Why Me?--100 Words

When I’m having a difficult time, I often find myself asking an all too used question: “Why me?”

You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?

Cancer. Why me?

Loss of job. Why me?

Family issues. Why me?

Children rebelling. Why me?

The list goes on and on of the issues I could name and question why I have to endure them.

But, that question is the wrong question to ask.

Rather than asking “Why me?” shouldn’t I be asking “Why not me?”

What gives me any right to think that I should be exempt from the problems of life?

Just the Facts--100 Words

The past few weeks have been difficult.

The death of a close friend.

An illness of a newborn I’ve been following.

Dealing with an 800-pound insurance company.

And then, yesterday, giving up something that I thoroughly loved.

All crushing to the spirit. I will admit.

Life reminds me of the sound an inflated balloon makes as you slowly release air from it.

That’s the sound of my spirit these days.

Oh, I’m not complaining. And, I’m not looking for sympathy.

Just stating the facts ma’am, as Sgt. Joe Friday would say.

Facts are fact. I don’t have to like them!

How Do You Like Me Now?

Toby Keith’s song “How Do You Like Me Now?” comes to mind.

I love Keith’s sense of humor. Not taking himself too seriously. Laughing at emotions felt as a teenager. The rejection we’ve all experienced at some point in life. Who hasn’t wanted to ask a former crush or bully or even friend “how do you like me now?”

I wonder. If people who knew me “then” could see me now, how would they like me now?

Oh, I’m not rich. I’m not famous. I’m not tall. I don’t have great hair. I’m just me.

So, asking someone how they like me now doesn’t mean physical or financial or status.

The only thing that really makes me special is my relationship with Jesus Christ. He gets all credit for the changes in me. He’s turned me around. He’s made me into the person I am now.

Looking back, you probably wouldn’t have liked the person I was. I didn’t.

But, the past is the past. Now, I’m His.

It’s because of Him that I am who I am today.

How do you like me now? I hope you like me. That’s only human, I suppose.

But, I hope you like the Savior I try to follow even more. He’s the One you need to like.

How do you like HIM now?

My Anniversary

Today, is my anniversary.

Not the normal kind of anniversary celebration.

Normally, you celebrate anniversaries of marriage. Or a child being born. Or even moving day.

Today is none of those.

Two years ago today, at 1:30 PM (Central Time), I had a heart attack.

You can read about the experience here, here, here, here, and here.

I've re-read these blog posts today. Not that I've forgotten a moment of those days. But, to remind me just how blessed I am.

I'm thankful to be alive. I'm thankful to be in good health.

I'm glad to have you as a friend!

Moron--100 Words

Moron.

We all do moronic things.

Be honest. We do.

And, when we do, we only hope no one’s watching.

It’s like the person who picks his/her nose while driving—as if no one can see inside their car.

Or, what about the person who writes a handwritten letter (yes, they still exist) and at the bottom of the page, writes OVER so the person knows to read what’s written on the back! Why do we do that? Would we think they wouldn’t know to read what’s on the back?

I’m sometimes a moron. Just don’t treat me that way.

Playing Nice--100 Words

Playing nice.

From the time we were little, our parents constantly reminded us to play nice.

Play nice on the playground. Play nice at church. Play nice at school. Play nice with your siblings.

Playing nice.

Sadly, as we grow older, we often forget our parent’s admonition about playing nice.

We lose that sense of decency. The common caring about another person.

We strive to get ahead. It’s all about climbing up the ladder. It’s about us—not others.

Maybe it is our sense of competition. Maybe that’s what is expected of us.

Well. No more.

Jesus first. Others second.

Fellowship--100 Words

Fellowship.

A churchy word.

But, to put it in secular terminology, let’s use the word friendship.

Aren’t we all seeking friendship or fellowship?

Maybe so. Well, I suppose there are those hermits hiding out deep in the woods of Montana that may not be seeking friendship. And, quite honestly, there are days that I’d like nothing better than hiding from everyone and everything. Yes, solitude intrigues me at times.

But, not every day. Most days I want to be with people. To find relationship.

I suppose that’s why Facebook interests me so much.

I can be friends, fellowship, or hide.

Boxes--100 Words

Boxes.

Since April, life has revolved around boxes.

It was in April that we listed our house for sale. We boxed us “unnecessary” things so the house would show better.

Four days later, we had our first offer on the house. More boxes were filled as we prepared for the sale to be finalized.

That deal fell through, a week before closing.

We unpacked a few boxes to help the house show better a second time.

Then, house sold again. For good.

Boxes, boxes, boxes, everywhere.

Now, they are being moved.

Only to be unpacked.

And thrown away. Or burned.

Closing Day--100 Words

Closing day.

If you are reading this, then today is closing day on the houses we are selling and buying.

This has been a journey.

A LONG JOURNEY.

I know. I’ve been quick to complain about this journey.

But, I have to stop and realize I put myself through it.

No one put a gun to my head and said, “Sell and buy!”

I caused this.

What I didn’t do is cause all of the starts and stops along the way. Those came because of the mistakes of others.

Hopefully, at 3:00 PM, the end of the journey arrives.

Amen!

Aging--100 Words

Aging.

No fun in that word.

Joints hurt. Memory shortens. Hair falls out. Teeth let loose. Medicine list gets longer.

I’ve heard people say this about birthdays (implying it relates to aging): “Well, beats the alternative.”

As if dying is all bad.

But, is dying worse than aging?

Not always.

Who among would choose aging over death if it meant Alzheimer’s was our constant companion.

Who would choose aging over death if it meant enduring the ravages of cancer.

Have we forgotten Paul’s words: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Dying isn’t always bad.

Having Fun--100 Words

Having fun.

Cyndi Lauper sang about girls wanting to have fun.

Eagle Eye Cherry posed the question, “Are you still having fun?”

How much fun do we have?

Oh, I know. Life is serious.

There’s unemployment. Cancer. Divorce. Human trafficking. Death. Suffering.

I get it. I, too, have experienced some of those life events.

Who hasn’t known their share of seriousness?

But, laughter is good for us.

I have a choice. I can wait for trouble to find me.

Or, I can celebrate every day given to me by God and then trust Him with troubles come.

It’s my choice.

Christ Follower--100 Words

I’m a Christ follower.

Simply put, I believe in and follow Jesus Christ.

I’ve given my life to Him. He is my Redeemer. Savior. Lord. And, Friend.

I love Him. And, I know He loves me.

Yet, I am not perfect.

I am not even good many times.

I’m a sinner.

I fail miserably. I fall short of His plan.

I could excuse it on being human. Or, not always understanding His Word or plan for my life.

I could do that. But, why lie.

Mostly, when I fail, it’s my own choosing.

Lord, forgive my stumbles and weak ways.

Being A Dad--100 Words

Being a dad.

There are so many special things in life.

Becoming a Christ follower ranks number one.

Getting married is special and ranks a close second.

But, becoming a dad, is almost beyond words.

Watching a child grow. Watching a child’s face change every day. Listening as they grunt, mumble, and speak.

Listening as words become sentences.

Then, there’s crawling. Walking. Then running.

But, of all the things a child does, it’s hard to beat seeing a child reach up his or her hand, placing it into your hand, and then smiling from ear-to-ear.

I love being a dad.

Quiet--100 Words

Quiet.

I’m rarely accused of being quiet.

Normally, I’m rather loud.

I have one of those voices that carries across the room.

Me? Whisper? Don’t have it in me.

But, this week, I’ve found myself needing to be quiet.

With all that has taken place related to the sale of our home, and the rug being pulled out from under us at the last minute, words just haven’t come easily.

Or, at all.

So, I’ve been quiet. I’ve spent the week trying to listen for a change.

And, as with being terrible at being quiet, I’m even worse at listening.

Punch to the Gut--100 Words

What’s worse than depressed?

I guess, in some ways, that would be suicidal.

Okay. What’s only slightly worse than depressed?

Discouraged? Frustrated?

It’s that kind of “punch to the stomach” feeling.

Ever experienced that?

Well, lately, that feeling has become my constant companion.

Not a liked companion. Not desired.

I’m sick and tired of it.

I’m sure I can take more. But, if I have a choice, I’d rather not.

Oh, my troubles are small. Children are starving to death around the world. Wars are being fought. Soldiers are dying.

I need to grow up. And get over my discouragement.

Working Hard--Point of View--100 Words

What’s your POV of working hard?

It seems that not everyone has the same work ethic that I was taught.

I guess I was taught it. Or, was it drilled into my brain?

Either way, working hard to provide for myself and my family was instilled into my psyche.

Some don’t have that mindset.

At least it seems that way from observing them.

Is that unfair? Is that being judgmental on my part?

It probably is unfair. I don’t know what’s going on in their mind or body.

Maybe they just approach life differently from me.

Nothing wrong with that.

Point of View--God (Part 5)--100 Words

Point of view (POV).

What’s your POV of God?

We all have one.

Even those who deny His existence.

So, what do you believe about God?

For me, that POV changes.

Frequently.

Sometimes daily.

No. it’s not what you may be thinking.

My POV of God doesn’t change as I want Him to change.

In that sense, God is unchangeable. He is an immovable heavenly being.

My POV changes as I learn more about God.

As I study His Word.

As I pray.

Hopefully, I know more about God today than yesterday, but not as much as I will tomorrow.

Point of View--God (Part 4)--100 Words

Point of view (POV).

What’s your POV of God?

I struggle knowing God.

After all, I can’t see Him.

I can’t touch Him.

I can’t hear Him.

I can’t smell Him.

Things that normally makes things real. God is none of those things.

There are moments that I am troubled by that.

Truthfully, there are plenty of things I can’t explain about God.

Then again, I can’t explain how an airplane flies. Or, how toothpaste gets into that little tube. Or, how sound waves can find my cell phone.

I still fly, brush, and talk.

I still believe in God.

Point of View--God (Part 3)--100 Words

Point of view (POV).

What’s your POV of God?

I know the one I should have.

Or, have been told that I should have.

I was in church nine months before I was born. I’ve heard it for a LONG time!

But, have I listened to Him?

Have I really understood Him?

Or, have I only understood what others have told me about Him?

There’s a huge difference there.

I’m at the point in life where I don’t need people telling me what to believe.

I’m smart enough to listen, study, and evaluate for myself.

With God, that takes time.

Point of View (Part 2)--God--100 Words

Point of view (POV).

What’s your POV of God?

You’ve heard of Him, I’m sure.

The One mentioned in the Old Testament, and New.

The One Who has billboards with catchy sayings on them.

The One written about by preachers, theologians, scientists, and even a few atheists.

That one.

Earlier in life, I saw Him as a policeman—just waiting for me to fall so He could send me off to hell.

Later, I saw Him as distant—where was He when I needed Him most?

Most days, I see Him as creator.

Lover of my soul.

Eternally present.

Friend.

Point of View (Part 1)--100 Words

Point of view (POV).

Everyone has one.

A designer has a point of view, whether contemporary, traditional, classical.

A chef has one. It may be baking, vegetarian, southern, gluten free, whole food, ethnic.

What’s your POV?

About life.

About your job.

About your family.

About your future.

You have one.

Have you taken time to understand it. Explain it. Accept it.

Later this month, I have a birthday. As it approaches, I think it’s important to evaluate my point of view—about several things.

Take the journey with me if you will.

If not, that’s okay too.

First up—God.

Focus--100 Words

Focus.

We know the importance of focus.

What teenager hasn’t heard their parent remind them to focus on school, or driving.

What employee doesn’t know that focusing on their job is essential for continued employment.

Yet, focus often eludes us.

It eludes us as we drive—leading to major accidents.

It eludes us as we work. We spend time talking. Gossiping. Texting. Even Facebooking.

It eludes us as we pray. We get distracted. We find ourselves thinking about important things and stupid things.

Why the lack of focus? Why can’t we be single-minded?

No magical answers.

Just random, unfocused thoughts.

Small Towns--100 Words

Small towns.

Small towns usually get a terrible rap.

Few services. Slow when they have services. Many miles from “civilization.”

All of those statements may be true.

Until someone comes along and surprises you with kindness.

Today, I needed some papers faxed. It wasn’t convenient to drive the paperwork to my mortgage person.

A fax was the logical choice.

Several calls to area businesses. No one could fax. Not WalMart. Not Walgreens.

Finally, Snider Pharmacy came through. One man shop. Probably struggling to stay in business.

Offered to fax at no charge!

The wonder of small towns. And, nice people.

Straight Lines--100 Words

[While I wish I could claim ownership of the yard in the photo, alas, it's not our yard. Maybe our new home will look this good!]

Straight lines.

I cut grass today.

I enjoy doing that.

I enjoy cutting the grass in straight lines.

It looks organized. It looks clean. It looks as it should.

How I wish all of life could be measured in straight lines.

You know. The shortest distance between two points.

In relationship to my career, every decision would be clear and the direction would be easily recognized.

In relationship to family, we’d know exactly what each other needed and then tackle it head-on.

Yet, life doesn’t come to us in straight lines.

Normally, it comes like dodging flowers.

And, dog poop.

Control--100 Words

Control.

That word can be positive or negative.

When driving a car, you should always remain under control of the vehicle.

On the other hand, in a marriage, it’s not about control, it’s about sharing, and giving.

Too many teenagers feel controlled by their parents.

How many people in their job feel totally controlled by their supervisor or boss?

When we are controlled by others, do we see it as positive or as debilitating?

I know the answer. So do you.

So, why is it that I need to control? What about the pain it causes that I don’t understand?

In Charge--100 Words

In charge.

Who’s in charge?

At your house? With your family? In your job? In your church?

Who’s the boss?

Who gives the orders?

Who does the following?

Is being in charge what it’s all about? Control?

I know people who think they have to be in control.

Of everything.

Seriously. Everything.

From where to eat. To what others do. In big things, little things, and non-existent things.

It’s all about power.

Strange. The One person who had every right to be in charge, wrapped a towel around His waist and washed dirty feet.

Am I above doing the same?

Blindsided--100 Words

Blindsided.

Ever been blindsided? Sure you have.

Hurts.

Stinks.

Unfair.

Painful.

I guess what hurts the most is that you just don’t see the sudden jar coming.

Ask Hall of Fame football quarterback Joe Theismann.

Ask the parent whose 15-year-old daughter just got pregnant.

Ask the 30-year-old father who has just been told he has six months to live.

Ask the 61-year-old employee who has just been “downsized.”

Ask the parent of the child whose name shows up on the roadside AMBER alert signs.

Blindsided.

Lord help us to deal with the blindsides. Give us Your strength. Wisdom. Grace. Mercy.

Deflating--100 Words

Deflating.

What’s worse, a major blowout or a slow deflating?

Both can be devastating.

With a major blowout, there’s a sudden change, a blowout or blowup. Quick response is required.

With a blowout, only a few seconds are involved, then it is done.

With a deflating, it’s slow. Steady. Hardly noticed. Just a hiss. Almost a whisper.

I’ve been hearing a lot of hissing for some time. Each hiss, alone, isn’t a problem.

But, when you add them all together, the hissing becomes a whirlwind.

I’m trying to understand. Where is God’s voice? I’m listening and waiting. Wanting to hear.

Self Absorbed--100 Words

Self absorbed.

Americans are self absorbed.

Does that trouble you?

I hope so!

We are self absorbed.

Do you doubt me?

We give trophies to every player on every team our children are on. It doesn’t matter whether they are good or even win. They get a trophy.

Basketball players demand and receive a gazillion dollars to play a game.

There’s a fast food restaurant on every corner—we can’t be hungry for 5 minutes.

And, a church as well.

Wonder what starving children who have no basketballs or food or church think about America?

Do we even care anymore?

An Open Letter to Jesse--100 Words

From one reverend to another.

Jesse, Jesse, Jesse.

Let me understand what you are saying.

LeBron James is a slave?

Dan Gilbert is a slaveholder?

The owner of a basketball team is treating an athlete like a runaway slave?

Are you kidding?

Jesse, I would agree if you had said that Mr. Gilbert’s open letter to LeBron was in bad taste or over the top. It was. He was.

But, a slaveholder?

Jesse, your only point was to put yourself back in the spotlight.

I doubt you care about LeBron.

Please. Stop calling yourself Reverend.

You haven’t served a church.