Thursday, December 17, 2009

Unclaimed--100 Words



Unclaimed.

Yesterday, I received a green post card from the Alabama Treasury department. Or some department like that.

The card indicated that the state of Alabama had money that belonged to me, but had been unclaimed by me.

That caught my attention!

I called to see which unknown great uncle had died and left me his estate. Or, which tax refund check was too low and they wanted to give me more money.

Sadly, that wasn’t to be the case.

Lowe’s had failed to refund for a delivery.

No rich uncle. No estate.

Maybe lunch at McDonald’s for my family.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Fickle--100 Words



Fickle.

I like the sound of that word.

It’s just funny sounding. Don’t believe me? Say it out loud.

What do you think? Try it again. Fickle!

See what I mean?

There are other funny words. I’ve liked the word oxymoron.

I also like the word onomatopoeia. Know the word? If not, look it up! (I sound like an English teacher saying that.)

Words have great sounds and great meanings.

Sometimes, words bring great joy. Sometimes great pain.

Whoever said “Sticks and stones may break my bones. But words will never hurt me” didn’t know what he/she was talking about!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Christmas--100 Words



Christmas.

Mention that word and countless thoughts come to mind.

Some would immediately talk about Santa. Others would talk about reindeer or eggnog or family get-togethers.

Maybe the word memories come to mind. Or a favorite tradition.

The word Christmas stirs all kinds of thoughts.

Unfortunately, the first thought for too many of us about the word Christmas is the wrong thought—it is secular and worldly. We’ve distanced the sacred and made it secular. We’ve moved from holy to hollow. We’ve moved from THE birth to Santa.

This year, let’s refocus our thoughts on what Christmas is all about.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Happiness--100 Words



Happiness.

No. Life isn’t all about happiness. I get that.

Nowhere are we promised that we’ll always be happy.

Maybe we spend too much time seeking happiness. Begging for it to be our friend.

It’s almost as if we’ll settle for any type of happiness. From any source.

Alexander Pope said, “False happiness is like false money; it passes for a long time as well as the true, and serves some ordinary occasions; but when it is brought to the touch, we find the lightness and alloy, and feel the loss.”

Touch happiness carefully. Handle it gently. Examine its origin.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Fulfillment--100 Words



Fulfillment.

Fulfillment is what JC Penney’s does when you order online.

Fulfillment is when you keep the promise to be at your child’s baseball game or recital.

But, what about fulfillment in life? What does it take to know fulfillment?

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.”

Aren’t those heart symbols most important? They sure beat material things. They beat temporal things.

This Christmas, what will bring you fulfillment?

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Disagreement--100 Words



Disagreement.

How well do you handle disagreement? Is disagreement good? Is disagreement not acceptable? Does disagreement frustrate you?

Is it your way or the highway?

General Colin Powell said, “When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I'll like it or not.”

Here was a man who could demand total agreement to his point of view, no matter what others thought or said. But, to him, loyalty meant honesty.

I agree.

What better way to demonstrate friendship than honesty.

Don’t like what I say? Fine by me. Feel free to say so.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Fairy Tales--100 Words



Fairy tales.

We grow up hearing all kinds of fairy tales.

Snow White. Cinderella. Sleeping Beauty. Little Red Riding Hood.

Have you read those stories? Not the sanitized Walt Disney version.

Have you ever read Grimm’s fairy tales in their original format?

Frightening stuff.

Yet, we dress our children up as Snow White or Cinderella.

We play various versions of Little Red Riding Hood on the playground.

Never thinking twice about their original meaning. Maybe not even caring.

What we teach our children is important. The fables told. The myths continued from one generation to the next. They all matter.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Inner Peace--100 Words



Inner peace.

What does that mean?

Where do we “find” it?

Right now, many are looking for inner peace by putting up Christmas decorations, going shopping, attending parties, and maybe even going to church. After Christmas, they’ll be looking elsewhere for it.

I’m not critical. I have no room to talk. I’ve searched for inner peace my entire life.

I’ve looked in the right places. And, in the wrong places.

So, I keep looking.

Not sure if true inner peace will be found. Or, can be found.

Maybe not this side of heaven.

What about you? Have you found it?

Monday, November 23, 2009

Music--100 Words




Music.

I must say, I’m so out of touch! I’m feeling old right now.

Last night, my wife was watching The Amazing Race. During commercials, she flipped back and forth to the American Music Awards.

Where have these people come from? Heck, who are these people?

Okay, I’ve seen Janet Jackson before. And Reba. And a few of the others.

But, not the majority. I’m out of touch.

I guess that should bother me to some extent, but it doesn’t.

Call me old. Out of touch.

At least my ears won’t be subjected to this “music.”

I can accept that!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Seasons--100 Words


Seasons.

The fall season is quickly passing to winter. Before long, cold and dreary weather will cover the northern part of what we call earth.

The nights will go longer and the days will become too short.

Seasons of life are also passing. With every new day, we move closer to the grave and eternity.

From the time a baby is born, brain cells are dying. Seasons are passing. Even for our youngest.

Work season passes. Raising family season passes. Being healthy passes.

I suppose that means that we should enjoy this season. Whatever season that may be.

Enjoy today.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Eyes--100 Word



Eyes.

I looked into the eyes of death.

The eyes were dark. Cold. Dare I say unforgiving.

Death had not yet come, but had sent its putrid presence into the room.

Make no mistake about it, death was coming.

Soon the eyes would close. To blink no more this side of heaven. To show hope. Or joy. Or health.

Those eyes would soon glimmer no more.

Those eyes caused my eyes to fill with tears. I choked back my emotions. My personal fear of death.

“The wages of sin is death.”

Sin, no matter how appealing, is never our friend.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Mistakes--100 Words



Mistakes.

Who hasn’t made them?

Be honest. Fess up!

We all have.

A doctor amputates the wrong limb.

An engineer misses something on the blueprint.

A lawyer gets a guilty man off.

Easy to lay blame on those folks.

Much more difficult to lay the appropriate blame at my feet. For my mistakes. When I make a error.

Maybe I’m afraid to admit failure. Or am prideful. Or ashamed.

I need to get over that, accept responsibility, move on.

Conrad Hilton said, “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Disagreement--100 Words



Disagreement.

Why are we afraid of that word?

Does disagreement have to be negative?

Can’t we disagree over issues and agree to disagree? Is that even possible?

Not when it comes to politics.

Whoever sits in the White House can do nothing right—according to the opposing party. Whoever sits in the White House can do nothing wrong—according to the controlling party.

Call me radical. I seldom agree with anyone all the time. I don’t care who’s sitting in office, I may not agree with them. But, I will give them a fair hearing. Then, I’ll decide for myself.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Journaling--100 Words



Journaling.

Do you journal?

I’ve never been much of a journal keeper. I’ve tried. But, after a few days, I lose interest.

Maybe I’m ADD or something.

I’ve always been impressed with people who journal. They get into it. And, from what I can tell, they enjoy it and learn from it.

Some might say my online notes is journaling. Maybe.

I just write down what I’m thinking, only using 100 words.

Maybe the difference is that unlike people who journal, I share these with the rest of you.

I’m just thinking out loud. Learning from God as I go.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Faith-Issues--100 Words



Faith-issues.

Care to tell me how to live out my faith when facing issues?

Last week, I dealt with a major life issue. Some friends reminded me that faith was involved—as if I didn’t know that. I was encouraged to live by faith. To know that I’d come out on the other side better if decisions were made by faith.

Were those reminders necessary? Was I demonstrating a lack of faith? Did I give the impression that life was devastating me?

Folks, until you walk in another’s shoes, you just don’t know everything. Might be best to say nothing.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Celebration--100 Words



Celebration.

Years ago, Kool and the Gang sang these lyrics:

“There’s a party goin’ on right hereA celebration to last throughout the yearsSo bring your good times, and your laughter tooWe gonna celebrate your party with you”

Trust me. The song had a good beat and you could dance to it (unless you were like me and couldn’t dance).

There’s also some sound theology in those words.

Especially as it relates to worship. Yes, you read that right!

Worship = Party!
Worship = celebration!
Worship = good times!
Worship = laughter!

Hope you worship like that today!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Empty--100 Words



Empty.

John Ortberg recently wrote: “Often in ministry I feel like Jesus (that’s a dangerous comparison!) when He was touched by a woman in a crowd ‘and felt the power go out of Him.’ Ministry can be the most draining activity known to human beings, because it draws on the soul. So I have to know what the signs are when my reserves are running low: I get easily discouraged, I get preoccupied in my relationships, my motivation and energy drop, sin looks more tempting.”

80 of my 100 words allowed.

But, I can’t describe running on empty any better.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Afghanistan--100 Words



Afghanistan.

Familiar with the country?

People my age have heard about Afghanistan for most of their lives. Russia wanted to control it for a long time. And, Pakistan doesn’t really like their neighbor much.

It’s a breeding ground for terrorists.

Not sure what the allure of mountain caves are. But, if terrorists are going to be driven to hide anywhere, a cave is a good spot.

Now, our President faces a decision about Afghanistan. It’s now his war. He’s the Commander in Chief who has soldiers dying.

Mr. President, stop listening to the polls. Do the right thing. And quickly.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Sacrifice--100 Words


Sacrifice.

Today, I’ll make sacrifices.

I will sacrifice time with my wife/son as I work at my job.

I will sacrifice the ability to do what I want to do because I must work.

I will sacrifice my sanity as I drive home this afternoon in rush hour traffic.

Those are my sacrifices.

By comparison, there are families today that will honor the life of their son or daughter who died while serving in the military.

There are military personnel who will sacrifice safety and the comforts of home—all the while protecting me.

I don’t know anything about sacrifice.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Hair--100 Words



Hair.

On this very stormy day, I’ve been thinking about hair.

Our building superintendent and I came in the building together today. In the middle of Ida blowing rain and wind.

He said, with a grin on his face, “This weather does a number on my hair.”

What’s a bald man to say in return? Simple. “Mine too!”

We shared a brief smile and laugh.

People like to make “hair” jokes with bald guys.

What if bald guys made “fat” jokes to them? Or, “height” jokes. Or, “ugly” jokes.

Not PC. I get it. Why are bald guys fair game?

Monday, November 9, 2009

Choices--100 Words



Choices.

Do choices ever come easily? If they do, are they really worth it?

Recently, I found two great quotes to put facing choices into perspective.

First, Denis Waitley said, “There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.”

Then secondly, Robert Fritz said, “If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.”

I hate compromise. And, had never thought of limiting choices as compromise.

But, I think Waitley was right.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Worth--100 Words



Worth.

How much am I really worth?

Can I be honest and say, I don’t have a clue.

To be even more honest, I don’t even know where to begin making that determination. Or what tools to use to do so.

The world will often say that your worth is determined by where you live, what you drive, what you wear, or how much you earn.

The Bible tells us that we are worth so much that Jesus died on the cross for us.

But, day-to-day, how do you measure a man’s worth?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

8--100 Words



The number eight is an interesting number.

In many countries, the number symbolizes wealth.

Did you know the 2008 Olympics began at 8 minutes and 8 seconds past 8 PM?

In baseball, Cal Ripken wore the number. Yogi Berra and Carl Yastrzemski did also.

Until last season, Kobe Bryant wore it for the Los Angeles Lakers.

In football, Troy Aiken wore it for the Dallas Cowboys.

And, who can forget Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and his number 8 race car.

But, today, the number 8 carries another meaning. 8 years ago today, I started my current job.

Happy anniversary to me.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Waiting--100 Words



American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson made two great observations.

“How much of human life is lost in waiting.”

“The world is all gates, all opportunities, strings of tension waiting to be struck.”

Waiting.

I’ll admit it. I’m not good at waiting.

I’d rather hurry. Or decide. Or move forward. Or be told “no.”

But waiting? Who wants to do that?

But, I find myself waiting this week.

It’s Tuesday. But Friday’s coming.

I’m hoping, on Friday, the wait will be over.

If it isn’t, at least I’m hoping for some news, much anticipated news.

So, until then, prayers.

Join me?

Monday, November 2, 2009

Indecision--100 Words



Being indecisive.

Ever have that trouble?

I rarely do. But, when I do, I hate that feeling. You know the feeling—not knowing what to do next. What direction to go. What decision to make.

I realize, at times, we can all face crossroads and not know the next step. That’s being human.

Yet, at other times, indecisiveness is forced upon us.

Our decisions are second guessed. The actions we’ve taken are actions questioned. With no logical reason to be second guessed or questioned.

It’s those moments that cause indecision.

No one has all the answers. Including me. Or you.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Understanding--100 Words



Understanding.

Robert McCloskey said, “I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Huh?

Understanding is not easy. Understanding a teacher lecturing. A preacher preaching. Understanding your wife (or husband) as she/he talk about their day. Understanding your toddler who babbles more than talks—that’s difficult to understand.

Understanding God can be difficult. Or, at least I’ve found that to be true. My hindsight eyes work far better than today or tomorrow’s eyes.
Lord, give me eyes to see. And, to see clearly.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Depression--100 Words



Rollo May said, “Depression is the inability to construct a future.”

I don’t know about the accuracy of that quote.

Seems to me that depression is more far reaching than just not being able to construct a future.

Depression is what keeps you sleeping in bed all day or awake all night.

Depression is what drives a person to silence, screaming, cursing, anger, or death.

Depression is what makes a person put on a stiff upper lip, thinking no will even notice that it is just an act.

Depression seems to always be close by, but never a good friend.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Sports--100 Words



Sports.

Few enjoy sports as much as me.

Baseball. Football. Basketball. Racing. I enjoy them all.

Always have.

From the time I was a child, our backyard was a three-season sports field. We played baseball in summer. Football in fall. Basketball in winter. Springtime? Well, you had to study at some point!

Sports today are different from then. In those days, it seemed the games were purer. People played the game for the love of the game, not money.

Today, that’s not true. Signing bonuses. Strikes. Hold outs.

I’d like to return to the love of sports of my youth.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Done--100 Words



Done.

When I lived in Virginia, restaurant servers often asked at the end of a meal: “Are you done yet?”

Never quite knew the origin of that phrase. We didn’t ask such questions back in Alabama.

Lately, I’ve found myself asking the question “Are you done yet?”

I’ve asked it in various situations. Settings. Related to various topics.

Up until now, I would have probably said, “No. I’m not.” Maybe that’s keeping a stiff upper lip. Maybe that’s living in denial. Or, maybe it was just stating fact—I wasn’t done.

Not today. “Are you done yet?”

Yes.

Check please.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Time--100 Words



Time.

24 hours. 1,440 minutes. 86,400 seconds.

The same allotment. No more. No less.

Yet, some people accomplish more than others. And, they do it without complaining about not having enough time, energy, or enthusiasm.

What makes the difference?

Andrew Jackson, our 7th president, said, “Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.”

That’s the problem. Many people jump into the day without proper deliberation—we don’t organize our day. Yet, others never stop thinking enough to dive in to the day.

Today, no grumbling. I’m just going to dive right in.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Friendship--100 Words



Friendship.

What does that mean?

Think about it. What makes a person a friend?

Having things in common? Going to the same school? Church? Neighbors?

Being a “friend” on Facebook? Hopefully, you know that everyone who requests to be your friend or who accepts your friendship request isn’t really your friend.

In the same way, not everyone who claims to be your friend in life isn’t your friend either.

Winnie the Pooh said, “If you live to be 100, I hope to live to be 100 minus 1 day so I never have to live without you.”

That’s a friend.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Fall--100 Words



Fall.

Been thinking a good deal about fall lately. Especially this week as we might see temperatures drop into the 40s.

Think about some of the ways we use the word fall.

There’s the fall season.

There’s falling in love. Falling down the stairs. Falling out of someone’s good graces.

There’s falling down on the job.

If you have read my many posts, you should know that I love words and how we use them.

So many words in the English language have double meanings.

Others are clear as can be.

And example? Simple. “For God so loved the world…”

Monday, October 12, 2009

Anniversaries--100 Words



Anniversaries.

Do you like anniversaries?

I do!

Today is my one-year anniversary. Columbus Day, 2008. A day that will live in my infamy. At 1:30 PM, while holding my 8-month-old son, I had a heart attack.

A real one. One of those the TV commercial describes—“1/3 of people about to have a heart attack feel fine” kind-of-heart-attacks.

Fine to heart attack, in one heartbeat.

The Bible says, “Life is just a vapor.”

I didn’t see my life pass before my eyes. I didn’t have a near death experience.

Today, one year later. I’m fine.

Oops. Probably shouldn’t say that.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Favoritism--100 Words



Favoritism.

Most people don’t admit to showing favoritism.

At least not proudly.

In the Bible, Isaac favored Esau over Jacob.

That didn’t turn out great, did it?

Later, Jacob favored Joseph over the others.

You would think Jacob would know better.

Centuries have passed since those stories took place. How many of us have not learned the lessons of Isaac or Jacob?

Even in the church, we show favoritism. We look the other way when some people sin—because they might help us later.

James 2 said something about favoritism. Basically, James said, “Don’t do it!”

Why haven’t we learned?

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Joyful--100 Words



[For those who don't know, that's Evan in the picture, my son. Here, he's eating a chocolate cookie. He's the most joyful person I know!]

Joyful.

Are you? Am I?

Why be joyful?

“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands” (Psalm 66:1).

“Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob” (Psalm 81:1).

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

“With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King” (Psalm 98:6).

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands” (Psalm 100:1).

Oh. Okay. No excuse. I know better.

So, why do I struggle so?

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Politics--100 Words



Politics.

Oh, such a nasty word.

Earnest Benn said, “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy.”

We’ve all seen that coming from Washington. Doesn’t matter whether the Democrats or Republicans are in office. Too often wrong remedies to problems that don’t even exist!

Sadly, politics isn’t limited to government.

Politics are too often found inside the church building.

Bone-headed decisions. Man-made rules, practices. Wrong remedies. Wrong motives.

Scripture never teaches to operate the church like government.

So, why do so many insist on it?

Incompetent--100 Words



Incompetent.

What makes a person incompetent?

Is it that they do things differently from me?

Am I right and they are wrong?

Does age have anything to do with it?

Education?

No. No. No. No.

Billy Joel said, “I am, as I’ve said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.”

I understand that. The last four months have taught me that truth even more! As I’ve watched my wife seek employment, endured lies from “professionals”, and even in my own life watched people not follow through with on their word.

I’ve grown tired and frustrated.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Being Quiet--100 Words



Being quiet.

Maybe a survey is in order.

Are you a quiet person?

Or, are you the exact opposite?

Are there times you are quiet and other times when you aren’t?

I tend to be a processor. I have to listen to the facts being presented, roll them around in my brain a few hundred times, and then formulate my thoughts about it.

Then and only then do I speak. Or at least that’s my goal.

Some people think that silence is agreement. Can’t silence be processing? Can’t silence be weighing the options before me?

What’s wrong with being quiet?

Monday, October 5, 2009

The Amazing Race--100 Words



The Amazing Race.

Maybe you’ve seen it on TV.

Pairs of people travel the globe trying to win a million dollars. Old people. Young people. Couples. Siblings. Gay people. Ministers. College students. Even Harlem Globetrotters.

All racing, seeking money. Seeking fame.

While The Amazing Race is somewhat amusing to watch, it no where depicts the most amazing race—the one all of us are on. Some race slow. Some race quickly. Some have a short race. Some have a long race.

The most amazing race is the race to serve Christ throughout each day. That’s the most amazing race possible.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

100 Words--The Olympics



The Olympics.

A great event every four years. Winter. Summer games.

I’ve watched the Olympics over the years. Being a southern boy, I understood the summer games far better than the winter games. After all, what did I know about hockey or bobsledding?

But, was 2009 the year for our President to be salesperson-in-chief for the city of Chicago? Isn’t the President the Commander-in-Chief and not a community organizer in Chicago?

I thought so.

With unemployment still rising, the economy still sucking wind, earthquakes and tsunamis in American Somoa, seems to me those are far bigger items to focus on.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Weirdness--100 Words



Weirdness.

Someone said, “We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”

Got to love that quote.

We really are all a little weird, in our own way. It’s just a matter of how it comes out.

Are you okay with that? Do you thrive in your weirdness? Do you let it weigh you down? Is your weirdness a joy or a burden?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Weirdness. Good or bad?

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Unhappy People--100 Words



Being happy.

I’ve been noticing that some people seem naturally happy. They are always smiling. Laughing. Bubbling over with joy. My noticing isn’t scientific. Just observation.

Some people, well, just aren’t ever happy.

Have you noticed that?

They could inherit $45 million and not be happy that it wasn’t $60 million.

They have a job. But, it’s not good enough.

Their children are far from perfect. Their health is less than ideal.

Simply put, they are miserable. No amount of money or jobs or children or health, nothing is going to change it.

Unhappy people make me tired. Really tired.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Guarantee--100 Words



Guarantee.

I think that word used to mean something.

Two men shook hands. Their word was their bond. No lawyers needs. No paperwork required. Just a handshake.

People used to keep their word. It was a given. To do otherwise was the exception.

Not now.

Lately, as I’ve watched my wife look for employment and as I’ve gone through a few transitions of my own, I’ve watched how few people keep their word. They promise to call. Then don’t. They promise jobs. They promise hope. They offer security. They even offer a hand.

Then, nothing.

Where have the guarantees gone?

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Deadlines--100 Words



Deadlines.

American writer Rita Mae Brown said, “A deadline is negative inspiration. Still, it’s better than no inspiration at all.”

I live by deadlines. It’s the nature of my job. My work lives and dies by deadlines.

How about you? How are you and deadlines?

Think about the student with a paper due today. The contractor finishing the house. The engineer building a new car. All face deadlines.

You have deadlines too. Some are important. Some aren’t. One deadline is urgent—the moment you breathe your last upon earth. It’s coming.

You don’t want to be unprepared for that moment.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Influence--100 Words



Influence.

Been hearing that word a lot lately.

Parents worried about the influence Obama would have on their children.

Companies worry about the influence healthcare plans might have on their company.

Church leaders worry about the influence society has on their members.

Scott Adams said, “You don’t have to be a “person of influence” to be influential…the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.”

So true.

So, what influences you?

TV? Politicians? Church? Family?

Hopefully, none of the above.

I hope your biggest influence is God. Only He is worthy!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Celebration--100 Words



Celebration.

What causes you to celebrate?

I’m not talking about a smile where the corners of your lips slightly curl.

I’m talking about not caring who sees you jumping for joy, screaming like a 7-year-old child who’s about to go to Disney World for the first time, or a high school senior who’s been accepted to the college of her choice.

What causes you to celebrate like that?

A child’s birth. A good report after surgery. Keeping your job when layouts take place.

Oh, what’s that? You aren’t celebrating.

Celebration is a choice.

Decide today what your attitude will be.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Daytime TV--100 Words



First there was The Guiding Light, Days of Our Lives, Another World, and General Hospital.

There was Jerry Springer.

Next, Oprah, Dr. Phil, and Ricki Lakes.

Now, we have Judge Judy, Alex, Joe Brown, and Jeanine Pirro.

These shows have one thing in common: they all depict how far mankind has fallen and turned from God.

Yesterday, I took leave to be with my sick son. He enjoyed watching Sesame Street and Peep and Imagination Movers. All decent shows for a 19-month-old.

During his nap, I turned to other channels.

And, remembered how thankful I am for the “off” button.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Kindness--100 Words



Kindness.

Yesterday, while ministering in a caring place, I saw countless acts of kindness. Few were random. Most were intentional. All made a difference in another’s life.

From giving directions to someone who is directionally challenged to the healing hands of a medical professional, all acts of kindness. From a parking attendant with a huge umbrella to the prayers for healing and comfort, all acts of kindness to people in need.

Some acts of kindness take time, some require none. Some are planned, some are spontaneous.

What kindness will you show today, in Jesus’ name, to a person in need?

Monday, September 21, 2009

Rude--100 Words




Rude.

Kanye.

Serena.

Republicans.

Democrats.

Independents.

The guy who pulls in front of you as you try to park. He swoops in and grabs the spot. Your spot.

The woman who gets in the 20 or less item aisle at the grocery store, but has 50 items in her buggy.

What is our world coming to? What is happening to us?

I know times are hard. Most of us are struggling through the economic collapse. But, that’s no excuse for the rudeness we’ve seen lately.

Inexcusable!

(Oh, Kanye says Beyonce’s blog is better than mine!)

Folks, let’s get a grip!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Relaxation--100 Words



Relaxation.

Great word!

Positive thoughts come to mind when that word is spoken.

This weekend, I’m hoping for some relaxation.

Doing as little as possible.

Putting my mind into neutral and coasting.

A slow coast at that. Not in a hurry. No schedule to keep. No pager. Or phone.

If the weather holds, we’ll hit a few yard sales on Saturday. We’ll eat quiet meals at home. We’ll prop our feet up, snooze if the mood hits.

And did I mention watch football? Do that while wife snoozes. That way, we’ll both be happy.

What’s your plan for the weekend?