Advent - Week 1, Day 4: The Message of Hope

What2Say2Day? Yesterday was a day filled with opportunities to heal others with prayer and encouragement. So many, in fact, I don't know where to begin. maybe a quick summation would be enough; maybe. Angels are mentioned 52 times in the Gospels. I find it comforting to know that even in the first centuries of Christianity we believed in messengers from God. This fact is that's what yesterday was about. I know of 3 instances where I personally touched the lives of those around me and I know of 4 times when others touched my life. I have no idea how many times others touched me, or I others, through the simple act of stopping to say hi, or smiling, or just listening for a minute or two. When I decided to take on this journey of HOPE I had no idea it would become what it has. Matthew 18: 5 has Jesus saying, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." To put this in the context of the story in which its told Jesus is asked who will be going to heaven. His answer is you have to be like a child. It might help to remember that children in those days were thought to be useless; having no place in society until they grow up and can contribute to the community in a way that helps the village to survive. And yet Jesus says to welcome them, make them feel comfortable, and by doing that to them we also do it to him. Jesus makes many comparisons to treating others being similar to how we treat him. This, I am seeing, is what spreading hope is about. If we all treated each other with kindness, acceptance, charity, justice and unconditional love wouldn't this be a better world? Well, wouldn't it? Continue to spread HOPE - Heal Others with Prayer and Encouragement. 

Advent - Week 1, Day 3: The Message of Hope

What2Say2Day? I was not in the mood in any way whatsoever to go to work last night. My sinuses were flaring up, my throat was getting tight, i was tired, and I was in complete grouch mode. To add to the frustrations as soon as I walked in I was written up for not doing something at work nobody at work does or likes to do (to be fair to my boss everyone was written up because nobody did it, so I was not being picked on). As the night went on it was apparent no sales were going to be made, adding to my already disenchanted evening. I was working with a new salesperson, and we began to talk, getting to know more about each other. We discovered we had a lot in common; especially the fact we both used to sell cars (yes, I was a car salesman). We began to talk about that business and the fun it was. We also talked about why we both stopped selling cars and it surprised me we had the same reason; we no longer had that "killer instinct". We both had started going to church and found it difficult to be comfortable with some of the things a car salesperson needs to be comfortable with. We then launched into a discussion on church and how our lives were changed because of a new-found relationship with God. Before I knew it I was out of my "funk". We never know when God will send his son to meet us in our time of need. More and more each and every day I see how Christ is alive in this world and how he lives in and through the lives of those around us. My co-worker and new friend showed me through his encouragement (if that's what we can call it, because that's what it felt like) that things weren't really that bad. One could even say he gave me hope. Things did get better, and are better this morning and it looks like it'll be good all day. Thank you, God, for sending people into our lives that give us HOPE - Heal Others with Prayer and Encouragement.

Advent - Week 1, Day 2: The Message of Hope

What2Say2Say? Yesterday our Youth group from church did community service at The Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS). It was a different kind of service than what HHS was used to. Instead of cleaning the cages or walking dogs or spreading mulch in the dog park we took lunch for the staff and volunteers who were working during the Thanksgiving weekend. On the menu was homemade soups, refreshing salads, and slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches.  I've never seen a more happy, grateful group of people than what we saw yesterday. Amongst the comments I heard were, "we never get to sit down and have lunch, we're always so busy" and, "This sure beats the cold sandwich I usually bring" and, "now I don't have to drive to (insert fast food restaurant I will not name). My favorite comment, though, was this one; "Most people who want to volunteer here want to work with the animals, this is the first time a group has offered to do something for those who work with the animals." As the staff and volunteers sat and talked and laughed and ate there was a general feeling of, well, relaxation. Often we forget to serve those who serve the ones who take care of others; the caretakers of our world. These are the people who sit with our aged and make them smile and give them the much needed human companionship everyone needs. These are the people who are foster parents to the youth and young children that need a stable home and the love of a family. These are the nurses who come to visit you in the hospital room, five minutes at a time, and make you laugh, or listen as you complain about the food. These are the people who bring hope to those who may not have any. We need to be caretakers of the world and the people around us. It's really not that difficult - just remember that HOPE is Healing Others with Prayer and Encouragement.

Advent - Week 1, Day 1: The Message of Hope

What2Say2Day? Today is the first day of Advent. The dictionary definition of Advent as "a coming into place, view, or being". The next four weeks are when Christians celebrate the coming of Jesus the Christ-child and the season which leads to Christmas day when we celebrate the actual arrival of our Christ. There are four weeks in the Advent season, each week with its own theme; hope, peace, joy and love. The first day of Advent is also the first day of the year in the Christian calendar (Happy New Year!). So, what does this all mean? Today is the day we can start over in our spiritual lives and renew that which is in us to bring those things that Advent represents to others. In the next four weeks I hope to show that Christ is already here, that we are already living in his kingdom and that we are in a battle against the things that take us away from all that is good in this world. How do I plan to do this? The same way I'm asking you to; by sharing hope, peace, joy and love with everyone around us. This week we'll focus on hope which I define as the knowledge that things will get better. I recently discovered a story about Reece Goo. Reece is a 12 year old who is recovering from a form of brain cancer. He credits the Make-A-Wish Foundation with bringing him the hope he needed to get through the most difficult part of his rehabilitation. Because his soul was so deeply touched by the Make-A-Wish Foundation he has decided to do his part to spread hope to by encouraging others to write letters to Santa that tell of why they believe in the magic of Christmas. For each letter written Macy's will donate one dollar up to a grand total of one million dollars. Reece is hoping the people from Hawaii will write 5000 letters. This is just one example of what someone can do to spread hope. If it helps here is an easy way to remember what hope is: Healing Others with Prayer and Encouragement. I look forward to this week and the opportunities to share the Christ that is alive in me.

Tis the Season, falalalalalalalala

What2Say2Day? It's here! Like it or not it's here. This is the time of year everyone's emotions begin its race to a feverish pitch. Welcome, my friends, to (insert buh buh bummmm) The Holidays. I know Thanksgiving hasn't come yet, but it is only a couple days away. I know it feels like Halloween just happened; get over it. I know you've just begun calculating if you have enough saved up to get all those important gifts for all those important people and have come to the realization you'll need to use the credit cards - again. I know, I know, I know...but ready or not it's here. Put up the trees, hang the lights, and look for the ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, transparent tape, and gift tags. Go shopping for your new party outfits and be sure to get the matching shoes. Oops, I seriously hope you have your turkey because it takes forever to defrost in the refrigerator. Oh, and that reminds me...I still need to buy cilantro or my stuffing won't taste as it should. Had enough yet? In the months before Jesus was born my guess is that the lives of Joseph and Mary and the unborn Christ-child were just as hectic as ours are at this time. Imagine having to uproot your family in the middle of all you're going through, taking only what you can fit in your family car (Joseph and Mary had a donkey), and relocating to a place where you don't really know anyone and definitely don't have anything (except what the donkey brought). Now, think, think harder, does this story remind you of someone? Or, does this story remind you of you? Joseph and Mary knew beyond any doubt God was with them. You need to know, beyond any doubt, that this same God is with you. As the "Holiday Chaos" begins, try your best to remember the "Christmas Message" that when we receive Christ as our constant partner and friend through life we will also receive the hope, peace, joy and love which comes with it. During the season of Advent I'll want to focus on this theme: Christ is already here and we're just not seeing it. For today, though,  Happy Thanksgiving, my friends. Go into the world and find a way to make someone's life just as thankful as yours, OR allow someone to make your life thankful by accepting the gifts they want to give. This Sunday is the first day of Advent. Have fun this weekend, enjoy being surrounded by family, friends and a few strangers. Then, think about how Christ has brought you hope, and how you can also do the same for others. I'll need to take the next few days off due to obligations (such as a job) and I will see you on the other side of this weekend.

What2Say2Day? This morning's devotional came from Revelation 3:15-22. The author of the devotional decided to focus on verse 20 (Listen, I am knocking at the door...) and had a nice devotional based on opening the door with great expectations because we never know who may be knocking; it just might be Christ. I read the passage and (as often happens) came out of it with a different point of view. The passage has Jesus speaking to a few churches and telling them (paraphrasing) "You think you're all that, but let me tell you that you are nothing, worthless. But, let me come be with you and I can make you rich in the things you should be rich in the things that matter." (Remember, please, this is just my interpretation and not meant to rile anyone.) This reading speaks to where I see things in our communities today. There are a few, who seem to be a majority, that act as though they have it all - money, homes, nice clothes, high-paying jobs, etc. Then there are those, more of whom is in the real majority, who barely have, are hanging on to very little, or have nothing; or seem to have nothing. The latter group, my friends, are those with whom I would rather be. These are the people who realize there is more to life than material belongings. Jesus tells us in this passage from Revelations that we shouldn't fool ourselves into thinking we are filled with the riches of the world because without him in our lives we actually have nothing of true value. So, yes, when we hear his voice and he comes knocking at the door, open it, let him in, and enjoy all the riches his love can bring.

Pepper Spray? Really?!

What2Say2Day? This morning as I eat my egg (yes, egg, not eggs) and as my mind slowly awakens with the help of coffee I begin to focus on the morning news. As the morning fog slowly lifts my eyes are caught by the video of police pepper-spraying students at UC Davis who were part of the "Occupy" movement. (Follow this link if you want to see it for yourself - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AdDLhPwpp4). Let me preface my comments by saying I do not know the events that lead to this particular moment in the videos and with that said; WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING IN OUR WORLD!!! From what I can see the students were just sitting there. They were not standing, they were not showing any signs of aggression, they were not threatening in any way; they were sitting. Okay, I'm sure they were vocal, chanting loudly, and maybe they were being disruptive by blocking a walkway, but, seriously...pepper spray?! I cannot help but think about what Jesus went through in his trials with Pontius Pilate and Herod as he too stood silent, accused of being disobedient. The more he remained silent, the worse the beatings got until, finally, his life was given for us. Today we're going to have a discussion on Matthew 25:31-46. We're going to be discussing what it means to judge and be judged and more importantly what we're judged on. And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” What have you done to Jesus today? And that, my dear friends, is where I'll end this rant.

Sheep or Goat?

What2Say2Day? I'm preparing for this week's lesson for our Youth group at church and the scripture is from Matthew 25:31-46. This passage is filled with many lessons, and is most times cut into little parts to send those messages as separate themes. I've just gotten through reading one reflection that suggests this passage as an entire teaching moment about what it will be like when Jesus returns, changing the theme of Matthew from the Kingdom of God to the Reign of Christ. Christians believe that Christ and God are one and the same, therefore this "change" is not one that suggests a changing of our God, but rather one that brings a new understanding of our God. God never changes, God is who God is through time eternal. It is our understanding of God that changes as God chooses to reveal parts of God's mystery to us. With this new found vision I re-read the passage and discovered so much. I ask you to re-read it with these questions in mind.

1) Who is Jesus associating the sheep and the goats with?
2) Are we judged on sins such as sexual preference or drug abuse OR are we judged on what we do for those in need?
3) When Jesus comes to take his throne (which I want to argue is happening now) will you be with the shepherd or the goatherd?

This Sunday, the first day of the last week of the church's calendar year, pledge to find a way not to be the judge, but to live a life that will bring hope, peace and joy to those around you through love.
















m

Childlike? Good!

What2Say2Day? Mark 10:15 reminds us that, "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." At some time today I want you to take a look at a little child (by little I mean between 3 and 5 or 6 years old). Just watch her as she talks with her parents. Observe him as he plays with friends. Take notes on the things they do or the words they say. Take notice of their innocence and their lack of judgment. Smile as their endless questions are understood as nothing more than the need to understand how everything around them is different and yet somehow connected. Once you've done your investigations (hopefully without interference) I want you to watch a few adults. Note the differences in their conversations, or their play. If done properly you'll soon begin to understand how we are to be like children to enter the Kingdom of God. One of the most difficult things for me to do was to accept acts of love to be shown for me. And yet, this is all a child really wants. Think of the times you were given a picture drawn and colored by a child and you chose to show it on the refrigerator, or maybe they gave you a small trinket which you wore or carried around and saw how this always brought a smile to their faces. Now, think of all the times you were a child and gave someone a gift, only to have it ignored. Which one of those acts do you think is what the Rule of God is more like. Be a child, rather be childlike in your actions; give and receive love freely. It's difficult, I agree, but oh so worth it.

There's No Love Like...

What2Say2Day? John 15:12-15 really speaks to me about what true love is about. The passage reads ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father." This passage comes during the final night Jesus is spending with his disciples. It is one of the greatest teaching moments recorded in the four Gospels (of course that's my opinion). In this "sermon" Jesus is recapping what his ministry was all about; love one another, trust in God, a life with me is not easy but will be rewarding, etc. This passage, though, is when Jesus looks each of his disciples in the eye and says, "I love you and to prove this I am going to die for you. All I ask in return is that you love others in the same way" (excuse the paraphrase). Imagine a love so strong, so unconditional that another's life is more important than yours. Imagine relationships so strong that there are no secrets, no back stabbing, no gossiping or no ulterior motives. The only thing we have to worry about in these kinds of relationships is, well, I can't think of anything to worry about in these kinds of relationships. With Advent right around the corner let's remember Jesus came into this world for one reason; to die for us and in his death show us what true love is. How amazing is that?!

Slow But Sure

What2Say2Day? In my full time job I assist students in the classroom who may need the extra help doing their work. Every week I'm amazed at how this number seems to rise, and fall. There seems to be a trend to how some of our students are doing their work. They start the quarter with good intentions, giving it their best, working hard to be as successful as they can. Then, a few weeks into it we look at progress reports and it seems we have lots of students missing lots of work and we begin playing catch up. We get them caught up, and they relax (gads) after which, yes, we have to play catch up again. I notice, too, the same routine in many of the lives around me. We go full speed until we reach a burn out, discover we're buried in life, play catch up then rest; only to get bogged down again. I'm sure most of you know the story of the hare and the tortoise (if you don't know it, look it up, it has a great message). We seem to be living our lives as the hare, racing, trying to beat the tortoise, knowing we're faster and better and therefore can't be beat. We take a moment to rest when we don't even notice the tortoise, who is moving slow and steady, pass us and win the race. I'm not suggesting we move as slow as a tortoise all the time, but we need to stop moving like the hare all the time. Slow and steady always wins the race.

Let The Healing Begin

What2Say2Day? Yesterday the pastor of the church I go to spoke about getting back to the true meaning of Christmas. Sort of a pre-Advent advent topic. He spoke about how the Romans already had a King of Kings, and  Lord of Lords, and a Prince of Peace, and a Light of the World . His name was Caesar. So, when the bible talks of Jesus as being these things, it's meant to show the conflict between the ways of the world and the way of God. As Advent (the 4 weeks preceding Christmas) approaches we're already being bombarded with Christmas offers enticing us to buy at this store or that store. We're being asked to remember our family and friends with memorable gifts. We're being told that this may be a good season filled with good opportunities to be good people and do good things in this world. What we're not being told is the reason Christmas even exists; to celebrate the birth of Christ and the message the true Light of the World, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords and King of Kings brought with his birth. Dictionary.com uses this definition for the word advent: a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season (even they don't mention Christ or Christmas). As Advent approaches let's look for ways to bring to life the message Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection brings; that of hope, peace, joy and love. It's time to let the healing begin. 

The Poor Are What?!

What2Say2Day? The other day I was talking about the Youth from our church doing community service. I talked about how we were going to the Humane Society to feed the volunteers and staff and how we just went to a Homeless shelter to play with the children. I spoke of how we would like to do more things such as feeding the hungry or school supply drives for a school. One of the people in the conversation made a comment similar to this - "The poor are so lucky." It took everything I had in me to not let my face show what was in my mind (because this is a family-friendly blog I won't say it here either). After the initial shock of that comment subsided I asked her what she meant. "Well, "she said, "People are always doing things for them, aren't they? I mean, when was the last time anyone reached out to the rich to help them with their needs?" I became intrigued. "Interesting point," I replied. I decided to ask a question, hoping to get a little more of her reasoning out. "What do you see as some of the needs rich people have?" Her reply floored me - "They need to be more in touch with what's happening in the world and realize their money can't fix anything, rather it's only in the relationships they ignore that the world we live in will be a better place." Not the reply I was expecting. I have to agree she really hit the point of what "community" service should be. Many times we think it's only the poor and hungry who need help because we perceive them as not having anything. Of course we base this assumption on material things. We, as community servers, usually get upset at the rich for not sharing their wealth more. My friends, it's not their money we need, it's their time and talents. On the other side of that coin the rich feel as though all they have to give is money, so they don't get into the service aspect and build relationships that people crave. Okay, so now what? Here will be my personal challenge for the near future, and I hope yours as well. Let's focus not on material things, albeit with the understanding that is a piece of the puzzle. Let's instead focus on building relationships and finding ways for all people, rich or poor or somewhere in between, to be with one another in love, bringing hope through joy so that peace in the world might actually happen.

To Veterans Everywhere

What2Say2Day? As much as I wish war was an obsolete idea, I agree it is sometimes a necessary thing to do as long as evil persists in our world. This picture is to all our men and women that serve and or served around the world to ensure justice and freedom on earth.

God bless you and your families!

It's (almost) A Small World, Afterall

What2Say2Day? In case I haven't mentioned it before I live in Honolulu, Hawaii. This week is a very exciting one as our city and state host 21 leaders from around the world in a conference focusing on world economy (aka APEC). One of the youth I work with asked me yesterday what APEC was about. Understanding he probably didn't know much about world economics I did my best to answer him. "It's a conference between countries from around the Pacific area that will be focusing on how we can better the economic opportunities for everyone." I went on to explain how even though something is thought to be American, that doesn't necessarily mean it was made in America. "Take cars, for instance. A Ford truck is definitely American, but a closer examination of the truck will show that it was assembled in Mexico with parts made in Japan." That seemed to amaze him; and I must admit that on further thought I became amazed. My chosen Christian denomination is The United Church of Christ and our motto is taken from John 17:21; That they may all be one. This thought was what came to me when I began to explain further how countries around the world are connected in ways we never thought possible 50 or 75 or 100 years ago. Even in the last 25 years we have seen a unification of peoples around the world in ways that bring us closer in politics, business and economics. What we need now is to become one people in the areas of kindness, gentleness, acceptance, justice and love. Now that would truly be a small world.

Don't Touch That Lever

What2Say2Day? There's a story I remember about a truck driver who is heading west across the Arizona desert. He has been driving all night, and as the sun starts to rise, he feels the need to stop and commune with nature. He pulls to the side of the road, parks, and walks out into the sage brush.

As he is standing there, looking around at the beauty of the early morn, he notices a lever sticking out of the ground. After a few moments, he walks over, walks all the way around, and then reaches out to grasp the lever. Just as he does, he hears a voice say, "Don't touch that lever."

The driver jumps about two feet off the ground, and as hecomes down, he looks around. No one is to be seen. Thinking it was just his imagination, he again reaches for the lever. Again the voice yells, "I said don't touch that lever!"

Being more prepared, the driver senses the location of thevoice and looks down under a sage brush. There he sees a small snake. The driver, in much astonishment, said, "Was that you that just spoke?"

The snake said, "Yes. I have to keep people from touching that lever. If the lever is moved, it will be the end of the world."

The driver, still rather astonished, said, "What is your name? And will you talk on TV?" The snake said his name was Nate and that he wasn't interested in going on TV; anyway, he had to stay and watch the lever to see that it wasn't moved. The driver said, "Look, I will get the networks to send out camera crews. That way, you can inform the entire world about the danger of the lever."

Nate thought that over and agreed there was a great deal of sense to the idea. The driver, true to his word, got the network camera crews out. They put on broadcasts in which Nate warned the entire world of the dangers of moving the lever.

A few weeks later, another truck driver was going through the area. He was following an oil tanker, and the tanker sprang a leak. When the driver's truck hit the slick, it went out of control, and he found himself headed straight for the lever. He remembered seeing Nate on the TV telling
about the lever and so he knew that if he hit it, he would cause the world to end. He strove, with all his might to maneuver the truck. Finally, at the last moment, he was able to swerve, but he ran over Nate, the snake, and killed him flat!

The truck driver was heard to say "Well, better Nate than lever."

My note: I first heard this joke in grade school. For some reason it cam to me that I should share it for those who may never had heard it. I actually found a copy of it on line (I guess you can find anything on the internet). Take it for what it is. In case you didn't get it the saying is better late than never, not Nate than lever.

In Times Like This

What2Say2Day? The last few days have been a little stressful, to say the least. Without going into details, because I would like to keep these things private, let's just say there is a lot to be said about families and friends who are close and together can endure all things. There were a few moments during these days when I just wanted to say, "Really! Who needs the stress?" But, because God is awesome and our family is strong and friends are amazing I found myself learning something; we are connected in a way that only our Creator could have connected us. I don't mean "us" as in family, friends, colleagues or fellow human beings. I mean "us" as in all of creation. Don't get me wrong, if not for the kind words of those around me these last days would have been more difficult. It was, however, the quiet time in the darkness looking at the stars, listening to the sounds of the world as it slept and feeling the cool night air against my skin that really put the final touches on my healing. We are blessed far beyond our knowing and those blessings are more than how much "stuff" we have. Our Creator gave to us a world filled with beauty in everything we see (except cockroaches and centipedes - maybe) and He gave everything we see the gift of us (wow, that was deep). We are a gift to creation, we are supposed to take care of it and handle it with extreme care. Let's start doing this - now! In times like this I'm glad to have had the stars to gaze on and clean, fresh air on my skin. I just hope my children's children can celebrate with our Creator in the same way with their children.

What2Say2Day?: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

What2Say2Day?: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid: What2Say2Day? If you've been reading my blogs you'd see that one of the things I like to talk about is the need for quiet. I often like to s...

Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

What2Say2Day? If you've been reading my blogs you'd see that one of the things I like to talk about is the need for quiet. I often like to say we need to find a quiet place to reconnect with creation. I also like to say how much just 15 minutes of this quiet time can rejuvenate your soul, usually melting away a lot of the stresses that pile on your shoulders during the day. Today, however, I want to talk about the other kind of silence, the one that is most difficult for many of us. This silence can be one of the greatest gifts you can give others as well as yourself. This is the silence achieved when nothing is said. Today's blog is going to be short, mostly because I want to practice what I preach, so here is the thought and the challenge for today...Would it be better, sometimes, to offer a hug or the squeeze of a hand or a smile or a shoulder to cry on OR to talk about it?

Justice vs. Grace

What2Say2Day? Firstly, let me apologize for taking yesterday as a day off. I'm making it up, though by submitting something today; and today is a day mixed with blessings and challenges. Church was good, especially the time I spent with our youth in Sunday school. We spoke about  how grace and justice are intertwined. The passage we looked at was about the 10 bridesmaids found in Matthew 25. According to the commentary I read in preparation of today we are to live our lives on constant readiness of the coming of God's Kingdom because we're living under God's Reign (aka His Kingdom) now. To live our lives constantly waiting for the end is counterproductive. We should instead live on the now, in full readiness, just as the 5 wide bridesmaids did. To do this means we need to live our lives looking for opportunities to make things right (justice) while at the same time be sure we love unconditionally, freely giving ourselves to make others' lives better (grace). Not an easy task, Io agree, but something to work towards.

Stormy Nights and Lives

What2Say2Day? I love a good storm. Thunder, lightning and hard rain somehow soothe me. Not my wife, though, storms like these scare her as I'm sure it scares others. The only thing I don't like about storms is that they don't allow you to proceed with your outdoor plans. We had planned to go to a championship high school game featuring my wife's alma mater tonight and tomorrow I really wanted to cut back a tree in my yard that is overgrown and riddling the ground beneath it with fruit (of course the fruit is rotting in place and bringing insects and animals who like to feed on that sort of stuff). All that aside I absolutely love a storm. I get to stay indoors, cuddle with my wife on the couch and watch TV. I can have a cup of hot cocoa if it gets cold. I can have a certain peace of mind, knowing I am safe and warm as long as my home doesn't fall. I'm hoping you notice the slight hint of sarcasm in my written voice. Even though it's true I love a good storm, my thoughts always go to those without homes in these times. A tent in the park, the stoop of a doorway, or a bench and some cardboard will not protect against  that same pelting rain brought on by a thunderous storm that my (or your) home provides. In the States we have something like 6 times more shelters for lost or abused pets than we have shelters for lost or abused human beings. I learned yesterday there is a foundation for animals with cancer. I didn't look it up, but I wonder how much monies this foundation raises for those animals and I wonder that if they changed their name and focus to, well, something like, ummm, The Foundation for Homeless People with Cancer if they would get as much funding. Please don't get me wrong as I have 2 cats and a dog, and all the pets I've had in the last 10 years have been rescued from the streets or the shelters. All I'm saying is we need to refocus as a people and start putting our efforts where they really count and find a better balance so that all of creation is treated fairly and looked out for. So, tonight while I sit on my couch at home during what is supposed to be a good autumn thunder storm, I don't think I'll be enjoying it as much as I could be.

How Little Can You Be

Those who know me know that I consider Halloween to be the beginning of the Holiday Season. All efforts to try to entice me into an early (and false) start to the holidays usually meet up with the grumpiness of a "humph" - or as Ebeneezer would say, "Bah!"  So, please, let me welcome you to the beginning of the holiday season (even though it's 3 days old). This year let's see how well the world responds to this season of hope, peace, joy and love. World economies are doing better than last year and more people are finding jobs. There is still an unease about the perceived unfairness in the gap of those who have and those who don't (aka the super rich and those below poverty). Injustice still thrives in many places around the globe and it almost seems as though, for now, the countries that could always be counted on for assistance in these places need to refocus on their own problems. Even with all of this going on I still see people walking on the streets with smiles, lovers holding hands, and friends on the beach or in the park enjoying creation. Just yesterday I saw a student laying down by herself on a bench outside her classroom and when I asked her if she was okay she simply said, "I'm just enjoying the outdoors. I don't get to do this enough." So, just maybe that's where the secret to this season's happiness is - in the little things. As our Christ came to us in a little way, maybe, just maybe, this holiday season will be filled of happiness brought to us by the little things. I can wish, right!

How Are You Today?

What2Say2Day? It seems almost everyone I greet today has the same answer when asked, “How are you?” – “Tired.” It’s as though the energy is being taken away from us at a steady rate. I’m not just talking about physical energy either; mental and spiritual energy is being drained from us as well. When I ask them, “What’s going on, why so tired?” the usual reply is, “I’m so busy.” Many of my friends and colleagues these days work more than one job (out of necessity, mostly), have families with active children, are caretakers to their aging parents or doing all of the above in some form or another. Yesterday I decided to ask one of my colleagues, “Why do you do all of that?” The blank, puzzled look spoke louder than his answer (which I don’t remember). It’s a good question, isn’t it. Why do we do the things we do? I mean, we choose to do all those things, don’t we. Seriously, think about it. The things we do may seem they’re done out of necessity, but in the end we choose to do them. Nothing is “making” us do any of the things we do, right? So, again I ask the question, why do we do the things we do? Is it for personal gain or for the betterment of others? Is it to fill in the empty spaces of our days? Is it to teach our children responsibility or to give them a head start on life? I want to know – Why? We all know the story of the man who climbs the world’s highest mountain to seek wisdom from the great sage, only to be told the meaning of life is what he makes of it. And that is where I’ll leave us for today. Friends, find the meaning of your life and make it a worth while life to live. Have a purpose behind all the things we choose to do. Then maybe, just maybe, you won’t be so tired all the time.

What's Love...Final Edition

What2Say2Day? Okay, last part of the series, really. To recap where we are to date our hero, Abraham, is asking for some land so he can bury his wife, Sarah. This request goes against everything he knows to be right, or what the accepted norms of his day were. The people from whom he is asking the land have no problem giving him some. In fact they want to give him the land he asks for and more. Abraham being an honest man refuses to just “take” the land being offered and ends up paying a fair amount (based on what we might call a market value) for the land. Abraham then proceeds to bury his wife of many, many years. This, my friends, is love at its best. How many of you would have the courage to go against everything you know is the accepted norm for someone else? Be honest. When we know our neighbors are abusing drugs, how many of us would tell them what they’re doing is wrong and get them help (or help them ourselves)? How many of us know a family member who is being abused by their spouse or lover and do nothing? How many of us see the younger generations be disrespectful to our elders and just shake our heads and speak out against it under our breath for fear of getting involved? Today’s norms tell us not to get involved, that it’s none of our business. Today’s rules tell us to keep our distance and only get involved when asked. And yet we have this amazing hero, Abraham, whose love for his wife proved more important than the rules of his day. Enough so that he didn’t give the rules a second thought and did what he knew – absolutely knew in his heart – what was right and just. Let’s see if we can follow Abraham’s lead and just do what is right for those we love. Who knows, maybe those you do it for will follow you, and others may follow them and before you know it…everything will be as it should between us, our Creator and all that is created.