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
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Here's a conversation to begin....
Not sure what you enjoyed about high school, but when it came to classroom discussions, I loved History and Civics Class. These two subjects provided for great conversations regarding current events and lively discussions.
English was a favorite subject of mine. I loved all the plays and to be taught their value has greatly increased my understanding of life, people and situations. Imagine, I learned that in school? Laughing with a smile is always good.
The discussion of current events in History Class one is able to find evidence for what we believe, even if we don’t want to admit the chances are our interpretation will not be the national average opinion. Civic Class and the discussion of government, her role in our lives and our responsibility to be active and participate will bring out the worse in some people even today.
Currently our Country has a lot of questions racing through minds of folks that think and wonder. Some will give up and not even address some issues because they don’t believe any thing will come of it, while others will hold to their position and fight to the very end wanting concessions of victory. I’ve been writing about the church and issues, so I need to add some current events so folks won’t believe I am old fashion in my thinking and stuck in some decade past.
Michael Jackson has died, and his death is due to drugs. Some want to put the blame on doctors but the best words I heard about this came from one individual in the Jackson Camp. Michael is responsible for his own death, no need to blame any one else, they said. I agree, but is personal responsibility something we really believe in? My heart has long grieved for individuals misusing drugs and who are addicted, but help begins within. Yes, outstretched arms for those steps are ours to extend, but it takes two to walk side by side.
Listening to the Confirmation Hearing of Sonia Sotomayor makes me wonder why some Districts elect the Senators that they do. Justice should be blind but it’s not. Every individual I know relates life to their experiences. It’s the learning from our experiences to help others that makes the lessons of life teachable from any position. I expect our Supreme Court Justice will use their backgrounds for rulings. We however hope that they will be opened minded to learn and view things from all points of view.
There is so much to discuss and so much to debate that I could write for days. But what is the answer to the real question of life when asked, what is really important. Michael is dead and based upon what he did with Jesus Christ, there in is the answer. We may have the first Hispanic Women to serve on the US Supreme Court shortly, but law with out mercy and grace is barbaric.
Not sure what all the answers are, and I am glad to have an opinion to share but there is always a bottom line. In all our Country’s events, we are moving toward a coming day when the sky’s shall unfold, trumpets will sound, and even the dead will rise. The only problem with that moment and those events will be that it will be to late to make a decision. I would respectfully suggest you start begin your decision of conversation now. You don’t want to be late!
Until then
English was a favorite subject of mine. I loved all the plays and to be taught their value has greatly increased my understanding of life, people and situations. Imagine, I learned that in school? Laughing with a smile is always good.
The discussion of current events in History Class one is able to find evidence for what we believe, even if we don’t want to admit the chances are our interpretation will not be the national average opinion. Civic Class and the discussion of government, her role in our lives and our responsibility to be active and participate will bring out the worse in some people even today.
Currently our Country has a lot of questions racing through minds of folks that think and wonder. Some will give up and not even address some issues because they don’t believe any thing will come of it, while others will hold to their position and fight to the very end wanting concessions of victory. I’ve been writing about the church and issues, so I need to add some current events so folks won’t believe I am old fashion in my thinking and stuck in some decade past.
Michael Jackson has died, and his death is due to drugs. Some want to put the blame on doctors but the best words I heard about this came from one individual in the Jackson Camp. Michael is responsible for his own death, no need to blame any one else, they said. I agree, but is personal responsibility something we really believe in? My heart has long grieved for individuals misusing drugs and who are addicted, but help begins within. Yes, outstretched arms for those steps are ours to extend, but it takes two to walk side by side.
Listening to the Confirmation Hearing of Sonia Sotomayor makes me wonder why some Districts elect the Senators that they do. Justice should be blind but it’s not. Every individual I know relates life to their experiences. It’s the learning from our experiences to help others that makes the lessons of life teachable from any position. I expect our Supreme Court Justice will use their backgrounds for rulings. We however hope that they will be opened minded to learn and view things from all points of view.
There is so much to discuss and so much to debate that I could write for days. But what is the answer to the real question of life when asked, what is really important. Michael is dead and based upon what he did with Jesus Christ, there in is the answer. We may have the first Hispanic Women to serve on the US Supreme Court shortly, but law with out mercy and grace is barbaric.
Not sure what all the answers are, and I am glad to have an opinion to share but there is always a bottom line. In all our Country’s events, we are moving toward a coming day when the sky’s shall unfold, trumpets will sound, and even the dead will rise. The only problem with that moment and those events will be that it will be to late to make a decision. I would respectfully suggest you start begin your decision of conversation now. You don’t want to be late!
Until then
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The church is busy, so what will you do?
The creation of the personal computer has really changed our lives. Computers were first created for the government and then big businesses needed computers, or given time, value was seen for that application, and finally they worked their way down to us, the individual user. Do you know of any business today that doesn’t use computer technically?
There have been many side expansions because of computers. Excel spread sheets now replaces the once books that contained all the figures and notes one would keep in operating a business. I have a smile on my face thinking about my Great-Grandfather Nasby Mills. He would write down his notes and I.O.U.’s on card board boxes (By the way, I.O.U. stands for, “I owe you” for those who are to young to understand such outdated information)
I recently receive two emails that the electronic world calls “spam” that offered great deals. The first email said that I could have all I needed in life for the cost of a pizza a month. I had to read that email so I could discover my secret to success. The deal was simple. Purchase an insurance policy at the cost of a pizza a month and I would be set! Sounded good, but I’ve been wondering how that money will benefit me when I am not able to collect and deposit that money? Not wanting to be totally selfish, but I love pizza, and when I weigh in the balance those options, well, I guess you can figure which I am selecting correct?
The second email came with a great heading: “Millionaire shares $100,000.00 Secret”. Had my attention immediately! The only problem was the millionaire was selling his secret and since my cash flow is at the $10.00 mark, I am 99,990 thousand away from that secret. Knowing people, I assume the millionaire author of the email has made hundreds of thousands in letting out his “secret”.
It is amazing what we like to believe in. Now I like believing, I like exercising confidence, but something must be said for the obvious, no way to be true. Mountain folks understand firmly, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
One could answer 100’s of emails a month like the two I received and described and see nothing for their effort. Flip the coin and exercise that same effort in Faith in Jesus Christ and see what happens. No, a $100,000.00 will not fall from the sky, nor will Pizza’s just start being delivered at your door once a month. Faith in Jesus Christ will provide you with the things I have discovered money cannot buy. Things like confidence that no matter how difficult the challenge I am never alone. Faith yields answers for questions that I have long sought and peace to press on when no answer arrives.
One truth that you can trust is that Jesus has paid it all for me and for you. It is hard for some individuals to believe in Jesus because they have never met Him personally. Another truth I can guarantee you is that if you reach out to Him, you will discover Him reaching back to you.
Until then
There have been many side expansions because of computers. Excel spread sheets now replaces the once books that contained all the figures and notes one would keep in operating a business. I have a smile on my face thinking about my Great-Grandfather Nasby Mills. He would write down his notes and I.O.U.’s on card board boxes (By the way, I.O.U. stands for, “I owe you” for those who are to young to understand such outdated information)
I recently receive two emails that the electronic world calls “spam” that offered great deals. The first email said that I could have all I needed in life for the cost of a pizza a month. I had to read that email so I could discover my secret to success. The deal was simple. Purchase an insurance policy at the cost of a pizza a month and I would be set! Sounded good, but I’ve been wondering how that money will benefit me when I am not able to collect and deposit that money? Not wanting to be totally selfish, but I love pizza, and when I weigh in the balance those options, well, I guess you can figure which I am selecting correct?
The second email came with a great heading: “Millionaire shares $100,000.00 Secret”. Had my attention immediately! The only problem was the millionaire was selling his secret and since my cash flow is at the $10.00 mark, I am 99,990 thousand away from that secret. Knowing people, I assume the millionaire author of the email has made hundreds of thousands in letting out his “secret”.
It is amazing what we like to believe in. Now I like believing, I like exercising confidence, but something must be said for the obvious, no way to be true. Mountain folks understand firmly, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
One could answer 100’s of emails a month like the two I received and described and see nothing for their effort. Flip the coin and exercise that same effort in Faith in Jesus Christ and see what happens. No, a $100,000.00 will not fall from the sky, nor will Pizza’s just start being delivered at your door once a month. Faith in Jesus Christ will provide you with the things I have discovered money cannot buy. Things like confidence that no matter how difficult the challenge I am never alone. Faith yields answers for questions that I have long sought and peace to press on when no answer arrives.
One truth that you can trust is that Jesus has paid it all for me and for you. It is hard for some individuals to believe in Jesus because they have never met Him personally. Another truth I can guarantee you is that if you reach out to Him, you will discover Him reaching back to you.
Until then
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