The sharing of an opinion has the opportunity to provide a positive learning experience. I have never kept a daily log to tabulate the number of opinions I have heard throughout the course of a single day, but I believe it would be a fun project to just keep a record to see all the things you think of in a 24 hour setting.
I have heard preachers, pastor’s and teachers often say, in reference to being a Christian, that it is easy. Not sure what they base their opinion on, but my personal experience is not one that I can say has been easy, as there are many difficult things about being a Christian, and following Him is just one of those difficult experiences. I have said many times that “loving your enemies” is not a very fun thing to do, and certainly “praying for them” is not something that you just wake up in the morning all excited about. I believe practicing that example of Christianity is difficult. As a Christian we can be successful in loving our enemies and praying for them, but it requires serious work and a commitment to follow Him.
Jesus was a friend to sinners. Sounds easy to say, but difficult to practice. The Apostle Paul said that he was chief of sinners and that is a very different opinion to hear as many folks believe Christians are “perfect in someway” or that they “never do wrong”.
I have always identified myself as a sinner, not that is it something I am proud of or boastful of, but it certainly is something that I am always mindful of, and that has always served me well in working with others, being mindful that even when we miss our marks, or His mark for our lives, He still loves us and His plan is still at work in our lives.
That is a very difficult opinion to believe in because most people enjoy watching others suffer and have difficult experiences that seem to bring them down, or as some say, “shows them” type of attitude. I Cor 13: has something to say about that, and if we the human race, we don’t get excited about their wrong doing and or their punishment. Rather we strive to find a way to walk beside people, a look for opportunity to be a real friend, and most importantly we don’t step back when the hour has arrived. When I look at Jesus and His example, I see His opinion everywhere. In Luke Chapter 14: we see plenty of His opinion and extended friendship. He healed the man with Dropsy and how about His association with the ten lepers; Jesus loved rich young rulers and blind beggars. Of course headline news would have reported that Jesus gave Zacchaeus a second chance too. All opinions that if practiced, are not easy as a Christian.
For whatever reason, we like for people to like us, we want to be appreciated, and respected, so sometimes, we don’t get involved or we will not associate with individuals
because of their bad reputation, but that wasn’t the opinion of Jesus.
Until then
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Debbie Cook - An Example to follow....
In a recent article I wrote about making a difference. Using what we have, where we are. I have discovered that sometimes when I am speaking to various groups some folks seem to understanding immediately what I am talking about and they can clearly see how they can do it from their individual view points. Many times those same individuals will come out and throw out an idea about what they can do today, and I assume some of those same many will make it happen. At other times when speaking, attempting to motivate you can see the look on their faces, or what their expressions, and determine you might be fighting a battle there is not way to win, because they are not committed to that type of purpose or calling.
The announcement by Debbie Cook to step down from the Corbin Board of Education, of which she served as Chairman for 12 years, is one individual we can look to and say, here is an example of someone that has made a difference. Of course her work on the Board of Education might have seemed like a career in and of itself, but the witness I see is even greater then this one mile post in her life.
Debbie Cook is someone that has always been first and foremost a mother. Her and Chandler have always held to family first and their children’s growth and leadership has been seen throughout their academic years and even now their adulthood. Raising a family to be hard workers and to be individuals that others respect because of their individual actions is no easy feat. I am sure Debbie is smiling about now thinking I am fooled, knowing her kids are kids and each of us have had moments of not such great shining light syndrome, but nevertheless, as a mother, she is an example of pressing forward, loving your children and also launching them to their own foundation to stand.
Her service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky is documented with awards, certificates and recognitions for outstanding service, and I cannot help but keep in mind that she juggled a career with State Government, a career as a mother & wife, a career as a member of the CBOE and her love for Jesus Christ is now seen in this next move as the Director of Children’s Ministries at Central Baptist Church, Corbin.
The great opportunity in life that we each have is the chance to make friends and to even observe our friends in action. Debbie Cook is someone that I am thankful for as my personal life has been enhanced because of our friendship and experiences over the years, many of which include worship services and ministry events through church. Today I cannot help but think what a blessing the little ones at Central Baptist are about to receive as they get the 100% dedication of Debbie Cook’ life and passion for children.
When you consider the importance of planting where we are planted, I cannot help but think how blessed Corbin has been in the move that she and Chandler made in their decision to move to Corbin and make this home for themselves and their children. We are all the better for their decision. So often we hear people say, what I do only affects me, but clearly we all can see, the decisions we make clearly touch many lives from every direction.
God is good, all the time, and He blessing us in many ways.
Until then
The announcement by Debbie Cook to step down from the Corbin Board of Education, of which she served as Chairman for 12 years, is one individual we can look to and say, here is an example of someone that has made a difference. Of course her work on the Board of Education might have seemed like a career in and of itself, but the witness I see is even greater then this one mile post in her life.
Debbie Cook is someone that has always been first and foremost a mother. Her and Chandler have always held to family first and their children’s growth and leadership has been seen throughout their academic years and even now their adulthood. Raising a family to be hard workers and to be individuals that others respect because of their individual actions is no easy feat. I am sure Debbie is smiling about now thinking I am fooled, knowing her kids are kids and each of us have had moments of not such great shining light syndrome, but nevertheless, as a mother, she is an example of pressing forward, loving your children and also launching them to their own foundation to stand.
Her service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky is documented with awards, certificates and recognitions for outstanding service, and I cannot help but keep in mind that she juggled a career with State Government, a career as a mother & wife, a career as a member of the CBOE and her love for Jesus Christ is now seen in this next move as the Director of Children’s Ministries at Central Baptist Church, Corbin.
The great opportunity in life that we each have is the chance to make friends and to even observe our friends in action. Debbie Cook is someone that I am thankful for as my personal life has been enhanced because of our friendship and experiences over the years, many of which include worship services and ministry events through church. Today I cannot help but think what a blessing the little ones at Central Baptist are about to receive as they get the 100% dedication of Debbie Cook’ life and passion for children.
When you consider the importance of planting where we are planted, I cannot help but think how blessed Corbin has been in the move that she and Chandler made in their decision to move to Corbin and make this home for themselves and their children. We are all the better for their decision. So often we hear people say, what I do only affects me, but clearly we all can see, the decisions we make clearly touch many lives from every direction.
God is good, all the time, and He blessing us in many ways.
Until then
Sunday, August 9, 2009
It's a good feeling to know folks care...
Knowing you are cared for is not exactly the easiest thing to buy into totally. Life extends some very hard knocks to individuals and even families. It would be nice to say that all one needs to do each morning is rise and shine and off we go on the yellow brick road, but that’s not true. Yes, we should rise and shine and that is a positive attitude that makes a difference, but even the yellow brick road may contact some patch work that we must be aware of as we travel.
For those who have experienced the pot holes and detours off the yellow brick road will know doubt find it difficult to be cheerleaders all the time. If we are giving applause for truthfulness, then let’s be honest and admit that life is not a pot hole free travel. When I look back at life I am at a spot where I am thankful for those rough moments in life that has caused me to reconsider, rethink and reevaluate where I am and where I am heading.
It is amazing how feeling like others care about you has such a connection to our own self worth and confidence. Honesty mandates that we understand not everyone who says that they care, actually does, but nevertheless knowing that some folks care does provide a foundation that we can use as a solid footing for a road filled with holes and detours. We expect that family cares, but some could share this is not true at all. Sad that our families are not concerned nor care, but it is what it is. I wish I could write that our friends will always be true but that will not be 100% accurate either.
What I can say is that when I am down I consider the value and worth that Jesus Christ sees in me and that often lifts me up. Sometimes I have been tired and just not able to press on with a happy smile in spite of the happy disposition I want to display. Especially in that situation, I am grateful for the love that He has already shown me. What an encouragement to rely on Him for that smile when my facial cheeks don’t want to life showing a happy face.
You can achieve that disposition by remembering that you were first created in His image. What a unique spot to consider. The creator of the Universe made me in His image. I have all the talents and skills necessary, but I might need to get them out and polish them up after I dust them off. Often times we have what we need in life, but he are just not familiar with how it works or maybe even how to turn it on?
Another fact worth considering is that He doesn’t place more on us then we can bear. Certainly I have thought I was crushed on several occasions only to remind myself that it’s not true. I maybe crushed, but not in despair. Knowing I have a direction and answer in whom to turn to is very encouraging.
Jesus Christ really does love us and He does have an abundant plan for our lives. One of my personal self caring traits is to be reminded that His plan is best for me and even though I may have many questions about how things work out in the end. Learning how to lean on Jesus is definitely an answer. That answer works when we are wondering if anyone really cares. When all is said and done, know this one fact for certain. Jesus cares, always has, always will.
Until then
For those who have experienced the pot holes and detours off the yellow brick road will know doubt find it difficult to be cheerleaders all the time. If we are giving applause for truthfulness, then let’s be honest and admit that life is not a pot hole free travel. When I look back at life I am at a spot where I am thankful for those rough moments in life that has caused me to reconsider, rethink and reevaluate where I am and where I am heading.
It is amazing how feeling like others care about you has such a connection to our own self worth and confidence. Honesty mandates that we understand not everyone who says that they care, actually does, but nevertheless knowing that some folks care does provide a foundation that we can use as a solid footing for a road filled with holes and detours. We expect that family cares, but some could share this is not true at all. Sad that our families are not concerned nor care, but it is what it is. I wish I could write that our friends will always be true but that will not be 100% accurate either.
What I can say is that when I am down I consider the value and worth that Jesus Christ sees in me and that often lifts me up. Sometimes I have been tired and just not able to press on with a happy smile in spite of the happy disposition I want to display. Especially in that situation, I am grateful for the love that He has already shown me. What an encouragement to rely on Him for that smile when my facial cheeks don’t want to life showing a happy face.
You can achieve that disposition by remembering that you were first created in His image. What a unique spot to consider. The creator of the Universe made me in His image. I have all the talents and skills necessary, but I might need to get them out and polish them up after I dust them off. Often times we have what we need in life, but he are just not familiar with how it works or maybe even how to turn it on?
Another fact worth considering is that He doesn’t place more on us then we can bear. Certainly I have thought I was crushed on several occasions only to remind myself that it’s not true. I maybe crushed, but not in despair. Knowing I have a direction and answer in whom to turn to is very encouraging.
Jesus Christ really does love us and He does have an abundant plan for our lives. One of my personal self caring traits is to be reminded that His plan is best for me and even though I may have many questions about how things work out in the end. Learning how to lean on Jesus is definitely an answer. That answer works when we are wondering if anyone really cares. When all is said and done, know this one fact for certain. Jesus cares, always has, always will.
Until then
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Reflecting upon our lives and actions
If you think back over the past 17 years of your life, what are you thinking as highlights? Now if you don’t like the number 17, may I suggest you consider any number you’d like, but think about the past and it’s influence on your life. Decisions are a difficult position to reach. Some will say just make a choice, and go with it, others will suggest do nothing if you are unsure, while still some might recommend do just a little and see if you like it.
High School days seem so important during that time, but how many high school friends do you still communicate with? I have only a few that I communicate with, but many I liked and many I would like to hang out with again, but that planning hasn’t started yet. When I think of things from high school, I think of the day we honored our retiring principal, James A Pursifull. That was a good thing then and even today, I am glad that happened.
College friends, I have about the same number of folks I communicate with regularly, and some because of our careers and professions we remain in contact still.
Graduate School produced about the same numbers, but the acquaintances and network of friends is larger and it seems more appropriate to just speak to those friends when you get the chance. It’s those high school friends and even grade school friends that you seem to miss the most. It could be this way because we don’t know where many of them are, we’ve lost touch as the years have passed. At least this is true for those that moved away, spent time in the service or found themselves setting up shop in another location, just not at home.
Of all the relationship we have enjoyed, have memories of, and remain with today, one factor I believe is true for all of these depend on the genuineness of what we shared when we had the time. Mark D. Sharp was one of my best friends in high school and his death in the summer of 1983, along with his cousin Thomas Southerland and Frank Hood, had an impact on my life I still reflect upon. I am thankful today that I was real then and honest in friendship. Moments like those speak to all of us if we listen and respond after letting our reactions pass.
Every generation has these situations. For me, having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has made a difference that has totally affected my responses. Jesus lived a short life, but made a profound impact because of His actions toward others. The difference he made because He forgave. The difference He made because of His approach to decisions regarding people. The stories He shared and the difference He made simply because He walked down the road with folks.
We have a lot of decisions to make and we have already started the course and the way history will reflect upon our actions. I pray as we each consider the different framing of the years of our lives, time will tell we did it right.
Until then
High School days seem so important during that time, but how many high school friends do you still communicate with? I have only a few that I communicate with, but many I liked and many I would like to hang out with again, but that planning hasn’t started yet. When I think of things from high school, I think of the day we honored our retiring principal, James A Pursifull. That was a good thing then and even today, I am glad that happened.
College friends, I have about the same number of folks I communicate with regularly, and some because of our careers and professions we remain in contact still.
Graduate School produced about the same numbers, but the acquaintances and network of friends is larger and it seems more appropriate to just speak to those friends when you get the chance. It’s those high school friends and even grade school friends that you seem to miss the most. It could be this way because we don’t know where many of them are, we’ve lost touch as the years have passed. At least this is true for those that moved away, spent time in the service or found themselves setting up shop in another location, just not at home.
Of all the relationship we have enjoyed, have memories of, and remain with today, one factor I believe is true for all of these depend on the genuineness of what we shared when we had the time. Mark D. Sharp was one of my best friends in high school and his death in the summer of 1983, along with his cousin Thomas Southerland and Frank Hood, had an impact on my life I still reflect upon. I am thankful today that I was real then and honest in friendship. Moments like those speak to all of us if we listen and respond after letting our reactions pass.
Every generation has these situations. For me, having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has made a difference that has totally affected my responses. Jesus lived a short life, but made a profound impact because of His actions toward others. The difference he made because He forgave. The difference He made because of His approach to decisions regarding people. The stories He shared and the difference He made simply because He walked down the road with folks.
We have a lot of decisions to make and we have already started the course and the way history will reflect upon our actions. I pray as we each consider the different framing of the years of our lives, time will tell we did it right.
Until then
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