I'm reading this book right now by Rob Bell. Its been good. I'm at chapter 4. So far Rob has basically just summed up the story of the Bible up to Jesus' death and resurrection. He's made some important connections between the history of the Jews and Jesus' life.
The title of chapter 4 is intriguing: Genital-Free Africans. His titles are often provocative and bizzare. I'm not sure why, but I'm looking forward to it.
Anyway, more to come about the book later.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Power of Words
In a recent staff conversation the word "mandatory" came up. I hate what it means. I naturally rebel against it. Bitterness starts to creep in. I don't like whatever its referring to before I even know what its referring to. "Mandatory" is an evil, evil word in my mind.
Yet, its helpful. It brings clarity. When someone who has authority over me says something is "mandatory," the message is clear. I know its something that has to be done whether I like it or not. Now, obviously, I still have choice as to whether or not I do it, however, the consequences of failing to do something designated mandatory is always more severe than the results of fulfilling the required action.
So I have a naturally critical response to a helpful word. When someone in authority over me tells me my attendance at an event is "mandatory" my internal response is in conflict with good communication. Its easy to let the rebellious part of me make it personal with the person who has the power to make something mandatory, however, the real issue is not with the other person, the real issue is with me. I'm the one rebelling against it and thinking negative thoughts because of the designation of "mandatory."
Its my issue. I have to deal with it. I just have to think more about this. Stay tuned...
Yet, its helpful. It brings clarity. When someone who has authority over me says something is "mandatory," the message is clear. I know its something that has to be done whether I like it or not. Now, obviously, I still have choice as to whether or not I do it, however, the consequences of failing to do something designated mandatory is always more severe than the results of fulfilling the required action.
So I have a naturally critical response to a helpful word. When someone in authority over me tells me my attendance at an event is "mandatory" my internal response is in conflict with good communication. Its easy to let the rebellious part of me make it personal with the person who has the power to make something mandatory, however, the real issue is not with the other person, the real issue is with me. I'm the one rebelling against it and thinking negative thoughts because of the designation of "mandatory."
Its my issue. I have to deal with it. I just have to think more about this. Stay tuned...
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Birthdays
I turned 32 on December the 31st. My daughter turned 1 on December the 28th. She got a brownie cake thing with pink icing (thanks to my wife), I got one of the best homemade German Chocolate cakes I've ever had (thanks to my mom)! I think I got the better end of that deal.
Birthdays are strange now. I want to be younger, not older.
I remember recently having a conversation with someone over 50 years of age and I asked her this: if you could be any age what would it be? Surprisingly, she said 30. I was happy. I asked her why. She said because she thinks people are the most attractive in their 30s. Again, I was happy.
It was encouraging.
I don't like getting older, but at least there's someone older than me that wants to be my age again...okay...at least its only 2 years younger than my age.
I've decided that I don't like getting older. I know there's nothing I can do about it, but still, I really don't like getting older.
How about you, if you could be any age, what age would it be and why? I would go back to being 18 again. I remember the feeling of independence and the lack of a whole lot of responsibility. If only I could take the Xbox 360 back in time with me...all that freetime and the 360, a dream come true. Seriously, I enjoy video games that much.
One really good thing about this Birthday was Facebook. It was so encouraging to hear (more accurately "read") happy birthday from so many people. Some were close friends, others were people from my past: like people in high school that I barely ever knew but felt inclined to accept their friend request so I don't look like a loser with only 3 friends on Facebook (the power of desiring a reputation). It was good. I even called my wife over to show her all the happy birthday wishes. I highly recommend putting your birthday in your Facebook profile (or getting a Facebook profile if you don't already have one). You will know you were thought of by all the poeple that wish you a happy birthday, its a good feeling, you should try it if you haven't already.
Birthdays are strange now. I want to be younger, not older.
I remember recently having a conversation with someone over 50 years of age and I asked her this: if you could be any age what would it be? Surprisingly, she said 30. I was happy. I asked her why. She said because she thinks people are the most attractive in their 30s. Again, I was happy.
It was encouraging.
I don't like getting older, but at least there's someone older than me that wants to be my age again...okay...at least its only 2 years younger than my age.
I've decided that I don't like getting older. I know there's nothing I can do about it, but still, I really don't like getting older.
How about you, if you could be any age, what age would it be and why? I would go back to being 18 again. I remember the feeling of independence and the lack of a whole lot of responsibility. If only I could take the Xbox 360 back in time with me...all that freetime and the 360, a dream come true. Seriously, I enjoy video games that much.
One really good thing about this Birthday was Facebook. It was so encouraging to hear (more accurately "read") happy birthday from so many people. Some were close friends, others were people from my past: like people in high school that I barely ever knew but felt inclined to accept their friend request so I don't look like a loser with only 3 friends on Facebook (the power of desiring a reputation). It was good. I even called my wife over to show her all the happy birthday wishes. I highly recommend putting your birthday in your Facebook profile (or getting a Facebook profile if you don't already have one). You will know you were thought of by all the poeple that wish you a happy birthday, its a good feeling, you should try it if you haven't already.
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