Monday, May 11, 2009
GROW UP
I remember having those words spoken to me.
As if the words were not enough, the tone of voice wrote them all in red,
fire-engine red.
I'll bet you have had that happen too!
And it stung....for I thought I was pretty grown up already! :)
Instead, this word from my sister - a full two years "growner" than I :), diagnosed the apparent littleness of my behavior, and the wrongness of my self-assessment.
Double ouch.
And so I pay a bit closer attention to the words in the Bible that say "grow up"....for I don't want anyone else but that holy book to speak that to me again.
The whole verse I am reminded of that includes "grow up" reads like this:
"Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:15)
It's like a two-cylinder engine.
Speak the truth
Do that in love.
Speak the truth.
Do that in love.
The first stroke (if you would) is "speak the truth."
Don't fudge on what the case of the matter really is. Don't compliment when you should be offering constructive cricism. Don't say I "love" you, when "I like you" would take an element of faith to even speak. Don't deny the person the gift of your objective insights and kind feedback that will take them so far down the path of character building and maturity. If you refuse to speak the truth, you are a harm to them, not a blessing.
Parents that don't speak the truth to their children, deny them a foundation for the rest of their lives. They end up living in a make-believe world where no one sees their faults or can call them on growing up.
But..."Do it in love."
One way I have found to do this is to express genuine love prior to tough truth, and after truth is expressed, to follow up with genuine expressions of love again.
I am challenged by this cycle of the grow up engine....so if I have to speak hard truth, I will often write it out for my own sake...and pray over it a lot, and talk with someone close to me about it to make sure it has balance and wisdom tucked in. Naked truth can be daggar like. Thoughtless words do separate good friends.
Speak the truth in love.....and if we do, we will grow up in every way.
So, is there any fibre you need to add to your truth telling?
....any softness to your expressions of affirmation and regard?
Only a speaker of truth? Bet you don't have too many long-term friends!
Only a relater through love, softness? Bet you don't have too many long-term friends!
A speaker of truth with love?
Ah, now there is a key to "all kinds of growth."
Selah..
David
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Pills
I take two pills a day
....one to moderate blood pressure and the other to pump in some vitamins.
Usually.
I have a great ability to get involved in so many things that "pills" fades on the list of things to be done.
And given that they sit in little containers in an out-of-the-way place,
and I don't like taking any pills at all anyway
....well, there are days when I "forget."
And every now and then I get this urgent reminder
that forgetting can have dire consequences,
especially if I am not exercising and am facing a pressured time just ahead.
And just popping those pills and three swallows and I am done,
"safe," healthier, being managed at a much better level.
So just do it.
No resistance.
No hesitation.
OK. OK. OK
Now you are listening to my inner talk.
And we all have conversations like that about various things.
Like, getting into the word today, spending some quality time in conversation with God, exercising, eating in a healthier way, laying down our lives for those around us as God prompts us to, giving beyond reasonability to a need before us.......
Maturity doesn't just drop onto us or into us...or become the culmination of some extraordinary encounter with God or His Spirit. Maturity is worked out through us on a daily basis....like taking the pills....a bit at a time, each day, the endless "yes" to the Holy Spirit that forms a long chain of progress that leads to great life and character.
So today, may we live in the "yes" realm, and take whatever "pills" come our way! :)
OK?
OK! OK!
David
....one to moderate blood pressure and the other to pump in some vitamins.
Usually.
I have a great ability to get involved in so many things that "pills" fades on the list of things to be done.
And given that they sit in little containers in an out-of-the-way place,
and I don't like taking any pills at all anyway
....well, there are days when I "forget."
And every now and then I get this urgent reminder
that forgetting can have dire consequences,
especially if I am not exercising and am facing a pressured time just ahead.
And just popping those pills and three swallows and I am done,
"safe," healthier, being managed at a much better level.
So just do it.
No resistance.
No hesitation.
OK. OK. OK
Now you are listening to my inner talk.
And we all have conversations like that about various things.
Like, getting into the word today, spending some quality time in conversation with God, exercising, eating in a healthier way, laying down our lives for those around us as God prompts us to, giving beyond reasonability to a need before us.......
Maturity doesn't just drop onto us or into us...or become the culmination of some extraordinary encounter with God or His Spirit. Maturity is worked out through us on a daily basis....like taking the pills....a bit at a time, each day, the endless "yes" to the Holy Spirit that forms a long chain of progress that leads to great life and character.
So today, may we live in the "yes" realm, and take whatever "pills" come our way! :)
OK?
OK! OK!
David
Monday, April 27, 2009
Antiseptic
Monday, April 27
Antiseptic
Reading today about the swine flu breakout that is beginning to occur in places like Mexico. Did you see the picture of the stadium empty while two teams competed in world-cup-level soccer? Erie to the max. People staying away from the chance to catch the flu.
Instructions to wash hands frequently. Get as close to antiseptic as you can.
Check out your bacon.
Stay clear of people who are sick.
Stay home if you suspect you are.....and more.
And all that is wise advice.......
and as well, we should be praying for the Lord's protection and for the plague not to spread and for those who are in charge of national health issues to be given increasingly effective wisdom for the protection of all.
And I think of our son Micah who is in such a non-antiseptic environment.
I dare not write some of the things he has spoken of. But it is rough and challenging and insect ridden....and dangerous.
And I am thinking about all of this and reading the Bible...on my continuing journey through it again this year (not too late to get going and do the same :) - and I come to this place in my reading a few days ago:
"So David gave an order to his men, and they killed them.
They cut off their hands and feet and hung the bodies by the pool in Hebron.
But they took the head of Ish-Bosheth and burned it in Abner's tomb at Hebron." (II Samuel 4:12f)
Hello.
The sheer starkness, willfulness, bloodiness of it all is fully revulsive.
The fact that King David ordered this, is stunning
...and the Bible recorded it?!
The parallel to some of what is going on in Afghanistan was startling to me.
Human nature has been like this for a long, long time....indeed, it started at the start - check out Genesis.
My reflections about all of this?
*I am so grateful for the culture and time in which we live.
For civility, law and order, and community.
*And I am grateful for those who are engaged (as I write this) in a life-risking struggle to end this kind of action in a troubled part of the world.
*And I am thankful that nothing is new to God.
*And I am thankful that Jesus came midway between II Samuel and now and "took upon Himself the sins of the world."
*And I am thankful that what He went through was enough for all time.
And He embodied meekness and gentleness and grace...and said: "Follow Me."
*And in the end, I want to live with grace and kindness - not violence.
*And I don't ever want to let my rough edges make me think "God can't handle this."
*And until I am with Him some day...while I live, I want to be fully a Christ-follower...one in whom truth, reality, and grace embrace.
*Oh, and finally, I wouldn't mind being a bit less antiseptic.
Selah.
David
You got some reflections too?
Antiseptic
Reading today about the swine flu breakout that is beginning to occur in places like Mexico. Did you see the picture of the stadium empty while two teams competed in world-cup-level soccer? Erie to the max. People staying away from the chance to catch the flu.
Instructions to wash hands frequently. Get as close to antiseptic as you can.
Check out your bacon.
Stay clear of people who are sick.
Stay home if you suspect you are.....and more.
And all that is wise advice.......
and as well, we should be praying for the Lord's protection and for the plague not to spread and for those who are in charge of national health issues to be given increasingly effective wisdom for the protection of all.
And I think of our son Micah who is in such a non-antiseptic environment.
I dare not write some of the things he has spoken of. But it is rough and challenging and insect ridden....and dangerous.
And I am thinking about all of this and reading the Bible...on my continuing journey through it again this year (not too late to get going and do the same :) - and I come to this place in my reading a few days ago:
"So David gave an order to his men, and they killed them.
They cut off their hands and feet and hung the bodies by the pool in Hebron.
But they took the head of Ish-Bosheth and burned it in Abner's tomb at Hebron." (II Samuel 4:12f)
Hello.
The sheer starkness, willfulness, bloodiness of it all is fully revulsive.
The fact that King David ordered this, is stunning
...and the Bible recorded it?!
The parallel to some of what is going on in Afghanistan was startling to me.
Human nature has been like this for a long, long time....indeed, it started at the start - check out Genesis.
My reflections about all of this?
*I am so grateful for the culture and time in which we live.
For civility, law and order, and community.
*And I am grateful for those who are engaged (as I write this) in a life-risking struggle to end this kind of action in a troubled part of the world.
*And I am thankful that nothing is new to God.
*And I am thankful that Jesus came midway between II Samuel and now and "took upon Himself the sins of the world."
*And I am thankful that what He went through was enough for all time.
And He embodied meekness and gentleness and grace...and said: "Follow Me."
*And in the end, I want to live with grace and kindness - not violence.
*And I don't ever want to let my rough edges make me think "God can't handle this."
*And until I am with Him some day...while I live, I want to be fully a Christ-follower...one in whom truth, reality, and grace embrace.
*Oh, and finally, I wouldn't mind being a bit less antiseptic.
Selah.
David
You got some reflections too?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 23
5475 days ago our family came down the aisle all tuxed up
to watch Dad and Mom join their lives together.
That's 15 years ago!
Our "family" came down the aisle - all five children - because both of us had been widowed and now were taking the plunge again.
Just as nervous as the first time.
More emotional than ever.
We had met in Israel, by the Sea of Galilee. No kidding.
(I tell people that after our first long talk, I went walking on the water.)
Not really...but I was struck by the beauty of this lady.
I was already falling madly in love.
So six months later we were married...
twice...
in Salt Lake City and Lincoln.
All of us were in it both times
...in tuxes and with flowers and all each time.
Not too much typical about this arrangement.
And now it's fifteen years.
And we are still in love....our whole family included.
Oh, we have our moments.
Partly because I'm stubborn and ....
And, well...
But she is such a friend and companion.
A protector and help.
A spiritual partner and fellow journeyman.
She has taught me more than I can ever say about life and love,
about "deal with it" and "get over it."
About courage and zeal and play.
Did I tell you about her cooking and decorating and laughing skills?
And so today we celebrate that life has taken us to new places
...new twists and turns - literally, with 8 grandchildren!
But she is the love of my life.
(And Jesus knows what I mean and smiles at this.)
Here's to 15 more....
Jackie, I love you.
David
to watch Dad and Mom join their lives together.
That's 15 years ago!
Our "family" came down the aisle - all five children - because both of us had been widowed and now were taking the plunge again.
Just as nervous as the first time.
More emotional than ever.
We had met in Israel, by the Sea of Galilee. No kidding.
(I tell people that after our first long talk, I went walking on the water.)
Not really...but I was struck by the beauty of this lady.
I was already falling madly in love.
So six months later we were married...
twice...
in Salt Lake City and Lincoln.
All of us were in it both times
...in tuxes and with flowers and all each time.
Not too much typical about this arrangement.
And now it's fifteen years.
And we are still in love....our whole family included.
Oh, we have our moments.
Partly because I'm stubborn and ....
And, well...
But she is such a friend and companion.
A protector and help.
A spiritual partner and fellow journeyman.
She has taught me more than I can ever say about life and love,
about "deal with it" and "get over it."
About courage and zeal and play.
Did I tell you about her cooking and decorating and laughing skills?
And so today we celebrate that life has taken us to new places
...new twists and turns - literally, with 8 grandchildren!
But she is the love of my life.
(And Jesus knows what I mean and smiles at this.)
Here's to 15 more....
Jackie, I love you.
David
The urge
April 22
Read last night about a guy who had it all....but then really didn't.
Ivy League education with graduate degrees, rich family position, eastcoast mansions, manhattan office, power, prestige, a beautiful wife, children, athletics, youth, health...he had it all....so to speak.
And he - Elliot - became Client #9 to a call girl service. He had been the Attorney General of New York with a swashbuckling reputation of going for the bad guys. He became the Governor of New York ... and many thought that was just a prime for much more.
And he became Client #9?
Newsweek ran a feature article trying to get to the "why?" of it all.
I was interested...and read closely.
His admission when asked the why question?
"Power and adulation has a built in seduction to it." It is also something about drives, the urge, pleasure.
Should have not needed to read to even find that out.
All that stuff at the top?....it has a huge pull downwards.
In all of us are built-indrives that must be managed well or they will wreak their own out-of-control havoic on our lives.
If we sense that we are on a bit of a road like Elliot's, it is time to admit it, head back downwards - to the foot of the cross - and walk like a real man, in humility, integrity and real love.
In Christ...Who is more than enough.
David
Read last night about a guy who had it all....but then really didn't.
Ivy League education with graduate degrees, rich family position, eastcoast mansions, manhattan office, power, prestige, a beautiful wife, children, athletics, youth, health...he had it all....so to speak.
And he - Elliot - became Client #9 to a call girl service. He had been the Attorney General of New York with a swashbuckling reputation of going for the bad guys. He became the Governor of New York ... and many thought that was just a prime for much more.
And he became Client #9?
Newsweek ran a feature article trying to get to the "why?" of it all.
I was interested...and read closely.
His admission when asked the why question?
"Power and adulation has a built in seduction to it." It is also something about drives, the urge, pleasure.
Should have not needed to read to even find that out.
All that stuff at the top?....it has a huge pull downwards.
In all of us are built-indrives that must be managed well or they will wreak their own out-of-control havoic on our lives.
If we sense that we are on a bit of a road like Elliot's, it is time to admit it, head back downwards - to the foot of the cross - and walk like a real man, in humility, integrity and real love.
In Christ...Who is more than enough.
David
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Feedback
April 22 09
FEEDBACK
Just got off the phone with someone special who updated me on what happened to he and his wife, as they read the blog entry of March 10 - GIVING.
In the context of friendship they had become aware of a couple (he a salesman, she an artist) with children, who were in dire financial straits - out of work and close to losing everything.
God had been speaking to them independent of any conversation together about helping this couple with an "outrageous gift."
Brad had even had a dream along this line.
When he read the blog, it confirmed in his heart that this was what they should do....and now they talked together....with tears of confirmation and anticipation.
They wrote the "outrageous check" for several pieces of the wife's artwork, paying far more for them than they were deemed to be worth.
The next day they received an e-mail with very moving words of thanksgiving.
...and this note as well,
that their son had recently stepped on a nail and needed a tetanus shot. But without insurance (they had to let it go some time back) they had hesitated. Now they would get that for him - pay some back bills, and still have some to spare. New hope was born in their hearts.
"Your post was a confirmation that we are hearing right. We are experiencing again the joy and blessing of giving."
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Jesus
May each of us be blessed in these days.
Selah.
David
FEEDBACK
Just got off the phone with someone special who updated me on what happened to he and his wife, as they read the blog entry of March 10 - GIVING.
In the context of friendship they had become aware of a couple (he a salesman, she an artist) with children, who were in dire financial straits - out of work and close to losing everything.
God had been speaking to them independent of any conversation together about helping this couple with an "outrageous gift."
Brad had even had a dream along this line.
When he read the blog, it confirmed in his heart that this was what they should do....and now they talked together....with tears of confirmation and anticipation.
They wrote the "outrageous check" for several pieces of the wife's artwork, paying far more for them than they were deemed to be worth.
The next day they received an e-mail with very moving words of thanksgiving.
...and this note as well,
that their son had recently stepped on a nail and needed a tetanus shot. But without insurance (they had to let it go some time back) they had hesitated. Now they would get that for him - pay some back bills, and still have some to spare. New hope was born in their hearts.
"Your post was a confirmation that we are hearing right. We are experiencing again the joy and blessing of giving."
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Jesus
May each of us be blessed in these days.
Selah.
David
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Size
April 15
SIZE
Read an interesting piece yesterday, about ceo's and how they are chosen.
Apparently it is not smarts, or schooling as much as size.
The difference on the hiring chances with just three more inches is stupendous.
It has always been that way. "Man looks on the outward appearance.."
It was that way with King Saul of old....with Goliath...with giants of the time.
But it has rarely been that way with God.
He has nothing against size....ie elephants, whales, mountains, universe....
It is just that to Him the insides are much more important than the outsides.
That's why He chose David (small of stature, ruddy of appearance) instead of Saul (head and shoulders above others.)
Like the rest of the verse (above) says - "Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart."
So if you want to be a champion, keep your focus on the inside. Keep seeking a complete makeover, by turning your life over to Jesus in a clear and decisive manner. Talk everything over with Him and seek constantly to become more like Him in spirit and action.
Remember the promise: "If any person is in Christ (turned over completely to Him) he is a new creature."
And when you are looking for a champion to be your friend, or ally, or partner, don't overlook the short guy. He might just be a whole lot bigger on the inside than you think.
6 feet tall, and still growing inside.
....with you
David.
SIZE
Read an interesting piece yesterday, about ceo's and how they are chosen.
Apparently it is not smarts, or schooling as much as size.
The difference on the hiring chances with just three more inches is stupendous.
It has always been that way. "Man looks on the outward appearance.."
It was that way with King Saul of old....with Goliath...with giants of the time.
But it has rarely been that way with God.
He has nothing against size....ie elephants, whales, mountains, universe....
It is just that to Him the insides are much more important than the outsides.
That's why He chose David (small of stature, ruddy of appearance) instead of Saul (head and shoulders above others.)
Like the rest of the verse (above) says - "Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart."
So if you want to be a champion, keep your focus on the inside. Keep seeking a complete makeover, by turning your life over to Jesus in a clear and decisive manner. Talk everything over with Him and seek constantly to become more like Him in spirit and action.
Remember the promise: "If any person is in Christ (turned over completely to Him) he is a new creature."
And when you are looking for a champion to be your friend, or ally, or partner, don't overlook the short guy. He might just be a whole lot bigger on the inside than you think.
6 feet tall, and still growing inside.
....with you
David.
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