WR-WR-WR-WRONG

109 – SEPTEMBER 2012

                     THINK ABOUT IT

WR-WR-WR-WR-WRONG 

Proverbs 29:23  “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” 

I have noticed that of all the “things” we struggle for (wealth, power, recognition, & praise), we expend the most energy and emotion in a doggedness to be right. 

In the old TV series "Happy Days", the Fonz would experience anxiety when having to say that he was wrong.   Whenever he was in a position to admit an error he would uncomfortably and reluctantly say, "Okay - I'm wr-wr-wr-wr-wrong!

            It was quite funny!  The humor was fixed in the reality that we all have trouble admitting error and in the impersonal manner in which our pride is exposed.   

Proverbs 21:23  “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.  

When 2 people have a disagreement, it becomes amazing at the efforts that each go through to assure their rightness.    This phenomenon explodes when an end to a relationship is involved.   Friendship, courtship, divorce, employment, business deals … ,   

 

With great effort to protect your dignity and honor, here's a proven way to do it:

The first step is to e-mail to the enemy.   Take great care to perfectly word your case and, make sure to accuse the other of their "fault/s."

They will e-mail you back.  (Because they have the same plan going.)   They’ll rebut with a similar fleshy tone, stating their case and popping out their own well worded stinging accusations.

Make sure to e-mail again!

And again!

All the while, be sure to telephone the friends that you know will side with you.

Then call all mutual friends - to convince them of your honorable position in the matter at hand.

Lastly, contact all other mutual acquaintances that you never really gave much time to.   Carefully entertain them.   Wine them and dine them to your side.  

Just kiddin’.  

Sadly, however, I have witnessed some very wonderful people that have acted in this peculiar manner.   I have seen people that I look up to, people that are strong in their Godly faith, and people that are very nice and loving fall into this unpleasant self-deceit. 

It's a fraudulent satisfaction that leaves you empty.    It's a trap that I have put myself in and I look back with embarrassment and regret to the times I have allowed myself to fall. 

Proverbs 12:15  “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice."Cross references:

A.Proverbs 12:15 : Pr 14:12; 16:2, 25

B.Proverbs 12:15 : S Pr 9:7-9; 19:20

              During the exhausting process, some friends will tell us to relax, to drop it, to let it go, to love, to forgive ..., but what do they know? 

Think about it!   After the damage is done and we finally shake the grip of the drama, we realize that they were the calm and wise ones.

This is just the way I see it.   Of course, I could be wr-wr-wr-wr-wrong.

                                                                                                            Chris

 

 

 

 

THE GOATS, THE FROG, AND THE PEACOCK

110 – OCTOBER 2012

                    THINK ABOUT IT

THE GOATS, THE FROG, AND THE PEACOCK 

             Two little goats needed to get home.   As they prepared to take the shortcut through Jockey Hollow, the farmyard frog jumped into view.   He let out a loud croak and, with his unpretentious red-neck jargon, he cautioned the little goats;

“Why, kids, I’m a thinkin’ that ya might take the long way this time.   Just last nite I was a hearing a wolf down in that there holla.   If’n you go down, you mightn’t not just never come back.”

As it was being said, a proud peacock was walking by.   Newly elected to the farm council, he was more concerned with his communicative skills than with the correctness of his eloquent opinion;

“My dear little ones, there has been no wolf incidents since I have been elected to the counsel.  The frog is new to the farm yard and, although he is very charming, I am not sure that you should hearken to his assistance.”

I have heard no howling and would recommend that you be unrestricted in your decision to take the shorter route to home.”

The two goats were impressed by the peacock and took the shortcut.

They were met by the wolf and were never heard of again. 

Moral:     I’d rather have someone say “I seen somthin.” (when they saw it) … than to have someone say “I saw something.” (when they didn’t see nothin’.)

Chris 

OR     Zechariah 8:16 “These are the things that you shall do; speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace within your gates.” 

OR     Ehpesians 4:25  “Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPLOOKING

  111 – NOVEMBER 2012

                   THINK ABOUT IT

UPLOOKING

Are you an uplooker or a downlooker? 

             I am a “downlooker/uplooker wanna be.”
             Okay – So, when I walk I tend to look down.    That makes me a down looker.    Since I have realized this, I watch everyone a bit more closely and have found that 62% (I made that up) of folks are downlookers.    We sacrifice seeing the world around us so that we do not trip.   I love to walk on the beach and yet I find myself looking down to avoid stepping on broken shells … or something.   I guess.   

I don’t want to be a downlooker and begrudge the folks that keep their eyes up and don’t seem to care about exactly where their feet might land.

Maybe it’s not a fear of tripping.    Maybe it’s just a bad habit.    Maybe it’s a deep psychological thing revealing that I am still more concerned about myself than the world in need.    Regardless – I want to be an uplooker.   And, I have been working on it since I discovered the thing. 

Uplooker   up.look.er   noun :   1.  one who is carefree, cheerfully untroubled    2.  One who likes to explore, a swashbuckler

I’m getting better yet I find that, without concentrating, it’s easy to slip into my downlooking tendency.

Think about it!      Concrete and cracks and concrete and cracks and cigarette butts and concrete and dried gum (a lot of gum) and cracks and on and on.     That certainly makes for safe walking … and a visual menu of ho-hum nothing.    Think of all the things you might be missing.

Mt 6:27  “Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?”

Life is short.    I want to start worrying less about tripping and spend more time looking up.    Be less shielded and more adventurous.    Hit for the green when you know you should ‘play up’!!!         Walk bare foot more often!!!     Pack lighter!!!    Keep a light on – for no reason at all!!!     Be silly!!!      Giggle!!!      Be 5 minutes late for a meeting !!!     Hug more!!!   Kiss more!!!!     Get an earring!!!  (Just kidding.   I’m not that free yet.)         

Chris … the uplooker

P.S.  I couldn’t do more than 5 minutes late for a meeting.    Believe me – I’m “old school” in this department and 5 minutes is about as carefree as I could be.

            P.S.S.    I confess.    I made up the definition.   I threw caution to the wind.   You won’t find the word anywhere.

* Bible thought:  There are 58 verses in the Bible that say “… lift up your eyes and see…” or “…lift up your eyes and behold...”   Each one is followed by a particular   imagery or revelation that God unveiled to any person who might “lift up their eyes”.

And my friend Phil might reply, “Hmmmmm!!!”   

OFFENDING THE GIFT

105 – MAY 2012

                     THINK ABOUT IT

                                                                            OFFFENDING THE GIFT

                  

 I was overwhelmed by all the bad news on TV and commented, “Without God, we are nothing but animals.”

To which, my friend replied, “That’s an insult to the animal kingdom.”

The animal kingdom is free from the horror stratum of human intelligence.  No animal wants to be a politician in order to pontificate their invaluable opinions.    None have a desire to amass territory and rule the world.   They don’t need to war against anyone in order to enforce their flawless religious or political views.    They don’t have the urge to wear a mask and cut off someone’s head, or to strap a bomb and wipe out a bunch of innocent men, women, and children.  

 Genesis 1:27  “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

           What the heck happened?  

Why, throughout history, has man offended this unique God given human intelligence?   There a lot of great answers but I will give you one the way that I answer a lot of questions lately, “I dunno!”   

Now - from a lighter and more personal stage, I have begun to evaluate Coco, our cat.    

I notice that she often rolls on her back for a bit of petting.    She meows and purrs and naps a lot.    She falls asleep easily … without a lot of tossing and turning!   She loves being alive and she judges no one!   

            There are no “uppers” or “downers” in her medicine cabinet.    Her mind seems to be free of any concerns or stresses regarding a success planned life.  She seems rather happy without being daily fixated to check the stock market.  She does not battle resentments or unforgiveness.  She has no thoughts of ending her life because of depression or hopelessness.   She has no lack of self-esteem (because she doesn’t know what that is).  She seems rather content!
             Coco has no Things-To-Do list and she has accumulated no “stuff!” - No lawnmower, no Rolex, no junk drawers, and no “living will” to distribute her accumulated wealth.    She has no cell phone.   No Facebook.  And, believe it or not, she even walks out of the TV room in the middle of “American Idol.”      
 
             Romans 12:2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
 
              With these thoughts in mind, I realize that I also offend the gift and need to transform to more Godly intellect.  I need to be more like Jesus.    I need to unseat myself from my glorious throne and become more compassionate, more forgiving, and more kind hearted.    

I certainly need to be more thankful!    Thankful for breathing!  Thankful for all the things that work!   And, especially thankful for my family and friends!   

Okay, I’m on a roll!   Stay with me a bit longer!  I need to be more lighthearted, more tolerant, and less know-it-all.    I need to spend time more wisely, talk less and listen more.   And I need to be more easily contented.   Yes! - I’m running out of space!

I need to take more time to close my eyes and smile and feel the presence of God in my life.  

Let’s “take inventory”!

            Eliminate:  “I wants”.     Add:  Serve.  Love.  Keep your nose clean.
            
             Maybe I should roll on my back and purr?   
             Maybe not!     Sorry!   That’s now a visual that you will want to get out your head!

WHISPERS

104 – APRIL 2012
THINK ABOUT IT

        1 Kings 19:12  “and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.”    (The NIV translation says “a gentle whisper.” )

It’s a great blessing to be able to hear the voice of God.    I know of people that have heard an audible voice but my experiences have been more like a whisper of the Holy Spirit of God.   It happens many times and, most often, when I am in need of God’s correction, direction, protection, wisdom, warning, or encouragement.

I have recalled just a few times:                                                                    

          * One of the first was when I was foolishly engaging in a reoccurring pity party and I heard a very unmistakable whisper, “Grow up!”   
           It sounds a bit rough, but it was exactly how I had to hear it.

* Another time came when I had a busy schedule and was wondering why taking the time to play with my kids was so important.       I reasoned to myself, “I don’t recall anything when I was 1, 2 or 3 years old, so why should I expect them to remember this particular instance rolling on the carpet … tickling and laughing?”

            I did not realize that anyone was listening to my thoughts, when the great whisper of wisdom breathed across my soul, “They may not remember the instances but the person that they become will be a result from them.”
          Now, you just won’t get that kind of insight from any flesh and bone guru

          John 6:63  “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”

* A long time ago, I pondered my assumption that people I “gave” to were the ones who most ill-treated me and I continued my thought process to protest to God about His word that says to ‘give and you will receive’.    Another wonderful whisper (one of my favorites) followed, “The direction that you give may not necessarily be the direction from which you will receive.”

* Quite often, when my brain is racing with thoughts and with so many things to do, the Holy Spirit whispers, “Shhhhhh!”        I really like that!

* One special morning, after a particular unhappy experience, I was sitting at my desk wondering ‘if there was any one in the whole wide world that I could trust’.   Immediately, I felt a breeze and saw a piece of paper (that I had taped to my desk lamp) descend upside down and on to the desk like a falling leave.    I flipped it back over to see my forgotten taped picture of Jesus - with the words, “Jesus, I Trust You.”    

I smiled and thought,  “Wow!  That’s pretty cool, Lord!”

So, I have found it to be true that God wants to communicate with us.   He takes interest in our life and He takes great pleasure in sharing His love with us.

Revelation 3:20  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. “

We need to believe that God would like to speak to us more.   To be more precise – that He would like us to listen more.     It should be the norm and not just an occasional happening.    It makes sense to me.  Think about it!    If we could develop ears to hear, if we would seek Him more intently, if we would stop doing all the talking … how much more exciting our lives might be!

WHAT'S GOING WITHOUT SAYING

103 – MARCH 2012
THINK ABOUT IT


When I am in a group of people, usually 4 or more, I really like to ask “conversational starter questions”? The only rule is that everyone must answer. This engages everyone to be involved and opens people up for continued conversation.
I have always done this. It drove my kids crazy!!!! (Which, in my parental thinking, was some sort of payback!)
Anyhow - it included some questions such as:
* If you could write yourself a letter now … and send it back to when you were 16 years old - What advice would you give to yourself?
* If you could be “Scotty, beam me up” to anywhere in the world - Where would you visit?
* If you could be “Scotty, beam me up” to anytime in the world - What era would you visit?
* My favorite – “If you could spend 1 hour in conversation (right now) with someone (famous or personal, alive or deceased )… who would you choose?

For a long time, I chose Winston Churchill. Then I switched to Will Rogers. But, for the last many years I have selected my Dad.
My father, Armand Joseph Beltrami was from generation “old school”. Old school = World War 2 experiencers, patriotic, hard working, anti social-handouts, and non conversational about their “growing up”. This great generation was a bit stoic, non touchy-feely, and … totally misunderstood. I figured this all out a bit late in my life. And I feel like crying now! OK! Deep breath!
I would love to sit and talk with my Dad. One hour would be frustrating! I would want 4 hours … Or more! So many things to tell him. So many things to hear.

The following lyrics are from a wonderful song writer, Paul Overstreet.

'Cause when you love someone
You gotta let 'em know
When you're thinking of someone
You need to tell 'em so
Don't know what makes us think
Our minds and our hearts can be read
What's going without saying should be said

There is so much more that I could say. I could write another 4 pages but I wonder if you just need to ‘think about it’.
Chris

The song is worth your time to listen to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOUOHzc7NLs

SORRY, I'M NOT FROM HERE

102 – FEBRUARY 2012
THINK ABOUT IT


Pat and I are in Florida for the month of February and, last week, we went to an outdoor “Home and Garden” show. As we went from booth to booth, I found myself repeating “Sorry, I’m not from here!”
One vendor wanted to sell us a termite service. I told him my home was in Vermont and therefore, “Sorry, I’m not from here!”
One began to talk about a huge garage door screen and I quickly cut him short with “We really do not need that for where we are from!”
Another showed us a hurricane shelter. It was big metal coffin like box that dropped below the garage floor. It had stairs and could fit 2 or 3 people. I laughed and said “Sorry! We’re just visiting.”
Finally, my favorite! This person wanted to sell us a golf-cart-turn-around-pivot-thang. Drive your golf cart into the garage and onto this invention. Next morning, you simply pivot 180 degrees and drive out frontwards. Although my neck does not turn as freely as it used
to, I told the guy “Great invention but … Sorry, I’m not from here!”

This home show adventure was quite timely as I have begun to be a bit annoyed with “stuff”. It seems to be everywhere and I wish that, over my lifetime, I had used the “Sorry, I’m not from here!” line more often. The bible continually uses the phrase “this world” to insist that we are only here on some sort of a pilgrimage that lasts for 80-years-on-average.

Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind …”

We are only passing through. We are pilgrims on a short journey through this world. Actually, we are citizens of a different world. Just visiting. Gonna go back home soon. I want to embrace this “visitor” truth in my spirit. I want to lay aside the stuff … Every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us (Hebrews 12:1).
I would like to say, in a more easy manner, “Sounds good. I’m sure it’s useful for somebody. But, sorry, I’m not from here!”

Timothy 6:7 ”For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

RELIGIOUS MILITANTS

101 – JANUARY 2012
THINK ABOUT IT


mil•i•tant n. A fighting, warring, or aggressive person or party.

Okay, I have a question.
Why do some people violently hate others for the way they believe?
Think about it!
Why do some militant Muslims want to put a hood over their face and chop off someone’s head with a sword? That’s savage! That’s evil!
Why does the militant Westboro Baptist Church picket and protest other peoples’ beliefs with such hateful signs and yelling? Demonstrating at a young man’s funeral because he fought in the war - That’s outrageous! That’s cruel!
Why, even, do some atheists become militant towards people who believe in God?
They can be quite mean also.
It seems as though some Darwinian Academia are repulsed with God-believers. They seem to view them as 2nd class living beings of the human race, mocking their beliefs and ridiculing their prayers. I dunno - They just seem to be so mad! Because someone believes in God! Especially Christians! Not so much Hindu! Nor Buddhist! Especially … Nor Muslim!

Now, many people believe that there is a God and that through Christ, when they die, there will not be one millisecond of time where their soul and spirit are not still alive. I believe that! I believe that when I die, I will slip out of my body and be in the presence of God, who created all things.
Other people don’t believe that way. Some say that your soul and your spirit will disappear into nothingness and your body will be burned to ashes or rot away in the grave.
Now, I don’t believe that … But, I’m not mad at them for the way they believe.
I’m not mad at anybody for the way they believe.

There is no real reason to be militant.
We should not want to fight or war against those who do not believe the same way.

Proverbs 11:12 “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but
that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Let’s be filled with love and peace and grace. Let’s desire that we might be able to offer something good to anyone who is “running on empty” and asks for help. Usually one person at a time!
You cannot change the world. But, you can help to change the world for someone.

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

BUMP THE LAMP

100 – DECEMBER 2011
THINK ABOUT IT



The movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit has a particular scene in which Roger Rabbit runs across a room that is lit by a hanging lamp. The production question arose as to whether or not Roger should bump the lamp as he sped from one side to the other.
One thought was that, at multiple frames per second, it would cause incredibly difficult light and shadow change for the artists AND that it would not make any difference to the story line NOR to the viewer.
The other thought was simply … “We are Disney – Bump the Lamp.”
Since then, “Bump the Lamp” has become a bit of a slogan and reminds the entire Disney staff that they should always go the extra and never cut corners.

It’s a great lesson and one that we use in our studio business. We create the nuances and labor the unnoticeables. We “go the extra mile” for each client and although they may not realize all of the things that we do - they will sense a difference of service and quality in the finished portrait. Our aim is to bump the lamp.

So, now I’m thinking, “How does ‘bump the lamp’ apply to non-business relationships”?

Mt 14:18-20 “Bring them here,” he said. 19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. 20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.

Jesus fed the 5,000 and had fishes and loaves left over. This is an example of lavish love. He could have miracled the amount fishes and loaves to the very last drop, but He did not. He could have figured it precisely so He could get the heck out of there and move on to His next “thing-to-do”. But He did not. He provided more than necessary.
He might have done this because He knew that this mob really liked “leftovers” … but I don’t think so. I think He was showing us a principle about love. Love lavishly! Love without measure! That’s what He did … ultimately and to the max.

Jn 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Now, most of us will not have to go that far … but we could easily bump the lamp a bit. Add some bonus to our love. Some luxury to our kindness! Optional extras to our caring! Maybe add a product stamp to our bottle of servant hood;
“Me - New and improved”! Or, “Me - Now with 20% More Enthusiasm!”

‘Tis the Christmas season and you probably have a bunch of things to do. Slow down! Take a deep breath and smile real big. Spread a whole bunch of hope and cheer and other good stuff… especially to those you think might not deserve it.
Bump your love lamp! Someone out there is waiting just for you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THANKFUL FOR MY WIFE

99 – NOVEMBER 2011
THINK ABOUT IT

The first “Think About It” was over 8 years ago … July of 2003.
I write them mostly as a portion of legacy for my children and my grandchildren. How Papa’s brain works! The things he thinks about! I don’t give a lot of answers but simply offer matters to consider in their quest for some answers to a spiritual life.

As I thought about this 100th TAI, I decided to share a few of the many reasons why I am thankful for my wife.

* Pat loves her family. She is the memory maker. She would do anything for her family. They are always on her mind and she would drop everything to serve them. She never complains about obligations, inconveniences, or serving.
* She loves me. Through my good times and my bad times*, I can know that she loves me. Her smile is a gift to me … and she laughs at all my dumb jokes. She is faithful and I know she will ‘be there’ through all the thicks and the thins.
* She loves God. This is the best. There is something very special and pure about her love for Him. She lights up when she talks about Him. If she is in a yank about something - I just touch her shoulder, offer a prayer, and she melts like butter. She loves Jesus with an innocent and childlike heart.

Mark 10:15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of
God like a little child will never enter it.”
1 Peter 1:8 “ … you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,”

So …I’m glad I asked Pat to dance (1968). I think I found a good thing!

Proverbs 18:22 “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.






* Disclaimer (fine print) : I once told Pat that she was a “99”. With a proud smile on my face, I explained that she scored “GREAT” for 99 days out of 100 and that she provoked me only 1 day in 100. She became insulted by what I thought was a great compliment. So, I asked her to assign a number for me and that’s when she turned up the heat on our exchange. After being insulted with my high number “99”, she had the audacity to present me with a “50”. A “50?” I wondered if she really understood the numbering system that I had offered and she replied, “Yes! It means, ‘Every other day’, ‘1 outta 2’, ‘If you’re nice today I might not expect it tomorrow’, ‘ET CET ER RUH!!!” I asked “You know why God made Eve?” She answered “No!” I snarled “Neither do I!!” 

TRIGGER STONES

098 – OCTOBER 2011
THINK ABOUT IT

Just as a trigger sets a bullet into motion, we have triggers that set our minds into a motion of thought.

My granddaughter, Willow, and I went into a contract to always pick up a penny that was on the street. I gave her a bank with a challenge to see who could pick up the most pennies.
Now, each time I pick up a penny, I think of my agreement with Willow. And this triggers an appreciation of God’s presence and subsequent prayer for family and friends.
It’s pretty cool. I like it.

Why settle for only the reminders that are spontaneous and unexpected? Old Testament Israelites had a great idea. They would place stones and make altars to serve as reminders of significant encounters with God.
In the 4th chapter Joshua, we find the Israelites preparing to cross into the Promised land. As they touch their feet to the swelled waters of the Jordan, God causes the waters to separate and creates a dry passage for them to cross. Joshua immediately instructs 12 men to each carry a stone out of the miraculously dry passage way and place them on the dry land in Gilgal.
Joshua 4:5-7 “… and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder …
that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’
Then you shall answer them … And these stones shall be for a memorial (reminder) to the children of Israel forever.”

They purposely set a visual as a prompt to remember … and not forget.

We all have some on-purpose reminders:
Photographs, wedding bands, carefully placed souvenirs and tchotchke, my Aunt’s clock, my Mom’s swing, and … abandoned pennies.
And yes - Pat and I have placed large rocks in particular places, as prompts to remember great experiences with God & family … so we might not forget.
You may have a place/s where God appeared with a miracle or a life changing experience. A “rock reminder” could serve you well (a trigger) and, when someone comments that the rock in your living room detracts from the décor, you can tell ‘em the story.
Tell ‘em, also, that you pick up pennies!!! Yes, even with ”heads down”!!!
Tell “em it’s an aide-mémoire to pray.
Yes, I speak French! Not really!

HUMILITY

097 – SEPTEMBER 2011
THINK ABOUT IT


Romans 12:3 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think;…

In 1976, I surrendered my life to Christ. I got “saved” and we started to go to a Bible preaching church. It was an energizing time as I began to see life so wonderfully and differently … with new eyes.
One day, during these “grasshopper” years, I learned a great lesson:
I was in a Catholic church where I had just photographed the wedding formals. While everyone made their way to the reception, I lagged behind to return some chairs and flower arrangements to their proper places. I remember looking around and feeling fortunate that, after I had made my decision for Christ, I chose a church that was a bit more “Bible based” and a lot less “religious”.
It was not a super haughty thing that was going on in my head, but brainless nonetheless.
I grabbed my camera and I strolled down the aisle to what I though was an empty church. I then spotted this “Catholic” lady with a grocery bag next to her. She was leaning forward on the pew that was in front of her … and she was weeping.
God did not have to speak anything. The message was loud and clear. I immediately recalled the following parable that, because of this early experience, has become one of my favorites … and one that I cannot forget.

Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:
“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer[b]: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!
I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’
I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

THE PLANK IN YOUR EYE

096– AUGUST 2011
THINK ABOUT IT

I am very aware of the urge to cast judgments. That cerebral ego action satisfies my fleshy flesh, however … to not judge others is a good thing.
There are many reasons to withhold your all-important examination and psychoanalysis towards others. I have listed 3:

1. We do not know the whole story. Too often, we draw conclusions based on just a
few tidbits of information.
I remember a particular guy that played in the men’s’ softball league. He was hot headed, yelled obscenities at the opposing team, and wasn’t super nice to his own teammates. No one liked him and the popular comment towards him was “What a jerk!”
I happened upon him at a noontime restaurant. We decided for a quick lunch together and I listened to his very sad story of childhood abuse. I always viewed him a bit differently after I had this time to listen. That lunch time changed my life. It caused me to cut people slack by recognizing that, most times, I do not have sufficient information to make a wise judgment.

2. We have our own baggage. With all of the flaws and shortcomings in our own
lives, it seems rather silly to speak bad words about someone else.

Luke 6:41-42 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Think about that. Read it again … if you dare.

3. It will come back on you. It is too easy to stand on the outside of someone’s life and make hasty judgments that are usually faulty. You can be sure that others have done this to you and …

“Matthew 7:1-2 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure
you use, it will be measured to you.

I want to breathe easily when thinking that God will judge me in the same manner
that I judge others, therefore I am determined to rise above this shameful itch of the flesh. It makes no sense and is, quite simply, a substandard and unacceptable way to perform.
1 Cor 13:11 “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”

REMINDERS

095 – JULY 2011
THINK ABOUT IT

I have 3 photographs that I display in my office as personal reminders:

1. HUSTLE - An autographed photo of Enos Slaughter sliding into home plate.
Slaughter is remembered for his hustle. (He always ran to first on a “walk.”) In the 8th inning of the seventh game of the 1946 World Series, Slaughter made this famous “Mad Dash” for home from first base on Harry Walker’s single ... scoring the winning run. This photo encourages me to be prepared and to run the race well. It reminds me to work hard and to value life with a great gusto.

2. PICK YOUR BATTLES - A photo of the comedian, Bill Murray.
He was in the movie “Meatballs”, in which he led the boys from the summer camp into the chant - “It Just Doesn’t Matter!” Murray is a goofball and this photo reminds me to keep things “light”. It reminds me to “pick my battles” and not get in a “spin” over the things that just don’t matter.

3. LOVE - A photo of Carl Seefer. Carl, at age 18, died after a tragic auto/pedestrian accident. It was a great loss to humankind because Carl was, quite simply, a summary of “love.” Love came so natural to him and I have always referred to him as “The Natural”. I have to work at it so much and it is not always natural for me.
I recall with great fondness the times we sat for breakfast with the Seefers. It always began with everyone choosing their coffee cup. Conversation would follow and eventually a name would come up during our conversation … example: Lee Estridge. Carl would smile and assert with great delight - ”Don’t you just love Lee!”
This happened all the time and I always thought that maybe, in my absence, when my name came up, he would say “Don’t you just love Chris!”

Memories of Carl prompt me to enjoy the people that God has so wonderfully placed in my life. Special recollections of Carl cause me to smile and to laugh. His photo reminds me to love … always … and purely, without motive.
This is my favorite of the 3 reminder photos.
Because, think about it – not much works very well without “love.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

1 Corinthians 13:8 “Love never fails …”

1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

THE THOUGHT SEQUENCE

094 – JUNE 2011
THINK ABOUT IT

The thought sequence is like a journey.
Ernestine met Armand. They got married and had 3 kids. I was the always-in-trouble middle child. I met Pat. We got married and helped God to make 2 kids. On Saturday, we visited my son’s family in Boston. On the way down, we listened to the “60’s” channel on Pat’s satellite radio. We heard a song that had a couple of mandolin parts. The mandolin reminded me of my Dad. I remembered that he was a great musician and could play mandolin, violin, guitar, banjo, and piano. Then I began to wonder if I ever told him how talented he was and, now, I am writing this Think About It.

Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another

I think that we often forget to tell people how wonderful they are. Too often, we neglect to say a word of encouragement or we underestimate the importance of a deeply felt “thank you”.
Knowing how heartening it is when someone says something nice to us, it seems as though it would be more natural to pause and to thank someone. Or to tell them that you love them and that you are glad they are your friend. Or to tell them that you noticed how great or talented they are.

I don’t know if I ever told my Dad how great a musician he was. I think I might have. I hope that I did.
Maybe you could use this thought to write a note to someone who needs to hear from you. As an extension of Himself, God could use you with some words of kindness for someone who is “down”, words of comfort for someone who may need a “lift”, or words of assurance when someone may want to quit.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

E-mail and Facebook is okay but does not compare with a telephone call or hand written note. So, grab a pen (it’s that thing that is long and narrow and makes marks when you move it on paper) and write a great note of love, encouragement, and thank you. You could start out with a “Have I ever told you that … !” A parent, a friend, a kid, a mentor, or (imagine this one!) a spouse. Someone is out there that needs a boost .

Think about it - all this from a thought sequence. I would not have had this thought without the sound of a mandolin! Or was it because Pat bought the car with the satellite radio? Or because my Dad married my Mom? Or when Pat’s Dad married her Mom?

Chris

P.S.Great mandolin in “Baby, Don’t Go”, Sonny & Cher

HOPE DEFERRED

093 – MAY 2011
THINK ABOUT IT


It’s tough out there. There’s a lot of stuff in the air. World stuff. U.S. stuff. Economy stuff. Health, money, and relationship stuff. Family stuff. Stuff stuff.
Life problems can sometimes overwhelm us. Issues of defeat and worry can put a cloud over our spirit and , if we don’t guard our hearts, could elbow us into a bit of depression.
Difficulties can cause our hope to spring a leak … or take a long vacation.

Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick …”

In the Bible, there was a guy named Job who faced some enormous life problems. All of his troubles caused Job to view life with some hopelessness and depression.

Job 6:11 “What strength do I have, that I should hope?
Job 7:6 “And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, And are spent without hope.”

Solomon (the wisest person ever!) writes a whole 12 chapters (Ecclesiastes) in a search for answers to life’s questions. As he plods through all of this, he solves very little. He appears disheartened and even a bit weakened after the quest.

Ecclesiastes 2:17 “Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind

It has to do with our hope … or our lack of it.
In a TV episode of House - the quarrelsome doctor passed judgement on a patient who was happily hopeful; “That guy will never be happy.”
His associate replied, “When you are hopeful, you will always be happy.”
Hmmm! Maybe true! Maybe not! Think about it!

Hope implies that there is good stuff out there also. Family, friends, faith!
Personally, I don’t battle a lack of hope too often. I have a great hope in God and … I put my hope in Him.
And, my hope is from God. It is supernatural! It’s a hope that permeates my soul and becomes a foundation to the joy that I find in Christ. It’s true!

Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”

Spiritual hope is not a want or a wish. It is not a craving or a dream. Spiritual hope is a “knowing” … an “assurance” of something yet to come.

Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

And, one day - I know I will see Him “face to face”.

TRUTH

092 – APRIL 2011
THINK ABOUT IT


John 3:28 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Jesus said this in context to the Son of God, to the law of the Spirit, and to God’s power to set us free from the law of sin and death. I think it’s “legal” to consider it in a more extended manner. So …, with seminary apologies, let’s chew on this quote.

“The truth shall set you free!” Sometimes the truth makes me upset. Truth can disappoint me and send me into denial prison. I would rather believe the lie to protect my interest and my esteem. The likelihood of any faulty character truths? … I just don’t process that very well. And, assuredly, I will hiss and boo the messenger.

Last summer, I read the book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, by Marshall
Goldsmith. I had mixed reviews for the book but found it very interesting that Goldsmith listed 20 bad habits that stifle already successful careers and personal goals.
He convinces corporate leaders to receive truthful input that is obtained from unsigned questionnaires that goes to staff. Ouch!!! Can you imagine that?
Marshall finds the common denominator/s for flaw/s and presents the info to the business chief … to help set him/her free from the shortcoming/s.
The procedure seems to reveal some truth and yet the first reaction is not freedom but rather a bit of denial and rejection to the “news”.

This life dilemma might best be summed up in the famous line from the movie, A Few Good Men.
In a heated military courtroom exchange Jack Nicholson screams at Tom Cruise, “You want answers?”
Cruise responds with a yell, “I want the truth!”
And, Nicholson shouts this great line, “You can’t handle the truth!”

So we need to examine this verse again,
John 3:28 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

I think that a key word in this short verse would be “know”. It comes from the Greek word ginosko which translates know absolutely, with understanding, with resolve, …
Truth alone, without receiving it, may upset or anger a person. Only when a person accepts the information as “truthful” can they be in a position to change and be set free.

Therefore, the next time someone presents brings a personal critique to me, after I escape from my miserable protection mode, I hope that I will take the high road. I hope that I will take a deep breath and ask the question “Is this true?”
I might discover that it is … and be made free!
I may be “off” on this, but, at least, it will give you something to think about.

But, let’s be gentle ‘bout this whole thing. And, don’t be passing out no “Let’s Evaluate Chris” forms to anybody.

THE LOVE COMPASS

091 – MARCH 2011
THINK ABOUT IT


Sometimes people can be very rude. People can annoy you, provoke you, mistreat you, and be down right mean spirited towards you.
Most times, our natural reaction is to hit back and let them know who is right. That response usually ends up in some sort of failure. You would think that we might learn … but we don’t.

I am finally realizing that “love” is the answer to all of these issues.
1 Cor 13:2-3 “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. “
1 Cor 13:4-7 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth … “

And how about this?
1 Cor 13:8 Love never fails.

Love never fails.
We might try to solve things by getting provoked, but that will usually fail. Practice some envy, parade ourself around, puff ourself up. It will fail. We try again - Act rudely, demand our own way, let everyone know that we are right. Blah! Blah! Blah! It all fails.
Love never fails. Repeat that a bunch of time – out loud - so you can hear yourself say it. “Love never fails.” Accent the first word – “LOVE never fails.” Accent the second word – “Love NEVER fails.” Say it again. One more time.

Due to the Earth's magnetic field - a compass points to the North Pole. If you get lost or need direction … no matter where you stand on Earth, you can use the compass in your hand and it will always point toward north … and head you in the right direction.
Due to the God’s nature - a spiritual compass points to His love. If you get lost or need direction … no matter where you stand on Earth, you can use the spiritual compass in your heart and it will always point toward love… and head you in the right direction.

Whenever you need to react in victory - pick up your spiritual compass. It’s the “love compass”. It’s in your “right” pocket. (Actually, you’ll find it in your heart.) The needle always points to love. Because love never fails.
Throw away the “me compass”. It’s in your “wrong” pocket. (Actually, you’ll find it in your heart also.) Be careful! The “me compass” gives you bad advice. It sings, “Me, Me, Me, Me, Me, …” It constantly fails. Throw it out!!!!!

1 Cor 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

ADVERSITY

090 – FEBRUARY 2011
THINK ABOUT IT

Adversity n 1. distress; affliction; hardship 2. an unfortunate event or incident

Us humans ! We can be a sad lot! Why does it take a setback, a catastrophe, or a funeral for folks to pause and consider the weightier things of life and death … and God?
For most of us, it takes some species of adversity to acknowledge and to surrender our lives to God. And, even after we develop a tight relationship with Him, we sometimes slip away and relax into a worldly comfort - only to discover that it might take a similar type of hard times, life problems, and misfortune to bring us home.

Deuteronomy 8:12-14 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

A few weeks ago, I threw my back out … first time in 20 years! Now, by comparison, a temporary back affliction is a modest adversity. However, there was enough pain and limitations to bump me out of my comfort zone and cause me to reflect on my life.
Perspective! I could see a bit differently – examining life in a panorama and being thankful for things that I sometimes take for granted.
Although I need reading glasses, my eyes work. Although I get a few joint pains every once in awhile, my legs and arms and fingers and toes work. My taste buds work. My ears work. And although I speak sometimes when I shouldn’t, my vocal chords work. It’s nice to have things work.
I realized the importance of beginning each day with a prayer declaration, “Thank you Lord! Praise your Holy name. This is going to be a great day!”

Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts
with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

We ought to be more thankful every day and avoid the trap of allowing adversities to be our steersman to a wholeness in life and God.

SILLY & SELFISH

089 – JANUARY 2011
THINK ABOUT IT

I’m really not a very moody person and I sure do dislike those times when I react in an
ill-mannered behavior. I feel a bit of victory when I can wittingly detach from some “issue and I am disappointed when I allow myself to get tangled into some brainless emotional me-trap.
Do you know what I am talking about?
We don’t get our way and we react poorly. We don’t agree with some little decision and we counter unkindly. As the confrontation persists, we add animated facial disfigurations to enhance our words. A bad spirit incarcerates us and we become moody, “bent out of shape”, “pity partied”, and sometimes … downright “pissy”. And, certainly, we file the “issue” for times when we may have to visit it again.

1 Corinthians 13:5 Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged

There is no logical reason to become so self-interested:
1. Poor reactions are silly. In the big picture, the “issue” is not that important. It just doesn’t matter! It’s a dot. It’s a blip in an ocean of things to be thankful for.
2. Poor reactions are selfish. We eventually gather people into our drama and hand out” stuff” for enough time to jostle them into our pickled corner. We help rob them of their peace and then wonder, ”Why are they so touchy all the sudden?”

So - Is there any hope to solving this problem? Well, think about it – of course there is.
How ‘bout self control?
Proverbs 25:28 “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls”
How ‘bout the peace of God?
Philipians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds … ”
How ‘bout a few more?
Seek God, Die to Self, Put on Love, Abide in Him, Put Away Childish Things, Watch & Pray, Be Thankful, Rejoice, Have Mercy, Do Justly, Walk Humbly,
… One of the Above, Some of the Above, All of the Above !!! ???

In summary - “pissy” is not in the dictionary but ya’ll know what it means. It’s not a pretty thing! If your moods swing to testy or prickly, take a recess and decide to be nice instead. If you can’t find a handle on it from the list I just presented … then find your own answer. But, find something !!!