Category: reflections

DJ our wedding

So here’s an online experiment.
Laurie and I plan to have several CD’s burned for our wedding rehearsal and reception. We’ve started a small list of songs we want to include.
But we’re certain to leave some off. What would you include? What would you want played at your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner.
See our current list and let us know what you’d add.
Maybe we’ll hear your song on April 28th.

Re: Senate votes

After I wrote my last post I was thinking about all the things I’m selfish about. There are lots.
Then I stopped and read today’s reading from Night Light by Dr James Dobson and his wife Shirley. This whole week has been about serving others, especially your mate. Tonight’s reading was no different.
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
I had to stop and think about that. How does that apply to my relationship with Laurie. What must I deny myself of? What about my relationship with my parents or other family members? What must I deny myself of? What about my relationship with my co-workers, my boss, the taxpayers I work for? What must I deny myself of? What about the sick, and the tired and the poor? What must I deny myself of to show Christ to each of these people?

Television advertisers are experts at “rattling the cages” of viewers. They understand the philosophy of today’s audience: Look out for number one. That’s why we’re bombarded with slogans such as “Have it your way”; “You deserve a break today”; and “Because I’m worth it.” Their goal is to appeal to our self centered nature and manipulate us into buying a product. Frequently, they succeed.
The “I’m Third” approach to life is in direct contradiction to these ads. And well it should be! Jesus tells us that our obligation in following Him must be to deny ourselves — to let go of the steering wheel, so to speak, and let the Lord drive. Secondly, we are to love and care for others. Try implementing these priorities. They will lead to a better marriage in this life and eternal rewards in the next.
God first, others second, myself third. A simple phrase, but it contains far more wisdom for living life to the fullest than anything you’ll see or hear on a television ad.

I don’t think these are principals for just marriage. These are principals for life. I remember singing a couple songs growing up that I think we tend to forget or ignore as we grow older.

Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red and yellow black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.

The other one went something like this:

Jesus and others and you. What a wonderful way to spell JOY. Jesus and others and you. In the life of each girl and each boy…

Would we really need immigration reform in America if Christians started acting like followers of Christ? You tell me.

Re: Senate votes

The discussion continues regarding immigration and the Christian response. From e-mail this week:

Jonathan,
That old saying is great and it is from the Bible and I believe it. However, it is sentiment like that that gives us votes like the ones referenced. What is happening in the border states, including Texas, to the crime rate, the cost of medical care, education etc. whatever services illegal immigrants use? I know what is happening to the jobs up here and we aren’t a border state. I know what is happening to health care. Why should an illegal allien get better health care than I do, even though they can’t pay for it many times and I’m paying for health insurance. What has happened in the past to countries that have tried to exhist with more than one language? I don’t mind helping my ‘neighbor’. If they want to come into this country get in line and come here legally, then assimilate into our society and leave yours behind. Wake up America before it is too late and we look more like Mexico than the U.S.A .

I have to ask – where is my allegiance? God or a flag? I have a problem when other people get better deals than I do. But I think that’s an issue of my selfishness and not Godliness.
I think the same benefits should be offered to all Americans, illegal or not.
I have trouble seeing how people can pull the “America is (was) a Christian country founded on Judea-Christian beliefs” card when the same people don’t show God’s love to their neighbor?
Sure they’ll cast judgment at sinners when they’re doing something they don’t like (imagine that – sinners sinning) but I want to be known for showing the world what I believe in not yelling about what I’m against.
I don’t think Jesus said, “As long as your neighbor doesn’t get a better deal than you, give him your coat.” When I read about the good Samaritan I don’t think the Samaritan thought, “You know this guy will get a better bed to sleep in tonight.”