valley you get hit with the rush of freezing winds and lake-effect snows that leave a blanket of snow covered icy sidewalks, streets, telephone wires and trees. At times the snow drifts peak at 3 to 4 feet at your front door and spills over into your boots onto your ankles as you step across the threshold.
Then, there is the occasional Alberta Clipper, that comes from the north and rips down through the valley, rapidly streaking over the lake, tearing across the river to seal the previous covering of ice and snow with higher snow drifts and a much thicker ice-encrusted encasement that turns into a a surface of mirrored-glass as the bright winter sun peaks through the retreating morning clouds. It can be striking and beautiful, but, oh so cold and seems never to truly thaw until late spring.
At this moment, the Mamas and the Papas have filtered into my thoughts serenading me with a stanza and chorus of "California Dreamin' ", bringing a real smile to my face and a memory that warms my heart.
Looking out of the window of my workplace, the sky is gray and overcast because beyond those clouds, winter's first snowfall is waiting. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't like seeing the pristine scenery of virgin snow everywhere. I think I'd rather just see it from somewhere around the equator.
I lived in London for a few years and liked it a lot. Rarely did it ever snow and there were only a couple of days during winter when there was a bit of ice on the sidewalks. Somewhere there was always green grass to be found and flowers without fragrance adorning an English garden or balcony. Heck, there were even green pastures with fat woolly sheep loitering around during the winter months and you could walk across the pastures through the gates of wooden fences designed so as to allow one to walk throughout the countryside without the feel of trespassing on private properties.
It was different and nice, but, nearly always, always damp and chilly with hovering gray skies. In fact, it was like this most of the year, cold, wet, fog-smoggy, and lots of rain laced with seasonal blustery winds. You kind of get used to it.
But, coming back to the States, I found that winter months in the northwest Ohio valley can be particularly harsh, if you're not a winter person. Across that valley you get hit with the rush of freezing winds and lake-effect snows that leave a blanket of snow covered icy sidewalks, streets, telephone wires and trees. At times the snow drifts peak at 3 to 4 feet at your front door and spills over into your boots onto your ankles as you step across the threshold.
Then, there is the occasional Alberta Clipper, that comes from the north and rips down through the valley, rapidly streaking over the lake, tearing across the river to seal the previous covering of ice and snow with higher snow drifts and a much thicker ice-encrusted encasement that turns into a a surface of mirrored-glass as the bright winter sun peaks through the retreating morning clouds. It can be striking and beautiful, but, oh so cold and seems never to truly thaw until late spring.
At this moment, the Mamas and the Papas have filtered into my thoughts serenading me with a stanza and chorus of "California Dreamin' ", bringing a real smile to my face and a memory that warms my heart.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Time Flies Whether You're Having Fun Or Not
Well, another year has come and nearly gone. Its December 2009 already. This year has proven to be a year filled with surprises, heartaches, happiness, and laughter, highs and lows that have come so fast, its a challenge just to keep up.
Certainly anyone who says life is not fraught with anticipation, intrigue, nail-biting, yes, and even hum-drums clearly has not gotten out of the bed every morning, nor have they had exposure to the daily news. Remaining on an even keel throughout this roller-coaster ride of life depends on how we deal with life.
There are so many individuals dealing with hardness in life now and in all too many instances, it was not by design. Time and chance converged and somehow they got burdened down under the load of situations that came upon them so quickly, they didn't have time "fix" things before they got too bad to be resolved with happy ending. But, life goes on just the same and with time outcomes may even prove to be pleasant.
Resilience is the tall order of the day. Having the ability to bounce back is a major factor when things are truly difficult. Time surely plays a part in the healing of wounds, whether they be physical or emotional. Time also puts distance between hurtful present realities and future possibilities. Time does fly whether you are or whether you're not having fun. Be encouraged!
Certainly anyone who says life is not fraught with anticipation, intrigue, nail-biting, yes, and even hum-drums clearly has not gotten out of the bed every morning, nor have they had exposure to the daily news. Remaining on an even keel throughout this roller-coaster ride of life depends on how we deal with life.
There are so many individuals dealing with hardness in life now and in all too many instances, it was not by design. Time and chance converged and somehow they got burdened down under the load of situations that came upon them so quickly, they didn't have time "fix" things before they got too bad to be resolved with happy ending. But, life goes on just the same and with time outcomes may even prove to be pleasant.
Resilience is the tall order of the day. Having the ability to bounce back is a major factor when things are truly difficult. Time surely plays a part in the healing of wounds, whether they be physical or emotional. Time also puts distance between hurtful present realities and future possibilities. Time does fly whether you are or whether you're not having fun. Be encouraged!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Write On!
I’ve been thinking about posting a blog for a couple of days. It has been some time since I gave any thought to actually putting my thoughts to paper. My thoughts were that if I didn’t really have anything to say… there was no need in trying to say anything. Nonsense! We always have something to say, even if few people are listening. It is far better to say something worthwhile, so as not to waste anyone’s time. Having said this, I feel good about it and if you have been struggling with trying to figure out what to say… then, I hope this has made you feel a bit better too. Write on!
Monday, September 20, 2004
Gruelling Assignment
This semester I decided to enroll in art classes at The University of Toledo. I'm taking Drawing and 2D Design, both of which are foundational courses. Mind you, I don't feel that I have an artistic bone in my body... but, I'm hanging in there. Our first assignment has been creating 9 orignal pictures or filigrees, using of all things, construction paper and an exacto knife. Do you believe it? Then, the instructor says, " I want you to stay away from drawing things like stars, flowers, teddy bears... you know, all those cutesy things..." Hahahaha, and
wouldn't you know I was about to draw the best teddy bear sitting under the stars holding a flower. Needless to say, I had to summon up some creativity and call upon the God of inspiration to help me.
We've been on this assignment for three weeks and tonight we had to display our completed pictures on the wall to be critiqued by all. I was worried and ashamed because I felt my drawings looked like a 10-year old kid made them. This instructor is tough and very thorough, so I braced myself for his critique of my work. Much to my surprize I was given praise for creativity and talent. Cqn you believe it? It was encouraging, especially given the fact that the entire class is composed of talented students. The degree of sophistication displayed through their artwork is incredible. Kudos to each one of them. I'm honored to be able to train with them. Praise God, He has truly been my help.
wouldn't you know I was about to draw the best teddy bear sitting under the stars holding a flower. Needless to say, I had to summon up some creativity and call upon the God of inspiration to help me.
We've been on this assignment for three weeks and tonight we had to display our completed pictures on the wall to be critiqued by all. I was worried and ashamed because I felt my drawings looked like a 10-year old kid made them. This instructor is tough and very thorough, so I braced myself for his critique of my work. Much to my surprize I was given praise for creativity and talent. Cqn you believe it? It was encouraging, especially given the fact that the entire class is composed of talented students. The degree of sophistication displayed through their artwork is incredible. Kudos to each one of them. I'm honored to be able to train with them. Praise God, He has truly been my help.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Storms Passing Through
I've spent the last few hours looking at hurricane coverage between CNN and TWC. The Bahama's has taken a beating, Florida is now under a gruelling assault from slow-moving Frances. Parts of the state are now in full-storm alert and can you believe there are still a few knuckle-heads trying to surf. At any rate, I hope they'll have sense enough to come in out of the storm, once they've satisfied their need to challenge the waves.
As I sat at my computer, I thought about a poem I had read over 30 years ago entitled "I Made It Through The Weekend Without You". Strange I would recall this poem, but oh so appropriate given my present state of my emotions. However, I have made it through the weekend and I'm alive and I'm kicking and I'm getting on with things present and future.
Yesterday evening I wrestled with my cell phone and computer, both of which kept going out and off on me... all evening. Boy, was that frustrating. The problem with the cell seemed to be more with my phone than with the provider. My resolution was to call T-Mobile to send me a replacement phone. The computer was another story... each time I tried to log into blog, it shut down. This issue was resolved by running my adware, spy-ware, and clean-up programs. I then immunized my pc and made sure security and firewall programs were in place. This morning my machine is running smoothly. In my early years as a home pc user, I would have gladly taken a sledge hammer to my pc, because I was so sure it was the pc and not operator error. These days I'm a little more confident as a user and I have learned to research and troubleshoot minor and sometimes a few major pc problems, not only for myself but for my friends. If nothing else, using my pc has helped me to develop patience. Patience is a wonderful virtue.
As I sat at my computer, I thought about a poem I had read over 30 years ago entitled "I Made It Through The Weekend Without You". Strange I would recall this poem, but oh so appropriate given my present state of my emotions. However, I have made it through the weekend and I'm alive and I'm kicking and I'm getting on with things present and future.
Yesterday evening I wrestled with my cell phone and computer, both of which kept going out and off on me... all evening. Boy, was that frustrating. The problem with the cell seemed to be more with my phone than with the provider. My resolution was to call T-Mobile to send me a replacement phone. The computer was another story... each time I tried to log into blog, it shut down. This issue was resolved by running my adware, spy-ware, and clean-up programs. I then immunized my pc and made sure security and firewall programs were in place. This morning my machine is running smoothly. In my early years as a home pc user, I would have gladly taken a sledge hammer to my pc, because I was so sure it was the pc and not operator error. These days I'm a little more confident as a user and I have learned to research and troubleshoot minor and sometimes a few major pc problems, not only for myself but for my friends. If nothing else, using my pc has helped me to develop patience. Patience is a wonderful virtue.
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