Truth vs. Perception

Our sports heroes are under fire because of performance-enhancing drugs. The fairness of competition has been called into question. Drug screening was initiated to combat this problem. I applaud this solution. What I don't care for is what I call the 'scapegoat policy'. In order to scare the other athletes from ever using PED's, TPTB select one or two for harsh punishment. It doesn't matter if they are actually guilty. Perception trumps truth in these cases.

I know how it feels to be perceived in a bad light. Preconceptions are combined with inconclusive facts, and voila, someone perceives you to be 'guilty'. I've even done it to others (to my shame). There is a reason why God doesn't want us to judge each other. We aren't qualified.

Foolish mortals

It is understandable for us to question God. He invites us to ask him. The answers may not come as quickly as we like. In fact, we may not get our answer on this side of heaven. Still, I think we'll find that he always does what is best.
The real problem comes when we think we can do better than God. this is the ultimate expression of pridew and arrogance. We are limited creatures. Limited in our abilities. Limited in our understanding. Limited in our moral fortitude. I would submit that God designed us to think for ourselves, but not to rely solely on ourselves.

Clutter

I am not the most organized person. It's a matter of lack of motivation with me. I'm not incapable of organization. I just need a reason. My music is arranged for maximum enjoyment. I always try to keep my book series in order somewhere in my room. The best motive for me is 'clutter'. My idea of clutter is when I can't find something I want or need. My mind gets that way sometimes. All kinds of thoughts running through there until I can't sleep. I like to sleep. This post is my way of identifying a personal giant. You hear that 'clutter'? You are going down! 

Changes

Anyone who knows me can tell you that I'm a creature of habit. I'm not necessarily opposed to new things. I just like to know that I can always return to my routine. God, however, will not allow any of his children to stagnate. Growth requires that we move forward along the path that he is lighting for us. This means that I should not get comfortable on the square I'm standing on.

The same applies to our church. A number of changes have occurred or will occur this year. Those changes are for God's glory. It is, after all, His church. Change may not be easy, but it brings us closer to becoming who God wants us to be. As Paul said, let us press on to the mark.

Dignity

     It's a word whose meaning has been watered down in recent years. It is derived from a Latin term meaning worthy. I am reminded of Paul's letter to Ephesus in which he exhorts them to "walk worthy of the vocation by which you are called." That is true dignity. To represent our Lord and Saviour well in the ministry which he called us to do.
    
     A great man of God from my church recently went home to be with Jesus. From the time Christ saved him until that final moment, Dr. Allen was a man of dignity as Paul has described. Now he awaits the rest of us who are still in the race. May we all aspire to the same dignity.

Short Memories

Eleven years ago, our country was attacked by terrorists. Forty-nine years ago, the president was gunned down in a motorcade. Seventy-one years ago, a naval base was bombed by a totalitarian regime. There are people who are alive today that remeber where they were when these events occurred. In fact, any of us that lived through these events can remember. The most important aspect of these events, to my mind, is the public servants who stepped up during the crisis. Many lost their lives to protect us. It is they who we should remember and honor. They did their duty from the Battle of Lexington and Concord until the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's just the soldiers. We also see fire and police workers who protect us everyday. Today is set aside for special recognition of their service and sacrifice. May we remember them the other 364 days of the year as well.

Real Friends

We humans are flawed creatures. Our memories aren't always accessible. Even the most even-tempered of us can lose their cool. Real friends understand this and forgive. The pretenders are the ones who establish a pattern of selfishness. They only care about what you can do for them. In times of suffering ,as well as happiness, they are nowhere to be found. Today, on my birthday, I know who my real friends are.

Getting Older

I haven't blogged in a while, so I will do three in a row. Today's post is about my impending birthday. I turn 40 tomorrow. Physically, I have no problem believing that. Intellectually, I can process memories for most of that time. What I wrestle with is the emotional reality. It just doesn't feel like I've been alive that long. I guess I haven't experienced life as fully as I would expect from a typical 40-year old man. I hope I'm not going through a midlife crisis already.

In Defense of Social Media

If you don't subscribe to social media, then you will turn to reality television.
If you turn to reality television, then you'll apply to be on a reality tv show.
If you get on the reality tv show, then you'll meet a cross-eyed witch doctor from New Brunswick.
If you meet the cross-eyed witch doctor from New Brunswick, then you'll marry the cross-eyed witch doctor from New Brunswick.

Moral: Don't marry a cross-eyed witch doctor from New Brunswick.

Leisure Suit Zombie

I am bold and courageous.
 I have germs that are contagious.
     While I fear I've lost my mind,
           And my toes I cannot find;
                     In my polyester suit,
                I am the forbidden fruit.
       Do you like the way I move?
      It's a special kind of groove.
From my head to my platform shoes,
I am guaranteed front page news.

I am sure you are aware,
There's a fragrance in the air.
I'd love to love you honey.
But not now, I'm getting hungry.

In Silent Pain

I speak no word of how I feel;
Though it may cost me to conceal
The silent pain within my heart,
This secret I will not impart.
'Tis too sensitive to reveal.

An unfortunate truth I reveal,
That some people seek to conceal.
A cruelty lurks in their hearts.
     Speak no word...

I know that it would be ideal
If we could all share what we feel.
Eternity brings a new start
And happiness will fill my heart;
But until then, this world's an ordeal.
     Speak no word...

The Masks I Wear

You’re making my heart race and I cannot even speak.

I feel my knees go weak when I see your lovely face.

There is a thirst in my heart that only you can slake.

Beauty that makes me ache, oh you are a work of art.

But the desire I have for you is just a mask I wear.

My vision of you is unclear.


When you and I first met we connected right away.

These feelings grew day by day and they have not finished yet.

And now we share one heart, and it seems to me one mind.

For oft times I find you know what I’ll say before I start.

But this bond I share with you is just a mask I wear.

My vision of you is unclear.


You are always there for me, a steady caring friend.

And many days we spend together sharing memories.

My heart is full and I’m content with you here by my side.

And I am satisfied that we are like steel and flint.

But this comfort that I feel is just a mask I wear.

My vision of you is unclear.


It’s not what you do for me, or how I feel about you.

The true source of love is not what, but who; yes, it is He.

The one who sacrificed his life is our great example.

His love is more than ample to overcome daily strife.

Now my love abounds for you; there are no more masks to wear.

My vision of you is so clear.

A cautionary tale

In a cabin, by a lake, in the mountains, there lived an elderly gentleman. He lived a peaceful life of seclusion. He did not own a telephone or any other communication devices. He didn't have any pets. His only pasttime was reading. He only bathed during the summer, because he didn't want to risk getting sick. Besides, he thought, who would care if he was clean?
Then, one day, he started reading about a boy who left home to see the world. The story captured his imagination. He finally decided to take a trip. So, he went to the general store, borrowed their phone, and bought a plane ticket. Having arrived at the airport, the man began to notice that people were looking at him strangely. He examined them. They weren't dressed much differently than him. They didn't sound much different from the people he'd associated with in the past. 'Ah, well' he thought. 'Maybe I'm just imagining it.'
Unfortunately, this continued throughout the flight. The only kind person was his flight attendant. She offered all sorts of amenities. Even a breath mint!
As he was leaving the plane, he noticed that the other passengers seemed relieved by his departure. 'That's okay.' he thought. 'Things will be different now that I'm here.'
After a pleasant cab ride to the city, he began his long-awaited walking tour. He had only progressed a couple of blocks when, suddenly, he was set upon by a gang of bat-wielding teens. As they pummeled him to death, they cried 'Kill the zombie!!'

Moral of the Story: Smelly old men are zombies

Living life

What if you knew when you were going to die? I know that a lot of people have bucket lists. I wonder what those lists would look like if they actually knew how long they had. I think about the things I haven't done, the places I haven't been yet, and the feelings I haven't expressed to certain people. I always reach the same conclusion. I would have more courage to live life if I knew I was on a clock. What sense does that make?

Open minds

What if a dormant telepathic gene were suddenly awakened in humans? There are some people I can't seem to figure out. Telepathy would certainly be a plus in that situation. On the other hand, I like my privacy. That would be impossible around a strong telepath. Where do you fall on this question?