Dogs don't get DST

DST - Daylight Savings Time, it's like the FDIC for the Sun!

I learned a very interesting thing this morning, it's that Dogs, really don't get DST. Why? Well probably has something to do with the fact that 1. they don't work for a living (except at being cute), 2. they don't have an alarm clock (other than my really loud one) and 3. DST is a man-made boundary used to help us (being all farmers that we are) have a more productive day-cycle.

This morning at @ 5:45 our littlest, strider, starts a whining... Whatever could be wrong??? Well He had to perform his usual early morning ritual.... you know the same one we all perform every morning-- A cup of coffee and readin the morning paper [;o)

So I went ahead and got up to let him out (to go get the paper) and started getting ready myself. On the way to MY usual ritual (Which really did involve a cup of coffee this time) I started thinking about DST, and the effect on dogs.... which is what brings us here.

In my thinking I realized that Dogs are not bound by the pressures of our lives. Sure they have their own problems to deal with... like should I stay laying here, or go bark at a bug in the window sill... or which squeaky toy will be the best for the mood i am in at this moment, was that a car??(yes i think my dogs are as add as I am)But they don't deal with the stress that we all put ourselves under every day. They are pretty easy to adapt, given a little time, and are pretty good about doing the same things over and over and over.

If I were to look for a spiritual point in all of this it would be this (to paraphrase in the Tim H style)

Matthew 6:26 (loose) Look at the Chihuahua's and terriers, they don't work for a living trading stocks, and building things with their hands, yet when their food bowls are empty, are they not shortly thereafter filled again? We take care of them, does not our heavenly father also take care of us?

Point being, I think sometimes we need to slow down a bit and jump up into air daddy's laps and wag our tails (you get what i mean) We just need to enjoy God, not spend so much time worrying about being on time to that meeting that you really don't have to be at but you really do want to impress your boss so you might get noticed and get a bigger piece of cake at the next office birthday party (and YES I have worked in a cubicle). Enjoy GOD!

I think if we can learn to do that, then when the urges come to help others, or spend time with those in need we will be ready!


that's my thoughts and I'm stickin to em!

Weekend In Review! (for Tim B.)

This weekend at LifeCC Was AWESOME!!!
Just to recap (For those that were not there, or out of town... say in the mountains of western NC or something like that)

Sunday Morning (this morning) was a GREAT Success. Everyone was there ready to go with smiles on! Worship was good, and the teaching this week by Dick Teed (listen online)was RIGHT On Target and Much needed for today!
Thanks to all who made it and all who served today. Such a joy to be a part of a team that works, worships, and plays together!!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!

out

Would Jesus vote for Ross Perot???... An Introspective

(Yes it is a LONG Post... sorry)

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity of sitting outside of the Wilmington International Airport, waiting for my parents to arrive on the obligatorily late flight into our po-dunk (smells like something died outside because we decided in all of our wisdom to put the flight entrance to our city right across the street from our solid waste disposal plant and laughingly secured prison so you will know what we really think of you as our guest) airport.

As I was sitting there (at 12:30 am... yes as in morning and not even the birds are awake) I decided to listen to christian radio... something I don't do often for reasons I may eventually blog about. As I was sitting there the "Point of View" radio Broadcast came on.

Never having been one who follows the Fundamental Evangelical Viewpoints, weather on TV or otherwise... I was curious as to their particular beliefs on the topic of the night--- Abortion


The views written here on my blog do not reflect the views of anyone but me, If you have a problem with what I am saying, please respond... but remember at the end of the day they are still MY beliefs!


I have always had pretty strong views on abortion - against
But, in my years growing up and learning about the things of God, I have had some experiences that would tell me that we(as in Christians) don't always communicate our beliefs in the best way. I think there is a tendency in the world for Christians (as well as other religions) to treat others that don't believe exactly the same, and use the same verbiage, as a blight on society, and an affront to Christ Himself.

I believe as a christian that my life and my principles should be molded from the bible. The way I live my life, the way I view situations that affect me, and the way I present myself to others. I also believe, just as the apostle Paul taught, that there are different responsibilities to the "Law" under which you were born.

I was born under the law of "freedom from death" and Jesus Fulfilled the law for me because there is NO WAY I could have.

Jews are born under the law of "Abraham" and are still responsible to uphold it to this day

Those that are neither Jew, or christian... what law are they born under? What rules must they adhere to??

I submit, that they(for the most part... unless they are a part of another religion) are under the law of self preservation and self fulfillment (see worshippers of Baal) - You see this law is a lot different... it states that I am to look out for myself first, and no one else... it states that I am responsible for my own destiny... that I am my own God and I make my own rules... say what I want because I am not responsible for anyone or anything else!
NOW comes the hard question that I have often asked myself -
What am I accountable for?
Am I responsible to make sure everyone follows the law that I am under?

My responsibility is this-- to simply live in a way that glorifies God, to love God with all of my heart mind and soul, and to love my neighbor as myself-- PERIOD

In this, I have full freedom to encourage others around me to follow a different path, but no requirement for them to do so.

As I was listening to the radio, I realized that they were using a very questionable tactic to communicate their point.

I have always heard the 2 viewpoints of abortion expressed as
Pro-Life and Pro-Choice (emphasis on the individuals right to choose)

Here they were communicating Pro-Life And Pro-Abortion(emphasis on death)

What's the big deal you ask?
This is a very backhanded way of saying that if you aren't behind one group all the way then you are a murderer-- THIS IS SO NOT TRUE!!!

I DO NOT believe that abortion is right or a good thing, but I DO believe that it is NOT MY place to determine someone else path that they have to walk. Each person has to be accountable for their own decisions.

In this same discussion they also said that (bit of a paraphrase for time)
"states that are normally liberal are becoming more conservative, and that is largely because of the liberals views on abortion--- they are aborting not re-producing"

That's when it hit me!!!
These groups are not focused on loving those around them to a knowledge of Christ... they are focused on Politics-- Plain and simple! Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) A marketing tactic used for years to get people to believe a certain thing, or to buy a certain product. It is not designed to Love, or present a view of Love, but to manipulate others so they will vote a certain way-----
Sickening!

So I must ask myself - Do I represent a view that is calloused against others with different views? or do I really LOVE my neighbor, regardless of what their views are or what actions they take in their own walk f life????

.... just thinkin ....

The Sheep says........

First off, let me give a shout out to my Peeps® ...
Brandy- I hear ya, and I just appreciate that you are happy I am excited!! YOU ROCK!!! (btw your people and my people need to get together soon and hang!)

Now back to the show...

I recently had a discussion with my pastor that I thought was very note-worthy. It started with a question... What does it mean to be a good Pastor?

Across america we in the "Religious" community are unknowingly faced with this question on a daily, weekly, or in some cases seasonal basis (christmas, and easter).

If I were a dull sort of person, I may take this opportunity to prove just how much greek I know (or at least how much I can copy from other websites) and explain the root of the word, english words that are derived from it, and just how many people can say peter piper picked a ...... oh wait... scratch that last one, but I think you get my drift.

Here's a point... every day, we decide what we expect others around us to act like, think like, speak like, dress like, and how much if any cream should go in there coffee. (lots for me)
In this decision, we weigh in what we hear in the news, what we read in a book, or what color the sky is that day... all pointless!!

If I were to lister to everyone and everything around me that is bold enought o tell me an answer for a question I didn't even ask, this is what they/it would say... A PASTOR IS>>>

Someone who should be able to operate, manage, create, and turn over all control to anyone who wants it, a multi-million dollar corporation (and it's subsidiaries), while making the salary of a elementary school teacher.

They should drive a nice car, and wear nice clothes as to reach a certain "Financially stable" segment of the population... but the car can't be classified as "Luxury" b/c that would be culturally insensitive.

They should come to my house at my beckon call, watch my kids (and raise them while you are at it) do my dishes, laundry, take my kids to soccer, and come see me in the hospital when I am done with my 10th cosmetic surgery to get that beauty mole placed in "Just the right spot".

Basically, they should be everything you expect them to be... and if they miss one point, well.... I guess they are just human too!!!

(hopefully at this point in my rant, you can hear the sarcasm... if not, I will pray for you... seriously)

That is culture.... The pastor should be the "Burger King" --- My way!

*** Wiki ***
Around 400 AD, Saint Augustine, a famous North African bishop, described a pastor's job:
Disturbers are to be rebuked, the low-spirited to be encouraged, the infirm to be supported, objectors confuted, the treacherous guarded against, the unskilled taught, the lazy aroused, the contentious restrained, the haughty repressed, litigants pacified, the poor relieved, the oppressed liberated, the good approved, the evil borne with, and all are to be loved.[1]
*** END Wiki ***

Interestingly enough is the thought that a pastor should instead of being all things... should minister to all people helping them all to grow closer to God and even when it means being bold to people who need it... or "Tellin it like it is" ... all are to be loved!

Even when I look at the true definition of a pastor (as well as the Greek root) I don't see the words "A Timeless Visionary" or even "Fortune 500's top 5 sexiest men alive" or anything but a focus on leading people to Christ... PERIOD!

Now before you get out your torch and pitchforks on me, I do understand that each pastor has strengths, and that there are many many ways to reach and push people closer to God...
BUT... In my opinion, if a pastor can't set up a time to talk with you b/c he is always busy with the Business of church... then (and again in my opinion) it is more a business than it is a church.
The business of church can be an all encompassing thing, and in some denominations, can stop true pastors from ever caring for the flock.... you know a shepherd, without sheep...
wait... wouldn't that just be someone out for a walk in a pasture? Or a superintendent of an empty building?

HIRE A MANAGER!!!!! There I fixed all of the churches in America's problems with one phrase.
Let the people who are good at business... do business, and let the people who are good at being shepherds be with the sheep...


nuff said!

(I love everyone who made it to the bottom of this post!)