How does one determine the topic of one's first post in nearly 6 months? Normally, I just wax philosophical, or rant about current political affairs, or a bit of both.
Not today. I want to kick it off with a bang. Not only that, but I will write continuously and do very little editing...at least this time. Perhaps again in the future I will again be religiously Type A about my posts. ;-)
As you know, since February, I have been living back in Iowa, a huge change from California. Since then, I've been struggling with several issues, one of them being time management. One of the fruits of the spirit is self-control. That is one of numerous character traits that elude me at the moment. I mean, I achieve moments of self-control, merely fleeting glimpses of a life self-controlled and managed efficiently. How does one maintain self-control in the long-haul? Self-control is maintained by a Holy Spirit-driven life. Pardon the aviation analogy, but when we pilot the plane, God is the navigator; we achieve success only when He is directing our flight path. When we deviate from that path, we may, by either life experience or sheer luck, maintain the proper path for a time, but in the long-run, we will see ruin.
That's how I've been feeling lately. Been stuck in the self-navigation mode so long that my own definition of successful self-control and time management has become warped. Example: I'll waste nearly an entire day (yesterday), not attend church, neglect promised time with friends, and miss Bible study, but I'll feel a sense of accomplishment because I got off my lazy butt and mowed a lawn...something for which I get paid.
That was a sort of epiphany. I awoke this morning, pumped and eager for some quality time with a brother in Christ. I headed over to his house and we drank some Fair-Trade coffee and discussed life and God. After praying, I felt prompted to implement some new guidelines in my life to fasttrack this whole self-control thing. Mainly, I want to be proactive and plan out my days. James says that a ship without a rudder gets tossed about in the waves. We know this too from observation. In the same way, my life was going this direction, or more appropriately, was going in the direction of nothing.
A typical day would go like the following: get up whenever, might get to the Bible, depending on my work schedule, I would probably watch a movie or catch up on TV, get frustrated at my lack of progress, go to bed, repeat cycle... As you may imagine, this cycle is not only self-defeating, but also depressing after awhile. It does not reflect self-control, only self-indulgence.
What does one do when one cannot learn self-control? Penalty and a rigorous schedule to smartly occupy ones time. Therefore, for the next 30 days, I will journal my time, make realistic to-do lists, schedule my time through specific tasks (i.e. Bible reading, exercise, job, household chores). Additionally, I plan to do a media fast for the next 30 days. Barring family movies (currently my dad and I are watching the HBO miniseries "John Adams") and sporting events, both of which will be planned, my plan is to cut out the wasteful time spent on unplanned Netflix streaming on my computer and movie watching.
So these are some major changes I will be making over the next 30 days. It will be interesting to see how my relationships with God and people change as I cut out things that allow me to escape responsibility for a time and detract from my listening to God and others. It will be an interesting journey. Who knows, maybe I'll end up posting more...
28 September 2009
08 April 2009
Same-sex marriage: The Power of Seven
In light of a recent landmark decision by the Iowa Supreme Court, this voter feels that it is in this state's best interest to address the main concern that it's voters had no say in this decision. On Friday, April 3, the Iowa Supreme Court legalized gay marriage. Not the voters. Is this citizen the only person who has a problem with that? Seven people with no oversight deciding what is right for the entire state and setting a precedent for the entire country? At least the Court could have put it before the people like California did in November 2008 with Proposition 8.Proposition 8 maintains that "only a marriage between one man and one woman is valid or recognized in California." The quoted phrase has now been added to that state's constitution.
This measure affirmed the previous measure, Proposition 22, which was approved in March of 2000. That decision was overturned in May 2008 by the Supreme Court without input from the voters. Thus, Proposition 8 was put on the November ballot to once again affirm the will of the people.
Recently, many arguments have claimed that heterosexual marriage somehow discriminates against same-sex couples. While California did change the state constitution to state that marriage is only between one man and one woman, the state does afford same-sex couples more protection against discrimination than any other state . These rights include registration of domestic partnerships (1999), custody, community property (2003), and adoption. These rights were never in jeopardy with the passage of Proposition 8. (LA Times, 10/9/2008)
However, the rights of Iowa voters were jeopardized on Friday with the judicial decision of seven Supreme Court Justices, an abuse of power by seven individuals. It is imperative that the voters of Iowa unite against this violation of constitutional rights. Maybe it has not yet affected some, for their opinions may lean the same way of the justices, but there will come a day that a ruling will hit a bit closer to home. When that day comes, the citizens of Iowa had better be prepared. If the right of same-sex couples to marry can be granted by seven, then what other rights might these same seven take away? Let not that day ever come.
"People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are madye by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote-a very different thing."
-Walter Henry Judd, American statesman and medical missionary to China
-Walter Henry Judd, American statesman and medical missionary to China
18 February 2009
P.S. Thank you
P.S. I re-read the letter and I guess I realized that much of it sounded so negative, so I wanted to leave you with a few positive thoughts to inspire you.
You gave leftover pizza to a homeless guy in Chicago
You called a friend who was feeling down.
You visited a loved one in the hospital.
You gave a friendly hello to a stranger today.
You adopted a pet from a rescue shelter.
You started a neighborhood recycling program.
You prayed with a buddy going through a rough time.
You helped sponsor a well in AIDS/HIV affected areas in Africa.
You tithed to your local church.
You prayed for your local and national leaders.
You said no to pornography last night on the internet.
You helped an elderly lady cross the street.
You gave a ride to a coworker.
You repaired a single mother's vehicle.
You babysat for a local mother so she could attend a woman's conference.
You over-tipped your barista when she was having a rough day.
You stopped to chat with an old friend you met who was going through a rough time.
You drove a buddy home after a party so you could talk with him about God.
You said no to the joint passed around at the frat house.
Thank you for living a love like Jesus. I noticed.
You gave leftover pizza to a homeless guy in Chicago
You called a friend who was feeling down.
You visited a loved one in the hospital.
You gave a friendly hello to a stranger today.
You adopted a pet from a rescue shelter.
You started a neighborhood recycling program.
You prayed with a buddy going through a rough time.
You helped sponsor a well in AIDS/HIV affected areas in Africa.
You tithed to your local church.
You prayed for your local and national leaders.
You said no to pornography last night on the internet.
You helped an elderly lady cross the street.
You gave a ride to a coworker.
You repaired a single mother's vehicle.
You babysat for a local mother so she could attend a woman's conference.
You over-tipped your barista when she was having a rough day.
You stopped to chat with an old friend you met who was going through a rough time.
You drove a buddy home after a party so you could talk with him about God.
You said no to the joint passed around at the frat house.
Thank you for living a love like Jesus. I noticed.
A Letter Hypothetical
Dear Christian,
I hope this letter finds you well since you've been up and down lately. I was reading an e-mail the other day regarding the current administration and I must admit, I was conflicted. At first glance, it would seem that I agree with the author's view of America's moral decline, yet I found myself disagreeing with his statement's attributing blame to the administration. True, President Obama does not and has not shown many inclinations towards congruency with his policy and the Word of God. However, he is but one man, and as such, cannot single-handedly dismantle the moral framework of the country.
That is why I wrote this letter to you. I believe it is your fault. Well, okay, maybe not entirely, but prior generations have contributed as well. You may be thinking, what an outrageous accusation!. I assure you, I have nothing but the best of intentions in writing this letter, not to condemn you, but to come alongside you and encourage you! The end is yet to come; there is still time to change.
I, Loren Wright, accept responsibility for my role in misrepresenting Christ to the world. I ask you now to do the same. How have I misrepresented Christ you ask. The following are some observations I have made over the last several years:
You have condemned homosexuals rather than homosexuality.
You have ignored the poor, calling them lazy, and have betrayed the words of Christ to do unto the "least of these."
Your iron fist of judgment has fallen hard upon abortionists and Planned Parenthood, but you have neglected to educate and assist its potential victims.
Instead of an example of a Christ-centered relationship, you have betrayed the institution of marriage through divorce.
You have desecrated your temple through gluttony and unhealthful lifestyle choices. You have squandered your money and have not tithed faithfully.
You have hated your enemy instead of hating evil.
You have compromised absolute truth in the name of tolerance.
It is small compromises that lead to greater moral decline in the long term. That is why I find myself sitting down to write you this letter.
Christian, I would be lying if I told you I have not done anything mentioned above; I have. I will continue to do these things because I suffer from the Human Condition. It's the oldest disease in the world, the cure for which has the greatest side effect of all: eternal life. His name is Jesus, the Light of the World. It is submitting to this medicine that my life has taken a better turn, and I really feel is the cure-all for loneliness in the world.
I am willing to bet that if you got to know this guy for real, you would find that He is legit. I know what you're thinking: I accepted Jesus back when I was twelve, and He changed my life, and.... Yeah, me too...but life came along and I allowed it to slowly steal my joy. It's replacement was loneliness, and thus began the empty search for a God substitute. I'm not alone. Some find theirs in music. Some find it in drugs. Some in alcohol... It's all familiar, mundane stuff. It can be anything that distracts us from looking at life through the Eternal Perspective.
It really is the way to go. It will change the world. It has changed mine.
Jesus: the change we can believe in.
Sincerely,
Loren Saved by Grace
I hope this letter finds you well since you've been up and down lately. I was reading an e-mail the other day regarding the current administration and I must admit, I was conflicted. At first glance, it would seem that I agree with the author's view of America's moral decline, yet I found myself disagreeing with his statement's attributing blame to the administration. True, President Obama does not and has not shown many inclinations towards congruency with his policy and the Word of God. However, he is but one man, and as such, cannot single-handedly dismantle the moral framework of the country.
That is why I wrote this letter to you. I believe it is your fault. Well, okay, maybe not entirely, but prior generations have contributed as well. You may be thinking, what an outrageous accusation!. I assure you, I have nothing but the best of intentions in writing this letter, not to condemn you, but to come alongside you and encourage you! The end is yet to come; there is still time to change.
I, Loren Wright, accept responsibility for my role in misrepresenting Christ to the world. I ask you now to do the same. How have I misrepresented Christ you ask. The following are some observations I have made over the last several years:
You have condemned homosexuals rather than homosexuality.
You have ignored the poor, calling them lazy, and have betrayed the words of Christ to do unto the "least of these."
Your iron fist of judgment has fallen hard upon abortionists and Planned Parenthood, but you have neglected to educate and assist its potential victims.
Instead of an example of a Christ-centered relationship, you have betrayed the institution of marriage through divorce.
You have desecrated your temple through gluttony and unhealthful lifestyle choices. You have squandered your money and have not tithed faithfully.
You have hated your enemy instead of hating evil.
You have compromised absolute truth in the name of tolerance.
It is small compromises that lead to greater moral decline in the long term. That is why I find myself sitting down to write you this letter.
Christian, I would be lying if I told you I have not done anything mentioned above; I have. I will continue to do these things because I suffer from the Human Condition. It's the oldest disease in the world, the cure for which has the greatest side effect of all: eternal life. His name is Jesus, the Light of the World. It is submitting to this medicine that my life has taken a better turn, and I really feel is the cure-all for loneliness in the world.
I am willing to bet that if you got to know this guy for real, you would find that He is legit. I know what you're thinking: I accepted Jesus back when I was twelve, and He changed my life, and.... Yeah, me too...but life came along and I allowed it to slowly steal my joy. It's replacement was loneliness, and thus began the empty search for a God substitute. I'm not alone. Some find theirs in music. Some find it in drugs. Some in alcohol... It's all familiar, mundane stuff. It can be anything that distracts us from looking at life through the Eternal Perspective.
It really is the way to go. It will change the world. It has changed mine.
Jesus: the change we can believe in.
Sincerely,
Loren Saved by Grace
20 January 2009
Forerunners of History
As I sit here watching the inauguration coverage, I am reminded the true gravity of the events taking place tomorrow on the front steps of our nation’s capitol. President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in on Lincoln’s bible as the first African-American President of the United States. I am humbled and privileged to witness this landmark event.
Over a century ago, our nation waged a bitter war that divided brother against brother in a struggle against racial prejudice and bigotry. Though it was a catalyst for change to come, it was not until the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified in 1865 that slavery officially became abolished. It began here on paper, though the hearts of men were less readily changed.
From that historic day we, collectively as a country, have come a long way. I can only read about the days when blacks and whites were separated based on their skin color. It is a sobering reminder to the power of deception to sway popular opinion. Yet, even still, popular opinion can be changed by a resolute minority of individuals who challenge the status quo and risk arrest and imprisonment to achieve their goals.
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 2009, it is a fitting precursor to set the stage for the inauguration taking place less than twelve hours from now. The first gentle, peaceful step that Dr. King took on his quest to prove that all men are created equal laid a slowly-forged path for our great country. We now stand at a precipice in history; a nation once divided over skin color can now stand united in a presidency thought not possible but fifty years ago.
Indeed, it has taken a few good men to bring us to the point at which we now find ourselves. From Lincoln and the abolitionists of the 19th Century, to Dr. King and the NAACP of the 20th Century, and finally to the inauguration of a black president, our nation has indeed come a long way. Yet there is so much more. The change we have cried for is upon us, within us! Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is our job to continue the path of these forerunners of history and continue their cries for freedom and justice in the world. For future generations, for country, and for God.
Over a century ago, our nation waged a bitter war that divided brother against brother in a struggle against racial prejudice and bigotry. Though it was a catalyst for change to come, it was not until the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified in 1865 that slavery officially became abolished. It began here on paper, though the hearts of men were less readily changed.
From that historic day we, collectively as a country, have come a long way. I can only read about the days when blacks and whites were separated based on their skin color. It is a sobering reminder to the power of deception to sway popular opinion. Yet, even still, popular opinion can be changed by a resolute minority of individuals who challenge the status quo and risk arrest and imprisonment to achieve their goals.
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 2009, it is a fitting precursor to set the stage for the inauguration taking place less than twelve hours from now. The first gentle, peaceful step that Dr. King took on his quest to prove that all men are created equal laid a slowly-forged path for our great country. We now stand at a precipice in history; a nation once divided over skin color can now stand united in a presidency thought not possible but fifty years ago.
Indeed, it has taken a few good men to bring us to the point at which we now find ourselves. From Lincoln and the abolitionists of the 19th Century, to Dr. King and the NAACP of the 20th Century, and finally to the inauguration of a black president, our nation has indeed come a long way. Yet there is so much more. The change we have cried for is upon us, within us! Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is our job to continue the path of these forerunners of history and continue their cries for freedom and justice in the world. For future generations, for country, and for God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)