I recently read a Face book Post of a friend of mine concerning the 2010 census. He stated that when he was asked to specify race he stated other and wrote in American. I can understand where he is coming from. From what I gather he feels Uncle Sam is requesting too much information and that as a people we should be willing to look past color to the bigger picture. His motivation is true and noble. However, I have to take issue with that. And, for Three reasons:
(1) American is not a race--we are a nation compiled of various and numerous ethnicity's and racial heritage. The term can be applied to anyone who was born here or became a naturalized citizen. It is a broad term that can be used by any person from any racial group.
(2) As noble as it sounds not see color when we see people, the fact is we do. We cannot help it. Part of our developmental process is to recognize differences. Ever watch Sesame Street? The song went, "One of these things is not like the other, one of these things is different." We can't help it. We develop to notice differences. And, America is racially diverse! That is the truth.
(3) Respect for Authority--Jesus said "render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22.21). If Caesar, or Uncle Sam, asks for your full cooperation in completing a census form, you should comply. I do not think Jesus would advocate ripping up census forms and encourage us not to comply because we do not like the direction of the government. I cannot tell you what to do, only advise. But, why be the proverbial fly in the ointment? What will it accomplish?
Red, yellow, black, and white--this is how God created us. To say that we should just ignore our race is like trying to hide a elephant in plain sight. It is obvious to everyone. This is not a problem nor should it be a problem. if anything the message of Christ is of greater influence when people of every race can live, work and worship together. The bible refers to believers as "living stones" (1 Peter 2.5)--NOTE: stones not bricks. Bricks are all the same. Stones are not. This illustrates that God knows and recognizes our unique differences. His desire is to bring them all together to form a collective Mosaic. It's beauty made by the hand of God. Celebrate your uniqueness and use it for the greater good.
I will be filling out my 2010 census and I will not have a problem stating that I am just a plain vanilla wrapper. This who God made me. And, I am convinced that he made me this way for a reason. I am an American. Yes. I am. I am also the handiwork of God--his workmanship. Of neither I am not ashamed.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Pursuit
We spend much our time looking for something we believe that is missing. Endless pursuits to acheive one thing: personal happiness. Running from one realtionship to another in search of the perfect person to complete us. We want to be thinner, taller, leaner, more educated, have pretty teeth, better hair, dress cool, and on and on the list goes. Looking for that one thing that will make life better. Sadly, when we get that one thing, we discover that it does not produce the result we desired and so the pursuit begins again.
I believe that I live in the most consumer driven society in the world. People spend money for the most stupid things. Things that they will never use and will soon disgard. Things that are the rave now, will be tomorrows yard sale fodder. Is there no end to our never ending appetite for more?
So, what is the problem? What is it that causes people to pursue their lusts? Lust has been too narrowly defined to sex. The truth is lust (envy-greed)is the problem with our culture. Lust has one objective: please me. It rarely takes into consideration the ramifications its pursuit and apprehension of the desired goal will bring about. Lust is only interested in one thing: self gratification. It does not think about anything or anyone else but self.
Because of lust, a couple engages in sex and then is surprised that a pregnancy has occured. Well shazam! How do people think people get into this world? You have sex and are shocked when the EPT glows positive?
Lust pushes us to go to the movies every week and to dine at teh best restaurnats. It pushes us to drive the best cars and wear the nicest clothes. Then we are shocked when the house is foreclosed and the bank account is overdrawn. Hello?? You slap it all down on the platic, but eventually the bill has got to be paid. Lust didn't think about that.
So many find themsleves swirling around the bowl. Wondering how did this happen? Why is this happening? It is time to come to the realization that you want out of it. You do not want to continue in this cycle of endless stupidity. It has only one end result--Your demise. The complete and utter destruction of your soul. That intangible immortal, eternal part of you that was created for so much more than this lust driven culture. It is time to stop thinking about self and gratifying lust. It is time to live life as it was meant to be lived.
So, what can you do to break the stupidity cycle?
1. Understand that you cannot change the world--but you can change yourself. This is key to impacting culture. If everyone would just assume personal responsibility.
2. Think about the long term implications rather than the short term gratification. Consider all of the possibilities of your actions. Just don;t react to your impulses and go with the flow. That river leads to nowhere.
3. Understand that your actions impact and influence others. the chain smoker feels that he/she isn't hurting anyone. It is their perosnal right! What about the affects of second hand smoke? What about the results of cancer? Doctors are now involed, technicans in the labs, medical transmportation, pharmacists, and family members coming to the hospital to visit and deal with the affects of smoking. Then if the smoker does, the funeral home is involved, grave diggers, grieving loved ones. Your actions will affect someone else. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself". Think of the bigger picture.
The world is not perfect and neither are the people in it. God does not expect perfection from us, He expects us to be people. People with warts and short comings. Will we ever get it together? Who knows. The key is to keep striving for the best. So, make that your priority everyday--to be the best me that I can be. And if we all can do that, then maybe, just maybe, we can make the world a better place.
I believe that I live in the most consumer driven society in the world. People spend money for the most stupid things. Things that they will never use and will soon disgard. Things that are the rave now, will be tomorrows yard sale fodder. Is there no end to our never ending appetite for more?
So, what is the problem? What is it that causes people to pursue their lusts? Lust has been too narrowly defined to sex. The truth is lust (envy-greed)is the problem with our culture. Lust has one objective: please me. It rarely takes into consideration the ramifications its pursuit and apprehension of the desired goal will bring about. Lust is only interested in one thing: self gratification. It does not think about anything or anyone else but self.
Because of lust, a couple engages in sex and then is surprised that a pregnancy has occured. Well shazam! How do people think people get into this world? You have sex and are shocked when the EPT glows positive?
Lust pushes us to go to the movies every week and to dine at teh best restaurnats. It pushes us to drive the best cars and wear the nicest clothes. Then we are shocked when the house is foreclosed and the bank account is overdrawn. Hello?? You slap it all down on the platic, but eventually the bill has got to be paid. Lust didn't think about that.
So many find themsleves swirling around the bowl. Wondering how did this happen? Why is this happening? It is time to come to the realization that you want out of it. You do not want to continue in this cycle of endless stupidity. It has only one end result--Your demise. The complete and utter destruction of your soul. That intangible immortal, eternal part of you that was created for so much more than this lust driven culture. It is time to stop thinking about self and gratifying lust. It is time to live life as it was meant to be lived.
So, what can you do to break the stupidity cycle?
1. Understand that you cannot change the world--but you can change yourself. This is key to impacting culture. If everyone would just assume personal responsibility.
2. Think about the long term implications rather than the short term gratification. Consider all of the possibilities of your actions. Just don;t react to your impulses and go with the flow. That river leads to nowhere.
3. Understand that your actions impact and influence others. the chain smoker feels that he/she isn't hurting anyone. It is their perosnal right! What about the affects of second hand smoke? What about the results of cancer? Doctors are now involed, technicans in the labs, medical transmportation, pharmacists, and family members coming to the hospital to visit and deal with the affects of smoking. Then if the smoker does, the funeral home is involved, grave diggers, grieving loved ones. Your actions will affect someone else. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself". Think of the bigger picture.
The world is not perfect and neither are the people in it. God does not expect perfection from us, He expects us to be people. People with warts and short comings. Will we ever get it together? Who knows. The key is to keep striving for the best. So, make that your priority everyday--to be the best me that I can be. And if we all can do that, then maybe, just maybe, we can make the world a better place.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Dig It Up!
Where did the car you drive originate? Most would reply, that their car was built in Detroit, Japan or Germany. That in a sense is true. Workers in an auto assembly plant assembled the car piece by piece. But where did it originate before that? A prototype was developed and tested. Designs were created detailing feature on the car from the anti-lock braking system to the cup-holders. But where did the car originate before that? The visible and tangible car you drive began in the invisible and intangible. It began in the thoughts and souls of a person…perhaps even in the soul of a toddler.
Let’s look at the lives of two toddlers: Johnny and Bobby. One day, Johnny is playing on the floor with some Lego blocks. Instead of just placing them together in a random order, this day Johnny pauses. Suddenly, something sparks in his imagination. He begins to create. He first saw it in his mind and his hands work feverishly in attempt to bring the idea into reality. The result of his labor is a crude car constructed from Lego blocks.
Johnny was amazed at what he had accomplished. He laughs and claps his hands. He is so impressed with his work that he seeks out his parents to show them. And, he finds that they were just as excited as he was about his work.
What occurred was more than Johnny just building a car from blocks. It was the releasing of something miraculous. Two of the most powerful forces in the universe were unleashed: talent and desire. Johnny felt something on the inside of him. It was something that made him feel happy and alive. He found something that he wanted to do. And the more he did it, the more he wanted to do it. So, from kindergarten to college Johnny worked at bringing that desire into being. With the encouragement of parents and peers, Johnny pushed forward. Johnny realized that there was a car inside of him that need to become a reality.
The visible world always originates in the invisible. Everything we see began there. Everything we behold, every gadget we use all began in the human soul. And, through desire and discipline those dreams became realities. This is how the world was originally created. The visible creation was brought into existence by the invisible God. God dreamed it, saw it, spoke it and it was. And, God breathed that same creative force into mankind.
Johnny went on to win prestigious awards. He designed some of the finest automobiles in the world. But, if the truth be told, there are other cars just as great as or greater than Johnny’s. There are cars that are engineering marvels. Car that are revolutionary in fuel economy and passenger safety. Sleek, luxurious, and beautiful to behold. They only problem is: they don’t exist in our visible and tangible world. No one is able to drive them or even see them. The reason is these cars were never built. They are stuck in the invisible world of another child named Bobby.
Bobby’s initial experience was very similar to Johnny’s. However, the reaction Bobby received from his father was a bit different. Instead of being praised for his creative genius, he was scolded for making a mess with his toys. The Lego car was dismantled piece by piece. The pieces that were the parts of an amazing creation were coldly tossed into a container. Bobby cried and was sent off to bed.
Later Bobby expressed a desire to draw and design. Bobby’s father response was squelching. He told Bobby that such a pursuit was a waste of time and that Bobby should learn a trade like him, Then Bobby, could get a good job at the factor with him. Bobby was not encouraged to peruse his dream or even achieve academically. Status quo was ok. Bobby’s father reasoned that his son would be working at the factory anyway, why study to be something he will never be? Bobby’s father was right. Bobby ended up working in the same factory as his father. The same factor where Johnny’s dream car came rolling down the assembly line. Yet, inside Bobby, there is still a great car waiting to come out? Will it ever see the light of day?
We can say that Johnny had it better and we would be right. But, someone who realizes their dreams could either come from the home of Johnny or Bobby. If Bobby were to realize his dream, he would have had to make a change somewhere. He would have to learn that the power to give his dream life comes from the inside. What lies deep inside of us is where real life is. It is up to each of us to listen to it, look for it, dig it up and put it into practice.
The reality of life we see and live on the outside is one that emerges from the inside, from our hearts, minds and souls. It is our internal life that creates our external one. So, to find our lives we must find what lies below the surface of our skin. We must look at, listen to, discover and be mindful of our internal life—of such things as our talents, feelings, desires and dreams.
Buried Treasure—
Everyone of us have had experiences that make our internal life seem unavailable to us. These experiences come from our interaction with family, friends, teachers, and even church as well as any number of influences. We can find ourselves living out of touch with the very center of life itself. It is possible just to float through life being completely unaware of who you are and what you want. The issues of life can cause us to bury our hearts and souls. To enjoy the benefits of life, to realize the full intent of its design you must dig them up. You must dig them up and reinvest back into life to make the invisible visible.
This means you must face your fears and obstacles. Find out what was it that caused you to bury your treasure. Was it a father like Bobby’s? Were the reasons economic? Did bad relationships cause you to bury your treasure? You will find that there is no shortage of things in life that can influence you to bury your heart and soul.
Those who succeed in life cannot ignore their hearts, minds, and souls. “Above all else guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life (Proverbs 4.23) Success and failure both come from what is going on inside of a person.
Not Everything Buried is Treasure—
There are some things that are buried in us that must be dealt with. Here are two things you can do with negative things buried in your life.
1. Get rid of the pain or sickness you are carrying around. These are negative influences and they can affect you. If you walk around with unresolved issues of the heart, your goals will be negatively affected.
2. Face the sickness--Each time your face one of these sicknesses something bigger and better will emerge.
Sow—
We will need to make a decision about the things we dig up. If it is negative toss it. If it is good, sow it. Sowing is a risk. But, it is suitable risk. Sometimes it may feel painful and awkward, but we must focus on what the end result will be. There is very little growth and reward in life without taking risks. In Jesus parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-29), the one who buried his talent did so to avoid the risk of loss, failure, and disapproval. The very thing he sought to avoid is what he received.
“The Wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception” Proverbs 14.18
Do you want to grow? Do you want to realize your dreams? Growth is when you take new things that you dig up and discover, and integrate them with the rest of who you already are.
“He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.” Proverbs 28.19
9 Things you can do to digging up your dreams—
1. Listen to what bugs you. It might be a message.
2. Don’t let negative feelings just sit there. Do something about them
3. Don’t let long term wishes and dreams be ignored. Find out what they mean.
4. Listen to your symptoms. They may be telling you there is something to dig up.
5. Pay attention to your fantasies. They may be telling you that something is missing and it needs to be resolved in proper way.
6. Face the fears and obstacles that have cause you to bury your treasure.
7. Don’t mistake envy for desire. You may want someone else’s life because you have lost touch with your own.
8. Do everything in the context of your values and your community of people who are committed to guarding your heart.
9. Ask God to help you find your heart, mind, soul and the treasure he placed there for you.
Conclusion—
Grasp your dreams. Reach for them. Take appropriate risks. It is a sin to die with unused potential. Die with failure before you die with unused potential. Potential is something to be realized, not guarded and protected. Dig up your talents, your dreams and desires. Invest them. And, you will find that it is true—Life comes from the inside out.
Let’s look at the lives of two toddlers: Johnny and Bobby. One day, Johnny is playing on the floor with some Lego blocks. Instead of just placing them together in a random order, this day Johnny pauses. Suddenly, something sparks in his imagination. He begins to create. He first saw it in his mind and his hands work feverishly in attempt to bring the idea into reality. The result of his labor is a crude car constructed from Lego blocks.
Johnny was amazed at what he had accomplished. He laughs and claps his hands. He is so impressed with his work that he seeks out his parents to show them. And, he finds that they were just as excited as he was about his work.
What occurred was more than Johnny just building a car from blocks. It was the releasing of something miraculous. Two of the most powerful forces in the universe were unleashed: talent and desire. Johnny felt something on the inside of him. It was something that made him feel happy and alive. He found something that he wanted to do. And the more he did it, the more he wanted to do it. So, from kindergarten to college Johnny worked at bringing that desire into being. With the encouragement of parents and peers, Johnny pushed forward. Johnny realized that there was a car inside of him that need to become a reality.
The visible world always originates in the invisible. Everything we see began there. Everything we behold, every gadget we use all began in the human soul. And, through desire and discipline those dreams became realities. This is how the world was originally created. The visible creation was brought into existence by the invisible God. God dreamed it, saw it, spoke it and it was. And, God breathed that same creative force into mankind.
Johnny went on to win prestigious awards. He designed some of the finest automobiles in the world. But, if the truth be told, there are other cars just as great as or greater than Johnny’s. There are cars that are engineering marvels. Car that are revolutionary in fuel economy and passenger safety. Sleek, luxurious, and beautiful to behold. They only problem is: they don’t exist in our visible and tangible world. No one is able to drive them or even see them. The reason is these cars were never built. They are stuck in the invisible world of another child named Bobby.
Bobby’s initial experience was very similar to Johnny’s. However, the reaction Bobby received from his father was a bit different. Instead of being praised for his creative genius, he was scolded for making a mess with his toys. The Lego car was dismantled piece by piece. The pieces that were the parts of an amazing creation were coldly tossed into a container. Bobby cried and was sent off to bed.
Later Bobby expressed a desire to draw and design. Bobby’s father response was squelching. He told Bobby that such a pursuit was a waste of time and that Bobby should learn a trade like him, Then Bobby, could get a good job at the factor with him. Bobby was not encouraged to peruse his dream or even achieve academically. Status quo was ok. Bobby’s father reasoned that his son would be working at the factory anyway, why study to be something he will never be? Bobby’s father was right. Bobby ended up working in the same factory as his father. The same factor where Johnny’s dream car came rolling down the assembly line. Yet, inside Bobby, there is still a great car waiting to come out? Will it ever see the light of day?
We can say that Johnny had it better and we would be right. But, someone who realizes their dreams could either come from the home of Johnny or Bobby. If Bobby were to realize his dream, he would have had to make a change somewhere. He would have to learn that the power to give his dream life comes from the inside. What lies deep inside of us is where real life is. It is up to each of us to listen to it, look for it, dig it up and put it into practice.
The reality of life we see and live on the outside is one that emerges from the inside, from our hearts, minds and souls. It is our internal life that creates our external one. So, to find our lives we must find what lies below the surface of our skin. We must look at, listen to, discover and be mindful of our internal life—of such things as our talents, feelings, desires and dreams.
Buried Treasure—
Everyone of us have had experiences that make our internal life seem unavailable to us. These experiences come from our interaction with family, friends, teachers, and even church as well as any number of influences. We can find ourselves living out of touch with the very center of life itself. It is possible just to float through life being completely unaware of who you are and what you want. The issues of life can cause us to bury our hearts and souls. To enjoy the benefits of life, to realize the full intent of its design you must dig them up. You must dig them up and reinvest back into life to make the invisible visible.
This means you must face your fears and obstacles. Find out what was it that caused you to bury your treasure. Was it a father like Bobby’s? Were the reasons economic? Did bad relationships cause you to bury your treasure? You will find that there is no shortage of things in life that can influence you to bury your heart and soul.
Those who succeed in life cannot ignore their hearts, minds, and souls. “Above all else guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life (Proverbs 4.23) Success and failure both come from what is going on inside of a person.
Not Everything Buried is Treasure—
There are some things that are buried in us that must be dealt with. Here are two things you can do with negative things buried in your life.
1. Get rid of the pain or sickness you are carrying around. These are negative influences and they can affect you. If you walk around with unresolved issues of the heart, your goals will be negatively affected.
2. Face the sickness--Each time your face one of these sicknesses something bigger and better will emerge.
Sow—
We will need to make a decision about the things we dig up. If it is negative toss it. If it is good, sow it. Sowing is a risk. But, it is suitable risk. Sometimes it may feel painful and awkward, but we must focus on what the end result will be. There is very little growth and reward in life without taking risks. In Jesus parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-29), the one who buried his talent did so to avoid the risk of loss, failure, and disapproval. The very thing he sought to avoid is what he received.
“The Wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception” Proverbs 14.18
Do you want to grow? Do you want to realize your dreams? Growth is when you take new things that you dig up and discover, and integrate them with the rest of who you already are.
“He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.” Proverbs 28.19
9 Things you can do to digging up your dreams—
1. Listen to what bugs you. It might be a message.
2. Don’t let negative feelings just sit there. Do something about them
3. Don’t let long term wishes and dreams be ignored. Find out what they mean.
4. Listen to your symptoms. They may be telling you there is something to dig up.
5. Pay attention to your fantasies. They may be telling you that something is missing and it needs to be resolved in proper way.
6. Face the fears and obstacles that have cause you to bury your treasure.
7. Don’t mistake envy for desire. You may want someone else’s life because you have lost touch with your own.
8. Do everything in the context of your values and your community of people who are committed to guarding your heart.
9. Ask God to help you find your heart, mind, soul and the treasure he placed there for you.
Conclusion—
Grasp your dreams. Reach for them. Take appropriate risks. It is a sin to die with unused potential. Die with failure before you die with unused potential. Potential is something to be realized, not guarded and protected. Dig up your talents, your dreams and desires. Invest them. And, you will find that it is true—Life comes from the inside out.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Just 800 Miles
It is just 800 miles. That is just about the distance from the Sabine River on the Texas-Louisiana state line to the West Texas town of El Paso. You can travel the marsh flat Texas Gulf Coast along Interstate 10 and watch the scenery change from lush green rice fields to rugged mesquite scrubs in just about a day’s drive. All along the way you see a land that is blessed and prosperous.
It is roughly 800 miles south-east of Miami. The Island of Hispaniola is divided between two nations. The eastern two thirds of the island is the Spanish speaking Dominican Republic. The western third is the French speaking nation of Haiti. Haiti is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland and is home to nearly nine million people. It is also the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. The average annual per capita income is $1300. Nearly 65% of her citizens live in absolute poverty. Eroding natural resources, HIV AIDS, and political turmoil affects the lives of millions of Haitians. There is now ay to accurately describe what life is like in Haiti. From people I know personally, they have told me that one would have to experience it to fully understand the magnitude of it all.
Tuesday January 12, 2010 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale centered smack dab in the middle of Haiti. The earthquake unleashed massive devastation. Though the people of Haiti are accustomed to hardship and turmoil, there was nothing to prepare them for this cataclysmic event. Shanty homes that were barely livable collapsed into rubble. Hospitals, schools, government buildings crumbled as the earth heaved and shook trapping hundreds beneath them. Basic necessities that we Americans take for granted such as water and lights were off line. And when the shaking stopped and the dust settled tens of thousands were dead and hundreds more unaccounted for. This was a horrific event, but it isn’t over.
Two controversial people have made comments that should not have been made. Rush Limbaugh believes the current US Presidential Administration is using this disaster for political gain. Pat Robertson claims that Haiti is cursed by the devil and this is earthquake is proof of that. The statements are ridiculous and bring no resolution to the immediate problem. This is not the time to get caught up in any debate that takes the focus off of the needy and the hurting.
Haiti needs help. Volunteers are needed to help in the search and rescue of survivors. Medical professionals are needed to provide treatment to the injured. And, contributions need to be given. This is the time when we, the blessed, share with those who need to be blessed. This is the time to focus on the need and seek to fulfill it.
Haitians look different and speak differently than most Americans. They have customs and beliefs that we do not share. Their way of life is completely foreign to us. But, they are not a world away. They are just 800 miles south of us. The same distance between The Sabine River in East Texas to El Paso. Find a charitable organization and donate. Help make a difference in the lives of those who are closer than you think.
“ I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Matthew 25:35-40 New king James Version
It is roughly 800 miles south-east of Miami. The Island of Hispaniola is divided between two nations. The eastern two thirds of the island is the Spanish speaking Dominican Republic. The western third is the French speaking nation of Haiti. Haiti is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland and is home to nearly nine million people. It is also the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. The average annual per capita income is $1300. Nearly 65% of her citizens live in absolute poverty. Eroding natural resources, HIV AIDS, and political turmoil affects the lives of millions of Haitians. There is now ay to accurately describe what life is like in Haiti. From people I know personally, they have told me that one would have to experience it to fully understand the magnitude of it all.
Tuesday January 12, 2010 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale centered smack dab in the middle of Haiti. The earthquake unleashed massive devastation. Though the people of Haiti are accustomed to hardship and turmoil, there was nothing to prepare them for this cataclysmic event. Shanty homes that were barely livable collapsed into rubble. Hospitals, schools, government buildings crumbled as the earth heaved and shook trapping hundreds beneath them. Basic necessities that we Americans take for granted such as water and lights were off line. And when the shaking stopped and the dust settled tens of thousands were dead and hundreds more unaccounted for. This was a horrific event, but it isn’t over.
Two controversial people have made comments that should not have been made. Rush Limbaugh believes the current US Presidential Administration is using this disaster for political gain. Pat Robertson claims that Haiti is cursed by the devil and this is earthquake is proof of that. The statements are ridiculous and bring no resolution to the immediate problem. This is not the time to get caught up in any debate that takes the focus off of the needy and the hurting.
Haiti needs help. Volunteers are needed to help in the search and rescue of survivors. Medical professionals are needed to provide treatment to the injured. And, contributions need to be given. This is the time when we, the blessed, share with those who need to be blessed. This is the time to focus on the need and seek to fulfill it.
Haitians look different and speak differently than most Americans. They have customs and beliefs that we do not share. Their way of life is completely foreign to us. But, they are not a world away. They are just 800 miles south of us. The same distance between The Sabine River in East Texas to El Paso. Find a charitable organization and donate. Help make a difference in the lives of those who are closer than you think.
“ I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Matthew 25:35-40 New king James Version
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Five Touches To A Better Me
Five Touches To a Better Me
New Year provides us with an opportunity to make a start fresh start and to set our lives in order. It is estimated that 48% of Americans will make some Sort of New Year resolution. Of those resolutions made, 92% will not be kept. In fact, 45% will fail before the end of January. Only 8% will reach their goal. That is a sad commentary. Many see the need for improvement in their lives, yet when it comes to actually doing something about it they fail miserably. Why?
The key to achieving any goal or fulfilling any New Year resolutions is having an effective strategy (action plan) in accomplishing them. Most people are overwhelmed by the effort that is involved to their goals and give up. Some will set un-realistic goals, like trying to lose 50lbs in 30 days. While others set their goals too low and thus become bored and quit. And, most just ain’t got a plan on how to make it happen.
People need something simple, something easy to remember. They need something that helps them to prioritize their goals and life accordingly.
I have come up with something I want to share with you. I call it five touches to a Better Me: These are five things I can do every day that will impact my future in a positive and life changing way.
1. Touch God—Psalm 63.1 “O God, you are my God; Early will I seek you…” Make touching God your number 1 priority every day. Praying/devotion is not something you have to do, it is something that you get to do. Every day you can touch the creator of the universe and seek His counsel and direction for your life. James 1.5—“if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him.” That is a powerful promise. If I lack wisdom—understanding-direction, I can ask God and He WILL give it to me! Touching God everyday is an opportunity to invite the divine supernatural presence of God into my life. To guide and order my steps. Make it the first thing you do every day. Pray and spend time in God’s word.
2. Touch my family—Outside of my relationship with God there is no other relationship more important that my family. First to my wife, then to my children. Ephesians 5. 25—“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.” The love that a husband has for his wife is to mirror the love Christ has for the Church. That is a selfless sacrificial love. A love completely devoted to serving the other. Colossians 3.18—“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as is fit in the Lord.” Some like to use this verse as a means to subjugate women. But, that isn’t what it is talking about. Just as the man is to love his wife as Christ loves the Church, the wife is to love-honor-respect her husband as unto the Lord. This is an act of worship.
The way we treat our children is even spelled out for us in Ephesians 6.4—“And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Be an example to your kids. Do not live a life that provokes (motivates) them to evil. Set a good example.
3. Touch My Future—Proverbs 13.22: “a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” I will touch things that will live beyond me. God has lain on my heart to start projects that will touch the lives of people and make them better. You may want to start a business, write a book, and start a ministry for the needy. Whatever it is that you want to touch that lives beyond you invest in it every day.
2 Timothy 2.15—“study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” –READ-LEARN-STUDY! The world and technology is changing at neck breaking speed. You must keep up with it and embrace it. Fill your head with knowledge. Life is about learning. Learn as much as you can. Enroll in classes; attend seminars and read, read, read. It will keep you sharp and will keep you young. Proverbs 19.2—“Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge.”
Touching your future also involves your health and fitness. There is only one of you. Take care of yourself by eating right and exercise—1 Corinthians 6.19, your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. Take care of it.
4. Touch My Finances—Set aside money each week for God, business, savings and household. Proverbs 22.7—tells us that the borrower is servant to the lender. So try to pay cash as much as possible. Manage your money or your debt will enslave you! Money is not good or evil. It is simply a tool. A hammer in the hands of a carpenter can construct a fine home. The same hammer in the hand of a psychopath can kill someone. Use the money you are blessed with wisely.
5. Touch My Friends—Ecclesiastes 4.12: “…a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” The friends you hang out with speak volumes about you. Good solid relationship will keep you safe. Surround yourself with good friends. People who celebrate you. People will build you up instead of tearing you down. Touch a friend every day. Proverbs 27.17: “As Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Make this year the best year of your life. Take time to prioritize what is important to you. Write those goals and dreams down. Ask yourself how these goals will help you and those you love most. And, just make five touches every day. It will help to keep you on track.
New Year provides us with an opportunity to make a start fresh start and to set our lives in order. It is estimated that 48% of Americans will make some Sort of New Year resolution. Of those resolutions made, 92% will not be kept. In fact, 45% will fail before the end of January. Only 8% will reach their goal. That is a sad commentary. Many see the need for improvement in their lives, yet when it comes to actually doing something about it they fail miserably. Why?
The key to achieving any goal or fulfilling any New Year resolutions is having an effective strategy (action plan) in accomplishing them. Most people are overwhelmed by the effort that is involved to their goals and give up. Some will set un-realistic goals, like trying to lose 50lbs in 30 days. While others set their goals too low and thus become bored and quit. And, most just ain’t got a plan on how to make it happen.
People need something simple, something easy to remember. They need something that helps them to prioritize their goals and life accordingly.
I have come up with something I want to share with you. I call it five touches to a Better Me: These are five things I can do every day that will impact my future in a positive and life changing way.
1. Touch God—Psalm 63.1 “O God, you are my God; Early will I seek you…” Make touching God your number 1 priority every day. Praying/devotion is not something you have to do, it is something that you get to do. Every day you can touch the creator of the universe and seek His counsel and direction for your life. James 1.5—“if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him.” That is a powerful promise. If I lack wisdom—understanding-direction, I can ask God and He WILL give it to me! Touching God everyday is an opportunity to invite the divine supernatural presence of God into my life. To guide and order my steps. Make it the first thing you do every day. Pray and spend time in God’s word.
2. Touch my family—Outside of my relationship with God there is no other relationship more important that my family. First to my wife, then to my children. Ephesians 5. 25—“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.” The love that a husband has for his wife is to mirror the love Christ has for the Church. That is a selfless sacrificial love. A love completely devoted to serving the other. Colossians 3.18—“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as is fit in the Lord.” Some like to use this verse as a means to subjugate women. But, that isn’t what it is talking about. Just as the man is to love his wife as Christ loves the Church, the wife is to love-honor-respect her husband as unto the Lord. This is an act of worship.
The way we treat our children is even spelled out for us in Ephesians 6.4—“And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Be an example to your kids. Do not live a life that provokes (motivates) them to evil. Set a good example.
3. Touch My Future—Proverbs 13.22: “a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” I will touch things that will live beyond me. God has lain on my heart to start projects that will touch the lives of people and make them better. You may want to start a business, write a book, and start a ministry for the needy. Whatever it is that you want to touch that lives beyond you invest in it every day.
2 Timothy 2.15—“study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” –READ-LEARN-STUDY! The world and technology is changing at neck breaking speed. You must keep up with it and embrace it. Fill your head with knowledge. Life is about learning. Learn as much as you can. Enroll in classes; attend seminars and read, read, read. It will keep you sharp and will keep you young. Proverbs 19.2—“Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge.”
Touching your future also involves your health and fitness. There is only one of you. Take care of yourself by eating right and exercise—1 Corinthians 6.19, your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. Take care of it.
4. Touch My Finances—Set aside money each week for God, business, savings and household. Proverbs 22.7—tells us that the borrower is servant to the lender. So try to pay cash as much as possible. Manage your money or your debt will enslave you! Money is not good or evil. It is simply a tool. A hammer in the hands of a carpenter can construct a fine home. The same hammer in the hand of a psychopath can kill someone. Use the money you are blessed with wisely.
5. Touch My Friends—Ecclesiastes 4.12: “…a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” The friends you hang out with speak volumes about you. Good solid relationship will keep you safe. Surround yourself with good friends. People who celebrate you. People will build you up instead of tearing you down. Touch a friend every day. Proverbs 27.17: “As Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Make this year the best year of your life. Take time to prioritize what is important to you. Write those goals and dreams down. Ask yourself how these goals will help you and those you love most. And, just make five touches every day. It will help to keep you on track.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
You Can Cook It: Sunday Gravy and Meatballs
Sunday Gravy and Meatballs
Sugo literally means “juice” in Italian. It is a home-made long simmering meat sauce. Sugo is made with fresh ingredients and can be labor and time intensive. This ain’t something that comes in a jar. But, the fact is, it is worth the effort that goes into its preparation.
Among Italian Americans Sugo is more widely known as “Sunday Gravy”. It is a large pot filled with various cuts of meat, meat balls, and a homemade tomato sauce. It would be generally served at large family gatherings on Sunday with pasta, hence, the name Sunday Gravy.
I made my first Sugo about four years ago. Since then, whenever we have a large gathering I usually prepare it. I find it therapeutic as there is nothing else I can focus on until the meal is complete. There just isn’t time to think of anything else while you make a Sunday Gravy. And, the reward of seeing family and friends eat and really enjoy a home cooked meal is worth all of the effort. You will feel pleased with yourself that you have completed such arduous task and making your guests feel good as well. If I can cook this, you can cook it.
Let’s start with the Sugo:
1-can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
1-cans whole tomatoes (28 oz)
2 -cans tomato paste (5oz)
1-large onion (finely chopped)
1-bell pepper (finely chopped)
3-stalks of celery –optional (chopped)
3 -cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
12- Large basil leaves (chopped fine)
5-basil leaves (whole)
3-green onions (finely chopped)
½ -cup olive oil
1-2lb chuck roast (bone is better)
1-2lb pork roast (butt or picnic, you can also use pork chops if you wish bone in is better)
Cooking:
In an 8 quart pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, bell pepper, celery, and basil. Then, season mixture to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until onions become soft and clear.
Add tomato paste and cook for about 2-3 minutes stirring constantly to prevent burning. Then add crushed and whole tomatoes to the mix. Fill one of the cans with water. What I like to do at this point is use the water to rinse the extra contents of the cans and then dump that water in the pot. Then add an extra can of water to the mix.
Kick the heat up to high and let contents of the pot come to a boil. Reduce heat once it boils.
Preparing the Meat:
In a large skillet about 3-4 tables spoons of olive oil over medium high heat. When oil is hot add meats one at a time and brown on both sides. Once meat is browned add to sauce pot.
Add the chopped green onions to pot. Allow the lid to be partially opened to allow steam to escape. And reduce heat to low. Allow pot to simmer for three hours stirring occasionally.
The Meatballs
Meat balls don’t come frozen in a bag, at least good ones don’t. You make them. Real meat balls are not golf ball size, they are baseball size! Yeah, that is what I am talking about!!
What you will need:
1-lb ground chuck.
1-lb ground Italian sausage or ground pork.
2 -Cloves garlic
1-yellow onion chopped coarsely
½-cup Italian parsley (chopped)
12-basil leaves chopped
2-eggs
1-cup bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
¼-cup grated Romano cheese
¼-cup olive oil
In food processor add onion, garlic, parsley and basil leaves. PROCESS IT! Add olive oil, salt, pepper and eggs—PROCESS IT AGAIN. Once mixture is green through and through and mixed well, remove.
Place ground chuck and sausage in a large mixing bowl. Add contents from food processor and breadcrumbs. Mix well. If the mixture is too wet, add more bread crumbs.
Once the ingredients are mixed, make them into baseball size meat balls-or smaller if you want. At this point you can do one of two things: you can fry the meatballs or bake them. Baking is easier and less mess. But frying does give the meatballs a better flavor. The meat balls should be added to the Sugo in about the last hour of its cooking. When sauce is done-add the remaining basil leaves and let sauce sit for a few minutes.
Time to Eat!
Now it’s done! Remove the meatballs and meat from the sauce and serve separately. Cook your favorite pasta. I like to add olive oil to water before I place the pasta in the pot. Drain pasta when it is done and place on a platter. Coat the pasta with sauce and put extra sauce in sauce boats on table. Then dig in!
You can cook it!
Sugo literally means “juice” in Italian. It is a home-made long simmering meat sauce. Sugo is made with fresh ingredients and can be labor and time intensive. This ain’t something that comes in a jar. But, the fact is, it is worth the effort that goes into its preparation.
Among Italian Americans Sugo is more widely known as “Sunday Gravy”. It is a large pot filled with various cuts of meat, meat balls, and a homemade tomato sauce. It would be generally served at large family gatherings on Sunday with pasta, hence, the name Sunday Gravy.
I made my first Sugo about four years ago. Since then, whenever we have a large gathering I usually prepare it. I find it therapeutic as there is nothing else I can focus on until the meal is complete. There just isn’t time to think of anything else while you make a Sunday Gravy. And, the reward of seeing family and friends eat and really enjoy a home cooked meal is worth all of the effort. You will feel pleased with yourself that you have completed such arduous task and making your guests feel good as well. If I can cook this, you can cook it.
Let’s start with the Sugo:
1-can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
1-cans whole tomatoes (28 oz)
2 -cans tomato paste (5oz)
1-large onion (finely chopped)
1-bell pepper (finely chopped)
3-stalks of celery –optional (chopped)
3 -cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
12- Large basil leaves (chopped fine)
5-basil leaves (whole)
3-green onions (finely chopped)
½ -cup olive oil
1-2lb chuck roast (bone is better)
1-2lb pork roast (butt or picnic, you can also use pork chops if you wish bone in is better)
Cooking:
In an 8 quart pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, bell pepper, celery, and basil. Then, season mixture to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until onions become soft and clear.
Add tomato paste and cook for about 2-3 minutes stirring constantly to prevent burning. Then add crushed and whole tomatoes to the mix. Fill one of the cans with water. What I like to do at this point is use the water to rinse the extra contents of the cans and then dump that water in the pot. Then add an extra can of water to the mix.
Kick the heat up to high and let contents of the pot come to a boil. Reduce heat once it boils.
Preparing the Meat:
In a large skillet about 3-4 tables spoons of olive oil over medium high heat. When oil is hot add meats one at a time and brown on both sides. Once meat is browned add to sauce pot.
Add the chopped green onions to pot. Allow the lid to be partially opened to allow steam to escape. And reduce heat to low. Allow pot to simmer for three hours stirring occasionally.
The Meatballs
Meat balls don’t come frozen in a bag, at least good ones don’t. You make them. Real meat balls are not golf ball size, they are baseball size! Yeah, that is what I am talking about!!
What you will need:
1-lb ground chuck.
1-lb ground Italian sausage or ground pork.
2 -Cloves garlic
1-yellow onion chopped coarsely
½-cup Italian parsley (chopped)
12-basil leaves chopped
2-eggs
1-cup bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
¼-cup grated Romano cheese
¼-cup olive oil
In food processor add onion, garlic, parsley and basil leaves. PROCESS IT! Add olive oil, salt, pepper and eggs—PROCESS IT AGAIN. Once mixture is green through and through and mixed well, remove.
Place ground chuck and sausage in a large mixing bowl. Add contents from food processor and breadcrumbs. Mix well. If the mixture is too wet, add more bread crumbs.
Once the ingredients are mixed, make them into baseball size meat balls-or smaller if you want. At this point you can do one of two things: you can fry the meatballs or bake them. Baking is easier and less mess. But frying does give the meatballs a better flavor. The meat balls should be added to the Sugo in about the last hour of its cooking. When sauce is done-add the remaining basil leaves and let sauce sit for a few minutes.
Time to Eat!
Now it’s done! Remove the meatballs and meat from the sauce and serve separately. Cook your favorite pasta. I like to add olive oil to water before I place the pasta in the pot. Drain pasta when it is done and place on a platter. Coat the pasta with sauce and put extra sauce in sauce boats on table. Then dig in!
You can cook it!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
You Can Cook it: Jamaican Curry Chicken
A few years back, I began to experiment with cooking. I had became a fan of the Food Network, watching notable people like Emirl Lagasse prepare great food. It caused me to wonder just how hard it would be for me to cook? I mean I was known for a great grilled cheese sandwich and warming a bowl of tomato soup, but prime rib? So, I went on-line and began to pull down recipes and the rest is history.
What I learned was that something is only as hard as you make it. I had misconceptions of the complexity of cooking and making great tasting food. And, because of my perception, I was too afraid to try. But once I did, I discovered I could do a pretty good job. And, this has turned into a hobby.
Now, let's have an understanding; I am not a professional chef. So, the recipe I am about share with you, is very simple. If I can do it, anybody can do it. So, today I am going to share with you my recipe for Jamaican Curry Chicken.
Things you will need:
1. Jamaican Curry. This is not the same type of curry used in Indian cuisine. You will want to make sure you have "Jamaican Curry". There are two brands I am acquainted with: Grace's Curry and Walkerswood. Depending on who you talk to depends on which one they recommend. I prefer Grace's.
NOTE: If you are not accustomed to Jamaican seasoning, the heat can be an little over whelming. You may want to start off using the "mild" curry.
2. Whole chicken cut up-seasoned with salt and pepper
3. Four medium to large potatoes cut into small cubes.
4. One large onion-diced
5. two cloves of garlic-minced
6. three sprigs of fresh time
7. 2 tbs of olive oil
8. 2 cups water
Cooking:
Heat olive oil in a large pot ( I use a large cast iron"seasoned" pot) over high heat. Once oil is hot, add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is clear.
Add diced potatoes--stir
Add your whole cut up chicken--then use a generous portion of Jamaican curry and stir potatoes, onions and chicken.
Add water so the contents of the pot are barely covered. You may want to add more curry as well once you add the water. Throw into the springs of thyme. Let contents come to a boil. reduce heat and let cook for about an hour and stir frequently.
Once chicken is cooked serve with rice and black beans.
It is that simple and you can cook it.
What I learned was that something is only as hard as you make it. I had misconceptions of the complexity of cooking and making great tasting food. And, because of my perception, I was too afraid to try. But once I did, I discovered I could do a pretty good job. And, this has turned into a hobby.
Now, let's have an understanding; I am not a professional chef. So, the recipe I am about share with you, is very simple. If I can do it, anybody can do it. So, today I am going to share with you my recipe for Jamaican Curry Chicken.
Things you will need:
1. Jamaican Curry. This is not the same type of curry used in Indian cuisine. You will want to make sure you have "Jamaican Curry". There are two brands I am acquainted with: Grace's Curry and Walkerswood. Depending on who you talk to depends on which one they recommend. I prefer Grace's.
NOTE: If you are not accustomed to Jamaican seasoning, the heat can be an little over whelming. You may want to start off using the "mild" curry.
2. Whole chicken cut up-seasoned with salt and pepper
3. Four medium to large potatoes cut into small cubes.
4. One large onion-diced
5. two cloves of garlic-minced
6. three sprigs of fresh time
7. 2 tbs of olive oil
8. 2 cups water
Cooking:
Heat olive oil in a large pot ( I use a large cast iron"seasoned" pot) over high heat. Once oil is hot, add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is clear.
Add diced potatoes--stir
Add your whole cut up chicken--then use a generous portion of Jamaican curry and stir potatoes, onions and chicken.
Add water so the contents of the pot are barely covered. You may want to add more curry as well once you add the water. Throw into the springs of thyme. Let contents come to a boil. reduce heat and let cook for about an hour and stir frequently.
Once chicken is cooked serve with rice and black beans.
It is that simple and you can cook it.
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